Primer Consenso Chileno de Grupo de Estudio de Tuberculosis Ocular

Introducción: El tratamiento de la tuberculosis (TB) ocular es un tema que genera controversia en el mundo. Para el correcto manejo de estos pacientes, es necesario el desarrollo de guías que consideren la epidemiología de la TB ocular en cada nación. El objetivo de este consenso fue discutir de forma interdisciplinaria la epidemiología, fisiopatología, clínica, diagnóstico, estudio y tratamiento de los pacientes con TB ocular, para establecer un algoritmo de tratamiento y proponer qué pacientes deben ser tratados en Chile y con qué tratamiento. Además, se establecieron acuerdos para efectuar quimioprofilaxis de los pacientes con TB latente que tienen indicación de tratamiento inmunosupresor por enfermedades inflamatorias oculares.

The treatment of ocular tuberculosis (TB) remains controversial worldwide. The development of guidelines for ocular TB can facilitate the approach and management of these patients. These guidelines should be developed regionally, considering the local TB epidemiology. The objectives of this consensus are: to initiate an interdisciplinary discussion about the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, workup and treatment of patients with ocular TB, to establish a treatment algorithm and define which patients should be treated in Chile and how and, to analyze and discuss the published data regarding chemoprophylaxis for patients with latent TB who need to start immunosuppressive treatment due to inflammatory ocular conditions.

High prevalence of protozoan infections: a permanent cycle in a brazilian semi-arid peripheric area

In regions where sanitary conditions are poor, prophylactic administration of antiparasitic drugs is common and affects the prevalence of intestinal parasites, in spite of the environmental maintenance of their life cycle. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of parasitic infections, patient lifestyles, health conditions and environmental sources of contamination. One hundred seventy two children and adolescents, 5 to 15 years of age of both sexes were analyzed. Data were obtained through epidemiological questionnaires, parasitological examinations using Paratest®, IgG testing for Entamoeba histolytica, and analysis of sources of contamination in living areas. The study detected a prevalence of 45.9% (79/172) parasitic infections, of which 62.0% (49/79) Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar complex; 46.8% (37/79) Entamoeba coli; 27.8% (22/79) Giardia intestinalis; 12.7% (10/79) Endolimax nana; 10.1% (8/79) Hymenolepis nana; 8.9% (7/79) Ascaris lumbricoides and 2.5% (2/79) Trichuris trichiura. Out of the 49 samples positive for Entamoeba histolytica complex, there was only one case of antibodies to E. histolytica. The children's life habits demonstrated inadequate food hygiene practices. These insufficient sanitary parameters revealed a general lack of information in face of an alarming situation regarding sewage and other sources of environmental contamination in 20% of the areas. The high prevalence of protozoan infections despite chemoprophylaxis, with environmental sources of contamination/risk, inadequate health conditions and the general apathy of the population suggest the ineffectiveness of current preventive practices. Thus, it is advisable that control actions include protozoa as therapeutic targets and, above all, health education as a routine practice to prevent the long-term continuance of this vicious cycle.

Aceitabilidade da quimioprofilaxia em área endêmica para a hanseníase: projeto PEP-Hans Brasil / Acceptability of chemoprophylaxis in an endemic area for leprosy: the PEP-Hans Brazil Project / Aceptabilidad de la quimioprofilaxis en un área endémica de hanseniasis: Proyecto PEP-Hans Brasil

Resumo: O objetivo deste artigo foi analisar a aceitabilidade da quimioprofilaxia com rifampicina em dose única (PEP) entre os contatos, casos índices de hanseníase e profissionais da saúde e fatores relacionados que possam influenciar na adesão. Realizou-se um estudo qualitativo de análise de conteúdo após aplicação de entrevistas semiestruturadas segundo protocolo proposto no programa LPEP (2016), realizado em Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brasil, em julho de 2016. Participaram do estudo indivíduos notificados com hanseníase, contatos e profissionais da saúde. Utilizou-se o software QRS NVivo versão 10. Foram contatados 80 indivíduos, sendo 54 (67%) contatos, 11 (14%) casos índices e 15 (19%) profissionais de saúde. Dentre os contatos, 94% (51/54) tomaram PEP. Foram identificadas 3 categorias quanto à PEP: compreensão, aceitação e expectativa da intervenção. A compreensão se mostrou relacionada ao cuidado da equipe de saúde. Aceitar ou não a medicação revelou-se relacionada ao medo, confiança e proteção, operacionalidade da estratégia, autoestima e insegurança quanto à intervenção. A expectativa da intervenção relacionou-se ao bem-estar, prevenção da doença e de sequelas, diminuição de gastos públicos e ampliação do acesso. Houve reconhecimento da relevância da estratégia PEP pela possibilidade de interrupção da cadeia de transmissão, diminuição de casos novos e melhora na qualidade de vida. A insegurança em tomar a medicação e de a doença se manifestar influenciaram negativamente à aceitação da PEP; por outro lado, as informações prévias sobre a estratégia PEP contribuíram para o fortalecimento da confiança nos profissionais de saúde e para a aceitabilidade da medicação(AU).

