Factores asociados de ingreso a un hospital de referencia de tercer nivel en Panamá durante el primer año de pandemia por COVID-19

Introducción: Panamá ocupa la quinta posición en incidencia acumulada de países latinoamericanos y la cuarta posición de muertes en Centroamérica por COVID-19. Hay pocos datos en la población pediátrica panameña. Se describen las características de esta población, admitidos al Hospital Materno Infantil José Domingo De Obaldía, durante el primer año de pandemia. Objetivos: Describir factores clínicos y epidemiológicos asociados al ingreso hospitalario a salas o Unidad Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica (UCIP). Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal, retrospectivo con componente analítico con edad de 1 mes a 13 años 11 meses, de pacientes hospitalizados entre 01 abril 2020 y 30 abril 2021 y diagnóstico de SARS-CoV2 mediante reacción de polimerasa en cadena, detección de antígeno o serología al ingreso o durante su hospitalización. Los datos fueron analizados con IBM SPSS versión 25.0. Resultados: 84 pacientes fueron evaluados, 71 (85%) cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Los factores de riesgo asociados a ingreso a UCIP: indígena 1,86 (3,08-1,13), referido de Bocas del Toro 9,33(43,43-2), desnutrición 5,6 (30,53-1,02), enfermedad neurológica 7,46 (36,94-1,5), radiografía de tórax con infiltrado intersticial y consolidación 14,93 (123,9-1,8), shock 1,32 (1,58-1,1), alteración del estado de alerta 22,4 (172-2,91), hipoxia 6,22 (23,13-1,67) y disnea 2,61 (5,7-1,19). La mortalidad fue 4%, asociada a compromiso respiratorio y comorbilidades. Conclusiones: Ser indígena, tener comorbilidades, radiografía de tórax (infiltrados intersticiales y consolidados) predominaron en los ingresos a la UCIP.

Background: Panama occupies the fifth position in cumulative incidence of Latin American countries and the fourth position in deaths in Central America from COVID-19. There are few data in the Panamanian pediatric population. The characteristics of this population, admitted to the José Domingo De Obaldia Maternal and Child Hospital, during the first year of the pandemic, are described. Aim: To describe clinical and epidemiological factors associated with hospital admission to wards or Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study with an analytical component with an age range of 1 month to 13 years 11 months, patients hospitalized between April 1,2020 to April 30, 2021 and diagnosis of SARS-CoV2 by polymerase chain reaction, antigen detection, or serology. upon admission or during hospitalization. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS version 25.0. Results: 84 patients were included, 71 (85%) met the inclusion criteria. Risk factors associated with admission to the PICU: indigenous 1.86 (3.08-1.13), referred from Bocas del Toro 9.33 (43.43-2), malnutrition 5.6 (30.53-1.02), neurological disease 7.46 (36.94-1.5), chest X-ray with interstitial infiltrate and consolidation 14.93 (123.9-1.8), shock 1.32 (1.58-1.1), altered alertness 22.4 (172-2.91), hypoxia 6.22 (23.13-1.67) and dyspnea 2.61 (5.7-1.19). Mortality was 4%, associated with respiratory compromise and comorbidities. Conclusions: Being indigenous, having comorbidities, chest X-ray (interstitial and consolidated infiltrates) predominated in admissions to the PICU.

Is there a relationship between the intensive care scores of patients with COVID-19 and depression and anxiety?

Objective: Coronaviruses that cause respiratory infections in humans are known to be neuropathogenic. The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is an association between the severity of viral pneumonia and anxiety and depression levels in patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: Prospective study of 165 patients, patients were divided into two groups (intubated and non-intubated) according to whether they were intubated during follow-up. Results: Of 165 patients included, 70 were intubated after the first 7 days of follow-up. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) score was 10.37±3.75 (p < 0.001) in these patients. The length of ICU stay was 25±22.3 days (p < 0.001), and the length of overall hospital stay was 28.28±23.37 days, significantly longer than in patients who were not intubated (p < 0.001). The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score scores, as well as GAD-7 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9, were positively associated with length of ICU stay and length of hospital stay (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The presence and exacerbation of anxiety and depression symptoms can provide information about the aggravation and progression of the underlying disease.

