Factores de riesgo cardiometabólico y tratamiento antitrombótico en población mexicana con fibrilación auricular e insuficiencia cardiaca con fracción de expulsión reducida / Cardiometabolic risk factors and antithrombotic treatment in a Mexican population with atrial fibrillation and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Resumen Introducción: La insuficiencia cardiaca en pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular (FANV) es de dos a tres veces más frecuente que en individuos sin FANV. Objetivo: Identificar los factores de riesgo cardiometabólico (FRCM) y el tratamiento antitrombótico de pacientes con FANV e insuficiencia cardiaca con fracción de expulsión reducida (IC-FEr), y determinar si existen diferencias conforme al sexo. Métodos: En forma global y de acuerdo con el sexo se analizaron FRCM, riesgo protrombótico, riesgo de sangrado y terapia antitrombótica. Resultados: De 1423 pacientes con FANV, 336 tuvieron IC-FEr. Las mujeres promediaron mayor edad que los hombres. No hubo diferencia entre los sexos respecto al tipo de FANV o uso de anticoagulantes orales directos. La hipertensión arterial sistémica fue más frecuente en mujeres. Un 3.6 % de los pacientes reportó antecedente de ataque isquémico transitorio y 10 % de evento vascular cerebral, sin diferencias en cuanto al sexo. El porcentaje de hombres con riesgo embólico elevado fue mayor, pero sin tratamiento antitrombótico, en comparación con las mujeres. Conclusiones: Se encontraron diferencias significativas de acuerdo con el sexo en pacientes con FANV e IC-FEr, tanto en FRCM y algunas comorbilidades, como en el tratamiento antitrombótico de acuerdo con el riesgo embólico y de sangrado.

Abstract Introduction: Heart failure in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is two to three times more common than in individuals without NVAF. Objective: To identify cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) and antithrombotic treatment in patients with NVAF and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and to determine if there were differences according to gender. Methods: CMRF, pro-thrombotic risk, bleeding risk, and antithrombotic therapy were globally analyzed and according to gender. Results: Out of 1,423 patients with NVAF, 336 had HFrEF. On average, females were older than males. There was no difference between genders with regard to the type of NVAF or direct oral anticoagulants use. Hypertension was more common in women. History of transient ischemic attack was reported in 3.6% of the patients and cerebrovascular event in 10%, without differences in terms of gender. The percentage of men with elevated embolic risk was higher, but without antithrombotic treatment, in comparison with women. Conclusions: Significant differences were found according to gender in patients with NVAF and HFrEF, both in CMRF and some comorbidities, as well as in antithrombotic treatment according to embolic and bleeding risk.

Reliability of Bystander Recognition of Clinical Features in Pre-Hospital Classification of Acute Cerebrovascular Syndromes: Preliminary Findings

ABSTRACT Background: The recognition of stroke symptoms by patients or bystanders directly affects the outcomes of patients with acute cerebrovascular disease. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the predictive value of the medical history and clinical features recognized by the patients’ bystanders to classify neurovascular syndromes in pre-hospital settings. Methods: We included 150 stroke patients of two Mexican referral centers: 50 with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), 50 with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and 50 with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The performance of clinical prediction rules (CPR) to identify the stroke types was evaluated with features recognized by the patients’ bystanders before hospital arrival. The impact of CPRs on early arrival and in-hospital mortality was also analyzed. Results: Overall, 72% of the patients had previous medical evaluations in other centers before final referral to our hospitals, and therefore, only 45% had a final onset-to-door time <6 h, even when the first medical assessment had occurred in ≤1 h in 75% of cases. Clinical features noticed by the patients’ bystanders had low positive predictive values (PPV) for any stroke type. The CPR “language or speech disorder + focal motor deficit” had 93% sensitivity and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 84% to distinguish AIS. In SAH, headache alone showed a sensitivity of 84% and NPV of 97%. No CPR had an adequate performance on ICH. CPRs were not associated with final onset-to-door time. Altered consciousness, age ≥65 years, indirect arrival with stops before final referral, and atrial fibrillation increased in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: Clinical features referred by the witness of a neurovascular emergency have limited PPV, but adequate NPV in ruling-out AIS and SAH among stroke types. The use of CPRs had no impact on onset-to-door time or in-hospital mortality when the final arrival to a third-level center occurs with previous medical referrals.