Abstract: The aim was to analyze the acceptability of chemoprophylaxis with single-dose rifampicin (PEP) in contacts, index leprosy cases, and health professionals and related factors that can influence adherence. A qualitative content analysis study was performed after application of semi-structured interviews according to the protocol proposed in the LPEP program (2016) drafted at Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso State, Brazil, in July 2016. Study participants included individuals with leprosy, contacts, and health professionals. The QRS NVivo software version 10 was used. A total of 80 individuals were contacted, including 54 (67%) contacts, 11 (14%) index cases, and 15 (19%) health professionals. 94% of the contacts (51/54) took PEP. Three PEP categories were identified: understanding, acceptance, and expectation towards the intervention. Understanding proved to be related to care by the health team. Acceptance (or lack thereof) of the medication was related to fear, trust, and protection, the strategy's operability, self-esteem, and insecurity regarding the intervention. Expectation towards the intervention was related to wellbeing, prevention of the disease, sequelae, decrease in public expenditures, and expanded access. Participants acknowledged the relevance of the PEP strategy based on the possibility of interrupting the transmission chain, reduction in new cases, and improved quality of life. Insecurity in taking the medication and the possibility of the disease manifesting itself had a negative influence on acceptance of PEP, while prior information on the PEP strategy helped strengthen trust in the health professionals and the medication's acceptance(AU).

Resumen: El objetivo fue analizar la aceptabilidad de la quimioprofilaxis con rifampicina en dosis única (PEP) entre los contactos, casos índices de hanseniasis y profesionales de salud, así como los factores relacionados que puedan influenciar en la adhesión al tratamiento. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo de análisis de contenido, tras la realización de entrevistas semiestructuradas, según el protocolo propuesto en el programa LPEP (2016), realizado en Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brasil, en julio de 2016. Participaron en el estudio individuos diagnosticados con hanseniasis, contactos y profesionales de la salud. Se utilizó el software QRS NVivo versión 10. Se contactó con 80 individuos, siendo 54 (67%) contactos, 11 (14%) casos índices y 15 (19%) profesionales de salud. Entre los contactos 94% (51/54) tomaron PEP. Se identificaron 3 categorías respecto a la PEP: comprensión, aceptación y expectativa de intervención. La comprensión estuvo relacionada con el cuidado del equipo de salud. El aceptar o no la medicación estuvo relacionado con el miedo, confianza y protección, operatividad de la estrategia, autoestima e inseguridad de la intervención. La expectativa de la intervención estuvo relacionada con el bienestar, prevención de la enfermedad, así como secuelas, disminución de gasto público y ampliación del acceso. Existió un reconocimiento de la relevancia de la estrategia PEP por la posibilidad de interrupción de la cadena de transmisión, disminución de casos nuevos y mejora en la calidad de vida. La inseguridad en tomar la medicación y de que la enfermedad se manifestara influenciaron negativamente en la aceptación de la PEP, por otro lado, la información previa sobre la estrategia PEP contribuyó al fortalecimiento de la confianza en los profesionales de salud y a la aceptabilidad de la medicación(AU).

