An Analysis of The Trend of Incidences and Fatality of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in East Java from 2015-2020: A Lesson From COVID-19

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis is still a public health problem, and surveillance data analysis has not been done much. Recently a global pandemic of COVID-19 has the potential in disturbing TB elimination pro-grams and treatment. This study aims to comprehensively analyse the incidence rate (IR) and Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of pulmonary tuberculosis in East Java from 2015–2020 and during COVID-19 and the strategies for optimizing tuberculosis disease control. Methodology: The study analyzed annual surveillance data using an analytical descriptive design. The Varia-bles were analyzed with Spearman correlation with a level of evidence of 95% (p<0.05). Results: The prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis in East Java fluctuated from 2015–2020. In 2020 and dur-ing the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of cases and morbidity rates increased. Statistic results confirm the presence of a significant correlation between the values of Incidence rate (IR) and Case Fatality rate (CFR) (p = 0.032), IR and Treatment Success Rate (TSR) (p = 0.020), and CFR and TSR (p = 0.002). Population density is not correlated with the number of new cases (p = 0.667). Treatment rates have increased to 51%; cure and treatment rates have decreased to 76% and 89%, respectively, and there was a 4% increase in mortality dur-ing COVID-19. Conclusions: COVID-19 has tremendously affected the treatment of pulmonary TB cases in East Java, Indone-sia by increasing the incidence rate and decreasing the fatality rate. The pandemic promotes fear in the com-munity to check their medical status and improve the quality of their health in East Java.

Impacto indirecto de COVID-19 en las tasas de incidencia de enfermedades transmitidas por vector en México / Indirect impact of COVID-19 on the incidence rates of vector-borne diseases in Mexico

Resumen Introducción: La distribución espacial y temporal de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 sobrepasa las áreas endémicas de enfermedades transmitidas por vector (ETV), cuya vigilancia en México ha cambiado sustancialmente a partir del primer caso confirmado de COVID-19. Objetivos: Estimar y comparar las tasas de incidencia de las ETV antes y después de la introducción del SARS-CoV-2 en México. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de casos de ETV de 2014 a 2021. Las tasas de incidencia de cada ETV en el periodo previo (2014-2019) y posterior (2020-2021) a la introducción del SARS-CoV-2 en México fueron calculadas y comparadas. Resultados: Antes de la introducción del SARS-CoV-2, las tasas de incidencia de las ETV fueron altas y posterior a la introducción del coronavirus hubo un descenso en los índices epidemiológicos; sin embargo, solo se identificó diferencia estadística significativa en la tasa de incidencia de la malaria (p ≤ 0.05) y otras rickettsias (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusiones: Algunas medidas para reducir los casos de COVID-19, como el distanciamiento social, el confinamiento domiciliario, la reducción en el aforo en el transporte público y el trabajo en casa, probablemente contribuyeron a disminuir temporalmente el número de casos de las ETV; sin embargo, puede haber rebrote de las ETV en el futuro cercano.

Abstract Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 infection spatial and temporal distribution overlaps with endemic areas of vector-borne diseases (VBD), whose surveillance in Mexico has substantially changed since the first COVID-19 confirmed case. Objectives: To estimate and compare the incidence rates of VBDs before and after the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico. Methods: Retrospective study of VBD cases from 2014 to 2021. The incidence rates of each VBD in the period before (2014-2019) and after (2020-2021) the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico were calculated and compared. Results: Before the introduction of SARS-CoV-2, the incidence rates of VBDs were high and after the introduction of coronavirus there was a decrease in epidemiological indices; however, there was only statistically significant difference in the incidence rate of malaria (p ≤ 0.05) and other rickettsiae (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: Some measures to reduce COVID-19 cases, such as social distancing, home confinement, reductions in public transport and working at home (home office), probably temporarily decreased the number of VBD cases; however, there may be a resurgence of VBDs in the near future.

Características y factores de riesgo de mortalidad por COVID-19 en Tamaulipas, a un año de pandemia / Characteristics and risk factors of COVID-19 mortality in Tamaulipas, one year after the pandemic

Resumen Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19), es una enfermedad viral prevalente y diseminada a nivel mundial, considerada una pandemia con alta tasa de mortalidad. A la fecha no existen estudios que describan la influencia de las variables asociadas a la enfermedad en el estado fronterizo de Tamaulipas, México. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar y analizar las características, complicaciones, tasas de letalidad y factores de riesgo asociados a mortalidad en paciente positivos a COVID-19 en el estado de Tamaulipas, a un año de la emergencia local. Se utilizó la frecuencia de casos observados en relación a características, complicaciones y comorbilidades para estimar prevalencias y tasas de letalidad. Se ajustó un modelo de regresión logística multivariada para estimar los factores de riesgo significativos y se utilizaron curvas de supervivencia de Kaplan-Meier para describir las comorbilidades más importantes. Los análisis indicaron una mayor infección en pacientes en edad productiva, con una probabilidad significativa de muerte a partir de los 40 años, más evidente en pacientes masculinos. Los riesgos asociados a la hospitalización, como intubación endotraqueal y neumonía, son factores muy importantes. Las comorbilidades con alta prevalencia (diabetes, hipertensión y obesidad) y enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) están asociados significativamente (P < 0.01) a mayor mortalidad por COVID-19 en pacientes positivos. El presente estudio demostró algunos patrones generales de prevalencia y tasas de letalidad por COVID-19, por lo que se sugieren particularidades en los factores asociados a mortalidad en la población de Tamaulipas que requieren atención en sus grupos vulnerables, sobre todo en posibles casos de rebrotes de la enfermedad.

