Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Mimicking Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Hospitalized Children, Sonora, Mexico.

We describe 5 children who had Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) and manifested clinical symptoms similar to multisystem inflammatory syndrome in Sonora, Mexico, where RMSF is hyperendemic. Physicians should consider RMSF in differential diagnoses of hospitalized patients with multisystem inflammatory syndrome to prevent illness and death caused by rickettsial disease.

Perfil etiológico, sociodemográfico e desfechos dos pacientes com asma internados por síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG) no Brasil de 2020 a 2022: uma análise de 83.452 internações / Etiology, sociodemographic profile, and outcomes of patients with asthma hospitalized for severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in Brazil from 2020 to 2022: an analysis of 83,452 hospitalizations Braian

Introdução: A asma é uma das doenças crônicas mais frequentes na população brasileira. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar as etiologias, o perfil sociodemográfico e os fatores de risco para óbito entre pacientes com asma internados por síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG) no Brasil entre 2020 e 2022. Métodos: A partir do banco de dados SIVEP-Gripe, incluímos todos os pacientes com idade maior que 5 anos registrados no banco de 01/01/2020 até 21/07/2022, hospitalizados por SRAG, com antecedente de asma e com desfechos conhecidos. Como exposições, foram estudadas a idade, sexo, região de moradia, etnia e agentes etiológicos virais isolados. Os desfechos foram internação em unidade de terapia intensiva, necessidade de ventilação mecânica e óbito. Para calcular a razão de chances entre exposição e desfechos, utilizamos modelos lineares generalizados mistos multinível. Resultados: Foram incluídas na análise 83.452 internações, sendo 14.062 crianças e adolescentes, e 69.390 adultos. A mortalidade aumentou com a idade, indo de 0,6% entre 5-10 anos para 33% nos maiores que 60 anos. Na população pediátrica, morar na região Norte e Nordeste e ter entre 10-20 anos foram associados a maior mortalidade (OR 2,14 IC95% 1,41- 3,24 e OR 3,73 IC95% 2,65-5,26 respectivamente). Quanto aos agentes etiológicos, apenas o SARS-CoV-2 conferiu maior risco de óbito (OR 5,18 IC95% 3,62-7,42). Entre adultos, sexo feminino e etnias não brancas foram protetoras (OR 0,87 IC95% 0,83-0,9 e OR 0,90; IC95% 0,85-0,94 respectivamente) para óbito. Faixas etárias mais avançadas, morar nas regiões Norte e Nordeste e o diagnóstico de COVID-19 foram associados a maior mortalidade. Conclusões: Há importantes vulnerabilidades sociodemográficas nos desfechos das internações de pacientes com asma por SRAG, com maior mortalidade nas regiões Norte-Nordeste, entre adolescentes na faixa etária pediátrica e entre idosos nos adultos. Além disso, destaca-se o protagonismo da COVID-19 entre as infecções associadas a maior mortalidade.

Introduction: Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting the Brazilian population. We aimed to determine the etiology, sociodemographic profile, and risk factors for death in patients with asthma hospitalized for severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in Brazil from 2020 to 2022. Methods: We included all patients over 5 years of age registered in the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP Gripe) database of the Brazilian Ministry of Health from January 1, 2020 to July 21, 2022 hospitalized for SARI. Patients had to have a history of asthma and known outcomes. As exposures, age, sex, region of residence, ethnicity, and viral etiological agent were evaluated. The outcomes measured were admission to an intensive care unit, need for mechanical ventilation, and death. We used multilevel generalized linear mixed models to calculate the odds ratio between exposure and outcomes. Results: A total of 83,452 hospitalizations were included, of which 14,062 were children and adolescents and 69,390 were adults. Mortality increased with age, ranging from 0.6% in those aged 5-10 years to 33% in those over 60 years. In the pediatric population, living in the north and northeast regions (OR 2.14, 95%CI 1.41-3.24) and having between 10-20 years (OR 3.73, 95%CI 2.65-5.26) were associated with higher mortality. As for etiologic agents, only SARS-CoV-2 was associated with a higher risk of death (OR 5.18, 95%CI 3.62-7.42). Among adults, female sex (OR 0.87, 95%CI 0.83-0.9) and non-White ethnicities (OR 0.90, 95%CI 0.85-0.94) were protective factors against death. Older age groups, living in the north and northeast regions, and a diagnosis of COVID-19 were associated with higher mortality. Conclusions: There are important sociodemographic vulnerabilities in the outcomes of patients with asthma hospitalized for SARI, with higher mortality rates in the north and northeast regions, among adolescents in the pediatric age group, and among older adults. Furthermore, COVID-19 was one of the main infections associated with higher mortality.

Impact of COVID-19 vaccination on clinical outcomes in kidney transplant patients.

INTRODUCTION: The global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in severe mortality and morbidity. Immunosuppressed patients, such as kidney transplant recipients, are particularly susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cohort study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on clinical outcomes in patients with kidney transplants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 254 patients with kidney transplants were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 and a fraction of these contracted COVID-19. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was carried out by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction testing, and the patients received treatment involving immunosuppressive and COVID-19-specific protocols. RESULTS: SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed in 38 (14.96%) patients before the COVID-19 vaccine was administered. After vaccination, an additional 29 (11.42%) patients were diagnosed with COVID-19. Risk factors for hospitalization included age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, and time elapsed since renal transplantation (p = 0.025, 0.038, 0.012, and 0.046, respectively). COVID-19 vaccination resulted in a significant decrease in the rate of hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection from 63.16% to 34.48% (p = 0.020). The proportion of patients from this cohort placed in intensive care units decreased from 23.68% to zero. Allograft rejections exhibited a decreasing trend from 13.16% to 6.90% (p = 0.690). This patient cohort displayed 15.79% mortality prior to COVID-19 vaccination that was reduced to nil after immunization. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced COVID-19 severity and mortality in this cohort of patients with kidney transplants. The risk factors for hospitalization were determined to be age, BMI, comorbidities, and time since renal transplantation. COVID-19 vaccination resulted in a clinical outcome of reduced hospitalization and a decrease in clinical complications. The COVID-19 vaccination-derived adverse effects in this cohort were found to be comparable to those in the immunocompetent population.

Drugs and natural products for the treatment of COVID-19 during 2020, the first year of the pandemic.

