Dengue más allá del trópico: estudio de series temporales 2015-2016 versus 2019-2020 en un hospital pediátrico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires / Dengue beyond the tropics: a time-series study comprising 2015-2016 versus 2019-2020 at a children's hospital in the City of Buenos Aires

Introducción. El dengue es un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Confinado en sus orígenes a las zonas tropicales y subtropicales, en la actualidad se presenta en otras regiones como Argentina. Desde el año 2008 se presenta con brotes epidémicos en la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, con escasos reportes en niños. Objetivo. Analizar y comparar las características clínicas, epidemiológicas, de laboratorio y evolutivas de los dos últimos brotes de dengue fuera del área endémica. Población y métodos. Estudio de series temporales. Se incluyeron pacientes menores de 18 años con dengue probable o confirmado, evaluados en un hospital pediátrico de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires durante los períodos 2015-2016 y 2019-2020. Resultados. Se incluyeron 239 pacientes, 29 (12 %) con antecedente de viaje. La mediana de edad fue de 132 meses (rango intercuartílico: 102-156). Todos tuvieron fiebre. Otros síntomas fueron: cefalea en 170 (71 %), mialgias en 129 (54 %) y exantema en 122 (51 %). Cuarenta pacientes (17 %) tenían comorbilidades. Presentaron signos de alarma 79 pacientes (33 %) y 14 (6 %) tenían dengue grave. Requirieron internación 115 pacientes (45 %) y ninguno falleció. El serotipo DENV-1 fue el más frecuente. El antecedente de viaje y la necesidad de internación predominaron en el primer período; el dengue grave y la infección previa, en el segundo. Conclusiones. Ningún paciente falleció de dengue en los períodos estudiados. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la frecuencia de internación; el antecedente de viaje fue más frecuente en el período 2015-2016 y el dengue grave, en el 2019-2020.

Introduction. Dengue is a public health problem worldwide. It was originally confined to tropical and subtropical areas, but it is now present in other regions, such as Argentina. Epidemic outbreaks have been observed in the City of Buenos Aires since 2008, with few reports in children. Objective. To analyze and compare the clinical, epidemiological, laboratory, and evolutionary characteristics of the latest 2 dengue outbreaks outside the endemic area. Population and methods. Time-series study. Patients under 18 years of age with probable or confirmed dengue and evaluated in a children's hospital of the City of Buenos Aires during the periods 2015-2016 and 2019-2020 were included. Results. A total of 239 patients were included; 29 (12%) had a history of travel. Their median age was 132 months (interquartile range: 102156). All had a fever. Other symptoms included headache in 170 (71%), myalgia in 129 (54%), and rash in 122 (51%). Forty patients (17%) had comorbidities. Warning signs were observed in 79 patients (33%); 14 (6%) developed severe dengue; 115 (45%) were hospitalized; none died. DENV-1 was the most common serotype. A history of travel and hospitalization prevailed in the first period; severe dengue and prior infection, in the second period. Conclusions. No patient died due to dengue in either study period. Statistically significant differences were observed in the frequency of hospitalization; a history of travel was more common in the 2015-2016 period and severe dengue, in the 2019-2020 period.

Predictive factors of dengue severity in hospitalized children and adolescents in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Dengue is one of the most important mosquito-borne infections. Severe cases are more frequently observed in adults. However, in 2008, the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, experienced a severe dengue epidemic that primarily affected children and caused many cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and death. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted to examine laboratory diagnosis and clinical epidemiologic factors for confirmed dengue cases in patients aged less than 16 years, from January to June 2008, at a municipal hospital in the City of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Variables associated with severe outcomes and P values less than .05 were evaluated by means of a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Of the 419 dengue cases studied, 296 were classified as DHF and 123 as classical dengue. Six patients who had DHF died. In multivariate analysis, some laboratory and clinical variables were independently associated with DHF: age 5 years or older (odds ratio [OR], 4.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30-18.71), abdominal pain (OR, 8.59; 95% CI, 3.17-23.27), hepatomegaly (OR, 15.87; 95% CI, 5.38-46.85), and positive tourniquet test (OR, 10.84; 95% CI, 3.96-29.71). Hypoalbuminemia occurred more frequently than hemoconcentration in DHF cases, and high aminotransferase levels were associated with severity. CONCLUSIONS: Age greater than 5 years, abdominal pain, painful hepatomegaly, and positive tourniquet test were predictors of DHF. The high frequency of hepatic impairment suggests that acetaminophen should be avoided in severe cases of dengue.

