Efficacy and safety of Regan Syrup in treatment of common cold (wind-heat syndrome):a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo and positive drug-controlled, parallel, phase Ⅱb clinical trial / 中国中药杂志

Regan Syrup has the effect of clearing heat, releasing exterior, benefiting pharynx and relieving cough, and previous phase Ⅱ clinical trial showed that the efficacy of Regan Syrup high-dose and low-dose groups was better than that of the placebo group, and there was no statistically significant difference in the safety between the three groups. The present study was conducted to further investigate the efficacy and safety of the recommended dose(20 mL) of Regan Syrup in the treatment of common cold(wind-heat syndrome). Patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected and divided into the test group(Regan Syrup+Shufeng Jiedu Capsules placebo), positive drug group(Regan Syrup placebo+Shufeng Jiedu Capsules) and placebo group(Regan Syrup placebo+Shufeng Jiedu Capsules placebo) at a 1∶1∶1 using a block randomization method. The course of treatment was 3 days. A total of 119 subjects were included from six study centers, 39 in the test group, 40 in the positive drug group and 40 in the placebo group. The onset time of antipyretic effect was shorter in the test group than in the placebo group(P≤0.01) and the positive drug group, but the difference between the test group and the positive drug group was not significant. The test group was superior to the positive drug group in terms of fever resolution(P<0.05), and had a shorter onset time of fever resolution than the placebo group, but without obvious difference between the two groups. Compared to the positive drug group, the test group had shortened disappearance time of all symptoms(P≤0.000 1). In addition, the test group was better than the positive drug group and the placebo group in relieving symptoms of sore throat and fever(P<0.05), and in terms of clinical efficacy, the recovery rate of common cold(wind-heat syndrome) was improved in the test group compared to that in the placebo group(P<0.05). On the fourth day after treatment, the total TCM syndrome score in both test group and positive drug group was lower than that in the placebo group(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between three groups and none of them experienced any serious adverse events related to the study drug. The results indicated that Regan Syrup could shorten the onset time of antipyretic effect, reduce the time of fever resolution, alleviate the symptoms such as sore throat and fever caused by wind-heat cold, reduce the total score of Chinese medicine symptoms, and improve the clinical recovery rate with good safety.

Efficacy and safefy of Polymyxin B treatment for neutropenic patients suffering from refractory Gram-negative bacterial bloodstream infection / 中华血液学杂志

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of polymyxin B in neutropenic patients with hematologic disorders who had refractory gram-negative bacterial bloodstream infection. Methods: From August 2021 to July 2022, we retrospectively analyzed neutropenic patients with refractory gram-negative bacterial bloodstream infection who were treated with polymyxin B in the Department of Hematology of the First Affiliated Hospital of the Soochow University between August 2021 to July 2022. The cumulative response rate was then computed. Results: The study included 27 neutropenic patients with refractory gram-negative bacterial bloodstream infections. Polymyxin B therapy was effective in 22 of 27 patients. The median time between the onset of fever and the delivery of polymyxin B was 3 days [interquartile range (IQR) : 2-5]. The median duration of polymyxin B treatment was 7 days (IQR: 5-11). Polymyxin B therapy had a median antipyretic time of 37 h (IQR: 32-70). The incidence of acute renal dysfunction was 14.8% (four out of 27 cases), all classified as "injury" according to RIFLE criteria. The incidence of hyperpigmentation was 59.3%. Conclusion: Polymyxin B is a viable treatment option for granulocytopenia patients with refractory gram-negative bacterial bloodstream infections.

Características clínicas, tratamiento y evolución de una serie de niños con síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico asociado a SARS-CoV-2 hospitalizados en dos centros de salud / Clinical characteristics, treatment and evolution of a series of children with multisystemic inflammatory syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 hospitalized in two health centers / Características clínicas, tratamento e evolução de uma série de crianças com síndrome inflamatória multissistêmica associada ao SARS-CoV-2 internadas em dois centros de saúde

Introducción: en marzo del 2021 se registró el pico de incidencia de COVID-19 en Uruguay y un aumento de la infección en pediatría. Objetivo: describir las características clínicas, el tratamiento y la evolución de una serie de menores de 15 años con SIM-Ped S hospitalizados en dos centros de salud. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de los niños hospitalizados entre el 1/3 y el 31/6 de 2021 que cumplieron los criterios diagnósticos de SIM-Ped de la OMS. Se analizan variables clínicas, paraclínicas, tratamiento y evolución. Resultados: se incluyeron 12 niños, mediana de edad 7 años (22 meses-10 años). Se presentaron complicación posinfecciosas en 8 y en el curso de la infección en 4. Las manifestaciones fueron: fiebre (media 6 días, rango 3-10), digestivas 10 y mucocutáneas 7. Se presentaron como enfermedad Kawasaki símil 5 y como shock 2. La infección por SARS CoV-2 se confirmó por PCR en 6, serología 4 y test antigénico 2. Recibieron tratamiento en cuidados moderados 8 e intensivos 4: inmunoglobulina 9, corticoides 11, heparina 7 y ácido acetilsalicílico 7. Presentaron dilatación de arterias coronarias 2, alteraciones valvulares 2, disminución de la FEVI 2 y derrame pericárdico 2. Todos evolucionaron favorablemente. Conclusiones: en estos centros, los primeros casos de SIMS-Ped S coincidieron con el pico de incidencia de COVID-19 en el país. Predominaron las formas postinfecciosas en escolares con manifestaciones digestivas. Este estudio puede contribuir al reconocimiento de esta entidad y adecuar los algoritmos nacionales de manejo.

