Consultas tardías en los servicios de emergencias pediátricas durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en Uruguay, entre el 13 de marzo y el 29 de julio de 2020

En diciembre de 2019, en Wuhan, China, se detectaron los primeros casos de SARS-CoV-2. En Uruguay, desde el 16 de marzo de 2020 se suspendieron las actividades de enseñanza, deportivas y espectáculos públicos. Varios países reportaron una marcada disminución de las visitas a urgencias. Algunos niños presentaron enfermedades ocasionales o descompensaciones de enfermedades crónicas, consultando en forma tardía con el riesgo que ello implica. El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una descripción de las consultas tardías durante la pandemia. Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico y descriptivo entre el 13 de marzo y el 29 de julio de 2020. Se definió consulta tardía como los ingresos por injurias agudas con más de 6 horas de evolución, fiebre mayor a 72 horas de evolución, dificultad respiratoria con más de 12 horas de evolución, síntomas agudos, como dolor abdominal, de más de 24 horas de evolución, síntomas de más de 12 horas de evolución en niños con enfermedades crónicas que determinaron descompensación e ingreso. Se incluyeron 27 centros. Se registraron un total de 34.260 consultas en urgencia, se incluyeron 189 niños para el estudio. El promedio de edad fue de 6 años; 17 pacientes requirieron ingreso a unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). Predominó la apendicitis entre los diagnósticos al alta. Esta investigación puso en evidencia la existencia de consultas tardías en nuestro país. Esto contribuye a ponderar el impacto negativo de la pandemia en la población pediátrica.

Summary: In December 2019, the first cases of SARS-CoV-2 were detected in Wuhan. In Uruguay, since March 16, teaching, sports and public entertainment activities were suspended. Several countries reported a marked decrease in emergency room visits. Some children presented occasional illnesses or decompensations from chronic illnesses, consulting late with the risk that this implies. The objective of the work is to make a description of late consultations during the pandemic. A multicenter and descriptive study was carried out between March 13 and July 29, 2020. "Late consultation" was defined as admissions for: Acute injuries with more than 6 hours of evolution, fever greater than 72 hours of evolution, difficulty respiratory disease with more than 12 hours of evolution, acute symptoms such as abdominal pain of more than 24 hours of evolution, symptoms of more than 12 hours of evolution in children with chronic diseases that determined decompensation and admission. 27 centers were included. A total of 34260 emergency consultations were registered, 189 children were included for the study. The average age was 6 years. 17 patients required admission to the ICU. Appendicitis predominated among the diagnoses at discharge. This research revealed the existence of late consultations in our country. This helps to weigh the negative impact of the pandemic on the pediatric population.

Em dezembro de 2019, em Wuhan, foram detectados os primeiros casos de SARS-CoV-2. No Uruguai, desde 16 de março, as atividades de ensino, esporte e entretenimento público foram suspensas. Vários países relataram uma diminuição acentuada nas visitas ao pronto-socorro. Algumas crianças apresentavam doenças ocasionais ou descompensações de doenças crônicas, consultando tardiamente os riscos que isso implica. O objetivo do trabalho é fazer uma descrição das consultas tardias durante a pandemia. Um estudo multicêntrico e descritivo foi realizado entre 13 de março e 29 de julho de 2020. Consulta tardia foi definida como internações por: Lesões agudas com mais de 6 horas de evolução, febre maior que 72 horas de evolução, dificuldade respiratória com mais de 12 horas de evolução, sintomas agudos como dor abdominal com mais de 24 horas de evolução, sintomas com mais de 12 horas de evolução em crianças com doenças crônicas que determinaram descompensação e internação. 26 centros foram incluídos. Um total de 34.260 consultas de emergência foram registradas, 189 crianças foram incluídas no estudo. A idade média era de 6 anos. 17 pacientes necessitaram de internação na UTI. Apendicite predominou entre os diagnósticos na alta. Esta pesquisa revelou a existência de consultas tardias em nosso país. Isso ajuda a pesar o impacto negativo da pandemia na população pediátrica.

