ABSTRACT
El presente documento describe el claro enfoque de garantizar la continuidad de las intervenciones que se han venido implementando en el marco del Plan Multisectorial ante Heladas y Friaje 2019-2021, por lo cual mantiene el planteamiento de una atención integral a los territorios más vulnerables a los efectos de estos fenómenos climatológicos, y propone intensificar el cierre de brechas prioritarias de viviendas, escuelas, cobertizos y pastos, atendiendo con intervenciones sostenibles y de entrega directa, a la población más vulnerable a los impactos de las heladas y friaje
Subject(s)
Health Programs and Plans , Cold Climate , Risk Assessment , Meteorological Disaster , Cold Zones , Cold-Shock ResponseABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Traditionally, microbial genome sequencing has been restrained to the species grown in pure culture. The development of culture-independent techniques over the last decade allows scientists to sequence microbial communities directly from environmental samples. Metagenomics is the study of complex genome by the isolation of DNA of the whole community. Next generation sequencing (NGS) of metagenomic DNA gives information about the microbial and taxonomical characterization of a particular niche. The objective of the present research is to study the microbial and taxonomical characterization of the metagenomic DNA, isolated from the frozen soil sample of a glacier in the north western Himalayas through NGS. RESULTS: The glacier community comprised of 16 phyla with the representation of members belonging to Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria. The number of genes annotated through the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), GO, Pfam, Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins (COGs), and FIG databases were generated by COGNIZER. The annotation of genes assigned in each group from the metagenomics data through COG database and the number of genes annotated in different pathways through KEGG database were reported. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that the glacier soil taken in the present study, harbors taxonomically and metabolically diverse communities. The major bacterial group present in the niche is Proteobacteria followed by Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria, etc. Different genes were annotated through COG and KEGG databases that integrate genomic, chemical, and systemic functional information.
Subject(s)
Soil Microbiology , Bacteria/classification , High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing , Microbiota/genetics , Bacteria/isolation & purification , Cold Climate , Computational Biology , Ice Cover , Metagenomics , Genome, Microbial , IndiaABSTRACT
El rotafolio describe la información sobre las prácticas para prevenir las infecciones respiratorias agudas ante el friaje y heladas, con énfasis en niños y niñas menores de 5 años, mayores de 60 años de edad o personas con enfermedades crónicas
Subject(s)
Cold Climate , Risk Assessment , Meteorological Disaster , Programs of Education in Disasters , Environmental Exposure , Health PromotionABSTRACT
El documento contiene prácticas saludables frente a las temporadas de bajas temperaturas para que los gobiernos locales fortalezcan los conocimientos de su comunidad para que desarrollen prácticas saludables frente a esta temporada de bajas temperaturas, de manera que puedan organizar la vigilancia comunal de su población vulnerable y posibilite la reducción del efecto negativo del friaje en la salud de la población.
Subject(s)
Respiratory Tract Infections , Cold Climate , Risk Assessment , Meteorological Disaster , Programs of Education in Disasters , Environmental Exposure , Cold-Shock Response , Health PromotionABSTRACT
El documento contiene prácticas saludables frente a las temporadas de bajas temperaturas para que la comunidad educativa fortalezcan sus labores en la promoción de hábitos, comportamiento y entornos saludables en el ámbito escolar.
Subject(s)
Cold Climate , Risk Assessment , Programs of Education in Disasters , Environmental Exposure , Educational and Promotional Materials , Cold-Shock Response , Health PromotionABSTRACT
El documento contiene prácticas saludables frente a las temporadas de bajas temperaturas para que el personal de salud. fortalezcan sus labores en la promoción de hábitos saludables.