Abstract Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) is a prevalent and globally disseminated viral disease that has become a pandemic associated with a high case fatality rate. To date, there are no published studies that describe the influence of the variables associated with the disease, specifically in the border state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. The objective of the present study was to assess the characteristics, complications, fatality rates and risk factors associated to mortality in patients positive to COVID-19 in Tamaulipas, one year after the local emergency. Descriptive frequency of characteristics, complications for prevalence and case fatality rates were used. A multivariate logistic regression model was adjusted to estimate the meaningful risk factors, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to describe the most important comorbidities. The analysis indicated higher infection rates in patients of productive age, with a significant death probability in male patients from the age of 40. The risks associated with hospitalization, such as endotracheal intubation and the presence of pneumonia are important risk factors. Comorbidities with high prevalence; diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) were significantly associated (P < 0.01) with higher COVID-19 mortality risk in the assessed population. The present study demonstrated some COVID-19 general patterns on frequency and mortality rates. It also suggested particularities in factors associated to mortality in the Tamaulipas population, which require proper attention in vulnerable groups, especially in future outbreaks of the disease.

Mortality in post-discharge COVID-19 patients from a tertiary care center - A follow-up study

Background: Among many responsibilities, the doctors from the COVID war room of our institute were assigned to take telephonic follow-up of discharged COVID patients to provide any medical assistance if needed. During this process, few relatives of the patient’s informed back that the patients had died after discharge from the COVID wards. Aim and Objective: Such data of death in the COVID patients after discharged are limited in India; hence, we conducted this study so that more information is generated. Materials and Methods: Relatives of these COVID patients were asked about date and place of death. Other data including gender, age, date of admission, date of discharge, and requirement of oxygen were available with the COVID war room and were used for evaluation. Results: Out of the 892 COVID discharged patients (between August and October 2020) who could be contacted, 19 (2.13%) patients (6 females and 13 males) had died after discharge from the COVID ward. Characteristics of these 19 patients included higher age (n = 11 were 61–80 years old and n = 3 were >80 years old), hospital stay of 11–20 days (n = 12), and required oxygen support (n = 12). Most deaths occurred within 20 days (n = 16) after discharge from the COVID ward. Conclusions: The current study reports deaths occurring COVID patients after discharge. Most of these deaths occurred within 4 weeks of cure and in elderly patients. More research with long-term follow-up is needed in “cured” COVID-19 patients so that appropriate preventive measures can be undertaken in the future.

Analysis of relevant factors of death cases in pediatric intensive care units in Guiyang City in 2017 / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective:The epidemiological characteristics of PICU deaths in 2017 in the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou Provincial People′s Hospital, and Guiyang Children′s Hospital were summarized and analyzed to provide a basis for formulating intervention measures to effectively reduce the mortality rate of children.Methods:The clinical datas of PICU deaths in three tertiary hospitals in 2017 were collected retrospectively.The cases were divided according to different ages and lengths of hospitalization.And gender, age, length of death, length of hospitalization, and death diseases were summarized and analyzed.Results:In 2017, the PICU of the three tertiary hospitals admitted 2 092 children, of which 139 (6.64%) died, including 84 males and 55 females.The months with the highest case fatality rates were January, February, July and August.The fatality rates were 9.14% (18/197), 9.04% (15/166), 13.25% (20/151), 7.93% (13/164), respectively.There was statistically significant difference in the mortality of children admitted in each month ( P=0.038). Among the death cases, the infant group (29 days to 1 year old) accounted for the largest proportion with 58 cases (41.73%), followed by the preschool group (3 to 7 years old) with 37 cases (26.62%), the infant group (1 to 3 years old) with 24 cases(17.27%), and the school-age group (7 to 14 years old) with 20 cases(14.38%). The top three death diseases were: 39 cases (28.06%) of bronchial pneumonia (severe), 28 cases (20.14%) of hematological tumors and solid tumors, and 23 cases (16.55%) of trauma.The difference of its distribution in different age groups was statistically significant( P<0.05). The patients were divided into four groups according to the length of hospital stay.The time ≤1 d group had the highest mortality of 54 cases (38.85%), -3 d group and -7 d group both had 32 cases (23.02%), the >7 d group had the lowest mortality of 21 cases (15.11%). Conclusion:In 2017, January, February and July, August are the peak months of deaths in PICUs in Guizhou, with the highest number of infant deaths.Bronchial pneumonia(severe), hematological tumors and solid tumors, and trauma are the top three death diseases.

Análisis temporal del covid-19 en Colombia: indicadores asociados y modelización / Temporal analysis of covid-19 in Colombia: associated indicators and modeling

AbstractIntroduction. This study shows statistical information regarding COVID-19 in Colombia up to this date (March 1-2022). Specifically, the daily, monthly and cumulative evolution of infections and deaths, correlated with the distribution of the population according to age and gender. Objective. Show statistical information about COVID-19 that allows help to plan and design, in future Pandemics, public health policy strategies in Colombia. Methods. Daily information since the official declaration of Pandemic in Colombia (March 16 ­ 2020) was obtained by the National Health Institute (INS) and was organized in a database in order to conduct respective analysis. This information was compared to similar studies obtained based on the bibliographical review. Results and Conclusions. Results and conclusions are similar to those found in the reference literature: most part of those dead by COVID-19 are of senior age and male gender. Regarding Case Fatality Rate (CFR), it notoriously increases with age. The most vulnerable population displays an average age of ≥ 52.8 years. The less vulnerable population are young persons under 30 years of age, but specifically, those within the age range of 10 and 20 years. Gompertz and Logistic models can mathematically simulate the evolution of deaths and the evolution of CFR according to age