Predicción espacio-temporal probabilista de la epidemia de dengue total y grave en Colombia / Probabilistic spatial-temporal prediction of total and severe epidemic of dengue in Colombia / Previsão probabilística espaço-temporal da epidemia de dengue total e grave na Colômbia

RESUMEN Objetivo Establecer una nueva metodología predictiva de la proporción de dengue grave respecto al total anual de infectados de dengue por departamento con base en la teoría de la probabilidad. Métodos Con base en los datos anuales de número de infectados por departamentos en el periodo 2005 -2010, se calculó la proporción entre casos de dengue grave respecto al total para cada año, y se construyeron espacios de probabilidad que evalúan estos eventos en rangos de 0,5 y 0,3. Se determinaron conjuntos de rangos y se calculó probabilidad, desviación media cuadrática y la diferencia entre ellas. Se realizó una predicción del rango de infectados para el 2011 con el promedio aritmético de los valores de los últimos dos años. Resultados Se predijo correctamente el rango en el que se encuentra incluida la proporción de número de infectados de dengue grave sobre el total en cada departamento con una efectividad del 93,3% para el rango de 0,5 y de 86,7% para el de 0,3. Conclusión Se evidenció una autoorganización matemática espacio temporal en la proporción de dengue grave respecto al total que permite establecer predicciones de utilidad para la toma de decisiones de salud pública.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objective To establish a new predictive methodology to determine the proportion of severe dengue with respect to the annual total of dengue infections per department based on the probability theory. Materials and Methods Based on annual data on the number of infected persons by department in the period 2005-2010, the proportion of cases of severe dengue was calculated with respect to the total for each year. Probability spaces were constructed to evaluate these events in the ranges 0.5 and 0.3. Sets of ranges were determined and probability, mean square deviation and the difference between them were estimated. A prediction of the range of infected people for 2011 was made using the arithmetic average of the values of the last two years. Results The range in which the proportion of the number of people infected with severe dengue is included with respect to the total amount in each department was correctly predicted, with an effectiveness of 93.3% for the 0.5 range and 86.7% for the 0.3 range. Conclusion A mathematical spatial-temporal self-organization was found in the proportion of severe dengue with respect to the total, which allows establishing useful predictions for decision-making in public health.(AU)

RESUMO Objetivo Estabelecer uma nova metodologia preditiva para a proporção de dengue grave em relação ao dengue total anual infectado por departamento com base na teoria da probabilidade. Métodos Com base nos dados anuais do número de infectados por departamentos no período 2005-2010, a proporção entre os casos de dengue grave em relação ao total foi calculada para cada ano, e foram construídos espaços de probabilidade que avaliam esses eventos em intervalos de 0, 5 e 0,3. Conjuntos de intervalos foram determinados e a probabilidade, o desvio médio quadrático e a diferença entre eles foram calculados. A previsão da faixa de infectados para 2011 foi feita com a média aritmética dos valores dos últimos dois anos. Resultados A faixa na qual a proporção do número de infectados por dengue grave sobre o total está incluída em cada departamento foi corretamente prevista com uma eficácia de 93,3% para a faixa de 0,5 e 86,7% para aquela de 0,3. Conclusão Evidenciou-se uma auto-organização matemática espaço-temporal na proporção de dengue grave em relação ao total, o que permite estabelecer previsões úteis para a tomada de decisões em saúde pública.(AU)

Ingresos a Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de mujeres durante el embarazo y periodo puerperal / Admission of women to an intensive care unit during pregnancy or the postpartum period

Introducción: las complicaciones del embarazo y parto constituyen las principales causas de muerte entre las mujeres en edad reproductiva. Las embarazadas o puérperas que ingresan a Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) son en su mayoría casos agudos críticos con riesgo de muerte, que necesitan tratamiento especializa do y complejo. Constituyen un grupo significativo de la práctica obstétrica. Objetivo: determinar las características clínicas y demográficas de las pacientes gestantes o puérperas que ingresaron a UCI del Hospital Nacional de Itauguá durante 5 años (2011-2015) Materiales y métodos: diseño observacional descriptivo de corte trasverso. Fueron incluidas gestantes y puérperas que requirieron ingreso a UCI por complicaciones obstétricas y no obstétricas, descompensación materna, con y sin morbilidad previa. Resultados: necesitaron ingreso a UCI 135 pacientes (0,48%). La edad media fue 27 ± 6,7 años. La muestra estuvo conformada por 21 gestantes (15,5%), 85 puérperas (63%), 27 mujeres con post aborto (20%) y 2 con embarazo ectópico (1,5 %). La complicación obstétrica más frecuente que motivó el ingreso a UCI fue la sepsis y entre las no obstétricas la cardiopatía descompensada. El tiempo medio de internación en la UCI fue 6,47 ± 8,5 días y 50 pacientes (37,03%) necesitaron asistencia respiratoria mecánica. Hubo 19 óbitos (14%) Conclusiones: el ingreso a UCI se observó en 0,48%. La mortalidad en UCI fue 14%.

