Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in pediatric patients with oncohematological diseases

Abstract Introduction Invasive fungal diseases represent important causes of morbidity and mortality among pediatric oncohematological patients. Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis is a rare and aggressive disease that occurs mainly in immunocompromised patients. The mortality rate is high and therefore, accurate and early diagnosis is essential. Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis among pediatric oncohematological patients and characterize them with confirmed diagnoses. Methods This was a retrospective study that analyzed the medical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with oncohematological diseases and suspected fungal infections, who were included after obtaining informed consent, from January to December 2017, in the pediatric unit of a tertiary university hospital. Data collected from medical record analysis included the following: underlying diagnosis, absolute neutrophil count, clinical presentation, culture and biopsy results, surgical procedures performed, survival and mortality. Results A total of 27 patients were evaluated, with three suspected cases of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. Histopathological and microbiological analyses confirmed two cases. In both cases, the pathogen isolated in the culture was Fusarium sp. The two confirmed cases were female, aged 12 and 14 years, both with an absolute neutrophil count of 10 cells/μL. The underlying disease of the first patient was acute myeloid leukemia (subtype M5), whereas the second patient presented idiopathic bone marrow aplasia. Conclusion Both confirmed cases of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis presented with constitutional symptoms and signs of nasal and sinusital inflammation. This demonstrates the importance of fever as a symptom in immunocompromised patients and it should prompt otorhinolaryngological investigation.

Residency training for minimally invasive surgery / Treinamento de cirurgia minimamente invasiva em programas de residência médica

ABSTRACT Objective: to develop a training program in minimally invasive surgery, based on simulation and with an emphasis on the acquisition of laparoscopic competences. Methods: this was a prospective, observational study carried out at a university hospital in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, between April 2020 and January 2021. We recruited residents of surgical specialties for structured, progressive training according to instructional principles to promote learning, such as motivation, activation, demonstration, application, and integration. We filmed the skill tests at the program's beginning, middle, and end, which were then anonymously evaluated by a surgical education expert. Individual performances were scored using the global assessment tools "GOALS" and "specific checklist for suture". At the end, all participants received individual feedback and completed a questionnaire to assess the impact of training on the Kirkpatrick model. Results: 43 residents completed the program. The evolution of performances was evident and grew between tests. The average achievements were 29% in the initial test, 43% in the intermediate test, and 88% in the final test, with significant differences between all mean scores, with H=97.59, GL=2, p<0.0001. The program evaluation and learning perceptions were excellent, but only 10.7% of residents felt fully capable of performing unsupervised, low-complexity laparoscopic surgery at the end of training. Conclusions: the training program developed in this study proved to be feasible and promising as a strategy for teaching laparoscopic surgery.

RESUMO Objetivo: desenvolver programa de treinamento em cirurgia minimamente invasiva, baseado em simulação e com ênfase na aquisição de competências laparoscópicas. Métodos: trata-se de estudo prospectivo observacional que foi realizado em hospital universitário de Belo Horizonte, Brasil, entre abril de 2020 e janeiro de 2021. Foram recrutados residentes de clínicas cirúrgicas para treinamento progressivo estruturado de acordo com princípios instrucionais de promoção da aprendizagem, como: motivação, ativação, demonstração, aplicação e integração. Testes de habilidades foram filmados no início, meio e final do programa, e, então, avaliados em anonimato por perito em educação cirúrgica. As performances individuais foram pontuadas por meio das ferramentas de avaliação global "GOALS" e "checklist específico de sutura". Ao final, todos participantes receberam feedbacks individuais e preencheram questionário destinado a avaliar o impacto do treinamento, baseado no modelo de Kirkpatrick. Resultados: 43 residentes concluíram o treinamento. A evolução das performances foi crescente e evidente entre os testes. Os aproveitamentos médios foram: 29% no teste inicial; 43% no teste intermediário; e 88% no teste final, com diferenças significativas entre todas as médias de pontuação, sendo H=97,59; GL=2; p<0,0001. A avaliação do programa e percepções de aprendizagem foram excelentes, mas apenas 10,7% dos residentes sentiram-se totalmente capazes a realizar cirurgia laparoscópica de baixa complexidade sem supervisão ao final do treinamento. Conclusões: o programa de treinamento desenvolvido nesse estudo mostrou-se factível e promissor como estratégia de ensino da cirurgia laparoscópica.

