A critical analysis of the effect of OM-85 for the prevention of recurrent respiratory tract infections or wheezing/asthma from systematic reviews with meta-analysis.

Acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are one of the most common causes of pediatric consultations/hospitalizations and a major trigger for asthma exacerbations. Some consensus statements have recommended the use of immunostimulants to boost natural defenses against severe or repeated infections. One of the most common immunostimulants is OM-85; while several randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have evaluated its efficacy in preventing acute RTIs and wheezing/asthma exacerbations, results have been conflicting. Similarly, various systematic reviews with meta-analyses (SRMs) on OM-85 have used different strategies, populations, and outcomes; moreover, SRM conclusions are limited when the original studies are highly heterogeneous or have a low quality, hindering the generalizability of the findings. Here we summarize the evidence on the effect of OM-85 to prevent acute RTIs, wheezing/asthma episodes, or loss of asthma control in children, by including and critically evaluating all SRMs published to date. We searched for SRMs on OM-85 in three publication databases and found nine SRMs (seven for RTI, and two for wheezing/asthma). Among those, one had a high confidence evaluation of quality (AMSTAR-2 tool) and found a reduction in the total number of acute RTIs among the OM-85 group. Overall, no strong recommendations can be derived from the existing literature, mainly due to the high heterogeneity among included RCTs and SRMs. Further, large, high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm the true efficacy of OM-85 for the prevention of acute RTIs, asthma development, and asthma exacerbations.

Economic burden of respiratory syncytial virus disease in Latin America: A systematic review.

This Systematic Review assesses the economic impact of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in relation to healthcare resource utilization and associated costs. We searched online databases from January 2012 to November 2022 to identify eligible publications. We identified 12 publications that reported direct costs, indirect costs, and resources associated with RSV and its complications. The primary direct medical resources reported were medical services, diagnostics tests and procedures, and length of stay (LOS). Direct total costs per patient ranged widely from $563 to $19,076. Direct costs are, on average, 98% higher than indirect costs. Brazil reported a higher total cost per patient than Colombia, El Salvador, México, Panamá, and Puerto Rico, while for indirect costs per patient, El Salvador and Panamá had higher costs than Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico. The mean LOS in the general ward due to RSV was 6.9 days (range 4 to 20 days) and the mean Intensive Care Unit LOS was 9.1 days (range 4 to 16 days). In many countries of the LAC region, RSV represents a considerable economic burden on health systems, but significant evidence gaps were identified in the region. More rigorous health economic studies are essential to better understand this burden and to promote effective healthcare through an informed decision-making process. Vaccination against RSV plays a critical role in mitigating this burden and should be a priority in public health strategies.

Manifestaciones clínicas y radiológicas de la Aspergilosis Pulmonar: Informe de tres casos / Pulmonary aspergillosis, an approach to clinical and radiological manifestations. Report of three cases

RESUMEN La aspergilosis pulmonar, causada por el hongo oportunista Aspergillus, afecta principalmente a individuos inmunocomprometidos. Este reporte presenta tres casos: Una mujer de 18 años con leucemia aguda desarrolló dificultad respiratoria y patrones bilaterales de "árbol en brote" en la tomografía computarizada (TC). A pesar del tratamiento con voriconazol, falleció debido a insuficiencia respiratoria. Una mujer de 58 años con diabetes y EPOC presentó disnea y hemoptisis. Las imágenes revelaron una lesión cavitada, confirmando un aspergiloma. Se consideró la cirugía debido a la hemoptisis activa. Una mujer de 41 años con antecedentes de tuberculosis presentó fiebre y síntomas respiratorios. La TC mostró lesiones cavitadas y bronquiectasias, confirmando aspergilosis crónica. Respondió bien al voriconazol. Estos casos destacan la variabilidad en la aspergilosis pulmonar y subrayan la importancia de un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos para mejorar los resultados en los pacientes.