Introduction: in March 2021, there was a peak incidence of COVID-19 and an increase in pediatric infections in Uruguay. Objective: describe the clinical characteristics, treatment and evolution of a group of children under 15 years of age with SIM-Ped S hospitalized in two health centers. Methodology: descriptive, retrospective study of children hospitalized between 3/1 and 6/31 of 2021 who met the WHO diagnostic criteria for SIM-Ped. Clinical and paraclinical variables, as well as treatment and evolution were analyzed. Results: 12 children were included, median age 7 years (22 months-10 years). Eight of them showed post-infectious complications and 4 of them had complications during the course of the infection. The manifestations were: fever (mean 6 days, range 3-10), digestive symptoms 10 and mucocutaneous 7. Five of them presented a Kawasaki-like disease and 2 of them shock. SARS CoV-2 infection was confirmed by PCR in 6 cases, serology in 4 and antigenic test in 2. Eight of them received treatment in moderate care and 4 of them in intensive care: immunoglobulin 9, corticosteroids 11, heparin 7 and acetylsalicylic acid 7. Two of them presented dilated arteries coronary , valvular alterations 2, decreased LVEF 2 and pericardial effusion 2. All progressed favorably. Conclusions: in these centers, the first cases of SIMS-Ped S coincided with the peak incidence of COVID-19 in the country. Post-infectious forms predominated in schoolchildren who showed digestive manifestations. This study may contribute to the recognition of this entity and to the adaptation of national management algorithms.

Introdução: em março de 2021, foi registrado no Uruguai um pico de incidência da COVID-19 e um aumento dos casos da infecção pediátrica. Objetivo: descrever as características clínicas, tratamento e evolução de uma série de crianças menores de 15 anos com SIM-Ped S internadas em dois centros de saúde. Metodologia: estudo descritivo, retrospectivo, de crianças internadas entre 1/3 e 31/6 de 2021 que preencheram os critérios diagnósticos da OMS para o SIM-Ped. Foram analisadas variáveis clínicas e para-clinicas, tratamento e evolução. Resultados: foram incluídas 12 crianças, com idade média de 7 anos (22 meses-10 anos). Oito delas apresentaram complicações pós-infecciosas e 4 delas durante o curso da infecção. As manifestações foram: febre (média de 6 dias, intervalo 3-10), digestivas 10 e mucocutânea 7. Cinco delas apresentaram doença de Kawasaki-like e 2 delas sofreram Shock. A infecção por SARS CoV-2 foi confirmada por PCR em 6, sorologia em 4 e teste antigênico em 2. Oito delas receberam tratamento em cuidados moderados e 4 delas em cuidados intensivos: imunoglobulina 9, corticosteroides 11, heparina 7 e ácido acetilsalicílico 7. Duas delas apresentaram artérias coronárias dilatadas 2, alterações valvares 2, diminuição da FEVE 2 e derrame pericárdico 2. Todas evoluíram favoravelmente. Conclusões: nesses centros, os primeiros casos de SIMS-Ped S coincidiram com um pico de incidência de COVID-19 no país. As formas pós-infecciosas predominaram em escolares com manifestações digestivas. Este estudo pode contribuir para o reconhecimento desta entidade e adaptar algoritmos nacionais de gestão.

Infection in Children with Acute Myeloid Leukemia in the Intensive Chemotherapy Period / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical characteristics of infection in children with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after high intensive chemotherapy， so as to provide reference for prevention and control of infection.@*METHODS@#56 children diagnosed as acute myeloid leukemia in our hospital from January 2016 to August 2019 were enrolled and retrospectively analyzed, the infection rate, pathogens of disease and common location of infection during the induction and consolidation period were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The total infection rate of the patients was 93.4%－96.4%, the average of serious infection rate was 16.0%(11.3%－19.6%), and the infection related mortality was 10.7%. Fever of unknown cause was the main reason of infection, while blood flow infections were the most common in severe infection, which were mainly caused by Gramnegative bacteria. The rate of fungal infection was 35.7% during chemotherapy.@*CONCLUSION@#Children with AML shows a high incidence of infection in each stage of chemotherapy. The serious illness caused by blood flow infection and take antifungal drugs to reduce the occurrence of fungal infection in AML patients should be paid attention.

In-vivo Assessment of Antipyretic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Gymnosporia Royleana Extract in Mice / Evaluación in vivo de las Actividades Antipiréticas y Antiinflamatorias del Extracto de Gymnosporia Royleana en Ratones

ABSTRACT Objective: Despite the presence of multitude of synthetic drugs against fever and inflammation, none has been proven entirely safe. In contrast, the accepted safety of plant derived natural products is inspiring the world. Based on this fact as well as in view of the diversified activities reported from the genus Gymnosporia, the present study was designed to evaluate the antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activity of Gymnosporia royleana (G royleana). Methods: The methanolic extract of the aerial parts of G royleana was screened for in-vivo antipyretic activity using the brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia mice model and for anti-inflammatory activity using the carrageenan-induced paw oedema and xylene-induced ear oedema mice model. Results: In the antipyretic assay, G royleana extract showed considerable antipyretic activity in a dose dependent fashion. Statistically significant antipyretic effects (p < 0.05) were observed at the end of the second hour of administration for all doses of extract and remained significant until the end of the experiment. The plant extract also displayed promising anti-inflammatory activity, in a dose dependent fashion, in both models of inflammation ie carrageenan- and xylene-induced oedema models, when compared to the controls. In the carrageenan-induced oedema model, significant effects (p < 0.01) were observed for 300 and 600 mg/kg doses after 60 minutes of xylene administration (ie 55.51% and 65.88% inhibition of oedema, respectively). Conclusion: The study provided evidence supporting the antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activity of the G royleana methanolic extract.