Recent Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Pneumocystis Pneumonia / 결핵

In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is a wellk-nown opportunistic infection and its management has been established. However, PCP is an emerging threat to immunocompromised patients without HIV infection, such as those receiving novel immunosuppressive therapeutics for malignancy, organ transplantation, or connective tissue diseases. Clinical manifestations of PCP are quite different between patients with and without HIV infections. In patients without HIV infection, PCP rapidly progresses, is difficult to diagnose correctly, and causes severe respiratory failure with a poor prognosis. High-resolution computed tomography findings are different between PCP patients with HIV infection and those without. These differences in clinical and radiological features are due to severe or dysregulated inflammatory responses that are evoked by a relatively small number of Pneumocystis organisms in patients without HIV infection. In recent years, the usefulness of polymerase chain reaction and serum β-D-glucan assay for rapid and non-invasive diagnosis of PCP has been revealed. Although corticosteroid adjunctive to anti-Pneumocystis agents has been shown to be beneficial in some populations, the optimal dose and duration remain to be determined. Recent investigations revealed that Pneumocystis colonization is prevalent and that asymptomatic carriers are at risk for developing PCP and can serve as the reservoir for the spread of Pneumocystis by airborne transmission. These findings suggest the need for chemoprophylaxis in immunocompromised patients as well as infection control measures, although the indications remain controversial. Because a variety of novel immunosuppressive therapeutics have been emerging in medical practice, further innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of PCP are needed.

Chemoprophylaxis in the prevention of postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: A 5-year review / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background@#Administration of chemotherapy to prevent postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia was first implemented in the 1960’s. However, its use has remained controversial.@*Objectives@#This study aimed to describe the effect of chemoprophylaxis in preventing progression of hydatidiform mole to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia among patients managed in a tertiary hospital in Davao City from 2011 to 2015.@*Materials & Method@#This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated 123 cases of hydatidiform mole who were managed at a tertiary hospital in Davao City from the years 2011 to 2015. The patients’ charts were retrieved to get the clinicodemographic profile, progression to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, and occurrence of adverse effects secondary to chemoprophylaxis. Patients with rising or plateauing beta human chorionic gonadotropin titer were identified within the 3-year period from molar evacuation. Collected data were analyzed using frequency and percentage distribution.@*Results@#The mean age of the patients was 30.5 years, 24% of whom were noted in women more than 40 years of age. The average age of gestation on admission was 14.89 weeks. All patients had a histopathologic diagnosis of complete mole and at least one risk factor for developing postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. Patients did not experience any significant side effect to chemoprophylaxis. None of the patients developed gestational trophoblastic neoplasia within the 3-year period of monitoring.@*Conclusion@#The administration of chemoprophylaxis to patients diagnosed with hydatidiform mole may be effective against the development of postmolar gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

Isoniazid Preventive Chemotherapy in Children Contact with Adult Open Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Background: To investigate importance of INH preventivechemotherapy among the children age above 5 years whowere contacted with adults having open pulmonarytuberculosis, as well as the effectiveness of INH prophylaxisamong the children age under 5 years regarding Bangladeshicontext.Objectives: This prospective observational study was carriedout to detect the frequency of tuberculosis and also effect ofisoniazid preventive chemotherapy in children contact withadult open pulmonary tuberculosis.Methods: This study was conducted in the department ofPediatrics, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College andHospital, Dhaka for duration of three (3) years, from July 2015to July 2018. About 384 population under 12 years childrenwho were close contacted with adult open pulmonarytuberculosis patients, were taken as study sample. Thereprospectively document adherence to six months of INHchemoprophylaxis and outcome in children with householdexposure to an adult open pulmonary tuberculosis index caseon purposive sampling technique. All the children werefollowed up and evaluated after 6 and12 months with monthlymonitoring. Ethical issues were maintained accordingly.Results: In current study subjects, the mean age was6.27±3.08 years and gender distribution were near about equal(Male: 49.5% vs. Female: 50.5%).Among the ≤5 yearschildren, only 52.7% of them received INH prophylaxis andnobody developed TB. But TB was noticeably found in 21.3%of children aged ≤5 years those who didn’t take INHprophylaxis. The majority of tuberculosis patients was foundstayed in urban slum in comparison to LTBI and healthycontact (81.25% vs. 30.77% vs. 39.26%). More than 90% oftuberculosis patients were severe underweight in this study.Conclusion: INH preventive chemotherapy is an importantfactor in children contact of adult tuberculosis. It isrecommended to provide INH chemoprophylaxis in children upto 12 years age. So it should be consider in national policymaking of Bangladesh to reduce tubercular burden inchildhood age.