ABSTRACT Pulmonary aspergillosis, caused by the opportunistic fungus Aspergillus, primarily affects immunocompromised individuals. This report presents three cases: An 18-year-old female with acute leukemia developed respiratory distress and bilateral "tree-in-bud" patterns on CT. Despite voriconazole treatment, she succumbed to respiratory failure. A 58-year-old female with diabetes and COPD had dyspnea and hemoptysis. Imaging revealed a cavitated lesion, confirming aspergilloma. Surgery was considered due to active hemoptysis. A 41-year-old female with a history of tuberculosis presented with fever and respiratory symptoms. CT showed cavitated lesions and bronchiectasis, confirming chronic aspergillosis. She responded well to voriconazole. These cases highlight the variability in pulmonary aspergillosis and underscore the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment to improve patient outcomes.

Vitamin A Positively Correlates with Secretory Immunoglobulin A: A Cross-Sectional Study in Omicron COVID-19 Outpatients.

Background: Respiratory tract infections remain among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of mucosal immunity in defending against infectious agents. Vitamin A is known to influence the production of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) predominantly in the gut, where it is a critical component of the first line of defense on mucosal surfaces. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted 14 days post-positive COVID-19 diagnosis, aimed to determine the relationship between the nutritional status of vitamin A and SIgA levels in COVID-19 outpatients. Serum and saliva samples were collected. Vitamin A nutritional status was determined based on the assessment of dietary intake and the analysis of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4). SIgA levels were analyzed from salivary samples. In addition, serum antibodies were analyzed. Results: Dietary vitamin A intake and RBP4 levels positively correlated with SIgA. Patients with higher vitamin A intake showed higher SIgA/IgG1 and SIgA/IgG3 ratios, while those with higher RBP4 levels showed higher SIgA/IgM, SIgA/IgG1, and SIgA/IgG2 ratios. Conclusions: These findings underscore a significant correlation between vitamin A nutritional status and SIgA levels in COVID-19 outpatients, which may suggest the potential importance of maintaining optimal vitamin A levels for the prevention of viral infections.

Characteristics of endemic human coronavirus infections during times of COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: After the implementation of mitigation strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of respiratory viruses, including human coronaviruses (HCoV), experienced a significant decrease. The aim of this study is to characterize the epidemiology and clinical aspects of HCoV infections in ambulatory adults during COVID-19 pandemic times. METHODS: descriptive, prospective, longitudinal study performed in a private hospital in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina between November 2020 and October 2022; 458 outpatient adults with upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) were studied undergoing clinical and microbiological follow-up. RESULTS: 44 (9.6%) subjects were positive by multiplex PCR for HCoV. 14 of them for 229E (31.8%), 13 for OC43 (29.5%), 11 for HKU-1 (25.1%) and 6 for NL63 (13.6%). A repeated PCR was positive for the same HCoV in 19 (57%) of 33 patients on day 3-5. No hospitalizations or deaths were reported. DISCUSSION: Endemic HCoV caused a significant proportion of URTI among outpatient adults during COVID-19-related restrictions times. An alternating pattern of circulation between alfa-HCoV and beta-HCoV was observed.

Introducción: Tras la implementación de estrategias de mitigación durante la pandemia de COVID-19, la incidencia de virus respiratorios, incluyendo los coronavirus humanos (HCoV), disminuyó significativamente. El objetivo de este estudio es caracterizar la epidemiología y los aspectos clínicos de las infecciones por HCoV en adultos ambulatorios durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, longitudinal, realizado en un hospital privado de La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina, entre noviembre de 2020 y octubre de 2022. Se estudiaron 458 pacientes adultos ambulatorios con infecciones del tracto respiratorio superior (ITRS) bajo seguimiento clínico y microbiológico. Resultados: 44 (9.6%) sujetos fueron positivos por PCR multiplex para HCoV. Se detectaron 14 229E (31.8%), 13 OC43 (29.5%), 11 HKU-1 (25.1%) y 6 NL63 (13.6%). Una segunda PCR fue positiva para el mismo HCoV en 19 (57 %) de 33 pacientes en los días 3-5. No se reportaron hospitalizaciones ni muertes. Discusión: los HCoV endémicos causaron una proporción significativa de ITRS entre pacientes adultos ambulatorios durante los tiempos de restricciones relacionados con COVID-19. Se observó un patrón alternante de circulación entre alfa-HCoV y beta-HCoV.

