Paediatric emergency department attendances during COVID-19 and SARS in Singapore

INTRODUCTION@#We evaluated the impact of public health measures on paediatric emergency department attendances during the COVID-19 and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreaks in Singapore.@*METHODS@#Between 1 January 2020 and 31 July 2020, we retrospectively reviewed paediatric emergency department attendances and admissions in a tertiary paediatric hospital in Singapore before and after a national lockdown to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Singapore. Hospital attendances and admissions were compared with data from a corresponding period in 2019 (1 January 2019 to 31 July 2019), as well as during and after the SARS outbreak (1 January 2003 to 31 December 2004).@*RESULTS@#Compared with a corresponding non-outbreak period, emergency department attendances decreased in line with nationwide public health measures during the COVID-19 and SARS outbreaks (2020 and 2003 respectively), before increasing gradually following lifting of restrictions, albeit not to recorded levels before these outbreaks. During the COVID-19 outbreak, mean daily attendances decreased by 40%, from 458 per day in January-July 2019, to 274 per day in January-July 2020. The absolute number of hospital inpatient admissions decreased by 37% from January-July 2019 (19,629) to January-July 2020 (12,304). The proportion of emergency department attendances requiring admission remained similar: 20% in January-July 2019 and 21% in January-July 2020.@*CONCLUSION@#Nationwide public health measures in Singapore have had an impact on paediatric emergency department attendances and hospital inpatient admissions. Data from this study could inform planning and resource allocation for emergency departments in Singapore and internationally.

Secular trends of candidemia at a Brazilian tertiary care teaching hospital

ABSTRACT Background Candidemia is the most frequent invasive fungal disease in hospitalized patients, and is associated with high mortality rates. The main objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the epidemiology of candidemia at a tertiary care hospital in a 21-year period. Methods We evaluated all episodes of candidemia diagnosed between 1996 and 2016 at a University-affiliated tertiary care hospital in Brazil. We arbitrarily divided the study period in 3: 1996-2002 (period 1), 2003-2009 (period 2) and 2010-2016 (period 3). Incidence rates were calculated using hospital admissions as denominator. Results We observed 331 episodes of candidemia. The incidence was 1.30 episodes per 1000 admissions, with no significant change over time. Candida albicans (37.5%), C. tropicalis (28.1%), C. parapsilosis (18.4%) and C. glabrata (6.9%) were the most frequent species. The proportion of patients receiving treatment increased (65.5%, 79.4% and 74.7% in periods 1, 2 and 3, respectively, p= 0.04), and the median time from candidemia to treatment initiation decreased from 4 days in period 1 (range 0-32 days) to 2 days in period 2 (range 0-33 days) and 2 days in period 3 (range 0-14 days, p< 0.001). We observed a significant decrease in the use of deoxycholate amphotericin B (47.4%, 14.8% and 11.9%), and an increase in the use of echinocandins (0%, 2.8% and 49.1%; p< 0.001). The APACHE II score increased over time (median 16, 17.5, and 22, p< 0.001). The overall 30-day mortality was 58.9%, and did not change significantly over the study period. Conclusions There was an improvement in patient care, with an increase in the proportion of patients receiving treatment and a decrease in the time to treatment initiation, but no improvement in the outcome, possibly because the proportion of sicker patients increased over time.

Internações por diabetes mellitus e a Estratégia Saúde da Família, Paraná, Brasil, 2000 a 2012 / Hospitalizations for diabetes mellitus and the Family Health Strategy, Paraná, Brazil, 2000-2012

Resumo Objetivou-se identificar a tendência das internações por Diabetes Mellitus e a correlação com a cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) no Estado do Paraná, segundo Regionais de Saúde (RS), entre 2000 e 2012. Estudo ecológico de dados secundários do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde e do Departamento da Atenção Básica. Verificou-se tendência decrescente para as taxas de internação geral (de 10,2 para 9,0/10.000 habitantes), porém, tendência crescente para algumas RS. Observou-se correlação entre as taxas de internação e a cobertura da ESF para o estado; correlação forte e inversa para as RS de Paranaguá, Metropolitana, Foz do Iguaçu e Umuarama; e correlação forte e direta para as RS de Pato Branco, Campo Mourão, Cianorte, Telêmaco Borba e Ivaiporã. No geral, as internações por Diabetes Mellitus mostraram-se decrescentes e sem correlação com a cobertura da ESF, porém, observaram-se diferenças conforme as RS.