Analysis of chest imaging features of novel coronavirus pneumonia, bacterial pneumonia and viral pneumonia / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To investigate and summarize the chest CT imaging features of patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19), bacterial pneumonia and other viral pneumonia.Methods:Chest CT data of 102 patients with pulmonary infection due to different etiologies were retrospectively analyzed, including 36 patients with COVID-19 admitted to Hainan Provincial People's Hospital and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University from December 2019 to March 2020, 16 patients with other viral pneumonia admitted to Hainan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2018 to February 2020, and 50 patients with bacterial pneumonia admitted to Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine from April 2018 to May 2020. Two senior radiologists and two senior intensive care physicians were participated to evaluated the extent of lesions involvement and imaging features of the first chest CT after the onset of the disease.Results:Bilateral pulmonary lesions were more common in patients with COVID-19 and other viral pneumonia, and the incidence was significantly higher than that of bacterial pneumonia (91.6%, 75.0% vs. 26.0%, P < 0.05). Compared with other viral pneumonia and COVID-19, bacterial pneumonia was mainly characterized by single-lung and multi-lobed lesion (62.0% vs. 18.8%, 5.6%, P < 0.05), accompanied by pleural effusion and lymph node enlargement. The proportion of ground-glass opacity in the lung tissues of patients with COVID-19 was 97.2%, that of patients with other viral pneumonia was 56.2%, and that of patients with bacterial pneumonia was only 2.0% ( P < 0.05). The incidence rate of lung tissue consolidation (25.0%, 12.5%), air bronchial sign (13.9%, 6.2%) and pleural effusion (16.7%, 37.5%) in patients with COVID-19 and other viral pneumonia were significantly lower than those in patients with bacterial pneumonia (62.0%, 32.0%, 60.0%, all P < 0.05), paving stone sign (22.2%, 37.5%), fine mesh sign (38.9%, 31.2%), halo sign(11.1%, 25.0%), ground-glass opacity with interlobular septal thickening (30.6%, 37.5%), bilateral patchy pattern/rope shadow (80.6%, 50.0%) etc. were significantly higher than those of bacterial pneumonia (2.0%, 4.0%, 2.0%, 0%, 22.0%, all P < 0.05). The incidence of local patchy shadow in patients with COVID-19 was only 8.3%, significantly lower than that in patients with other viral pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia (8.3% vs. 68.8%, 50.0%, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of peripheral vascular shadow thickening in patients with COVID-19, other viral pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia (27.8%, 12.5%, 30.0%, P > 0.05). Conclusions:The probability of ground-glass opacity, paving stone and grid shadow in chest CT of patients with COVID-19 was significantly higher than those of bacterial pneumonia, and it was more common in the lower lungs and lateral dorsal segment. In other patients with viral pneumonia, ground-glass opacity was distributed in both upper and lower lungs. Bacterial pneumonia is usually characterized by single lung consolidation, distributed in lobules or large lobes and accompanied by pleural effusion.

Progress on the mechanisms of low molecular weight heparin in treating acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by viral pneumonia / 国际儿科学杂志

Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS) is an important pathological process in patients with severe viral pneumonia.The coagulation disorder is one of the important characteristics of patients with viral pneumonia.In recent years, more and more studies have been exploring the related mechanisms of ARDS caused by viral pneumonia.Although the application of low molecular weight heparin(LMWH) to prevent and treat thrombotic complications in patients with viral pneumonia has become an industry consensus, in addition to anticoagulation, LMWH also has multiple effects such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.Therefore, the therapeutic effect of LMWH on ARDS remains to be fully explored.This article focuses on the pathological and clinical characteristics of viral pneumonia, to explore the evidence and clinical mechanisms of LMWH in the treatment of ARDS.

Caracterización demográfica y clínica de pacientes críticos con neumonía por influenza A H1N1 / Demographic and clinical characterization of critically ill patients with influenza A H1N1 pneumonia

INTRODUCCIÓN. La epidemia de influenza y sus complicaciones profundizaron el estudio de las neumonías virales en cuidados intensivos. En nuestro país hay pocos datos sobre este tema. OBJETIVOS. Realizar una caracterización demográfica y clínica de pacientes críticos con neumonía por Influenza A H1N1 en un hospital de tercer nivel de complejidad. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio observacional, analítico, retrospectivo, con análisis univariante y multivariante. Población de 293 y muestra de 44 datos de historias clínicas electrónicas de pacientes diagnosticados con A H1N1 ingresados a la Unidad de cuidados intensivos del Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín en el período enero 2016 a diciembre de 2018. Como criterios de inclusión se consideró a todos los pacientes adultos mayores de 18 años que ingresaron a la UCI, con el diagnóstico de neumonía comunitaria grave con confirmación por reacción de cadena de polimerasa en tiempo real para influenza A H1N1 en hisopado nasal o aspirado traqueal. Se excluyó a pacientes embarazadas con diagnóstico de influenza A H1N1, pacientes con más de 48 horas de ingreso hospitalario previo a su ingreso a UCI, pacientes con datos insuficientes en los registros. Los datos se obtuvieron del sistema AS-400. El análisis estadístico se realizó en el programa Statistical Package for Social Sciences, versión 22. El nivel de significación fue una p<0.05. RESULTADOS. La prevalencia en pacientes críticos de neumonía por influenza A H1N1 durante 2016-2018 fue de 16,72%, la mediana de edad fue de 55 años, 25% masculinos, 34% obesos, 34% con hipertensión arterial. Escala "Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II" 23,50, "Simplified Acute Physiologic Score III" 54, "Sepsis related Organ Failure Assessment" 11,50, Lactato deshidrogenasa 99,50, Procalcitonina 0,99; 9 días de ventilación mecánica invasiva, 10,50 días de estancia en la unidad. El 91% presentó shock séptico, 59% lesión renal aguda. El 89% tuvo Síndrome de Distrés Respiratorio del Adultos, 69% fue grave, 87% usó ventilación mecánica, 38,50% corticoides, 36% posición prona, Presión parcial de oxígeno/Fracción inspirada de oxígeno 74, volumen tidal/kilogramo de 7 mililitros, presión plateau de 27,50 centímetros de agua. La mortalidad general en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos fue de 38,63% y a los 28 días de 63,60%, en shock séptico fue 42,50% y en Síndrome de Distrés Respiratorio del Adultos del 41,02%. El análisis de regresión logística multivariable identificó como factores independientes asociados a mortalidad el incremento de Lactato deshidrogenasa (OR 2,69, 9% IC 1,090-6,642) y Procalcitonina (OR 2,51, IC 1,005-6,272). CONCLUSIONES. Las características, frecuencia y mortalidad de este grupo de pacientes críticos con neumonía por influenza A H1N1 son similares a lo reportado en la literatura mundial.

