Epidemiología de la faringitis estreptocócica. Período enero de 2018 - diciembre de 2021 / Epidemiology of streptococcal pharyngitis. January 2018 - December 21

La faringoamigdalitis es uno de los motivos más frecuentes de consulta en pediatría. Aproximadamente un 70-80% de las faringoamigdalitis son de etiología viral. El 20-30% restante son de origen bacteriano. El agente causal más frecuente es Streptococcus pyogenes (estreptococo ß-hemolítico del grupo A). El rol de Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis, (estreptococos ß-hemolíticos grupos C y G) fue claramente establecido como agente etiológico en la faringitis bacteriana, tanto en niños como en adultos. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y retrospectivo entre enero 2018 y diciembre de 2021. Se evaluó la prevalencia de faringitis estreptocócica, la edad, el período estacional, los agentes etiológicos y la resistencia a macrólidos durante los períodos pre-COVID-19 (2018-2019) y COVID-19 (2020-2021). Se analizaron 11 396 muestras de exudados de fauces de pacientes con sospecha de faringitis bacteriana; las mismas se procesaron mediante el uso de técnicas microbiológicas convencionales. En el período estudiado el porcentaje de positividad de los cultivos de exudados de fauces se mantuvo constante. Al comparar los períodos pre-COVID-19 (2018-2019) y COVID-19 (2020-2021) se observó una disminución en el número de aislados de S. pyogenes con un aumento de S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis, mientras que la resistencia a macrólidos encontrada fue superior en S. pyogenes y para S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis se mantuvo constante. Es importante realizar el cultivo para la identificación del agente etiológico y determinar la sensibilidad antibióticapara continuar con la vigilancia epidemiológica de la resistencia a los macrólidos, porque representan una opción en pacientes alérgicos a ß-lactámicos (AU)

Pharyngotonsillitis is one of the most frequent reasons for consultation in children. Approximately 70-80% of pharyngotonsillitis are of viral etiology. The remaining 20-30% are bacterial in origin. The most frequent causative agent is Streptococcus pyogenes (group A ß-hemolytic streptococcus). Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (ß-hemolytic streptococcus groups C and G) was clearly established as an etiologic agent in bacterial pharyngitis in both children and adults. A descriptive and retrospective analysis was conducted between January 2018 and December 2021. The prevalence of streptococcal pharyngitis, age, seasonal period, etiologic agents, and macrolide resistance during the pre-COVID-19 (2018-2019) and COVID-19 (2020-2021) periods were evaluated. We analyzed 11 396 specimens of swabs from patients with suspected bacterial pharyngitis. Conventional microbiological techniques were used. In the study period, the percentage of positivity of swab cultures remained constant. When comparing the preCOVID-19 (2018-2019) and COVID-19 (2020-2021) periods, a decrease in the number of S. pyogenes isolates was observed with an increase in S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis, while the resistance to macrolides found was higher for S. pyogenes and remained constant for S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis. The identification of the etiologic agent and determination of antibiotic sensitivity are important for epidemiological surveillance of macrolide resistance, as they are a treatment option in patients who are allergic to ß-lactams (AU)

Comparison of two supraglottic airway devices on postoperative sore throat in children: a prospective randomized controlled trial / Comparação entre dois dispositivos supraglóticos de vias aéreas na dor de garganta pós-operatória em crianças: estudo controlado prospectivo randomizado

