Cuadro clínico del COVID-19 / Clinical presentation of COVID-19

El Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 produce la enfermedad COVID-19, cuya manifestación más grave y potencialmente letal es la neumonía. En este artículo revisaremos las manifestaciones clínicas del COVID-19, la fisiopatología de la neumonía, el manejo intrahospitalario previo al ingreso a Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos, la embolia pulmonar que es una complicación muy frecuente de esta enfermedad y el seguimiento de los pacientes posterior al alta. Para esta publicación nos hemos basado en publicaciones médicas y en estudios que hemos hecho durante esta pandemia en nuestro Centro de Enfermedades Respiratorias. i:es

The SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus causes the COVID-19 disease, the most severe and potentially fatal manifestation of which is pneumonia. In this article, we will review the clinical manifestations of COVID-19, the pathophysiology of pneumonia, in-hospital management prior to admission to Intensive Care Units, pulmonary embolism, which is a very frequent complication of this disease, and the follow-up of patients after hospitalization. For this publication we have relied on medical publications and studies that we have done during this pandemic at our Center for Respiratory Diseases. i:en

Clinical characteristics and predictors of hospitalization among 7, 108 ambulatory patients with positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 during the acute pandemic period / Características clínicas e preditores de hospitalização entre 7. 108 pacientes ambulatoriais com RT-PCR positivo para SARS-CoV-2 durante o período de pandemia aguda

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe baseline characteristics of outpatients with a positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 and to define whether "red flags" (new-onset fever, dyspnea, and chest pain) can predict clinical worsening during the isolation period. Methods: This was an epidemiological, observational, descriptive study. Between March and September of 2020, all outpatients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at a tertiary medical center located in Santiago de Chile were included. Demographic variables, comorbidities, red flags, and other symptoms were compiled using follow-up surveys at specific time points. The risk of clinical worsening (hospitalization) and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated. Results: A total of 7,108 patients were included. The median age was 38 years (range, 0-101), and 52% were men. At baseline, 77% of the patients reported having characteristic symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The most prevalent onset symptoms were headache (53%), myalgia (47%), and fever (33%). According to the follow-up surveys, the incidence of symptoms decreased during the isolation period; however, 28% of the patients still presented with symptoms on day 14. The risk of hospitalization for patients with new-onset fever and dyspnea during the follow-up period was HR = 7.43 (95% CI, 3.85-14.3, p<0.01) and HR = 5.27 (95% CI, 1.52-18.30; p < 0.01 for both), respectively. New-onset chest pain showed no association with clinical worsening. Conclusions: In this sample of outpatients with a recent diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, a survey-based monitoring of symptoms was useful to identify those at risk of clinical worsening. New-onset fever and dyspnea during the isolation period were considered as red flags associated with clinical worsening and warrants prompt medical evaluation.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as características basais de pacientes ambulatoriais com RT-PCR positivo para SARS-CoV-2 e definir se os sintomas de alerta para gravidade (febre, dispneia e dor torácica de início recente) podem prever piora clínica durante o período de isolamento. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico, observacional e descritivo. Entre março e setembro de 2020, foram incluídos todos os pacientes ambulatoriais com teste positivo para SARS-CoV-2 em um centro médico terciário localizado em Santiago do Chile. Variáveis demográficas, comorbidades, sintomas de alerta para gravidade e outros sintomas foram compilados usando pesquisas de seguimento em intervalos específicos. Também foram calculados o risco de piora clínica (hospitalização) e as razões de risco (RR) ajustadas. Resultados: Foi incluído um total de 7.108 pacientes. A mediana de idade foi de 38 anos (variação: 0-101), e 52% eram homens. No início do estudo, 77% dos pacientes relataram sintomas característicos de infecção por SARS-CoV-2. Os sintomas recentes mais prevalentes foram cefaleia (53%), mialgia (47%) e febre (33%). De acordo com as pesquisas de seguimento, a incidência de sintomas diminuiu durante o período de isolamento; no entanto, 28% dos pacientes ainda apresentavam sintomas no dia 14. O risco de hospitalização para pacientes com febre e dispneia de início recente durante o período de seguimento foi RR = 7,43 (IC95%: 3,85-14,3; p < 0,01) e RR = 5,27 (IC95%: 1,52-18,30; p < 0,01 para ambos), respectivamente. A dor torácica de início recente não mostrou associação com a piora clínica. Conclusões: Nesta amostra de pacientes ambulatoriais com um diagnóstico recente de infecção por SARS-CoV-2, um monitoramento dos sintomas baseado em pesquisa foi útil para identificar aqueles com risco de piora clínica. Febre e dispneia de início recente durante o período de isolamento foram consideradas sintomas de alerta associados ao agravamento clínico e justificam avaliação médica imediata.

Fibrosis pulmonar aguda asociada a intoxicación por Paraquat: caso clínico / Acute pulmonary fibrosis associated with Paraquat poisoning: report of one case

Paraquat, a non-selective bipyridyl pesticide, is one of the leading causes of death from intoxication in many parts of Asia and America. It is the second most sold herbicide worldwide, being widely used in Chile. Its ingestion generates toxicity due to the release of superoxide radicals, mainly affecting kidneys, lungs and liver. There is no antidote available. We report a 31 years old male who ingested Paraquat for suicidal purposes. He developed an acute renal and hepatic failure and a rapidly progressive severe respiratory failure with images compatible with acute pulmonary fibrosis. No response to immunosuppressive treatment was observed. He died eight days after admission. The use of cyclophosphamide associated with glucocorticoids could lower risk of death the in these patients, although the pathophysiology of respiratory failure is still under study.

Acidosis láctica asociada a metformina: caso clínico / Metformin-associated lactic acidosis: report of one case

Metformin-associated lactic acidosis is a severe and infrequent adverse event. Early diagnosis is essential to start an early treatment, which often has favorable results. We report a 56 years old non-insulin-requiring type 2 diabetic female who developed a severe metabolic acidosis associated with metformin in relation to an acute renal failure secondary to infectious diarrhea. Early treatment with bicarbonate and continuous hemofiltration allowed a quick improvement of the patient. Metformin-associated lactic acidosis has an elevated mortality (50-80%) and has a specific and effective treatment. Therefore, the condition must be born in mind.