Atendimento da doença inflamatória intestinal no Brasil: como é feito, os entraves e as demandas sob a ótica dos médicos / Inflammatory bowel disease care in brazil: how it is performed, obstacles and demands from the physicians' perspective

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic inflammatory affections of recurrent nature whose incidence and prevalence rates have increased, including in Brazil. In long term, they are responsible for structural damage that impacts quality of life, morbidity and mortality of patients. OBJECTIVE: To describe the profile of physicians who treat IBD patients as well as the characteristics of IBD care, unmet demands and difficulties. METHODS: A questionnaire containing 17 items was prepared and sent to 286 physicians from 101 Brazilian cities across 21 states and the Federal District, selected from the register of the State Commission of the "Study Group of Inflammatory Bowel Disease of Brazil" (GEDIIB). RESULTS: The majority of the physicians who answered the questionnaire were gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons. More than 60% had up to 20 years of experience in the specialty and 53.14% worked at three or more locations. Difficulties in accessing or releasing medicines were evident in this questionnaire, as was referrals to allied healthy professionals working in IBD-related fields. More than 75% of physicians reported difficulties in performing double-balloon enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy, and 67.8% reported difficulties in measuring calprotectin. With regard to the number of patients seen by each physician, it was shown that patients do not concentrate under the responsibility of few doctors. Infliximab and adalimumab were the most commonly used biological medicines and there was a higher prescription of 5-ASA derivatives for ulcerative colitis than for Crohn's disease. Steroids were prescribed to a smaller proportion of patients in both diseases. The topics "biological therapy failure" and "new drugs" were reported as those with higher priority for discussion in medical congresses. In relation to possible differences among the country's regions, physicians from the North region reported greater difficulty in accessing complementary exams while those from the Northeast region indicated greater difficulty in accessing or releasing medicines. CONCLUSION: The data obtained through this study demonstrate the profile of specialized medical care in IBD and are a useful tool for the implementation of government policies and for the Brazilian society as a whole.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: As doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII) são afecções inflamatórias crônicas de caráter recorrente, cujas taxas de incidência e prevalência têm aumentado, inclusive no Brasil. A longo prazo, são responsáveis por danos estruturais que impactam na qualidade de vida, morbidade e mortalidade dos pacientes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o perfil dos médicos que atendem pacientes com DII, assim como as características deste atendimento, demandas não atendidas e dificuldades. MÉTODOS: Um questionário contendo 17 variáveis foi elaborado e enviado para médicos, selecionados a partir do cadastro da Comissão das Estaduais do Grupo de Estudos da Doença Inflamatória Intestinal do Brasil (GEDIIB), totalizando 286 médicos de 101 cidades brasileiras distribuídas por 21 estados e Distrito Federal. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos médicos que respondeu o questionário foram Gastroenterologistas e Coloproctologistas. Mais de 60% tinham até 20 anos de atuação na especialidade e 53,14% trabalhavam em três locais ou mais. A dificuldade no acesso ou liberação de medicamentos ficou evidenciada neste questionário, assim como a dificuldade no encaminhamento para profissionais não médicos que atuam em DII. Mais de 75% dos médicos relataram dificuldades para realização de enteroscopia por duplo balão e cápsula endoscópica, e 67,8% para realização da calprotectina. Em relação ao número de pacientes atendidos por cada médico, foi evidenciado que não há uma concentração de pacientes sob a responsabilidade de poucos médicos. O infliximabe e o adalimumabe foram os biológicos mais utilizados e ficou evidenciada prescrição maior de derivados de 5-ASA para retocolite ulcerativa quando comparada à doença de Crohn. Os corticoides foram prescritos para uma parcela menor de pacientes em ambas doenças. Os temas "falha a terapia biológica" e "novas drogas" foram referidos como aqueles com maior prioridade para discussão em eventos científicos. Em relação às possíveis diferenças entre cada região e o restante do país, os médicos da região Norte relataram maior dificuldade no acesso a exames complementares e os médicos da região Nordeste, maior dificuldade no acesso ou liberação de medicamentos. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados obtidos por meio deste estudo mostram o perfil do atendimento médico especializado em DII e podem se constituir em ferramenta útil para para elaboração de políticas governamentais e para sociedade brasileira como um todo.

