Network meta-analysis of deaths from various underlying diseases after COVID-19 infection.

Network meta-analysis of deaths from various underlying diseases after COVID-19 infection. This study included more than 10 research centers with the same level of care. In total, 1,676 subjects were included in our study, including 1,122 men and 554 women, patients diagnosed with COVID-19, and combined with underlying diseases; provided data on the number of deaths from related diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, malignant tumor, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, and respiratory disease. The comparison RR between hypertension and different diseases shows that it is (RR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.47, 3.98) compared with diabetes, compared with coronary heart disease (RR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.5, 4.4), compared with cerebrovascular disease (RR = 3.68, 95% CI: 1.87, 7.29), compared with malignant tumor (RR = 6.35, 95% CI: 3.45, 11.97), and compared with chronic kidney disease (RR = 5.53 95% CI: 3.04, 10.34), compared with chronic liver disease (RR = 15.51, 95% CI: 5.26, 50.98), compared with respiratory diseases (RR = 4.35, 95% CI: 2.37, 7.65), RR values are >1, which is statistically significant. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) showed that the ranking of disease mortality from high to low was hypertension> diabetes> heart disease> cerebrovascular disease> respiratory disease> chronic kidney disease> malignant tumor> chronic liver disease. The study that hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease are the top three risk factors for patients infected with COVID-19, and management of these patients should be strengthened to improve the prognosis of patients. Ethical approval and patient consent are not required as this study is a meta-analysis based on published studies. The results of this network meta-analysis will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for the publication.

Relação entre os Sinais de Strain do Ventrículo Direito no Eletrocardiograma e Níveis de Biomarcadores Associados à Gravidade da Pneumonia por COVID-19 / Relationship between Right Ventricular Strain Signs in Electrocardiography and Levels of Biomarkers Associated with COVID-19 Pneumonia Severity

Resumo Fundamento A nova doença por coronavírus (COVID-19) pode levar a uma enfermidade grave e causar a morte. Sabe-se que a COVID-19 afeta o sistema cardiovascular. A detecção precoce da progressão para um estágio grave da doença que afeta o sistema cardiovascular pode desempenhar um papel crítico no tratamento da COVID-19. Objetivos Explorar a possível relação entre a pneumonia por COVID-19 e os achados de strain do ventrículo direito no eletrocardiograma (ECG). Métodos Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de 141 pacientes hospitalizados com COVID-19. A correlação de Spearman e as análises de regressão logística foram aplicadas para avaliar as relações entre as manifestações de strain ventricular direito na ECG e os níveis de biomarcadores e outros achados laboratoriais e de imagem do tórax. O nível de significância foi considerado estabelecido como p < 0,05. Resultados Os sinais de ECG de estresse ventricular direito foram significativamente mais frequentes e os níveis de fibrinogênio, PCR e ferritina foram significativamente mais elevados em pacientes com COVID-19 com níveis elevados de hs-cTnI, procalcitonina e dímero-D. A análise univariada mostrou que existem relações significativas entre a presença de pneumonia bilateral, a maioria dos sinais eletrocardiográficos de strain ventricular direito e lesão cardíaca e biomarcadores inflamatórios e trombóticos. A análise multivariada revelou que o supradesnivelamento do segmento ST em V1 e padrão S1Q3T3 são preditores independentes de lesão cardíaca ( odds ratio =0,23; IC95%, 0,06 a 0,90; p=0,035) e níveis elevados de procalcitonina ( odds ratio =0,19; IC 95%, 0,06 a 0,62; p=0,006), respectivamente. Conclusão Os achados do presente estudo sugerem que a dano cardíaco direito é prevalente na COVID-19. Além disso, nosso estudo demonstra o valor clínico do ECG na avaliação e monitoramento de pacientes com pneumonia por COVID-19.

Abstract Background The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) may lead to severe disease that can cause death. COVID-19 is known to affect the cardiovascular system. Early detection of the progression to the severe disease stage that affects the cardiovascular system may play a critical role in the treatment of COVID-19. Objectives To explore the possible relationship between the COVID-19 pneumonia and right ventricular strain findings on electrocardiography (ECG). Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 141 hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Spearman's correlation and logistic regression analyses were applied to assess relationships between ECG manifestations of right ventricular strain and levels of biomarkers and other laboratory and chest imaging findings. The significance level was considered as < 0.05. Results The ECG signs of right ventricular stress were significantly more frequent and the levels of fibrinogen, CRP, and ferritin were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients with elevated levels of hs-cTnI, procalcitonin and D-dimer. The univariate analysis showed there are significant relations between the presence of bilateral pneumonia, most of the ECG signs of right ventricular strain and cardiac injury and inflammatory and thrombotic biomarkers. The multivariate analysis revealed that ST-segment elevation in V1and the S1Q3T3pattern are independent predictors of cardiac damage (odds ratio=0.23; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.90; p=0.035) and elevated procalcitonin levels (odds ratio=0.19; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.62; p=0.006), respectively. Conclusion The findings of the present study suggest that right heart damage is prevalent in COVID-19. In addition, our study shows the clinical value of ECG in evaluating and monitoring the patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Central Nervous System Vasculitis as a Rare Presentation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae: A Case Report.