RESUMEN Objetivo: A pesar de la presencia de multitud de fármacos sintéticos en el arsenal contra la fiebre y la inflamación, ninguno ha dado pruebas de ser completamente seguro. En contraste con ello, la seguridad aceptada de los productos naturales derivados de las plantas inspira al mundo. Sobre la base de este hecho, así como en vista de las actividades diversificadas que se reportan con respecto al género Gymnosporia, el presente estudio se diseñó con el objeto de evaluar el potencial antipirético y antiinflamatorio de Gymnosporia royleana (G royleana). Métodos: El extracto de metanol de las partes aéreas de G royleana fue tamizado en busca de actividad antipirética in vivo, utilizando el modelo de pirexia inducida por levadura de cerveza en ratones, y de actividad antiinflamatoria utilizando modelos de ratones con oedema de las patas inducido mediante carragenina, y oedema de las orejas inducido mediante xileno. Resultados: En el ensayo antipirético, el extracto de G royleana mostró una actividad antipirética considerable en forma dependiente de la dosis. Se observó un efecto antipirético estadísticamente significativo (p < 0.05) en el transcurso de la segunda hora de administración para todas las dosis de extracto y se mantuvo significativo hasta el final del experimento. El extracto de la planta también mostró una actividad antiinflamatoria prometedora, de una manera dependiente de la dosis, en ambos modelos de inflamación, es decir, modelos de oedema inducido por carragenina y xileno, en comparación con el control. En el modelo de oedema inducido por carragenina, se observó un efecto significativo (p < 0.01) para dosis de 300 y 600 mg / kg después de 60 minutos de administración de xileno (es decir, 55.51% y 65.88% de inhibición del oedema, respectivamente). Conclusión: El estudio proporcionó pruebas suficientes sobre el potencial antipirético y antiinflamatorio del extracto de G royleana.

Fiebre y terapia antipirética en el paciente con sepsis en la unidad de cuidados intensivos: actualización / Fever and antipyretic therapy in the septic patient in the intensive care unit: an update

Resumen La fiebre es un signo frecuente en el niño críticamente enfermo durante su estadía en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, y debe ser entendida como una respuesta biológica evolutiva, de carácter adaptativo normal del huésped al estrés fisiológico. Es el resultado de una compleja respuesta a estímulos pirogénicos, resultando en la generación de citocinas y prostaglandinas. Los mecanismos moleculares implicados en el inicio de la fiebre aún no están totalmente precisados, originando dificultades en el conocimiento de los procesos fisiopatológicos exactos involucrados y, por ende, necesarios para elaborar una adecuada y específica estrategia terapéutica. Estudios experimentales concluyen que la fiebre y la inflamación son benéficas para el huésped; no obstante, la terapia antipirética es comúnmente empleada y estudios en humanos sobre la presencia de fiebre y su tratamiento para el pronóstico del paciente crítico con sepsis no son concluyentes. Para el médico intensivista es esencial disponer de información actualizada referente a la fisiología de la termorregulación humana, el efecto de la temperatura en rango febril sobre múltiples procesos biológicos involucrados en la defensa del huésped y las intervenciones termorreguladoras en el paciente con sepsis.

Abstract Fever is a very common sign to observe in critically ill children during their intensive care unit stay. This should be understood as an evolutionary biological response, of normal adaptive character, from the host to the physiological stress. It is the result of a complex response to pyrogenic stimuli, resulting in the generation of cytokines and prostaglandins. The molecular mechanisms involved in the onset of fever are not yet fully specified, thus creating difficulties in the knowledge of the exact pathophysiological processes involved and, therefore, necessary to elaborate an adequate and specific therapeutic strategy. Experimental studies conclude that fever and inflammation are beneficial to the host. However, antipyretic therapy is commonly employed and human studies on the presence of fever and its treatment for the prognosis of critically ill septic patients are inconclusive. Up-to-date information on the physiology of human thermoregulation, the effect of temperature on febrile range over multiple biological processes involved in host defense, and thermoregulatory interventions in the septic patient are essential to know by the critical care physician.

Seroprevalencia de leptospirosis en pacientes con síndrome febril no palúdico / Seroprevalence of leptospirosis in patients with non-malarial febrile syndrome

Introducción: la leptospirosis es una enfermedad zoonótica transmitida por varias especies de animales domésticos y silvestres que actúan como reservorios del agente causal y que afecta humanos que habitan áreas urbanas y rurales en el mundo. Objetivo: determinar la seroprevalencia de anticuerpos contra Leptospira sp. y los serogrupos dominantes, en pacientes con síndrome febril no palúdico del departamento del Meta, Colombia. Métodos: se realizó un estudio prospectivo de corte trasversal. La población la conformó todo paciente febril que asistiera a un hospital en la ciudad de Villavicencio, entre mayo de 2013 y junio de 2014. Los sueros pareados fueron procesados utilizando la prueba de microaglutinación con los serogrupos: Australis, Ballum, Bataviae, Canicola, Cynopteri, Panama, Pyrogenes, Sejroe, Semaranga. Se practicaron pruebas para diagnóstico de dengue (detección de anticuerpos IgM e IgG por ELISA), rickettsiosis (detección de anticuerpos IgG por inmunofluoresencia indirecta), hantavirosis (detección de anticuerpos IgG por ELISA). Resultados: de los 100 sueros estudiados, 29 resultaron positivos para leptospirosis. Los serogrupos más prevalentes fueron Canicola y Ballum. Conclusiones: los resultados de la prevalencia de leptospirosis muestran que esta enfermedad es subregistrada en la zona, por lo que sería recomendable que estuviera dentro del diagnóstico diferencial de los síndromes febriles(AU)

