Estudo da prevalência das uveítes em hospital oftalmológico terciário em Teresina, Piauí, Brasil / Study of the prevalence of uveitis in a tertiary ophthalmology hospital in Teresina, Piauí, Brazil

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar a prevalência das uveítes em pacientes atendidos em um serviço oftalmológico terciário em Teresina, Piauí. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo baseado em prontuários de pacientes atendidos nesse serviço. Foram descritos: gênero, faixa etária, procedência, doença de base, diagnóstico anatômico, aspecto clínico e tempo de evolução. Resultados: foram incluídos 403 prontuários constatando-se que a cada 1000 pacientes atendidos neste serviço, 3,2 tinham uveíte.A idade média dos pacientes foi de 42 anos, tanto o gênero feminino (50,6%) quanto o gênero masculino (49,4%) foram acometidos similarmente, com 61,5% dos pacientes provenientes da capital. A doença de base mais frequente foi a toxoplasmose, seguida das uveítes idiopáticas apenas com manifestações oculares. Quanto à classificação anatômica, 49,6% foram posteriores e 3,5% foram intermediárias. Em relação ao aspecto clínico, 64% foram granulomatosas, 24,8% não-granulomatosas e 11,2% não foram classificáveis. Segundo a evolução clínica, 41,4% foram agudas, seguidas de 30,8% crônicas, 14,4% recorrentes e em 13,4% os pacientes não foi feito o acompanhamento. Conclusão: pudemos constatar que para cada 1000 pacientes atendidos neste serviço 3,2 tinham uveíte, apresentando-se a toxoplasmose como importante fonte de uveíte neste serviço.

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the prevalence of uveitis in patients treated at a tertiary ophthalmic service in Teresina, Piauí State, Brazil. Methods: This was a retrospective study based on medical records of patients treated at this service. Sex, age, origin, underlying diseases, anatomical diagnosis, clinical aspects and progression time were described. Results: 403 records were included, noting that 3.2 out of every 1,000 patients treated at the service had uveitis.The average age of patients was 42 years old, with both sexes (50.6% females and 49.4% males) affected similarly, and with 61.5% coming from the state capital, Teresina. The most common underlying disease was toxoplasmosis, followed by idiopathic uveitis with ocular manifestations only. As to the anatomical classification, 49.6% of them were posterior and only 3.5% were intermediate. Regarding the clinical aspects, 64% were granulomatous, 24.8% non-granulomatous, and 11.2% were not classifiable. According to the clinical progression, 41.4% were acute, followed by 30.8% chronic, 14.4% recurrent cases, and 13.4% of patients did not return for medical care. Conclusion: we found that for every 1,000 patients treated at the service, 3.2 had uveitis, with toxoplasmosis itself found to be an important source of uveitis.

Aortic Center: specialized care improves outcomes and decreases mortality / Centro de Tratamento da Aorta: a especialização reduz complicações e mortalidade

Objective: To compare in-hospital outcomes in aortic surgery in our cardiac surgery unit, before and after foundation of our Center for Aortic Surgery (CTA). Methods: Prospective cohort with non-concurrent control. Foundation of CTA required specialized training of surgical, anesthetic and intensive care unit teams, routine neurological monitoring, endovascular and hybrid facilities, training of the support personnel, improvement of the registry and adoption of specific protocols. We included 332 patients operated on between: January/2003 to December/2007 (before-CTA, n=157, 47.3%); and January/2008 to December/2010 (CTA, n=175, 52.7%). Baseline clinical and demographic data, operative variables, complications and in-hospital mortality were compared between both groups. Results: Mean age was 58±14 years, with 65% male. Group CTA was older, had higher rate of diabetes, lower rates of COPD and HF, more non-urgent surgeries, endovascular procedures, and aneurysms. In the univariate analysis, CTA had lower mortality (9.7 vs. 23.0%, P=0.008), which occurred consistently across different diseases and procedures. Other outcomes which were reduced in CTA included lower rates of reinterventions (5.7 vs 11%, P=0.046), major complications (20.6 vs. 33.1%, P=0.007), stroke (4.6 vs. 10.9%, P=0.045) and sepsis (1.7 vs. 9.6%, P=0.001), as compared to before-CTA. Multivariable analysis adjusted for potential counfounders revealed that CTA was independently associated with mortality reduction (OR=0.23, IC 95% 0.08 – 0.67, P=0.007). CTA independent mortality reduction was consistent in the multivariable analysis stratified by disease (aneurysm, OR=0.18, CI 95% 0.03 – 0.98, P=0.048; dissection, OR=0.31, CI 95% 0.09 – 0.99, P=0.049) and by procedure (hybrid, OR=0.07, CI 95% 0.007 – 0.72, P=0.026; Bentall, OR=0.18, CI 95% 0.038 – 0.904, P=0.037). Additional multivariable predictors of in-hospital mortality included creatinine ...