Epidemiological profile of acute Chagas disease in individuals infected by oral transmission in northern Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Oral infection by Trypanosoma cruzi is currently the most important route of transmission of acute Chagas disease (ACD) in the North region of Brazil, and the reported outbreaks are usually related to ingestion of contaminated food, especially unprocessed açaí pulp. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was performed to analyze the epidemiological profile of individuals with suspected cases of ACD in the municipality of Breves, located in the state of Pará, Brazil. Therefore, notifications of suspected cases of ACD were collected from the Municipal Health Department of Breves from January 2007 to December 2017. RESULTS A total of 265 individuals were registered, and the majority were male (54.7%; 145/265). Age ranged from nine months to 79 years, with a greater number of notifications for individuals aged between 1 and 39 years (71.3%; 189/265). Most of them had a low level of education (74.3%, 197/265), were living in rural and urban areas (58.9%; 156/265 and 37.7%; 100/265, respectively). Infection occurred mainly in the domestic environment (96.2%; 255/265) through oral transmission (98.1%; 260/265). There were a greater number of notifications in November, December and January. CONCLUSIONS These data showed that oral transmission of T. cruzi has become increasingly high in the study region, and health education programs need to be implemented as strategies to ensure good manufacturing practices of unprocessed food.

Update on the treatment of musculoskeletal manifestations in chikungunya fever: a guideline

Abstract Since the emergence of the chikungunya virus in Brazil in 2014, more than 700,000 cases have been reported throughout the country, corresponding to one-third of all cases reported in the Americas. In addition to its high attack rates, resulting in hundreds of thousands of cases, the disease has high chronicity rates with persistent joint manifestations for more than 3 months, which can spread to more than half of the patients affected in the acute phase. Pain associated with musculoskeletal manifestations, often disabling, has an effect on patients' quality of life at different stages of the disease. Currently, the challenge faced by specialists is identifying the best therapy to be instituted for symptom relief despite the limited number of published intervention studies. In 2016, a multidisciplinary group published pharmacological treatment protocols for pain in patients with chikungunya, which was incorporated into the guidelines for clinical management of the Brazilian Ministry of Health in 2017; in that same year, a consensus was published by the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology about diagnosis and treatment. After 5 years of experience with chikungunya epidemics, in 2019, specialists involved in the protocols of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology and Brazilian Ministry of Health prepared an update with the main objective of developing flowcharts for the therapeutic approach of musculoskeletal manifestations in adult patients to enable specialists at different levels of healthcare to spread and apply this guideline in a systematic and simplified manner.

Enfermedad carotídea aterosclerosa y enfermedad de sustancia blanca en sujetos sin historia de infarto cerebral o isquemia cerebral transitoria / Atherosclerotic Carotid Disease and White Matter Disease in Subjects Without a History of Cerebral Infarction or Transient Cerebral Ischemia

Resumen Introducción: La enfermedad carotídea aterosclerosa (ECA) es un factor de riesgo importante para enfermedad vascular cerebral. Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre factores de riesgo vascular mayores con ECA y leucopatía cerebral en pacientes sin historia de ictus isquémico. Método: Se evaluaron factores de riesgo en sujetos con exploración de carótidas mediante ultrasonografía Doppler dúplex. No se incluyeron casos con historia de infarto cerebral o ataque isquémico transitorio. Los sujetos contaron con resonancia magnética cerebral y se excluyeron aquellos con lesiones isquémicas de grandes vasos. Se construyeron modelos multivariable para la predicción de ECA, estenosis carotídea significativa, carga de ateromas y leucopatía cerebral. Resultados: Se estudiaron 145 sujetos (60.7 % mujeres, edad de 73 años). Se documentó ECA en 54.5 %, estenosis carotídea ≥ 50 % en 9 %, carga de placas de ateroma > 6 en 7.6 % y leucopatía periventricular o subcortical en 28.3 % (20.6 % tenían concurrentemente ECA y leucopatía). Los factores asociados independientemente con ECA fueron edad e hipertensión; con estenosis ≥ 50 %, hipertensión; con cargas de ateromas > 6 placas, edad; con leucopatía, edad, diabetes e hipertensión. La obesidad no se asoció con las variables independientes analizadas. Conclusiones: En los sujetos asintomáticos sin historia de ictus isquémico, la edad y la hipertensión fueron los factores de riesgo más importantes para enfermedad macrovascular. La diabetes mellitus se asoció con enfermedad microvascular. La obesidad por sí sola no fue un determinante mayor de ECA o leucopatía cerebral.