Introduction: leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted by several species of wild and domestic animals, which serve as reservoirs of the causative agent. The disease affects humans from urban and rural areas of the world. Objective: determine Leptospira sp. antibody seroprevalence and dominant serogroups in patients with non-malarial febrile syndrome from Meta Department in Colombia. Methods: across-sectional prospective study was conducted. The study population was all the febrile patients attending a hospital in the city of Villavicencio from May 2013 to June 2014. The paired sera were processed using the microagglutination test with the following serogroups: Australis, Ballum, Bataviae, Canicola, Cynopteri, Panama, Pyrogenes, Sejroe and Semaranga. Diagnostic tests were performed for dengue (IgM and IgG antibody detection by ELISA), rickettsiosis (IgG antibody detection by indirect immunofluorescence), and hantaviral disease (IgG antibody detection by ELISA). Results: of the 100 sera studied, 29 were positive for leptospirosis. The most prevalent serogroups were Canicola and Ballum. Conclusions: prevalence results for leptospirosis show that the disease has been under-recorded in the area. It is thus advisable to include it in the differential diagnosis of febrile syndromes(AU)

Extensive cervical lymphadenitis mimicking bacterial adenitis as the first presentation of Kawasaki disease / Extensa linfadenite cervical mimetizando adenite bacteriana como primeira manifestação da doença de Kawasaki

Cervical adenitis >1.5cm in diameter is the less frequently observed criteria in patients with Kawasaki disease and it is usually found in association with other symptoms during the acute phase. Moreover, the finding of fever and lymphadenitis with intense local signs of inflammation and phlegmon is rarely seen as the initial manifestation of Kawasaki disease. We report the case of a 7-year-old boy who had cervical lymphadenitis with adjacent cellulitis and phlegmon mimicking bacterial adenitis as the first presentation of Kawasaki disease. The patient had fever, cervical lymphadenitis with adjacent cellulitis, and severe headache. Cefadroxil was prescribed based on the clinical diagnosis of bacterial adenitis. Because he remained febrile and phlogistic signs worsened, after 1 day of hospitalization, antibiotics were administrated intravenously (ceftriaxone and oxacillin). The computed tomography of the neck showed primary infectious/inflammatory process. On the fourth day, the patient had dry and scaly lips, and treatment with oxacillin was replaced by clindamycin because the patient was still febrile. On the ninth day, he presented non-exudative bilateral conjunctival injection. On the tenth day of febrile disease, a rash appeared on his trunk, hands and feet. Patient’s symptoms resolved after intravenous administration of immunoglobulin (2g/kg/dose), and he was discharged 2 days later. On the 14th day, the patient had lamellar desquamation of fingers. Kawasaki disease should be considered as a differential diagnosis in children with febrile cervical lymphadenitis unresponsive to empiric antibiotics even if they have adjacent cellulitis and phlegmon.

Adenite cervical >1,5cm é o critério menos frequentemente observado em pacientes com doença de Kawasaki e manifesta-se habitualmente em associação com os demais sintomas da fase aguda. Entretanto, linfadenite febril isolada com intensos sinais flogísticos e flegmão é raramente observada como primeira manifestação da doença de Kawasaki. Assim, relatou-se aqui um caso de uma criança que apresentou linfadenite cervical com celulite adjacente e flegmão mimetizando adenite bacteriana como primeira manifestação da doença de Kawasaki. Paciente previamente hígido, 7 anos, masculino, iniciou quadro de febre, adenite cervical com celulite adjacente e cefaleia intensa, sendo prescrita cefadroxila devido ao diagnóstico clínico de linfadenite bacteriana. Por se manter febril e com piora dos sinais flogísticos, após 1 dia foi internado para receber antibioticoterapia endovenosa (oxacilina e ceftriaxona). Tomografia computadorizada da região cervical mostrou processo infeccioso/inflamatório primário. No quarto dia, apresentou lábios ressecados e descamativos, sendo a oxacilina substituída por clindamicina devido à persistência da febre e sinais flogísticos. No nono dia, iniciou hiperemia ocular não exsudativa. No décimo dia de febre, apresentou exantema em tronco, membros, mãos e pés. Recebeu gamaglobulina endovenosa (2g/kg/dose), evoluiu com resolução dos sintomas e, após 2 dias, recebeu alta hospitalar. No 14odia, apresentou descamação lamelar dos dedos das mãos. Portanto, doença de Kawasaki deve ser considerada no diagnóstico diferencial das linfadenites cervicais febris na infância não responsivas à antibioticoterapia empírica, mesmo que esteja presentes celulite adjacente e flegmão.