Mycobacteria pneumoniae (MP) commonly causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections. The clinical manifestation is classified as pulmonary and extrapulmonary. These manifestations vary according to the involved system. MP may affect one system or more at a time. Commonly prodromal respiratory symptoms precede systemic involvement. Central nervous system involvement in uncommon. This report is presenting a rare case of central nervous system vasculitis secondary to MP, highlighting the diagnosis and management with a succinct literature review.

Tratamento cirúrgico de pneumonia necrosante em crianças em um período de 10 anos / Surgical treatment of necrotizing pneumonia in children: a 10-year assessment

RESUMO Objetivo: A pneumonia necrosante (PNS) é uma grave e rara complicação da pneumonia adquirida na comunidade, acometendo principalmente crianças, sendo assim, objetivamos analisar prontuários de crianças submetidas ao tratamento cirúrgico de PNS e comparação dos resultados obtidos com os presentes na literatura médica. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva dos prontuários de crianças submetidas ao tratamento cirúrgico por PNS entre julho de 2006 a julho de 2016 em dois hospitais do sul de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Resultados: Do total de 26 crianças, com mediana de idade 2,70 anos, maioria mulheres (61,5%). Os principais sintomas foram febre (88,5%) e tosse (65,4%). Houve média de 4,31 antibióticos utilizados por paciente. O principal agente etiológico foi o Staphylococcus aureus (23,1%) mas as culturas foram negativas em 69% dos pacientes. Em 23 pacientes realizou-se decorticação e desbridamento das áreas necróticas (88,5%). A média de drenagem pleural pós-operatória foi 8,12 dias. Fístula broncopleural ocorreu em 50,0% no pré-operatório e 46,2% após a cirurgia. O tempo total de internação hospitalar foi, em média, de 27,52 dias e tempo pós-operatório com média de 12,60 dias. Complicações pós-operatórias ocorreram em 13 crianças e não houve mortalidade. Conclusões: Propõe-se abordagem cirúrgica nos pacientes sem resposta ao tratamento clínico, pois o atraso na intervenção cirúrgica associa-se a infecção progressiva no parênquima pulmonar e taxas maiores de complicações. A cirurgia pode conduzir a melhor evolução clínica e recuperação mais precoce.

ABSTRACT Objective: Necrotizing pneumonia (PNZ) is a severe and rare complication of a community-acquired pneumonia, affecting mainly children. We aimed to analyze medical records of children undergoing surgical treatment for PNZ and compare our results with those found in the medical literature. Methods: Retrospective analysis of children's medical charts who underwent an operation for PNZ, between July 2006 and July 2016, in two hospitals in southern Santa Catarina, Brazil. Results: A total of 26 children with a median age of 2.70 years and mostly females (61.5%) were included in the current study. The main symptoms were fever (88.5%) and cough (65.4%). There was an average use of 4.31 antibiotics per patient. The primary etiological agent was Staphylococcus aureus (23.1%), but cultures were negative in 69% of the patients. Decortication and debridement of necrotic areas were performed in 23 patients (88.5%). The mean postoperative pleural drainage was 8.12 days. The presence of bronchopleural fistula occurred in 50.0% in the preoperative period and 46.2% in the postoperative. The total length of hospital stay was, on average, 27.52 days and the postoperative length of stay was 12.60 days (mean). Postoperative complications occurred in 13 children and there was no mortality. Conclusion: The surgical approach is indicated to patients with no response to clinical treatment. Late surgical intervention is associated with progressive parenchyma infection and higher rates of complications. Surgery can lead to better clinical outcomes and earlier recovery.

La neumonía nosocomial en hospital provincial de Pinar del Río / Nosocomial pneumonia in the provincial hospital of Pinar del Río

RESUMEN Introducción: ante la presencia de una neumonía nosocomial, se debe prestar una adecuada atención, tratamiento, recuperación y seguimiento a los pacientes por lo que es imprescindible fortalecer estrategias y acciones para prevenir las defunciones y secuelas asociadas. Objetivo: describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la neumonía nosocomial en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Docente Dr. León Cuervo Rubio durante el año 2017. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo en el hospital provincial de elección de Pinar del Río, durante el año 2017.El universo estuvo constituido por 157 pacientes y la muestra de estudio quedó conformada por 113 pacientes que cumplieron los criterios de selección muestral. El procesamiento estadístico de la información se realizó utilizando medios computarizados y reflejados por estadística descriptiva en frecuencias absolutas y relativas porcentuales. Resultados: prevaleció el grupo etario de 70 a 79 años y el sexo masculino, resultando la hipertensión arterial la enfermedad prevaleciente en pacientes con neumonía nosocomial. El germen aislado más significativo resultó ser el estafilococo coagulasa positivo y dentro de las causas de ingreso se evidenciaron las enfermedades respiratorias. Conclusiones: se describieron las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de la neumonía nosocomial en los pacientes hospitalizados en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Docente Dr. León Cuervo Rubio, un estudio que enriquece y amplía el trabajo asistencial hacia una mayor calidad de atención a dichos pacientes, así como disminución de las morbimortalidades.