Objetivo: Comparar desfechos intrahospitalares em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia da aorta torácica e toracoabdominal, antes e após a constituição do Centro Especializado de Tratamento da Aorta (CTA). Métodos: Coorte prospectiva com controle não contemporâneo. A criação do CTA envolveu treinamento cirúrgico especializado, sala híbrida, monitorização neurológica, capacitação de pessoal de apoio, aperfeiçoamento dos registros e uso de protocolos específicos. Foram incluídos 332 pacientes operados em 2 períodos: janeiro/2003 a dezembro/2007 (pré-CTA, n=157, 47,3%); e janeiro/2008 a dezembro/2010 (CTA, n=175, 52,7%). As características demográficas, clínicas, dados cirúrgicos, complicações e mortalidade hospitalar foram comparados nos 2 grupos. Resultados: A idade média foi 58±14 anos, com 65% sexo masculino. O grupo CTA teve idade, prevalência de diabete (DM) e glicemia maiores; menor prevalência de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica e insuficiência cardíaca; maior proporção de aneurismas e cirurgias eletivas; e mais procedimentos endovasculares que o pré-CTA. Na análise univariada, o grupo CTA mostrou redução de mortalidade (9,7% x 23,0%, P=0,008), que foi consistente nos diferentes subgrupos estratificados por patologia e por procedimento. O grupo CTA teve também redução de reoperações (5,7% x 11%, P=0,046), complicações maiores (20,6% x 33,1%, P=0,007), acidente vascular cerebral (4,6% x 10,9%, P=0,045) e sepse (1,7% x 9,6%, P=0,001), comparado ao pré-CTA. Na análise multivariada, o CTA se associou de forma independente a redução de mortalidade hospitalar (OR=0,23, IC 95% 0,08 - 0,67, P=0,007). A redução de mortalidade do CTA também ocorreu na análise estratificada por patologia (cirurgias de aneurisma, OR=0,18, IC 95% 0,03 - 0,98, P=0,048; cirurgias de dissecção, OR=0,31, IC 95% 0,09 - 0,99, P=0,049) e por procedimento (híbridos, OR=0,07, IC 95% 0,007 - 0,72, P=0,026; Bentall, OR=0,18, IC 95% 0,038 – 0,904, P=0,037). Também foram ...

Mortalidad intrahospitalaria por accidente cerebrovascular / In-hospital mortality due to stroke

La mortalidad global por accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) ha disminuido en las últimas tres décadas, probablemente debido a un mejor control de los factores de riesgo vascular. La mortalidad hospitalaria por ACV ha sido tradicionalmente estimada entre 6 y 14% en la mayoría de las series comunicadas. Sin embargo, los datos de ensayos clínicos recientes sugieren que esta cifra sería sustancialmente menor. Se revisaron datos de pacientes internados con diagnóstico de ACV del Banco de Datos de Stroke de FLENI y los registros institucionales de mortalidad entre los años 2000 y 2010. Los subtipos de ACV isquémicos se clasificaron según criterios TOAST y los ACV hemorrágicos en hematomas intrapanquimatosos, hemorragias subaracnoideas aneurismáticas, malformaciones arteriovenosas y otros hematomas intraparenquimatosos. Se analizaron 1514 pacientes, 1079 (71%) con ACV isquémico (grandes vasos 39%, cardioembólicos 27%, lacunares 9%, etiología indeterminada 14%, otras etiologías 11%) y 435 (29%) con ACV hemorrágico (intraparenquimatosos 27%, hemorragia subaracnoidea 30%, malformaciones arteriovenosas 25% y otros hematomas espontáneos 18%). Se registraron 38 muertes intrahospitalarias (17 ACV isquémicos y 21 ACV hemorrágicos), representando una mortalidad global del 2.5% (1.7% en ACV isquémicos y 4.8% en ACV hemorrágicos). No se registraron muertes asociadas al uso de fibrinolíticos endovenosos. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria en pacientes con ACV isquémico y hemorrágico en nuestro centro fue baja. El manejo en un centro dedicado a las enfermedades neurológicas y el enfoque multidisciplinario por personal médico y no médico entrenado en el cuidado de la enfermedad cerebrovascular podrían explicar, al menos en parte, estos resultados.

Overall mortality due to stroke has decreased in the last three decades probable due to a better control of vascular risk factors. In-hospital mortality of stroke patients has been estimated to be between 6 and 14% in most of the series reported. However, data from recent clinical trials suggest that these figures may be substantially lower. Data from FLENI Stroke Data Bank and institutional mortality records between 2000 and 2010 were reviewed. Ischemic stroke subtypes were classified according to TOAST criteria and hemorrhagic stroke subtypes were classified as intraparenchymal hematoma, aneurismatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, arterio-venous malformation, and other intraparenchymal hematomas. A total of 1514 patients were studied. Of these, 1079 (71%) were ischemic strokes,39% large vessels, 27% cardioembolic, 9% lacunar, 14% unknown etiology, and 11% others etiologies. There were 435 (29%) hemorrhagic strokes, 27% intraparenchymal hematomas, 30% aneurismatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, 25% arterio-venous malformation, and 18% other intraparenchymal hematomas. Moreover, 38 in-hospital deaths were recorded (17 ischemic strokes and 21 hemorrhagic strokes), accounting for 2.5% overall mortality (1.7% in ischemic strokes and 4.8% in hemorrhagic strokes). No deaths occurred associated with the use of intravenous fibrinolytics occurred. In our Centre in-hospital mortality in patients with stroke was low. Management of these patients in a Centre dedicated to neurological diseases along with a multidisciplinary approach from medical and non-medical staff trained in the care of cerebrovascular diseases could, at least in part, account for these results.