ResumenIntroducción. Este estudio muestra información estadística sobre el COVID-19 en Colombia a la fecha (1 de marzo de 2022). Específicamente, la evolución diaria, mensual y acumulada de contagios y defunciones, correlacionada con la distribución de la población según edad y sexo. Objetivo. Mostrar información estadística sobre COVID-19 que permita ayudar a planificar y diseñar, en futuras Pandemias, estrategias de política de salud pública en Colombia. Metodología. La información diaria desde la declaratoria oficial de Pandemia en Colombia (16 de marzo de 2020) fue obtenida del Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS) y fue organizada en una base de datos para realizar los análisis respectivos. Esta información se comparó con estudios similares obtenidos a partir de revisión bibliográfica. Resultados y conclusiones. Los resultados y conclusiones son similares a los encontrados en la literatura de referencia: la mayor parte de los fallecidos por COVID-19 son de edad avanzada y sexo masculino. En cuanto a la tasa de letalidad (CFR), ésta aumenta notoriamente con la edad. La población más vulnerable presenta una edad promedio ≥ 52.8 años. La población menos vulnerable son los jóvenes menores de 30 años, pero específicamente, los que se encuentran en el rango de edad de 10 y 20 años. Los modelos Gompertz y Logistic pueden simular matemáticamente la evolución de las muertes y la evolución de la CFR según la edad.

Factores asociados a letalidad por COVID-19 en un hospital de la región Cajamarca en Perú / Factors associated with COVID-19 lethality in a hospital in the Cajamarca region in Peru

RESUMEN Objetivo. Identificar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas relacionadas a la letalidad en pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 en el Hospital Simón Bolívar de Cajamarca, durante junio-agosto de 2020. Materiales y métodos. Cohorte retrospectiva, con información recolectada de historias clínicas y sistemas oficiales de vigilancia epidemiológica (NOTIWEB, SISCOVID y SINADEF), sobre pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19. Se recolectó información sobre factores sociodemográficos y clínicos, considerando como desenlace el egreso (fallece/sobrevive) y los días de hospitalización. Resultados. La tasa de letalidad intrahospitalaria fue 39,6%, encontrándose diferencias significativas entre el tiempo de hospitalización y la condición de egreso en las personas mayores de 60 años (p<0,001). La edad mayor de 60 años (HR: 2,87; IC95%: 1,76-4,68),) solicitud de cama UCI no atendida (HR: 3,49; IC95%: 2,02-6,05), saturación de oxígeno menor a 80% al ingreso (HR: 2,73; IC95%: 1,35-5,53) y el uso de ivermectina (HR: 1,68; IC95% 1,06-2,68) fueron factores asociados a letalidad. El modelo de Machine Learning (ML) elegido consideró que las variables con mayor importancia fueron la saturación de oxígeno, la edad mayor de 60 años, tiempo de hospitalización y tiempo de síntomas. Conclusión. Los factores que podrían incrementar la letalidad en pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 fueron la edad, saturación de oxígeno menor a 80%, uso de ivermectina en la terapéutica hospitalaria y la solicitud no atendida de camas UCI. Futuros estudios con una mejor representatividad podrían confirmar estas posibles relaciones a nivel regional o nacional.

ABSTRACT Objective. To identify the clinical and epidemiological characteristics related to lethality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 at the Simón Bolívar Hospital in Cajamarca, during June-August 2020. Materials and Methods. This was a retrospective cohort, that used information collected from clinical records and official epidemiological surveillance systems (NOTIWEB, SISCOVID and SINADEF), on hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. Information was collected on sociodemographic and clinical factors, considering discharge (death/survival) and days of hospitalization as outcomes. Results. The in-hospital fatality rate was 39.6%, and significant differences were found between hospitalization time and status at discharge in people over 60 years of age (p<0.001). Age older than 60 years (HR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.76-4.68),) unattended ICU bed request (HR: 3.49; 95% CI: 2.02-6.05), oxygen saturation less than 80% at admission (HR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.35-5.53) and the use of ivermectin (HR: 1.68; 95%CI 1.06-2.68) were factors associated with lethality. The chosen ML model considered that the most important variables were oxygen saturation, age over 60 years, time of hospitalization and time of the onset of symptoms. Conclusion. The factors that could increase lethality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 were age, oxygen saturation less than 80%, use of ivermectin as part of hospital treatment and unattended request for ICU beds. Future studies with better representativeness could confirm these possible relationships at the regional or national level.

Mortality and case fatality rates of COVID-19 in the State of Goiás, Brazil / Taxas de mortalidade e fatalidade de casos da COVID-19 no Estado de Goiás, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: the initial spread of the pandemic in Brazil was mainly affected by patterns of socioeconomic vulnerability. It should be noted that the Central-West region of Brazil is one of the regions with the lowest number of cases, but the states of this region together have the highest mortality rate of COVID-19 in the country. Goiás was the most affected state of this region, with the highest number of deaths in the area. OBJECTIVE: to assess the incidence of mortality and lethality caused by COVID-19 from March 2020 to June 2021 in the State of Goiás, Brazil. METHODS: an ecological study, using a series of time series of public and official data of the Department of Health of the State of Goiás, Brazil. Information was collected on cases and deaths from COVID-19 from March 2020 to June 2021. Mortality, case fatality, and incidence rates were calculated. The Prais-Wisten regression model was used to build time series. The daily percent change (DPC) and the effective reproductive number (Rt) were estimated. RESULTS: Goiás had a predominance of a greater viral spread during the first and the beginning of the second wave, with Rt higher than 1. The second wave from December 2020 to June 2021 was more lethal and had higher mortality rates than the first wave. It was observed, higher scores of case fatality and mortality belonged to males and the elderly. CONCLUSION: an analysis of mortality and case fatality rates helps understand the COVID-19 pandemic behavior in Goiás. It is essential to monitor epidemiological indicators and strengthen intervention strategies to contain the pandemic in this state.