Influenza A. Manejo ambulatorio / Influenza A. Ambulatory management

Introducción. La influenza A constituye uno de los principales problemas de salud que enfrenta la humanidad.El manejo clínico ambulatorio usando el protocolo de oseltamivir y saturomería permite realizar una práctica evaluación. Objetivo. Evaluar resultados usando protocolo de oseltamivir y saturometría en atención médica ambulatoria y emergencias en pacientes con influenza A. Métodos. Realizar un estudio clínico experimental aleatorio en pacientes con influenza A, usando protocolo con oseltamivir y saturometría y compararlo con tratamiento estándar. Conclusiones. La influenza A seguirá afectandónos por varios años más, debemos asumir una capacidad de respuesta, que incluya: la detección y confirmación de casos; así como su manejo clínico oportuno y eficaz. (AU)

Introduction. Influenza A is one of the main health problems facing humanity. Outpatient clinical management using the oseltamivir and saturomer protocol allows a practical evaluation. Objective. To evaluate results using oseltamivir protocol and saturometry in ambulatory medical care and emergencies in patients with influenza A. Methods. Perform a randomized experimental clinical study in patients with influenza A, using procolo with oseltamivir and saturometry and compare it with standard treatment. Conclusions. Influenza A will continue to affect us for several more years, we must assume a capacity to respond, that include: the detection and confirmation of cases; as well as its timely and effective clinical management. (AU)

Consenso de difteria

Consenso acerca de los aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, terapéuticos y preventivos más importantes de la Difteria

Consensus about the most important epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and preventive aspects of Diphtheria

Chemoprophylaxis for Contacts of Leprosy Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Individuals who are in close association or proximity with leprosy patients have a greater chance of acquiring the disease. However, the effectiveness of chemoprophylaxis in preventing leprosy in contacts of affected patients for optimal disease control remains unclear and a significant public health issue in developing countries such as India, Brazil, and Bangladesh. Electronic searches of Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and LILACS up to October 2017 were conducted to identify eligible studies. Reference lists of potentially eligible studies were reviewed. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing chemoprophylaxis with placebo for the prevention of leprosy infection in contacts of affected patients. A pair of reviewers independently screened eligible articles, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. The GRADE approach was used to rate overall certainty of the evidence. Six RCTs including 52,483 participants proved eligible. Results suggested a statistically significantly reduction in clinical leprosy in contacts both, up to two years (Risk Ratio 2 (RR) 0.32, 95% Confidential Interval (CI) 0.17, 0.62; p < 0.0007; I =70%, p=0.07; low-certainty evidence) and 2 from two to five years of follow-up (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.29, 0.89; p=0.02; I =80%, p < 0.0005; low-certainty evidence) with the use of chemoprophylaxis in comparison to placebo. However, results suggested a non2 significant reduction in clinical leprosy in contacts over five years (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.46, 1.28; p =0.31; I =48%, p=0.16; low-certainty evidence). Low-certainty evidence shows that chemoprophylaxis is effective in the reduction of clinical leprosy in contacts up to two years and from two to five years. However, due to lowcertainty evidence there is no significant effect of chemoprophylaxis in contacts, over five years follow-up period.

Reacciones adversas causadas por quimioprofilaxis con doxiciclina / Adverse reactions caused by chemoprophylaxis with doxicicline

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y prospectivo de 86 trabajadores del Puerto Guillermón Moncada de Santiago de Cuba, quienes recibieron tratamiento quimioprofiláctico con doxiciclina y presentaron reacciones adversas asociadas a dicho tratamiento, en noviembre del 2015, con vistas a caracterizarles y determinar la relación de causalidad existente entre la administración del medicamento, la aparición de efectos indeseables y las posibles interacciones farmacológicas. En esta serie, las reacciones adversas resultaron leves y no graves; las relaciones de causalidad, definitivas en la mayoría de los afectados (65,1 por ciento), aunque se determinaron algunas como probables y posibles, en tanto, las reacciones más frecuentes se presentaron en la esfera gastrointestinal