Evaluation of common operator errors in panoramic radiography in Trinidad and Tobago: a comparison of formally vs informally trained operators / La evaluación de los errores comunes de los operadores de radiografía panorámica en Trinidad y Tobago comparación de los operadores adiestrados formalmente frente a los adiestrados informalmente

AIM: To evaluate and compare the frequency of common operator errors seen on panoramic radiographs in dental private practices and in the dental hospital (taken by informally and formally trained operators, respectively) in Trinidad and Tobago. METHOD: One thousand panoramic radiographs of patients over the age of 10 years were included in this study. These comprised 500 from the dental hospital and 500 from dental private practices. The radiographs were reviewed using standardized criteria to identify the most common operator errors. RESULTS: There were only 21 (4.2%) error free radiographs in the dental private practice sample and 29 (5.8%) in the dental hospital sample. Frequencies of specific errors were significantly higher in the dental private practice sample in each category except for "Chin tipped too low" (Chi-square p < 0.05) CONCLUSION: This study supports the need for the introduction of statutory guidelines with respect to the use of ionizing radiation in dentistry in Trinidad and Tobago and in particular, the implementation of formally assessed dedicated dental radiography training for all operators of dental X-ray equipment.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar y comparar la frecuencia de los errores comunes de los operadores, observados en las radiografías panorámicas en las clínicas dentales privadas y en el hospital de odontología (tomadas por operadores adiestrados formalmente e informalmente, de forma respectiva) en Trinidad y Tobago. MÉTODO: Mil radiografías panorámicas de pacientes de más de 10 años de edad, fueron incluidas en este estudio. Las mismas comprendían 500 provenientes del hospital odontológico y 500 provenían de las prácticas privadas de dentistas. Las radiografías fueron examinadas a partir de criterios estandarizados, a fin de identificar los errores más comunes de los operadores. RESULTADOS: Hubo sólo 21 (4.2%) radiografías sin errores en la muestra de la clínica dental privada, y 29 (5.8%) en la muestra del hospital de odontología. Las frecuencias de errores específicos fueron significativamente más altas en la muestra de la clínica dental privada en cada categoría, salvo el caso del "mentón inclinado excesivamente hacia abajo" (Chi-cuadrado p < 0.05) CONCLUSIÓN: Este estudio subraya la necesidad de introducir pautas reglamentarias con respecto al uso de la radiación ionizante en la cirugía dental en Trinidad y Tobago, particularmente en lo que concierne al adiestramiento especializado en radiografía dental, formalmente evaluado, para todos los operadores de equipos de rayos x para el trabajo dental.

Quality of previous diabetes care among patients receiving services at ophthalmology hospitals in Mexico / Calidad de la atención previa de los pacientes diabéticos atendidos en hospitales de oftalmología en México

OBJECTIVE: To survey a large sample of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Mexico City to determine if patient experience, access to basic services, treatment, and outcomes differed between those with social security coverage and those without. METHODS: From 2001-2007 a total of 1 000 individuals with T2DM were surveyed in outpatient clinics of the three largest public ophthalmology hospitals in Mexico City. Patients reported information about their health status and receipt of basic diabetes services, such as laboratory glycemic monitoring and diabetes education. Rates were compared between those with (n = 461) and without (n = 539) social security. RESULTS: Almost half of the patients (46 percent) in these public facilities were social security patients that were unable to access other services and had to pay out-of-pocket for care. Half of respondents were originally identified as potentially diabetic based on symptom complaints (51 percent), including 11 percent with visual impairment. Most patients (87.9 percent) reported that their glycemic level was being monitored exclusively via fasting blood glucose testing or random capillary blood glucose tests; only 5.3 percent reported ever having a glycated hemoglobin test. While nearly all respondents reported an individual physician encounter ever, only 39 percent reported ever receiving nutrition counseling and only 21 percent reported attending one or more sessions of diabetes education in their lifetime. Processes of care and outcomes were no different in patients with and those without social security coverage. CONCLUSIONS: In Mexico, the quality of diabetes care is poor. Despite receiving social security, many patients still have to pay out-of-pocket to access needed care. Without policy changes that address these barriers to comprehensive diabetes management, scientific achievements in diagnosis and pharmacotherapy will have limited impact.

OBJETIVO: Determinar si hay diferencias en cuanto a las experiencias de atención de la diabetes, el acceso a los servicios básicos, el tratamiento y la evolución clínica entre las personas que disponen o no de seguro social de salud mediante la encuesta de una muestra amplia de pacientes que padecen diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en la Ciudad de México. MÉTODOS: Se encuestó a 1 000 pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 en la consulta externa de los tres hospitales públicos de oftalmología más importantes de la Ciudad de México. Los pacientes proporcionaron información acerca de su estado de salud y su experiencia respecto de la atención básica de diabetes; por ejemplo, el control de la glucemia mediante análisis de laboratorio y la información que recibieron acerca de la enfermedad. Se compararon los datos estadísticos entre quienes disponían de un seguro social de salud (n = 461) y quienes carecían de este tipo de seguro (n = 539). RESULTADOS: Casi la mitad de los pacientes (46 por ciento) que se atienden en estos hospitales públicos disponen de seguro social de salud, pero no pudieron acceder a otros servicios y debieron pagar de su bolsillo para recibir atención. La mitad de los entrevistados (51 por ciento) eran pacientes que habían sido considerados presuntos diabéticos a partir de los síntomas que habían referido, de los cuales 11 por ciento presentaron discapacidad visual. La mayoría de los pacientes (87,9 por ciento) refirieron que solo se controlaban mediante análisis glucemia en ayunas o análisis aleatorios (sin ayunar) de una muestra de sangre capilar; solo 5,3 por ciento refirieron que alguna vez se habían efectuado el análisis de glucohemoglobina (HbA1c). Si bien prácticamente la totalidad de los encuestados refirieron haber tenido alguna consulta médica, solo 39 por ciento informaron haber recibido orientación nutricional en alguna ocasión y solo 21 por ciento refirieron haber asistido a una o más sesiones informativas sobre la diabetes. ...