INTRODUÇÃO: a propagação inicial da pandemia no Brasil foi afetada principalmente por padrões de vulnerabilidade socioeconômica. Ressalta-se que a região Centro-Oeste do Brasil é uma das regiões com menor número de casos, mas os estados dessa região juntos apresentaram a maior taxa de mortalidade por COVID-19 do país. Goiás foi o estado mais afetado da região, com o maior número de óbitos. OBJETIVO: avaliar a incidência, mortalidade e letalidade por COVID-19 no Estado de Goiás, Brasil, no período de março de 2020 a junho de 2021. MÉTODO: estudo ecológico, utilizando séries temporais de dados públicos e oficiais da Secretaria de Saúde do Estado de Goiás, Brasil. As informações foram coletadas sobre casos e óbitos de COVID-19 de março de 2020 a junho de 2021. Mortalidade, letalidade e taxas de incidência foram calculadas. O modelo de regressão Prais-Wisten foi usado para construir séries temporais. A mudança percentual diária (DPC) e o número reprodutivo efetivo (Rt) foram estimados. RESULTADOS: Goiás teve predomínio de maior disseminação viral durante a primeira onda e o início da segunda onda, com Rt maior que 1. A segunda onda, dezembro de 2020 a junho de 2021, foi mais letal e apresentou taxas de mortalidade maiores que a primeira onda. Observou-se que os maiores escores de letalidade e mortalidade pertenciam ao sexo masculino e aos idosos CONCLUSÃO: uma análise das taxas de mortalidade e letalidade ajuda a entender o comportamento da pandemia do COVID-19 em Goiás. É fundamental monitorar indicadores epidemiológicos e fortalecer estratégias de intervenção para conter a pandemia neste estado.

Desigualdades sociais associadas com a letalidade por COVID-19 na cidade de Fortaleza, Ceará, 2020 / Desigualdades sociales asociadas con la letalidad por COVID-19 en la ciudad de Fortaleza, estado de Ceará, Brasil, 2020 / Social inequalities associated with COVID-19 case fatality rate in Fortaleza, Ceará state, Brazil, 2020

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a associação entre as desigualdades sociais e sanitárias, condições socioeconômicas, segregação espacial e letalidade por COVID-19 em Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. Métodos Estudo ecológico de casos confirmados e óbitos por COVID-19, tendo como unidades de análise os 119 bairros de Fortaleza. Calcularam-se os indicadores de incidência, mortalidade e letalidade aparente por COVID-19, entre 1º de janeiro e 8 de junho de 2020. Indicadores socioeconômicos foram extraídos do Censo Demográfico do Brasil de 2010. Foi realizada análise espacial e calculados índice global e local de Moran. Resultados Foram encontrados 22.830 casos confirmados, 2.333 óbitos e uma letalidade aparente de 12,7% (IC95% 11,6;13,9). Observaram--se autocorrelações espaciais significativas para letalidade aparente (I=0,35) e extrema pobreza (I=0,51), sobrepostas em diversos bairros da cidade. Conclusão A letalidade aparente por COVID-19 está associada a piores condições socioeconômicas e de saúde, demonstrando a relação entre desigualdades sociais e desfechos de saúde em tempos de pandemia.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar la asociación entre las desigualdades sociales y sanitarias, condiciones socioeconómicas, segregación espacial y letalidad por COVID-19 en Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. Métodos Estudio ecológico de casos y defunciones confirmadas por COVID-19, se utilizaron, como unidades de análisis, 119 barrios de Fortaleza. Se calcularon los indicadores de incidencia, mortalidad y letalidad aparente por COVID-19, entre el 1 de enero y el 8 de junio de 2020. Los indicadores socioeconómicos se extrajeron del Censo Demográfico de Brasil 2010. Se realizó un análisis espacial y calculados los índices Global y Local de Moran. Resultados Se encontraron 22.830 casos confirmados, 2.333 muertes y una letalidad aparente de 12,7 (IC95% 11,6;13,9). Se observaron autocorrelaciones espaciales significativas para letalidad aparente (I=0,35) y extrema pobreza (I=0,51) que se sobreponen en diversos barrios de la ciudad. Conclusión La letalidad por COVID-19 está asociada con peores condiciones socioeconómicas y sanitárias, demostrando la relación entre desigualdades sociales y los resultados de salud en tiempos de pandemia.