Abstract Background and objective: Sore throat is well recognized complaint after receiving general anesthesia. This study is conducted to compare the severity and frequency of postoperative sore throat in children undergoing elective surgery, following the use of Ambu laryngeal mask airway or I-gel®, who are able to self-report postoperative sore throat. Method: Seventy children, 6 to 16 years-old, undergoing elective surgery randomly allocated to either Ambu laryngeal mask (Ambu Group) or I-gel® (I-gel Group). After the procedure, patients were interviewed in the recovery room immediately, after one hour, 6 and 24 hours postoperatively by an independent observer blinded to the device used intra-operatively. Results: On arrival in the recovery room 17.1% (n = 6) of children of the Ambu Group complained of postoperative sore throat, against 5.7% in I-gel Group (n = 2). After one hour, the results were similar. After 6 hours, postoperative sore throat was found in 8.6% (n = 3) of the children in Ambu group vs. 2.9% (n = 1) in I-gel Group. After 24 hours, 2.9% (n = 1) of the children in Ambu Group complained of postoperative sore throat compared to none in I-gel Group. There was no significant difference found in the incidence of postoperative sore throat in both devices on arrival (p = 0.28); after 1 hour (p = 0.28); after 6 hours (p = 0.30); and after 24 hours (p = 0.31). The duration of the insertion of Ambu laryngeal mask was shorter and it was easier to insert than I-gel® (p = 0.029). Oropharyngeal seal pressure of I-gel® was higher than that of Ambu laryngeal mask (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The severity and frequency of postoperative sore throat in children is not statistically significant in the I-gel Group compared to Ambu Group.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivo: Dor de garganta é uma queixa bem conhecida após anestesia geral. O presente estudo comparou a gravidade e a frequência da queixa de dor de garganta pós-operatória associada ao uso de máscara laríngea Ambu ou máscara laríngea I-gel® durante cirurgia eletiva, em crianças capazes de autoreferir a queixa no pós-operatória. Método: Setenta crianças, de 6 a 16 anos submetidas à cirurgia eletiva foram alocadas aleatoriamente para o emprego da máscara laríngea Ambu (Grupo Ambu) ou para o emprego da máscara laríngea I-gel® (Grupo I-gel). Após o procedimento, os pacientes foram entrevistados imediatamente após admissão na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica-SRPA, uma hora, 6 e 24 horas após a cirurgia por um observador independente e cego ao dispositivo de vias aéreas utilizado no intraoperatório. Resultados: Na admissão à SRPA, 17,1% das crianças no Grupo Ambu (n = 6) se queixaram de dor de garganta pós-operatória, contra 5,7% no Grupo I-gel (n = 2). Após uma hora, os resultados foram similares. Após 6 horas, houve dor de garganta pós-operatória em 8,6% (n = 3) das crianças no Grupo Ambu vs. 2,9% (n = 1) no Grupo I-gel. Após 24 horas, 2,9% (n = 1) das crianças no Grupo Ambu versus nenhuma criança no Grupo I-gel. Não houve diferença significante na incidência de dor de garganta pós-operatória nos dois dispositivos na admissão na SRPA (p = 0,28); após 1 hora (p = 0,28); após 6 horas (p = 0,30); e após 24 horas (p = 0,31). A duração da inserção foi menor no grupo da máscara laríngea Ambu, e a I-gel® foi mais fácil de inserir (p = 0,029). A pressão de selagem orofaríngea do I-gel® foi maior do que a da máscara laríngea Ambu (p = 0,001). Conclusão: A gravidade e a frequência da dor de garganta pós-operatória em crianças não foram estatisticamente significantes no grupo com máscara laríngea I-gel® em comparação ao grupo com máscara laríngea Ambu.

Infección por el nuevo coronavirus 2019 en niños

RESUMEN La enfermedad del coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) es poco frecuente en niños y su salud se ve poco comprometida en la mayoría de casos. La presentación clínica más común es tos, fiebre y eritema faríngeo, los casos graves suelen presentarse con taquipnea. El curso de la enfermedad es de una a dos semanas. Los hallazgos de laboratorio son inespecíficos, entre ellos, linfopenia, elevación de la proteína C reactiva y la procalcitonina. En fases iniciales, la radiografía torácica es usualmente normal, y los hallazgos tomográficos más comunes son consolidaciones con signo del halo, vidrio esmerilado y nódulos pequeños, que afectan principalmente las zonas subpleurales. El manejo es sintomático y, en los casos graves, debe estar enfocado a brindar soporte respiratorio. Se recomienda que la manipulación de las secreciones respiratorias sea limitada y que se tengan las mismas precauciones para evitar contaminación que en pacientes adultos.

ABSTRACT COVID-19 is rarely reported in children and they are mildly affected in most cases. The most common clinical presentation of COVID-19 is cough, fever and sore throat; severe cases show tachypnea. The course of the disease is from one to two weeks. Laboratory findings are nonspecific; lymphopenia, elevation of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin have been described. Early chest X-ray is usually normal, and the most common tomographic findings are consolidations with halo, ground-glass opacities and tiny nodules which mainly affects subpleural areas. Management of the disease is supportive; in severe cases, it should be focused on respiratory support. It is recommended to limit the handling of respiratory secretions and to follow the same preventive measures provided to adults.

Epidemiología de la faringitis aguda bacteriana en un hospital general de agudos / Epidemiology of acute bacterial pharyngitis in a general acute care hospital / Epidemiologia da faringite bacteriana aguda em um hospital geral de cuidados agudos