A study on the incidence, microbiological analysis and investigations on the source of infection of postoperative infectious endophthalmitis in a tertiary care ophthalmic hospital: An 8-year study.

Background: The objective of the study was the determination of the incidence of culture-proven postoperative endophthalmitis and probable sources of infection. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective study on the microbiology, incidence and probable sources of infection in patients with postoperative infectious endophthalmitis carried out in a tertiary care eye hospital. Consecutive patients diagnosed with postoperative infectious endophthalmitis during the years 2000-2007 were investigated for the causative infective agent and possible sources of infection. The surgical data and microbiological data including the investigations performed to trace the source were recorded in a specific formatted form and were gathered and compiled for analysis. Results: Data of analysis showed that 98 (0.042%) out of 2,31,259 patients who underwent intra-ocular surgery developed infectious endophthalmitis. Among these, 70 (0.053%) occurred after cataract, 10 (0.5%) after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and 18 (0.018%) following other types of intra-ocular surgeries. The predominant infectious agents isolated were bacteria (89.7%), with equal proportions of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Polymicrobial infection was noted in four and fungi in seven patients. Occurrence of postoperative endophthalmitis was sporadic and not related to any specific part of period in a year. Sources of infection were donor corneal rim in six post-PK patients and phaco probe in one who had postphacoemulsification endophthalmitis Conclusions: Overall incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis over an 8-year period was quite low. The sources of infection could be established in six post-PK endophthalmitis patients and in a postcataract surgery.

Estudo da hipotermia acidental em idosos institucionalizados / Study on accidental hypothermia in institutionalized elderly

OBJETIVO: Analisar a prevalência, causas e evolução da hipotermia acidental em idosos institucionalizados. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo realizado entre janeiro e dezembro de 2004, no Hospital Geriátrico e de Convalescentes D. Pedro II, com 483 internos. Hipotermia foi confirmada por termômetro esofágico, utilizado em todos os pacientes com temperatura axilar menor ou igual a 35ºC (95ºF). Tanto o diagnóstico etiológico quanto as complicações da hipotermia foram observados em exames clínico e subsidiários de urgência como eletrocardiograma, radiografia de tórax, hemograma, gasometria arterial, glicemia, metabólitos, amilase, função hepática e renal, sorologias para HIV, sífilis e hepatite B e urina tipo I. Foram adotadas medidas de reaquecimento entre outras do protocolo de tratamento. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de hipotermia foi de 7,2 por cento especialmente em mulheres (65,7 por cento), e a média de idade do grupo foi 76,4 anos. A maioria dos pacientes (77,1 por cento) apresentava elevado grau de dependência (Katz "F" e "G"). Hipotermia leve foi identificada na maioria dos idosos (71,4 por cento). A taxa de mortalidade foi de 62,8 por cento, sendo 31,4 por cento em vigência de hipotermia e 31,4 por cento após sua reversão. Em 100,0 por cento dos casos, a etiologia foi infecciosa: pneumonia em 80 por cento, infecção urinária em 60,0 por cento, e úlceras por pressão em 17,1 por cento. Em 60 por cento dos casos havia mais de um foco infeccioso. CONCLUSÃO: A hipotermia em idosos institucionalizados é uma grave condição clínica, com altos índices de mortalidade. A prevenção, o diagnóstico precoce e medidas de reaquecimento central corroboram para um melhor prognóstico.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence, causes and outcome of hypothermia in institutionalized elderly. METHODS: prospective study held from January to December, 2004 at the Hospital Geriátrico e de Convalescentes Dom Pedro II (Geriatric and Convalescent Hospital Dom Pedro II), with 483 long-term care beds. Hypothermia was diagnosed by esophageal thermometer in all patients with axillary temperature below or equal to 35°C or 95ºF. Clinical examination and tests were used to obtain etiologic diagnosis and detect complications. Tests included: ECG, Chest X-Ray, blood count, blood gas analysis, glycemia, biochemical blood tests, amylase, kidney and liver functions, urinalysis and serology for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B. Rewarming was adopted, among other actions in the treatment protocol. RESULTS: Thirty nine cases of hypothermia were confirmed, 31 in elderly (60 years old or over), 10 men and 21 women with an average age of 76.9 years. Eighty three percent of these patients had a high degree of dependence (Katz index between "F" and "G"). Seventy percent of these cases had mild hypothermia (32º-35°C [89.6º-95ºF]), 25.0 percent had moderate hypothermia (28°-31,9°C [82.4º-89.6ºF]) and 5.0 percent had severe hypothermia (<28°C [<82.4ºF]). Seventy three percent of these patients died (50.0 percent during hypothermia and 50.0 percent after reversal). Infections were the etiology in all cases (Pneumonia [80.0 percent], urinary tract infection [60.0 percent] and pressure ulcer [17.1 percent]). CONCLUSION: Hypothermia in institutionalized elderly is a serious clinical diagnosis with a high level of mortality. Prevention, early diagnosis and measures of central rewarming have collaborated for a better prognosis.

Need of expansion of special adolescent clinic.