Introduction: complications of pregnancy and childbirth are the main causes of death among women of childbearing age. Pregnant women or postpartum women entering the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are mostly acute cases with a high risk of death, which require specialized and complex treatment. They constitute a significant group of obstetric practice. Objective: to determine the clinical and demographic characteristics of the pregnant or puerperal patients who entered the ICU of the National Hospital of Itauguá for 5 years (2011-2015) Materials and methods: descriptive observational cross-sectional design. Pregnant women and postpartum women who required admission to the ICU due to obstetric and non-obstetric complications, maternal decompensation, with and without prior morbidity were included. Results: 135 patients required admission to the ICU. The mean age was 27 ± 6.7 years. The sample consisted of 21 pregnant women (15.5%), 85 postpartum women (63%), 27 women with post abortion (20%) and 2 with ectopic pregnancy (1.5%). The most frequent obstetric complication that led to ICU admission was sepsis and non-obstetric heart disease was decompensated. The mean ICU admission time was 6.47 ± 8.5 days and 50 patients (37.03%) required mechanical ventilation. There were 19 deaths (14%) Conclusions: ICU admission was observed at 0.48%. Mortality in ICU was 14%.

Prevalencia y curso clínico de la infección por dengue en adultos mayores con cuadro febril agudo en un hospital de alta complejidad en Cali, Colombia / Prevalence and clinical course of dengue infection in elderly patients with acute febrile illness in a tertiary care hospital in Cali, Colombia

Introducción. Hay pocas series de casos publicadas sobre la prevalencia y el curso clínico del dengue en adultos mayores con síndrome febril, habitantes en zonas endémicas para la infección. Se cree que tales casos presentan una baja prevalencia pero revisten mayor gravedad, y más complicaciones y mortalidad. Objetivos. Describir la prevalencia y el curso clínico del dengue en adultos mayores atendidos por síndrome febril agudo en un hospital de alta complejidad de una zona endémica de la enfermedad. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional descriptivo en una cohorte de pacientes adultos mayores con diagnóstico serológico confirmado de dengue entre el 2011 y el 2014. Resultados. Se evaluaron las historias clínicas de 235 pacientes adultos mayores con cuadro febril agudo y se confirmó la infección en solo 43 (18,3 %) de ellos. La mediana de edad de los pacientes con diagnóstico confirmado fue de 71 años y 48,7 % correspondía a mujeres; 89 % de los pacientes presentaba al menos otra enfermedad concomitante; 51,4 % fue positivo para Ag NS1, 27 % para IgM y 54,1 % para IgG, en tanto que 64,8 % correspondió a infecciones secundarias. Los casos clasificados como dengue fueron 13 (35 %), como dengue con signos de alarma, 16 (43 %), y como dengue grave, 8 (22 %). Se hospitalizó a 56,7 % de los pacientes, de los cuales 21,6 % fue internado en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. No hubo casos fatales. Conclusión. La infección por dengue fue frecuente en adultos mayores como causa de síndrome febril agudo. Una importante proporción requirió hospitalización y presentó complicaciones, sin embargo, el manejo adecuado evitó los casos fatales.

Introduction: Little is known about the prevalence and clinical course of dengue infection in elderly patients living in endemic areas; it is presumed that there is a lower prevalence but higher severity, complications and mortality. Objective: To describe the prevalence and clinical course of dengue infection in elderly patients who were admitted to a referral care center for infectious diseases in an endemic region. Materials and methods: We conducted an observational and descriptive study between 2011 and 2014, using a cohort of elderly patients with serological diagnosis of dengue. Results: A total of 235 febrile elderly patients were assessed, of which 43 patients (18.3%) were found to have dengue. The median age was 71 years; 48.7% were female, and 89% of patients had at least one comorbid condition. According to the serological tests, 51.4% of cases were positive for NS1 Ag, 27% for IgM and 54.1% for IgG, while 64.8% were secondary infections. Dengue was diagnosed in 13 patients (35%), dengue with warning signs in 16 cases (43%), and severe dengue in 8 cases (22%). Nearly 56.7% of patients were admitted to hospital and 21.6%, to the intensive care unit. None died. Conclusion: We found dengue infection to be more frequent than expected in this sample of elderly patients, due to acute febrile syndrome. Elderly patients also required higher rate of hospitalization and had more complications, however there were no deaths due to good management.