This work aimed to show which treatments showed efficacy against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); therefore, the results of 37 clinical trials started in 2020 and completed in 2021 are reviewed and discussed here. These were selected from databases, excluding vaccines, computational studies, in silico, in vitro, and those with hyperimmune sera from recovered patients. We found 34 drugs, one vitamin, and one herbal remedy with pharmacological activity against symptomatic COVID-19. They reduced mortality, disease progression, or recovery time. For each treatment, the identifier and type of trial, the severity of the disease, the sponsor, the country where the trial was conducted, and the trial results are presented. The drugs were classified according to their mechanism of action. Several drugs that reduced mortality also reduced inflammation in the most severe cases. These include some that are not considered anti-inflammatory, such as Aviptadil, pyridostigmine bromide, anakinra, imatinib, baricitinib, and bevacizumab, as well as the combination of ivermectin, aspirin, dexamethasone, and enoxaparin. Nigella sativa seeds with honey have also been reported to have therapeutic activity. On the other hand, tofacitinib, novaferon with ritonavir, and lopinavir were also effective, as well as in combination with antiviral therapies such as danoprevir with ritonavir. The natural products colchicine and Vitamin D3 were only effective in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, as was hydroxychloroquine. Drug repositioning has been the main tool in the search for effective therapies by expanding the pharmacological options available to patients.

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue conocer qué tratamientos mostraron efectividad contra COVID-19, para lo cual se revisan y discuten los resultados de 37 estudios clínicos iniciados durante 2020 y concluidos en 2021. Estos fueron seleccionados de bases de datos, excluyendo vacunas, estudios computacionales, in silico, in vitro y con sueros hiperinmunes de pacientes recuperados. Se documentaron 34 fármacos, una vitamina y un remedio herbolario, con actividad farmacológica ante COVID-19 sintomático. Estos redujeron la mortalidad, el progreso de la enfermedad, o el tiempo de recuperación. Para cada tratamiento se presenta identificador y tipo de estudio, la gravedad de la enfermedad, patrocinador, país donde se realizó, así como sus resultados. Los fármacos se clasificaron de acuerdo con su mecanismo de acción. Varios fármacos que redujeron la mortalidad también disminuyeron la inflamación en los casos más graves. Esto incluyendo algunos no considerados antiinflamatorios, como el aviptadil, el bromuro de piridostigmina, el anakinra, el imatinib, el baricitinib y el bevacizumab, así como la combinación de ivermectina, aspirina, dexametasona y enoxaparina. También se reportaron con actividad terapéutica las semillas de Nigella sativa con miel. Además, resultaron efectivos el tofacitinib, el novaferón con ritonavir y lopinavir, así como los antivirales en terapias combinadas como el danoprevir con ritonavir. Los productos naturales colchicina y vitamina D3, solo tuvieron actividad en los pacientes en estado leve a moderado de la COVID-19, así como la hidroxicloroquina. El reposicionamiento de fármacos fue la principal herramienta para buscar terapias efectivas ampliando las opciones farmacológicas accesibles a los pacientes.

Drugs and natural products for the treatment of COVID-19 during 2020, the first year of the pandemic / Fármacos y productos naturales para el tratamiento de la COVID-19 durante 2020, el primer año de la pandemia

Abstract This work aimed to show which treatments showed efficacy against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); therefore, the results of 37 clinical trials started in 2020 and completed in 2021 are reviewed and discussed here. These were selected from databases, excluding vaccines, computational studies, in silico, in vitro, and those with hyperimmune sera from recovered patients. We found 34 drugs, one vitamin, and one herbal remedy with pharmacological activity against symptomatic COVID-19. They reduced mortality, disease progression, or recovery time. For each treatment, the identifier and type of trial, the severity of the disease, the sponsor, the country where the trial was conducted, and the trial results are presented. The drugs were classified according to their mechanism of action. Several drugs that reduced mortality also reduced inflammation in the most severe cases. These include some that are not considered anti-inflammatory, such as Aviptadil, pyridostigmine bromide, anakinra, imatinib, baricitinib, and bevacizumab, as well as the combination of ivermectin, aspirin, dexamethasone, and enoxaparin. Nigella sativa seeds with honey have also been reported to have therapeutic activity. On the other hand, tofacitinib, novaferon with ritonavir, and lopinavir were also effective, as well as in combination with antiviral therapies such as danoprevir with ritonavir. The natural products colchicine and Vitamin D3 were only effective in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, as was hydroxychloroquine. Drug repositioning has been the main tool in the search for effective therapies by expanding the pharmacological options available to patients.

Resumen El objetivo del presente trabajo fue conocer qué tratamientos mostraron efectividad contra COVID-19, para lo cual se revisan y discuten los resultados de 37 estudios clínicos iniciados durante 2020 y concluidos en 2021. Estos fueron seleccionados de bases de datos, excluyendo vacunas, estudios computacionales, in silico, in vitro y con sueros hiperinmunes de pacientes recuperados. Se documentaron 34 fármacos, una vitamina y un remedio herbolario, con actividad farmacológica ante COVID-19 sintomático. Estos redujeron la mortalidad, el progreso de la enfermedad, o el tiempo de recuperación. Para cada tratamiento se presenta identificador y tipo de estudio, la gravedad de la enfermedad, patrocinador, país donde se realizó, así como sus resultados. Los fármacos se clasificaron de acuerdo con su mecanismo de acción. Varios fármacos que redujeron la mortalidad también disminuyeron la inflamación en los casos más graves. Esto incluyendo algunos no considerados antiinflamatorios, como el aviptadil, el bromuro de piridostigmina, el anakinra, el imatinib, el baricitinib y el bevacizumab, así como la combinación de ivermectina, aspirina, dexametasona y enoxaparina. También se reportaron con actividad terapéutica las semillas de Nigella sativa con miel. Además, resultaron efectivos el tofacitinib, el novaferón con ritonavir y lopinavir, así como los antivirales en terapias combinadas como el danoprevir con ritonavir. Los productos naturales colchicina y vitamina D3, solo tuvieron actividad en los pacientes en estado leve a moderado de la COVID-19, así como la hidroxicloroquina. El reposicionamiento de fármacos fue la principal herramienta para buscar terapias efectivas ampliando las opciones farmacológicas accesibles a los pacientes.

Natural and Synthetic Coumarins as Potential Drug Candidates Against SARS-CoV-2/CoViD-19.