INTRODUCTION. The influenza epidemic and its complications deepened the study of viral pneumonias in intensive care. In our country there is little data on this subject. OBJECTIVES. To perform a demographic and clinical characterization of critical patients with pneumonia due to pneumonia due to Influenza A H1N1 in a third level hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Observational, analytical, retrospective study, with univariate and multivariate analysis. We compared the groups of dead patients and survivors. The significance level was p<0,05. RESULTS. The prevalence in critically ill patients of influenza A H1N1 pneumonia during 2016-2018 was 16,72%, 44 cases were collected, median age 55 years, 25% male, 34% obese, 34% with arterial hypertension. APACHE II 23,50, SAPS III 54, SOFA 11,50, LDH 99,50, PCT 0,99, 9 days of invasive mechanical ventilation, 10,50 days of unit stay. 91% presented septic shock, 59% with acute kidney injury 89% had ARDS, 69% were severe, 87% used mechanical ventilation, 38,50% corticosteroids, 36% prone position, PaO2/FiO2 74, tidal volume/kg of 7 ml, plateau pressure of 27,50 cmH2O. Overall mortality in the ICU was 38,63% and at 28 days was 63,60%, in septic shock it was 42,50% and in Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome it was 42,50%. was 42,50% and 41,02% in Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome. The ultivariate logistic regression analysis identified as independent factors associated with mortality, the increase in LDH (OR 2,69, 9% CI 1,090-6,642) and PCT (OR 2,51, CI 1,005-6,272). CONCLUSIONS. The characteristics, frequency and mortality of this group of critical patients with pneumonia due to influenza A H1N1 are similar to those reported in the world literature.

Factors influencing the choice of endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by viral pneumonia / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To investigate the influencing factors of endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation (ETI-MV) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by viral pneumonia, and to provide evidence for individualized use of ETI-MV.Methods:Patients with ARDS due to viral pneumonia admitted to the respiratory intensive care unit (RICU) of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were retrospectively analyzed from November 2017 to March 2022. The gender, age, concomitant diseases, clinical symptoms and signs, complications, lab results, ARDS severity, infectious virus type, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ), respiratory support methods and prognosis-related variables were collected. Univariate analysis was performed on each factor, and the variables with statistical significance in the univariate analysis were subjected multivariate logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of each index for the implementation of ETI-MV.Results:A total of 117 patients were enrolled in the study, including 61 patients in the ETI-MV group, and 3 patients (4.9%), 39 patients (63.9%) and 19 patients (31.1%) with mild, moderate and severe ARDS, respectively. There were 56 patients in non-ETI-MV group, and the mild, moderate and severe ARDS cases were 16 cases (28.6%), 38 cases (67.8%) and 2 cases (3.6%), respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups ( P < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that during 24 hours admitted to RICU, the levels of interleukin-6 [IL-6 (ng/L): 104.0±90.0 vs. 62.4±76.0], oxygenation index [PaO 2/FiO 2 (mmHg, 1 mmHg≈0.133 kPa): 123.9±30.9 vs. 173.6±28.5], the proportion of cases with pulmonary infiltrating opacity distribution range ≥ 3/4 lung fields [85.3% (52/61) vs. 21.5% (12/56)], APACHE Ⅱ score ≥ 16.5 [67.2% (41/61) vs. 42.9% (24/56)], the rate of nosocomial invasive aspergillus infection [14.8% (9/61) vs. 3.6% (2/56)], the percentage of nosocomial bacterial infection [16.4% (10/61) vs. 3.6% (2/56)], and the lowest CD4 + T lymphocyte count in the course of the disease [cells/mm 3: 192.2±35.8 vs. 215.0±58.3] had significant differences between ETI-MV and non-ETI-MV group (all P < 0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that during 24 hours admitted to RICU the distribution range of pulmonary infiltrating opacity ≥ 3/4 the lung fields [odds ratio ( OR) = 12.527, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 3.279-47.859, P < 0.001], APACHE Ⅱ score ≥ 16.5 ( OR = 30.604, 95% CI = 4.318-216.932, P = 0.001), PaO 2/FiO 2 ( OR = 0.948, 95% CI = 0.925-0.972, P < 0.001), CD4 + T lymphocytes cell count ( OR = 0.975, 95% CI = 0.955-0.995, P = 0.015), and nosocomial bacterial infection ( OR = 38.338, 95% CI = 1.638-897.158, P = 0.023) were independent risk factors for ETI-MV. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of ROC showed that PaO 2/FiO 2 had the greatest predictive value for ETI-MV, with AUC of 0.903, sensitivity of 91.1% and specificity of 95.1% in case of cutoff value of 151 mmHg. The AUC of pulmonary infiltrating opacity distribution range was 0.809, the sensitivity of 85.2%, specificity of 78.6% when the cutoff value was ≥ 3/4 lung field. APACHE Ⅱ scores had the lowest predictive value for selecting ETI-MV, with AUC of 0.704, sensitivity of 83.6% and specificity of 57.1% under the cutoff value was 16.5. Conclusions:For patients with ARDS caused by viral pneumonia, PaO 2/FiO 2 is still the classic reference for selecting ETI-MV, however, the distribution range of pulmonary infiltrating opacity and the systemic severity of the disease during 24 hours admitted to the RICU may provide supplemental helpful information to determine whether the patients choose ETI-MV, especially for moderate ARDS.