Evaluation of the World Health Organization 2009 classification of dengue severity in autopsied individuals, during the epidemics of 2011 and 2012 in Brazil

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The dengue classification proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2009 is considered more sensitive than the classification proposed by the WHO in 1997. However, no study has assessed the ability of the WHO 2009 classification to identify dengue deaths among autopsied individuals suspected of having dengue. In the present study, we evaluated the ability of the WHO 2009 classification to identify dengue deaths among autopsied individuals suspected of having dengue in Northeast Brazil, where the disease is endemic. METHODS: This retrospective study included 121 autopsied individuals suspected of having dengue in Northeast Brazil during the epidemics of 2011 and 2012. All the autopsied individuals included in this study were confirmed to have dengue based on the findings of laboratory examinations. RESULTS: The median age of the autopsied individuals was 34 years (range, 1 month to 93 years), and 54.5% of the individuals were males. According to the WHO 1997 classification, 9.1% (11/121) of the cases were classified as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and 3.3% (4/121) as dengue shock syndrome. The remaining 87.6% (106/121) of the cases were classified as dengue with complications. According to the 2009 classification, 100% (121/121) of the cases were classified as severe dengue. The absence of plasma leakage (58.5%) and platelet counts <100,000/mm3 (47.2%) were the most frequent reasons for the inability to classify cases as DHF. CONCLUSIONS: The WHO 2009 classification is more sensitive than the WHO 1997 classification for identifying dengue deaths among autopsied individuals suspected of having dengue.

Dengue in an area of the Colombian Caribbean / El dengue en una región del Caribe colombiano

Background: In Colombia, dengue is an endemic disease and the four serotypes have been reported. Objective: To describe the frequency and severity of dengue in an area of the Colombian Caribbean (Department of Cordoba) Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. Two data sources were analyzed: The database from the Direction of Health in Cordoba, and clinical registers of patients diagnosed with hemorrhagic fevers and fevers of unknown origin in reference hospitals. Results: The mean incidence of dengue between 2003-2010 was 36.5 cases/10(5) inhabitants (CI95%: 34.3-37.5) and adjusted for sub-reporting, could be between 178.5 and 521.6. The mean incidence of severe dengue was 4.7 cases/10(5) inhabitants (CI95%: 4.3-5.0). Mean mortality rate due to dengue was 0.3 cases/10(5) inhabitants. The fatality rate was below 1%. The mean total leukocyte count in patients with dengue was 6,181 mm³ (CI95%: 5,973-6,389) and with severe Dengue was 4,729 mm³ (CI95%: 4,220-5,238). The average platelet count in patients with Dengue was 118,793/mm³ (CI95%: 107,255-130,331) and in patients with Severe Dengue 77,655 (CI95%: 59,640-95,670). Both differences were statistically significant (p <0.05). The frequency of laboratories test per patient in patients with Dengue and severe Dengue were different. Conclusion: The department of Cordoba is a highly endemic zone of Dengue and severe Dengue in the Colombian Caribbean. Moreover, the results show significant differences between dengue and severe dengue so much in tests as in frequency of use of healthcare services.

Antecedentes: en Colombia el Dengue es una enfermedad endémica en la que se han descrito los cuatro serotipos que la producen. Objetivo: Describir la frecuencia y severidad del Dengue en el departamento de Córdoba de la región caribe colombiana. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo a partir del análisis de dos fuentes de datos: a) la base de datos de los casos reportados a la dirección de salud departamental y b) los registros clínicos de pacientes con diagnóstico de fiebres hemorrágicas y fiebre de origen desconocido., en hospitales de referencia del departamento de Córdoba. Resultados: La incidencia media de dengue entre 2003-2010 fue de 36.5 casos por cien mil habitantes (IC95%: 34.3-37.5) y ajustando por sub-registro podría estar entre 178.5 y 521.6. La incidencia media de dengue grave fue de 4.7 casos por cien mil habitantes (IC95%: 4.3-5.0). La tasa promedio de mortalidad por el dengue durante el período fue de 0.3 casos por cien mil habitantes. El recuento leucocitario total promedio en los pacientes con dengue fue 6,181 x mm³ (IC95%: 5,973-6,389) y con dengue grave fue 4,729 x mm³ (IC95%: 4,220-5,238). El recuento medio de plaquetas en pacientes con Dengue fue 118,793/mm³ (IC95%: 107,255-130,331) y en pacientes con Dengue Grave fue 77,655 (IC95%: 59,640-95,670). Las diferencias fueron estadísticamente significativas (p <0.05). La frecuencia de los laboratorios de pruebas por paciente en los pacientes con dengue y dengue grave fueron diferentes. Conclusión: El departamento de Córdoba es una zona altamente endémica de dengue y dengue grave en el Caribe colombiano. Los resultados muestran diferencias significativas en algunas pruebas de laboratorio entre el dengue y el dengue severo.