Situación actual de la sífilis congénita en el departamento de Paysandú, años 2015-2019 / Congenital syphilis in Paysandú Department at present (2015-2019) / Situação atual da sífilis congênita no departamento de Paysandú (2015-2019)

Resumen: Introducción: la sífilis es una enfermedad de transmisión sexual, evitable y curable que se transmite al feto. Aunque el tratamiento materno es de fácil realización y bajo costo, Uruguay persiste con dificultades en el control y eliminación de la sífilis congénita (SC). Objetivos: describir la incidencia de casos de SC en el departamento de Paysandú, durante el período comprendido entre el 1/1/2015 y el 31/7/2019. Describir características epidemiológicas y clínicas de las embarazadas y sus recién nacidos (RN) con diagnóstico de SC. Metodología: estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo. Los datos se obtuvieron de auditorías, historias clínicas de internación y policlínicas. Se definió caso de SC según la Organización Panamericana de la Salud y se utilizaron los cuatro escenarios de SC propuestos por el Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Resultados: se registraron 30 RN con SC o probabilidad de SC. Veintisiete del subsector público y tres del privado. Casi la mitad fue producto de embarazos mal o no controlados. El 37% de las madres eran consumidoras de drogas, incluso en el embarazo, y en 73% se desconocía o no se había realizado estudio o tratamiento a la pareja sexual. Conclusiones: la mayor incidencia de SC se observa en el subsector público. La mayoría de los casos están relacionados a embarazos de captación tardía, mal controlados o sin controles, y a madres consumidoras de sustancias psicoactivas. El tratamiento de los contactos es un problema sin resolver. Para alcanzar el objetivo sanitario, debemos hacer hincapié en la planificación, control y seguimiento del embarazo, así como en el diagnóstico precoz y en el tratamiento oportuno de esta infección.

Summary: Introduction: syphilis is a preventable and curable sexually transmitted disease, transmitted to the fetus. Although maternal treatment is easy to perform and has a low cost, Uruguay still has difficulties to control and eliminate congenital syphilis (CS). Objectives: describe the incidence of CS in Paysandú Department between 01/01/2015 and 07/31/2019. Describe epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pregnant women and their NB diagnosed with CS. Metodology: descriptive and retrospective study. The data were obtained from audits, hospitalization and clinical medical records. The CS case was defined according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the 4 CS scenarios were described by the Centers of Design Control and Prevention (CDC). Results: there were 30 cases of CS and/or probability of CS in newborns. 27 were assisted in the Public Sector and 3 to the Private one. Almost half of them were the result of lately controlled or uncontrolled pregnancies. 37% of the mothers were illegal drug users, even during pregnancy, and in 73% cases no testing and/or treatment had been performed on their sexual partners. Conclusions: the highest prevalence of CS is observed in the public subsector. Most cases were the result of lately or poorly controlled or uncontrolled pregnancies, and came from mothers who had consumed psychoactive substances. The treatment of contacts is still an unresolved problem in the public subsector. To achieve the health objective, we must emphasize the planning, control and monitoring of pregnancies, as well as the early diagnosis and timely treatment of this infection.

Resumo: Introdução: a sífilis é uma doença sexualmente transmissível, evitável e curável, que é transmitida ao feto. Embora o tratamento materno seja fácil de realizar e de baixo custo, o Uruguai ainda tem dificuldades em controlar e eliminar a sífilis congênita (SC). Objetivos: descrever a incidência de SC no departamento de Paysandú entre 01/01/2015 e 31/07/2019. Descrever características epidemiológicas e clínicas de gestantes e seus recém-nascidos diagnosticados com SC. Metodologia: estudo descritivo e retrospectivo. Os dados foram obtidos em auditorias, internações e prontuários clínicos. O caso de SC foi definido de acordo com a Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde (OPAS) e os quatro cenários de SC descritos pelos Centros de Controle e Prevenção de Projeto (CDC). Resultados: houve 30 casos de SC e/ou probabilidade de SC em recém-nascidos. 27 foram atendidos no setor público e 3 no privado. Quase metade deles foram o resultado de gravidezes tardiamente controladas ou não controladas. 37% das mães eram usuárias de drogas ilegais, mesmo durante a gravidez e em 73% dos casos nenhum teste e/ou tratamento foi realizado nos seus parceiros sexuais. Conclusões: a maior prevalência de SC é observada no subsetor público. A maioria dos casos foi resultado de gravidez mal controlada, controlada tardiamente ou não controlada e veio de mães que consumiram substâncias psicoativas. O tratamento dos contatos ainda é um problema não resolvido no setor público. Para atingir o objetivo de saúde, devemos enfatizar o planejamento, controle e monitoramento das gestações, assim como o diagnóstico precoce e o tratamento oportuno dessa infecção.