Subject(s)
Respiratory Tract Infections , Cold Climate , Community Health Workers , Programs of Education in Disasters , Cold-Shock Response , Health PromotionABSTRACT
Durante el invierno las infecciones respiratorias agudas bajas (IRAB) determinan un incremento en la demanda asistencial, afectando sobre todo a los niños más pequeños. El objetivo de la investigación fue describir las características clínicas, modalidades de tratamiento y evolución de los menores de 2 años hospitalizados en el Hospital Pediátrico-Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell por IRAB de etiología viral durante el invierno de 2014. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, describiendo las características de los menores de 2 años hospitalizados del 9/6 al 21/9/2014 por IRAB de probable etiología viral. Se describieron las características epidemiológicas y clínicas, el tratamiento realizado y la evolución de los pacientes. En el período evaluado egresaron 742 niños (34% de los egresos de la institución). Tenían una mediana de edad de 4 meses; 18% presentaba al menos un factor de riesgo de IRAB grave. Se identificó al virus respiratorio sincicial en 59,6%. La estadía hospitalaria tuvo una mediana de 4 días. En las salas de cuidados moderados se aplicó ventilación no invasiva a 46 niños, y oxigenación de alto flujo a 129 niños, logrando una mejoría clínica en el 87,0% y el 87,6% respectivamente. Ingresaron a unidades de cuidados intensivos 217 niños, 54% requirió asistencia ventilatoria mecánica. Dos pacientes fallecieron. En el período evaluado los niños pequeños con IRAB representaron una importante proporción de los egresos, con importante carga asistencial. La mayoría eran niños sin factores de riesgo. La aplicación de las técnicas de tratamiento en cuidados moderados fue efectiva, permitiendo disminuir la demanda de camas de cuidados intensivos.
During the winter, low acute respiratory infections (LARI) determine an increase in care demand, especially affecting younger children. The objective of the research was to describe the clinical characteristics, treatment modalities and evolution of children under 2 years of age hospitalized at the Hospital Pediátrico-Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell for viral etiology LARI during the 2014 winter. A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted, describing the characteristics of children under 2 years hospitalized between 9/6 and 9/21/2014 for LARI of probable viral etiology. The following features were described: epidemiological and clinical characteristics, treatment performed and patient's evolution. During the period evaluated, 742 children were discharged (34% of the institution's admissions). They had a median age of 4 months; 18% had at least one risk factor for severe LARI. Respiratory syncytial virus was identified in 59.6%. The hospital stay had a median of 4 days. In moderate care rooms noninvasive ventilation was applied to 46 children, and high flow oxygenation to 129 children, achieving clinical improvement in 87.0% and 87.6%, respectively. Two hundred and seventeen children were admitted 54% required mechanical ventilation. Two patients died. In the evaluated period small children with LARI represented a significant proportion of the discharges, with an important burden of care. The majority were children without risk factors. The application of treatment techniques in moderate care was effective, allowed a decrease in the demand for intensive care beds.
Durante o inverno, as infecções respiratórias agudas baixas (IRAB) determinam o aumento da demanda de cuidados, afetando especialmente as crianças menores. O objetivo da pesquisa foi descrever as características clínicas, as modalidades de tratamento e a evolução de crianças menores de dois anos hospitalizados no Hospital Pediátrico-Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell devido a IRAB de etiologia viral, durante o inverno de 2014. