Diagnostic accuracy of symptoms as a diagnostic tool for SARS-CoV 2 infection: a cross-sectional study in a cohort of 2,173 patients.

BACKGROUND: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to be a priority health problem; According to the World Health Organization data from October 13, 2020, 37,704,153 confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported, including 1,079,029 deaths, since the outbreak. The identification of potential symptoms has been reported to be a useful tool for clinical decision-making in emergency departments to avoid overload and improve the quality of care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performances of symptoms as a diagnostic tool for SARS -CoV-2 infection. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional, prospective and analytical study was carried out, during the period of time from April 14 to July 21, 2020. Data (demographic variables, medical history, respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms) were collected by emergency physicians. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was made using SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR. The diagnostic accuracy of these characteristics for COVID-19 was evaluated by calculating the positive and negative likelihood ratios. A Mantel-Haenszel and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association of symptoms with COVID-19. RESULTS: A prevalence of 53.72% of SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed. The symptom with the highest sensitivity was cough 71%, and a specificity of 52.68%. The symptomatological scale, constructed from 6 symptoms, obtained a sensitivity of 83.45% and a specificity of 32.86%, taking ≥2 symptoms as a cut-off point. The symptoms with the greatest association with SARS-CoV-2 were: anosmia odds ratio (OR) 3.2 (95% CI; 2.52-4.17), fever OR 2.98 (95% CI; 2.47-3.58), dyspnea OR 2.9 (95% CI; 2.39-3.51]) and cough OR 2.73 (95% CI: 2.27-3.28). CONCLUSION: The combination of ≥2 symptoms / signs (fever, cough, anosmia, dyspnea and oxygen saturation < 93%, and headache) results in a highly sensitivity model for a quick and accurate diagnosis of COVID-19, and should be used in the absence of ancillary diagnostic studies. Symptomatology, alone and in combination, may be an appropriate strategy to use in the emergency department to guide the behaviors to respond to the disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Institutional registration R-2020-3601-145, Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks 17 CI-09-015-034, National Bioethics Commission: 09 CEI-023-2017082 .

[Actualidades en la inmunopatología de la esclerosis múltiple].

Multiple sclerosis is a demyelinating inflammatory disease that affects the central nervous system. Its etiology is the result of a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors that trigger a deregulated immune response, with the resulting inflammation and neuronal/axonal degeneration. Neuroinflammation is triggered when peripheral leukocytes migrate to the central nervous system and release cytokines such as interleukins 1 and 6 (IL-1 and 6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which act on dwelling cells. The innate immune system plays an important role in the onset and progression of the disease by identifying molecular patterns associated with pathogens and damage, which modulate effector and regulatory functions of the cells where they are expressed, in order to direct the specific immune response. Th17 cells favor the disruption of the blood-brain barrier, which enables the migration of leukocytes to the central nervous system and the triggering of the inflammatory cascade; the Th1 profile (IL-1, IL-6) collaborates to perpetuate it. B-cell function is to produce antibodies and cytokines (IL-6, IL-12 and TFN). Knowledge on multiple sclerosis pathophysiology will enable the development of new therapeutic options that impact on natural history of the disease and its prognosis.

La esclerosis múltiple es una enfermedad inflamatoria desmielinizante que afecta el sistema nervioso central. Su etiología es el resultado de una compleja interacción entre factores genéticos y ambientales que desencadenan una respuesta inmune desregulada, con la consiguiente inflamación y degeneración neuronal/axonal. La neuroinflamación se desencadena cuando los leucocitos periféricos migran al sistema nervioso central y liberan citocinas como interleucinas 1 y 6 (IL-1, IL-6) y factor de necrosis tumoral (TNF), que actúan sobre células residentes del mismo. El sistema inmune innato desempeña un papel importante en el inicio y progresión de la enfermedad, mediante la identificación de patrones moleculares asociados con patógenos y daño, que modulan las funciones efectoras y reguladoras de las células donde se expresan, para dirigir la respuesta inmune específica. Las células Th17 favorecen la disrupción de la barrera hematoencefálica, que permite la migración de leucocitos al sistema nervioso central y desencadena la cascada de la inflamación; el perfil Th1 (IL-1, IL-6) colabora para perpetuarla. La función de las células B es la producción de anticuerpos y citocinas (IL-6, IL-12 y TFN). Conocer la fisiopatología de la esclerosis múltiple permitirá desarrollar nuevas opciones terapéuticas que impacten en la historia natural de la enfermedad y su pronóstico.