Effect of Qinggan Xiefei Fang on increasing susceptibility of influenza virus caused by "liver fire invading lung" / 药学学报

In this study, chronic emotional stress-induced H1N1 influenza susceptibility model was employed to simulate the states of "emotional stagnation" and "liver fire invading lung", and the protective effect of Qinggan Xiefei Fang on viral pneumonia was investigated. Survival rate and morbidity rate of mice were observed within 21 days after H1N1 infection, the symptoms of viral pneumonia and the level of phospholipid peroxidation were detected in lungs of mice after 6-day infection. The experimental results showed that Qinggan Xiefei Fang could alleviate the decline of survival rate and morbidity rate of mice caused by chronic constraint stress loaded with H1N1, inhibit the replication of H1N1 and the production of inflammatory factors, reduce the level of phospholipid peroxidation, and improve the symptoms of pneumonia in mice. The results also showed that compound-target network of Qinggan Xiefei Fang contained 171 compounds and 260 corresponding targets involved in the signaling pathway of oxidative stress, inflammation and immunity. All the above results indicate that Qinggan Xiefei Fang protecting influenza virus pneumonia was related to the regulation of oxidative stress. The animal experimental protocol has been reviewed and approved by Laboratory Animal Ethics Committee of Jinan University, in compliance with the Institutional Animal Care Guidelines.

Clinical Efficacy of Maxingshigantang Enema in Treating Infants with Pneumonia and Asthma and Intervention Mechanism of Lung-intestine Microenvironment / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Maxingshigantang enema in the treatment of infant viral pneumonia by comparing related indicators， and comprehensively evaluate the effect of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） enema on the intestinal microenvironment. MethodSixty infants with viral pneumonia were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups. The dosage of enema drugs in high- （0.117 g·mL-1） and low-concentration （0.07 g·mL-1） TCM enema groups was same （3.5 g per time）， and the control group received normal saline enema， once a day for 7 days. Finally， the curative effect， total symptom score， salivary secretory immunoglobulin A （sIgA）， human beta defensin 2 （hBD2） and fecal calprotectin （CALP） of each group were statistically analyzed by SPSS 21.0， and the clinical efficacy of TCM enema in treating children with pneumonia and asthma was comprehensively evaluated. ResultThe curative effect of high-concentration TCM enema group （total effective rate 100%， χ2=7.059） was equivalent to that of low-concentration TCM enema group （total effective rate 95%， χ2=4.329）， higher than that of control group （total effective rate 70%） （P<0.017）. After treatment， compared with control group and low-concentration TCM enema group， high-concentration TCM enema group had higher total symptom score of children （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The proportion of coccobacillus was reduced in three groups， with high- and low-concentration TCM enema groups lower than control group （P<0.05）. The salivary sIgA concentration was increased in three groups （P<0.05）， with high-concentration TCM enema group higher than the other groups （P<0.01）. The hBD2 concentration was decreased in three groups， with high- and low-concentration TCM enema groups lower than control group （P<0.05）. The three groups reduced the fecal CALP concentration， and high-concentration TCM enema group had the highest reduction， followed by low-concentration TCM enema group （P<0.01）. ConclusionTCM enema outweighs western medicine in improving clinical symptoms， intestinal flora， and mucosal immune function， and reducing inflammation in children， and the high-concentration TCM enema group has better curative effect. Therefore， with easiness to operate， high compliance， and significant therapeutic effect， TCM enema is worthy of clinical promotion.

Therapeutic Effect of Gegentang Granules on Mouse Model with hCoV-229E Pneumonia and Hanshi Yidu Xifei Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo determine the therapeutic effect of Gegentang granules on a disease-syndrome mouse model combining human coronavirus 229E （hCoV-229E） pneumonia with Hanshi Yidu Xifei syndrome in vivo. MethodMice were randomly divided into normal group， infection group， cold-dampness group， model group， chloroquine phosphate group （0.18 g·kg-1）， interferon-α2b （IFN-α2b） group （1.83×106 U·kg-1）， Gegentang granules high-dose and low-dose groups （6.6， 3.3 g·kg-1） with 10 mice in each group. Cold-dampness environment and hCoV-229E infection were used for modeling， and the general status and lung index of mice in each group were observed. The viral load in lung tissue was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， the pathological changes in lung tissue were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， the levels of serum gastrointestinal hormones and inflammatory factors in lung tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and the percentage of peripheral blood lymphocytes was detected by flow cytometry. ResultComparing with model group， Gegentang granules could significantly alleviate the physical signs of Hanshi Yidu Xifei syndrome， including listlessness， weakness of limbs， sticky stool， etc. Comparing with model group， Gegentang granules high-dose group significantly reduced lung index， histopathological score of interstitial lung and bronchus， and the level of serum motilin （P<0.05， P<0.01）， two doses of Gegentang granules could significantly increase the level of serum gastrin （P<0.05， P<0.01）， the percentage of CD4+， CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the level of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in lung tissue was significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and the level of interleukin-6 （IL-6） showed decreasing tendency. ConclusionGegentang granules has therapeutic effect on model mice. It can improve the appearance and behavior characterization， regulate the level of gastrointestinal hormones， decrease lung index and histopathological score， and possibly play an immunomodulatory role by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines in lung tissue and restoring the percentage of peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Therapeutic Effect of Gegentang Granules on Mouse Model with hCoV-229E Pneumonia and Hanshi Yidu Xifei Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo determine the therapeutic effect of Gegentang granules on a disease-syndrome mouse model combining human coronavirus 229E （hCoV-229E） pneumonia with Hanshi Yidu Xifei syndrome in vivo. MethodMice were randomly divided into normal group， infection group， cold-dampness group， model group， chloroquine phosphate group （0.18 g·kg-1）， interferon-α2b （IFN-α2b） group （1.83×106 U·kg-1）， Gegentang granules high-dose and low-dose groups （6.6， 3.3 g·kg-1） with 10 mice in each group. Cold-dampness environment and hCoV-229E infection were used for modeling， and the general status and lung index of mice in each group were observed. The viral load in lung tissue was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， the pathological changes in lung tissue were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， the levels of serum gastrointestinal hormones and inflammatory factors in lung tissue were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and the percentage of peripheral blood lymphocytes was detected by flow cytometry. ResultComparing with model group， Gegentang granules could significantly alleviate the physical signs of Hanshi Yidu Xifei syndrome， including listlessness， weakness of limbs， sticky stool， etc. Comparing with model group， Gegentang granules high-dose group significantly reduced lung index， histopathological score of interstitial lung and bronchus， and the level of serum motilin （P<0.05， P<0.01）， two doses of Gegentang granules could significantly increase the level of serum gastrin （P<0.05， P<0.01）， the percentage of CD4+， CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the level of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in lung tissue was significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and the level of interleukin-6 （IL-6） showed decreasing tendency. ConclusionGegentang granules has therapeutic effect on model mice. It can improve the appearance and behavior characterization， regulate the level of gastrointestinal hormones， decrease lung index and histopathological score， and possibly play an immunomodulatory role by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines in lung tissue and restoring the percentage of peripheral blood lymphocytes.