Abstract The aim of this study was to identify trends in hospitalization for diabetes mellitus and their correlation with the Family Health Strategy (FHS) coverage in the state of Paraná, by Health District (HD), between 2000 and 2012. It is an ecological study based on secondary data from the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Unified Health System and the Primary Care Department. There was downward trend for general admission rates (from 10.2 to 9.0/10,000 inhabitants), but upward trend for some HDs. No correlation was observed between admission rates and the FHS coverage for the state. However, there was strong inverse correlation for Paranaguá, Metropolitan, Foz do Iguaçu and Umuarama HDs, and strong and direct correlation for Pato Branco, Campo Mourão, Cianorte, Telêmaco Borba and Ivaiporã HDs. Overall, hospitalizations for diabetes mellitus proved to be decreasing and without correlation with FHS coverage; however, there were differences according to HDs.

Trends in elderly psychiatric admissions to the Brazilian public health care system

Objective: To evaluate trends in psychiatric bed occupancy by elderly inpatients in the Brazilian public health care system between 2000 and 2010 and to determine the leading psychiatric diagnosis for hospital admissions. Methods: Data from all 895,476 elderly psychiatric admissions recorded in the Brazilian Public Health Care Database (DATASUS) between January 2000 and February 2010 were analyzed. Polynomial regression models with estimated curve models were used to determine the trends. The number of inpatient days was calculated for the overall psychiatric admissions and according to specific diagnoses. Results: A moderate decreasing trend (p < 0.001) in the number of inpatient days was observed in all geriatric psychiatric admissions (R2 = 0.768) and in admissions for organic mental disorders (R2 = 0.823), disorders due to psychoactive substance use (R2 = 0.767), schizophrenia (R2 = 0.680), and other diagnoses (R2 = 0.770), but not for mood disorders (R2 = 0.472). Most admissions (60 to 65%) were due to schizophrenia. Conclusion: There was a decreasing trend in inpatient days for elderly psychiatric patients between 2000 and 2010. The highest bed occupancy was due to schizophrenia, schizotypal, and delusional disorders.

Increasing hospital admission rates and economic burden for colorectal cancer in Brazil, 1996-2008 / Aumento de las tasas de ingresos hospitalarios por cáncer colorrectal y su carga económica en Brasil, 1996-2008

OBJECTIVE: To determine the trends in hospital admission rates for colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Brazilian Public Health System from 1996 to 2008 and to assess the economic costs. METHODS: Data from the Hospital Information Systems database of the Brazilian Unified Health System were used for analysis of all admissions with a primary diagnosis of CRC between 1996 and 2008. RESULTS: There were 297 108 CRC admissions over the study period, with an annual increase from 12 821 in 1996 to 35 040 in 2008. Age-standardized admission rates increased from 8.7 to 23.56 per 100 000 for a percentage increase of 171 percent. The average length of stay decreased from 11.6 days in 1996 to 7.5 days in 2008. The average hospital mortality declined from 10.4 percent to 8.5 percent. Overall costs in United States dollars (US$) of CRC hospitalizations rose from US$ 16.5 million in 1996 to US$ 33.5 million in 2008; the average cost of each admission, however, decreased from US$ 1 283 to US$ 954. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalization rates for CRC in Brazil significantly increased during a 13-year period, incurring a considerable rise in the inflation-adjusted economic burden; national in-hospital mortality rates have remained relatively high.

OBJETIVO: Determinar las tendencias de las tasas de ingresos hospitalarios por cáncer colorrectal (CCR) en el sistema de salud pública brasileño de 1996 al 2008 y evaluar sus costos económicos. MÉTODOS: Se utilizó la información de la base de datos de los sistemas de información de los hospitales del Sistema Único de Salud brasileño con objeto de analizar todos los ingresos con diagnóstico primario de CCR entre 1996 y el 2008. RESULTADOS: Durante el período de estudio, se produjeron 297 108 ingresos por CCR, con un aumento anual de 12 821 en 1996 a 35 040 en el 2008. Las tasas de ingresos estandarizadas según la edad aumentaron de 8,7 a 23,56 por 100 000, con un aumento porcentual de 171 por ciento. La estancia hospitalaria media disminuyó de 11,6 días en 1996 a 7,5 días en el 2008. La mortalidad hospitalaria promedio descendió de 10,4 por ciento a 8,5 por ciento. Los costos de las hospitalizaciones por CCR aumentaron de US$16,5 millones en 1996 a US$33,5 millones en el 2008; el costo promedio de cada ingreso, sin embargo, disminuyó de US$1 283 a US$954. CONCLUSIONES: Las tasas de hospitalización por CCR en Brasil han aumentado significativamente a lo largo de un período de 13 años y han acarreado un considerable incremento de la carga económica ajustada según la inflación; las tasas nacionales de mortalidad hospitalaria se han mantenido relativamente elevadas.