Antiplasmodial activity and cytotoxicity of plants used in traditional medicine of Iran for the treatment of fever

Malaria is the most serious parasitic disease and one of the oldest recorded diseases in the world. Because of the resistance of malaria parasites to current drugs, it is necessary to discover new antiplasmodial drugs. Traditional medicine is one of the important sources of new antiplasmodial drugs. In this study, twenty methanolic extracts from different parts of sixteen medicinal plants used in traditional medicine of Iran for the treatment of "Nobeh fever" and/ or fever were screened for in-vivo antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium berghei and cytotoxic effect on Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells [MDBK]. Eleven species [55%] were found to have antiplasmodial activity. Methanolic extract from Rosa damascena Mill. reduced parasitemia by 57.7% compared to untreated control mice at intra-peritoneal [i.p.] injection doses of 10 mg/Kg per day for 4 days. This is the first report that mentioned in-vivo antiplasmodial activity of Rosa damascena Mill

Devemos tratar febre em doentes graves? Resumo da evidência atual de três ensaios clínicos randomizados / Should we treat fever in critically ill patients? A summary of the current evidence from three randomized controlled trials

A febre é uma resposta não específica a vários tipos de insultos, de origem infecciosa ou não, e sua importância em doenças continua a ser um enigma. Nosso objetivo foi resumir a evidência atual para o uso de antipiréticos em pacientes graves. Foram realizadas revisão sistemática e meta-análise de publicações entre 1966 e 2013. As bases de dados MEDLINE e CENTRAL foram pesquisadas para estudos sobre antipirese em pacientes graves. A meta-análise restringiu-se a ensaios clínicos randomizados em humanos adultos; pacientes graves; tratamento com antipiréticos em um braço contra placebo ou não tratamento no outro; e dados sobre mortalidade. Os desfechos avaliados foram: mortalidade geral na unidade de terapia intensiva, mudança de temperatura e tempo de internação na unidade de terapia intensiva e no hospital. Três ensaios clínicos randomizados com 320 participantes foram incluídos. Os pacientes tratados com antipiréticos tiveram mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva semelhante aos controles (razão de risco de 0,91, com intervalo de confiança de 95% de 0,65-1,28). A única diferença observada foi uma diminuição na temperatura após 24 horas em pacientes tratados com antipiréticos (-1,70±0,40 x - 0,56±0,25ºC; p=0,014). Não houve diferença entre tratar ou não a febre em pacientes graves.

Fever is a nonspecific response to various types of infectious or non-infectious insult and its significance in disease remains an enigma. Our aim was to summarize the current evidence for the use of antipyretic therapy in critically ill patients. We performed systematic review and meta-analysis of publications from 1966 to 2013. The MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases were searched for studies on antipyresis in critically ill patients. The meta-analysis was limited to: randomized controlled trials; adult human critically ill patients; treatment with antipyretics in one arm versus placebo or non-treatment in another arm; and report of mortality data. The outcomes assessed were overall intensive care unit mortality, changes in temperature, intensive care unit length of stay, and hospital length of stay. Three randomized controlled trials, covering 320 participants, were included. Patients treated with antipyretic agents showed similar intensive care unit mortality (risk ratio 0.91, with 95% confidence interval 0.65-1.28) when compared with controls. The only difference observed was a greater decrease in temperature after 24 hours in patients treated with antipyretics (-1.70±0.40 versus - 0.56±0.25ºC; p=0.014). There is no difference in treating or not the fever in critically ill patients.

Assessment of pharmacological activities of two medicinal plant of Bangladesh: Launaea sarmentosa and Aegialitis rotundifolia roxb in the management of pain, pyrexia and inflammation

BACKGROUND: The current study aims at evaluating the analgesic, anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory properties of methanolic extract of the stem, bark and leaves of Launaea sarmentosa and Aegialitis rotundifolia roxb. RESULTS: The AELS and AEAR extract presented a significant (***p < 0.001) dose dependent increase in reaction time in writhing method and showed inhibition of 63.1% and 57.1% respectively at the doses of 400 mg/kg body weight while standard drug showed (P < 0.001) inhibition of 69.23%. In tail immersion method, AELS and AEAR showed maximum time of tail retention at 30 min in hot water i.e. 6.93 sec and 6.54 sec respectively at highest doses of 400 mg/kg body weight than lower dose while standard pentazocine showed reaction time of 7.62 sec. The AELS and AEAR extract also exhibited promising anti-inflammatory effect as demonstrated by statistically significant inhibition of paw volume by 32.48% and 26.75% respectively at the dose of 400 mg/kg body weight while the value at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight were linear to higher dose at the 3rd hour of study. On the other hand, Standard indomethacin inhibited 40.13% of inflammation (***P < 0.001). In Cotton-pellet granuloma method, AELS and AEAR extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg body weight exhibited inhibition of inflammation of 34.7% and 29.1% respectively while standard drug showed (P < 0.001) inhibition of 63.22%. Intraperitoneal administration of AELS and AEAR showed dose dependent decrease in body temperature in brewer's yeast induced hyperthermia in rats at both doses. However, AELS significantly decreased body temperature (***p < 0.001) at 400 mg/kg compared to control. CONCLUSIONS: Present work propose that the methanolic extract of Launaea sarmentosa and Aegialitis rotundifolia roxb possesses dose dependent pharmacological action which supports its therapeutic use in folk medicine possibly mediated through the inhibition or blocking of release of prostaglandin and/or actions of vasoactive substances such as histamine, serotonin and kinins.