La faringitis aguda bacteriana (FAB) representa entre un 20 a 30% de las faringitis. El principal agente causal es Streptococcus pyogenes. Se revisó retrospectivamente la información microbiológica disponible entre 2010 y 2016, para analizar la incidencia de la FAB, sus agentes causales, la incidencia de casos según el período estacional y rango etario. Se determinó el porcentaje de resistencia (R) de S. pyogenes a eritromicina y el fenotipo predominante. Se diagnosticó FAB en 21,5% de 3.246 cultivos, donde 89% fueron causados por S. pyogenes. El 35,3% de las FAB se presentó en niños de 7 a 10 años, seguido por el grupo de mayores de 15 años (31,3%). Se evidenció un aumento de faringitis por Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis en 2011 y 2014; 56,2% de los casos se diagnosticaron en mayores de 15 años. Hubo 3 casos de FAB por Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. El 36,1% de las faringitis se presentaron en primavera, con un aumento significativo durante las correspondientes a 2010 y 2016. La R global a eritromicina en S. pyogenes fue del 16,6% con predominio del fenotipo M. El valor de R encontrado fue superior al ser comparado con otras estadísticas similares, lo que demostró la importancia de monitorear este dato, dado que es el antibiótico alternativo en pacientes alérgicos a penicilina.

Acute bacterial pharyngitis (ABP) accounts for 20 to 30% of acute pharyngitis. The most common bacterial agent is Streptococcus pyogenes. A retrospective, record-based study was carried out based on the microbiological records from 2010 to 2016, analyzing ABP's incidence, its causal agents and its incidence according to the season and age range. Erythromycin resistance and the main resistance phenotype were determined in S. pyogenes. Acute bacterial pharyngitis was diagnosed in 21.5% out of 3.246 cultures, 89% were due to S. pyogenes, 36.3% of patients were children between 7 to 10 years old and 31.3% were older than 15 years of age. There was a significant increase in pharyngitis due to Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis since 2010 (p<0.05), 52.5% were detected in patients older than 15 years of age. There were only three cases of ABP produced by Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. A total of 36.1% of pharyngitis occurred during spring, with a significant increase during 2010 and 2016 springs. Global erythromycin resistance in S. pyogenes was 16.6% with predominance of the M phenotype. This resistance rate is higher than that described in other similar series, demonstrating the importance of continuously monitoring of macrolide R in S. pyogenes, since they are the antibiotics of choice to treat pharyngitis in patients allergic to penicillin.

A faringite bacteriana aguda (FAB) representa entre 20 e 30% das faringites. O principal agente causador é Streptococcus pyogenes. Foi revista retrospectivamente a informação microbiológica disponível entre 2010 e 2016, para analisar a incidência da FAB, seus agentes causadores, a incidência de casos de acordo com o período sazonal e a faixa etária. A percentagem de resistência (R) de S. pyogenes à eritromicina e ao fenótipo predominante foram determinadas. Foi diagnosticado FAB em 21,5% de 3,246 culturas, 89% das quais foram causadas por S. pyogenes. 35,3% das FAB se apresentou em crianças de 7 a 10 anos, seguidas pelo grupo de mais de 15 anos (31,3%). Houve aumento de faringite por Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis em 2011 e 2014; 56,2% dos casos foram diagnosticados em jovens de mais de 15 anos. Houve 3 casos de FAB por Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. 36,1% das faringites ocorreu na primavera, com um aumento significativo em 2010 e 2016. A R global a eritromicina em S. pyogenes foi de 16,6% com prevalência do fenótipo M. O valor de R encontrado foi superior em comparação com outras estatísticas semelhantes, demonstrando a importância de monitorar esse dado, pois é o antibiótico alternativo em pacientes alérgicos à penicilina.

Tipificación mediante electroforesis de campos pulsantes de cepas de Streptococcus beta hemolíticos presentes en un brote de faringitis en niños / Typing by pulsed field gel electrophoresis of beta hemolytic Streptococcus strains present in a pharyngitis outbreak in children

Introducción: en infecciones por Streptococcus beta hemolíticos los del grupo A de Lancefield son el principal causante de faringitis en niños, y entre los no A los del Grupo C ocupan un lugar importante. Objetivo: tipificar molecularmente las cepas que participaron en un brote de faringitis en niños y demostrar la utilidad de la técnica de electroforesis de campos pulsantes en la identificación de las cepas circulantes. Métodos: se caracterizaron mediante electroforesis de campos pulsantes 12 aislados de Streptococcusbeta hemolíticos pertenecientes a niños atendidos en el Hospital Juan Manuel Márquez durante un brote de faringitis aguda en los meses de enero a marzo de 2008. Resultados: mediante el test de seroagrupamiento se encontró que 6 de los aislados, correspondiente al primer periodo del brote, eran Streptococcus del grupo C y los otros 6 aislados clasificaron como Streptococcuspyogenes, con una mayor presencia en la segunda etapa del brote. La subtipificación mediante la macrorrestriccion con SmaI y electroforesis de campos pulsantes mostró la existencia de dos poblaciones clonales consecutivas durante el brote. Conclusiones: los resultados obtenidos demuestran la utilidad que pudiera tener la subtipificación de aislados mediante electroforesis de campos pulsantes durante un brote o una reemergencia facilitando el control epidemiológico, la localización de la fuente y la toma de decisiones cuando esta fuera necesaria(AU)