Characteristics of endemic human Coronavirus infections during times of COVID-19 pandemic / Características de las infecciones causadas por Corona virus humanos endémicos durante la pandemia COVID-19

Abstract Introduction : After the implementation of mitigation strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of respiratory viruses, including human coronaviruses (HCoV), experienced a significant decrease. The aim of this study is to characterize the epidemiology and clinical aspects of HCoV infections in ambulatory adults during COVID-19 pandemic times. Methods : descriptive, prospective, longitudinal study performed in a private hospital in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina between November 2020 and October 2022; 458 outpatient adults with upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) were studied undergoing clinical and microbiological follow-up. Results : 44 (9.6%) subjects were positive by multiplex PCR for HCoV. 14 of them for 229E (31.8%), 13 for OC43 (29.5%), 11 for HKU-1 (25.1%) and 6 for NL63 (13.6%). A repeated PCR was positive for the same HCoV in 19 (57%) of 33 patients on day 3-5. No hospitalizations or deaths were reported. Discussion : Endemic HCoV caused a significant pro portion of URTI among outpatient adults during COVID- 19-related restrictions times. An alternating pattern of circulation between alfa-HCoV and beta-HCoV was observed.

Resumen Introducción : Tras la implementación de estrate gias de mitigación durante la pandemia de COVID-19, la incidencia de virus respiratorios, incluyendo los coronavirus humanos (HCoV), disminuyó significati vamente. El objetivo de este estudio es caracterizar la epidemiología y los aspectos clínicos de las infecciones por HCoV en adultos ambulatorios durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos : estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, longitudi nal, realizado en un hospital privado de La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina, entre noviembre de 2020 y octubre de 2022. Se estudiaron 458 pacientes adultos ambulatorios con infecciones del tracto respiratorio superior (ITRS) bajo seguimiento clínico y microbiológico. Resultados : 44 (9.6%) sujetos fueron positivos por PCR multiplex para HCoV. Se detectaron 14 229E (31.8%), 13 OC43 (29.5%), 11 HKU-1 (25.1%) y 6 NL63 (13.6%). Una segunda PCR fue positiva para el mismo HCoV en 19 (57 %) de 33 pacientes en los días 3-5. No se reportaron hospitalizaciones ni muertes. Discusión : los HCoV endémicos causaron una pro porción significativa de ITRS entre pacientes adultos ambulatorios durante los tiempos de restricciones rela cionados con COVID-19. Se observó un patrón alternante de circulación entre alfa-HCoV y beta-HCoV.

Multidrug stewardship and adherence to guidelines in >200,000 direct-to-consumer Telemedicine encounters

ABSTRACT Objective: The quality of care and safety for Telemedicine-discharged patients with suspected respiratory infections are closely related to low rates of prescriptions of unjustified and high-risk medications. This retrospective study aimed to assess adherence to the current COVID-19 guidelines in direct-to-consumer telemedicine encounters at a large center using multidrug stewardship protocols. Methods: A quarterly electronic survey utilizing medical records of individual physician care assessed various quality indicators. Physicians received ongoing adaptive feedback based on personal metrics, with Telemedicine Center recommendations derived from the 2020 Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines. The study included all consecutive adults with new respiratory symptoms in the last 14 days who sought spontaneous Telemedicine consultations between March 2020 and August 2021. This study analyzed patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and other airway infections. Results: Of the 221,128 evaluated patients, 42,042 (19%) had confirmed COVID-19; 104,021 (47%) were suspected to have COVID-19; and, 75,065 (33%) had other diagnoses. Patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 had a mean (+DP) age of 35±12 years. A total of 125,107 (85.65%) patients were managed at home, 2,552 (1.74%) were referred for non-urgent in-office reassessment, and 17,185 (11.7%) were referred to the emergency department for whom there was no further treatment recommendation. The antibiotic rate in confirmed or suspected COVID-19 cases was 0.46%/0.65% and that for non-evidence-based prescriptions was 0.01%/0.005%. Conclusion: Guideline training and Telemedicine consultation feedback may lead to lower antibiotic and antimicrobial prescriptions in suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases. Multidrug stewardship protocols may improve guideline adherence and reinforce the quality of care and safety in Telemedicine encounters.