Assessment of psychological terror and its impact on mental health and quality of life in medical residents at a reference medical center in Mexico: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Mobbing, particularly in medical residencies, can lead to psychological terror with lasting mental and physical health consequences. Its impact on Mexican residents, however, remains underexplored. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of psychological terror among medical residents at a medical center in Mexico City. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, medical residents from various specialties were assessed for mobbing domains, quality of life, and anxiety/depression using the Leymann Inventory of Psychological Terror (LIPT), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and Beck Anxiety Inventory, respectively. Psychological terror was defined as a LIPT score ≥ p80. Linear and binomial logistic regression models were used to explore independent predictors of mobbing and psychological terror. RESULTS: Of the 349 participants included (median age: 28; IQR: 27-30 years), 19.5% (95% CI: 15.5%-24.0%) were identified with psychological terror. Furthermore, 39% reported higher-degree trainees as mobbing perpetrators. Women in surgical residencies in their second or fifth year were found to experience higher levels of mobbing. Manifested bullying, workplace stigma, and inappropriate tasks were the most impacted mobbing domains. Anxiety, diminished mental health quality of life, and higher degree of medical specialization were independent predictors of mobbing. Meanwhile, increased anxiety, affiliation to surgical specialties, and being in the second or fifth year of training were identified as predictors of psychological terror. CONCLUSIONS: Mobbing and psychological terror are prevalent conditions among medical residents in Mexico. Identification of occupational conditions and adverse psychological stressors can help to improve quality of life and training of medical residents.

[Anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in administrative staff of the Mexican Institute for Social Security]. / Seroprevalencia anti-SARS-CoV-2 en personal administrativo del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social.

Background: Asymptomatic subjects, the lack of diagnostic tests and, in countries like Mexico, the epidemiological surveillance method does not allow to establish the real number of infections in the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontline health personnel, as well as other groups related to priority activities are considered of high risk. We included administrative workers in contact with health personnel in the hospital units of the Mexican Institute for Social Security (IMSS, according to its initials in Spanish). Objective: To identify the seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in IMSS' administrative staff who does not treat patients. Material and methods: 76 volunteer participating individuals were incluided; IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein were measured. A questionnaire was administered to the participants in order to identify possible risk factors. Results: 76 participants were included (39 men, 51.7%), with a median age of 42 years. 29 out of 76 subjects (38.2%), whose median age was 38 years (range 18-69 years); 15 men (51.7%), and 14 women (48.3%). A higher percentage of positive subjects under 45 years of age (n = 20, 84.2%) was observed than those aged 45 or over (n = 9, 25%), with an OR of 3 (95% CI 1.13-7.96, p = 0.03). No statistically significant difference was found regarding the type of comorbidity. Conclusions: The prevalence identified shows an important circulation of the virus in the administrative staff.

Introducción: los sujetos asintomáticos, la falta de pruebas diagnósticas y, en países como México, el método de vigilancia epidemiológica no permiten establecer el número real de contagios en la pandemia de COVID-19. El personal de salud de primera línea y otros grupos con actividades prioritarias son de alto riesgo. Se incluyeron trabajadores administrativos en contacto con personal de salud en las unidades hospitalarias del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS). Objetivo: identificar la seroprevalencia de anticuerpos contra SARS-CoV-2 en personal administrativo del IMSS que no atiende a enfermos. Material y métodos: se incluyeron 76 individuos a los cuales se les midieron los anticuerpos IgG contra la nucleoproteína del SARS-CoV-2. También se les aplicó un cuestionario para identificar factores de riesgo. Resultados: se incluyeron 76 participantes (39 hombres, 51.7%), con una mediana de 42 años de edad. Fueron positivos 29 de 76 sujetos (38.2%), cuya mediana de edad fue de 38 años (rango 18-69 años); 15 hombres y 14 mujeres. Hubo mayor porcentaje de sujetos positivos menores de 45 años (n = 20, 84.2%) que aquellos de edad ≥ 45 años (n = 9, 25%), con una RM de 3 (IC 95% 1.13-7.96, p = 0.03). No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa respecto al tipo de comorbilidad. Conclusiones: la prevalencia identificada muestra una circulación importante del virus en el personal administrativo.