Clinical Outcomes of Initial Dexamethasone Treatment Combined with a Single High Dose of Intravenous Immunoglobulin for Primary Treatment of Kawasaki Disease

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical effects of a single high dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) combined with initial dexamethasone as a primary treatment on Kawasaki disease (KD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and December 2010, we reviewed the medical records of 216 patients with complete KD patients that were admitted to a single medical center. 106 patients were treated with a single high dose of IVIG (2 g/kg) alone and 110 patients received IVIG and dexamethasone (0.3 mg/kg per day for three days). RESULTS: The combined IVIG plus dexamethasone patient group had a significantly shorter febrile period and duration of hospital stay (1.4+/-0.7 days vs. 2.0+/-1.2 days, p<0.001; 5.8+/-1.7 days vs. 6.9+/-2.5 days, p<0.001, respectively) than the IVIG alone group. The combined IVIG plus dexamethasone group required IVIG retreatment significantly less than the IVIG only group (12.7% vs. 32%, p=0.003). After completion of the initial IVIG, C-reactive protein levels in the combined IVIG plus dexamethasone group were significantly lower than those in the IVIG only group (2.7+/-4.0 mg/dL vs. 4.6+/-8.7 mg/dL, p=0.03). In the combined IVIG plus dexamethasone group, the incidence of coronary artery lesions tended to be lower without worse outcomes at admission after initial infusion of IVIG and in follow-up at two months; however, the differences were not significant (8.2% vs. 11.3%, p=0.22; 0.9% vs. 2.8%, p=0.29). CONCLUSION: Initial combined therapy with dexamethasone and a single high-dose of IVIG resulted in an improved clinical course, in particular a shorter febrile period, less IVIG retreatment, and shorter hospital stay without worse coronary outcomes.

Epidemiología de la neutropenia febril en pacientes adultos con neoplasia hematológica, en un período de 26 meses en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, Colombia / Epidemiology of febrile neutropenia in adult patients with hematologic neoplasms in a period of 26 months in Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe, Colombia

Background: Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a significant adverse effect post-chemotherapy due to its high morbidity and mortality. There are few studies in our country with these kind of patients. Objective: To describe the characteristics and mortality in patients with hematologic neoplasms who developed FN post-chemotherapy. Methodology: A descriptive case series in patients with hematologic neoplasms who developed FN post-chemotherapy in Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe. Results: 101 episodes of FN in 43 patients. The median age was 44 years. 63.5% of patients had no apparent clinical focus of infection at admission, 11.8% had soft tissue compromise and 8.9% urinary tract infection. Bacteremia was documented in 41.5% and catheter-associated bacteremia in 3.9%. The most common organisms were Escherichia coli 43.4%, Klebsiella pneumoniae 17.3% and Staphylococcus aureus 8.6%. Of those isolated in blood 84.7% were Gram negative rods and 15.2% were Gram positive bacteria. Piperacillin/tazobactam was the most common empirically prescribed antibiotic (81.1%). Mortality of FN episodes occurred in 8 (7.92%) patients, 5 (62.5%) attributable to infection and 3 (37.5%) due to progression of hematologic malignancy with a resolution of FN. Conclusions: In our case series of FN the microbiological characteristics differed significantly from developed countries, but a similar mortality rate per episode was observed.

Introducción: La neutropenia febril (NF) es un efecto adverso importante post-quimioterapia por su alta morbi-mortalidad. Hay pocos estudios en nuestro entorno con estos pacientes. Objetivo: Describir las características de los pacientes adultos con neoplasia hematológica que desarrollaron NF post-quimioterapia. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo de serie de casos, en pacientes con neoplasia hematológica y NF post-quimioterapia en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe. Resultados: Ciento un episodios de NF en 43 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 44 años. El 63,5% no tenían foco infeccioso clínico aparente al ingreso, 11,8% tenía compromiso de tejidos blandos y 8,9% foco urinario. Se documentó bacteriemia primaria en 42 (41,5%) y bacteriemia asociada al catéter en 4 (3,96%). Los microorganismos más frecuentes fueron Escherichia coli 43,4%, Klebsiella pneumoniae 17,3% y Staphylococcus aureus 8,69%. De los aislados en sangre, 84,7% fueron bacilos gramnegativos y 15,2% cocáceas grampo-sitivas. Piperacilina/tazobactam fue la antibioticoterapia empírica inicial en 81,1% de los episodios. La mortalidad por episodios de NF fue de 7,92%, en 62,5% atribuible a la infección y en el resto a progresión de la neoplasia hematológica con resolución de la NF. Conclusión: Serie de casos de NF con características microbiológicas que difieren significativamente a los países desarrollados, pero con una mortalidad por episodios similar.

Condutas terapêuticas e uso alternado de antipiréticos no manejo da febre em crianças / Therapeutic procedures and use of alternating antipyretic drugs for fever management in children

OBJETIVO: As evidências sobre a eficácia do uso alternado de antitérmicos no manejo da febre são escassas e apontam diferenças clinicamente desprezíveis. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever condutas terapêuticas e uso alternado de antipiréticos em crianças, e avaliar fatores associados ao uso alternado. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 692 crianças de zero a seis anos, residentes no Sul do Brasil. Por meio de amostragem por conglomerados, foram realizadas entrevistas domiciliares com os cuidadores, utilizando questionário estruturado. Foi realizada análise descritiva e avaliada a associação entre o uso alternado de antipiréticos e fatores sociodemográficos. Foram analisados 630 casos (91,0%), correspondendo às crianças com histórico de febre. RESULTADOS: Cerca de 73% dos cuidadores informaram que a primeira medida adotada no último episódio de febre foi administrar medicamentos. A média de temperatura considerada febre foi de 37,4 ºC, e febre alta, 38,7 ºC. A utilização de terapia alternada com antipiréticos foi relatada por 26,7% dos entrevistados, justificada pela ausência de resposta à monoterapia e indicação médica, na maioria dos casos. Os medicamentos mais utilizados foram dipirona e paracetamol. Crianças cujo principal cuidador era um dos pais, com melhores condições socioeconômicas e maior nível educacional, receberam mais medicamentos alternados. Cerca de 70% das doses utilizadas estavam abaixo da dose mínima recomendada para tratamento de febre. CONCLUSÕES: O uso de medicamentos para controlar a febre é uma prática comum, incluindo esquemas alternados de antipiréticos. A maioria dos cuidadores considera como febre temperaturas inferiores às preconizadas, e apontou não resposta à monoterapia e indicação médica como as principais razões para o uso alternado.