A descriptive and prospective study of 86 workers from Guillermón Moncada Port was carried out in Santiago de Cuba. They received chemoprophylactic treatment with doxicicline and presented adverse reactions associated with this treatment, in November, 2015, aimed at characterizing them and determining the relationship of causation existing between the administration of medication, emergence of undesirable effects and possible pharmacological interactions. In this series, the adverse reactions were light and no severe; the causation relationships, were definitive in most of the affected patients (65.1 percent), although some were determined as probable and possible, while, the most frequent reactions were presented in the gastrointestinal sphere

Progress in the chemoprophylaxis of neonatal fungal infection / 中国小儿急救医学

Due to the improvement of infant survival rates,Candidas have been proved to be the third most common pathogen of late-onset sepsis in NICU,and invasive fungal infection of high-risk infants is in-creasing attention. As the diagnosis is difficult,treatment is often delayed,high mortality and severe disability are also caused,it's becoming a research hot spot to assess whether antifungal prophylaxis is beneficial. Now a number of studies have been performed to discuss the prophylactic role of fluconazole and nystatin,but has not yet reached a consensus. This review described the influence of chemoprophylaxis on fungal infection, colonization and drug resistance.

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Malaria Chemoprophylaxis and Early Diagnosis for Korean Soldiers in Malaria Risk Regions

BACKGROUND: Chemoprophylaxis has been used to prevent malaria among soldiers and secondary transmission, as it effectively facilitates a decline in disease occurrence and secondary prevention. However, poor compliance and decreased risk of exposure to malaria necessitate that control strategies be reestablished. METHODS: To predict the incidence of malaria according to a control strategy, we proposed a mathematical model for its transmission using epidemiological data from 2010 to 2012. The benefit component included in the analyses was the averted cost with each control strategy, and the cost components were the cost of implementing chemoprophylaxis and early diagnosis. RESULTS: The chemoprophylaxis regimen with hydroxychloroquine sulfate and primaquine was Intervention 1, the regimen with primaquine only was Intervention 2, and diagnosis with a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kit within 5 days of fever was Intervention 3. The simulation indicated that the combined control program with chemoprophylaxis and early diagnosis would be the most effective strategy, whereas sole early diagnosis would be the least effective strategy. However, the cost-benefit ratio of chemoprophylaxis was less than Intervention 1, irrespective of the varying range of chemoprophylaxis compliance, and that of early diagnosis was more than Intervention 1, regardless of the varying early diagnosis rate and demand for the RDT kit. Although chemoprophylaxis would be more effective at reducing the incidence of malaria than early diagnosis, it is less economical due to the higher cost. CONCLUSION: Our results support the introduction of early diagnosis with a RDT kit to control malaria in the Republic of Korea Army.

Avances en la búsqueda y desarrollo de quimioprofilácticos causales para malaria / Research and development of causal chemoprophylactics in malaria / Progressos nas pesquisas e desenvolvimento de profilaxia primaria para a malária

RESUMEN La malaria es una enfermedad infecciosa de importancia epidemiológica mundial, producida por diferentes especies del género Plasmodium. La quimioprofilaxis causal (QC) evita la infección y/o el desarrollo de las formas hepáticas de Plasmodium spp. Considerando recientemente la QC como una estrategia para reducir la carga de morbimortalidad en regiones endémicas para malaria, en el marco de programas para el control, la eliminación o la posible erradicación de la enfermedad, se hizo una revisión no sistemática de la literatura para conocer el estado del avance de las investigaciones sobre quimioprofilácticos causales en modelos in vivo para malaria, para aportar al conocimiento, presentando un panorama actualizado sobre el tema, y llamar la atención acerca de la importancia y la necesidad de nuevos medicamentos con efecto quimioprofiláctico. Para ello, se consultaron las bases de datos: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar y la página oficial de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), combinando los descriptores o palabras clave: chemoprophylaxis, quimioprofilaxis, malaria, Plasmodium e in vivo. Luego de revisar 33 artículos de la literatura mundial y 4 informes de la OMS, publicados entre los años 1995 y 2015, se concluye que la molécula semisintética NCP-tazopsina y las moléculas sintéticas: KAF156 (imidazolpiperazina) y tafenoquina (8 aminoquinolina), son los agentes QC más promisorios en el momento. Estas moléculas pueden convertirse en una alternativa para el control de la malaria en un futuro cercano.