Estudio clínico epidemiológico de varicela en niños en el departamento de paysandú: año 2013 / Clinical-epidemiological study of varicella in children in the department of paysandú in 2013

Introducción: a pesar de la vacunación universal antivaricela al año de vida (1999), en nuestro país persisten brotes de varicela modificada. Objetivos: 1) Realizar una descripción clínico epidemiológica de un número inusualmente alto de casos de varicela en menores de 15 años en todos los centros educativos del departamento de Paysandú, Uruguay, durante un período de ocho meses. 2) Comparar las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los infectados. Material y método: estudio descriptivo, observacional, retrospectivo de casos de varicela en menores de 15 años, informados en los centros educativos de Paysandú, entre marzo y octubre del 2013. Resultados: se detectaron 151 casos. El 97% ocurrió en niños vacunados. La edad media fue de 7,4 años. No hubo casos graves. El mayor número de lesiones se asoció a mayor edad y mayor persistencia de la fiebre (p<0,05). La frecuencia de complicaciones fue baja (4%). Provocó 995 días de ausentismo escolar. El 4% tuvo contacto con un familiar que presentaba factores de riesgo de varicela grave. Solo un tercio de los casos fueron denunciados al Ministerio de Salud Pública (MSP). Conclusiones: más del 80% de los casos se produjeron en mayores de 5 años. La sintomatología fue más intensa y provocó mayor ausentismo en mayores de 10 años. No hubo casos graves, pero sí contacto con familiares que presentaban factores de riesgo de varicela grave. La baja tasa de denuncia al MSP puede subestimar las cifras oficiales sanitarias. Una segunda dosis podría ser útil en disminuir la carga de enfermedad en los brotes de niños vacunados, estando esta medida en concordancia con la conducta que se tomó en el 2014 por parte de las autoridades sanitarias de incorporar al esquema obligatorio de vacunación la segunda dosis a los 5 años de edad.

Introduction: in spite of the universal varicella vaccination at one year of age (1999), there are still modified varicella outbreaks in our country. Objectives: 1) To perform a clinical-epidemiological description of an unusually high number of cases of varicella in children under 15 years old in all educational centers of the Department of Paysandú, Uruguay, during an eight month period. 2) To compare the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of infected children. Method: descriptive, observational and retrospective study of varicella cases in children under 15 years old, reported in the educational centers of Paysandú, from March through October, 2013. Results: 151 cases were identified. Ninety seven per cent occurred in vaccinated children. Average age was 7.4 years old. There were no severe cases. The largest number of lesions was associated to older patients and a higher persistence of temperature (p<0,05). Frequency of complications was low (4%). It was responsible for 995 days of school absenteeism. Four per cent of them were in contact with relatives who presented risk factors for severe varicella. Only one third of cases were reported to the Ministry of Public Health. Conclusions: over 80% of cases occurred in children older than 5 years old. Symptoms were more intense and caused greater absenteeism in children older than 10 years old. There were non-severe cases, although they were in contact with relatives who presented risk factors for severe varicella. Low reporting rates to the Ministry of Health may underestimate the official health figures. A second dose could be useful to reduce the burden of disease in the outbreaks of vaccinated children, this measure agreeing with the decision made in 2014 by the health authorities, when they included the second dose upon 5 years of age in the mandatory vaccination program.

Introdução: apesar da vacinação universal antivaricela no primeiro ano de vida ser obrigatória desde 1999, persistem no nosso país surtos de varicela modificada. Objetivos: 1) Realizar uma descrição clínico epidemiológica de um número excepcionalmente alto de casos de varicela em menores de 15 anos em todos os centros educativos do departamento de Paysandú, Uruguai, durante um período de oito meses. 2) Comparar as características clínicas e epidemiológicas dos infectados. Material e métodos: estudo descritivo, observacional, retrospectivo de casos de varicela em menores de 15 anos, informados nos centros educativos de Paysandú, entre março e outubro de 2013. Resultados: 151 casos foram detectados sendo 97% em crianças vacinadas. A idade media foi 7,4 anos. Não foram registrados casos graves. Um número maior de lesões esteve associado a maior idade e maior persistência de febre (p<0,05). A frequência de complicações foi baixa (4%). Foram registrados 995 dias de absenteísmo escolar por esta causa. 4% das crianças teve contacto com um familiar que apresentava fatores de risco de varicela grave. Somente um terço dos casos foi notificado ao Ministério de Saúde Pública (MSP). Conclusões: mais de 80% dos casos foram observados em crianças maiores de cinco anos. A sintomatologia foi mais intensa e causou maior absenteísmo em crianças maiores de 10 anos. Não foram registrados casos graves, porém em alguns casos houve contacto com familiares que apresentavam fatores de risco de varicela grave. A baixa taxa de notificação ao MSP pode subestimar as taxas oficiais sanitárias. Uma segunda dose poderia ser útil para diminuir a carga da doença em surtos em crianças vacinadas; esta medida está alinhada com a decisão tomada em 2014 pelas autoridades sanitárias de incorporar ao esquema obrigatório de vacinação a segunda dose aos 5 anos de idade.

Vdelta1 T lymphocytes from B-CLL patients recognize ULBP3 expressed on leukemic B cells and up-regulated by trans-retinoic acid.