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo e retrospectivo, descrevendo as características das crianças menores de 2 anos hospitalizadas entre 9/6 e 21/9/2014 devido a IRAB de provável etiologia viral. Descreveram-se: características epidemiológicas e clínicas, tratamento realizado e evolução dos pacientes. Durante o período avaliado, 742 crianças foram hospitalizadas (34% dos ingressos da instituição). Tinham uma idade média de 4 meses; 18% tinham pelo menos um fator de risco para IRAB severa. O vírus sincicial respiratório foi identificado em 59,6%. A estadia hospitalaria teve uma mediana de 4 dias. Em salas de cuidados moderados, a ventilação não invasiva foi aplicada a 46 crianças e a oxigenação de alto fluxo a 129 crianças, atingindo melhora clínica em 87,0% e 87,6%, respectivamente. Foram internadas em unidades de terapia intensiva 217 crianças, 54% necessitaram de ventilação mecânica. Dois pacientes faleceram. No período avaliado, as crianças pequenas com IRAB representaram uma proporção significativa das despesas, com um carga importante de atendimento. A maioria carecia de fatores de risco. A aplicação de técnicas de tratamento em cuidados moderados foi eficaz, permitindo uma diminuição da demanda por leitos de terapia intensiva.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Infant, Newborn , Infant , Child, Preschool , Oxygen Inhalation Therapy/statistics & numerical data , Respiratory Tract Infections/diagnosis , Respiratory Tract Infections/therapy , High-Frequency Ventilation/statistics & numerical data , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/diagnosis , Noninvasive Ventilation/statistics & numerical data , Respiratory Tract Infections/etiology , Respiratory Tract Infections/mortality , Child, Hospitalized/statistics & numerical data , Acute Disease , Epidemiology, Descriptive , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/complications , Cold Climate/adverse effects , Age DistributionABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Cold weather exercise is common in many regions of the world; however, it is unclear whether respiratory function and symptom worsen progressively with colder air temperatures. Furthermore, it is unclear whether high-ventilation sport background exacerbates dysfunction and symptoms. METHODS: Seventeen active females (measure of the maximum volume of oxygen [VO(2max)]: 49.6±6.6 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) completed on different days in random order 5 blinded running trials at 0℃, -5℃, -10℃, -15℃, and -20℃ (humidity 40%) in an environmental chamber. Distance, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured within each trial; forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory flow at 25%-75% (FEF₂₅₋₇₅), and forced expiratory flow at 50% (FEF₅₀) were measured pre- and post-test (3, 6, 10, 15, and 20 minutes). Respiratory symptoms and global effort were measured post-test spirometry. RESULTS: Mean decreases were found in FEV1 (4%-5% at 0℃, -5℃, -10℃, and -15℃; 7% at -20℃). FEF₂₅₋₇₅ and FEF₅₀ decreased 7% and 11% at -15℃ and -20℃, respectively. Post-exertion spirometry results were decreased most at 3 to 6 minutes, recovering back to baseline at 20 minutes. Respiratory symptoms and global effort significantly increased at -15℃ and -20℃ with decreased heart rate. High-ventilation sports decreased function more than low-ventilation participants but had fewer symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that intense exercise at cold air temperatures up to -20℃ is achievable; however, greater effort along with transient acute bronchoconstriction and symptoms of cough after exercising in temperatures colder than -15℃ are likely. It is recommended that individuals cover their mouth and reduce exercise intensity to ameliorate the effects of cold weather exercise.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Asthma, Exercise-Induced , Athletes , Bronchoconstriction , Cold Climate , Cough , Forced Expiratory Volume , Heart Rate , Mouth , Oxygen , Running , Spirometry , Sports , Ventilation , Vital Capacity , WeatherABSTRACT
Todos los años, diversos departamentos de la selva están experimentando la presencia de bajas temperaturas caracterizado por el fenómeno denominado friaje. Este evento afecta negativamente la forma de vida de la población, principalmente la salud; lo cual se manifiesta con el incremento de casos de infecciones respiratorias agudas (IRA) como la gripe, influenza y neumonías. Las poblaciones más expuestas son las que se encuentran en situación de pobreza y pobreza extrema, y los grupos vulnerables de niños y niñas, adultos mayores y enfermos crónicos principalmente, que se ven afectados por el súbito descenso de la temperatura. Como Agente Comunitario en Salud, permite usar esta guía para que, junto al personal de salud fortalezcan sus labores en la promoción de prácticas saludables frente a las temporadas de bajas temperaturas
Subject(s)
Respiratory Tract Infections , Forests , Cold Climate , Community Health Workers , Risk Assessment , Meteorological Disaster , Programs of Education in Disasters , Environmental Exposure , Health PromotionABSTRACT