A cross sectional study has been done over a period of one year to find out the total number of young people, adolescents and youth attending at general gynaecological OPD and special adolescent clinic and to analyse them in terms of their sex, ethnicity, address, marital status, education, occupation and their health problems in a teaching hospital at Kathmandu. Of the total 2480 patients 31.29% were young people, 18.34% of them were adolescents and 30.52% of them were youth. Male attendance was insignificant. Majority (91%) of the young people were Brahmins, Newars and Chhetriyas. Most (91%) of them were from Kathmandu valley, 73% were already married and 60% had experienced pregnancy. Approximately 12% of these people were illiterate, 24.85% of them had not completed the primary level education. Only 19%of them had completed the SLC examination Lack of education, trend of early marriage has been reflected on to their occupation. 64% of them are engaged in routine household work as housewives. Few (4.3%) of these young people were not doing anything at all. Majority (59%) of them presented with pregnancy related problems and rest of them came for problems like Pelvic infection, urinary tract infection, sub fertility, breast problems and others. This study conclude that good number of young people from different parts of the country attend special adolescent clinic with different needs. Therefore adolescent friendly services in the hospital need to be strengthened to provide special care for them.

Resultados de la revascularización miocárdica sin derivación cardiopulmonar en pacientes femeninas / Outcomes of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in females

BACKGROUND: Women have more risk factors for coronary bypass graft surgery such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart failure and shorter height (less body surface), compared with men. However, off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting demonstrates more benefits in females because of lower mortality, fewer postoperative respiratory complications, shorter hospital stay and improved outcome index. METHODS: We designed a retrospective study from the clinical files of females who underwent off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery in our hospital. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between genders in mean age, body surface area, incidence of high blood pressure, unstable angina, left main coronary artery disease or its equivalent, urgent and emergency surgery in relation to preoperative variables. According to the operative variables, we observed significant differences only in incomplete coronary artery bypass grafting. Postoperatively, differences were found in the use of inotropic support, late extubation (>24 h), wound infections and postoperative death. Those differences were evident in the incidence of major and minor adverse outcomes, resulting in major morbidity and mortality in women (p = 0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Higher morbidity and mortality are shown in women than in men after analyzing major and minor adverse outcomes that were more frequent in women.

Infecciones adquiridas en la comunidad por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina en un hospital de agudos / Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in a hospital for acute diseases

Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina (SAMR) es uno de los principales agentes asociados a infecciones intrahospitalarias; sin embargo, en los últimos años ha surgido como un patógeno emergente de la comunidad, causando infecciones graves, principalmente en jóvenes. Se describen 33 casos de infecciones por SAMR de origen comunitario, diagnosticadas entre mayo de 2005 y junio de 2006 en el HIGA "Eva Perón". Se estudiaron retrospectivamente los aislamientos; se confirmó la resistencia a meticilina mediante la detección del gen mecA, se investigó la presencia de genes que codifican dos factores de virulencia (leucocidina de Panton-Valentine -LPV- y g-hemolisina) y el tipo de casete mec mediante PCR. Todos los pacientes se encontraban sanos previamente. Cuatro pacientes menores de 12 años presentaron bacteriemia, uno con neumonía grave y los 3 restantes con infección osteoarticular; todos los pacientes mayores de 12 años presentaron infecciones de piel y partes blandas sin compromiso sistémico. Se constató la presencia de casete mec tipo IV en todos los aislamientos; la resistencia a meticilina no se acompañó de resistencia a otros antimicrobianos; los aislamientos fueron portadores de genes que codifican para LPV y para g-hemolisina. Es importante considerar la presencia de estas cepas de origen comunitario a fin de elaborar estrategias para su correcto tratamiento.

Methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the most prevalent pathogens associated with nosocomial infections. However, most recently, MRSA has arisen as an emerging community pathogen, causing serious infections, mainly among young patients. We herein describe 33 cases of infections caused by community-acquired MRSA (CMRSA), diagnosed between May 2005 and June 2006, at "Eva Perón" Hospital. The isolations were retrospectively studied. Methicillin resistance was confirmed by means of the detection of the mecA gene, and the genes for two virulence factors (Panton-Valentine Leucocidin -PVL- and g-haemolysin) as well as the cassette mec type were screened by PCR. All the patients were previously healthy. Four patients under 12, presented bacteremia, one had serious pneumonia, and the three remaining patients had osteoarticular infections; all the patients over 12, had skin and soft tissue infections without systemic damage. The C-MRSA strains harboured cassette mec type IV, and the PVL and g-haemolysin genes. They were methicillin-resistant, with no other associated resistances. It is important to consider the presence of these community- acquired strains in order to develop strategies for their correct treatment.

Paracoccidioidomicosis asociada a otras patologías respiratorias en un hospital de Corrientes, Argentina / Association of paracoccidioidomycosis with different pulmonary pathologies in a hospital in Corrientes province, Argentina

Se realizó la búsqueda sistemática de paracoccidioidomicosis (PCM) en un conjunto de pacientes que fueron atendidos en un hospital de la ciudad de Corrientes dentro de un período de dos años. El criterio de inclusión fue: pacientes con tuberculosis (TBC), pacientes con diagnóstico presuntivo o confirmado de cáncer de pulmón (CA), pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) y pacientes con imagen radiológica compatible con micosis pulmonar (IRXC). Se estudiaron 84 pacientes: 57 con TBC, 1 con CA, 5 con EPOC, 3 con TBC+CA, 4 con TBC+EPOC, 4 con EPOC+CA y 10 con IRXC. A todos se les realizó serología por inmunodifusión en gel de agar (IDGA) y, en los casos en que se pudo obtener una muestra clínica, también se efectuaron estudios microbiológicos. Por IDGA se diagnosticaron 10 casos de PCM: 4 asociados a TBC, 1 a TBC+CA, 3 a EPOC y 2 a IRXC; 9 de ellos se corroboraron por el hallazgo del hongo. La búsqueda sistemática de PCM en habitantes del área endémica que presentan patología pulmonar favorecería el diagnóstico precoz y, por lo tanto, las posibilidades de un tratamiento eficaz.