Adverse events related to mechanical ventilation in a pediatric intensive care unit / Eventos adversos relacionados à ventilação mecânica em uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the prevalence and factors associated with adverse events (AE) related to invasive mechanical ventilation in patients admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of a tertiary public hospital. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study from July 2016 to June 2018, with data collected throughout patients' routine care in the unit by the care team. Demographic, clinical and ventilatory characteristics and adverse events were analysed. The logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis regarding the factors associated with AE. Results: Three hundred and six patients were included, with a total ventilation time of 2,155 days. Adverse events occurred in 66 patients (21.6%), and in 11 of those (16.7%) two AE occurred, totalling 77 events (36 AE per 1000 days of ventilation). The most common AE was post-extubation stridor (25.9%), followed by unplanned extubation (16.9%). Episodes occurred predominantly in the afternoon shift (49.3%) and associated with mild damage (54.6%). Multivariate analysis showed a higher occurrence of AE associated with length of stay of 7 days or more (Odds Ratio [OR]=2.6; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.49-4.66; p=0.001). Conclusions: The results of the present study show a significant number of preventable adverse events, especially stridor after extubation and accidental extubation. The higher frequency of these events is associated with longer hospitalization.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência e os fatores associados a eventos adversos (EA) relacionados à ventilação mecânica (VM) invasiva em pacientes internados na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica (UTIP) de hospital público terciário. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal realizado entre julho de 2016 e junho de 2018, com dados coletados ao longo da rotina de atendimento dos pacientes na unidade pela equipe assistencial. Neste estudo, foram analisados características demográficas, clínicas, ventilatórias e os EA ocorridos. O modelo de regressão logística foi utilizado para análise multivariada quanto aos fatores associados aos EA. Resultados: Neste estudo, foram incluídos 306 pacientes, com tempo de ventilação total de 2.155 dias. Ocorreram EA em 66 pacientes (21,6%), dos quais 11 (16,7%) sofreram dois EA, totalizando 77 eventos (36 EA por mil dias de ventilação). O EA mais comum foi o estridor pós-extubação (25,9%), seguido da extubação não planejada (16,9%). Os episódios ocorreram predominantemente no turno da tarde (49,3%) e associados a grau de dano leve (54,6%). Na análise multivariada, observou-se maior ocorrência de EA associado a tempo de internação igual ou superior a sete dias (Odds Ratio [OR]=2,6, intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%)]1,49-4,66, p=0,001). Conclusões: Evidenciou-se número significativo de EA que podem ser prevenidos, destacando-se o estridor pós-extubação e a extubação acidental, com ocorrência mais frequentemente associada ao maior tempo de internação.

Safety protocols for dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic: the experience of a Brazilian hospital service

Abstract The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been prioritized in relation to other illnesses considered critical, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases/stroke, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. The management of patients with these diseases involves dental care to reduce systemic complications caused by odontogenic infections, and/or to treat oral manifestations of systemic comorbidities. In this regard, the dental care of these individuals must be guaranteed during the pandemic. Although a high risk of exposure to and catching of COVID-19 is expected to befall dental professionals, biosafety guidelines reduce the likelihood of infection. Thus, the current scenario poses challenges, and offers decision-making approaches and tools that facilitate the management of individuals with oral manifestations of chronic and/or critical diseases, using hospital-based services. This article presents an overview for hospital service providers who are at the forefront of COVID-19 care, including a secure protocol, and clinical guidelines based on the experience of the Hospital das Clínicas in Belo Horizonte, a public referral service, supported by the Brazilian National Health System.

Vírus da imunodeficiência humana adquirida/HIV no período neonatal / Acquired human immunodeficiency virus/ HIV in the neonatal period