Assessment of pulmonary infectious disease treatment with Mongolian medicine formulae based on data mining, network pharmacology and molecular docking / 中草药·英文版

Objective: Pulmonary infectious diseases (PID) include viral pneumonia (VP) and pulmonary tuberculosis (PT). Mongolian medicine (MM) is an effective treatment option in China, however, the core group medicines (CGMs) in the treatment of PID and their underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, through the method of data mining, the CGMs of MM for the treatment of PID were excavated, and the possible mechanism of action of the CGMs in the treatment of PID was explored by using network pharmacology. Methods: First, 89 MM formulae for the treatment of pulmonary infectious diseases collected from Gan Lu Si Bu, Meng Yi Jin Kui, People's Republic of China Ministry of Health Drug Standards (Mongolian Medicine Volume), Standard of Mongolian Medicine Preparations in Inner Mongolia (2007 Edition), and Standard of Mongolian Medicine Preparations in Inner Mongolia (2014 Edition). The CGMs of MM for PID were excavated through association rule analysis and cluster analysis. Then, the active ingredients and potential targets of the CGMs were obtained from TCMSP, TCMIP, BATMAN-TCM databases. PID targets information was collected from OMIM, GeneCards, and DrugBank databases. The possible targets of CGMs treatment for PID were obtained by intersection. The PPI network was constructed through the STRING database, and the topology analysis of the network was performed. Through the enrichment analysis of the intersection targets by R language, the main action pathways and related target proteins of CGMs in the treatment of PID were screened out. The results were verified by molecular docking. Results: A total of 89 formulae were included, involving 164 MM herbs. The efficacy of the drugs was mainly cough-suppressing and panting-calming herbs, and heat-clearing herbs. The nature and flavor were mainly bitter and cold. The CGMs of MM to treatment of PID was excavated as the classic famous formula Sanzi Decoction (Toosendan Fructus-Chebulae Fructus-Gardeniae Fructus). A total of 28 candidate components and 237 predicted targets of CGMs were collected, and 61 common targets with PID were obtained, including key compounds such as quercetin, kaempferol, β-sitosterol and stigmastero and key targets such as VEGFA, IL6, TP53, AKT1. KEGG enrichment analysis yielded AGE-RAGE signaling pathways, IL-17 signaling pathways, and TNF signaling pathways. Molecular docking results showed that the key targets were well matched with the potential active ingredients of CGMs. Conclusion: This study found that MM commonly used cough-suppressing and panting-calming herbs in combination with heat-clearing herbs to treat PID, and the CGMs for the treatment of PID is “Toosendan Fructus-Chebulae Fructus-Gardeniae Fructus”. CGMs mainly play a role in the treatment of PID by acting on VEGFA, IL6, TP53, AKT1 and other targets, regulating AGE-RAGE signaling pathways, IL-17 signaling pathways, and TNF signaling pathways.

Estudio descriptivo de una cohorte de pacientes con COVID-19 hospitalizados en España / Descriptive study of a cohort of COVID-19 hospitalized patients in Spain

Resumen Antecedentes: Se han publicado varios estudios descriptivos de cohortes de pacientes afectados por COVID-19. Objetivo: Describir las características de pacientes con infección por SARS-CoV-2 que ingresaron al Hospital Universitario de La Plana, Castellón, España. Métodos: Estudio observacional de cohortes retrospectivo, que incluyó pacientes de 18 años o mayores que ingresaron en forma consecutiva con infección confirmada por SARS-CoV2; se describen características demográficas, comorbilidades, síntomas clínicos, resultados de laboratorio y pruebas radiológicas. Resultados: El estudio incluyó 255 pacientes con edad promedio de 70 años; 54.9 % fue del sexo masculino. Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron hipertensión arterial (58 %), dislipemia (42.4 %), diabetes (25.5 %) y obesidad (24.3 %). La mediana de días del inicio de síntomas clínicos antes del ingreso fue de siete. Las manifestaciones más frecuentes previas al ingreso fueron fiebre (74.5 %), tos seca (61.2 %), malestar general (51.8 %) y disnea (51.0 %); 19 pacientes (7.4 %) ingresaron a la unidad de cuidados intensivos, donde la mortalidad fue de 50 %; la mortalidad total fue de 16.9 %. Conclusiones: Nuestra cohorte refleja características similares a las de otras series europeas. La mortalidad fue inferior a la de estudios similares.