Redução do número de internações hospitalares por asma após a implantação de programa multiprofissional de controle da asma na cidade de Londrina / Reduction in the number of asthma-related hospital admissions after the implementation of a multidisciplinary asthma control program in the city of Londrina, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a relação entre a redução do número de internações hospitalares por asma e as transformações ocorridas após a intervenção realizada no sistema de saúde de Londrina. MÉTODOS: Em 2003, houve intervenção no sistema de saúde local (Unidades de Saúde da Família). Foram adotados os seguintes passos: elaboração de protocolo baseado no III Consenso Brasileiro no Manejo da Asma, fornecimento gratuito de corticosteróides inalatórios aos pacientes, capacitação de profissionais de saúde e realização de ações educativas, especialmente para a comunidade. Foram analisadas as autorizações de internação hospitalar de pacientes de Londrina com diagnóstico único de asma entre 2002 e 2005. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi de 14,3 ± 0,5 anos, sem predomínio de sexo. Houve redução mais acentuada do número de internações hospitalares em 2005, em comparação aos anos anteriores estudados. Verifica-se declínio mais acentuado em Unidades de Saúde da Família onde a capacitação dos profissionais ocorreu há mais tempo. O índice de internação hospitalar por asma após a intervenção (2004 e 2005)-120/100.000 habitantes-foi significativamente menor que o encontrado antes da intervenção (2002 e 2003) -178/100.000 habitantes (p < 0,01). CONCLUSÕES: A curva de internação mostrou tendência à queda após o ano de 2003, não sendo identificado outro fator, além da intervenção realizada, que justificasse os resultados obtidos. Quanto maior o tempo decorrido desde a intervenção, maior a redução do número de internações. Concluímos que a intervenção realizada no sistema de saúde local foi a responsável pelos dados apresentados.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the reduction in the number of asthma-related hospital admissions and the changes occurring after the intervention performed in the health care system of the city of Londrina, Brazil. METHODS: In 2003, an intervention was performed in the local health care system (Family Health Clinics). The steps adopted were as follows: development of a protocol based on the III Brazilian Consensus on Asthma Management; access to free inhaled corticosteroids for patients; training of health professionals; and implementation of educational measures, especially for the community. The authorizations for hospital admissions of patients diagnosed with asthma alone between 2002 and 2005 in the city of Londrina were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age was 14.3 ± 0.5 years, without gender predominance. The number of hospital admissions fell more markedly in 2005 than in the previous years studied. This decline was more pronounced at the Family Health Clinics where professional training occurred earlier. The post-intervention (2004-2005) rate of asthma-related hospital admissions (120/100,000 inhabitants) was significantly lower than the pre-intervention (2002-2003) rate (178/100,000 inhabitants; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The admission curve showed a tendency toward a reduction after 2003, and, aside from the intervention performed, no other factors that would explain the results obtained were identified. The rate at which the number of hospital admissions decreased was in direct proportion to the length of time elapsed since the intervention (greater decreases over time). We conclude that the intervention performed in the local health care system was responsible for the data presented.

Perfil de pacientes que asisten a consulta por primera vez por uso indebido de alcohol (IPAD): Instituto Provincial de Alcoholismo y Drogadicción: Cordoba, Capital, Argentina / Patients' profile that they are present at consultation for the first time for undue use of alcohol (IPAD): Provincial institute of Alcoholism and Drug addiction: Cordoba, The Capital, Argentina