Abstract Introduction: Atherosclerotic carotid artery disease (CAD) is a major risk factor for cerebrovascular disease. Objective: To analyze the association of major vascular risk factors with atherosclerotic CAD and white matter disease (WMD) in patients without a history of ischemic stroke. Method: Risk factors were assessed with carotid examination using Doppler duplex ultrasound. Cases with a history cerebral infarction or transient ischemic attack were not included. Subjects had brain magnetic resonance imaging scans available and those with large-artery ischemic lesions were excluded. Multivariate models were constructed for the prediction of atherosclerotic CAD, significant carotid stenosis, atheroma burden and WMD. Results: One-hundred and forty-five subjects were assessed (60.7% were females, mean age was 73 years). Atherosclerotic CAD was documented in 54.5%, carotid stenosis ≥ 50% in 9.0%, > 6 atheroma plaques in 7.6%, and periventricular or subcortical WMD in 28.3% (20.6% had atherosclerotic CAD and WMD concurrently). Risk factors independently associated with atherosclerotic CAD were age and hypertension; hypertension was associated with ≥ 50% carotid stenosis; age was associated with > 6 atheroma plaques; and age, diabetes and hypertension were associated with WMD. Obesity was not associated with any of the analyzed independent variables. Conclusions: In asymptomatic subjects without a history of ischemic stroke, age and hypertension were the most important risk factors for macrovascular disease. Diabetes mellitus was associated with microvascular disease. Obesity alone was not a major determinant of CAD or WMD.

Consenso multidisciplinario de diagnóstico y tratamiento del dolor neuropático periférico y localizado en México / Multidisciplinary consensus on diagnosis and treatment of peripheral and localized neuropathic pain in Mexico

Resumen El dolor neuropático es una entidad que provoca discapacidad al paciente y su diagnóstico y tratamiento es un reto para los médicos. En un porcentaje importante de pacientes afectados, el dolor neuropático se presenta circunscrito a un dermatoma o a una región concreta del cuerpo, denominándose en ese caso dolor neuropático localizado. No existen guías clínicas mexicanas que postulen recomendaciones para el diagnóstico y tratamiento del dolor neuropático localizado en nuestra población. En este artículo se exponen las recomendaciones de un consenso multidisciplinario realizado con especialistas de distintas áreas implicadas en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de este tipo de pacientes.

Abstract Neuropathic pain is an entity that causes patient disability and its diagnosis and treatment is a challenge for physicians. In a significant percentage of patients with neuropathic pain, it is restricted to one dermatome or to a particular region of the body; in this case, it is referred to as localized neuropathic pain. There are no Mexican clinical guidelines proposing recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of localized neuropathic pain in our population. This article presents the recommendations of a multidisciplinary consensus of specialists from different areas involved in the diagnosis and treatment of this type of patients.

Agenesia De La Arteria Carótida Interna: Presentación De Dos Casos Y Revisión De La Literatura / Agenesis Of The Internal Carotid Artery: Presentation Of Two Cases And Review Of The Literature

Resumen Introducción: Se presentan dos casos de pacientes con agenesia de arteria carótida interna izquierda, el primer caso con síntomas de glaucoma de ángulo abierto y catarata ipsilateral y el segundo caso de una paciente con cefalea tensional, así como una revisión de la literatura debido a la baja frecuencia de esta anomalía del desarrollo. Casos clínicos: caso 1: Se trata de mujer de 66 años con trastornos visuales asociados a catarata y glaucoma en quien por sospecha de fístula carotídea cavernosa se documentó una agenesia de carótida interna izquierda, con colateralidad a través del sistema posterior; caso 2: paciente de 58 años de edad con cefalea tensional la cual se realizó una IRM donde se documenta la agenesia de la arteria carótida izquierda, segmentos del C3 al C7. Conclusión: Las anormalidades en el desarrollo del sistema carotídeo ocurren tempranamente en la embriogénesis. En relación al momento en que ocurre la alteración se han descrito diferentes patrones circulatorios. Es posible que la presencia de circulación colateral sea la razón de que la mayoría de los casos sean reportados asintomáticos desde el punto de vista neurológico vascular. A pesar de ser una entidad rara, se debe conocer para poder diferenciarla de otras afecciones y vigilar la aparición de complicaciones asociadas.