Introduction: in the context of infection by beta hemolytic Streptococci, Lancefield group A is the main cause of pharyngitis in children, whereas Streptococci C play an important role in the non group A. Aims: the purpose of the study was to molecularly typify the strains involved in a pharyngitis outbreak in children, and show the usefulness of pulsed field gel electrophoresis technique for identification of circulating strains. Methods: twelve beta hemolytic Streptococcus isolates from children cared for at Juan Manual Márquez hospital were characterized by pulsed field gel electrophoresis during an acute pharyngitis outbreak from January to March 2008. Results: the serogrouping test found that six of the isolates, corresponding to the first stage of the outbreak, were group C Streptococci, whereas the other six classified as Streptococcus pyogenes, with a greater presence in the second stage. Subtyping by Sma I macrorestriction and pulsed field gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of two consecutive clonal populations during the outbreak. Conclusions: results show the potential usefulness of subtyping isolates with pulsed field gel electrophoresis during an outbreak or an instance of re-emergence, thus facilitating epidemiological control, location of the source, and decision making when required(AU)

Streptococcal pharyngitis, rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease: Eight-year prospective surveillance in Rupnagar district of Punjab, India.

Background. Rheumatic fever (RF)/rheumatic heart disease (RHD) continue to be a neglected public health priority. We carried out a registry-based control project, prospective surveillance and sample surveys to estimate the burden of disease. Methods. We trained healthcare providers and established a surveillance system for the 1.1 million population of Rupnagar district in Punjab. In sample surveys conducted among schools, physicians examined the sampled children. Children with a cardiac murmur were investigated by echocardiography. Throat swabs were obtained from a sub-sample, and group A streptococci (GAS) were identified and emm typed by standard laboratory methods. We estimated the morbidity rates for RF/RHD from surveillance data and school surveys using a correction factor to account for under-registration of cases in the registry. Results. A total of 813 RF/RHD cases were registered from 2002 to 2009. Of the 203 RF and 610 RHD cases, respectively, 51.2% and 36.7% were males. In the age group of 5–14 years, RF was more common (80%) than RHD (27%). The prevalence of RF/RHD in 5–14-year-old students was 1.0/ 1000 (95% CI 0.8–1.3). The school survey indicated that about two-thirds of the RF/RHD cases were enrolled in the hospital-based registries. Based on the school survey, the prevalence of RF/RHD was estimated to be 143/100 000 population. In the registry, the annual incidence of acute RF was estimated to be at least 8.7/100 000 children in the age group of 5–14 years. The prevalence of GAS was 2% (13/656) in children with sore throat and 0.5% (14/2920) among those not having sore throat. Typing of 27 GAS revealed 16 emm types. We estimate that about 1000 episodes of GAS pharyngitis lead to one episode of acute RF. Conclusion. RF/RHD continue to be a public health problem in Punjab, India.

Comparação de via aérea por máscara laríngea Supreme e via aérea por máscara laríngea ProSeal para trauma laringofaríngeo e morbidade pós-operatória em crianças / Comparison of laryngeal mask airway supreme and laryngeal mask airway proseal for laryngopharyngeal trauma and postoperative morbidity in children / Comparación de vía aérea por mascarilla laríngea Supreme y vía aírea por mascarilla laríngea ProSeal para el trauma laringofaríngeo y la morbilidad postoperatoria en niños

