Physical dependence in older adults and job burnout in their informal caregivers in the COVID-19 context, a correlational study / Dependencia física en personas adultas mayores y sobrecarga en sus cuidadores informales en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19, un estudio correlacional / Dependência física em idosos e sobrecarga em seus cuidadores informais no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19, um estudo correlacional

Introduction: The functional status of older adults (OA) is usually used as an indicator of their health. Increased dependence raises the need for an informal caregiver (IC), leading to a state of work overload, which was frequently observed during the COVID-19 confinement. Objective: To assess the relationship between physical dependence of OA, job burnout of their IC, and the confinement conditions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: The participants included 77 OA together with their respective IC. The OA filled out a sociodemographic data sheet and a Confinement Conditions Questionnaire. In addition to these two forms, the IC filled out the Zarit Caregiver Burnout Scale and the ABVD Barthel Scale. Results: Statistically significant correlations were found between: physical dependence and job burnout (rho=0.475, p<0.01); physical dependence and confinement degree (rho=0.441, p<0.01); and job burden and confinement degree (rho=0.344, p<0.01). Conclusion: Caregivers develop a greater job burnout as a consequence of the OA's dependence. Furthermore, it seems that this burnout is more related to the confinement conditions experienced by older adults than to the caregiver's own conditions.

Introducción: El estado funcional de las personas adultas mayores (PAM) suele tomarse como indicador de salud; la presencia de dependencia incrementa la necesidad de un cuidador informal (CI) que puede desarrollar sobrecarga, lo cual se agudizó durante el confinamiento por COVID-19. Objetivo: Evaluar la relación de la dependencia física de las PAM, la sobrecarga de su CI y las condiciones de confinamiento en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19. Materiales y métodos: Participaron 77 diadas conformadas por una PAM y su CI. Las PAM contestaron una ficha de datos sociodemográficos y Cuestionario de Condiciones de Confinamiento. Los CI, diligenciaron una ficha de datos sociodemográficos, Cuestionario de Condiciones de Confinamiento, Escala de Carga del Cuidador de Zarit y Escala de Barthel de ABVD. Resultados: Se encontró correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre la dependencia física y la sobrecarga (rho=0,475, p<0,01); la dependencia física y el grado de confinamiento (rho=0,441, p<0,01); y la sobrecarga y el grado de confinamiento (rho=0,344, p<0,01). Conclusión: Los cuidadores de PAM desarrollan mayor sobrecarga frente a su dependencia física; además parece ser que la sobrecarga del cuidador está más relacionada con las condiciones de confinamiento de las personas adultas mayores, que con las propias condiciones de confinamiento del cuidador.

Introdução: O estado funcional do idoso (PAM) é geralmente tomado como um indicador de saúde; A presença de dependência aumenta a necessidade de um cuidador informal (CI) que pode desenvolver sobrecarga, que se agravou durante o confinamento da COVID-19. Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre a dependência física dos PAM, a sobrecarga do seu CI e as condições de confinamento no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19. Materiais e métodos: Participaram 77 díades compostas por uma PAM e seu CI. O PAM respondeu a uma ficha de dados sociodemográficos e a um Questionário de Condições de Confinamento. Os CI preencheram ficha de dados sociodemográficos, Questionário de Condições de Confinamento, Escala de Sobrecarga do Cuidador de Zarit e Escala Barthel (ABVD). Resultados: Foram encontradas correlações estatisticamente significativas entre dependência física e sobrecarga (rho=0,475, p<0,01); dependência física e grau de confinamento (rho=0,441, p<0,01); e sobrecarga e grau de confinamento (rho=0,344, p<0,01). Conclusão: Os cuidadores do PAM desenvolvem maior sobrecarga diante da dependência física; além disso, parece que a sobrecarga do cuidador está mais relacionada com as condições de confinamento dos idosos do que com as próprias condições de confinamento do cuidador.

Psicologia, Conselho Federal de Psicologia e covid-19: enfrentamento às desigualdades psicossociais no Brasil / Psychology, FCP, and covid-19: facing the psychosocial inequalities in Brazil / Psicología, Consejo Federal de Psicología y covid-19: enfrentando las desigualdades psicosociales en Brasil