Todos los años departamentos de la selva de nuestro país experimentan la presencia de bajas temperatura, fenómeno climatológico caracterizado por el friaje. Los daños a la salud reportados durante la temporada de frío en algunas zonas del país son preocupantes, las que coincidentemente son producto de múltiples determinantes tales como pobreza extrema, deficiencias en el acceso a la salud, insuficiente educación para la percepción de los riesgos, las que se traducen en vulnerabilidades. En términos de salud, este fenómeno climatológico se refleja en incremento de neumonías y defunciones en la población vulnerable como son los menores de cinco años y adultos mayores. Reducir el riesgo de los efectos de la temporada de friaje requiere de una intervención y participación conjunta, tanto de las autoridades de todos los sectores (salud, educación, vivienda entre otros), de todos los niveles de gobierno (central, regional y local), y en especial de las familias, agentes comunitarios en salud y de la comunidad en general. La presente cartilla informativa útil para los gobiernos locales que fortalezcan los conocimientos de su comunidad para que desarrollen prácticas saludables frente a esta temporada de bajas temperaturas, de manera que puedan organizar la vigilancia comunal de su población vulnerable y posibilite la reducción del efecto negativo del friaje en la salud de la población
Subject(s)
Respiratory Tract Infections , Forests , Cold Climate , Risk Assessment , Meteorological Disaster , Programs of Education in Disasters , Environmental Exposure , Health Promotion , Local GovernmentABSTRACT
La temporada de friaje en las regiones de nuestro país se convierte, en muchas ocasiones, en situaciones de emergencias. La Política de Estado N° 32, reconoce y enmarca la Gestión de Riesgo de Desastres, como un compromiso nacional de prioritario interés, generándose los espacios para las diversas acciones de prevención, preparación y respuesta que se materializan. En tal sentido, el Ministerio de Salud en articulación con el Ministerio de Educación y otros sectores desarrolla intervenciones en los espacios de la familia, instituciones educativas y comunidad en general. La presente cartilla informativa está dirigida a la comunidad educativa para promover comportamientos y entornos saludables en el ámbito escolar, frente a la temporada de bajas temperaturas, para reducir las consecuencias que este evento climatológico podría generar sobre la salud de las personas, fundamentalmente las de mayor vulnerabilidad
Subject(s)
Forests , Cold Climate , Risk Assessment , Meteorological Disaster , Programs of Education in Disasters , Environmental Exposure , Cold-Shock Response , Health PromotionABSTRACT
El rotafolio brinda información sobre las prácticas para prevenir las infecciones respiratorias agudas ante el friaje y heladas, con énfasis en niños y niñas menores de 5 años, mayores de 60 años de edad o personas con enfermedades crónicas
Subject(s)
Cold Climate , Risk Assessment , Meteorological Disaster , Programs of Education in Disasters , Environmental Exposure , Cold-Shock Response , Health PromotionABSTRACT
ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the individual change of International prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) in each patient by temperature conditions. Materials and Methods The severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) was explored using the IPSS and OABSS questionnaires that were completed by 2.486 subjects (923 males and 1.563 females) aged 60 years and older. Korea Meteorological Administration data was used to determine daily average temperature and daily temperature difference on the interview dates at each site. Results The mean IPSS and mean age for males was 13.45±8.24 and 75.03±6.20 years, respectively. The mean OABSS and mean age for females was 4.41±3.10 and 73.74±6.03years, respectively. Daily average temperature and daily temperature difference ranged from-3.4-28.3oC and 2.2-16.9oC, respectively. Age was a significantly risk factor for IPSS, OABSS, and QoL (P<0.001, <0.001, and 0.005, respectively). After multiple regression analysis, daily average temperatures did not show a statistically significant change in IPSS and OABSS. Only daily temperature differences were associated with male LUTS. Conclusions While LUTS could be worsened in low temperatures generally, IPSS and OABSS were not affected by daily average temperature conditions. Daily temperature differences may be more influential than daily average temperatures.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Prostatic Hyperplasia/physiopathology , Cold Temperature , Cold Climate , Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/physiopathology , Quality of Life , Seasons , Time Factors , Severity of Illness Index , Sex Factors , Epidemiologic Methods , Risk Factors , Age Factors , Environmental Exposure , Republic of KoreaABSTRACT