Abstract Background: Several descriptive cohort studies of patients affected by COVID-19 have been published. Objective: To describe the characteristics of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who were admitted to Hospital Universitario la Plana, Castellón, Spain. Methods: Retrospective, observational cohort study that included 18-year-old or older patients who were consecutively admitted with SARS-CoV2 confirmed infection. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, clinical symptoms, laboratory results and radiological tests are described. Results: The study included 255 patients, with a mean age of 70 years; 54.9 % were males. Most common comorbidities were high blood pressure (58 %), dyslipidemia (42.4 %), diabetes (25.5 %) and obesity (24.3 %). Median number of days from the onset of clinical symptoms prior to hospital admission was seven. Most common manifestations prior to admission were fever (74.5 %), dry cough (61.2 %), malaise (51.8 %) and dyspnea (51.0 %); 19 patients (7.4 %) were admitted to the intensive care unit, where mortality was 50 %; overall mortality was 16.9 %. Conclusions: Our cohort reflects similar characteristics to those of other European series. Mortality was lower than that in similar studies.

Analysis of antibiotic usage for viral community-acquired pneumonia in adults / 医学前沿

The rationale for the antibiotic treatment of viral community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults was analyzed to develop a clinical reference standard for this condition. Clinical data from 166 patients diagnosed with viral pneumonia across 14 hospitals in Beijing from November 2010 to December 2017 were collected. The indications for medications were evaluated, and the rationale for the use of antibiotics was analyzed. A total of 163 (98.3%) patients with viral pneumonia were treated with antibiotics. A combination of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) was used as markers to analyze the possible indications for antibiotic use. With threshold levels set at 0.25 µg/L for PCT and 20 mg/L for CRP, the rate of unreasonable use of antibiotics was 55.2%. By contrast, at a CRP level threshold of 60 mg/L, the rate of antibiotic misuse was 77.3%. A total of 39 of the 163 (23.9%) patients did not meet the guidelines for drug selection for viral CAP in adults. The unreasonable use of antibacterial drugs for the treatment of viral CAP in adults is a serious concern. Clinicians must reduce the unnecessary use of antibiotics.

Application of neutralizing antibody in children with severe viral pneumonia / 中国小儿急救医学

Severe viral pneumonia in children has become an urgent public health problem in view of its high morbidity and mortality.Neutralizing antibodies, as passive immune agents, can be injected into the body so that the body can quickly obtain immunity against specific viruses and have the potential to prevent and treat severe viral pneumonia in children.This review analyzed the possible mechanisms by which neutralizing antibodies play roles in severe viral pneumonia in children, discussed the shortcomings of existing research and possible challenges, and attempted to point out the direction worthy of future research.

Factores asociados a la muerte por COVID-19 en pacientes admitidos en un hospital público en Tacna, Perú

Objetivo: Describir las características demográficas, clínicas, laboratoriales y de tratamiento de pacientes hospitalizados por la COVID-19 y determinar los factores asociados a la mortalidad hospitalaria. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de pacientes adultos hospitalizados por la COVID-19. Se extrajeron datos demográficos, clínicos, laboratoriales y de tratamiento de las historias clínicas de pacientes que ingresaron al Hospital III Daniel Alcides Carrión de Tacna. Para el análisis de supervivencia se empleó el modelo de riesgos proporcionales de Cox y se calcularon los cocientes de riesgo instantáneos (HR) crudos y ajustados con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC 95%). Resultados: Se evaluó a 351 pacientes, el 74,1% eran hombres; las comorbilidades más comunes fueron obesidad (31,6%), hipertensión (27,1%) y diabetes mellitus (24,5%). La mediana de tiempo de hospitalización fue 8 días (RIC: 4-15). El 32,9% falleció durante el seguimiento. El análisis multivariado mostró un aumento del riesgo de morir asociado a la edad ≥65 años, HR = 3,55 (IC 95%: 1,70-7,40); al incremento de lactato deshidrogenasa >720 U/L, HR = 2,08 (IC 95%: 1,34-3,22); y a la saturación de oxígeno por debajo del 90%, principalmente cuando fue menor al 80%, HR = 4,07 (IC 95%: 2,10-7,88). Además, el uso de colchicina en el tratamiento tuvo un efecto protector, HR = 0,46 (IC 95%: 0,23-0,91). Conclusiones: Los factores asociados a muerte por la COVID-19 incluyeron ser mayor de 65 años, tener saturación de oxígeno menor de 90% y elevación del lactato deshidrogenasa >720 U/L; el tratamiento con colchicina podría mejorar el pronóstico de los pacientes.

Objective: To describe the clinical, laboratory and treatment characteristics of COVID-19 patients and to determine the factors associated with mortality during hospital stay. Materials and Methods: Retrospective cohort study of adult COVID-19 inpatients. The clinical, laboratory and treatment data were obtained from the medical records of patients from the Hospital Nivel III Daniel Alcides Carrión in Tacna. For the survival analysis we used the Cox proportional hazards model, and we calculated crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: We evaluated 351 patients; 74.1% of them were men. The most common comorbidities were obesity (31.6%), hypertension (27.1%) and diabetes mellitus (24.5%). The median time of hospitalization was 8 days (IQR: 4-15). From the total of patients, 32.9% died during follow-up. The multivariate analysis showed an increased risk of dying associated with the following: age ≥65 years, HR = 3.55 (95% CI: 1.70-7.40); increase in lactate dehydrogenase >720 U/L, HR = 2.08 (95% CI: 1.34-3.22); and oxygen saturation less than 90%, mainly when it was less than 80%, HR = 4.07 (95% CI: 2.10-7.88). In addition, the use of colchicine during treatment showed a protective effect, HR = 0.46 (95% CI: 0.23-0.91). Conclusions: Risk factors for mortality due to COVID-19 included being older than 65 years, having oxygen saturation less than 90%, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase >720 U/L; colchicine treatment could improve the prognosis of patients.