Abstract Objective To analyze the association among social and health inequalities, socioeconomic status, spatial segregation and Case Fatality Rate (CFR) due to COVID-19 in Fortaleza, the state capital of Ceará, Brazil. Methods This was an ecological study of confirmed cases and deaths due to COVID-19. The 119 neighborhoods of Fortaleza were used as units of analysis. Incidence, mortality and apparent CFR indicators due to COVID-19 were calculated between January 1 and June 8, 2020. Socioeconomic indicators were obtained from the 2010 Brazilian Demographic Census. Spatial analysis was performed and local and global Moran's indexes were calculated. Results There were 22,830 confirmed cases, 2,333 deaths and the apparent CFR was 12.7% (95% CI 11.6;13.9). Significant spatial autocorrelations between apparent CFR (I=0.35) and extreme poverty (I=0.51), overlapping in several neighborhoods of the city, were found. Conclusion The apparent CFR due to COVID-19 is associated with the worst socioeconomic and health status, which shows the relationship between social inequalities and health outcomes in times of pandemic.

The cholera epidemic of 2004 in Douala, Cameroon: A lesson learned

Objective: To describe the outbreak of 2004 with a view of retrospectively identifying factors that might explain the low case fatality rate. Methods: Outbreak data from 4 915 Cholera patients from registers of the Regional Health Delegation in Douala were analyzed using SPSS. Chi-square test, univariate and multivariate analysis were applied. Results: The outbreak started January 2004, peaking at 187 cases per week in February. After a decrease in April, case numbers rose to 688 cases per week in June. The outbreak was over in September 2004 ( <10 cases per week). The case fatality rate was higher in treatment centers with fewer than one nurse per two patients, than in those with more nursing staff. A temporary staff reduction after the first wave of the epidemic was associated with the increase of the case fatality rate during the second wave. This increase was reversed after re-instating full staff capacity. Conclusions: Providing sufficient nursing staff helps to lower the case fatality rate of cholera. Besides a lack of staff, age above 40 years is a risk factor for death in this disease.

The cholera epidemic of 2004 in Douala, Cameroon: A lesson learned

Objective: To describe the outbreak of 2004 with a view of retrospectively identifying factors that might explain the low case fatality rate. Methods: Outbreak data from 4 915 Cholera patients from registers of the Regional Health Delegation in Douala were analyzed using SPSS. Chi-square test, univariate and multivariate analysis were applied. Results: The outbreak started January 2004, peaking at 187 cases per week in February. After a decrease in April, case numbers rose to 688 cases per week in June. The outbreak was over in September 2004 ( <10 cases per week). The case fatality rate was higher in treatment centers with fewer than one nurse per two patients, than in those with more nursing staff. A temporary staff reduction after the first wave of the epidemic was associated with the increase of the case fatality rate during the second wave. This increase was reversed after re-instating full staff capacity. Conclusions: Providing sufficient nursing staff helps to lower the case fatality rate of cholera. Besides a lack of staff, age above 40 years is a risk factor for death in this disease.

Tuberculosis fatality rates in the city of Campinas - São Paulo, Brazil, from 2001 to 2009 / Taxas de letalidade por tuberculose na cidade de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil, de 2001 a 2009

ABSTRACT: Introduction: The mortality rate among tuberculosis patients (TB fatality) has been attributed to irregular chemotherapy, delay in diagnosis, multidrug resistance, and HIV coinfection. Objective: To analyze TB fatality rates by sex, clinical presentation and HIV coinfection in Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: Cohorts of residents in the city of Campinas who either died during treatment for tuberculosis or had the disease confirmed after death were divided into three intervals: 2001-2003, 2004-2006, and 2007-2009. Data were obtained from the database of the Tuberculosis Surveillance System of the University of Campinas, and notifications were gathered through TB-WEB Health São Paulo Secretary. Statistical significance was determined using a chi-square test, considering p < 0.05. Results: Between 2001 and 2009, 3,416 TB patients were diagnosed: 2,827 (82.8%) were new TB cases and 589 (17.2%) were retreatments. Between the first and second triennium, the number of new patients decreased by 18%, and 23% among retreatments. Between the second and third intervals, the reduction was 5% and 21%, respectively. General case fatality rate declined from 11.4% to 9.9% across intervals, and was most significant among patients that had previously abandoned treatment (17.3% to 5.1%). Fatality rates among patients coinfected with TB-AIDS were 2-3 times that of patients not infected with TB-AIDS throughout the intervals. Fatality between the first and third triennium among TB-AIDS co-infected patients declined (24.8% to 19.5%), while increasing slightly among non-AIDS TB patients (7.3% to 8%) during this period. Conclusion: Though mortality among TB-AIDS patients declined from 2001-2009, rates among non-AIDS TB remained stagnant. Improved TB diagnosis and treatment is needed to further decrease TB mortality in Campinas.

RESUMO: Introdução: A letalidade por tuberculose tem sido atribuída à quimioterapia irregular, à demora no diagnóstico, à multidrogarresistência, à coinfecção com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV). Objetivo: Analisar letalidade por tuberculose segundo sexo, apresentação clínica, presença da coinfecção pelo HIV, em Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil. Metodologia: Foram verificadas coortes de residentes em Campinas que morreram durante tratamento para tuberculose e aqueles notificados após óbito, agrupados em três intervalos: 2001-2003, 2004-2006 e 2007-2009. As informações foram obtidas no Banco de Dados para Vigilância da Tuberculose da Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), com captação das notificações no Sistema de Notificação e Acompanhamento de Casos de Tuberculose da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde de São Paulo. A significância estatística foi verificada pelo teste χ2 considerando p < 0,05. Resultados: Entre 2001 e 2009, foram diagnosticados 3.416 pacientes com tuberculose: 2.827 (82,8%) sem tratamento anterior e 589 (17,2%) com retratamentos. Entre o primeiro e o segundo triênio, o número de pacientes novos diminuiu 18% sem tratamento anterior e 23% entre retratamentos. Entre o segundo e o terceiro intervalo, a redução foi de 5 e 21%, respectivamente. A letalidade geral declinou de 11,4 para 9,9%, diferença mais significante entre os que haviam abandonado tratamento anteriormente (17,3 para 5,1%). A letalidade entre pacientes com coinfecção tuberculose-síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida (Aids) foi 2-3 vezes maior que entre tuberculose sem aids durante todo o período estudado. A letalidade entre o primeiro e o terceiro triênio declinou no grupo com tuberculose-aids (24,8 para 19,5%), enquanto teve ligeiro aumento entre tuberculose sem aids (7,3 para 8%). Conclusão: Embora a mortalidade entre pacientes com tuberculose-aids tenha diminuído de 2001-2009, as taxas no grupo tuberculose sem aids permaneceram estagnadas. Melhorias no diagnóstico e no tratamento são necessárias para a redução da mortalidade entre pacientes com tuberculose em Campinas.