Abstract Introduction: Two cases of patients with left internal carotid artery agenesis are presented, the first case with symptoms of open angle glaucoma and ipsilateral cataract and the second case of a patient with tension headache, as well as a review of the literature due to the Low frequency of this development anomaly. Clinical cases: case 1, A 66-year-old woman with visual disorders associated with cataract and glaucoma in whom, due to suspicion of a carotid fistula, a left internal carotid agenesis was documented, with collaterality through the posterior system, case 2, patient A 58-year-old man with tension headache underwent an MRI where the agenesis of the left carotid artery, segments from C3 to C7, was documented. Conclusion: Abnormalities in the development of the carotid system occur early in embryogenesis. In relation to the moment in which the alteration occurs, different circulatory patterns have been described. It is possible that the presence of collateral circulation is the reason that the majority of cases are reported asymptomatic from the vascular neurological point of view. Despite being a rare entity, it must be known in order to differentiate it from other conditions and monitor the appearance of associated complications.

Previous dengue or Zika virus exposure can drive to infection enhancement or neutralisation of other flaviviruses

BACKGROUND Dengue virus (DENV) has circulated in Brazil for over 30 years. During this time, one serotype has cyclically replaced the other, until recently, when all four distinct serotypes began to circulate together. Persistent circulation of DENV for long time periods makes sequential infections throughout a person's life possible. After primary DENV infection, life-long immunity is developed for the infecting serotype. Since DENV and Zika virus (ZIKV) are antigenically similar, the possibility of cross-reactions has attracted attention and has been demonstrated in vitro. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate whether immune-sera from DENV and ZIKV infected patients would cross-react in vitro with other Flaviviridae family members. METHODS Cross-reaction of the studied samples with yellow fever virus (YFV), West Nile virus (WNV), Rocio virus (ROCV), Saint Louis virus (SLEV) and Ilheus virus (ILHV) has been investigated by plaque reduction neutralisation test (PRNT) and the antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) by flow-cytometry. FINDINGS Antibodies against ZIKV and DENV virus cross-reacted with other flaviviruses either neutralising or enhancing the infection. Thus, viral entrance into FcRFcɣRII-expressing cells were influenced by the cross-reactive antibodies. ZIKV or DENV immune sera enhanced cellular infection by WNV, ILHV, ROCV and SLEV. Finally, DENV immune sera presented higher neutralising activity for YFV and SLEV. While ZIKV immune sera neutralised WNV, ILHV and ROCV with high frequencies of positivity. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The co-circulation of those viruses in the same area represents a risk for the development of severe infections if they spread throughout the country. Successive flavivirus infections may have an impact on disease pathogenesis, as well as on the development of safe vaccine strategies.

Empiema por toxoplasmosis / Empyema due to toxoplasmosis

Resumen La toxoplasmosis es una enfermedad ocasionada por Toxoplasma gondii, que habitualmente causa enfermedad asintomática en humanos inmunocompetentes; en pacientes inmunodeprimidos las manifestaciones son atípicas y severas. Este artículo describe el caso de una joven de 14 años previamente sana con diagnóstico de empiema por Toxoplasma gondii mediante observación directa del protozoo en líquido pleural y en biopsia pulmonar, que se curó con lavado y decorticación, así como con tratamiento médico con trimetoprim con sulfametoxazol.

Abstract Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii, which usually causes asymptomatic disease in immunocompetent humans; in immunocompromised patients, the manifestations are atypical and severe. This article describes the case of a 14-year-old girl, previously healthy with diagnosis of empyema by Toxoplasma gondii by direct observation of the protozoon in pleural fluid and lung biopsy, which was resolved with washing and decortication as well as medical management with trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole.