For 2 years, a systematic research of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) had been conducted in a hospital in the city of Corrientes. The inclusion criterium used was: tuberculosis patients (TBC), presumptive or confirmed diagnosis of pulmonary cancer (CA), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or X-ray images compatible with pulmonary mycosis (XRC). Eighty four patients were studied: 57 (TBC), 1 (CA), 5 (COPD), 3 (TBC+CA), 4 (TBC+COPD), 4 (COPD+CA) and 10 (XRC). Serology tests by agar gel immunodiffusion (IDGA) were performed on all patients, whereas microbiological studies were performed on those cases in which clinical samples could be obtained. Ten PCM were diagnosed by IDGA; 4 associated to TBC, 1 to TBC+CA, 3 to COPD and only 2 to XRC. PCM was mycologically proven in 9 of these cases. Systematic research of PCM would lead to an early diagnosis and therefore, to better chances for a successful treatment.

Repercussions of a sleep medicine outreach program

Despite the high prevalence of sleep disorders, many healthcare professionals and lay people have little knowledge of Sleep Medicine. Mindful of such a reality, in 2001 the Sleep Institute of the Associação Fundo de Incentivo à Psicofarmacologia launched a campaign to increase Sleep Medicine awareness. Media features, exhibitions, inserts, and classes were used to reach 2,000,000 people and 55,000 healthcare professionals during the period from 2001 to 2004. To evaluate this program, we compared data for polysomnography referrals to the Institute in 2000 and in 2004. A total of 8805 referrals were evaluated (2000: 2164; 2004: 6641). Over the 4 years of the program, the number of beds increased by 43 percent; more women were referred (31 vs 37 percent; P < 0.001), mainly with a diagnostic hypothesis of sleep-disorder breathing (SDB). SDB was the most frequent diagnostic hypothesis in 2000 and 2004. In 2004 there were fewer referrals without a diagnostic hypothesis (27 vs 21 percent; P < 0.001) and for controlling surgically treated SDB (2.3 vs 1.6 percent; P < 0.05), and an increase in the following diagnostic hypotheses: non-invasive treatment of SDB (8.3 vs 12.3 percent; P < 0.001) and insomnia (3.5 vs 6.5 percent; P < 0.001). Insomnia diagnostic hypothesis was better correlated with SDB on referral documents in 2004 and less with a diagnostic hypothesis of limb movement disturbance. The program helped increase polysomnography referrals, particularly among women. Healthcare professionals appear to have a more developed understanding of sleep disorders.

Analysis of hospital-based stroke registry in a neurological centre in Kolkata.

This was a retrospective analysis of 7-year (January 1995-December 2001) hospital-based in-patient medical records of stroke cases (subarachnoid haemorrhage excluded) who arrived from various parts of West Bengal. The total number of cases was 801 out of whom 792 had neuro-imaging. There were 399 caes of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and 393 cases of cerebral infarct (CI). The CI: ICH ratio was 0.98. Less than 25% patients reached hospital within 3 hours of stroke onset. Twenty-nine per cent of cases presented with mild stroke (Canadian stroke score > 8.5). Hypertension was observed in 77.3% of ICH cases. The striking finding of this study was a remarkably high number of ICH among the admitted patients. This indicates the need of population-based studies to be conducted at different parts of West Bengal to determine whether them is truly a high prevalence and incidence of ICH in this Indian state.

Classical fever of unknown origin (FUO): current causes in Mexico / Fiebre de origen indeterminado (FOI): causas actuales en México

Background. Causes of FUO change according to medical innovations, modifications of social circumstances, and emerging health risks. Aim. To describe the epidemiology of classical FUO, the time and procedures to achieve a definitive diagnosis, and to underline the variables useful in distinguishing FUO categories. Setting. A third-referral center in Mexico City. Methods. Patients admitted with prolonged fever were evaluated. Clinical charts of patients with classical FUO were assessed; comparisons between classical FUO categories were made. Results. 45 patients with 44.9 ± 17.2 years of age, previous fever duration of 51.2 ± 51.5 days, and 88.9% referred from other hospitals were evaluated. Nineteen patients had infectious causes; eight, neoplastic conditions; 12, inflammatory non-infectious diseases; one had another cause, and five were discharged with no etiologic diagnosis. Age, LDH levels, length of fever, and weight loss greater than 10 kg may be used to classify patients into a definite category. Conclusions. Classical FUO is an unusual presentation of frequent infectious diseases; SLE is the main cause within the inflammatory non-infectious conditions, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the first cause of cancer. Some clinical and laboratory clues may be used to guide the study work up of patients with classical FUO.