A pandemia da covid-19 impôs transformações no cotidiano mundial, em âmbito micro e macroestrutural. Seu impacto psicológico desestabiliza e evidencia desigualdades e vulnerabilidades psicossociais brasileiras. Configura-se como um estudo de perspectiva crítica, com base na Psicologia Sócio-histórica, com o objetivo de mapear os posicionamentos da Psicologia, vindos de diferentes campos, diante das ações de saúde mental. Para tanto, utiliza-se o site do Conselho Federal de Psicologia para a análise de 62 documentos, que resultaram em dois eixos de produção crítica: 1) a relação da Psicologia com o Conselho Federal de Psicologia; e 2) da Psicologia com a sociedade. Revela-se o abismo social entre segmentos da sociedade brasileira; formas de exclusão da população carcerária; violência doméstica contra as mulheres e as crianças; dificuldades de acesso a estratégias sociais, na educação e na saúde, e de superação dos impasses acirrados com a infecção global pelo novo coronavírus. Conclui-se que a diversidade de públicos, temáticas, áreas de atuação e referenciais teóricos materializa um compromisso crítico e científico da Psicologia.(AU)

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed transformations in the world daily life, at the micro and macrostructural levels. Its psychological impact destabilizes and highlights Brazilian inequalities and psychosocial vulnerabilities. This is a critical perspective study, based in socio-historical Psychology, aiming to map the positions of Psychology, from different fields, in the face of mental health actions. To this end, the Federal Council of Psychology website is utilized to analyze 62 documents, which resulted in two axes of critical production: 1) the relation between Psychology and the Federal Council of Psychology; and 2) Psychology with society. They reveal the social gap between segments of Brazilian society; ways of excluding prison po7pulation; domestic violence against women and children; and difficulties in accessing social strategies, in education and health, and in overcoming impasses aggravated by the global infection by the new coronavirus. In conclusion, the diversity of public, themes, areas of professional performance, and theoretical references materialize Psychology's critical and scientific commitment.(AU)

La pandemia del COVID-19 provocó transformaciones globales en lo cotidiano a nivel micro y macroestructural. Su impacto psicológico desestabiliza y destaca las desigualdades y vulnerabilidades psicosociales en Brasil. Esta es una investigación en la perspectiva crítica, basada en la psicología sociohistórica, con el objetivo de mapear las posiciones de la Psicología, procedentes de diferentes campos, frente a las acciones de salud mental. Para este fin, se utiliza el sitio web del Consejo Federal de Psicología para el análisis de 62 documentos, lo que resultó en dos ejes de producción crítica: 1) la relación de la Psicología con el Consejo Federal de Psicología; y 2) de la Psicología con la sociedad. Se revelan la brecha social entre los segmentos de la sociedad brasileña; las formas de exclusión de la población carcelaria; la violencia doméstica contra las mujeres y los niños; y las dificultades para acceder a las estrategias sociales, en la educación y la salud, para superar los impasses agravados por la infección global por el nuevo coronavirus. Se concluye que la diversidad de públicos, temáticas, áreas de actividad y referentes teóricos materializa un compromiso crítico y científico de la Psicología.(AU)

Analysis of the clinical features and the risk factors of severe human metapneu movirus-associated community acquired pneumonia in children / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and the risk factors of severe human metapneumovirus (hMPV)-associated community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children. Methods: A retrospective case summary was conducted. From December 2020 to March 2022, 721 children who were diagnosed with CAP and tested positive for hMPV nucleic acid by PCR-capillary electrophoresis fragment analysis of nasopharyngeal secretions at the Yuying Children's Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were selected as the research objects. The clinical characteristics, epidemiological characteristics and mixed pathogens of the two groups were analyzed. According to CAP diagnostic criteria, the children were divided into the severe group and the mild group. Chi-square test or Mann-Whitney rank and contrast analysis was used for comparison between groups, while multivariate Logistic regression was applied to analyze the risk factors of the severe hMPV-associated CAP. Results: A total of 721 children who were diagnosed with hMPV-associated CAP were included in this study, with 397 males and 324 females. There were 154 cases in the severe group. The age of onset was 1.0 (0.9, 3.0) years, <3 years old 104 cases (67.5%), and the length of hospital stay was 7 (6, 9) days. In the severe group, 67 children (43.5%) were complicated with underlying diseases. In the severe group, 154 cases (100.0%) had cough, 148 cases (96.1%) had shortness of breath and pulmonary moist rales, and 132 cases (85.7%) had fever, 23 cases (14.9%) were complicated with respiratory failure. C-reactive protein (CRP) was elevated in 86 children (55.8%), including CRP≥50 mg/L in 33 children (21.4%). Co-infection was detected in 77 cases (50.0%) and 102 strains of pathogen were detected, 25 strains of rhinovirus, 17 strains of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, 15 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, 12 strains of Haemophilus influenzae and 10 strains of respiratory syncytial virus were detected. Six cases (3.9%) received heated and humidified high flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy, 15 cases (9.7%) were admitted to intensive care unit, and 2 cases (1.3%) received mechanical ventilation. In the severe group, 108 children were cured, 42 children were improved, 4 chlidren were discharged automatically without recovery and no death occurred. There were 567 cases in the mild group. The age of onset was 2.7 (1.0, 4.0) years, and the length of hospital stay was 4 (4, 6) days.Compared with the mild group, the proportion of children who age of disease onset <6 months, CRP≥50 mg/L, the proportions of preterm birth, congenital heart disease, malnutrition, congenital airway malformation, neuromuscular disease, mixed respiratory syncytial viruses infection were higher (20 cases (13.0%) vs. 31 cases (5.5%), 32 cases (20.8%) vs. 64 cases (11.3%), 23 cases (14.9%) vs. 44 cases (7.8%), 11 cases (7.1%) vs. 18 cases (3.2%), 9 cases (5.8%) vs. 6 cases (1.1%), 11 cases (7.1%) vs. 12 cases (2.1%), 8 cases (5.2%) vs. 4 cases (0.7%), 10 cases (6.5%) vs. 13 cases (2.3%), χ2=0.42, 9.45, 7.40, 4.94, 11.40, 8.35, 3.52, 6.92, all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age<6 months (OR=2.51, 95%CI 1.29-4.89), CRP≥50 mg/L (OR=2.20, 95%CI 1.36-3.57), prematurity (OR=2.19, 95%CI 1.26-3.81), malnutrition (OR=6.05, 95%CI 1.89-19.39) were the independent risk factors for severe hMPV-associated CAP. Conclusions: Severe hMPV-associated CAP is most likely to occur in infants under 3 years old and has a higher proportion of underlying diseases and co-infection. The main clinical manifestations are cough, shortness of breath and pulmonary moist rales, fever. The overall prognosis is good. Age<6 months, CRP≥50 mg/L, preterm birth, malnutrition are the independent risk factors for severe hMPV-associated CAP.