OBJECTIVE: The evidence on the effectiveness of alternating antipyretics in fever management is scarce and indicates clinically negligible differences. The present study aimed to describe therapeutic procedures and the use of alternating antipyretics in children, and to evaluate associated factors. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 692 children aged 0 to 6 years, living in Southern Brazil. Household interviews of the children's caregivers were conducted through cluster sampling using a structured questionnaire. A descriptive analysis was carried out, and the association between the use of alternating antipyretics and sociodemographic factors was evaluated. A total of 630 cases were analyzed (91.0%), corresponding to children with a history of fever. RESULTS: Approximately 73% of caregivers reported that the first measure adopted during the last fever episode was the administration of medication. The mean temperature considered as fever by caregivers was 37.4 ºC, and as high fever, 38.7 ºC. The use of alternating antipyretic therapy was reported by 26.7% of respondents, justified by the lack of response to monotherapy and medical indication, in most cases. The drugs most often used were dipyrone and paracetamol. Children whose primary caregiver was a parent with higher socioeconomic status and higher educational level received more alternating medications. Approximately 70% of the doses used were below the minimum recommended dose for the treatment of fever. CONCLUSIONS: The use of medication to control fever is a common practice, including alternating antipyretic regimens. Most caregivers consider as fever temperatures lower than those established and they reported lack of response to monotherapy and medical indication as the main reasons for alternating medication.

Antimicrobial agent prescription patterns for chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia in patients with hematological malignancies at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman

The aim of this study was to describe the antimicrobial prescription patterns of patients with hematological malignancies who developed febrile neutropenia [FN] at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital [SQUH] in Oman. This was a retrospective observational study covering a period of 3 years [January 2007-February 2010]. FN episodes were studied in patients with hematological malignancies in three different wards at SQUH. A total of 176 FN episodes were analyzed. Overall, 64% of the 107 patients studied experienced at least 2 episodes during the analysis period. Approximately, 69% of the febrile neutropenia episodes had severe neutropenia. The duration of neutropenia was less than 1 week in the majority of the episodes [57%]. The mean duration of treatment was approximately 7 days, with no significant difference between specialties or different types of malignancies. Only 34 [19%] episodes had positive cultures, and most of these were from blood samples [30 episodes, 88%]. The majority of isolates were gram-negative organisms [63%]. The initial empirical treatment included monotherapy [37%], dual therapy [60%] and triple therapy [3%]. This study demonstrates that there is a large variation in the antimicrobial treatment of FN episodes in patients with hematological malignancies at SQUH. All chosen drugs were within international guideline recommendations

Uso alternado de antipiréticos para tratamento da febre em crianças: revisão sistemática de ensaios clínicos randomizados / Alternating antipyretics in the treatment of fever in children: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials

OBJETIVO: Sumarizar as evidências existentes sobre a eficácia da terapia alternada com antipiréticos no manejo da febre em crianças comparada com monoterapia. FONTES DE DADOS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, LILACS, SciELO, IBECS, Web of Science, Clinical Trials, Google Scholar e referências dos artigos encontrados. Foram incluídos na revisão ensaios clínicos randomizados, publicados até dezembro de 2011, em que um dos braços fosse terapia alternada com antipiréticos para tratamento de febre em crianças menores de 12 anos, atendidas em nível ambulatorial. A seleção e extração dos dados foram realizadas independentemente por dois revisores. A qualidade dos estudos foi avaliada de acordo com os itens do CONSORT. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Os estudos selecionados apresentaram grande heterogeneidade em relação aos participantes, temperatura para diagnóstico de febre, intervenções (doses e intervalos entre doses) e desfechos avaliados. Os grupos de tratamento variaram de 38 a 464 crianças. Os estudos compararam paracetamol e ibuprofeno alternados com paracetamol e/ou ibuprofeno. Em apenas um estudo foram utilizadas doses diferentes de 15 mg/kg para paracetamol e 10 mg/kg para ibuprofeno, mas os intervalos entre doses variaram consideravelmente. Em nenhum estudo foi avaliado o uso alternado com dipirona ou ácido acetilsalicílico. De modo geral, os artigos apontaram para uma tendência a menor média de temperatura nos grupos de terapia alternada. Poucos efeitos adversos foram relatados. CONCLUSÃO: Embora haja uma tendência na redução das médias de temperatura com antipiréticos alternados em relação aos antipiréticos isolados, não existe evidência suficiente para afirmar que essa prática é mais eficaz que a monoterapia.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the existing evidence on the efficacy of therapy with alternating antipyretics compared to monotherapy in the management of fever in children. SOURCES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, LILACS, SciELO, IBECS, Web of Science, Clinical Trials, Google Scholar and references of the articles found. The review included randomized clinical trials published until December 2011, in which one of the arms was the alternating antipyretics therapy to treat fever in children younger than 12 years, treated on an outpatient basis. Data selection and extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. The quality of the studies was assessed according to CONSORT items. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: The selected studies showed great heterogeneity of participants, temperature for fever diagnosis, interventions (dose and dosing intervals) and assessed outcomes. The treatment groups ranged from 38 to 464 children. The studies compared paracetamol and ibuprofen alternated with paracetamol and/or ibuprofen. Only one study used different doses from the 15 mg/kg for paracetamol and 10 mg/kg for ibuprofen, but the dosing intervals varied considerably. The alternate use with dipyrone or acetylsalicylic acid was not assessed by any of the studies. Overall, the articles pointed to a tendency of lower mean temperatures in groups with alternating therapy. Few adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Although there was a tendency towards the reduction of mean temperatures with alternating antipyretics compared to the use of one antipyretic alone, there is not enough evidence to say that alternating antipyretic therapy is more effective than monotherapy.