Waiting for the next winter. Outpatient pediatric visits for respiratory infections before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Buenos Aires.

INTRODUCTION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, pediatric visits due to acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) decreased, but most reports are from hospitalized patients. There is little information on this phenomenon in outpatients, who are the majority in ALRI. We evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on ALRI-related outpatient visits in the City of Buenos Aires. METHODS: Observational study including all outpatient visits of children under 2 years of age to the public health system of the City of Buenos Aires, between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022. We analyzed the total number of visits and the ALRI-related visits, and their distribution throughout the study period. RESULTS: A total of 704,426 visits were registered, 7.38% of them due to ALRI. ALRI-related visits decreased from the implementation of a national lockdown (2020) and increased again as the restriction measures decreased, particularly the return to full school attendance (2021). In general, the proportion of ALRI-related visits was significantly higher in the cold months than in the warm ones (9.8% vs. 5.5%; odds ratio: 1.76, 95% confidence interval: 1.73-1.79; p < .001). This difference was observed before (2018 and 2019) and after the pandemic (2022), but not in 2020-2021. The peak of ALRI-related visits occurred in the cold months in pre-pandemic years (2018-2019), did not appear in 2020, reappeared delayed in 2021, and recovered seasonality in 2022. CONCLUSION: Outpatient ALRI-related visits decreased significantly in the city of Buenos Aires during the COVID-19 pandemic and currently seem to have recovered their magnitude and seasonality.

Evolución clínico funcional de pacientes con fibrosis quística tratados con lumacaftor/ivacaftor en un centro pediátrico. Serie de casos / Clinical and functional course of patients with cystic fibrosis treated with lumacaftor/ivacaftor at a children's hospital. A case series

Los moduladores de la proteína reguladora transmembrana de fibrosis quística (CFTR) tratan el defecto de esta proteína. El objetivo es describir la evolución de niños con fibrosis quística tratados con lumacaftor/ivacaftor. Se trata de una serie de 13 pacientes de 6 a 18 años con ≥ 6 meses de tratamiento. Se analizaron el volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo (VEF1), puntaje Z del índice de masa corporal (IMC), antibioticoterapia/año, antes del tratamiento y durante 24 meses posteriores. A los 12 meses (9/13) y 24 meses (5/13), la mediana de cambio del porcentaje del predicho VEF1 (ppVEF1) fue de 0,5 pp [-2-12] y 15 pp [8,7-15,2], y del puntaje Z de IMC de 0,32 puntos [-0,2-0,5] y 1,23 puntos [0,3-1,6]. El primer año (11/13) la mediana de días de uso de antibiótico disminuyó de 57 a 28 (oral) y de 27 a 0 (intravenoso). Dos niños evidenciaron eventos adversos asociados.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) modulators treat defective CFTR protein. Our objective is to describe the course of children with cystic fibrosis treated with lumacaftor/ivacaftor. This is a case series of 13 patients aged 6 to 18 years with ≥ 6 months of treatment. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), body mass index (BMI) Z-score, antibiotic therapy/year, before treatment and for 24 months after treatment were analyzed. At 12 months (9/13) and 24 months (5/13), the median change in the percent predicted FEV1 (ppFEV1) was 0.5 pp (-2­12) and 15 pp (8.7­15.2) and the BMI Z-score was 0.32 points (-0.2­0.5) and 1.23 points (0.3­1.6). In the first year, in 11/13 patients, the median number of days of antibiotic use decreased from 57 to 28 (oral) and from 27 to 0 (intravenous). Two children had associated adverse events.