Establishment of a risk model for severe adenovirus pneumonia and prospective study of the timing of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in children / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To develop a risk prediction model for severe adenovirus pneumonia (AVP) in children, and to explore the appropriate timing for intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy for severe AVP.@*METHODS@#Medical data of 1 046 children with AVP were retrospectively analyzed, and a risk prediction model for severe AVP was established using multivariate logistic regression. The model was validated with 102 children with AVP. Then, 75 children aged ≤14 years who were considered at risk of developing severe AVP by the model were prospectively enrolled and divided into three groups (A, B and C) in order of visit, with 25 children in each group. Group A received symptomatic supportive therapy only. With the exception of symptomatic supportive therapy, group B received IVIG treatment at a dose of 1g/(kg·d) for 2 consecutive days, before progressing to severe AVP. With the exception of symptomatic supportive therapy, group C received IVIG treatment at a dose of 1 g/(kg·d) for 2 consecutive days after progressing to severe AVP. Efficacy and related laboratory indicators were compared among the three groups after treatment.@*RESULTS@#Age<18.5 months, underlying diseases, fever duration >6.5 days, hemoglobin level <84.5 g/L, alanine transaminase level >113.5 U/L, and co-infection with bacteria were the six variables that entered into the risk prediction model for severe AVP. The model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.862, sensitivity of 0.878, and specificity of 0.848. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed good consistency between the predicted values and the actual observations (P>0.05). After treatment, group B had the shortest fever duration and hospital stay, the lowest hospitalization costs, the highest effective rate of treatment, the lowest incidence of complications, the lowest white blood cell count and interleukin (IL)-1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 levels, and the highest level of tumor necrosis factor alpha (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The risk model for severe AVP established in this study has good value in predicting the development of severe AVP. IVIG therapy before progression to severe AVP is more effective in treating AVP in children.

Caracterización demográfica y clínica de pacientes críticos con neumonía por influenza A H1N1 / Demographic and clinical characterization of critically ill patients with influenza A H1N1 pneumonia