EXPERIÊNCIA E OBJETIVOS: A via aérea por máscara laríngea (LMA), que tem sido utilizada frequentemente no tratamento das vias aéreas, pode causar lesão e morbidade na área laringofaríngea. Nesse estudo, comparamos as alterações macroscópicas nas estruturas laringofaríngeas e a morbidade laringofaríngea pós-operatória pelo uso da LMA Supreme® versus LMA ProSeal® em crianças. MÉTODOS: Dividimos os pacientes em dois grupos. Inserimos LMA ProSeal #3 no primeiro grupo e LMA Supreme #3 no segundo grupo. Antes da inserção da LMA e em seguida à sua remoção, fizemos laringoscopia direta nos pacientes. Comparamos entre os dois grupos: hiperemia, lesão de mucosa e as manchas de sangue por ocasião da remoção da LMA, e também o tempo de inserção, percentual de sucesso na inserção do tubo gástrico na primeira tentativa, náusea, vômito e dor de garganta. RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os dois grupos para tempo médio de operação, gênero, idade, peso, percentual de sucesso na inserção do tubo gástrico na primeira tentativa, náusea, vômito, dor de garganta e lesão de mucosa. O tempo médio de inserção para o grupo LMA ProSeal foi significativamente maior versus grupo LMA Supreme (p = 0,0001). O índice de manchas de sangue na remoção da LMA foi significativamente mais alto no grupo LMA ProSeal versus LMA Supreme (p = 0,034). Os pacientes que apresentaram manchas de sangue por ocasião da remoção da LMA exibiram hiperemia e lesão de mucosa significativamente mais expressivas versus pacientes com LMA limpa (p = 0,0001, p = 0,020). CONCLUSÃO: Em crianças, a inserção da LMA Supreme é mais rápida e fácil do que a inserção da LMA ProSeal; e, em comparação com LMA ProSeal, causa menos lesão laringofaríngea.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Laryngeal mask airway (LMA), which has been used frequently in airway management, can cause laryngopharyngeal injury and morbidity. In this trial, we compare the macroscopic changes on laryngopharyngeal structures and the postoperative laryngopharyngeal morbidity by using LMA supreme with LMA proseal in children. METHODS: We divided patients into two groups. We inserted size three LMA proseal into the first group and size three LMA supreme into the second group. Before LMA insertion and after LMA removal, we performed direct laryngoscopy on the patients. We compared hyperemia, mucosal injury and blood staining on LMA removal, as well as insertion time, rate of success in gastric tube insertion on the first attempt, nausea, vomiting, and sore throat between the two groups. RESULTS: We recorded no significant differences between the two groups for mean operation time, sex, age, weight, rate of success in gastric tube insertion on first attempt, nausea, vomiting, sore throat and mucosal injury. Mean insertion time for the LMA proseal group was significantly longer than the LMA supreme group (p = 0.0001). The ratio of blood staining on LMA removal was significantly higher in the LMA proseal group than the LMA supreme group (p = 0.034). The patients with blood staining on LMA removal exhibited significantly more mucosal hyperemia and injury than the patients with clear LMA (p = 0.0001, p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: LMA supreme insertion is faster and easier than LMA proseal and causes less laryngopharyngeal injury than LMA proseal in children.

EXPERIENCIA Y OBJETIVOS: La vía aérea por mascarilla laríngea (LMA), que ha sido utilizada a menudo en el tratamiento de las vías aéreas, puede causar lesión y morbilidad en el área laringofaríngea. En ese estudio, comparamos las alteraciones macroscópicas en las estructuras laringofaríngeas y la morbilidad laringofaríngea postoperatoria por el uso de la LMA Supreme® versus LMA ProSeal® en niños. MÉTODOS: Dividimos los pacientes en dos grupos. Insertamos LMA ProSeal #3 en el primer grupo y LMA Supreme #3 en el segundo grupo. Antes de la inserción de la LMA e inmediatamente después de su retirada, hicimos una laringoscopia directa en los pacientes. Comparamos entre los dos grupos: hiperemia, lesión de mucosa y las manchas de sangre en razón de la retirada de la LMA, y también el tiempo de inserción, porcentaje de éxito en la inserción del tubo gástrico en el primer intento, náusea, vómito y dolor de garganta. RESULTADOS: No fueron observadas diferencias significativas entre los dos grupos para tiempo promedio de operación, sexo, edad, peso, porcentaje de éxito en la inserción del tubo gástrico en el primer intento, náusea, vómito, dolor de garganta y lesión de mucosa. El tiempo promedio de inserción para el grupo LMA ProSeal fue significativamente mayor versus grupo LMA Supreme (p = 0,0001). El índice de manchas de sangre en la retirada de la LMA fue significativamente más alto en el grupo LMA ProSeal versus LMA Supreme (p = 0,034). Los pacientes que tenían manchas de sangre en razón de la retirada de la LMA tenían hiperemia y una lesión de la mucosa significativamente más expresivas versus pacientes con LMA limpia (p = 0,0001, p = 0,020). CONCLUSIONES: En los niños, la inserción de la LMA Supreme es más rápida y fácil que la inserción de la LMA ProSeal; y en comparación con LMA ProSeal, causa menos lesión laringofaríngea.

Prevalence of pharyngitis and tonsilitis among children

Tonsillitis and pharyngitis are very common medical problems especially among the children. Tonsillitis affects mostly children between the age of 3-5 years because this is when their tonsils are in their most active stage, fighting infectious. When the child grown older, the tonsils will shrink and infection will become less common. Tonsillopharyngitis is one of the most common infections worldwide especially in children and young adults. Viruses are often involved in children younger than 5 years of age and a bacterial etiology is more usual after this age. Cross Sectional Study. This study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi from Dec. 2008 to June 2009. A total of 300 subjects [250 suspected children and 50 healthy children as control] of age /= 5-8 years, it was 13 [13.7%], among the age of 9-12 years it was 6 [6.2%] and among the age group of 13-15 years it was 5 [8.6%]. Distribution of tonsillitis and pharyngitis among 166 male children, 4 [2.4%] were positive for tonsillitis, while 11 [6.6%] were positive for pharyngitis, while in female children, which 84 in total, 3 [3.65] were positive for tonsillitis and 6 [7.1%] were positive for pharyngitis. Group A beta hemolytic Streptococcal infection of throat constitute one of the major public health problems due to its post infectious complications. The data obtained provides information about the commonly prevalent bacteriological agent in pharyngitis and tonsillitis. Furthermore, it helps to outline the strategy towards appropriate therapy. It has also been concluded from this study that pharyngitis is more prevalent than tonsillitis