Intervenciones de enfermería para la atención del paciente con dengue grave en el segundo y tercer nivel de atención / Nursing interventions for the care of the patient with dengre grave in the second and third level

Introducción. El dengue es una enfermedad infecciosa sistémica, viral transmitida por el mosquito “Aedes”. La OMS calcula que cada año se producen entre 50 y 100 millones de infecciones por este virus en el mundo. En México en el transcurso de la última década ha habido un incremento de casos, especialmente de tipo hemorrágico.Métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de artículos en cuatro etapas, retrospectiva a 10 años relacionada a dengue grave en PubMed, BVS, Tripdatabase y sitios Web; obteniendo 149 resultados, siendo útiles 40 para el desarrollo de esta guía: revisiones sistemáticas, meta análisis, ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, estudios observacionales y Guías de Práctica Clínica.Resultados. Revisiones sistemáticas mencionan que la desnutrición grado 2 o 3 proteico calórica severa protege contra la vasculopatía del dengue y que la fase crítica comienza alrededor del período de desaparición de fiebre, la leucopenia avanza y hay una rápida disminución de plaquetas, esto precede a la manifestación más específica y potencialmente mortal de esta fase: incrementa la permeabilidad capilar conduciendo a la pérdida de plasma y aumento en él hematocrito; un estudio transversal prospectivo encontró que infecciones sucesivas del virus del dengue aumentan el riesgo de dengue grave y un estudio multicéntrico refiere que las fallas orgánicas más desarrolladas fueron respiratorias, cardiovasculares, neurológicas y hepáticas.Conclusiones. La implementación de las recomendaciones están dirigidas principalmente a las intervenciones de enfermería que contribuyen a la prevención, recuperación, disminución de complicaciones y limitación de daños para el paciente con dengue grave.

Introduction. Dengue fever is a systemic, viral infectious disease transmitted by the ""Aedes"" mosquito. WHO estimates that each year occur between 50 and 100 million infections by this virus in the world. In Mexico over the course of the last decade, there has been an increase in cases, especially of hemorrhagic type. Methods. A systematic search of articles was carried out in four stages, back at 10 years related to severe dengue in PubMed, VHL, Tripdatabase and Web sites; 149 results, being useful 40 for the development of this guide: systematic reviews, meta analysis, clinical trials randomized, observational studies and clinical practice guidelines. Results. Systematic reviews mentioned malnutrition grade 2 or severe caloric protein 3 protects against vascular disease of dengue and the critical phase begins around the time of the disappearance of fever, leukopenia advances and there is a rapid decrease in platelets, this precedes the manifestation more specific and potentially deadly this phase: increases capillary permeability, leading to the loss of plasma and increase the hematocrit; a prospective cross-sectional study found that successive infections of the dengue virus increases the risk of serious dengue and a multicenter study concerns that more developed organic failures were respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological and hepatic.Conclusions. The implementation of the recommendations are directed mainly to the nursing interventions that contribute to the prevention, recovery, reduction of complications and limitation of patient with severe dengue.