Introducción: en el Hospital Pediátrico del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell (HP-CHPR) durante los meses fríos, las infecciones respiratorias agudas bajas (IRAB) determinan gran demanda asistencial. Para afrontarlas se pone en práctica una estrategia de diagnóstico y tratamiento denominada Plan de Invierno (PI), que se planifica anualmente, en función de las características de los pacientes tratados en años anteriores. Objetivos: describir las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y evolutivas de los niños que requirieron admisión por IRAB en el HP-CHPR durante los meses fríos del 2012 y describir las principales acciones de la estrategia Plan Invierno del año 2012 (PI-2012). Metodología: se describieron las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y evolutivas de los menores de 24 meses que egresaron del HP-CHPR, en el marco de la estrategia PI-2012, por IRAB de probable etiología viral. Se describió las principales acciones de la estrategia de diagnóstico y tratamiento realizada. Resultados: durante el PI-2012 egresaron 887 niños (25,5% de los egresos hospitalarios). La mediana de edad fue 4 meses. Menos de 10% tenía factores de riesgo para enfermedad grave. El virus respiratorio sincitial (VRS) fue el más frecuentemente identificado. Se aplicó un protocolo de diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se pusieron en práctica técnicas especiales de tratamiento en salas de cuidados moderados. Se aplicó ventilación no invasiva (VNI) en 87 niños, con éxito en 80% de los casos. Se realizó oxigenación de alto flujo (OAF) a 22 niños, con éxito en 100%. Requirieron ingreso a terapia intensiva (CTI) 149 niños, 55,7% requirió asistencia ventilatoria mecánica (AVM). Dos pacientes fallecieron en salas de cuidados moderados, cuatro en CTI. Conclusiones: las IRAB representaron una causa muy importante de morbimortalidad durante el período descripto. Los niños que requirieron ingreso hospitalario eran en su mayoría pequeños. Un porcentaje importante cursó una enfermedad grave, requiriendo modalidades especiales de tratamiento. Es importante continuar en la búsqueda de la mejor estrategia terapéutica para estos niños.
Introduction: during the colder months, acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI) determine a considerable increase in the demand for care at the Pereira Rossell Pediatric Hospital (HP-CHPR). In order to respond to such demand the hospital implements a diagnosis and treatment strategy called Winter Plan (WP), which is planned annually based on the characteristics of patients treated in previous years. Objectives: to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and evolution of children with ALRI who required hospitalization in the HP-CHPR during the cold months of 2012, and to describe the main actions of the 2012 Winter Plan strategy (2012 WP). Methodology: epidemiological, clinical and evolution characteristics of children under 24 months discharged from HP-CHPR within the 2012WP strategy were described. The strategy’s main action for diagnosis and treatment were described. Results: 887 children were discharged during the 2012 WP strategy, representing 25.5% of hospital discharges. Median age was 4 months. Less than 10% presented risk factors for severe disease. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the most frequently identified virus. A protocol for diagnosis and treatment was applied. Special techniques for treatment were implemented in transitional care rooms. 87 children were administered non-invasive ventilation, which was successful in 80% of cases. High-flow oxygen was used in 22 children, being this successful in all patients. 149 children required admission to intensive care unit (ICU) , 55.7% needed mechanical ventilation assistance. Two patients died in the medium unit and four in the ICU. Conclusions: ALRI represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality during the period described . Most children who required hospitalization were young. A significant percentage presented a severe disease, requiring special treatment modalities. It is important to continue searching for the best therapeutic strategy for these children.