INTRODUCCIÓN. La epidemia de influenza y sus complicaciones profundizaron el estudio de las neumonías virales en cuidados intensivos. En nuestro país hay pocos datos sobre este tema. OBJETIVOS. Realizar una caracterización demográfica y clínica de pacientes críticos con neumonía por Influenza A H1N1 en un hospital de tercer nivel de complejidad. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio observacional, analítico, retrospectivo, con análisis univariante y multivariante. Población de 293 y muestra de 44 datos de historias clínicas electrónicas de pacientes diagnosticados con A H1N1 ingresados a la Unidad de cuidados intensivos del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín en el período enero 2016 a diciembre de 2018. Como criterios de inclusión se consideró a todos los pacientes adultos mayores de 18 años que ingresaron a la UCI, con el diagnóstico de neumonía comunitaria grave con confirmación por reacción de cadena de polimerasa en tiempo real para influenza A H1N1 en hisopado nasal o aspirado traqueal. Se excluyó a pacientes embarazadas con diagnóstico de influenza A H1N1, pacientes con más de 48 horas de ingreso hospitalario previo a su ingreso a UCI, pacientes con datos insuficientes en los registros. Los datos se obtuvieron del sistema AS-400. El análisis estadístico se realizó en el programa Statistical Package for Social Sciences, versión 22. El nivel de significación fue una p<0.05. RESULTADOS. La prevalencia en pacientes críticos de neumonía por influenza A H1N1 durante 2016-2018 fue de 16,72%, la mediana de edad fue de 55 años, 25% masculinos, 34% obesos, 34% con hipertensión arterial. Escala "Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II" 23,50, "Simplified Acute Physiologic Score III" 54, "Sepsis related Organ Failure Assessment" 11,50, Lactato deshidrogenasa 99,50, Procalcitonina 0,99; 9 días de ventilación mecánica invasiva, 10,50 días de estancia en la unidad. El 91% presentó shock séptico, 59% lesión renal aguda. El 89% tuvo Síndrome de Distrés Respiratorio del Adultos, 69% fue grave, 87% usó ventilación mecánica, 38,50% corticoides, 36% posición prona, Presión parcial de oxígeno/Fracción inspirada de oxígeno 74, volumen tidal/kilogramo de 7 mililitros, presión plateau de 27,50 centímetros de agua. La mortalidad general en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos fue de 38,63% y a los 28 días de 63,60%, en shock séptico fue 42,50% y en Síndrome de Distrés Respiratorio del Adultos del 41,02%. El análisis de regresión logística multivariable identificó como factores independientes asociados a mortalidad el incremento de Lactato deshidrogenasa (OR 2,69, 9% IC 1,090-6,642) y Procalcitonina (OR 2,51, IC 1,005-6,272). CONCLUSIONES. Las características, frecuencia y mortalidad de este grupo de pacientes críticos con neumonía por influenza A H1N1 son similares a lo reportado en la literatura mundial.

INTRODUCTION. The influenza epidemic and its complications deepened the study of viral pneumonias in intensive care. In our country there is little data on this subject. OBJECTIVES. To perform a demographic and clinical characterization of critical patients with pneumonia due to pneumonia due to Influenza A H1N1 in a third level hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Observational, analytical, retrospective study, with univariate and multivariate analysis. We compared the groups of dead patients and survivors. The significance level was p<0,05. RESULTS. The prevalence in critically ill patients of influenza A H1N1 pneumonia during 2016-2018 was 16,72%, 44 cases were collected, median age 55 years, 25% male, 34% obese, 34% with arterial hypertension. APACHE II 23,50, SAPS III 54, SOFA 11,50, LDH 99,50, PCT 0,99, 9 days of invasive mechanical ventilation, 10,50 days of unit stay. 91% presented septic shock, 59% with acute kidney injury 89% had ARDS, 69% were severe, 87% used mechanical ventilation, 38,50% corticosteroids, 36% prone position, PaO2/FiO2 74, tidal volume/kg of 7 ml, plateau pressure of 27,50 cmH2O. Overall mortality in the ICU was 38,63% and at 28 days was 63,60%, in septic shock it was 42,50% and in Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome it was 42,50%. was 42,50% and 41,02% in Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The ultivariate logistic regression analysis identified as independent factors associated with mortality, the increase in LDH (OR 2,69, 9% CI 1,090-6,642) and PCT (OR 2,51, CI 1,005-6,272). CONCLUSIONS. The characteristics, frequency and mortality of this group of critical patients with pneumonia due to influenza A H1N1 are similar to those reported in the world literature.

Clinical management of COVID-19: living guideline - 15 September 2022

The WHO COVID-19 Clinical management: living guidance contains the Organization's most up-to-date recommendations for the clinical management of people with COVID-19. Providing guidance that is comprehensive and holistic for the optimal care of COVID-19 patients throughout their entire illness is important. The latest version of this living guideline is available in pdf format (via the 'Download' button) and via an online platform, and is updated regularly as new evidence emerges. No further updates to the previous existing recommendations were made in this latest version. This updated (fifth) version contains 16 new recommendations for the rehabilitation of adults with post COVID-19 condition (see Chapter 24), which includes: strong recommendation that exertional desaturation and cardiac impairment following COVID-19 should be ruled out and managed before consideration of physical exercise training