Risk Factors Associated with Mortality among Patients with COVID-19: Analysis of a Cohort of 1213 Patients in a Tertiary Healthcare Center.

The presence of cardio-metabolic and respiratory comorbidities, immunosuppression, and chronic kidney disease have been associated with an increase in mortality from COVID-19. The objective of this study is to establish the risk factors associated with 30-day mortality in a cohort of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. This paper conducts a retrospective and analytical study of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a tertiary care center. A Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to estimate the association of comorbidities with 30-day mortality. A total of 1215 patients with a median age of 59 years were included. In the adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression model, hypothyroidism, D-dimer ≥ 0.8 µg/mL, LHD ≥ 430 IU/L, CRP ≥ 4.83 ng/mL, and triglycerides ≥ 214 mg/dL were associated with an increased risk of death. The presence of a history of hypothyroidism and biomarkers (D-dimer, lactic dehydrogenase, CRP, and triglycerides) were associated with an increase in mortality in the studied cohort.

BDNF and Tau as biomarkers of severity in multiple sclerosis.

AIM: Determine if serum levels of tau and BDNF can be used as severity biomarkers in multiple sclerosis (MS). PATIENTS & METHODS: Subjects with MS, older than 18 and younger than 55 years old were included; 74 patients with a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS, 11 with secondary-progressive MS, and 88 controls were included. Total tau and BDNF were measured by Western blot. RESULTS: Increased tau and decreased BDNF in MS patients compared with controls was found. Total-tau has a peak in relapsing-remitting MS, the second decile of the multiple sclerosis severity score, and in the lowest expanded disability status scale and is no different than controls for secondary-progressive MS patients and the most severe cases of MS. CONCLUSION: BDNF is a good biomarker for diagnosis of MS but not for severity or progression. Tau appears to have a more active role in the progression of MS.

Experience of status epilepticus in the Neurology department of a tertiary-level hospital in Mexico / Experiencia del estado epiléptico en 5 años en el servicio de Neurología del Hospital de Especialidades del CMN SXXI

Background: The status epilepticus is a neurological emergency that continues to be little identified early in emergency rooms and hospitalized patients, with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this paper was to establish the etiology and evolution of the status epilepticus in hospitalized patients in a tertiary-level hospital. Methodology: Descriptive, cross-analytical study of adult patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of epileptic status at a tertiary-level hospital, between August 2010 and February 2016. Results: 19 patients, mean age 35 years ± 19. With 15 years of convulsive epileptic status, 13 subjects with generalized seizures, 4 with alert alterations and 2 with focal seizures. In 4 cases, structural damage was detected, 4 due to non-specific inflammation, 2 due to Neuroinfection, 2 with anoxoischemic encephalopathy and 3 cases without evident etiology; of the 17 survivors, 10 with Rankin Scale modified from 4-5 points. Conclusions: The status epilepticus is a common diagnosis in third level centers, with significant morbi mortality. After a complete study protocol, the etiological diagnosis is reached in most cases.

Introducción: El estado epiléptico es una emergencia neurológica que continúa siendo poco identificada de manera temprana en salas de urgencias y pacientes hospitalizados, con significativa morbilidad y mortalidad. El objetivo de este trabajo fue establecer la etiología y evolución del estado epiléptico en los pacientes hospitalizados en la UMAE. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal-analítico, de pacientes adultos que fueron hospitalizados con diagnóstico de estado epiléptico en el Hospital de Especialidades del Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI entre agosto del 2010 a febrero del 2016. Resultados: 19 pacientes, con edad media de 35 años ± 19. 15 años con estado epiléptico convulsivo, 13 sujetos con convulsiones generalizadas, 4 con alteraciones de alerta y 2 con convulsión focales. En 4 casos se detectó daño estructural, 4 por inflamación no específica, 2 por neuroinfección, 2 con encefalopatía anoxoisquémica y 3 casos sin etiología evidente; de los 17 sobrevivientes, 10 con escala de Rankin modificado de 4-5 puntos. Conclusiones: El estado epiléptico es un diagnóstico común en centros de tercer nivel, con significativa morbimortalidad. Tras un protocolo de estudio completo se llega al diagnóstico etiológico en la mayoría de los casos.