Las causas de fiebre de origen indeterminado (FOI) varían de acuerdo con las innovaciones médicas o con modificaciones de las circunstancias sociales y riesgos para la salud. Objetivo. Describir la epidemiología de la FOI, el tiempo y procedimientos empleados para alcanzar un diagnóstico definitivo y evaluar las variables que pueden usarse para diferenciar sus categorías. Hospital. Centro de referencia de tercer nivel de la ciudad de México. Métodos. Se evaluó a pacientes con fiebre prolongada; los expedientes clínicos de aquellos con FOI fueron analizados y se compararon sus principales categorías. Resultados. Fueron evaluados 45 pacientes, de 44 ± 17.2 años de edad y duración promedio de la fiebre de 51.2 ± 51.5 días, de los cuales 88.9% habían sido referidos de otros hospitales. De ellos, 19 fueron diagnosticados con causas infecciosas, ocho con enfermedades neoplá-sicas, 12 con enfermedades inflamatorias no infecciosas, uno por alguna otra causa y cinco fueron dados de alta sin diagnóstico definitivo. La edad, niveles de DHL, la duración de la fiebre y la pérdida de peso mayor de 10 kg fueron marcadores útiles para clasificar a los pacientes en alguna de las categorías de la FOI. Conclusiones. La FOI es una manifestación inusual de enfermedades infecciosas frecuentes, el lupus erítematoso generalizado es la causa principal dentro de las condiciones inflamatorias no infecciosas y el línfoma no-Hodgkin en las neoplásicas. Algunas pistas clínicas y de laboratorio pueden emplearse para guiar el estudio de pacientes con FOI clásica.

Prevalencia de micobacteriosis y de tuberculosis en pacientes de un hospital de referencia de la provincia de Córdoba / Prevalence of mycobacteriosis and tuberculosis in a reference hospital, Cordoba province

Las micobacterias ambientales (MA) constituyen un importante grupo de especies bacterianas que se encuentran en el medio ambiente, pueden colonizar y ocasionalmente producir enfermedad enel hombre. En este trabajo se investigó la frecuencia de casos de micobacteriosis en relación con los de tuberculosis durante un período de diez años (1.991-2.000). Se estudiaron 16.700 muestras de 9.300 pacientes adultos de ambos sexos asistidos en el Hospital Regional de Tuberculosis de la Provincia de Córdoba, por consulta espontánea. Los aislamientos se realizaron por cultivo en los medios de Lowenstein Jensen y Stonebrink. Las colonias de bacilos ácidoalcohol resistentes (BAAR) se identificaron por pruebas bioquímicas y moleculares. El total de casos diagnosticados fue de 716, de los cuales 684 (95,5%) correspondieron a al complejo Mycobacterium tuberculosis y a micobacterias ambientales 32 (4,5%). Los casos de micobacteriosis se definieron por reiterados aislamientos con desarrollo representativo de una micobacteria ambiental, sospecha clínica y radiológica. De los 32 casos de micobacteriosis, el 75% del total correspondió aMycobacterium avium-intracellulare,15,6% a Mycobacterium fortuitum, 3,1% a Mycobacterium kansasii y 6,3% a Mycobacterium chelonae.Los casos de tuberculosis fueron 94,5% de localización pulmonar y 5,5% extrapulmonar.

Environmental mycobacteria (EM) constitute an important group of bacteria species found in the environment. They can colonize and occasionally produce disease in man. Sixteen thousand three hundred samples from 9300 adult symptomatic patients from the Hospital Regional of Tuberculosis in Cordoba were bacteriolocally investigated. The isolations were performed by culture on Lowenstein Jensen and Stonebrink culture media. The colonies of acid fast bacilli (AFB) were identified by biochemical and molecular tests. Among 716 culture positive cases, 684 (95.5%) were due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and 32 to environmental mycobacteria.Serial samples allowed the confirmation of the etiologicalagent in culture and correlated with consistent clinical and radiological abnormalities. Seventy-five percente of these patients were affected by M. avium complex, 15.6% by M. fortuitum, 3.1% Mycobacterium kansasii and 6.3% Mycobacterium chelonae. Among tuberculosis cases, 94.5% and 5.5% had pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease respectively.

retrospective hospital study of human cystic echinococcosis in Egypt

We performed a retrospective study to determine annual clinical incidence of human cystic echinococcosis [CE] in 14 Egyptian hospitals between January 1997 and December 1999. From 492 353 records examined, 133 [0.027%] new human CE cases were recorded. Of these, 50 [37.6%] were from Alexandria and Matrouh hospitals, 33 [24.8%] from Giza Chest Hospital and 50 from other regions. Matrouh governorate had the highest annual clinical incidence [1.34-2.60 per 100 000] followed by Giza governorate [0.80-1.16 per 100 000]. About a third of those affected were aged

Profile of glaucoma in a major eye hospital in north India.