Subject(s)
Humans , Respiratory Tract Infections/diagnosis , Respiratory Tract Infections/etiology , Respiratory Tract Infections/mortality , Respiratory Tract Infections/therapy , Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology , Child, Hospitalized/statistics & numerical data , Acute Disease , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/diagnosis , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/therapy , Respiration, Artificial/statistics & numerical data , Uruguay , Cold Climate/adverse effects , Critical Care/statistics & numerical data , Noninvasive Ventilation/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
La presente publicación describe las normas de prevención, reducción del riesgo; y asegura una respuesta oportuna; atendiendo y controlando los daños a la salud de las personas y a los servicios, propiciando la rehabilitación de los EESS y servicios afectados frente a la temporada de frío
Subject(s)
Cold Climate , Risk Reduction Behavior , Civil Defense , Vulnerability Study , Environmental Exposure , Health Management , Risk Assessment , Emergency Plans , Health Programs and Plans , PeruABSTRACT
Metagenomic library PP1 was obtained from Antarctic soil samples. Both functional and genotypic metagenomic screening were used for the isolation of novel cold-adapted enzymes with potential applications, and for the detection of genetic elements associated with gene mobilization, respectively. Fourteen lipase/esterase-, 14 amylase-, 3 protease-, and 11 cellulase-producing clones were detected by activity-driven screening, with apparent maximum activities around 35 °C for both amylolytic and lipolytic enzymes, and 35-55 °C for cellulases, as observed for other cold-adapted enzymes. However, the behavior of at least one of the studied cellulases is more compatible to that observed for mesophilic enzymes. These enzymes are usually still active at temperatures above 60 °C, probably resulting in a psychrotolerant behavior in Antarctic soils. Metagenomics allows to access novel genes encoding for enzymatic and biophysic properties from almost every environment with potential benefits for biotechnological and industrial applications. Only intI- and tnp-like genes were detected by PCR, encoding for proteins with 58-86 %, and 58-73 % amino acid identity with known entries, respectively. Two clones, BAC 27A-9 and BAC 14A-5, seem to present unique syntenic organizations, suggesting the occurrence of gene rearrangements that were probably due to evolutionary divergences within the genus or facilitated by the association with transposable elements. The evidence for genetic elements related to recruitment and mobilization of genes (transposons/integrons) in an extreme environment like Antarctica reinforces the hypothesis of the origin of some of the genes disseminated by mobile elements among "human-associated" microorganisms.
A partir de muestras de suelo antártico se obtuvo la metagenoteca PP1. Esta fue sometida a análisis funcionales y genotípicos para el aislamiento de nuevas enzimas adaptadas al frío con potenciales aplicaciones, y para la detección de elementos génicos asociados a la movilización de genes, respectivamente. Por tamizaje fenotípico se detectaron 14, 14, 3 y 11 clones productores de lipasas/esterasas, proteasas, amilasas y celulasas, respectivamente, con actividades máximas aparentes de 35 °C para las amilasas y lipasas, y de 35-55 °C para las celulasas, tal como se observó para otras enzimas adaptadas al frío. Sin embargo, una celulasa parece ser compatible con enzimas mesófilas, las que usualmente se mantienen activas hasta por sobre 60 °C. Este hecho probablemente esté asociado a un comportamiento psicrotolerante en los suelos antárticos. La metagenómica permite acceder a una nueva miríada de productos metabólicos con potenciales beneficios para aplicaciones biotecnológicas e industriales. Se detectaron los genes tipo intI y tnp por PCR, y sus productos génicos deducidos tuvieron identidades del 58 al 86 % y del 58 al 73 % con secuencias conocidas, respectivamente. Dos clones, BAC 27A-9 y BAC 14A-5, parecen presentar organizaciones sintéticas únicas, lo cual sugiere la existencia de rearreglos génicos probablemente debidos a divergencias evolutivas dentro del género o facilitados por la asociación de elementos de transposición. La evidencia de elementos génicos relacionados con el reclutamiento y la movilización de genes en ambientes extremos como la Antártida refuerza la hipótesis sobre el origen de algunos genes diseminados por elementos móviles entre los microorganismos asociados al ser humano.