Comorbidities increase in-hospital mortality in dengue patients in Brazil

Dengue remains an unmet public health burden. We determined risk factors for dengue in-hospital mortality in Brazil. Of 326,380 hospitalised dengue cases in 9-45-year-old individuals, there were 971 deaths. Risk of dying was 11-times higher in the presence of underlying common comorbidities (renal, infectious, pulmonary disease and diabetes), similar to the risk of dying from severe dengue and much higher with the combination. Ensuring access to integrated dengue preventative measures in individuals aged ≥ 9 years including those with comorbidities may help achieve the WHO objective of 50% reduction in mortality and 25% reduction in morbidity due to dengue by 2020.

The clinical comparative study on the therapeutic effects of NICU patients implemented by NICU professional doctors and non-NICU professional doctors / 天津医药

Objective To explore the implementation styles on the therapeutic effects on the neurosurgical intensive care unit (NICU) patients. Methods Patients were enrolled during February 3, 2015 to February 3, 2016. The key point time was August 3, 2015 when the treatment in our NICU was fully implemented by NICU professional doctors. Based on this time point, all the enrolled patients were divided into non-NICU professional doctor implementing (NNPDI) group and NICU professional doctor implementing (NPDI) group. Thus non-NICU professional doctors and professional doctors were the leaders of diagnosis and treatment in tow groups. The length of hospital stay, complications, prognosis and other therapeutic outcomes were compared between two groups. Results The length of hospital stay was longer in NPDI group than that in NNPDI group (P0.05). The proportion of referral to other wards and fatality rate were both lower in NPDI group than those in NNPDI group (P0.05). Conclusion The NICU professional doctor implementing may be contribute to, at least in part, the improving of prognosis of NICU patients without obvious advantages in most complications. The level of professional management remains to be improved.

Spectrum and case fatality of inpatients with malignant tumors from 1995 to 2014 in Shenzhen city / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To analyze the epidemiological features,spectrum and case fatality of malignant tumor patients in Shenzhen city,to provide evidence for the development of prevention and treatment strategies on malignant tumor in Shenzhen.Methods All the hospitalized malignant tumor patients including deaths,were monitored from 1995 to 2014 in Shenzhen,and data was analyzed by SPSS 20.0 software.Results There were 160 988 inpatients of malignant tumors between 1995 and 2014 in Shenzhen.The top three hospitalized tumors were lung (13.64％),liver (11.13％) and breast (7.86％) cancers.Numbers of the malignant tumor inpatients had been rapidly increasing during the past 20 years,12.3 times in 2014 higher than in 1995.The total number of deaths due to malignant tumors was 19 460.Deaths of the top three malignant tumors were lung (24.40％),liver (19.84％) and colorectal (8.63％) cancers and the number of deaths was increasing,12.5 times higher in 2014 than in 1995.The overall case fatality rate was 12.09％.The annual percent change (APC) of malignant tumors case fatality rate was 9.7％(95％CI:2.0％-18.0％),during 1995-2003,with an increasing trend (t=2.72,P＜0.05).The APC of case fatality rate during 2003-2014 was-3.4％(95％CI:-7.6％-1.1％),but the decreasing trend (t=-1.63,P＞0.05) was not statistically significant.The top three major malignant tumors related to case fatality rate were lung cancer (21.62％),liver cancer (21.39％),and esophageal cancer (16.50％).The case fatality rates of leukemia and liver cancer had decreased during the past 20 years.The case fatality rates of cancers in lung,esophagus,stomach,breast,colorectal and nasopharyngeal,had all increased.The number of male patients was significantly exceeding the females (x2=41.691,P＜0.01),with sex ratio as 1.65:1.From age 35 and on,the number of deaths due to malignant tumors increased significantly,with the peak after 60 years of age.Conclusions The number of malignant tumor inpatients had an annual increase as well as the case fatality rate.Cancers in lung,liver appeared the leading causes of death among the malignant tumor patients,with elderly in particular.Strategies related to the prevention and treatment of cancers in lung,liver should be strengthened.