Epidemia de microcefalia e vírus Zika: a construção do conhecimento em epidemiologia / Epidemia de microcefalia y virus Zika: la construcción del conocimiento en epidemiología / The microcephaly epidemic and Zika virus: building knowledge in epidemiology

Em agosto de 2015, neuropediatras de hospitais públicos do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil, observaram um aumento do número de casos de microcefalia desproporcional associado a anomalias cerebrais. Esse fato gerou comoção social, mobilização da comunidade acadêmica e levou o Ministério da Saúde a decretar emergência de saúde pública nacional, seguida pela declaração de emergência de saúde pública de interesse internacional da Organização Mundial da Saúde. A hipótese formulada para o fenômeno foi a infecção congênita pelo vírus Zika (ZIKV), com base na correlação espaço-temporal e nas características clínico-epidemiológicas das duas epidemias. Evidências se acumularam e no âmbito do raciocínio epidemiológico preencheram critérios que deram sustentação à hipótese. Sua plausibilidade está ancorada no neurotropismo do ZIKV demonstrado em animais, atingindo neurônios progenitores do cérebro em desenvolvimento, e em seres humanos devido às complicações neurológicas observadas em adultos após a infecção. O isolamento do RNA e antígenos virais no líquido amniótico de mães infectadas e em cérebros de neonatos e fetos com microcefalia contribuíram para demonstrar a consistência da hipótese. O critério de temporalidade foi contemplado ao se identificar desfechos desfavoráveis em uma coorte de gestantes com exantema e positivas para o ZIKV. Finalmente, o primeiro estudo caso-controle conduzido demonstrou existir uma forte associação entre microcefalia e infecção congênita pelo ZIKV. O conhecimento construído no âmbito do paradigma epidemiológico recebeu a chancela da comunidade científica, construindo o consenso de uma relação causal entre o ZIKV e a epidemia de microcefalia.

En agosto de 2015, neuropediatras de hospitales públicos de Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil, observaron un aumento desproporcional del número de casos de microcefalia, asociado a anomalías cerebrales. Este hecho generó conmoción social, movilización de la comunidad académica y obligó al Ministerio de Salud a decretar la emergencia de salud pública nacional, seguida de la declaración de interés internacional de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. La hipótesis formulada para este fenómeno fue la infección congénita por el virus Zika (ZIKV), en base a la correlación espacio-temporal y a las características clínico-epidemiológicas de las dos epidemias. Se acumularon evidencias, y en el ámbito del raciocinio epidemiológico se cumplieron los criterios que dieron apoyo a la hipótesis. Su plausibilidad está anclada en el neurotropismo del ZIKV, demostrado en animales, alcanzando progenitores neuronales del cerebro en desarrollo, y en seres humanos, debido a las complicaciones neurológicas observadas en adultos tras la infección. El aislamiento del ARN y antígenos virales en el líquido amniótico de madres infectadas, en cerebros de neonatos y fetos con microcefalia, contribuyeron a demostrar la consistencia de la hipótesis. El criterio de temporalidad se contempló al identificarse desenlaces desfavorables en una cohorte de gestantes con exantema y positivas en ZIKV. Finalmente, el primer estudio caso-control realizado demostró que existía una fuerte asociación entre microcefalia e infección congénita por el ZIKV. El conocimiento construido en el ámbito del paradigma epidemiológico recibió la aprobación de la comunidad científica, existiendo consenso en cuanto a la relación causal entre el ZIKV y la epidemia de microcefalia.

In August 2015, pediatric neurologists at public hospitals in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil, observed an increase in the number of disproportional microcephaly cases associated with other congenital anomalies. The fact caused social commotion and mobilization of the academic community and led the Brazilian Ministry of Health to declare a national public health emergency, followed by the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization. The hypothesis for the phenomenon was congenital Zika virus (ZIKV) infection, based on spatial-temporal correlation and the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of the two epidemics. Further evidence accumulated, and within the scope of epidemiologial reasoning fulfilled criteria that gave support to the hypothesis. The plausibility of the hypothesis is based on the neurotropism of ZIKV, demonstrated in animals, affecting neural progenitors in the developing brain, and in humans, due to neurological complications in adults following infection. Isolation of viral RNA and antigens in the amniotic fluid of infected mothers and in brains of newborns and fetuses with microcephaly further demonstrated the consistency of the hypothesis. The criterion of temporality was met by identifying adverse pregnancy outcomes in a cohort of mothers with a history of rash and positive ZIKV serology. Finally, the first case-control study demonstrated a strong association between microcephaly and congenital ZIKV infection. The knowledge built with the epidemiological paradigm was supported by the scientific community, thereby establishing the consensus for a causal relationship between ZIKV and the microcephaly epidemic.