Infectious disease evaluations in a psychiatric unit, an observational study / Visitas infectológicas a una unidad psiquiátrica, un estudio observacional

Patients in adult psychiatric wards present infectious complications or pathologies that mimic an infectious condition, and there is little information on this subject. OBJECTIVES: To know the frequency and infectious and non-infectious complications treated by infectious disease specialists in a psychiatric intensive-care hospitalization unit for adults and their outcomes. METHODS: Observational study between 2016 and 2021. RESULTS: 37 patients with 41 events were evaluated. Almost half of the visits to these events originated from an antimicrobial stewardship program (46.3%). In 68.3% of the events, complementary studies were requested; in 14.6%, referral to other specialties; in 26.8%, an antimicrobial treatment was started; and in 75%, modifications were made to previous schemes. An infectious cause was identified in 30 of 41 events (73.2%) that included the following conditions: respiratory (31.7%), skin (9.8%), urinary (7.3%), gynecological (2.4%), one case of bacteremia with unknown source (2.4%), sequential infections (4.9%) and HIV therapy dropouts (7.3%). In the 11 remaining events, non-infectious causes were identified (26.8%): pulmonary thromboembolism, drug hepatotoxicity, false positive VDRL and HIV tests, steroid-induced psychosis in an HIV patient with thrombocytopenia, fever without etiology, residual positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, low O2 pulse oximetry due to oversedation and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in psychiatric hospitalization wards suffer from a great diversity of infectious problems during their stay with conditions that simulate infections. An antibiotic surveillance system can detect half of these conditions. The infectious diseases visits allow for advising or reorienting of the study and modifying the antibiotic treatment.

Los pacientes en salas de hospitalización psiquiátricas de adultos presentan complicaciones infecciosas o patologías que simulan un cuadro infeccioso y existe escasa información sobre este tema. OBJETIVOS: Conocer la frecuencia y tipo de complicaciones infecciosas y no infecciosas atendidas por especialistas de infectología en un Servicio de hospitalización psiquiátrica de cuidados intensivos de adultos y sus desenlaces. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional entre el 2016 y 2021. RESULTADOS: Se visitaron 37 paciente con 41 eventos. Casi la mitad de las visitas en estos eventos se originó por seguimiento de antimicrobianos (46,3%). En el 68,3% de los eventos se solicitaron estudios complementarios, en 14,6% la opinión de otras especialidades, en 26,8% se inició un tratamiento antimicrobiano y en 75% se hicieron modificaciones a esquemas previos. En 30 de 41 eventos se identificó una causa infecciosa (73,2%) que incluyeron las siguientes condiciones: respiratorias (31,7%), cutáneas (9,8%), urinarias (7,3%), ginecológicas (2,4%), bacteremia sin foco (2,4%), infecciones secuenciales (4,9%) y abandonos de terapia en pacientes VIH (7,3%). En los 11 eventos restantes se identificaron causas no infecciosas (26,8%): tromboembolismo pulmonar, hepatotoxicidad por drogas, test VDRL y VIH falsos positivos, psicosis por esteroides en un paciente VIH con trombocitopenia, fiebre sin etiología, PCR SARS-CoV-2 positiva residual, desaturación de O2 por sedación y síndrome neuroléptico maligno. No hubo mortalidad en esta serie. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes en salas de hospitalización psiquiátrica sufren de una gran diversidad de problemas infecciosos durante su estadía junto a cuadros que simulan infecciones. Un sistema de vigilancia antibiótica permite detectar la mitad de estas condiciones. Las visitas infectológicas permiten asesorar o reorientar el estudio y modificar el tratamiento antibiótico.

[Circulation dynamics of respiratory syncytial virus and its relationship with ambient temperature. 25-year series in Buenos Aires] / Dinámica de circulación de virus sincicial respiratorio y su relación con la temperatura ambiental. Serie de 25 años en Buenos Aires.