ABSTRACT Introduction: during the onset of nosocomial pneumonia, adequate assistance, treatment, recovery and follow-up must be given to patients. It is therefore essential to strengthen strategies and actions to prevent deaths and the associated sequelae. Objective: to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of nosocomial pneumonia at Dr. León Cuervo Rubio Teaching Clinical Surgical Hospital in 2017. Methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted at this provincial hospital in Pinar del Río during 2017; 157 patients represented the target group and 113 patients met the inclusion criteria for sample choice. The statistical processing of the information was carried out using computerized means and reflected by descriptive statistics in absolute and relative percentage frequencies. Results: the age group of 70 to 79 years and male sex prevailed, where hypertension was the prevailing disorder in patients with nosocomial pneumonia. The most significant isolated germ was coagulase-positive staphylococcus and respiratory diseases were evidenced among the causes of admission. Conclusions: the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of nosocomial pneumonia in patients hospitalized at Dr. León Cuervo Rubio Teaching Clinical Surgical Hospital were explained, a study that enriches and expands the medical assistance towards a care of better quality to these patients, as well as a reduction in morbidity and mortality rates.

Severe Pneumonia Caused by Legionella pneumophila: Differential Diagnosis and Therapeutic Considerations.

Severe legionella pneumonia poses a diagnostic challenge and requires early intervention. Legionnaire's disease can have several presenting signs, symptoms, and laboratory abnormalities that suggest that Legionella pneumophila is the pathogen, but none of these are sufficient to distinguish L pneumophila pneumonia from other respiratory pathogens. L pneumophila is primarily an intracellular pathogen and needs treatment with antibiotics that efficiently enter the intracellular space.

Cardiomiopatia de Takotsubo após pneumonia: relato de caso / Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after pneumonia: case report

Também chamada de Síndrome do Coração Partido, a Síndrome de Takotsubo é uma doença cardiovascular com quadro clínico semelhante ao infarto agudo do miocárdio, porém, com coronárias normais na cineangiocoronariografia. Normalmente está associado a quadros de estresse emocional ou físico sendo necessário o conhecimento da patologia para diagnóstico e boa condução do caso. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um caso clínico de uma paciente com cardiomiopatia de Takotsubo após pneumonia e internação hospitalar. A importância do tema é ressaltada pela raridade do tema e pelo seu subdiagnóstico. Mulher,77 anos com história de disfagia de transferência evoluindo após 10 dias com tosse produtiva de coloração amarelada. Diagnosticada e internada com pneumonia broncoaspirativa e iniciada antibioticoterapia. No sétimo dia de internação evoluiu com precordialgia associada a dispneia. História mórbida de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmico há 4 anos com sequela de hemiplegia esquerda e crises convulsivas. O eletrocardiograma (ECG) demonstrou supradesnivelamento do segmento ST emparede ântero-septal. À cinecoronariografia ausência de lesões obstrutivas significativas e à ventriculografia e ecocardiograma discinesia de ventrículo esquerdo com abalonamento ântero-infero-apical. No caso descrito os fatores desencadeantes ficaram claros sendo o estresse físico pela pneumonia e emocional pela internação hospitalar. O quadro clínico apresentado pela paciente associado a cinecoronariografia, ecocardiografia e eletrocardiografia e o padrão de reversibilidade da disfunção cardíaca nos remetem ao diagnóstico de Cardiomiopatia de Takotsubo.

Also called the Broken Heart Syndrome, Takotsubo syndrome is a cardiovascular disease similar to acute myocardial infarction clinical, however, with normal coronary arteries on coronary angiography. Is usually associated with events of emotional or physical stress. The knowledge of pathology for diagnosis and good management of the case is necessary. The aim of this study was to report a clinical case of a patient with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after pneumonia and hospitalization. The importance of this issue is underscored by the rarity of the subject and its underdiagnosis. Female, 77 years with a history of dysphagia transfer evolving after 10 days with cough productive of yellowish. She was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia and hospitalized with antibiotic therapy initiated. On the seventh day of hospitalization developed chest pain associated with dyspnea. Morbid history of ischemic stroke 4 years ago sequel with left hemiplegia and seizures. The ECG showed ST segment elevation in the anteroseptal wall. In the absence of significant obstructive coronary angiography and ventriculography lesions and echocardiographic left ventricular dyskinesia with anterior infero-apical bulging. In the case described, the triggering factors were the physical and emotional stress by the pneumonia and hospitalization. The clinical presentation by the patient associated with coronary angiography, echocardiography and electrocardiography and standard reversibility of cardiac dysfunction refer us to diagnosis of the Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation using the TandemHeart System's catheters.

We describe the initial--and successful--use of the TandemHeart System's catheters to provide extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), in 2 patients. In 1 patient, who was experiencing severe primary respiratory failure, the catheters provided a standard venovenous ECMO circuit. In the other patient, who had severe, acute pulmonary hypertension and right-heart failure, the catheters enabled a novel right atrial-to-left atrial circuit for ECMO. We discuss the potential of the TandemHeart System's catheters to provide novel and possibly superior vascular routes for the delivery of ECMO in different types of cardiopulmonary failure.