Hannah Arendt e Charles Taylor: impressões sobre a modernidade / Hannah Arendt and Charles Taylor: impressions of modernity

O objetivo fundamental deste artigo consiste em aproximar as reflexões da filósofa judia Hannah Arendt e do canadense Charles Taylor acerca da crise de representatividade na política moderna. Referenciais teóricos norteadores da nossa abordagem serão fundamentalmente as obras de Arendt A condição humana (2016) e Entre o passado e o futuro (2011), bem como As fontes do self (2013) e Hegel e a sociedade moderna (2005) de Charles Taylor. Um aspecto relevante desta reflexão encontra-se no diagnóstico que ambos os autores fazem da modernidade, chamando atenção para processos de desenraizamento cultural ocasionado por políticas totalitárias ocorridas na modernidade. O artigo encontra-se estruturado em dois momentos. Em primeiro lugar, uma apresentação das duas leituras da modernidade, enfatizando a ascensão do sujeito, no caso de Taylor, e a concepção de ruptura, no caso Arendt. Em segundo, uma exposição das políticas de reconhecimento de cada autor, apresentando o comunitarismo de Taylor e o amor mundi de Hannah Arendt. A partir desse duplo movimento será possível apresentar a importância e atualidade dessas duas reflexões para um entendimento do fenômeno moderno de desenraizamento cultural político.(AU)

This study proposes to approximate the reflections of the Jewish philosopher Hannah Arendt and the Canadian Charles Taylor on crisis of representativity in modern politic. The works The Human Condition (2016) and Between Past and Future (2011), by Arendt, as well as Sources of the Self (2013) and Hegel and Modern Society (2005), by Charles Taylor, will be theoretical references leading our approach. An important aspect of this reflection is in the diagnostic that both authors make of modernity, emphasizing to processes of cultural rootlessness caused by totalitarian politics that occurred in modernity. Therefore, this analysis is structured in two moments. First, a presentation of the two readings of modernity with special attention to the subject's ascension, in case of Taylor, and the conception of rupture, in case of Arendt. Second, an exposition of the politics of recognition of each author, presenting the communitarianism of Taylor and Amor Mundi of Hannah Arendt. Then, it will be possible for this study to present the importance and actuality of these two discussions for a comprehension of the modern phenomenon of cultural-political rootlessness.(AU)

Cardiac tamponade in a patient with severe dengue fever

Abstract A 26-year-old postpartum female presented with symptoms characteristic of dengue fever on the 16th day of puerperium. On the third day of the illness, the patient presented a clinical picture consistent with shock. Tests determined primary infection with dengue virus serotype 2. Cardiac tamponade was confirmed by echocardiography. This rare manifestation is described in a patient without any associated comorbidity.

Alert: Severe cases and deaths associated with Chikungunya in Brazil

Abstract Since the detection of the Chikungunya virus in America in 2013, two million cases of the disease have been notified worldwide. Severe cases and deaths related to Chikungunya have been reported in India and Reunion Island, estimated at 1 death per 1,000 inhabitants. Joint involvement in the acute and chronic phase is the main clinical manifestation associated with Chikungunya. The severity of the infection may be directly attributable to viral action or indirectly, owing to decompensation of preexisting comorbidities. In Brazil, the virus was identified in 2014, and recently, there has been a significant increase in the number of deaths caused by the Chikungunya virus infection, especially in Pernambuco. However, the numbers of fatalities are probably underreported, since for many cases, the diagnosis of Chikungunya infection may not be considered, for deaths by indirect causes. An increase in the mortality rate within months of epidemic occurrence, compared to previous years has also been reported and may be associated with Chikungunya virus infection. An in-depth investigation of reported mortality in Brazil is necessary, to measure the actual impact of the deaths, thereby, allowing the identification of possible causes. This will alert professionals about the risks, and hence, enable creation of protocols that target reducing mortality.