Profil épidémiologique des patients consultants et des cas positifs Covid-19 de l'unité de triage EHU Oran (mars 2020 - août 2020) / Epidemiological profile of consulting patients and Covid-19 positive cases in the triage unit - EHU Oran (March 2020 - August 2020)

Introduction. En décembre 2019, la population de Wuhan, une grande ville chinoise de 11 millions d'habitants, est atteinte par une pneumonie virale extrêmement contagieuse due au coronavirus SARSCoV-2. En Algérie, le premier cas a été identifié le 25 février 2020, un plan de riposte national élaboré par le ministère de la santé a été mis en place pour affronter l'épidémie. Dès le début de la pandémie, l'établissement hospitalier et universitaire d'Oran (EHUO), centre de soins de première ligne, d'une capacité 780 lits desservant environ 2 millions d'habitants s'est complètement réorganisé, en aménageant principalement des circuits pour le tri des patients « suspects Covid 19 ¼. L'objectif de notre travail consiste à décrire le profil épidémiologique des patients consultants et des cas incidents Covid-19 au niveau de l'unité de triage EHUO depuis le début de l'épidémie au 07 Aout 2020. Méthodes. Les données sont collectées à partir des enquêtes épidémiologiques auprès des patients consultant au niveau de l'unité de triage Covid-19 de l'EHUO. Résultats. À la date du 7 aout 2020, un total de 7110 cas suspects de Covid-19 ont été enregistrés. Du total des cas suspects, 3036 (42,7 %) étaient positifs par RT-PCR. Il s'agissait de 1421 de sexe masculin (46,8 %) et de 1615 de sexe féminin (53,2 %), soit une sex-ratio de 0,88. La répartition globale des cas Covid19 par tranches d'âge était la suivante : 21,9 % des patients avaient un âge entre 30 et 39 ans, 17,3 % entre 40 et 49 ans. Le tableau clinique était dominé par la toux (26,5%), suivi de céphalées (19 %), de fièvre (16,2 %) et d'anosmie (15,9 %). 234 patients (7,7 %) avaient une SpO2 < 95 %. Conclusion. L'épidémiologie de l'infection Covid 19 reste encore peu connue à l'heure actuelle dans notre wilaya. Un dépistage de masse permettrait d'avoir une vision plus claire sur le nombre réel de patients atteints. La Covid 19 est une infection avec un large panel de symptômes autres que respiratoires, souvent non spécifiques, faisant d'elle une pathologie difficile à diagnostiquer cliniquement, d'où la nécessité de la confirmation biologique (PCR).

Sales of "COVID kit" drugs and adverse drug reactions reported by the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency / Vendas de "kit-COVID" e reações adversas a esses medicamentos relatadas pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária / Ventas de medicamentos del "kit-COVID" y reacciones adversas a los medicamentos notificadas por la Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria

Off-label use of azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine, and ivermectin (the "COVID kit") has been suggested for COVID-19 treatment in Brazil without clinical or scientific evidence of efficacy. These drugs have known adverse drug reactions (ADR). This study aimed to analyze if the sales of drugs in the "COVID kit" are correlated to the reported number of ADR after the COVID-19 pandemic began. Data was obtained from the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) website on reported sales and ADRs for azithromycin, hydroxychloroquine, and ivermectin for all Brazilian states. The period from March 2019 to February 2020 (before the pandemic) was compared to that from March 2020 to February 2021 (during the pandemic). Trend adjustment was performed for time series data and cross-correlation analysis to investigate correlation between sales and ADR within the same month (lag 0) and in the following months (lag 1 and lag 2). Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess the magnitude of the correlations. After the pandemic onset, sales of all investigated drugs increased significantly (69.75% for azithromycin, 10,856,481.39% for hydroxychloroquine, and 12,291,129.32% for ivermectin). ADR levels of all medications but azithromycin were zero before the pandemic, but increased after its onset. Cross-correlation analysis was significant in lag 1 for all drugs nationwide. Spearman's correlation was moderate for azithromycin and hydroxychloroquine but absent for ivermectin. Data must be interpreted cautiously since no active search for ADR was performed. Our results show that the increased and indiscriminate use of "COVID kit" during the pandemic correlates to an increased occurrence of ADRs.