COVID-19, an airborne disease caused by a betacoronavirus named SARS-- CoV-2, was officially declared a pandemic in early 2020, resulting in more than 770 million confirmed cases and over 6.9 million deaths by September 2023. Although the introduction of vaccines in late 2020 helped reduce the number of deaths, the global effort to fight COVID-19 is far from over. While significant progress has been made in a short period, the fight against SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and other potential pandemic threats continues. Like AIDS and hepatitis C epidemics, controlling the spread of COVID-19 will require the development of multiple drugs to weaken the virus's resistance to different drug treatments. Therefore, it is essential to continue developing new drug candidates derived from natural or synthetic small molecules. Coumarins are a promising drug design and development scaffold due to their synthetic versatility and unique physicochemical properties. Numerous examples reported in scientific literature, mainly by in silico prospection, demonstrate their potential contribution to the rapid development of drugs against SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and other emergent and reemergent viruses.

Betacoronavirus Infection Outbreak, São Paulo, Brazil, Fall 2023.

We report a human coronavirus OC43 infection outbreak in hospitalized patients and healthcare workers in São Paulo, Brazil, occurring after SARS-CoV-2 cases disappeared. Infection was associated with healthcare workers in 5 (29.4%) patients. Routine surveillance including a respiratory virus panel can improve coronavirus detection in both healthcare professionals and patients.

Evaluation of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome surveillance caused by respiratory viruses in a pediatric unit, 2013 to 2019 / Avaliação da vigilância da Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave causada por vírus respiratórios em uma unidade pediátrica, 2013 a 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate severe acute respiratory syndrome surveillance in a pediatric unit. Methods: Descriptive study of reported severe acute respiratory syndrome cases with the detection of respiratory viruses in the nasopharyngeal sample of patients hospitalized between 2013 and 2019, in a reference hospital in the Federal District, Brazil. Results: A total of 269 children had one or more viruses detected, resulting in 280 viruses, of which 152 (54%) were respiratory syncytial virus. The detection of respiratory syncytial virus was higher during the autumn-winter period. Children´s median age was 6.9 months, 156 (58%) were male, 104 (39%) had comorbidity, 197 (73%) required mechanical ventilation, 241 (90%) received antibiotics, and 146 (54%) oseltamivir. There were 19 (7%) deaths. The median time from symptom onset to sample collection was 5 days and the median time from sample collection to final results was 6 days. Conclusions: The system needs to reduce the time to deliver results so that inappropriate use of antibiotics and antivirals can be avoided. Moreover, the burden of viral pneumonia was relevant and the system must be flexible enough to include emerging viruses in order to be useful in responding to public health emergencies caused by respiratory viruses.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a vigilância da síndrome respiratória aguda grave em uma unidade pediátrica. Métodos: Estudo descritivo dos casos de síndrome respiratória aguda grave, notificados e com a detecção de vírus respiratório em amostra de nasofaringe de pacientes internados entre 2013 e 2019, em um hospital de referência do Distrito Federal. Resultados: Um total de 269 crianças tiveram algum vírus detectado, resultando em 280 vírus, sendo 152 (54%) vírus sincicial respiratório. A detecção do vírus sincicial respiratório foi maior durante o período de outono-inverno. A mediana da idade das crianças foi de 6,9 meses, 156 (58%) eram do sexo masculino, 104 (39%) tinham comorbidade, 197 (73%) necessitaram de ventilação mecânica, 241 (90%) receberam antibióticos e 146 (54%) oseltamivir. Ocorreram 19 (7%) óbitos. A mediana do tempo desde o início dos sintomas até a coleta da amostra foi de 5 dias, e do tempo da coleta até o resultado foi de 6 dias. Conclusões: O sistema necessita reduzir o tempo do resultado final para que seja possível evitar o uso inadequado de antibióticos e antivirais. Ademais, o impacto das pneumonias virais foi relevante e o sistema deve ser flexível suficiente para incluir vírus emergentes, para ser útil na resposta às emergências de saúde pública causada por vírus respiratórios.

Spatial analysis of hospital-related mortality due to COVID-19 among children and adolescents in Brazil / Análise espacial da mortalidade hospitalar por COVID-19 em crianças e adolescentes no Brasil

Abstract The objective was to perform a spatial analysis of the hospital mortality rate (HMR) due to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) attributed to COVID-19 among children and adolescents in Brazil from 2020 to 2021. A cluster method was used to group federal units (FUs) based on HMR. In 2020, clusters with high HMRs were formed by north/northeast FUs. In 2021, there was a reduction in HMR. Clusters with higher rates remained in the N/NE region. Regional differences were observed in the HMR. The findings may reflect social inequalities and access to hospital care, especially in the under 1-year-old age group due to the severity of the disease in this group.

Resumo Objetivou-se realizar uma análise espacial da taxa de mortalidade hospitalar (TMH) por síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG) atribuída à COVID-19 em crianças e adolescentes no Brasil no período de 2020 a 2021. Utilizou-se o método de cluster para agrupar as unidades federativas (UFs) com base na TMH. Em 2020, clusters com altas TMHs foram formados por UFs Norte/Nordeste. Em 2021, houve redução na TMH. Os clusters com maiores taxas permaneceram na região N/NE. Diferenças regionais foram observadas nas TMHs. Os achados podem refletir as desigualdades sociais e o acesso à atenção hospitalar, principalmente na faixa etária de menores de 1 ano pela gravidade da doença neste grupo.

Evaluation of the design of the influenza-like illness sentinel surveillance system in Brazil / Evaluación del diseño de la vigilancia centinela de la enfermedad tipo influenza en Brasil / Avaliação do desenho da vigilância sentinela de síndrome gripal no Brasil

Abstract: The influenza-like illness (ILI) sentinel surveillance operates in Brazil to identify respiratory viruses of public health relevance circulating in the country and was first implemented in 2000. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the importance of early detection of the circulation of new viruses in Brazil. Therefore, an analysis of the design of the ILI sentinel surveillance is timely. To this end, we simulated a sentinel surveillance network, identifying the municipalities that would be part of the network according to the criteria defined in the design of the ILI sentinel surveillance and, based on data from tested cases of severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) from 2014 to 2019, we drew samples for each sentinel municipality per epidemiological week. The draw was performed 1,000 times, obtaining the median and 95% quantile interval (95%QI) of virus positivity by Federative Unit and epidemiological week. According to the ILI sentinel surveillance design criteria, sentinel units would be in 64 municipalities, distributed mainly in capitals and their metropolitan areas, recommending 690 weekly samples. The design showed good sensitivity (91.65% considering the 95%QI) for qualitatively detecting respiratory viruses, even those with low circulation. However, there was important uncertainty in the quantitative estimate of positivity, reaching at least 20% in 11.34% of estimates. The results presented here aim to assist in evaluating and updating the ILI sentinel surveillance design. Strategies to reduce uncertainty in positivity estimates need to be evaluated, as does the need for greater spatial coverage.