We analyzed 38 untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia of B-cell type (B-CLL): 24 low-, 8 intermediate-, and 6 high-risk stage. In 15 patients (13 low risk and 2 intermediate risk), circulating Vdelta1 T lymphocytes were significantly increased (100 to 300 cells/muL) compared with most intermediate, all high-risk stage, and 15 healthy donors (50 to 100 cells/muL). We studied these Vdelta1 T lymphocytes and observed that they proliferated in vitro and produced tumor necrosis factor alpha or IFN-gamma in response to autologous leukemic B cells but not to normal lymphocytes. However, they were unable to kill resting autologous B cells, which lack the MHC-related MIC-A antigen and express low levels of the UL16-binding protein (ULBP) 3 and undetectable levels of ULBP1, ULBP2, and ULBP4. All these molecules are reported ligands for the NKG2D receptor, which is expressed by gammadelta T cells and activates their cytolytic function. The Vdelta1 T lymphocytes studied were able to lyse the ULBP3(+) C1R B-cell line upon transfection with MIC-A. More importantly, they also lysed autologous B-CLL cells when transcription and expression of MIC-A or up-regulation of ULBP3 were achieved either by activation or by exposure to trans-retinoic acid. The NKG2D receptor expressed on Vdelta1 T cells was involved in the recognition of B-CLL. Finally, in six patients with low numbers of circulating Vdelta1 T cells and undetectable ULBP3, the disease progressed over 1 year, whereas no progression occurred in patients with high Vdelta1 T lymphocytes and detectable/inducible ULBP3. These data suggest that Vdelta1 T lymphocytes may play a role in limiting the progression of B-CLL.

Combination of liposomal daunorubicin (DaunoXome), fludarabine, and cytarabine (FLAD) in patients with poor-risk acute leukemia.

Sixty-two patients with high-risk acute leukemia were treated with the FLAD regimen [3 days of treatment with fludarabine 30 mg/m(2), cytarabine (AraC) 2 g/m(2), and liposomal daunorubicin 80 mg/m(2)]. The acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients were either refractory to standard induction regimens (8), were in first or second relapse (13), or received therapy as first-line treatment [21 patients, 16 were above 60 years of age and 5 had post-myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) AML]. The acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients were treated for relapsed (7) or refractory disease (10). Three patients had chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in the blastic phase. FLAD was well tolerated by most patients. Ten major infectious complications were recorded while no signs of cardiac toxicity were observed. Five patients (8%) died before day 28 with hypocellular marrow, mainly of infection or hemorrhage, and response could not be evaluated. Complete response rate was 62% and 69% among AML patients treated at diagnosis or for relapsed disease, respectively, and 59% among the ALL patients. Furthermore, FLAD managed to overcome the negative impact of poor prognosis karyotype in ALL patients, since five of the seven patients with t(9;22) or complex karyotype achieved complete remission (CR). Nine patients underwent bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Among the AML patients who were treated at diagnosis or for relapse, the median duration of CR was 7 months (range: 2-18) and 8 months (range: 2-26), respectively. Median survival among these patients was 8 (range: 1-40) and 12 (range: 1-30) months, respectively. Similar values were found in ALL patients. In conclusion, FLAD may be an effective alternative treatment for patients with relapsed AML and for patients with ALL who failed first-line therapy.

Quality of life and brain function following high-dose recombinant human erythropoietin in low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: In this prospective study we evaluate the effects of high-dose recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) on quality of life (QOL) and brain function in patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) (<10% marrow blasts). Preliminary data are reported. METHODS: Eleven consecutive patients were given rHuEPO (40,000 IU two times a week) for 12 wk. Responsive patients continued with 40,000 IU/wk for further 12 wk. Changes in QOL were assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Anemia (FACT-An) self-report. Neurophysiological evaluation at the start of the therapy (t0) included duplex scanning of neck vessels, transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD), a complex neuropsychological evaluation, and quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG). Eight patients completed the neurophysiological evaluation after 24 wk (t1). RESULTS: Six patients (55%) achieved an erythroid response after 12 wk, which was maintained after 24 wk of treatment. FACT-An score showed a relevant improvement between t0 and t1 in these patients. At baseline, TCD showed a mean cerebral blood flow (CBF) velocity in the upper normal range. Abnormalities in brain function were observed in five patients. In the eight patients who were re-evaluated at t1, improvement was observed in three responding patients, two of them with abnormal values at t0. A strict correlation between QOL and neurophysiological improvements was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: A high-dose induction phase with rHuEPO followed by maintenance therapy may be an effective therapeutic schedule for low-risk MDS patients. The erythroid response was associated with positive changes in the QOL. Neurophysiological improvements occurred only in a part (50%) of responding patients, mainly those who showed altered results at baseline.