Introdução. Dengue é uma doença infecciosa sistêmica, viral transmitida pelo mosquito ""Aedes"". O que estima-se que cada ano produzirá entre 50 e 100 milhões de infecções por este vírus no mundo. No México, durante a última década tem sido um aumento de casos, especialmente do tipo hemorrágico. Métodos. Uma busca sistemática dos artigos foi realizada em quatro etapas, em 10 anos relacionados com graves da dengue no PubMed, BVS, Tripdatabase e Web sites; 149 resultados, sendo 40 útil para o desenvolvimento deste guia: revisões sistemáticas, meta análise, ensaios clínicos randomizados, estudos observacionais e diretrizes de prática clínica.Resultados. Revisões sistemáticas mencionado o grau de desnutrição 2 ou proteína calórica grave 3 protege contra doença vascular de dengue e a fase crítica começa na época do desaparecimento da febre, leucopenia avança e há uma rápida diminuição de plaquetas, isto precede a manifestação mais específica e potencialmente mortal nesta fase: aumenta a permeabilidade capilar, levando à perda de plasma e aumento do hematócrito; um estudo transversal prospectivo descobriu que infecções sucessivas do vírus da dengue a aumentam o risco de dengue grave e um estudo multicêntrico refere-se que os defeitos orgânicos mais específica e potencialmente mortal nesta fase: aumenta a permeabilidade capilar, levando à perda de plasma e aumento do hematócrito; um estudo transversal prospectivo descobriu que infecções sucessivas do vírus da dengue a aumentam o risco de dengue grave e um estudo multicêntrico refere-se que os defeitos orgânicos mais desenvolvidos eram respiratórias, cardiovasculares, neurológicas e hepáticas. Conclusões. A implementação das recomendações são direcionados principalmente para eles, as intervenções de enfermagem que contribuem para a prevenção, recuperação, redução de complicações e a limitação de danos para o paciente com dengue grave.

Occurrence of severe dengue in Rio de Janeiro: an ecological study

Introduction This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the incidence of severe dengue during the 2008 epidemic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and socioeconomic indicators, as well as indicators of health service availability and previous circulation of the dengue virus serotype-3 (DENV-3). Methods In this ecological study, the units of analysis were the districts of Rio de Janeiro. The data were incorporated into generalized linear models, and the incidence of severe dengue in each district was the outcome variable. Results The districts with more cases of dengue fever in the 2001 epidemic and a higher percentage of residents who declared their skin color or race as black had higher incidence rates of severe dengue in the 2008 epidemic [incidence rate ratio (IRR)= 1.21; 95% confidence interval (95%CI)= 1.05-1.40 and IRR= 1.34; 95%CI= 1.16-1.54, respectively]. In contrast, the districts with Family Health Strategy (FHS) clinics were more likely to have lower incidence rates of severe dengue in the 2008 epidemic (IRR= 0.81; 95%CI= 0.70-0.93). Conclusions At the ecological level, our findings suggest the persistence of health inequalities in this region of Brazil that are possibly due to greater social vulnerability among the self-declared black population. ...

Evaluation of the WHO classification of dengue disease severity during an epidemic in 2011 in the state of Ceara, Brazil

In 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a new guideline that stratifies dengue-affected patients into severe (SD) and non-severe dengue (NSD) (with or without warning signs). To evaluate the new recommendations, we completed a retrospective cross-sectional study of the dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) cases reported during an outbreak in 2011 in northeastern Brazil. We investigated 84 suspected DHF patients, including 45 (53.6%) males and 39 (46.4%) females. The ages of the patients ranged from five-83 years and the median age was 29. According to the DHF/dengue shock syndrome classification, 53 (63.1%) patients were classified as having dengue fever and 31 (36.9%) as having DHF. According to the 2009 WHO classification, 32 (38.1%) patients were grouped as having NSD [4 (4.8%) without warning signs and 28 (33.3%) with warning signs] and 52 (61.9%) as having SD. A better performance of the revised classification in the detection of severe clinical manifestations allows for an improved detection of patients with SD and may reduce deaths. The revised classification will not only facilitate effective screening and patient management, but will also enable the collection of standardised surveillance data for future epidemiological and clinical studies.

Virus del dengue de serotipo 1 (DENV-1) de Colombia: su contribución a la presentación del dengue en el departamento de Santander / Dengue virus serotype 1 (DENV-1) from Colombia: its contribution to dengue occurrence in Santander

Introducción. Los cuatro serotipos del virus del dengue circularon en el departamento de Santander entre 1998 y 2008. No existe información sobre el papel del serotipo 1 (DENV-1) en la epidemiología de la enfermedad. Objetivo. Analizar la relación entre el cambio de predominancia del (DENV-1) con su diversificación genética, predominancia de los otros serotipos y presentación del dengue grave. Materiales y métodos. La diversificación genética se estudió por análisis filogenético usando la secuencia del gen E de 12 cepas del virus. Para el análisis se utilizaron datos sobre predominancia de los serotipos obtenidos en estudios previos y datos oficiales de incidencia del dengue. Resultados. Los virus seleccionados se agruparon en el genotipo V junto a (DENV-1) de países de Latinoamérica y se evidenció segregación en cuatro linajes. Los cambios en la predominancia del virus coincidieron con el reemplazo de linaje y esto, a su vez, con incremento en la prevalencia de DENV-2 y DENV-3, e incremento del dengue grave. Conclusión. La diversificación genética podría contribuir a cambios de predominancia de (DENV-1), y la relación del virus con el DENV-2 y DENV-3 en situaciones que favorecen la presentación de casos graves. Se necesitan más estudios para precisar el papel de los serotipos en la epidemiología del dengue.