Propuesta de un protocolo de rehabilitación pulmonar en pacientes supervivientes de COVID -19 / Proposal for a pulmonary rehabilitation protocol in patients surviving COVID-19 / Proposta de um protocolo de reabilitação pulmonar em pacientes sobreviventes da COVID -19

Resumen: La enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2 es una nueva enfermedad caracterizada por generar daño pulmonar y compromiso de múltiples tejidos y órganos de todo el cuerpo. Algunos de los pacientes que presentan la infección ameritan manejo intrahospitalario con soporte de O2 y medidas adicionales que pueden incluir inmovilización prolongada en UCI. Los pacientes que presentan cuadros moderados o severos y sobreviven a la enfermedad pueden presentar deterioro y disfunciones a largo plazo, incluyendo fibrosis pulmonar, miocardiopatía, lesión renal, hepática, de nervio periférico y todas las complicaciones derivadas de hospitalizaciones en UCI. Se considera que la intervención en rehabilitación pulmonar reviste gran importancia, especialmente en la etapa de recuperación, y debe realizarse, principalmente, con los objetivos de mejorar la disnea, la debilidad muscular severa y la fatiga, a fin de promover la independencia funcional y aumentar la calidad de vida, de manera que se disminuye así la ansiedad y la depresión.

Abstract: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-COV-2 virus is a new disease characterized by generating lung damage and compromising multiple tissues and organs throughout the body. Some of the patients with the infection should need intrahospital management with O2 support and additional measures that may include prolonged ICU immobilization. Patients who have moderate or severe conditions and survive the disease, could experience long-term impairment and dysfunction, including pulmonary fibrosis, cardiomyopathy, renal, hepatic and peripheral nerve injury, and all complications arising from hospitalizations in the ICU. It is considered that intervention in pulmonary rehabilitation is particularly important, especially at the recovery stage, and should be performed mainly with the objectives of improving: dyspnea, severe muscle weakness and fatigue, in order to promote functional independence and increase quality of life, so that anxiety and depression are diminished.

Resumo: A doença por coronavírus (COVID-19), causada pelo vírus SARS-COV-2, é uma nova doença caracterizada por gerar dano pulmonar e comprometimento de múltiplos tecidos e órgãos de todo o corpo. Alguns dos pacientes que apresentam a infecção merecem atendimento intra-hospitalar com suporte de O2 e medidas extraordinárias que podem incluir imobilização prolongada na UTI. Os pacientes que apresentam quadros moderados ou graves e sobrevivem à doença podem apresentar deterioração e disfunções em longo prazo, incluindo fibrose pulmonar, miocardiopatia, lesão renal, hepática, de nervo periférico e todas as complicações derivadas de internações em UTI. Considera-se que a intervenção em reabilitação pulmonar ganha grande importância, especialmente na etapa de recuperação, e deve realizar-se principalmente com o objetivo de melhorar a dispneia, a debilidade muscular grave e a fatiga, a fim de promover a independência funcional e aumentar a qualidade de vida, para que assim a ansiedade e a depressão diminuam.

Experience with veno-venous ecmo in patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome secondary to viral pneumonia. Case series / Experiencia con ecmo veno-venoso en pacientes con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria del adulto secundario a neumonía viral. Serie de casos

Abstract Introduction The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has increased exponentially in recent years and has shown to be effective in treating adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to HiNi-related pneumonia. However, evidence remains controversial. This study describes a case series of ECMO in ARDS secondary to viral pneumonia. Methods A search was conducted in the ECMO database of Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia for the 20132017 period. A case series report was written of patients diagnosed with ARDS secondary to confirmed or suspected viral pneumonia. Results Nineteen patients with ECMO support and ARDS due to viral pneumonia were included in the study. The survival rate upon discharge was 11 patients (58%) and weaning from ECMO support was successful in 13 patients (68%). Hemorrhagic complications were the most frequent: gastrointestinal bleeding, 10 patients (53%); intracranial bleeding, 2 (10%); alveolar hemorrhage, 2 (10%);' hemothorax requiring thoracostomy with chest tube drainage, 2 (10%); cannulation site bleeding, 9 patients (47%); and surgical site bleeding in 3 patients (25%) who required tracheostomy. Other complications were: pneumothorax, 1 patient (5%); sepsis, 6 patients (32%); and growth of microorganisms in bronchial lavage, 6 patients (32%). Conclusions This study supports the use of veno-venous ECMO to achieve a higher survival rate than expected in patients with severe ARDS and refractory hypoxemia secondary to viral pneumonia. Early initiation of the therapy should improve overall results.

Resumen Introducción El uso de la oxigenación por membrana extracorpórea (ECMO) ha tenido un incremento exponencial en los últimos años y ha demostrado ser efectivo en el manejo del síndrome de dificultad respiratoria del adulto (SDRA) secundario a neumonía por H1N1, si bien la evidencia sigue siendo controvertida. En este estudio describimos una serie de casos de ECMO por SDRA secundario a neumonía viral. Métodos Se realizó una búsqueda en la base de datos de ECMO de la Fundación Cardiovascular desde el año 20132017. Reportamos una serie de casos donde se incluyeron pacientes diagnosticados con SDRA secundario a neumonía viral sospechosa o confirmada. Resultados Se incluyeron en el estudio 19 pacientes con soporte de ECMO y SDRA por neumonía viral. La sobrevida al alta fue 11 pacientes (58%) y el destete del ECMO fue exitoso en 13 pacientes (68%). Las complicaciones hemorrágicas presentadas fueron: sangrado digestivo, 10 pacientes (53%), sangrado cerebral, 2 (10%), hemorragia alveolar, 2 (10%), hemotórax con requerimiento de toracostomía a drenaje cerrado, 2 (10%), sangrado activo por sitio de canulación, 9 pacientes (53%), y 3 pacientes traqueostomizados (25%) que sangraron por el sitio quirúrgico. Otras complicaciones presentadas fueron: neumotórax, 1 paciente (5%), septicemia, 6 (32%) y crecimiento de microorganismos en lavados bronquiales 6 (32%). Conclusion El presente estudio permite indicar que el uso de la ECMO VV viabiliza una sobrevida mayor a la esperada en pacientes con SDRA severo e hipoxemia refractaria secundario a neumonía viral. Su inicio tempranamente debe mejorar los resultados globales.