No Brasil, o uso off label de azitromicina, hidroxicloroquina e ivermectina (o "kit-COVID") foi sugerido para tratar COVID-19 sem que tivéssemos evidências clínicas ou científicas de sua eficácia. Estas drogas têm causado reações adversas (RA) em quem as tomam. Este estudo almejou analisar se a venda dos medicamentos que compõem o "kit-COVID" correlaciona-se com o número relatado de RAs após o início da pandemia da COVID-19. Os dados sobre vendas e RA associados a azitromicina, hidroxicloroquina e ivermectina foram obtidos no site da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa) para todos os estados brasileiros. Comparamos o período entre março de 2019 e fevereiro de 2020 (antes da pandemia) ao de março de 2020 a fevereiro de 2021 (durante a pandemia). Ajustamos tendências para os dados de séries temporais e as análises de correlação cruzada para investigar a correlação entre vendas e RA em um mesmo mês (lag 0) e nos seguintes (lag 1 e 2). O coeficiente de correlação de Spearman foi utilizado para avaliar a magnitude das correlações. Após o início da pandemia, as vendas de todos os medicamentos investigados aumentaram significativamente (69,75% para azitromicina, 10.856.481,39% para hidroxicloroquina e 12.291.129,32% para ivermectina). Os níveis de RAs de todos os medicamentos (com exceção de azitromicina) eram zero antes da pandemia mas aumentaram após seu início. A análise de correlação cruzada foi significativa no lag 1 para todas as drogas em todo o país. A correlação de Spearman foi moderada para azitromicina e hidroxicloroquina, mas ausente para ivermectina. Os dados devem ser interpretados com cautela, uma vez que não realizamos uma busca ativa por RA. Nossos resultados mostram que o uso aumentado e indiscriminado do "kit-COVID" durante a pandemia se correlaciona com uma ocorrência aumentada de RAs.

Se ha sugerido el uso fuera de lo establecido de azitromicina, hidroxicloroquina e ivermectina (el "kit-COVID") para el tratamiento de la COVID-19 en Brasil sin evidencia clínica o científica de su eficacia. Estos medicamentos tienen reacciones adversas (RAM) conocidas. Este estudio pretendía analizar si las ventas de medicamentos del "kit-COVID" están correlacionadas con el número de reacciones adversas notificadas tras el inicio de la pandemia de COVID-19. Los datos se obtuvieron del sitio web de la Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria (Anvisa) sobre las ventas y las RAM notificadas para la azitromicina, la hidroxicloroquina y la ivermectina para todos los estados brasileños. Se comparó el periodo de marzo de 2019 a febrero de 2020 (antes de la pandemia) con el de marzo de 2020 a febrero de 2021 (durante la pandemia). Se realizó un ajuste de tendencia para los datos de las series de tiempo y un análisis de correlación cruzada para investigar la correlación entre las ventas y la RAM dentro del mismo mes (lag 0) y en los meses siguientes (lag 1 y lag 2). Se utilizó el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman para evaluar la magnitud de las correlaciones. Tras el inicio de la pandemia, las ventas de todos los medicamentos investigados aumentaron significativamente (69,75% para la azitromicina, 10.856.481,39% para la hidroxicloroquina y 12.291.129,32% para la ivermectina). Los niveles de RAM de todos los medicamentos, excepto la azitromicina, eran nulos antes de la pandemia, pero aumentaron tras su inicio. El análisis de correlación cruzada fue significativo en el lag 1 para todos los medicamentos a nivel nacional. La correlación de Spearman fue moderada para la azitromicina y la hidroxicloroquina, pero no para la ivermectina. Los datos deben interpretarse con cautela, ya que no se realizó una búsqueda activa de RAM. Nuestros resultados muestran que el uso creciente e indiscriminado del "kit-COVID" durante la pandemia se correlaciona con una mayor aparición de las RAM.

Síndrome pos-COVID-19: solo sabemos que sabemos poco / Pos-COVID-19 syndrome: we only know how little we know

La COVID-19 puede producir síntomas persistentes luego de la infección inicial. En cuadros más graves, pueden corresponder a la evolución propia de una patología crítica o a secuelas inflamatorias/fibróticas pulmonares, entre otras. Esto puede confirmarse por estudios respiratorios e imagenológicos. En el caso de la COVID-19 no grave, el denominado síndrome pos-COVID-19, se trata de síntomas persistentes luego de al menos 28 días sin una secuela orgánica clara. Los síntomas más comunes en este caso son fatiga, cefalea y disnea, que pueden persistir meses luego de la infección inicial. Su curso puede ser oscilante e incluso aumentar progresivamente. El espectro de síntomas es muy amplio y requiere una adecuada evaluación del paciente. Se cree que tiene su origen en la desregulación inmunológica luego de la infección inicial. Su evaluación y seguimiento requieren un adecuado manejo sintomático y acompañamiento por el profesional a cargo. (AU)