Physicians’ responsibility for antibiotic use in infants from periurban Lima, Peru / Responsabilidad del médico en el uso de antibióticos en niños menores de 1 año de zonas periurbanas de Lima, Perú

Objetivo. Describir el uso de antibióticos en niños de 2 a 12 meses de edad en entornos donde estos medicamentos se pueden obtener sin prescripción. Métodos. Se analizaron los datos de un estudio de cohorte efectuado entre septiembre del 2006 y diciembre del 2007 en 1 023 niños menores de 2 meses de la zonaperiurbana de Lima, Perú, cuyo seguimiento se realizó hasta el año de edad. Resultados. De los 1 023 niños, 770 (75,3%) tomaron 2 085 tandas de tratamiento antibiótico. Se registraron dos tandas por niño por año (rango 0–12). Las tasas más elevadas de uso de antibióticos se encontraron en los niños de 3 a 6 meses (37,2%). Los niños recibieron antibióticos para 8,2% de los resfriados comunes, 58,6% de las faringitis, 66,0% de las bronquitis, 40,7% de las diarreas, 22,8% de las dermatitis y 12,0% de las obstruccionesbronquiales. La prescripción de un médico fue la razón más frecuente para el uso de antibióticos (90,8%). Se comprobó el uso de medicamentos sin prescripción en 6,9% de los niños, y en 63,9% de ellos este fue precedido por una prescripción médica. Conclusiones. En el entorno estudiado, los niños menores de 1 año a menudo estánexpuestos a los antibióticos. El abuso de los antibióticos es frecuente ante enfermedades como faringitis, bronquitis, obstrucción bronquial y diarrea, pero por lo general es inadecuado (83,1% de las tandas de tratamiento antibiótico) según las etiologías más comunes en este grupo etario. Las intervenciones dirigidas a mejorar el uso de los antibióticos deben concentrarse en los médicos, ya que la prescripción médica fue la razón más común para el uso de antibióticos.

Objective. To describe the use of antibiotics in Peruvian children under 1 year in a setting where they are available without a prescription. Methods. Data were analyzed from a cohort study between September 2006 and December 2007 of 1 023 children < 2 months old in periurban Lima, Peru, followed until they were 1 year old. Results. Seven hundred seventy of 1 023 (75.3%) children took 2 085 courses of antibiotics. There were two courses per child per year (range 0–12). Higher rates of antibiotic usewere found in children 3–6 months old (37.2%). Antibiotics were given to children for 8.2% of common colds, 58.6% of all pharyngitis, 66.0% of bronchitis, 40.7% of diarrheas, 22.8%of dermatitis, and 12.0% of bronchial obstructions. A physician’s prescription was the most common reason for antibiotic use (90.8%). Medication use without a prescription was found in 6.9% of children, and in 63.9% of them it was preceded by a physician’s prescription. Conclusions. Infants are often exposed to antibiotics in this setting. Overuse of antibiotics is common for diagnoses such as pharyngitis, bronchitis, bronchial obstruction, and diarrhea but is typically inappropriate (83.1% of courses) based on the most common etiologies for this age group. Interventions to improve the use of antibiotics should focus on physicians, since a physician’s prescription was the most common reason for antibiotic use.

Epidemiology of group a streptococcal pharyngitis & impetigo: A cross-sectional & follow up study in a rural community of northern India.