Objective: To evaluate changes in RSV seasonality in the last 25 years and their correlation with the mean annual temperature. Methods: Cross-sectional study, based on RSV and temperature data from the City of Buenos Aires (1995-2019). For each year, we describe the beginning, end, and duration of the RSV season and the correlation with the mean annual temperature. Results: We identified 10,183 RSV infections. The duration of the RSV season decreased significantly (1995: 29 weeks vs. 2019: 18 weeks; R: 0.6 (p< 0.001)), due to an earlier ending (1995: week 45 vs. 2019: week 34; 0.6 (p<0.001)). No correlation was observed between mean annual temperature and the duration, start, or end of the RSV season. Conclusion: In the last 25 years, the duration of the RSV season has been significantly shortened due to an earlier ending, without correlation with temperature.

Introducción: El cambio climático global podría alterar la circulación del virus sincicial respiratorio (VSR). Objetivo: Evaluar modificaciones en la circulación de VSR en los últimos 25 años y su correlación con la temperatura ambiente. Métodos: Estudio transversal, utilizando registros de VSR y temperatura de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (1995-2019). Para cada año, describimos inicio, fin y duración de la temporada de VSR y evaluamos su correlación con la temperatura media anual. Resultados: Se identificaron 10183 infecciones por VSR. La duración de la temporada disminuyó significativamente (1995: 29 semanas vs. 2019: 18 semanas; R: 0.6 (p< 0,001)), debido a una finalización más precoz (1995: semana 45 vs. 2019: semana 34; 0,6 (p<0,001)). No se observó correlación entre temperatura media anual y duración, comienzo ni finalización de la temporada de VSR. Conclusión: En los últimos 25 años, la duración de la temporada de VSR se acortó significativamente, sin correlación con la temperatura.

Síndrome de Sweet posinfeccioso

El síndrome de Sweet es un tipo de dermatosis neutrofílica infrecuente, caracterizado por un cuadro febril agudo con aparición de lesiones en piel tipo pápulas y placas eritematosas y dolorosas, con neutrofilia periférica acompañante, que mejora con el uso de corticoides. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 22 años, con vitíligo como enfermedad de base, que acude por un cuadro de 1 semana de evolución de sensación febril no graduada y aparición insidiosa de lesiones en piel foto expuesta. Se realizó estudios laboratoriales e histopatológicos llegando al diagnóstico de síndrome de Sweet. Con los resultados de los estudios paraclínicos se inició tratamiento con corticoides sistémicos y tópicos con excelente respuesta.

Sweet syndrome is a rare type of neutrophilic dermatosis, characterized by an acute febrile picture with the appearance of painful erythematous papules and plaques on the skin, with accompanying peripheral neutrophilia, which improves with the use of corticosteroids. The case of a 22-year-old patient, with vitiligo as the underlying disease, is presented. She attended for a 1-week history of ungraded feverish sensation and insidious appearance of lesions on photo-exposed skin. Laboratory and histopathological studies were carried out, leading to the diagnosis of Sweet syndrome. With the results of the paraclinical studies, treatment with systemic and topical corticosteroids was started with an excellent response.

High Incidence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Children with Community-Acquired Pneumonia from a City in the Brazilian Pre-Amazon Region.

INTRODUCTION: Although fewer children have been affected by the severe form of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) continues to be the leading global cause of child hospitalizations and deaths. AIM: This study investigated the incidence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as well its subtypes (RSV A and B), adenovirus (ADV), rhinovirus (HRV), metapneumovirus (HMPV), coronavirus (NL63, OC43, 229E and HKU1), parainfluenza virus subtypes (PI1, PI2 and PI3), bocavirus and influenza A and B viruses (FluA and FluB) in children diagnosed with CAP during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A total of 200 children with clinically confirmed CAP were initially recruited, of whom 107 had negative qPCR results for SARS-CoV-2 and were included in this study. Viral subtypes were identified using a real-time polymerase chain reaction in the nasopharyngeal swab samples. RESULTS: Viruses were identified in 69.2% of the patients. RSV infections were the most frequently identified (65.4%), with type RSV B being the most prevalent (63.5%). In addition, HCoV 229E and HRV were detected in 6.5% and 3.7% of the patients, respectively. RSV type B was associated with severe acute respiratory infection (ARI) and a younger age (less than 24 months). CONCLUSIONS: New strategies for preventing and treating viral respiratory infections, particularly RSV infections, are necessary.