O bloqueio da transmissão vertical foi uma das maiores vitórias contra a infecção pelo HIV. Houve redução das taxas de infecção a níveis inferiores a 2% com a aplicação de estratégias como reconhecimento da infecção materna (testagem sorológica anti-HIV ou teste rápido) durante o pré-natal ou no momento do parto, uso de antirretrovirais, via de parto eletiva de acordo com a carga viral e substituição do aleitamento materno pelo uso de fórmula láctea infantil. No Brasil, recomenda-se a utilização de esquema antirretroviral composto de três drogas antirretrovirais de duas classes diferentes a partir da 14a semana de gestação (após o primeiro trimestre) para todas as gestantes infectadas pelo HIV, independentemente dos parâmetros imunológicos ou virológicos, uso de zidovudina por via venosa no momento do parto e de zidovudina para todas as crianças nascidas de mães infectadas pelo HIV, duranteas primeiras quatro semanas de vida. Em situações especiais tem-se sugerido a adição de outros antirretrovirais, como a lamivudina e a nevirapina. Os benefícios do uso materno de drogas antirretrovirais para a prevenção da trasnmissão do HIV para seus filhos são unânimes. A segurança desses regimes em curto prazo já foi demonstrada, mas tem sido descrita associação do uso materno de drogas antirretrovirais e anomalias congênitas, prematuridade, toxicidade mitocondrial, anemia, neutropenia e aumento de enzimas hepáticas. Efeitos graves raramente ocorrem. Ainda é necessário acompanhamento em longo prazo de todasas crianças expostas aos antirretrovirais para responder muitas dúvidas existentes.

Blocking mother-to-child transmission was one of the greatest victories against HIV infection. A reduction in infection rates down to below 2% was achieved by applying strategies such as the recognition of maternal infection (HIV serological testing or rapid test) during the prenatal periodor at delivery, use of antiretrovirals, elective route of delivery according to the patient?s viral load, and replacement of breastfeeding by formula. In Brazil, the recommended regimen includes the use of an anti-retroviral scheme composed of three anti-retroviral drugs from two different classes, from the 14th week of pregnancy (after the first trimester), in all pregnant women infected with HIV regardless of their virological or immunological parameters, use of intravenous zidovudine at the time of delivery, and of zidovudine in all children born to HIV infected mothers during the first four weeks of life. In special situations, adding other antiretrovirals, such as lamivudine and nevirapine, has been suggested. The benefits of maternal use of anti-retroviral drugs to prevent HIV transmission to children are unanimous. The safety of these short-term schemes has already been demonstrated, however, the association between maternal use of antiretrovirals drugs and congenital anomalies, prematurity, mitochondrial toxicity, anemia, neutropenia, and increased liver enzymes have been described. Serious effects rarely occur. Long-term follow-up of all children exposed to antiretroviral drugs is still necessary to answer many existing questions.

HIV-1 RNA detection in the amniotic fluid of HIV-infected pregnant women

This study is aimed at evaluating the potential to detect human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in amniotic fluid (AF) collected at delivery from 40 HIV-positive pregnant women. Thirty patients had a plasma viral load (VL) below 1,000 copies/mL at delivery. VL was positive in three AF samples. No significant association was found between the HIV-1 RNA in AF and the maternal plasma samples. There was no HIV vertical transmission detected.

Determinants and trends in perinatal human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transmission in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, Brazil: 1998 - 2005

Significant decrease in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vertical transmission has been observed worldwide in centers where interventions such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), elective cesarean section, and avoidance of breastfeeding have been implemented. This prospective cohort study aimed to assess the determinants of and the temporal trends in HIV-1 vertical transmission in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, Brazil from January 1998 to December 2005. The rate of HIV-1 vertical transmission decreased from 20 percent in 1998 to 3 percent in 2005. This decline was associated with increased use of more complex ART regimens during pregnancy. Multivariate analysis restricted to clinical variables demonstrated that non ART, neonatal respiratory distress/sepsis and breastfeeding were independently associated with HIV-1 vertical transmission. When laboratory parameters were included in the model, high maternal viral load and non maternal ART were associated with HIV-1 vertical transmission. The results from this study confirm the impact of ART in the reduction of HIV-1 vertical transmission and indicate the need for improvement in the care and monitoring of mother and infant pairs affected by HIV-1.

