The value of heparin-binding protein in the diagnosis and prognosis of respiratory viral infections / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objectives:To explore the value of heparin-binding protein (HBP) in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with respiratory viral infections.Methods:The patients who were admitted to Emergency Department of Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from November 2018 to November 2020 were selected as the viral infection group, and the non-infected patients admitted in the same period as the non-viral infection group. Data of all patients’ general clinical information, peripheral white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and HBP in 24 h were collected. The differences in various indicators were compared between the two groups of patients, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn, and the diagnostic value of each indicator for patients with respiratory virus infection were evaluated. The prognostic indicators such as sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score within 24 h were recorded, and duration of ICU stay, antiviral treatment, ventilator and vasoactive agents to total length of hospital stay of patients in the viral infection group were calculated. The Spearman correlation analysis of HBP and the above indicators was performed to determine the prognostic value of HBP in patients with respiratory virus infections.Results:A total of 106 patients were included in the viral infection group, and 107 in the non-viral infection group. There were no significant differences in sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) between the two groups of patients (P>0.05). Compared with the non-viral infection group, the serum CRP and HBP of the viral infection group were significantly higher (P<0.05), while the WBC and NLR levels were significantly lower (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in PCT between the two groups (P>0.05). HBP had the best diagnosis efficiency for respiratory viral infections, the areas under the ROC was 0.895, the optimal cut-off point was 13.625 μg/L, the sensitivity was 92.50% and the specificity was 76.60%. Correlation analysis showed that serum HBP levels within 24 h in the viral infection group were positively correlated with SOFA score and APACHEⅡ score in 24 h after admission (r = 0.756, P<0.05; r = 0.747, P<0.05). In the viral infection group, duration of ICU stay, antiviral treatment, and ventilator and vasoactive agents to total length of hospital stay were also positively correlated with serum HBP level (r = 0.873, 0.748, 0.830, and 0.794, P<0.05).Conclusions:HBP can be used as a favorable diagnostic indicator for patients with respiratory virus infections and has a good evaluation value for the prognosis.

Infecciones respiratorias virales en episodios de fiebre en niños con trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos / Respiratory viral infections during episodes of fever in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Resumen Introducción: Los niños que reciben trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos (TPH) pueden presentar infecciones respiratorias virales (IRV) durante episodios febriles. Los datos sobre su evolución clínica son escasos, así como la comparación de ellos con infecciones bacterianas (IB). Objetivo: Caracterizar la evolución clínica de pacientes con IRV, en comparación con IB en niños con TPH, cursando un episodio febril. Método: Estudio prospectivo en pacientes ≤ 18 años con cáncer y TPH ingresados por fiebre en el Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna (2016-2019). Se realizó evaluación clínica y de laboratorio: hemocultivos, RPC para patógenos respiratorios (Filmarray®), cuantificación viral y medición de citoquinas en muestra nasal (Luminex®, 38 citoquinas). Se compararon los grupos IRV, IB y los de etiología no precisada (ENP) en relación con: infección respiratoria aguda (IRA), citoquinas nasales, ingreso a UCI, necesidad de ventilación mecánica, mortalidad y suspensión de antimicrobianos. Resultados: De 56 episodios febriles, 35 fueron IRV, 12 IB y 9 de ENP. Mediana de edad fue 8,5 años, 62% masculino. Un 94% de los casos IRV presentó IRA sintomática, versus 33% en los grupos IB y ENP (p < 0,001), con IRA baja en 69% de las IRV (p < 0,001). Rinovirus (54%) y coronavirus (15%) fueron las etiologías más frecuentemente detectadas. No hubo diferencias en citoquinas nasales entre los grupos IRV e IB. Ingreso a UCI: 11% del grupo IRV, 17% de IB y 11% de ENP (p = 0,88). Requirieron ventilación mecánica sólo 2 pacientes (p = 0,37) sin fallecimiento. Tras la detección viral respiratoria por RPC, se suspendió antimicrobianos en 26% de los casos con IRV (p = 0,04). Conclusión: Las IRV son frecuentes en niños con TPH y episodios febriles. La detección viral podría optimizar y racionalizar el uso de antimicrobianos en esta población.

Abstract Background: Children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) can develop respiratory viral infections (RVI) during fever episodes. There are few data about clinical outcomes in RVI and compared to bacterial infections (BI) in this population. Aim: To determine clinical outcome of RVI, compared to BI in children with HSCT. Methods: Prospective study, patients ≤ 18 years with cancer and HSCT admitted with fever at a National Bone Marrow Transplant Center (Hospital Calvo Mackenna), Chile, (April-2016 to May-2019). Clinical assessment, laboratory tests, blood cultures, nasopharyngeal sample for multiplex-PCR (Filmarray®), viral loads by PCR and cytokine panel (Luminex®, 38 cytokines) were performed. The following outcomes were evaluated: upper/lower respiratory tract disease (RTD), admission to ICU, mechanical ventilation, mortality and antimicrobial withdrawal. Results: Of 56 febrile episodes, 35 (63%) were RVI, 12 (21%) BI and 9 (16%) with unknown etiology (UE). Median of age was 8.5 years, 62% male gender. Rhinovirus (54%) and coronavirus (15%) were the more frequent detected viruses. No significant differences in cytokine levels were observed between RVI and BI. 94% of RVI patients had symptomatic RTD, versus 33% in BI and 33% in UE group (p < 0.001), with lower-RTD in 69% of RVI group (p < 0,001). Admission to ICU was 11% in RVI, 17% in BI and 11% in UE group (p = 0.88); only 2 patients required mechanical ventilation (p = 0.37) and no mortality was reported. After an RVI was detected by PCR, antimicrobials were withdrawal in 26% of patients with RVI (p: 0.04). Conclusion: RVI are frequent etiologic agents in febrile episodes of patients with HSCT. Viral detection might help to rationalize the use of antimicrobials in this population.