Rinovirus y metapneumovirus en pacientes con infección respiratoria aguda grave / Rhinovirus and metapneumovirus in patients with severe acute respiratory infection

Introducción. Los virus son los principales agentes etiológicos en las infecciones respiratorias agudas graves; un alto porcentaje queda sin diagnóstico viral. Objetivo. Describir la frecuencia de rinovirus y metapneumovirus en pacientes pediátricos de una unidad centinela de Mar del Plata con infección respiratoria aguda grave y resultado negativo para virus clásicos por inmunofluorescencia y biología molecular. Población y métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se evaluó la presencia de rinovirus y metapneumovirus por biología molecular en 163 casos negativos para panel respiratorio por técnicas de vigilancia referencial, durante todo el año 2015. Resultados. Se detectó rinovirus en el 51,5 % de los casos, metapneumovirus en el 9,8 % y coinfección rinovirus-metapneumovirus en el 6,1 %. Fueron negativos para ambos virus el 32,5 %. Conclusiones. La selección de muestras sin diagnóstico virológico permitió identificar rinovirus y metapneumovirus como agentes causales de infecciones respiratorias agudas graves pediátricas y su impacto en la morbimortalidad infantil y en nuestro sistema sanitario.

Introduction. Viruses are the main etiologic agents involved in severe acute respiratory tract infections; a viral diagnosis is not established in a high percentage of cases. Objective. To describe the frequency of rhinovirus and metapneumovirus in pediatric patients with severe acute respiratory infection and negative results for typical viruses by immunofluorescence and molecular biology at a sentinel unit of Mar del Plata. Population and methods. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The presence of rhinovirus and metapneumovirus was assessed by molecular biology in 163 cases negative for respiratory panel by referral surveillance techniques throughout 2015. Results. Rhinovirus was detected in 51.5% of cases, metapneumovirus in 9.8%, and coinfection with rhinovirus and metapneumovirus in 6.1%. Results were negative for both viruses in 32.5%. Conclusions. The selection of samples without a viral diagnosis allowed us to identify rhinovirus and metapneumovirus as causative agents of severe acute respiratory infections in children and assess their impact on child morbidity and mortality and on our health care system

Molecular detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in respiratory samples from hospitalized children / [Detección molecular de Mycoplasma pneumoniae en muestras respiratorias de niños hospitalizados.]

Introduction: It is currently reported that Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection can occur at a young age. Objective: Describe the findings of the molecular detection of MP in respiratory secretions of patients who required hospitalization due to acute respiratory infection, in a pediatric hospital. Population and methods: Data collection was performed by reviewing medical records and statistical correlation using the chi-square test. 919 patients from one month to fourteen years and eleven months of age who required hospitalization for acute respiratory infection were included. The frequency by age and sex of the isolation of MP was analyzed together with other respiratory pathogens. Results: Mycoplasma pneumoniae was the most frequently detected microorganism (30%), followed by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (25.1%). Age and sex did not behave as a predictor of detection for MP. In 47.3% of the patients, MP was isolated together with another pathogen, the most prevalent was RSV 31.3%. Regarding the diagnoses at discharge of the group of patients with isolation of MP and a another microorganism, 50.8% had bronchiolitis, and in the group of patients with identification only of MP this percentage was 32.4%. The difference in the distributions was statistically significant (p <0.05). Conclusion: We conclude that Mycoplasma pneumoniae detection is frequent in our environment and occurs in a significant number of cases together with another respiratory pathogen. These findings should prompt further study to determine their clinical relevance.