El presente trabajo de investigación se realizó en el Instituto Provincial de Alcoholismo y Drogadicción (IPAD) de la ciudad de Córdoba, año 2005. Se investigó un total de 252 historias clínicas correspondientes al período 1 de julio - 31 de diciembre de 2005, para obtener el perfil de los pacientes que realizan consultas de 1ª vez por uso indebido de alcohol solamente, exceptuando las historias clínicas de pacientes con abuso y/ o dependencia de otras sustancias. La investigación fue retrospectiva, transversal y descriptiva. Se utilizaron variables cualitativas (sexo, ocupación, procedencia, estado civil, familia) y cuantitativas (edad, nivel de instrucción). Resultados que arrojó esta investigación: - La mayor demanda de consultas de 1ª vez de pacientes alcoholistas proviene de la zona este de la ciudad y pacientes domiciliados fuera del ejido municipal, con características de dependencia al alcohol, predominio de sexo masculino, mayores de 52 años y con ciclo escolar primario completo. - Los grupos familiares poseen características de familias rígidas y mayor porcentaje de pacientes casados y sin ocupación.

Medical paediatric admission patterns at the University Hospital of the West Indies: issues for future planning / Patrones de ingresos médico-pediátricos en el Hospital Universitario de West Indies: agenda para planes futuros

An understanding of the epidemiological trend in hospital admissions, including morbidity and mortality patterns and the economic impact, is critical for healthcare planning and appropriate resource allocation. Data were collected on all admissions to the paediatric unit of the University Hospital of the West Indies during the period 1999. Each observation included demographic data, admission and discharge data and billed cost of care. There were 1350 admissions (570 female and 715 male, p < 0.001). Admissions [quot ]lows[quot ] were observed in February, April and July; minor peaks in March and June and the major peaks between October and January coincided with admissions due primarily to respiratory conditions. The evening shift was generally the busiest, with the night shift having the lowest average number of admissions in any one-week period Occupancy was uniformly high between November and April, with minor lows in May and August/September. The total cost for a typical patient was J$9708 per admission and the total daily cost for a typical patient was J$1823 (US$1 = J$39 in 1999). The findings could assist with resource allocation and rationalization of health services.

Entender la tendencia epidemiológica en los ingresos al hospital, incluyendo los patrones de morbilidad y mortalidad así como el impacto económico, resulta fundamental a la hora de planificar la atención a la salud y asignar los recursos de forma apropiada. Los datos fueron recopilados en todos los ingresos a la unidad pediátrica del Hospital Universitario de West Indies durante el periodo de 1999. Cada observación incluyó los datos demográficos, los datos de ingreso y alta, y los costos facturados para la atención médica. Hubo un total de 1350 ingresos (570 hembras y 715 varones, p < 0.001). Los periodos “bajos” de ingresos se observaron en febrero, abril, y julio; los picos menores en marzo y junio, y los picos mayores en octubre y enero coincidían con ingresos debidos fundamentalmente a problemas respiratorios. El turno de la tarde-noche era generalmente el más ocupado, teniendo el turno de la noche el número promedio más bajo de ingresos en cualquier período de una semana. La ocupación del hospital se mantuvo uniformemente alta entre noviembre y abril, con bajas en los meses de mayo y agosto/septiembre. El costo total de un paciente típico fue de J$9708 (dólares jamaicanos) por ingreso, y el costo total diario por cada paciente típico fue de J$1823 (US$1 = J$39 en 1999). Los hallazgos podrían ser de utilidad en relación con la asignación de recursos y la racionalización de los servicios de salud.

Programa de atendimento de enfermagem na admissão e alta hospitalar / Nursing care program upon hospital admission and discharge

Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, retrospectivo de cinco anos, com o objetivo de descrever o trabalho desenvolvido por duas enfermeiras em uma unidade de internação cirúrgica do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil, relativo ao Programa de Admissão e Preparo de Alta dos Pacientes, na qual foram admitidas 2.588 pessoas de 1999 a 2003. A experiência deste Programa se mostra positiva, uma vez que a enfermeira, ao realizar a admissão, acolhe o paciente no Hospital, proporcionando-lhe todas as informações necessárias à sua internação e, também, desenvolve o Processo de Enfermagem, possibilitando o cuidado individualizado e o conseqüente preparo para a alta hospitalar