SUMMARY Malaria is an infectious disease of great epidemiological relevance worldwide, caused by several species of Plasmodium. Causal chemoprophylactics (QC) are important to prevent infection and/or development of liver forms of Plasmodium spp. Since the development of new QC is a topic of interest in malaria control, we carried out a literature review to determine the status of research and development of QC in in vivo models. The aim was to present a literature update and to draw attention to the importance of this field of research. We searched for literature published between 1995 and 2015 in the databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and the official website of the World Health Organization (WHO), using the keywords: chemoprophylaxis, quimioprofilaxis, malaria, Plasmodium and in vivo. We included 33 research articles of the world literature and four WHO reports, published between 1995 and 2015. Our review showed that the semisynthetic molecule NCP-tazopsine, and the synthetic molecules KAF156 (imidazolepiperazine) and tafenoquine (8 aminoquinoline) are the most promising causal chemoprophylactic agents currently under study. These molecules could become new alternatives for malaria control in the near future.

RESUMO A malária é uma doença infecciosa de importância epidemiológica mundial, ela é produzida por diferentes espécies do gênero Plasmodium. A profilaxia primaria previne a infecção e /ou desenvolvimento das formas hepáticas de Plasmodium spp. A profilaxia é o primeiro pilar na estratégia técnica global da OMS sobre a malária (2016-2030). Em concordância uma revisão sistemática da literatura foi desenvolvida como propósito de determinar o estado da arte sobre a profilaxia primaria para a malária em modelos experimentais in vivo, a fim de contribuir no conhecimento, apresentando uma visão geral sobre o assunto e fazendo um sinal de alerta para a importância e a necessidade do uso de novos medicamentos de efeito profilático. Os seguintes bancos de dados foram consultados: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar e o site oficial da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS). Combinando descritores ou palavras-chave: chemoprophylaxis, quimioprofilaxis, malaria, Plasmodium e in vivo. Depois de analisar 33 artigos da literatura mundial e 4 relatórios da OMS publicados entre 1995 e 2015, foi concluído que a molécula semisintético NCP-tazopsina e a moléculas sintéticas: KAF156 (imidazolpiperazina) e tafenoquine (8 aminoquinolina) são os agentes QC mais promissores no momento, por tanto estas moléculas podem-se tornar uma alternativa para o controle da malária no futuro próximo.

Venous Thromboembolism Following Hip and Knee Replacement Arthroplasty in Korea: A Nationwide Study Based on Claims Registry

The aim of this study was to examine the incidence and trends of clinically relevant venous thromboembolism (VTE) including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) after hip and knee replacement arthroplasty (HKRA) in Korea. Between January 1 and December 31, 2010, 22,127 hip replacement arthroplasty (HRA) patients and 52,882 knee replacement arthroplasty (KRA) patients were enrolled in the analysis using the administrative claims database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA). All available parameters including procedure history and clinically relevant VTE during the 90 days after HKRA were identified based on diagnostic and electronic data interchange (EDI) codes. The overall incidence of VTE, DVT, and PE during the 90 days was 3.9% (n=853), 2.7% (n=597), and 1.5% (n=327) after HRA, while the incidence was 3.8% (n=1,990), 3.2% (n=1,699), and 0.7% (n=355) after KRA. The incidence of VTE after HKRA was significantly higher in patients who had previous VTE history (odds ratio [OR], 10.8 after HRA, OR, 8.5 after KRA), chronic heart failure (2.1, 1.3), arrhythmia (1.8, 1.7), and atrial fibrillation (3.4, 2.1) than in patients who did not. The VTE incidence in patients with chemoprophylaxis was higher than that in patients without chemoprophylaxis. The incidence of VTEs revealed in this retrospective review was not low compared with the results of the studies targeting other Asian or Caucasian populations. It may warrant routine prevention including employment of chemoprophylaxis. However, the limitation of the reviewed data mandates large scale prospective investigation to affirm this observation.