Background & objectives: Group A streptococcus (GAS) causes a wide array of human diseases. Epidemiological picture of streptococcal infection in India is not complete. Hence, disease burden due to GAS in 5-15 yr old school children in northern India was studied and emm typing of GAS isolates was carried out to help in designing prevention strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 4249 school children (5-15 yr) from Raipur Rani Block of Panchkula district in Haryana during 2000-2002; 334 children were followed up fortnightly for one year. Standard clinical and microbiological procedures were used for collection of swabs from throat and skin and confirmation of GAS and its emm types. Results: Of the 4249 children studied, 658 (15.5%) had pharyngitis; 579 of them could be swabbed, of which 2.8 per cent had GAS. From 3591 children without pharyngitis, 3385 who could be swabbed, GAS was found in 1.3 per cent of them. Impetigo was rare (0.7%), but 7.1 per cent (2/28) children had GAS. In the followup study, 17.4 per cent (776/4447 child-contacts) had pharyngitis, 761 could be swabbed and 2.4 per cent had GAS; among those without pharyngitis, 2016 swabs could be taken and GAS was found in 1.3 per cent; whereas only 2.6 per cent (2/75) of skin sores had GAS. Three children had GAS pharyngitis twice during follow up. Fourteen different GAS emm types were found. emm 71, 77 and 81 constituted 69 per cent of the pharyngeal isolates. GAS pharyngitis and impetigo were more common in winters and summers respectively. Interpretation & conclusions: In north India, pharyngitis was more common than impetigo. Most prevalent emm types of GAS in this region differ from those included in M protein-based vaccines.

Bacteriology of sore throat infections in Kano, Nigeria

A study was conducted over a 1-year period [1st August, 2002-31st July, 2003] during which throat swabs were taken aseptically from 294 patients [aged between 0-70 years] diagnosed for sore throat infection [from the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital]. The different bacterial pathogens associated with sore throat infection, their seasonal variation, and possible association with gender and age, were determined. Also their susceptibility was determined towards antibiotics. Confirmation of bacterial sore throat infection was carried out in 115 [39.12%] patients of the 294 patients examined. Five different types of bacterial pathogens were isolated from the throats of the subjects viz. Streptococcus pneumoniae, 51 [44.35%], Streptococcus pyogenes, 21 [18.26%] Staphylococcus aureus 3 [26.95%], Klebsiella pneumoniae 8 [6.96%] and Eschericfiia coli 4 [3.48%]. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequently isolated organism. The months of October and November had the highest number of cases. The results also showed a significant difference in infection rate between two sexes, with females having 74 [64.35%] and males 41 [35.65%] at p >/= 0.05. Infection was also most prevalent among age group 21-30 years [35.65%] in both hospitals. The infection rate decreased with increasing age. Results of Antibiotic sensitivity test indicate that Augmentin has the widest spectrum of activity against bacterial etiological agents of sore throat in Kano, followed by Erythromycin, Gentamycin and Chloramphenicol

Post-anaesthetic sore throat in patients with endotracheal tube

It has been noticed in the past that some patients who had undergone surgeries under general anaesthesia regained conscience and complained of sore throat. This study is to determine the ratio of patients under general anaesthesia who will present with post-operative sore throat; and to attempt to reduce that ratio in order to provide a more comfortable recovery to the patients. Sixty four patients eligible to be considered for analysis had follow ups for the next three days and were asked to describe any sore throat feature they might be experiencing after they recovered from anaesthesia. The incidence of sore throat in the patients was 37.5%. An alternative to ETT has to be employed [e.g. LMA]

Comparitive study between different types and sizes of laryngeal mask in spontaneous ventilation as regard to postoperative morbidity

The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between laryngeal mask airway [LMA] size and shape and pharyngolaryngeal morbidity after the use of a large [size 5 in males and size 4 in females] or small [size 4 in males and size 3 in females] and the use of proseal laryngeal mask.One hundred and fifty patients were included in this study. One hundred patients were allocated to insertion of a large or small LMA while breathing spontaneously during general anaesthesia. Another 50 patients [25 male and 25 femal] were allocated to insertion of the streamlined pharynx airway [proseal LMA]. The 2- and 24-h postoperative incidence of sore throat, pain, hoarseness, dysphagia, nausea and vomiting were assessed. After LMA removal, complications, as body movement, coughing, retching, regurgitation, vomiting, biting on the LMA, bronchospasm, laryngospasm, or the presence of blood on the LMA, were recorded. The use of a large LMA was associated with a higher incidence of sore throat in both sexes [20%vs. 7% in men, 21%vs. 5% in women; P < 0.05] 2 hour postoperative and at 24 h postoperatively a higher incidence of sore throat occurred in male patients [26%vs. 12%, P < 0.05]. Also a higher incidence of hoarseness occurred in male patients at 2 h postoperatively [21%vs. 9%, P < 0.05]. There were no difference in the incidence of complications of LMA removal such as difficulty swallowing, drinking, and eating, or nausea and vomiting, between male or female groups at any time period with the use of a large LMA.The use of the proseal larynx geal mask was without complaining of sore throat nor presence of blood on it upon removal. Insertion of this airway proved to be no more difficult than inserting a LMA. On conclusion; the use of a small laryngeal mask airway [size 4] in spontaneously breathing male patients and [size 3] in female patients and the proseal LMA may be more appropriate to decrease the incidence of sore throat on the first postoperative day

Mycoplasma pneumoniae: infección vía aérea superior / Mycoplasma pneumoniae: infection of the upper air way