Resumen: La vigilancia centinela de la enfermedad tipo infuenza (ETI) funciona en Brasil para identificar los virus respiratorios de importancia para la salud pública que circulan en el país y comenzó a ser implementada en 2000. Recientemente, la pandemia de COVID-19 ha reforzado la importancia de la detección temprana de la circulación de nuevos virus en el territorio brasileño. Así, se hace oportuno un análisis del diseño de la vigilancia centinela de la ETI. Para ello, simulamos una red centinela identificando los municipios que formarían parte de la red según los criterios definidos en el diseño de la vigilancia centinela de la ETI y, a partir de los datos de casos testados de infección respiratoria aguda grave (IRAG) de 2014 a 2019, se extrajeron muestras para cada municipio centinela por semana epidemiológica. El sorteo se repitió 1.000 veces y se obtuvo la mediana y el intervalo cuantílico del 95% (IC95%) de la positividad por virus, por Unidad Federativa y semana epidemiológica. Según los criterios del diseño de la vigilancia centinela de la ETI, unidades centinelas estarían en 64 municipios, distribuidas principalmente en capitales y zonas metropolitanas de las capitales, preconizando 690 muestras semanales. El diseño presentó una buena sensibilidad (total de 91,65% considerando el IC95%) para la detección cualitativa de los virus respiratorios, incluso los de baja circulación. Sin embargo, hubo una importante incertidumbre en la estimación cuantitativa de la positividad, alcanzando al menos el 20% en el 11,34% de las estimaciones. Los resultados presentados aquí tienen como objetivo ayudar en la evaluación y actualización del diseño de la red centinela. Es necesario evaluar las estrategias para reducir la incertidumbre en las estimaciones de positividad, al igual que la necesidad de una mayor cobertura espacial.

Resumo: A vigilância sentinela de síndrome gripal atua no Brasil identificando os vírus respiratórios de importância para a saúde pública circulantes no país, e começou a ser implementada em 2000. Recentemente, a pandemia de COVID-19 reforçou a importância da detecção precoce de novos vírus em circulação no território brasileiro. Assim, se faz oportuna uma análise do desenho da vigilância sentinela de síndrome gripal. Para tal, simulamos uma rede sentinela, identificando os municípios que fariam parte da rede segundo os critérios definidos no desenho da vigilância sentinela de síndrome gripal, e, a partir dos dados de casos testados de síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG) de 2014 a 2019, sorteamos amostras para cada município sentinela por semana epidemiológica. O sorteio foi repetido mil vezes, obtendo-se a mediana e intervalo quantílico de 95% (IQ95%) da positividade para cada vírus por Unidade Federativa e semana epidemiológica. Segundo os critérios do desenho da vigilância sentinela de síndrome gripal, unidades sentinelas estariam em 64 municípios, distribuídas principalmente em capitais e suas zonas metropolitanas, o que preconizou 690 amostras semanais. O desenho apresentou boa sensibilidade (total de 91,65%, considerando o IQ95%) para a detecção qualitativa dos vírus respiratórios, mesmo os de baixa circulação. Porém, houve importante incerteza na estimativa quantitativa de positividade, chegando a, pelo menos, 20% em 11,34% das estimativas. Os resultados aqui apresentados visam auxiliar a avaliação e a atualização do desenho da rede sentinela. Estratégias para reduzir a incerteza nas estimativas de positividade precisam ser avaliadas, assim como a necessidade de maior cobertura espacial.

Vaccine effectiveness in preventing deaths in people with severe acute respiratory syndrome due to COVID-19 in Blumenau, Brazil, 2021 / Efectividad de las vacunas en la prevención de la muerte por síndrome respiratório agudo grave por covid-19 en Blumenau, Brasil, 2021 / Efetividade vacinal na prevenção de óbitos em pessoas com síndrome respiratória aguda grave por covid-19 em Blumenau, 2021

ABSTRACT Objective to analyze the vaccine effectiveness in preventing deaths attributed to severe acute respiratory syndrome due to COVID-19 (SARS/COVID-19) in adults and the elderly, in Blumenau, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, 2021. this was a population-based study conducted among individuals aged 20 years and older hospitalized with SARS/COVID-19; each death due to SARS/COVID-19 was considered a "case", and every survivor was considered a "control"; the association between vaccination status and the outcome of "death" was estimated using logistic regression, and vaccine effectiveness was estimated as (1-OR)*100. The study included 1,756 cases of SARS/COVID-19 (59.2% male, mean age of 56 years, 50.4% with elementary education, 68.4% with comorbidities and 39.1% in intensive care), of whom 398 died (cases) and 1,358 survived (controls); vaccine effectiveness was 74% and 85% (20-59 years old) and 72% and 75% (≥ 60 years old), respectively, for those who were partially vaccinated and fully vaccinated. Conclusion vaccines proved to be effective in reducing case fatality ratio due to SARS/COVID-19 in individuals ≥ 20 years old.