Spectrum and case fatality of inpatients with malignant tumors from 1995 to 2014 in Shenzhen city / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To analyze the epidemiological features,spectrum and case fatality of malignant tumor patients in Shenzhen city,to provide evidence for the development of prevention and treatment strategies on malignant tumor in Shenzhen.Methods All the hospitalized malignant tumor patients including deaths,were monitored from 1995 to 2014 in Shenzhen,and data was analyzed by SPSS 20.0 software.Results There were 160 988 inpatients of malignant tumors between 1995 and 2014 in Shenzhen.The top three hospitalized tumors were lung (13.64％),liver (11.13％) and breast (7.86％) cancers.Numbers of the malignant tumor inpatients had been rapidly increasing during the past 20 years,12.3 times in 2014 higher than in 1995.The total number of deaths due to malignant tumors was 19 460.Deaths of the top three malignant tumors were lung (24.40％),liver (19.84％) and colorectal (8.63％) cancers and the number of deaths was increasing,12.5 times higher in 2014 than in 1995.The overall case fatality rate was 12.09％.The annual percent change (APC) of malignant tumors case fatality rate was 9.7％(95％CI:2.0％-18.0％),during 1995-2003,with an increasing trend (t=2.72,P＜0.05).The APC of case fatality rate during 2003-2014 was-3.4％(95％CI:-7.6％-1.1％),but the decreasing trend (t=-1.63,P＞0.05) was not statistically significant.The top three major malignant tumors related to case fatality rate were lung cancer (21.62％),liver cancer (21.39％),and esophageal cancer (16.50％).The case fatality rates of leukemia and liver cancer had decreased during the past 20 years.The case fatality rates of cancers in lung,esophagus,stomach,breast,colorectal and nasopharyngeal,had all increased.The number of male patients was significantly exceeding the females (x2=41.691,P＜0.01),with sex ratio as 1.65:1.From age 35 and on,the number of deaths due to malignant tumors increased significantly,with the peak after 60 years of age.Conclusions The number of malignant tumor inpatients had an annual increase as well as the case fatality rate.Cancers in lung,liver appeared the leading causes of death among the malignant tumor patients,with elderly in particular.Strategies related to the prevention and treatment of cancers in lung,liver should be strengthened.

Evaluation of the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Cases Followed and Treated in Our Clinic between 2009-2013.

Objectives: The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) belongs to the family Bunyaviridae, genus Nairovirus, and causes severe disease in man; the reported case-fatality rate is 3%–30%. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the CCHF cases in our clinic between 2009-2013. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three patients with the diagnosis of CCHF were followed up in Kayseri Training and Research Hospital between January 2009 and September 2013. Demographic, geographic, climatic, and clinical and laboratory characteristics of all patients were investigated. All of the cases were confirmed by CCHF immunoglobulin M (IgM) and/or PCR RNA positivity. Results: According to our reports 33 CCHF cases were followed in our clinic. Of the CCHF cases, 63.6% were male. Thirty patients (90.9%) were from rural regions. Seventeen patients (51, 5%) were farmers. The median age was 46.7 years (range18-71 years). On admission, 97% of patients experienced high fever, 100% had weakness, 93.9% had headache. The disease was more usual in May, June, July. Of the CCHF cases, 69.7% had a history of tick bite. On admission, all of the patients had thrombocytopenia, 87.9% had leucopenia, 27.3% had anemia, and 87.9% had elevated AST and ALT. Oral ribavirin treatment was used in 33.3% of the CCHF cases. The case-fatality rate was 12.1% (4/33 patients). Conclusions: CCHF remains a seasonal problem in the Mid-Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey. The mortality rate in our patients was higher than reported in other studies in our country (12% vs 5%). CCHF should be accompanied with supportive care, especially including early platelet replacement.

Características clínicas y factores pronósticos de la enfermedad meningocóccica: un estudio de serie de casos en Chile durante el brote 2012-2013 / Clinical features and prognostic factors of meningococcal disease: a case series study in Chile during the 2012-2013 outbreak

Introduction: Meningococcal disease (MD) is a major global problem because of its case fatality rate and sequels. Since 2012 cases of serogroup W have increased in Chile, with nonspecific clinical presentation, high case fatality rate and serious consequences. Objective: To characterize the evolution and outcome of MD cases between January 2012 and March 2013 in Chile. Material and Methods: Case series considering149 MD cases of 7 regions. A questionnaire was applied and clinical records were reviewed, including individual, agent, clinical course and healthcare process variables. The analysis allowed to obtain estimates of the OR as likelihoodof dying. Results: 51.5% was meningococcemia, the case fatality rate reached 27%, prevailing serogroup W (46.6%). Factors that increased the probability of dying: > age, belonging to indigenous people, having lived a stressful event, having diarrhea, impaired consciousness, cardiovascular symptoms, low oxygen saturation and low Glasgow coma scale score. Discussion: The case fatality rate exceeded normal levels and was higher in serogroup W. Increasing in this serogroup, associated to the increased presence of nonspecific symptoms or rapid progression to septicemia, hit a health system accustomed to more classic meningococcal disease presentation, which could partly explain the observed increased fatality rate.

Introducción: La enfermedad meningocóccica (EM) es un importante problema mundial por su letalidad y secuelas. Desde 2012 aumentaron en Chile los casos por serogrupo W, con presentación clínica inespecífica, elevada letalidad y secuelas graves. Objetivo: Caracterizar la evolución y desenlace de EM en casos desde enero de 2012 a marzo de 2013 en Chile. Material y Método: Serie de 149 casos de EM de siete regiones. Se aplicó un cuestionario y se revisaron registros clínicos, incluyendo variables del individuo, agente, curso clínico y proceso de atención. Los análisis permitieron obtener OR como estimadores de la probabilidad de fallecer. Resultados: El 51,5% se presentó como meningococcemia, la letalidad alcanzó a 27%, predominando el serogrupo W (46,6%). Aumentaron la probabilidad de fallecer: una mayor edad, pertenencia a pueblos originarios, haber vivido evento estresante, presentar diarrea, compromiso de conciencia, síntomas cardiovasculares, baja saturación de oxígeno y bajo puntaje de Glasgow. Discusión: La letalidad superó las frecuencias habituales y fue mayor en el serogrupo W. El aumento de este serogrupo, asociado a la mayor presencia de síntomas inespecíficos o a la rápida progresión a septicemia, impactó en un sistema de salud habituado a cuadros más clásicos de EM, lo que podría explicar en parte, la mayor letalidad observada.