Deep vein thrombosis in arthroscopic surgery and chemoprophylaxis recommendation in an Asian population

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>There are currently no guidelines supporting the use of routine chemoprophylaxis to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in arthroscopic surgery. Studies and meta-analysis show opposing views on its routine use in arthroscopy. This study aimed to examine the incidence of DVT in a prospective cohort of knee arthroscopy and knee arthroplasty patients, and to analyse the risk factors contributing to DVT.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>All patients scheduled to undergo knee arthroscopy or arthroplasty over a two-year period were included. A standardised regimen of postoperative mechanical prophylaxis and rehabilitation was applied to all patients. Only patients who were postoperatively symptomatic were referred for ultrasonography. DVT incidence was calculated, and univariate and multivariate analyses of the risk factors were performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The overall incidence of DVT was 0.5% among the 1,410 arthroscopy patients and 3.1% among the 802 arthroplasty patients. The incidence of proximal DVT among the arthroscopy and arthroplasty patients was 0.4% and 1.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that age was the only significant predictor of DVT incidence. Using the receiver operating characteristic method, the cut-off age for the arthroscopy and arthroplasty patients was 52 years, while that for the arthroscopy patients only was 40 years (increased risk of DVT: 5.46 and 6.44 times, respectively; negative predictive value: 99.7% and 99.8%, respectively).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DVT incidence among Asian arthroplasty and arthroscopy patients remains low, even without chemoprophylaxis. Since age was found to be a significant risk factor for DVT, DVT prophylaxis can be considered for patients in high-risk age groups.</p>

CHEMOPROPHYLAXIS TO CONTROL LEPROSY AND THE PERSPECTIVE OF ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN BRAZIL: A PRIMER FOR NON-EPIDEMIOLOGISTS / Quimioprofilaxia para prevenção de hanseníase e sua implantação no Brasil: uma explicação introdutória para não epidemiologistas

The occurrence of leprosy has decreased in the world but the perspective of its elimination has been questioned. A proposed control measure is the use of post-exposure chemoprophylaxis (PEP) among contacts, but there are still questions about its operational aspects. In this text we discuss the evidence available in literature, explain some concepts in epidemiology commonly used in the research on this topic, analyze the appropriateness of implementing PEP in the context of Brazil, and answer a set of key questions. We argue some points: (1) the number of contacts that need to receive PEP in order to prevent one additional case of disease is not easy to be generalized from the studies; (2) areas covered by the family health program are the priority settings where PEP could be implemented; (3) there is no need for a second dose; (4) risk for drug resistance seems to be very small; (5) the usefulness of a serological test to identify a higher risk group of individuals among contacts is questionable. Given that, we recommend that, if it is decided to start PEP in Brazil, it should start on a small scale and, as new evidence can be generated in terms of feasibility, sustainability and impact, it could move up a scale, or not, for a wider intervention.

A ocorrência de hanseníase tem diminuído no mundo apesar de que a perspectiva de sua eliminação tem sido questionada. Uma proposta para o controle da endemia é a quimioprofilaxia pós-exposição entre contatos (post-exposure chemoprophylaxis, PEP), embora ainda existam dúvidas quanto aos seus aspectos operacionais e generalização de resultados. Nesse texto nós discutimos as evidências disponíveis na literatura, explicamos alguns conceitos epidemiológicos comumente encontrados em pesquisa sobre PEP e a implantação da PEP no contexto brasileiro. Nós argumentamos que: (1) a estimativa em diferentes estudos do numero de contatos necessário para receber PEP para prevenir um novo caso de hanseníase (number needed to treat, NNT) não é facilmente generalizável; (2) áreas cobertas pelo programa de saúde da família são as áreas prioritárias onde PEP poderia ser implantado; (3) não existe necessidade de segunda dose da quimioprofilaxia; (4) o risco de resistência à droga usada na PEP parece ser muito pequeno; (5) questionamos a necessidade de teste sorológico para identificar indivíduos entre os contatos que tenham maior risco de doença. Nós opinamos que, se houver uma decisão para se iniciar PEP no Brasil, essa intervenção deveria ser iniciada em pequena escala e, à proporção que novas evidências são geradas sobre a factibilidade, sustentabilidade e impacto da intervenção, a intervenção com PEP poderia ou não ser usada em larga escala.

Tratamiento de la tuberculosis en pediatrí­a: actualización de la normativa / Treatment of tuberculosis in pediatrics: update

We present a summary of Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program’s guidelines, which were updated in2014, and are related to tuberculosis infection management in children under 15 years old, and their treatment in the case of active tuberculosis.

Este es un resumen de las normas técnicas del Programa de Control y Eliminación de la Tuberculosis actualizadas el año 2014 y que tienen relación con el manejo de la infección de la tuberculosis en menores de 15 años y su tratamiento cuando se trata de una tuberculosis activa.