Introducción. Las infecciones agudas de la vía aérea alta (IRAs) son un problema común de consulta médica. Su clínica inicial es inespecífica, dificultando la determinación de un agente etiológico. Estudios revelan predominio etiológico viral, sin embargo, investigaciones recientes demuestran que bacterias atípicas, principalmente Mycoplasma pneumoniae, tienen importante rol como causa de IRAs. El diagnóstico de infección por M pneumoniae se realiza por métodos directos (cultivo y/o RCP) o indirectos (serología). Objetivos. Demostrar incidencia de M pneumoniae como causa de IRA alta. Reconocer características clínicas de la infección por M pneumoniae en IRA alta. Material y método. Estudio descriptivo transversal. Once pacientes ingresados con sintomatología respiratoria alta en Clínica Indisa, durante Octubre 2003 y Septiembre 2005. Se estudiaron las manifestaciones clínicas, radiológicas y detección serológica de M pneumoniae por medio del método ELISA rápido. Se clasificaron según si cumplían o no criterios de faringitis. Resultados. Siete pacientes (63 por ciento) con IRA alta y 4 con faringitis. Detección M pneumoniae (+) en 5 niños y 2 adultos, todos ellos con diagnóstico de IRA alta. Las manifestaciones más frecuentes de este grupo fueron: tos, rinorrea y odinofagia. Conclusión. M pneumoniae cumple un rol importante como agente etiológico de IRA, tanto en niños como en adultos. Su principal forma de presentación clínica corresponde a IRA alta. Importante recalcar que el diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento apropiado de la infección M pneumoniae modifican su historia natural, y a la vez reducen las manifestaciones extrapulmonares y su diseminación en la comunidad.

Faringitis aguda, ¿estreptocóccica? Empleo del estudio etiológico y de antimicrobianos en dos centros pediátricos universitarios / Sore throat, ¿streptococcal etiology? Use of etiological screening and antimicrobial prescription in two university pediatric centers

Se describen aspectos clínicos, del diagnóstico y tratamiento de faringitis en pacientes pediátricos, 421 en un centro ambulatorio y 289 en la unidad de emergencia de un hospital universitario, que consultaron en un periodo de 14 meses. En los centros respectivos hubo 65 y 76 por ciento de pacientes en que se realizaron exámenes para documentar la etiología estreptocóccica. Se demostró la existencia de Streptococcus pyogenes en 37 por ciento de los explorados, siendo similar en ambos centros, con una incidencia máxima de 50 por ciento en el grupo etario de 6 a 10 años. En 217 pacientes no se realizó estudio etiológico, de éstos 162 (75 por ciento) recibieron tratamiento antimicrobiano. Se enfatiza la importancia de los exámenes de confirmación bacteriológica para la correcta indicación de antimicrobianos en esta patología.

A study of the factors responsible for the development of allergic diseases in early life.

In order to analyze the determinants involved in the development of allergic diseases early in infancy, we examined the environmental and genetic factors that might affect the induction of such diseases during infancy, using a questionnaire. Maternal pharyngitis during pregnancy was significantly related to the development of atopic dermatitis in their progeny. Moreover, the frequency of the maternal infection was associated with a significantly increased risk of allergy in their infants. The prevalence of post-delivery maternal allergy was positively linked to the allergic symptoms in their children while the likelihood of bearing allergic children was related to the numbers of allergic individuals within their family. These results suggested that pre- and post-natal maternal factors and any genetic predisposition might modify the development of allergy in infancy.

effect of local heat on incidence of sore throat and hoarseness after endotracheal intubation

Sore-throat and hoarseness are the most common complication after endotracheal intubation which take place 12-24 hr after operation. Different studies have reported the incidence of these complications between 24-90%. Increase of heat on the trachea will raise the blood pressure in the local capillaries and therefore induce better blood supplementation to the local tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of local heat on the incidence of sore- throat and hoarseness after endotracheal intubations. One hundred and sixty patients aging 15 -50 years old, candidate for elective surgeries under general anesthesia, were randomly divided into two groups. Patients for head and neck surgeries were excluded from the study. Methods of intubation, type, size, cuff pressure of ETT, method of anesthesia and time of operation were the same for all patients. During the operation time, local heat was applied on the external surface of trachea [up to 40 [oc] by using electrical blanket for the patients in the study group. 24 hr after operation all the patients were visited by anesthesiologist for evaluating the sore- throat and hoarseness. The incidence of sore-throat in the control group was 65% versus 40% in the study group [p<0.05]. Moreover the incidence of hoarseness was 66.2% in the control group versus 10% in the case group. Application of local heat [40[oc] on the external surface of trachea can effectively decreases the incidence of postoperative sore - throat and hoarseness