RESUMEN Objetivo analizar la efectividad de la vacuna para prevención de muertes por SRAG-COVID en adultos y ancianos de Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brasil, 2021. Método estudio de base poblacional con personas hospitalizadas por SRAG-COVID mayores de 20 años; las muertes por SRAG-COVID se consideraron casos y todos los supervivientes, controles; la asociación entre el estado de vacunación y la muerte se estimó mediante regresión logística; la efectividad de la vacuna se estimó por (1-OR)*100. Resultados participaram do estudo 1.756 casos de SRAG-COVID (59,2% del sexo masculino, edad media de 56 años, 50,4% con estudios primarios, 68,4% con comorbilidades y 39,1% en cuidados intensivos), dos quais 398 foram a óbito (casos) e 1.358 sobreviveram (controles); la efectividad de la vacuna fue del 74% y el 85% (20 a 59 años) y del 72% y el 75% (60 y más años), entre los que tenían vacunación parcial y completa, respectivamente. Conclusión las vacunas fueran efectivas para reducir la letalidad del SRAG-covid.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a efetividade vacinal na prevenção de óbitos atribuídos a síndrome respiratória aguda grave por covid-19 (SRAG-covid) em adultos e idosos, em Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brasil, 2021. Métodos Estudo populacional, entre maiores de 20 anos de idade internados por SRAG-covid; considerou-se "caso" cada óbito por SRAG-covid, e "controle", todo sobrevivente; estimou-se a associação entre a condição vacinal e o desfecho "óbito" por regressão logística, e a efetividade vacinal, por (1-OR)*100. Resultados Participaram do estudo 1.756 casos de SRAG-covid (59,2% do sexo masculino, idade média de 56 anos, 50,4% com ensino fundamental, 68,4% com comorbidades e 39,1% em cuidado intensivo), dos quais 398 foram a óbito (casos) e 1.358 sobreviveram (controles); a efetividade vacinal foi de 74% e 85% (20-59 anos) e de 72% e 75% (≥ 60 anos), respectivamente, para quem possuía vacinação parcial e vacinação completa. Conclusão Vacinas mostraram-se efetivas na redução da letalidade por SRAG-covid em indivíduos com idade ≥ 20 anos.

Criação e validação de cenário simulado interprofissional para a pronação de pacientes com SDRA / Creation and validation of an interprofessional simulated scenario for the pronation of patients with ARDS

RESUMO Introdução: Este trabalho versa sobre a construção e validação de um cenário simulado com abordagem interprofissional, que permitirá a utilização no ensino e na educação permanente de profissionais da saúde por meio da metodologia ativa de simulação clínica. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivos construir e validar um cenário simulado para a pronação de pacientes críticos com síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo. Método: Trata-se de um estudo metodológico desenvolvido durante o ano de 2022 em uma universidade pública do Sul do Brasil e realizado em duas etapas: 1. delineamento do caso clínico e construção do cenário, e 2. validação de conteúdo e de aparência por 11 juízes com expertise em simulação clínica e/ou cuidado destinado ao paciente crítico, que atenderam aos critérios de Fehring. Aplicou-se um questionário do tipo Likert para a avaliação de 37 itens estabelecidos a partir do referencial de Fabri et al. Para medir o percentual de concordância entre os juízes, adotou-se o índice de validade de conteúdo (IVC). Resultado: Para a construção do cenário, desenvolveram-se o roteiro e guia de apoio ao facilitador e ao participante, e o roteiro para o ator simulado; um quadro de ações esperadas para cada participante; a relação de materiais e equipamentos necessários para o desenvolvimento; e o checklist de observação do desenvolvimento de competências e habilidades para cada profissão envolvida no cenário (médico, fisioterapeuta, enfermeiro e técnico de enfermagem). Os juízes eram predominantemente enfermeiros (63,6%), seguidos por fisioterapeutas (18,1%), médico (9%) e docente de enfermagem (9%). Os juízes responderam a um questionário que abordou os seguintes temas: "experiência prévia do participante/briefing", "conteúdo/objetivos", "recursos humanos", "preparo do cenário", "desenvolvimento do cenário" e "avaliação". Todos os itens obtiveram IVC superior ao desejável (0,80) e, portanto, foram considerados válidos. Além disso, os juízes realizaram sugestões de melhorias para o cenário, as quais foram acatadas ou rejeitas e discutidas com a literatura disponível. Conclusão: Este estudo permitiu criar e validar um cenário que reflete a prática real, ao mesmo tempo que oportuniza um ambiente seguro para os participantes e responde aos objetivos da aprendizagem interprofissional.

ABSTRACT Introduction: This work is focused on the construction and validation of a simulated scenario with an interprofessional approach, which will allow the use in the teaching and continuing education of health professionals through the active methodology of clinical simulation. Objective: To build and validate a simulated scenario for the pronation of critically ill patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Method: This is a methodological study developed in 2022 at a public university in Curitiba-PR, which occurred in two stages: 1) delineation of the clinical case and construction of the scenario; 2) content and appearance validation by 11 judges with expertise in clinical simulation and/or critical patient care, who met the Fehring's criteria. A Likert-type questionnaire was applied to evaluate 37 items based on the Fabri's reference. To measure the percentage of agreement among the judges, the Content Validity Index (CVI) was adopted. Results: To build the scenario, the script and support guide for the facilitator, the participant, and the script for the simulated actor; a table of expected actions for each participant; the list of materials and equipment needed for the development; and the checklist for observation of the development of competencies and skills for each profession involved in the scenario (physician, physical therapist, nurse, and nursing technician) were developed. The judges were predominantly nurses (63.6%), followed by physical therapists (18.1%), physicians (9%), and nursing lecturers (9%). The judges responded to a questionnaire that addressed "Prior Participant Experience/Briefing", "Content/Objectives"; "Human Resources"; "Scenario Preparation", "Scenario Development", and "Evaluation". All items scored higher than desirable Content Validity Index (0.80) and were considered valid. In addition, the judges suggested improvements to the scenario, which were accepted or rejected and discussed with the available literature. Conclusion: This study made it possible to create and validate a scenario that reflects actual practice while providing a safe environment for participants and meeting the goals of interprofessional learning.

Factors associated with COVID-19 death in pregnant women hospitalized in Intensive Care Units / Factores relacionados al óbito por COVID-19 en mujeres embarazadas hospitalizadas en Unidad de Cuidado Intensivo / Fatores associados ao óbito por COVID-19 em gestantes hospitalizadas em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva

ABSTRACT Objectives: to evaluate the factors associated with COVID-19 death in pregnant women hospitalized in Intensive Care Units in Brazil. Methods: this ecological study was conducted using secondary data from Brazilian pregnant women with COVID-19 hospitalized in Intensive Care Units between March 2020 and March 2022. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were employed. Results: out of 3,547 pregnant women with COVID-19 hospitalized in Intensive Care Units, 811 died (22.8%). It was found that lack of COVID-19 vaccination (OR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.83; 4.04), dyspnea (OR: 1.73; 95% CI: 1.17; 2.56), obesity (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.05; 2.17), chronic cardiovascular disease (OR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.14; 2.38), and non-white race/color (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.00; 1.66) were independently and significantly associated with death. Conclusions: it is concluded that vaccination status, presence of comorbidities, and clinical and ethnic-racial characteristics are associated with COVID-19 death in pregnant women hospitalized in Intensive Care Units in Brazil.