Patients who underwent COVID-19 can develop persisting symptoms and sequelae. Severe cases may exhibit systemic complications of critical care and/or inflammatory/fibrotic lung injury. Imaging and respiratory function tests can assist in the evaluation of both. Nonsevere cases can also develop persisting symptoms for more than 28 days, which has been defined as the post COVID-19 syndrome. The most common symptoms in said syndrome are fatigue, headache and dyspnea, which can last for months. Its course can be oscillating or even increase progressively within the first months. The considerable range of symptoms requires proper patient assessment. Post-infectious immune disregulation is believed to be the source of this syndrome. Proper assessment and followup warrant measured symptom management and emphatic care by the attending physician. (AU)

Variables asociadas a la severidad en pacientes con Covid-19 / Variables associated with severity in COVID-19 patients

En la COVID-19 un porcentaje de los enfermos desarrolla cuadros severos, con una elevada mortalidad, siendo necesario el estudio de sus características con el objetivo de frenar la progresión de la enfermedad. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo en una cohorte de 150 pacientes adultos atendidos en el hospital Manuel Fajardo de Villa Clara, Cuba, en el período de marzo a junio de 2020. Se analizaron variables demográficas, clínicas, de laboratorio, gasométricas y radiológicas medidas al ingreso hospitalario; definiéndose dos grupos de pacientes según la evolución clínica: severos y no severos. Para la comparación de los grupos se realizó un análisis bivariado con el objetivo de determinar aquellas variables con asociación significativa a la severidad. Del total de pacientes, 26 (17,3%) evolucionaron a la severidad y 124 (83.7%), evolucionó satisfactoriamente. Los pacientes severos se caracterizaron por tener edad avanzada (media: 83 años) y presentar comorbilidades; siendo las más significativas: hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus, cardiopatía, enfermedad renal crónica y cáncer (p<0.0001). La polipnea y diarrea fueron las manifestaciones clínicas con mayor asociación a la severidad (p<0.0001), seguido por la fiebre (p=0.0157). La escala pronóstica quick SOFA mostró ser un instrumento útil para evaluar a los pacientes al ingreso. Las variables de laboratorio: neutrófilos, linfocitos, índice neutrófilos/linfocitos, hemoglobina. y lactato deshidrogenasa fueron las que mayor asociación tuvieron con la severidad (p<0.0001). Los leucocitos, lactato, dímero D, proteína C reactiva, glicemia y calcio también mostraron resultados significativos (p< 0.05). De las variables gasométricas, la presión y saturación arterial de oxígeno fueron las más significativamente asociadas a la severidad; así como la presencia de infiltrados o consolidación pulmonar en la radiografía de tórax (p <0.0001). El estudio permitió identificar variables al ingreso hospitalario, asociadas a progresión hacia formas severas de la enfermedad

In COVID-19, a percentage of patients develop severe disease, with high mortality, since has been necessary to study its characteristics to stop the progression of the disease. A retrospective study was carried out in a cohort of 150 adult patients attended at Manuel Fajardo Hospital in Villa Clara, Cuba, from March to June 2020. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, gasometric and radiological variables measured at hospital admission were analyzed, defining two groups of patients according to clinical evolution: severe and non-severe. For the comparison of the groups a bivariate analysis was performed, with the objective of determining those variables with a significant association to severity. Of the total number of patients, 26 (17.3%) evolved to severity and 124 (83.7%) evolved satisfactorily. Severe patients were characterized by advanced age (mean: 83 years) and comorbidities; the most significant being hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, chronic kidney disease and cancer (p< 0.0001). Polypnea and diarrhea were the clinical manifestations with the highest association with severity (p<0.0001), followed by fever (p=0.0157). The quick SOFA prognostic scale proved to be a useful instrument to evaluate patients at admission. Laboratory variables: neutrophils, lymphocytes, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, hemoglobin and lactate dehydrogenase were the most associated with severity (p<0.0001). Leukocytes, lactate, D-dimer, C-reactive protein, glycemia and calcium also showed significant results (p<0.05). Of the gasometric variables, arterial oxygen pressure and saturation were the most significantly associated with severity; as well as the presence of pulmonary infiltrates or consolidation in the chest X-ray (p<0.0001). The study allowed us to identify variables at hospital admission associated with progression to severe forms of the disease.