Increased number of deaths during a chikungunya epidemic in Pernambuco, Brazil

In early 2016, it was suspected that there were more deaths in Pernambuco than in previous years during an epidemic of chikungunya. This study tested whether there was an increased number of deaths and, if so, whether this increase could be related to a chikungunya epidemic. Indeed, there was an increase of 4235 deaths in 2016 compared to the average of the four previous years, and the highest differences were found during the peak period of the epidemic. It was evident that not all of these deaths could be attributed to complications of chikungunya. However, considering the temporal overlap, some of these deaths may have been caused by the aggravation of pre-existing comorbidities or complications caused directly by chikungunya virus infection.

Encephalitis associated with inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion due to chikungunya infection in Recife, State of Pernambuco, Brazil

Abstract The symptoms of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection include fever, headache, muscle aches, skin rash, and polyarthralgia, characterized by intense pain, edema, and temporary functional impairment. This is the first report of encephalitis caused by CHIKV infection associated with an atypical presentation of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, evolving to cognitive impairment and apraxia of speech.

Recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology for diagnosis and treatment of Chikungunya fever. Part 1 - Diagnosis and special situations / Recomendações da Sociedade Brasileira de Reumatologia para diagnóstico e tratamento da febre chikungunya. Parte 1 - Diagnóstico e situações especiais

Abstract Chikungunya fever has become a relevant public health problem in countries where epidemics occur. Until 2013, only imported cases occurred in the Americas, but in October of that year, the first cases were reported in Saint Marin island in the Caribbean. The first autochthonous cases were confirmed in Brazil in September 2014; until epidemiological week 37 of 2016, 236,287 probable cases of infection with Chikungunya virus had been registered, 116,523 of which had serological confirmation. Environmental changes caused by humans, disorderly urban growth and an ever-increasing number of international travelers were described as the factors responsible for the emergence of large-scale epidemics. Clinically characterized by fever and joint pain in the acute stage, approximately half of patients progress to the chronic stage (beyond 3 months), which is accompanied by persistent and disabling pain. The aim of the present study was to formulate recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of Chikungunya fever in Brazil. A literature review was performed in the MEDLINE, SciELO and PubMed databases to ground the decisions for recommendations. The degree of concordance among experts was established through the Delphi method, involving 2 in-person meetings and several online voting rounds. In total, 25 recommendations were formulated and divided into 3 thematic groups: (1) clinical, laboratory and imaging diagnosis; (2) special situations; and (3) treatment. The first 2 themes are presented in part 1, and treatment is presented in part 2.

Resumo A febre chikungunya tem se tornado um importante problema de saúde pública nos países onde ocorrem as epidemias. Até 2013, as Américas haviam registrado apenas casos importados quando, em outubro desse mesmo ano, foram notificados os primeiros casos na Ilha de Saint Martin, no Caribe. No Brasil, os primeiros relatos autóctones foram confirmados em setembro de 2014 e até a semana epidemiológica 37 de 2016 já haviam sido registrados 236.287 casos prováveis de infecção pelo chikungunya vírus (CHIKV), 116.523 confirmados sorologicamente. As mudanças ambientais causadas pelo homem, o crescimento urbano desordenado e o número cada vez maior de viagens internacionais têm sido apontados como os fatores responsáveis pela reemergência de epidemias em grande escala. Caracterizada clinicamente por febre e dor articular na fase aguda, em cerca de metade dos casos existe evolução para a fase crônica (além de três meses), com dor persistente e incapacitante. O objetivo deste trabalho foi elaborar recomendações para diagnóstico e tratamento da febre chikungunya no Brasil. Para isso, foi feita revisão da literatura nas bases de dados Medline, SciELO e PubMed, para dar apoio às decisões tomadas para definir as recomendações. Para a definição do grau de concordância foi feita uma metodologia Delphi, em duas reuniões presenciais e várias rodadas de votação on line. Foram geradas 25 recomendações, divididas em três grupos temáticos: (1) diagnóstico clínico, laboratorial e por imagem; (2) situações especiais e (3) tratamento. Na primeira parte estão os dois primeiros temas e o tratamento na segunda.