Introduction: Between 1998 and 2008 all dengue virus serotypes circulated in the Departamento de Santander, an endemic region in northeastern Colombia. No information is available as to the role of serotype 1 (DENV-1) with respect to epidemiology of dengue. Objective: To analyze the relationship between changes in DENV-1 predominance with respect to genetic diversity, prevalence of others serotypes and occurrence of severe dengue. Methods: Virus genetic diversity was studied by phylogenetic analysis comparing E gene sequences from 12 viral strains. Data about serotypes predominance obtained in previous studies and official data about dengue incidence were used for analysis. Results: Selected viruses grouped into genotype V together DENV-1 from Latin America countries, and segregation in four lineages was evidenced. Changes in virus predominance coincided with replacement of lineage, increase in prevalence of DENV-2 and DENV-3 and increase of severe dengue. Conclusion: Genetic divergence could have contributed to changes in DENV-1 predominance. The relationship of the virus with DENV-2 and DENV-3 could create scenarios that promote occurrence of severe cases. More studies are required to ascertain the precise role of serotypes in the epidemiology of dengue.

Evaluation of the diagnostic value of the tourniquet test in predicting severe dengue cases in a population from Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Introduction Dengue is prevalent in many tropical and sub-tropical regions. The clinical diagnosis of dengue is still complex, and not much data are available. This work aimed at assessing the diagnostic accuracy of the tourniquet test in patients with suspected dengue infection and its positivity in different classifications of this disease as reported to the Information System for Notifiable Disease in Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil between 2001 and 2006. Methods Cross-section analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of the tourniquet test for dengue, using IgM-anti-DENV ELISA as a gold standard. Results We selected 9,836 suspected cases, of which 41.1% were confirmed to be dengue. Classic dengue was present in 95.8%, dengue with complications in 2.5% and dengue hemorrhagic fever in 1.7%. The tourniquet test was positive in 16.9% of classic dengue cases, 61.7% of dengue cases with complications and 82.9% of cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever. The sensitivity and specificity of the tourniquet test were 19.1% and 86.4%, respectively. Conclusions A positive tourniquet test can be a valuable tool to support diagnosis of dengue where laboratory tests are not available. However, the absence of a positive test should not be read as the absence of infection. In addition, the tourniquet test was demonstrated to be an indicator of dengue severity. .

Factors related to severe dengue during an epidemic in Vitoria, State of Espirito Santo, Brazil, 2011

Introduction The prognosis of dengue depends on early diagnosis and treatment, which can help prevent severe forms whose characteristics were evaluated here. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving dengue cases in Vitória, State of Espírito Santo, Brazil, in 2011. Results Two health regions registered 56.3% of 371 cases of severe dengue. Of these cases, 21.3% presented with dengue hemorrhagic fever. There were associations between dengue hemorrhagic fever with younger ages and a longer time before receiving care. Conclusions There was a greater involvement of dengue hemorrhagic fever in young people. Delay in care, poor urban quality and high endemicity were identified as possible risk factors for dengue severity. .

Dinámica epidemiológica del dengue en Isla de Pascua / Epidemiological dynamics of dengue on Easter Island

Dengue is considered an emerging disease with an increasing prevalence especially in South America. In 2002, an epidemic of classic Dengue (DENV-1) occurred unexpectedly on Easter Island, where it had never been detected before. It reappeared in 2006-2007 and 2008, 2009 and 2011. The aim of this study was to estimate the most relevant parameters of the epidemiological dynamics of transmission of Dengue on Easter Island and to model the dynamics since 2002, comparing the predictions with the actual situation observed. Of the total cases, 52.27% were females and 47.73% men. The average age of infection was 31.38 ± 18.37 years, similar in men and women. We estimated the reproductive number R0 = 3.005 with an IC0,95 = [1.92, 4.61]. The inter-epidemic period reached an estimated T = 5.20 to 6.8 years. The case simulation showed recurrent epidemics with decreasing magnitude (damped oscillations), which is a known phenomenon in models of dengue and malaria. There was good qualitative fit to the epidemiological dynamics from 2002 onwards. It accurately predicted the rise in cases between 2006 and 2011. The predicted number of cases during the 2002 epidemic is greater than the confirmed cases and the predicted epidemic was faster than notified cases. Interepidemic period in the simulation was 6.72 years between 2002 and 2008 and 4.68 years between 2008 and 2013. From the theoretical perspective, the first epidemic had affected 94% of the population (approximately 3500 cases), but 639 were reported suggesting underreporting and a lot of sub-clinical cases occurred. Future epidemic of decreasing size are expected, although the main danger are epidemics of hemorrhagic dengue fever resulting from the introduction of different dengue virus serotypes.