La desventaja de los hombres frente a la Covid-19: análisis de la influencia del sexo sobre la respuesta inmunitaria ante la infección por SARS-Cov-2 / The disadvantage of men against COVID-19: analysis of the influence of sex on the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection

mundo se encuentra en medio de la pandemia de la enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). En la mayoría de los países, la tasa de mortalidad, así como, la severidad de la enfermedad es más alta en hombres que en mujeres. Este sesgo sexual sugiere que los hombres son más propensos a desarrollar complicaciones graves o a sucumbir a las mismas, lo que conduce a la muerte. Por lo tanto, es importante comprender los elementos biológicos basados en el sexo que inciden en la respuesta inmunitaria. El objetivo de ésta revisión fue hacer un análisis en relación a la evidencia disponible sobre los diferentes factores que permitirían explicar esta disparidad sexual. Abordamos las diferencias en la respuesta inmunitaria en ambos sexos tomando en cuenta el aspecto genético, hormonal y el papel del sistema renina-angiotensina. Para ello, se realizó una búsqueda minuciosa en diferentes bases de datos utilizando las siguientes palabras clave: (Diferencia de sexo, genética, hormonas sexuales, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, respuesta inmunitaria, inflamación, hombres, mujeres). Los resultados de nuestro análisis ofrecen una comprensión más clara sobre la influencia de las diferencias sexuales en la capacidad de respuesta a una infección, con especial énfasis en la infección por SARS-CoV-2. Conocer estos factores no solo ayudará a comprender mejor la patogenia de la COVID-19, sino, además, guiará el diseño de terapias efectivas para la medicina personalizada basada en las diferencias sexuales

The world is during the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19). In most countries, the mortality rate, as well as, the severity of the disease is higher in men than in women. This sex bias suggests that men are more likely to develop severe complications or succumb to severe complications, leading to death. Therefore, it is important to understand the sex-based biological elements that influence the immune response. The aim of this review was to review the available evidence on the different factors that could explain this sex disparity. We addressed the differences in the immune response in both sexes taking into account genetic, hormonal and the role of the renin-angiotensin system. For this purpose, a thorough search was performed in different databases using the following keywords: (Sex difference, genetics, sex hormones, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, immune response, inflammation, men, women). The results of our analysis provide a clearer understanding on the influence of sex differences on the ability to respond to an infection, with special emphasis to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Knowing these factors will not only help to better understand the pathogenesis of COVID-19, but will also guide the design of effective therapies for personalized medicine based on sex differences.

Disfunção neurológica associada à COVID-19 / Neurological dysfunction associated with covid-19

RESUMO A COVID-19 foi declarada pandemia pela Organização Mundial de Saúde no dia 11 de março de 2020. O quadro clínico apresenta predominantemente sintomatologia respiratória, no entanto, na literatura atual, têm sido descritas diversas manifestações neurológicas associadas à infeção por SARS-CoV-2. Os autores apresentam o caso clínico de um homem de 45 anos internado por pneumonia com resultado positivo para SARS-CoV-2, sem antecedentes neurológicos, que, ao décimo sexto dia de internamento, apresentou alteração súbita do estado de consciência acompanhada de desvio conjugado do olhar para a direita e mioclonias da face e da região torácica à esquerda, seguidas de crise convulsiva tônico-clônica generalizada, associadas à hemiparesia esquerda persistente. Do estudo realizado salienta-se a existência de RT-PCR para SARS-CoV-2 no líquido cefalorraquidiano positiva. O doente apresentou evolução clínica com melhoria gradual, tendo o desfecho sido favorável.

ABSTRACT COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. The clinical presentation is predominantly respiratory symptoms; however, in the current literature, several neurological manifestations associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection have been described. The authors present the clinical case of a 45-year-old man hospitalized for pneumonia with a positive test result for SARS-CoV-2, without a neurological history, who, on the sixteenth day of hospitalization, presented a sudden change in his state of consciousness accompanied by conjugated right gaze deviation and myoclonus of the face and thoracic region to the left, followed by generalized tonic-clonic seizures associated with persistent left hemiparesis. The present study highlights a positive RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 in cerebrospinal fluid. The patient progressed with gradual improvement, and the outcome was favorable.

COVID-19 informe de situación de Panamá N°51: Abril 6, 2021 / COVID-19 Panama situation report N ° 51: April 6, 2021

A la fecha, se reportan 4.329 pacientes (1,2%) en aislamiento domiciliario, 493 pacientes (0,1%) se encuentran hospitalizados (430 en sala general y 63 en Unidades de Cuidado Intensivo -UCI). Se informan 345.120 (96,9%) casos como recuperados

Rueda de prensa semanal sobre COVID-19: palabras de apertura de la directora, 7 de abril de 2021 / Weekly Press Conference on COVID-19: Opening Remarks from the Director, April 7, 2021

El número de casos de COVID-19 sigue aumentando en toda la Región de las Américas. La semana pasada se notificaron más de 1,3 millones de casos nuevos y más de 37.000 muertes en nuestra Región. De hecho, más de la mitad de todas las muertes notificadas en el mundo en la última semana se produjeron en la Región de las Américas. Este dato nos recuerda el terrible costo humano de la pandemia.