Has the prevalence of rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease really changed? A hospital-based study.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease still remain major public health problems. With a dramatic rise in the incidence of coronary artery disease cases, the focus of the physician seems to be shifting away from rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, and to ascertain if there was any decline in the prevalence of the disease. For the first time, data on the prevalence of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease are reported from Orissa, an underdeveloped state in eastern India. METHODS AND RESULTS: We scrutinized the records of cardiac patients admitted to the medicine, pediatrics and cardiology wards of the SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack from 1981 to 1990 and 1991 to 2000. During the period 1981-1990, out of 11,782 cardiac patients, 5537 (46.9%) were suffering from rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. During 1991-2000, out of 14,803 cardiac patients, 6670 hospitalized patients (45%) were found to have rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. During the first and second periods, the number of patients with rheumatic fever admitted was 1079 (9.2%) and 1330 (8.9%), respectively. The decline in the percentage of rheumatic fever cases was statistically not significant (p>0.05). During the two periods, the number of rheumatic heart disease patients admitted was 4458 (37.8%) and 5340 (36.1%), respectively. During both the periods studied, the decline in the percentage of rheumatic heart disease cases admitted was statistically not significant (p>0.05). We also compared rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease cases admitted during 1981-1985 with those admitted during 1996-2000. This analysis also did not show any demonstrable decline in the prevalence of the disease (2692 [46.2%] v. 3296 [44.4%], p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease cases constitute a significant percentage of the admissions of total cardiac cases to our hospital. Over the past 20 years, there is no significant decline in the percentage of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease cases being admitted to a major government hospital.

Estudio de sobrevida de los pacientes adultos mayores en unidades de cuidado intensivo: ¿deben ingresar? / Survival of elderly patients in intensive care units: should they be admitted?

We retrospectively analyzed the mortality of 443 patients older than 65 years old, admitted to an intensive care unit between 1993 and 1994. The mortality was compared with that of 334 younger patients admitted in the same period. Severity of disease was determined using admission APACHE II score. Older patients had a higher admission APACHE score than younger subjects (18.4+- and 14.5+-8.7 respectively, p 0.01). Mortality during the intensive care unit stay was similar in older and younger patients (18.5 and 14.4 per cent, respectively). Hospital mortality was also similar (22.4 and 25.9 per cent respectively). Older patients had a higher frequency of chronic diseases and degree of functional impairment. Mortality rates for different diseases were also similar in older and younger patients. Older age was not associated with a higher mortality during intensive care unit stay. Prognosis is determined by the admission severity score and the number of concomitant chronic diseases

Renal stones in Kelantan, Malaysia--has the pattern changed?

Records of 183 patients with renal stones managed at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia between 1985 and 1995 were retrospectively evaluated. The commonest symptom was lumbar pain which may be associated with either frequency, blood stained urine or dysuria. One hundred and sixty-one patients (88%) had upper tract stones while the remainder had lower tract stones. Positive urine cultures were seen in 33 patients. The commonest organism isolated was Escherichia coli followed by Klebsiella aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Almost all of our patients had renal impairment at presentation and 70% of them progressed to chronic renal failure. In contrast to previous findings, the pattern of renal stone in this region is similar to that described in Western society. Its effect on renal function is serious and hence warrant special attention.

Increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among organisms isolated from blood culture in a Singapore hospital.

The blood culture isolates obtained over the period 1985-1990 in a general teaching hospital were reviewed to determine trends in the prevalence of resistance to antimicrobial drugs. The percentages of Staphylococcus aureus isolates resistant to methicillin increased each year. Resistance among coagulase negative staphylococci also increased in prevalence: by 1990 approximately 50% of such isolates were resistant to methicillin, erythromycin, co-trimoxazole and gentamicin, 24% were resistant to clindamycin, 20% to fucidic acid but only 0.5% to vancomycin. Isolates of Enterobacteriaceae, excluding community-acquired salmonellae, showed increasing prevalence of resistance to beta-lactams, as did Acinetobacter spp isolates to gentamicin, co-trimoxazole and ceftriaxone. The isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were exceptional, having no evident increase in the prevalence of resistance during the period. The rapid increases observed in relation to the other pathogens indicate the need for an antibiotic policy based on continuous surveillance of susceptibility patterns in the hospital.

Admisiones de primer ingreso a los servicios psiquiatricos en Brasil, 1960-1974. / First admissions to psychiatric facilities in Brazil, 1960-1974

Los datos que se analizan en este articulo indican que las admisiones de primer ingreso a los servicios psiquiatricos de Brasil por 100000 personas aumentaron en 1960-1974, asi como tambien el numero de camas en esos servicios. Se discute la importancia de este hecho en terminos de los servicios de atencion psiquiatrica de ese pais