Perfil das gestantes infectadas pelo HIV atendidas em pré-natal de alto risco de referência de Belo Horizonte / Profile of HIV-infected pregnant women at a reference prenatal care service in Belo Horizonte

OBJETIVOS: identificar gestantes infectadas pelo HIV em centro de referência e investigar características refe-rentes à infecção e paridade. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal, que abrangeu toda a população de gestantes infectadas pelo HIV assistidas no Pré-Natal de Alto Risco do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, em 2004. Foram coletados dados demográficos, epidemiologia da infecção pelo HIV e história obstétrica. Para análise estatística foi utilizado o SPSS 12.0. RESULTADOS: foram identificadas 85 mulheres com média de idade de 29,1 anos e 90 gestações. Em 55 gestações (61,1 por cento), as mulheres tinham conhecimento prévio da infecção. Sessenta e quatro (71,1 por cento) informavam união estável. Provavelmente, todas adquiriram o HIV em relações heterossexuais. Cinqüenta e quatro (60 por cento) tiveram o diagnóstico durante alguma gravidez. A média global de gestações foi 3,5, sendo 1,71 após o diagnóstico. Pacientes com diagnóstico prévio apresentaram maior média de gestações, em relação àquelas com diagnóstico na gestação estudada (p = 0,002). Oitenta e seis gestantes usaram anti-retroviral, sendo 56,7 por cento por indicação terapêutica. Não foram verificados casos de transmissão vertical. CONCLUSÕES: novas gestações em mulheres infectadas pelo HIV não são raras, apesar dos recursos de contracepção oferecidos. Assim, outras investigações são necessárias para a identificar suas dificuldades não abordadas durante a assistência médica de rotina.

OBJECTIVES: identify HIV infected pregnant women in a referral center and investigate characteristics related to infection and parity. METHODS: a cross-sectional study comprising all HIV infected women treated at the High Risk Prenatal Care in the Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, in 2004. Demographic data, HIV epidemiology infection and obstetrical history were collected. For statistical analysis SPSS 12.0 was used. RESULTS: eighty five women median aged 29.1 and 90 pregnancies were followed-up. In 55 pregnancies (61.1 percent) women had prior information of the infection. Sixty four (71.1 percent) informed they lived together. Probably they all acquired HIV in heterosexual relations. Fifty four (60 percent) were diagnosed during one of the pregnancies. The global pregnancies median was 3.5, and 1.71 following diagnosis. Patients with prior diagnosis had a higher pregnancy median as compared to those who were diagnosed during their pregnancies (p = 0.002). Eighty six pregnant women made use of anti-retroviral medication, 56.7 percent through therapeutic indication. No vertical transmission cases were determined. CONCLUSIONS: new pregnancies in HIV infected women are not rare notwithstanding contraceptive resources offered. Therefore, further investigations are necessary to identify what difficulties not previously approached they have during routine medical assistance.

Resultados maternos e perinatais de dez anos de assistência obstétrica a portadoras do vírus da imunodeficiência humana / Maternal and perinatal results in ten years of obstetrical care to human immunodeficiency virus-infected women

Objetivos: avaliar a transmissão vertical do vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) e os fatores de risco associados à infecção perinatal. Métodos: estudo descritivo de 170 gestantes infectadas pelo HIV e seus 188 recém-nascidos, admitidas na Maternidade do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG, no período de junho de 1994 a setembro de 2004. Foram analisados as características demográficas, o perfil sorológico e a via de parto das gestantes, assim como os resultados perinatais. As crianças foram acompanhadas por período de 18 meses após o nascimento. Os dados foram armazenados e analisados no Epi-Info, Versão 6.0. Estabeleceu-se intervalo de confiança a 95% (p<0,05). Resultados: o diagnóstico da infecção pelo HIV foi confirmado durante a gestação em 84 (45,4%) pacientes. A carga viral era inferior a 1000 cópias/mL em 60,4% das pacientes. O esquema predominante de uso dos anti-retrovirais foi a terapia tríplice (65,5 % ). Foi alta a taxa de cesariana: 79,5 %. A taxa de prematuridade foi 18,2%. Entre os 188 recém-natos houve 184 (97,8%) nativivos e quatro (2,2%) mortes perinatais. Dos nascidos vivos, 97,8% receberam zidovudina após o nascimento. A taxa global de transmissão matemo-fetal global foi 3,8%. As taxas de transmissão vertical do vírus, por período, foram: 60%, até 1996; 28%, entre 1996e 1998; 0,68%, entre 1999 e 2004. Não foram encontrados fatores de risco significativamente associados à infecção perinatal pelo HIV, devido ao pequeno número de recém-nascidos infectados (n=6). Conclusão: houve grande redução da transmissão vertical do HIV no período analisado. A taxa atual de transmissão é zero, confirmando que, adotando-se medidas adequadas, pode-se prevenir a transmissão perinatal do vírus.