Application of molecular assay for adenovirus detection among different pediatric patients / Aplicação de teste molecular para detecção de adenovírus em pacientes pediátricos distintos

OBJECTIVE: Adenoviruses play an important role in the etiology of severe acute lower respiratory infection, especially in young children. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the Human Adenovirus (HAdV) detection by different methods (Direct Fluorescence Assay DFA and Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction nested PCR), among samples collected from different groups of pediatric patients. METHODS: Collection of samples was made in children with congenital heart disease (CHD 123 nasal aspirates collected in the years of 2005, 2007 and 2008) and in community children (CC 165 nasal aspirates collected in 2008). Children were eligible if they presented acute respiratory infection (ARI) of probable viral etiology, within up to 7 days of symptoms' onset. All studied samples were evaluated by DFA and nested PCR assay. RESULTS: Of the 290 samples included during the study period, 43 (14.8%) were positive on at least one test: 17/165 (10.3%) of the CC and 26/125 (20.8%) of the CHD children. The nested PCR detection rates in the community children were 15/165 (9.1%), and for children with CHD, 24/125 (19.2%). Molecular method showed higher detection rates when compared to the DFA test (p<0.001). Univariate analysis showed that children with congenital heart disease presented a significantly higher chance for acquiring the HAdV (Odds Ratio 2.3; 95% CI: 1.18-4.43). CONCLUSIONS: Based on data obtained in the present evaluation, we suggest that a routine surveillance should be performed in high risk patients by molecular methods, thus improving diagnostic flow and efficiency.

OBJETIVO: Os adenovírus desempenham um papel importante na etiologia da infecção aguda grave do trato respiratório inferior, especialmente entre crianças. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a detecção do adenovírus humano (HAdV) por diferentes métodos (imunofluorescência direta DFA e reação em cadeia da polimerase nested nested PCR) em amostras coletadas de diferentes populações de pacientes pediátricos. MÉTODOS: O material foi coletado de crianças portadoras de doença cardíaca congênita (DCC 123 aspirados nasais coletados em 2005, 2007 e 2008) e de crianças da comunidade (CC 165 aspirados nasais coletados em 2008). As crianças eram consideradas elegíveis se apresentassem infecção respiratória aguda (IRA) de provável etiologia viral, com até sete dias de início dos sintomas. Todas as amostras coletadas no estudo foram avaliadas por meio de DFA e nested PCR. RESULTADOS: De 209 amostras incluídas, 43 (14,8%) foram positivas em pelo menos um dos testes feitos: 17/165 (10,3%) das crianças da comunidade e 26/125 (20,8%) das crianças cardiopatas. As taxas de detecção por nested PCR foram 15/165 (9,1%) em crianças da comunidade e 24/125 (19,2%) em crianças cardiopatas. O método molecular mostrou maiores taxas de detecção quando comparado com a DFA (p<0,001). A análise univariada mostrou que as crianças portadoras de cardiopatia congênita apresentaram chance significativamente maior de adquirir HAdV (odds ratio 2,3; IC 95%: 1,18-4,43). CONCLUSÕES: Baseado nos resultados obtidos na presente avaliação, recomenda-se a vigilância de rotina em pacientes de risco (DCC) por métodos moleculares, que melhora o fluxo diagnóstico e a eficiência da detecção.

Hematologic Complication of Respiratory Virus Infection / 소아감염

OBJECTIVE: Cytopenia is a common hematologic complication of viral infections. However, information regarding hematologic effects of common respiratory virus infections is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate hematologic complications and the clinical course of patients infected with common respiratory viruses. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 496 patients with respiratory tract infections admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Wonkwang University Hospital from November 2011 to March 2012 using multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction to detect the presence of respiratory viruses and hematologic abnormalities. RESULTS: Respiratory viruses were identified in 379 patients. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was most frequently detected (55.7%), followed by influenza A (Flu-A, 23.0%). Further, cytopenia was observed in 35.5% of RSV-infected patients, 25.0% of Flu-A-infected patients, and 34% of patients infected by other viruses. Each virus caused a decrease in 3 blood cell component values, which corresponded with cytopenia frequency. Of the 379 infected patients, 83 had anemia (9.71+/-1.09 g/dL); 46 had neutropenia (803.70+/-263.09 cells/mm3); and 23 had transient thrombocytopenia (142,434.78+/-86,835.18 cells/mm3). However, no patient required treatment. A comparison of clinical characteristics between RSV- and Flu-A-positive patients with anemia revealed that RSV-infected patients had significantly longer duration of hospitalization. RSV was detected more commonly in young neutropenic patients, who had a shorter duration of fever. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that infections, particularly RSV and Flu-A, result in varying degrees of cytopenia, which usually improves without treatment and does not affect the clinical course of the infection.