Risk of lethality due to nosocomial infections in a tertiary-level hospital / Riesgo de letalidad por infección nosocomial en un hospital de tercer nivel de atención

Background: Infections associated with health care, previously known as nosocomial infections, constitute one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in hospital. The aim of this study is to estimate the lethality of HAI, as well as the risk of dying from HAI versus mortality by other causes. Methods: We analyzed the historical cohort of IAAS of the Epidemiology service of a tertiary-level hospital, from 2012 to 2017. The incidence analysis and the probability of death of IAAS were made against other causes, as well as the analysis of age, period-cohort of lethality of IAAS. Results: The incidence of IAAS ranged from 27.9 to 31.5 IAAS/1000 person-days between 2012 and 2017, the probability of having an IAAS in ICU is 3.51 (CI95%: 2.93-4.20), p < 0.01, NAVM lethality against any other causes of death had a relative risk (RR) of 6.06 (CI95%: 2.91-12.6) in 2016, RR was 4.01 (CI95%: 1.59-10.09) in ITUAC in 2015, no effect of age, cohort or period in the case of IAAS was identified. Conclusions: IAAS remain to be an important public health problem in our country, without excluding our medical unit, it is important to redirect efforts to reduce them in the medium term.

Introducción: Las infecciones asociadas a la atención a la salud, anteriormente conocidas como nosocomiales, constituyen una de las principales causas de morbimortalidad hospitalaria. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estimar el riesgo de fallecer de aquellos pacientes hospitalizados en una Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) cuando se asocian a infecciones asociadas a la atención en salud (IAAS) más frecuente en nuestro medio. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis de una cohorte histórica de IAAS por la División de Epidemiología de la UMAE, del 2012 al 2017. Se estimó la incidencia y la probabilidad de muerte por IAAS y se comparó con otras causas, analizando las variables de edad, cohorte y periodo de la letalidad. Resultados: La incidencia de IAAS entre 2012 y 2017 fue de 27.9 a 31.5 IAAS/1000 días estancia, la probabilidad de tener una IAAS al estar en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos fue de 3.51 (IC95%: 2.93-4.20) p < 0.01, la letalidad por neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica frente a otras causas en 2016 tuvo un riesgo relativo (RR) de 6.06 (IC95%: 2.91-12.6), y para infección del tracto urinario asociado a cateter el RR fue de 4.01 (IC95%: 1.59-10.09). Conclusiones: Las IAAS siguen siendo un importante problema de salud pública en nuestro medio; es importante redirigir los esfuerzos para abatir las IAAS en el mediano y corto plazo

[Maternal morbidity and mortality in a unit of tertiary care without obstetrics]. / Morbimortalidad materna en una unidad de tercer nivel sin servicio de obstetricia.

BACKGROUND: Maternal morbidity is a health problem for developing countries, the causes of death among obstetric patients varies according to geographic region and other factors, which include health services. The aim of this study was to identify the causes of maternal mortality and morbidity, as well as factors associated with mortality in patients attending on 2011-2012. METHODS: Clinical data of the patients on admission, severity of illness, presence of comorbidity, complications that occurred during treatment and causes of death in pregnant or postpartum patients were analyzed. RESULTS: 137 patients were analyzed, 87 (63.5 %) patients were hospitalized, 36 (41.3 %) cases with severe maternal complication (SMC); most patients with SMC were in the postpartum postcesarean. Eleven patients died, five maternal deaths and 6 late deaths. CONCLUSIONS: SMC and death were more frequent in the postpartum period. The indirect causes of death were more frequent.

Introducción: la morbimortalidad materna representa un problema de salud en los países en desarrollo, las causas de muerte obstétrica dependen de la región geográfica y de otros factores que incluyen la calidad de los servicios de salud. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las causas de morbilidad y mortalidad materna en las pacientes atendidas de 2011 a 2012. Métodos: se analizaron los datos de las pacientes en admisión hospitalaria, el diagnóstico y la severidad de la enfermedad, la presencia de comorbilidad y las complicaciones que ocurrieron durante el tratamiento y las causas de muerte de pacientes embarazadas o puérperas. Resultados: fueron atendidas 137 pacientes de las cuales 87 (63.5 %) requirieron ser hospitalizadas, 36 (41.3 %) presentaron criterios para complicación materna severa (CMS); la mayor parte de pacientes con CMS se encontraban en el puerperio postcesárea, Once pacientes fallecieron, cinco se consideraron muertes maternas indirectas y 6 muertes tardías. Conclusiones: las CMS y las muertes fueron más frecuentes en el puerperio. Las causas indirectas fueron las más frecuentes.