Mass Chemoprophylaxis in Control of Pneumococcal Pneumonia Outbreak in a Military Training Centre.

Background: Outbreaks of streptococcal pneumonia among young recruits in military training centers are welldocumented. A signifi cant outbreak of pneumonia occurred between November 19, 2011 and February 4, 2012 among the young recruits of a large training center located in Southern India. Objectives: The objective of this investigation was to identify the cause of the outbreak, to control the outbreak at the earliest, and to provide future strategies for containing such an outbreak. Materials and Methods: The outbreak was investigated using standard epidemiological methods so as to describe its epidemiology, to identify the causative organism, to guide the outbreak control efforts, and to provide future strategies for containing such an outbreak. Results: Over 2 months, 58 cases of pneumonia occurred among the recruits of the center, giving an attack rate of 4.81 cases per 1,000 person-months. Radiological positivity was found in 72.4% of the cases. Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) was grown in all the three bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples. The outbreak rapidly ended following prophylaxis with oral azithromycin. Conclusions: This outbreak of pneumococcal disease occurred in the setting of intense military training and a crowded environment. Oral azithromycin was found to be the suitable strategy for control of the outbreak.

Estimating Costs Associated with a Community Outbreak of Meningococcal Disease in a Colombian Caribbean City.

Meningococcal disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that is caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis), and it can cause meningitis, meningococcaemia outbreaks and epidemics. The disease is fatal in 9-12% of cases and with a death rate of up to 40% among patients with meningococcaemia. The objective of this study was to estimate the costs of a meningococcal outbreak that occurred in a Caribbean city of Colombia. We contacted experts involved in the outbreak and asked them specific questions about the diagnosis and treatment for meningococcal cases during the outbreak. Estimates of costs of the outbreak were also based on extensive review of medical records available during the outbreak. The costs associated with the outbreak were divided into the cost of the disease response phase and the cost of the disease surveillance phase. The costs associated with the outbreak control and surveillance were expressed in US$ (2011) as cost per 1,000 inhabitants. The average age of patients was 4.6 years (SD 3.5); 50% of the cases died; 50% of the cases were reported to have meningitis (3/6); 33% were diagnosed with meningococcaemia and myocarditis (2/6); 50% of the cases had bacteraemia (3/6); 66% of the cases had a culture specimen positive for Neisseria meningitidis; 5 of the 6 cases had RT-PCR positive for N. meningitidis. All N. meningitidis were serogroup B; 50 doses of ceftriaxone were administered as prophylaxis. Vaccine was not available at the time. The costs associated with control of the outbreak were estimated at US$ 0.8 per 1,000 inhabitants, disease surveillance at US$ 4.1 per 1,000 inhabitants, and healthcare costs at US$ 5.1 per 1,000 inhabitants. The costs associated with meningococcal outbreaks are substantial, and the outbreaks should be prevented. The mass chemoprophylaxis implemented helped control the outbreak.

Cascade of access to interventions to prevent HIV mother to child transmission in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OBJECTIVES: To describe the access to the interventions for the prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) mother to child transmission and mother to child transmission rates in the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, from 1999 to 2009. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study. Prevention of HIV mother to child transmission interventions were accessed and mother to child transmission rates were calculated. RESULTS: The study population is young (median: 26 years; interquartile range: 22.0-31.0), with low monthly family income (40.4% up to one Brazilian minimum wage) and schooling (62.1% less than 8 years). Only 47.1% (n = 469) knew the HIV status of their partner; of these women, 39.9% had an HIV-seronegative partner. Among the 1259 newborns evaluated, access to the antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum prevention of HIV mother to child transmission components occurred in 59.2%, 74.2%, and 97.5% respectively; 91.0% of the newborns were not breastfed. Overall 52.7% of the newborns have benefited from all the recommended interventions. In subsequent pregnancies (n = 289), 67.8% of the newborns received the full package of interventions. The overall rate of HIV vertical transmission was 4.7% and the highest annual rate occurred in 2005 (7.4%), with no definite trend in the period. CONCLUSIONS: Access to the full package of interventions for the prevention of HIV vertical transmission was low, with no significant trend of improvement over the years. The vertical transmission rates observed were higher than those found in reference services in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro and in the richest regions of the country. .