RESUMEN Objetivos: evaluar los factores relacionados al óbito por COVID-19 en embarazadas hospitalizadas en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos en Brasil. Métodos: se trata de un estudio ecológico realizado con datos secundarios de embarazadas brasileñas con COVID-19 hospitalizadas en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, entre marzo de 2020 y marzo de 2022. Empleado análisis univariado y regresión logística. Resultados: de 3.547 embarazadas con COVID-19 hospitalizadas en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, 811 evolucionaron a óbito (22,8%). Evidenciado que la no vacunación contra la COVID-19 (OR: 2,73; IC95: 1,83;4,04), disnea (OR: 1,73; IC95:1,17;2,56), obesidad (OR: 1,51; IC95: 1,05;2,17), enfermedad cardiovascular crónica (OR: 1,65; IC95: 1,14;2,38) y la raza/color no blanca (OR: 1,29; IC95: 1,00;1,66) se relacionaron de manera independiente y significante al óbito. Conclusiones: concluido que el estado de vacunación, presencia de comorbilidades y características clínicas y étnico-raciales están relacionadas al óbito por COVID-19 en embarazadas hospitalizadas en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos en Brasil.

RESUMO Objetivos: avaliar os fatores associados ao óbito por COVID-19 em gestantes hospitalizadas em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva no Brasil. Métodos: este estudo ecológico foi realizado com dados secundários de gestantes brasileiras com COVID-19 hospitalizadas em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, entre março de 2020 e março de 2022. Empregou-se análise univariada e regressão logística. Resultados: de 3.547 gestantes com COVID-19 hospitalizadas em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, 811 evoluíram a óbito (22,8%). Evidenciou-se que a não vacinação contra a COVID-19 (OR: 2,73; IC95: 1,83;4,04), dispneia (OR: 1,73; IC95:1,17;2,56), obesidade (OR: 1,51; IC95: 1,05;2,17), doença cardiovascular crônica (OR: 1,65; IC95: 1,14;2,38) e a raça/cor não branca (OR: 1,29; IC95: 1,00;1,66) associaram-se de forma independente e significante ao óbito. Conclusões: conclui-se que o estado vacinal, presença de comorbidades e características clínicas e étnico-raciais estão associadas ao óbito por COVID-19 em gestantes hospitalizadas em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva no Brasil.

Substantial Diversity in Cocirculating Omicron Lineages in Hospital Setting, Porto Alegre, Brazil.

We describe substantial variant diversity among 23 detected SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lineage viruses cocirculating among healthcare workers and inpatients (272 sequenced samples) from Porto Alegre, Brazil, during November 2022-January 2023. BQ.1 and related lineages (61.4%) were most common, followed by BE.9 (19.1%), first described in November 2022 in the Amazon region.

Sistema de vigilância da síndrome respiratória aguda grave: avaliação das informações para a decisão-ação na pandemia Covid-19 / Severe acute respiratory syndrome surveillance system: assessment of information for decision-action in the Covid-19 pandemic

Resumo: avaliar os atributos qualidade dos dados, oportunidade e utilidade do sistema de vigilância de Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave (SRAG) na composição da tríade "informação-decisão-ação" para o enfrentamento da pandemia COVID-19 no Paraná, 2020-2021. Método: estudo de avaliação, que seguiu diretrizes do Guia do Centro de Controle de Doenças dos Estados Unidos, com uso de dados do Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe (SIVEP-Gripe) de casos de SRAG hospitalizados e óbitos, notificados entre 2020-2021 no Paraná, Brasil, e dos atributos de qualidade dos dados: completitude, duplicidades, inconsistência. Oportunidade: de atendimento, notificação, coleta de amostra, emissão do laudo do exame, digitação e encerramento. Utilidade: foi considerado útil caso fosse capaz de cumprir os objetivos do sistema por meio da análise dos indicadores epidemiológicos para subsidiar a tomada de decisão. Resultados: do total de 209.597 notificações de SRAG no Paraná, 2020-2021, identificou-se um percentual de duplicidades de 4,6% (n=10.122), considerado baixo. Após suas exclusões, restaram 199.525 notificações, grau de consistência excelente (98,3%). A média geral de completitude dos grupos de variáveis foi regular (77,06%), boa para conclusão do caso (94,2%), com necessidade de melhorar a qualidade de preenchimento de variáveis importantes para a análise de desigualdades como raça-cor/etnia e escolaridade. A média dos indicadores de oportunidade foi satisfatória (81,3%); emissão do laudo do exame oportuna (97,0%), coleta de amostra oportuna (96,7%); e encerramento oportuno do caso (86,7%). O sistema de vigilância foi classificado como de utilidade satisfatória por ter sido capaz de cumprir os objetivos preconizados no monitoramento dos vírus respiratórios; descrever a situação epidemiológica pelo padrão de morbimortalidade, identificar tendências ao longo do tempo, especificar grupos de risco, vulnerabilidades e desigualdades. Além disso, foi possível realizar o resgate histórico da vigilância de Síndrome Gripal (SG) e SRAG no Estado do Paraná e identificar as fortalezas e fragilidades do sistema de informação. Os resultados evidenciaram a importância do SIVEP-Gripe como único sistema disponível no país para internações de casos graves de síndromes respiratórias, a utilidade dos dados abertos e sua consolidação no fortalecimento do Sistema Único de Saúde. Conclusões: o SIVEP-gripe possui boa qualidade dos dados, é considerado oportuno e útil, dada a sua capacidade de descrever o perfil epidemiológico da SRAG por COVID-19, analisar tendências, riscos e vulnerabilidades, fornecendo informação para auxiliar o monitoramento situacional e subsidiar a gestão na tomada de decisão. Os achados deste estudo contribuem para fortalecer o sistema de vigilância das SRAG como ferramenta de gestão e instrumento de defesa do SUS. A experiência da pandemia evidenciou a centralidade da vigilância epidemiológica para a operacionalização dos princípios e diretrizes do SUS e a importância do enfermeiro no suporte técnico à gestão estadual na produção de conhecimento baseado em evidências. Recomenda-se investimentos para o aperfeiçoamento do sistema e implementação de estratégias de educação permanente para a qualificação e divulgação oportuna dos dados.