Characterization of Respiratory Viral Infection in Children in Gwangju / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: This investigation was to perform the epidemiological surveillance and genetic analysis on respiratory viral agents from children with acute respiratory infections in Gwangju. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this study, 3,695 specimens obtained from patients with acute respiratory infections were collected by collaboration with pediatric hospitals in Gwangju between 2005 and 2007. Specimens were screened for 8 respiratory viruses including influenza viruses (IFV), human rhinoviruses (HRV), human coronaviruses (HCoV), adenoviruses (ADV), parainfluenza viruses (PIV), human enteroviruses (HEV), respiratory synthitial viruses (RSV) and human bocaviruses (HBoV). Respiratory viruses were detected using multiplex (RT) PCR with viral specific primers. RESULTS: Out of 3,695 specimens, the ratio of virus detection was 24.9% (919). Overall, HRV (35.5%) and IFV (34.9%) were the most common viruses found, followed by HBoV (14.8%), HCoV (10.6%), RSV (3.7%), ADV (3.4%), PIV (3.2%) and HEV (3.0%). In addition, multiple infections were detected in 80 patients (8.7%). When the prevalence was analyzed according to season, HBoV, IFV and HCoV showed two epidemic points in late spring and early winter. ADV, HRV, RSV PIV and HEV, however, were all found to have only one epidemic point, with RSV being most common during winter and the others being most prominent during spring. CONCLUSIONS: Through this epidemiological surveillance, the respiratory viruses prevalent in children in Gwangju area were investigated. We strongly recommend the development of nationwide policy for the management of prevalent respiratory virus that includes long term collection of data and samples, vaccine development and prevention education of the misuse of antibiotics.

Characterization of Respiratory Viral Infection in Children in Gwangju / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: This investigation was to perform the epidemiological surveillance and genetic analysis on respiratory viral agents from children with acute respiratory infections in Gwangju. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this study, 3,695 specimens obtained from patients with acute respiratory infections were collected by collaboration with pediatric hospitals in Gwangju between 2005 and 2007. Specimens were screened for 8 respiratory viruses including influenza viruses (IFV), human rhinoviruses (HRV), human coronaviruses (HCoV), adenoviruses (ADV), parainfluenza viruses (PIV), human enteroviruses (HEV), respiratory synthitial viruses (RSV) and human bocaviruses (HBoV). Respiratory viruses were detected using multiplex (RT) PCR with viral specific primers. RESULTS: Out of 3,695 specimens, the ratio of virus detection was 24.9% (919). Overall, HRV (35.5%) and IFV (34.9%) were the most common viruses found, followed by HBoV (14.8%), HCoV (10.6%), RSV (3.7%), ADV (3.4%), PIV (3.2%) and HEV (3.0%). In addition, multiple infections were detected in 80 patients (8.7%). When the prevalence was analyzed according to season, HBoV, IFV and HCoV showed two epidemic points in late spring and early winter. ADV, HRV, RSV PIV and HEV, however, were all found to have only one epidemic point, with RSV being most common during winter and the others being most prominent during spring. CONCLUSIONS: Through this epidemiological surveillance, the respiratory viruses prevalent in children in Gwangju area were investigated. We strongly recommend the development of nationwide policy for the management of prevalent respiratory virus that includes long term collection of data and samples, vaccine development and prevention education of the misuse of antibiotics.

Patterns of influenza infections among different risk groups in Brazil

Influenza virus infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Influenza activity varies worldwide, and regional detection is influenced by geographic conditions, demographic and patient-risk factors. We assessed influenza activity and patterns of seasonality during three consecutive years (2001-2003) in three risk groups in São Paulo city. Four-hundred-twelve outpatients with acute respiratory infection were subjected to epidemiological, clinical and laboratory investigations; these included community population (N=140), health-care workers (N=203), and renal-transplanted patients (N=69). Nasal wash samples were tested by direct fluorescent assay for influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Overall Influenza positivity was 21 percent, and a progressive decline was observed in all groups over time. Influenza A and B co-circulated at the same time in 2001 and 2002, but not in 2003. Low influenza-vaccination rates (19 percent) were reported by health-care workers. Unexpected low levels of etiological agents were detected in renal-transplanted patients, and infected cases were less symptomatic than immunocompetent patients. Based on this study, we conclude that health-care worker-immunization programs should be implemented and the clinical patterns of infected influenza patients should be used as a guide for better case-definition criteria for adequate influenza surveillance, particularly for renal-transplant patients.