Artritis séptica en pacientes adultos en un hospital general de Chile / Septic arthritis in adult patients in a general hospital in Chile

Background: Septic arthritis is an infrequent condition of prolonged morbidity and there is no previous publications in Chile that allow orientate therapy. Aim: To characterize a group of adult patients with septic arthritis confirmed by culture. Material and Methods: Descriptive study of a case series. Results: From 2003 to august 2013, 24 patients with 25 events of septic arthritis were identified in a general hospital. Mean age was 68.3 years old (range 24-94). Predisposing conditions were harbored by 91.7%. Predominant clinical manifestations were pain (92%) and impaired joint movement (95.7%). Fever was present in 64%, hypotension in 28% of events, and C-reactive protein > 100 mg/L in 90.6%. Gram positive cocci were the most frequently isolated microorganisms (81.5%), predominating S. aureus (48.1%), and with 4 isolates methicillin resistant isolates (26.7%). Resistant isolates trend to be associated with previous surgery (p = 0.055) and all cases caused by non-fermentative Gram negative bacilli had recent hospitalization or surgery, a feature that did not reach a significant difference. Nine events were associated to bacteremia (36%). Outcome analysis indicated 32% of events with full recovery, 28% with a favorable evolution, 20% with therapy failure and 16.7% patients that died. A total of 24% of the series remained with significant sequels. Conclusions: Septic arthritis is an infrequent disease that affects in most cases patients with predisposing conditions. Associated symptoms include pain and impaired joint movement, sometimes fever, hypotension, positive blood cultures and frequently a C-reactive protein > 100 mg/L. Predominant agents are Gram positive cocci, specially S. aureus, including methicillin resistant isolates. Case-fatality ratio, treatment failure and sequels are important.

Antecedentes: Los cuadros de artritis séptica son esporádicos pero de elevada morbilidad y no hay publicaciones en Chile que permitan orientar el tratamiento de ellos. Objetivos: Caracterizar un grupo de pacientes con cuadros de artritis séptica confirmados microbiológicamente. Pacientes y Métodos: Serie de casos. Resultados: Un total de 24 pacientes con 25 eventos de artritis séptica fue identificado entre el 2003 y agosto de 2013. La edad promedio fue de 68,3 años (24-94) y 91,7% tuvo condiciones que predisponen. Las manifestaciones clínicas dominantes fueron dolor (92%) e impotencia funcional (95,7%), 64% presentó fiebre y 28% tuvo hipotensión arterial. Un 90,6% tuvo PCR > 100 mg/L. Las cocáceas grampositivas fueron los microorganismos más frecuentes (81,5%), predominando Staphylococcus aureus (48,1%) y cuatro cepas estafilocóccicas presentaron resistencia a cloxacilina (26,7%). Las cepas resistentes tendieron a estar asociadas a pacientes con cirugía articular previa (p: 0,055) y todos los casos asociados a bacilos gramnegativos no fermentadores tenían antecedentes de hospitalización reciente o cirugía articular previa. Nueve eventos (36%) se asociaron a bacteriemia. Un 32% de los pacientes tuvo curación, 28% un curso favorable, 20% fracaso y 16,7% falleció. Un 24% quedó con secuelas. Conclusiones: Los cuadros de artritis séptica son infrecuentes, afectan en su mayor parte a pacientes con factores que predisponen, se presentan con dolor e impotencia funcional, a veces fiebre, hipotensión arterial o bacteriemia y generalmente con PCR > 100 mg/L. Se asocian a cocáceas grampositivas, especialmente S. aureus, incluyendo aislados resistentes a cloxacilina. La letalidad, fracaso del tratamiento y secuelas no son despreciables.

Whose Failure? Encephalitis Kills.

Encephalitis continues to be one of the most dreaded diagnoses because a high rate of morbidity and mortality are accepted even before starting the treatment. Most encephalitis cases occur in rural areas due to poor environmental sanitation, highvector density, shortage of protected water supplies and lack of health education. Vaccination, environmental sanitation, vector control, health education and attention to prompt diagnosis and treatment in rural hospitals are the four essential pillars for reducing case fatality rate (CFR) of encephalitis. Frequently, virulence of the virus, immunological state of the host, unavailability of antiviral drugs and lack of enough tertiary care hospitals (TCH) are not responsible for the high CFR. Basic supportive care is not being practiced meticulously in Primary and Secondary Care Hospitals (PSCH), and their services are not being utilized fully. Main causes of high mortality and morbidity rates are hypoxia and ischemia of brain and other organs precipitated by preventable, controllable or treatable complications due to lack of basic medical and nursing care during transport to the TCH. Undiagnosed Rickettsial infections are suspected to be partly responsible for the high CFR in some areas. Improving rural hospitals and their ambulance services are the most economical way to reduce CFR. “Treatment facilities must be made available at places where cases occur.” The best way to reduce CFR of encephalitis in developing and underdeveloped countries is to increase and improve PSCH and sensitize politicians, administrators, medical/nursing professionals and more importantly to impress and convince the public to utilize them.