Abstract: to evaluate the attributes data quality, timeliness and usefulness of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) surveillance system in the composition of the "information-decision-action" triad to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Paraná, 2020-2021. Method: evaluation study in which guidelines from the United States Center for Disease Control Guide were followed, using data from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Gripe) of hospitalized SARS cases and deaths, reported between 2020-2021 in Paraná, Brazil, and data quality attributes: completeness, duplication, inconsistency. Timeliness: service, notification, sample collection, issuance of the exam report, typing and case closure. Usefulness: it was considered useful if it was capable of meeting the objectives of the system through the analysis of epidemiological indicators to support decision-making. Results: Of the total of 209,597 SARS notifications in Paraná, 2020-2021, a percentage of duplicates of 4.6% (n=10,122) was identified, considered low. After their exclusions, 199,525 notifications remained, an excellent level of consistency (98.3%). The general average of completeness of the groups of variables was regular (77.06%), good for concluding the case (94.2%) although the quality of completing important variables needs to be improved for the analysis of inequalities such as race-color/ ethnicity and education. The average of timeliness indicators was satisfactory (81.3%); timely examination report issuance (97.0%), timely sample collection (96.7%) and timely case closure (86.7%). The surveillance system was classified as having satisfactory usefulness as it was capable to meet the objectives recommended for monitoring respiratory viroses; describe the epidemiological situation by morbidity and mortality patterns, identify trends over time, specify risk groups, vulnerabilities and inequalities. Furthermore, it was possible to carry out a historical review of Flu Syndrome and SARS surveillance in the state of Paraná and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the information system. The results highlighted the importance of SIVEP-Gripe as the only system available in the country for hospitalizations of severe cases of respiratory syndromes, the usefulness of open data and their consolidation in strengthening the Unified Health System. Conclusions: the SIVEP-gripe has good data quality, is timely and useful, given its ability to describe the epidemiological profile of SARS-related COVID-19 by analyzing trends, risks and vulnerabilities, providing information to assist situational monitoring and support management in decision making. The findings of this study contribute to strengthen the SARS surveillance system as a management tool and defense instrument for the SUS. The pandemic experience highlighted the centrality of epidemiological surveillance for the operationalization of SUS principles and guidelines, and the importance of nurses in technical support for state management in the production of evidence-based knowledge. Investments to improve the system and implement continuing education strategies for the qualification and timely dissemination of data are recommended.

Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory characteristics of cases of Covid-19-related maternal near miss and death at referral units in northeastern Brazil: a cohort study.

Objective: Covid-19 poses a major risk during pregnancy and postpartum, resulting in an increase in maternal mortality worldwide, including in Brazil; however, little research has been conducted into cases of a near miss. This study aimed to describe the frequency of COVID-19-related near miss and deaths during pregnancy or in the postpartum in referral centers in northeastern Brazil, as well as the clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory characteristics of the women who experienced a severe maternal outcome.Methods: A retrospective and prospective cohort study was performed between April 2020 and June 2021 with hospitalized pregnant and postpartum women with a diagnosis of COVID-19 confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Data from five tertiary hospitals in northeastern Brazil were evaluated. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info, version 7.2.5.0.Results: A total of 463 patients were included. Of these, 64 (14% of the sample) had a severe maternal outcome, with 42 cases of near miss (9%) and 22 maternal deaths (5%). Patients who had a severe maternal outcome were predominantly young (median age 30 years) and 65.6% were black or brown-skinned. The women had between 6 and 16 years of schooling; 45.3% had a stable partner; 81.3% were pregnant at the time of admission to the study; and 76.6% required a Cesarean section. The great majority (82.8%) had severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Other complications included hypertensive syndromes (40.6%), pneumonia (37.5%), urinary tract infections (29.7%), acute renal failure (25.0%) and postpartum hemorrhage (21.9%). Sepsis developed in 18.8% of cases, neurological dysfunction in 15.6%, and hepatic dysfunction and septic shock in 14.1% of cases each. The relative frequency of admission to an intensive care unit was 87.5%, while 67.2% of the patients required assisted mechanical ventilation, and 54.7% required noninvasive ventilation. Antibiotics were prescribed in 93.8% of cases and corticosteroids in 71.9%, while blood transfusion was required in 25.0% of cases and renal replacement therapy in 15.6%. Therapeutic anticoagulants were administered to 12.5% of the patients. Of the patients who had a severe maternal outcome, the frequency of respiratory dysfunction was 93.8%, with 50.0% developing neurological dysfunction and 37.5% cardiovascular dysfunction. Hematological dysfunction was found in 29.7%, renal dysfunction in 18.8%, and uterine dysfunction in 14.1%. Hepatic dysfunction occurred in 7.8% of the sample. The near-miss ratio for Covid-19 was 1.6/1000 live births and the maternal mortality ratio for Covid-19 was 84.8/100,000 live births, with a mortality index of 34.4% in the sample.Conclusion: This study revealed a low Covid-19-related maternal near miss (MNM) ratio of 1.6/1000 live births and a high Covid-19-related maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 84.81/100,000 live births. The mortality index was also high. Most of the patients were admitted while pregnant, were young, married and black or brown-skinned, and none had completed university education. The majority had SARS and required admission to an intensive care unit and mechanical ventilation. Most were submitted to a Cesarean section.

Clinical Characterization of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Adults: A Neglected Disease?

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRIs) are a significant cause of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) across all age groups, especially in children under 9 years of age, and adults over 75. The main causative agents are viruses, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Viral LRIs in adults have historically received less attention. This study investigated the incidence of RSV and influenza in adult patients admitted to a referral hospital, as well as the clinical profile of these infections. Molecular testing was conducted on nasopharyngeal samples taken from a respiratory surveillance cohort comprising adult (15-59 years) and elderly (60+ years) hospitalized patients who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2, to determine the prevalence for influenza and RSV. Influenza was found to be less frequent among the elderly. The main symptoms of RSV infections were cough, fever, dyspnea, malaise, and respiratory distress, while headache, nasal congestion, a sore throat, and myalgia were most frequent in influenza. Elderly patients with RSV were not found to have more severe illness than adults under age 60, underscoring the importance of providing the same care to adults with this viral infection.