Subject(s)
Cold Climate , Enzymes/genetics , Interspersed Repetitive Sequences/genetics , Metagenome , Soil Microbiology , Adaptation, Physiological , Amino Acid Sequence , Antarctic Regions , Cloning, Molecular , Chromosomes, Artificial, Bacterial/genetics , Enzymes/isolation & purification , Fertilizers , Gasoline , Gene Library , Molecular Sequence Data , Petroleum , Sequence Alignment , Sequence Homology, Amino Acid , Soil PollutantsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Itch is an essential feature of atopic dermatitis (AD). Active AD cannot be diagnosed without a history of itch. There has been no previous study delineating the different characteristics of itch according to age. OBJECTIVE: We wanted to characterize and compare the clinical patterns and the sensory and affective dimensions of itch in adult and childhood AD patients. METHODS: A face-to-face structured questionnaire based on the McGill pain questionnaire was given to 90 patients with AD. The patients were classified into two groups: adult AD patients (> or =15 years old) and childhood AD patients (<15 years old). RESULTS: Eighty-eight percent of the total AD patients experienced itch everyday. This itch was mostly aggravated during the summer and at night in both groups of AD patients. The antecubital fossae, popliteal fossae and neck were the major sites of involvement with itch. More patients perceived the characteristics of itch as crawling, burning and tickling rather than stinging, stabbing and pinching. The majority of AD patients answered that sweat and hot climate aggravated the itch and medications and cold climate alleviated the itch. However, compared with the childhood patients, more adult patients experienced the aggravation of itch by exposure to dust, and the itch was alleviated by taking medications and by concentrating on work. A burning sensation with itch was more frequently reported by the adult patients when compared to that of the childhood patients. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the detailed description and characteristics of itch in adult and childhood AD patients. The proper management of itch according to age may be prerequisite to improve AD patients' quality of life.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Bites and Stings , Burns , Climate , Cold Climate , Dermatitis, Atopic , Dust , Neck , Pain Measurement , Quality of Life , Sensation , SweatABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Itch is an essential feature of atopic dermatitis (AD). Active AD cannot be diagnosed without a history of itch. There has been no previous study delineating the different characteristics of itch according to age. OBJECTIVE: We wanted to characterize and compare the clinical patterns and the sensory and affective dimensions of itch in adult and childhood AD patients. METHODS: A face-to-face structured questionnaire based on the McGill pain questionnaire was given to 90 patients with AD. The patients were classified into two groups: adult AD patients (> or =15 years old) and childhood AD patients (<15 years old). RESULTS: Eighty-eight percent of the total AD patients experienced itch everyday. This itch was mostly aggravated during the summer and at night in both groups of AD patients. The antecubital fossae, popliteal fossae and neck were the major sites of involvement with itch. More patients perceived the characteristics of itch as crawling, burning and tickling rather than stinging, stabbing and pinching. The majority of AD patients answered that sweat and hot climate aggravated the itch and medications and cold climate alleviated the itch. However, compared with the childhood patients, more adult patients experienced the aggravation of itch by exposure to dust, and the itch was alleviated by taking medications and by concentrating on work. A burning sensation with itch was more frequently reported by the adult patients when compared to that of the childhood patients. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the detailed description and characteristics of itch in adult and childhood AD patients. The proper management of itch according to age may be prerequisite to improve AD patients' quality of life.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Bites and Stings , Burns , Climate , Cold Climate , Dermatitis, Atopic , Dust , Neck , Pain Measurement , Quality of Life , Sensation , SweatABSTRACT
u-Health is a good alternative in providing health care service under special situations where access to health care is limited. With the expansion of life space and the increase of travel, people are being put in danger across various situations on the sea, in the sky, disasters, and so on. It is not easy to provide health care in those situations, while people may still have high expectation to heath care. This gap can be narrowed by using u-Health, which is based on advanced information and communication technologies. The special situation for u-Health is where normal health care cannot be performed because of physical limitation and danger, which can be further broken down to five situations. The first is a situation on means of transportation such as ship and airplane. The second situation is when medical facilities are far away from life space, in places like backwoods. The third situation occurs on the place where it is difficult for patients to receive treatment due to restrained freedom, for example, a prison. The forth is the situation where the medical team is unable to approach easily, such as war zone and disaster area. The last special situation is the extreme environments like polar region. In order to make the u-health system more helpful for patients under special situations, there is a need for a research development and investment on sensors to measure accurate bio-signals, the network to transmit the data, and the technologies to analyze the data and to provide feedback. Therefore, institutional supports for technology development are required for further development of u-Health for people in great needs.