PURPOSE: To study the clinical profile and distribution of various subtypes of glaucoma in a referral practice in North India. METHOD: A retrospective analysis was done of 2425 patients who attended the glaucoma clinic in a tertiary eye-care centre for five years from January 1995 to December 1999. A detailed history was obtained and a thorough examination was performed, including gonioscopy, disc assessment, applanation tonometry and automated perimetry. Diurnal variation of IOP and provocative tests for glaucoma were done where applicable. RESULT: Primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) was the most common glaucoma subtype. The primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) to the PACG ratio was 37:63. Chronic angle closure glaucoma (CACG) was the most common PACG subtype. The majority of CACG cases were relatively asymptomatic. Male dominance was seen for POAG, juvenile open angle glaucoma (JOAG), CACG, normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and secondary glaucomas. Female dominance was seen for ocular hypertension (OHT), acute or intermittent ACG and developmental glaucomas. The mean age in years at presentation was POAG:60.54 years (males 61.54 years, females 59.01 years) and PACG: 55.13 years (males 57.25 years, females 53.60). The three common secondary glaucomas were: glaucoma secondary to adherent leucoma, aphakic and pseudophakic glaucomas and traumatic glaucomas. Advanced glaucoma was detected in 42 to 53% of patients and bilateral blindness in 8 to 14% of patients in various subtypes. CONCLUSION: Compared to Caucasians, glaucoma patients in North India seem to present nearly a decade earlier and the disease is more advanced at presentation. While PACG is the most commonly encountered glaucoma, NTG and exfoliative glaucoma are relatively rare.

El servicio de urgencias en un hospital de tercer nivel: su comportamiento durante cinco años: estudio preliminar / The emergency service in a third level hospital: its benavior during five years: a preliminary study

Antecedentes: un servicio de urgencias es aquel capaz de proporcionar una atención médica inmediata a las contingencias de un padecimiento que ocurren en forma aguda. Objetivo: mostrar el comportamiento del servicio de urgencias adultos del Hospital Regional General Ignacio Zaragoza de enero de 1989 a diciembre de 1993. Material y métodos: en un estudio observacional, prolectivo y descriptivo se incluyeron todos los adultos que asistieron al servivio de Urgencias del Hospital Regional General Ignacio Zaragoza. Resultados: se atendieron un total de 231,229 pacientes en la consulta de urgencias. El 84 por ciento egresó a su domicilio. Conclusión ocho de cada diez admisiones al servicio de urgencias pudieron haber sido sustituidas por otras alternativas de atención médica

Profilaxis contra la osteoporosis asociada con corticoterapia en pacientes egresados de un hospital de especialidades / Prophylaxis for osteoporosis associated with corticotherapy in patients discharged from a specialties hospital

Los glucocorticoides son medicamentos frecuentemente empleados en los pacientes hospitalizados. Afortunadamente, sólo una pequeña proporción de estos pacientes habrá de recibir dichos compuestos a su egreso. Sin embargo, dado que en algunos casos su administración ha de prolongarse, la estancia intrahospitalaria y la prescripción al egreso constituyen dos oportunidades para iniciar las medidas profilácticas contra la osteoporosis. Objetivo. 1. Conocer la proporción de los pacientes que reciben corticoesteroides durante su internamiento, 2. Estimar cuántos de ellos eventualmente continuarían con estos medicamentos por tiempo prolongado, 3. Definir entre éstos últimos a cuántos se les indican medidas farmacológicas tendientes a prevenir la disminución de la masa ósea. Método. De manera prospectiva registramos todos los ingresos que ocurrieron en un lapso de 6 meses en los servicios de hospitalización de una unidad médico-quirúrgica de tercer nivel de atención. Resultados. De manera prospectiva registramos todos los ingresos que ocurrieron en un lapso de 6 meses en los servicios de hospitalización de una unidad médico-quirúrgica de tercer nivel de atención. Resultados. 186 de los 1101 pacientes internados recibieron corticoesteroides (17 por ciento). Sólo 11 de ellos (6 por ciento) continuarían con este tratamiento durante los meses ubsecuentes a su egreso. Sólo a 5 de ellos se les indicaron suplementos de calcio. Tres meses más tarde, sólo a uno de ellos se le habían agregado vitamina D a su prescripción. En ningún caso se recetó calcitriol, bisfosfonatos o calcitonina. Conclusión. Los resultados de esta pequeña serie alertan hacia estas dos oportunidades perdidas en relación a la prevención primaria de la osteoporosis asociada a la corticoterapia: la estancia intrahospitalaria y las indicaciones al egreso

Resistencia a antimicrobianos de helicobacter pylori en un centro de referencia infectológico / Antimicrobial resistance in isolates of Helicobacter pylori in a referral center

Objetivo. Estimar la frecuencia de aislados clínicos de H. pylori resistentes a seis antibióticos de uso común en su erradicación. Diseño. Estudio observacional transversal. Lugar. Institución hospitalaria de referencia de tercer nivel. Participantes. 31 aislamientos de igual número de enfermos con gastritis antral crónica, obtenidos de biopsias de mucosa gástrica. Desenlace principal. Se midió la concentración mínima anhibitoria (CMI) de metronidazol, tetraciclina, doxiciclina, ampicilina, amoxicilina y de subcitrato de bismuto mediante la técnia de dilución en placas de agar. Resultados. Todos los aislados mostraron ser sensibles a tetraciclina, doxiciclina, ampicilina y a amoxicilina; sólo 46 por ciento y 55 por ciento fueron inhibidos a concentraciones menores a 8 µg/mL y a 16 µg/mL de metronidazol, respectivamente. Todos los aislamientos fueron inhibidos a una concentración =128 µg/mL de la sal de bismuto. Se observó un incremento del 50 por ciento en el porcentaje de aislados resistentes a metronidazol (resistencia definida como una CMI = 8µg/mL) al comparar los de 1988 con los de 1992. Conclusión. Se necesitan estudios a futuro que evalúen cuál esquema de antibioticoterapia ofrece un mejor índice costo/beneficio en el tratamiento de la úlcera péptica por H. pylori en nuestro medio