Farmacocinética y farmacodinamia de antimicrobianos: a propósito de pacientes con neutropenia y fiebre / Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antibacterial agents: on account of febrile neutropenic patients

Febrile neutropenia is a serious complication of antineoplastic therapy and it is more commonly found in hematologic patients, associated with high mortality rates. Inadequate tissue concentration of antimicrobials has been described as a cause of therapeutic failure which also has been related to a low interstitial concentration for hydrophilic antibiotics. In critically ill patients it may occur an accumulation of compartmental fluids which can be related to an increase in the distribution volume or changes in clearance of antimicrobials. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters of antimicrobials are reviewed, which can be used as a tool to optimize the efficacy of antimicrobial therapy in order to avoid failures and resistance selection.

La neutropenia febril es una complicación grave de la terapia antineoplásica que se presenta más frecuentemente en pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas, asociada a tasas elevadas de mortalidad. Uno de los factores descritos como causa de fracasos terapéuticos de la terapia antimicrobiana es la inadecuada concentración tisular de los antimicrobianos que a su vez se correlaciona con bajas concentraciones en el líquido intersticial en el caso de los fármacos hidrofílicos. En pacientes críticamente enfermos se puede presentar acumulación compartimental de líquidos que a su vez se puede asociar con aumento en el volumen de distribución de los medicamentos o alteraciones en la depuración de los mismos. Se revisan los parámetros farmacocinéticos y farmacodinámicos de los antimicrobianos que pueden ser usados como herramienta para optimizar la eficacia de la terapia antiinfecciosa en busca de disminuir la tasa de fracasos y la selección de cepas resistentes.

Resultados de profilaxis con itraconazol 800 mg/día vía oral en adultos con leucemia aguda y neutropenia de alto riesgo: Hospital del Salvador 2006-2008 / Itraconazole 800 mg for the prophylaxis of fungal infections in patients with acute leukemia and severe neutropenia

Background: Systemic fungal infections and specifically invasive aspergillosis (IA) are associated with a high morbi-mortality rate in patients with hematologic malignancies. Itraconazole kinetic studies show that plasma levels are not satisfactory, even though there is a reduction of the severity in clinical cases. Aim: To evaluate the results of oral prophylaxis with high dose itraconazole, 400 mg bid, among patients with adult acute leukemia. Material and Methods: Prospective analysis of 93 high risk febrile episodes (with an absolute neutrophil count of less than 500 x mm3 for more 10 days), that occurred in 76 patients. Results: Seventy five percent of episodes occurred in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and 25 percent in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Fifty two percent occurred during the induction of chemotherapy. Median duration of severe neutropenia was 21 days (range 10-48). Median duration of itraconazole prophylaxis was 17 days (range 6-34). A low frequency of invasive fungal infections was observed (17 percent). According to diagnostic criteria, 5 percent of episodes corresponded to persistent fever , 1 percent and 11 percent of episodes, to probable or possible IA, respectively. No confirmed or proven IA was observed. Mortality of IA was 18 percent. No serious adverse events due to itraconazole were observed. Conclusions: The use of high dose itraconazole prophylaxis in adult patients with acute leukemia and severe neutropenia was associated to low incidence and mortality of invasive mycoses.

Occurrence & antibiogram of Salmonella Typhi & S. Paratyphi A isolated from Rourkela, Orissa.

Background & objectives: Almost round-the-year occurrence of Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A has been noticed in Rourkela since last 13 and five years respectively. The incidence of infection along with the antibiogram of these two serotypes in this area were carried out. Methods: The study was carried out at Ispat General Hospital, Rourkela, India, between January 2005 and December 2008 with 5340 blood samples collected from patients with suspected enteric fever and pyrexia of unknown origin. Isolation, identification and antibiogram of the causative organisms were performed according to standard bacteriological procedures. Results: A total of 298 Salmonella isolates showed an overall per cent positivity of 5.58. Multidrug resistance was found in 11.96 per cent and 15.62 per cent isolates of S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A respectively. Less than 2 per cent isolates of Salmonella showed resistance to ciprofloxacin. A resistance of 3.0 to 6.25 per cent against third generation cephalosporins was observed among the salmonella isolates. Interpretation & conclusion: A round-the-year occurrence of Salmonella spp. in Rourkela might have been due to the presence of a considerable number of carriers in the locality, poor sanitation in nearby slum areas, and inadequate and contaminated community water supply at times. Higher degree of susceptibility among S. Typhi isolates against various antibiotics was encouraging, but increasing trend of resistance observed among S. Paratyphi A isolates was a matter of concern.