Clinical and sociodemographic aspects of cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome in southern Brazil / Aspectos clínicos e sociodemográficos dos casos de Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave no sul do Brasil / Aspectos clínicos y sociodemográficos de casos de Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Severo en el sur de Brasil

Background and objectives: to compare the clinical and sociodemographic aspects of individuals with SARS reported in the countryside of Rio Grande do Sul in 2020 and 2021. Methods: a cross-sectional study, from March 2020 to October 2021. Clinical and sociodemographic variables of individuals with SARS symptoms were analyzed, compared through descriptive, univariate analyses, according to the year of reporting. Results: a total of 4,710 cases of SARS were reported; 53.4% were SARS related to COVID-19 in 2020 and 87.5% in 2021 (p<0.001). Comparing 2020 and 2021, the sociodemographic profile changed in terms of age group, skin color and education (p<0.001). Regarding clinical aspects, there was a reduction in prevalence of pre-existing health conditions, except obesity, changes in reported signs and symptoms and reduction in hospital and Intensive Care Unit admissions. Conclusion: the changes in the profile may reflect the effect of the different variants and the start of immunization for SARS-CoV-2.(AU)

Justificativa e objetivos: comparar, entre os anos de 2020 e 2021, os aspectos clínicos e sociodemográficos dos indivíduos com Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave (SRAG) notificados em uma região de saúde do interior do Rio Grande do Sul. Métodos: estudo transversal descritivo, realizado de março de 2020 a outubro de 2021. Foram analisadas variáveis clínicas e sociodemográficas de indivíduos com sintomas de SRAG, comparadas através de análises descritivas, univariadas, conforme o ano de notificação. Resultados: foram notificados 4.710 casos com SRAG; 53,4% foram SRAG relacionados à COVID-19 em 2020 e, 87,5%, em 2021 (p<0,001). Comparando os anos 2020 e 2021, o perfil sociodemográfico modificou quanto faixa etária, cor da pele e escolaridade (p<0,001). Quanto aos aspectos clínicos, houve redução da prevalência de condições de saúde preexistente, exceto obesidade, alterações nos sinais e sintomas relatados e diminuição de internações hospitalares e na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Conclusão: as mudanças no perfil podem refletir o efeito das diferentes variantes e o início da imunização para SARS-CoV-2.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: comparar los aspectos clínicos y sociodemográficos de individuos con SARS notificados en el interior de Rio Grande do Sul en los años 2020 y 2021. Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal, realizado de marzo de 2020 a octubre de 2021. Se analizaron variables clínicas y sociodemográficas de individuos con síntomas de SARS, comparadas mediante análisis descriptivos univariados, según el año de notificación. Resultados: se notificaron 4.710 casos de SARS; el 53,4% fueron SARS relacionados con COVID-19 en 2020 y el 87,5% en 2021 (p<0,001). Comparando los años 2020 y 2021, el perfil sociodemográfico cambió en cuanto a grupo de edad, color de piel y escolaridad (p<0,001). En cuanto a los aspectos clínicos, hubo reducción en la prevalencia de condiciones de salud preexistentes, excepto obesidad, cambios en los signos y síntomas reportados y reducción en los ingresos hospitalarios y en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos. Conclusión: los cambios en el perfil pueden reflejar el efecto de las diferentes variantes y el inicio de la inmunización para el SARS-CoV-2.(AU)

Postoperative complications and predictors of mortality in patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data about the perioperative outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients that needed emergency general surgery. The aim of the present study was to describe the perioperative outcomes and mortality of patients with COVID-19 who underwent emergency surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODs: Retrospective study of COVID-19 patients symptomatic versus asymptomatic from March 2020 to February 2022 that needed an emergency surgery in a national referral hospital. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were included in this study. Patients with symptomatic COVID-19 have higher ICU admissions and prolonged length of stay (LOS) as compared with asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. The 90-day survival probability of the entire cohort was 70.1% (60.3-79.9) and was significantly lower in patients with COVID-19 symptomatic 63.4% (50.5-76.2). The cut-off preoperative values for the prediction of mortality: Ferritin ≥ 438.5 ng/mL (Area under the curve [AUC] = 0.908), C-reactive protein (CRP) ≥ 12.5 mg/dL (AUC = 0.715), leukocyte ≥ 13.8 × 103/mL (AUC = 0.706), and albumin ≤ 2.78 g/dL (AUC = 704). Furthermore, a cut-off value of CRP of ≥ 12.5 mg/dL yielded an accuracy of 82.9% for the prediction of postoperative complications (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with symptomatic COVID-19 who needed emergency surgery have higher ICU admissions, prolonged LOS, and decreased 90-day survival as compared with asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. Preoperative ferritin, CRP, leukocytes, and albumin could be used as predictors of mortality.

ANTECEDENTES: Hay datos limitados sobre los pacientes con COVID-19 que necesitaron cirugía de emergencia. El objetivo del presente estudio fue describir los resultados perioperatorios y la mortalidad de pacientes con COVID-19 que se sometieron a cirugía de emergencia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con COVID-19 sintomáticos vs. asintomáticos de marzo 2020 a febrero 2022 que requirieron cirugía de emergencia en un Hospital de Referencia Nacional. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 44 pacientes. Los pacientes con COVID-19 sintomático tienen más admisiones en la UCI y estancia hospitalaria prolongada en comparación con los pacientes con COVID-19 asintomático. La supervivencia a 90 días de la cohorte fue del 70,1% (60,3-79,9) y fue menor en los pacientes con COVID-19 sintomáticos del 63.4% (50.5-76.2). Los valores preoperatorios para la predicción de mortalidad: ferritina ≥ 438.5 ng/mL (AUC = 0.908), PCR ≥ 12.5 mg/dL (AUC = 0.715), leucocitos ≥ 13.8 × 103/mL (AUC = 0.706) y albúmina ≤ 2.78 g/dl (AUC = 704). La PCR de ≥ 12.5 mg/dL tiene una precisión del 82.9% para la predicción de complicaciones posoperatorias (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIÓN: Los pacientes con COVID-19 sintomático tienen más admisiones en la UCI, estancia hospitalaria prolongada y menor supervivencia en comparación con los pacientes con COVID-19 asintomáticos. La ferritina, PCR, leucocitos y albúmina preoperatoria pueden utilizarse como predictores de mortalidad.