Clinical usefulness of tomographic standards for COVID-19 pneumonia diagnosis: Experience from a Brazilian reference center

ABSTRACT Background: COVID-19 is a new disease and the most common complication is pneumonia. The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) proposed an expert consensus for imaging classification for COVID-19 pneumonia. Objective: To evaluate sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and reproducibility of chest CT standards in the beginning of the Brazilian COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: Cross-sectional study performed from March 1st to April 14th, 2020. Patients with suspected COVID-19 pneumonia submitted to RT-PCR test and chest computed tomography (CT) were included. Two thoracic radiologists blinded for RT-PCR and clinical and laboratory results classified every patient scan according to the RSNA expert consensus. A third thoracic radiologist also evaluated in case of discordance, and consensus was reached among the three radiologists. A typical appearance was considered a positive chest CT for COVID-19 pneumonia. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to evaluate intra- and inter-rater agreements. Results: A total of 159 patients were included (mean age 57.9 ± 18.0 years; 88 [55.3%] males): 86 (54.1%) COVID-19 and 73 (45.9%) non-COVID-19 patients. Eighty (50.3%) patients had a positive CT for COVID-19 pneumonia. Sensitivity and specificity of typical appearance were 88.3% (95%CI, 79.9-93.5) and 94.5% (95%CI, 86.7-97.8), respectively. Intra- and inter-rater agreement were assessed (Cohen's kappa = 0.924, P= 0.06; Cohen's kappa=0.772, P= 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: Chest CT categorical classification of COVID-19 findings is reproducible and demonstrates high level of agreement with clinical and RT-PCR diagnosis of COVID-19. In RT-PCR scarcity scenarios or in equivocal cases, it may be useful for attending physicians in the evaluation of suspected COVID-19 pneumonia patients attended at the emergency unit.

COVID-19: la pandemia por el nuevo virus SARS-CoV-2

RESUMEN Durante las primeras semanas de 2020 se comenzaron a informar casos de personas con SARS-CoV-2 fuera de China, con un rápido aumento de casos y muertes en todo el mundo. El SARS-CoV-2 es un virus ARN monocatenario positivo, envuelto en una bicapa lipídica derivada de la membrana celular del huésped y constituido por cuatro proteínas estructurales (S, M, E y N), además de una hemaglutinina-esterasa. La unión de la proteína S con el receptor de enzima convertidora de angiotensina 2 (ECA2) permite la entrada del virus a la célula huésped y es una potencial diana terapéutica. El 81% de los enfermos hace cuadro leve; el 14%, grave; y el 5% requiere cuidados intensivos. La fiebre es el síntoma más frecuente, seguido de tos y disnea. La mayoría de los pacientes no presentan leucocitosis pero sí linfopenia, con cultivos de esputo que no muestran otros patógenos. En las biopsias de pulmón de pacientes graves el hallazgo más llamativo es el daño alveolar difuso. Radiológicamente se aprecian patrones de vidrio esmerilado y alveolar, siendo las lesiones de predominio basal, subpleural y posterior, con una distribución periférica multifocal, afectando más el lóbulo inferior derecho. Hay una marcada respuesta inflamatoria, que llega hasta la tormenta de citoquinas, en la que el tratamiento antiinflamatorio con terapia de pulso con metilprednisolona estaría indicado. Aunque no existan estudios en gran escala respecto al uso de cloroquina/hidroxicloroquina, debido a la situación mundial se ha autorizado su uso por su efecto anti SARS-CoV-2 y anti-inflamatorio, el cual puede ser potenciado con el uso de azitromicina.

ABSTRACT During the first weeks of 2020, cases of SARS-CoV-2 began to be reported outside of China, with a rapid increase in cases and deaths worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 is a positive single-stranded RNA virus, encased in a lipid bilayer derived from the host cell membrane and consists of four structural proteins (S, M, E and N), plus a haemagglutinin-sterase. The binding of the S protein to the ECA2 receptor allows the entry of the virus into the host cell and is a potential therapeutic target. 81% of patients develop mild symptoms, 14% have severe symptoms and 5% require intensive care management. Fever is the most frequent symptom, followed by cough and dyspnea. Most patients do not present leukocytosis, but they do present lymphopenia with sputum cultures that do not show other pathogens. In lung biopsies of severe patients, the most noticeable finding is diffuse alveolar damage. Radiologically, ground glass and alveolar patterns are observed; the lesions being predominantly basal, subpleural, and posterior, with a multifocal peripheral distribution, more affecting the right lower lobe. There is a marked inflammatory response, up to the cytokine storm, in which anti-inflammatory treatment with pulse therapy with methylprednisolone would be indicated. Although there are no large-scale studies regarding the use of chloroquine / hydroxychloroquine, due to the global situation, its use has been authorized for its anti-SARS-CoV-2 and anti-inflammatory effect, which can be potentiated with the use of azithromycin.