El dengue es considerado una enfermedad emergente que aumenta su prevalencia especialmente en Sudamérica. En 2002 ocurrió inesperadamente una epidemia de dengue clásico (DENV-1) en Isla de Pascua, hecho nunca antes detectado. Posteriormente, ha reaparecido en 2006-2007 y 2008, 2009 y 2011. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estimar los parámetros epidemiológicos más relevantes de la dinámica de transmisión del dengue en Isla de Pascua y modelar la dinámica desde 2002, comparando las predicciones con la situación real observada. Del total de casos, 52,27% correspondieron a mujeres y 47,73% a hombres. La edad promedio de infección fue E = 31,38 ± 18,37 años, similar en hombres y mujeres. Se estimó el número reproductivo R0 = 3,005 con un IC0,95 = [1,92; 4,61]. El período inter-epidémico esperado puede ir entre T = 5,20 y 6,8 años. La simulación de casos mostró una dinámica con epidemias recurrentes que van decreciendo en magnitud (oscilaciones amortiguadas), lo que es un hecho conocido en todos los modelos de dengue y malaria. Hubo un buen ajuste cualitativo a la dinámica epidemiológica desde 2002 en adelante. Se predijo adecuadamente el alza de casos entre 2006 y 2011. El número de casos predichos durante la epidemia de 2002 es mayor que los casos confirmados y el curso de la epidemia predicha es más acelerado. El período inter-epidémico en la simulación es de 6,72 años entre 2002 y 2008 y 4,68 años entre 2008 y 2013. Desde la perspectiva teórica, la primera epidemia debió afectar a 94% de la población (aproximadamente 3.500 casos); sin embargo, se notificaron 639 lo que sugiere sub-notificación y gran cantidad de casos sub-clínicos. Se esperan futuros rebrotes epidémicos de tamaño decreciente, aunque se advierte que el principal peligro radica en epidemias de dengue hemorrágico, producto de la introducción de los otros serotipos.

Treinta años después de la epidemia cubana de dengue hemorrágico en 1981 / Thirty years after the Cuban dengue hemorrhagic epidemic occurred in 1981

En 1981, Cuba reportó la primera epidemia de dengue hemorrágico en las Américas, en la cual se reportaron más de 344 203 enfermos, con 10 312 casos graves y muy graves, y 158 fallecidos. En estos 30 años con posterioridad a la epidemia, las acciones de vigilancia, control, e investigaciones realizadas han permitido que el país se mantenga libre de dengue aunque se han reportado epidemias y transmisiones que han sido interrumpidas. En este trabajo se resumen aspectos de interés relacionados con esta epidemia así como con la vigilancia de laboratorio y los resultados de algunas de las investigaciones realizadas.

Cuba reported the first dengue hemorrhagic fever in the American region in 1981. More than 344 203 cases with 10 312 severe and very severe cases and 158 fatalities were reported. Thirty years after this epidemic, the established surveillance, the control actions and the performed research studies have allowed the country to keep free of dengue, although some epidemics and waves of transmission have occurred, which have finally been eliminated. This paper summarized some interesting aspects related with this epidemic as well as with the laboratory surveillance and results of some of the main research works.

Dengue fever in Pakistan: Inten-sity declines, threat remains

In 2011, Pakistan has witnessed one of the worst outbreaks from dengue fever/dengue haemorrhagic fever [DF/DHF]. Till October 31, the country reported a total of 252,935 suspected cases of which 17,057 cases were laboratory-confirmed. A total 219 deaths were also reported in 2011 from this outbreak. Majority of the cases and deaths were reported from Punjab province with more than 250,000 suspected cases including 203 deaths. In recent time, cases have declined from Punjab as well as from other provinces in Pakistan. How-ever, the threat has not subsided as the outbreak has become a recurrent public health event in Pakistan since 2006 and as such, massive public health preparedness efforts are warranted if another big outbreak is to be avoided