Introducción: Actualmente se encuentra reportado que la infección por Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) puede darse en edades tempranas de la vida. Objetivo: Describir los hallazgos de la detección molecular de MP en secreciones respiratorias de pacientes que requirieron internación por infección respiratoria aguda, en un hospital pediátrico. Población y métodos: La recolección de datos se realizó mediante revisión de historias clínicas y la correlación estadística mediante test de chi-cuadrado. Se incluyeron 919 pacientes de un mes a catorce años y once meses de edad que requirieron internación por infección respiratoria aguda. Se analizó frecuencia por edad y sexo del asilamiento de MP conjuntamente con otros patógenos respiratorios. Resultados: MP fue el microorganismo más frecuentemente detectado (30 %), seguido del Virus Respiratorio Sincitial (VRS) (25.1 %). La edad y el sexo no se comportaron como predictor de la detección para MP. En un 47.3 % de los pacientes se aisló MP conjuntamente con otro patógeno, el más prevalente fue el VRS 31.3 %. En cuanto a los diagnósticos al egreso del grupo de pacientes con aislamiento de MP más otro microorganismo, el 50.8 % presentaron bronquiolitis, y en el grupo de pacientes con identificación solo de MP este porcentaje fue de 32.4 %. La diferencia de las distribuciones fue estadísticamente significativa (p<0.05). Conclusión: Concluimos que la detección MP es frecuente en nuestro medio y se presenta en un número importante de casos conjuntamente con otro patógeno respiratorio. Estos hallazgos deberían impulsar a continuar el estudio para determinar la relevancia clínica de los mismos.

Acute respiratory health effects of air pollution on consultations in children under 2 years old / [Impacto de la contaminación ambiental en las consultas por enfermedad respiratoria en niños menores de 2 años.]

Introduction: Air pollution would increase the risk of severe infection repiratory in pediatrics. Research Sources: Environmental Protection Agency, National Meteorological. Service and Integral Health History of the Hospital Management System. Population: Patients under 2 years old who consulted for severe infection repiratory in effectors of Buenos Aires City Government and lived commune with continuous environmental monitoring during 2018. Predictors were daily levels of air pollutants (carbon monoxide, nitrous dioxide, particulate matter < 10 µ). Pollutants were measured at three monitoring stations. Temporal variables (media temperature), sex and effector were controlled. Result Variable: Total numbers of visits and total numbers of visits for severe infection respiratory. To select in the data base the visits to analyze an operative definition was made. Objective: Review impact of air pollution visits for severe infection repiratory in effectors of Buenos Aires City Government. Method: Ecologic research, time-series. Results: 80.287 visits were registered, 24.847 for severe infection respiratory (30%). The visits for severe infection respiratory had positive correlation in Cordoba station with N2O (RR: 1,13 [1,00-1,28]). The numbers of visits for severe infection respiratory was higher during cold months than warm months. (19,9% vs 11,9%; RR:1,67 [1,61-1,72]). Conclusion: average values of PM10 and N2O show correlation with the numbers of total visits and visits for severe infection respiratory. The visits increase during winter.

Introducción: La contaminación del aire incrementaría el riesgo de infección respiratoria aguda (IRA) en pediatría. Objetivo: evaluar el impacto de la contaminación del aire en las consultas por IRA realizadas en efectores del Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Método: Estudio ecológico, de series temporales. Fuentes de información: Agencia de Protección Ambiental, Servicio Meteorológico Nacional e Historia de Salud Integral del Sistema de Gestión Hospitalaria. Población: Pacientes menores de 2 años que consultaron por IRA a un efector del GCBA y que residían en una comuna con monitoreo ambiental continuo, durante el 2018. Variables de predicción: Niveles diarios de CO, NO2, PM10 de las estaciones de monitoreo ambiental continuo de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Variables de resultado: número de consultas totales y por IRA. Variables a controlar: efector, sexo y temperatura media. Se construyó una definición operativa para seleccionar en la base de datos a las consultas objeto de estudio. Resultados: Se registraron 80.287 consultas, 24.847 por IRA (30%). Las consultas por IRA tuvieron correlación positiva en la estación "Córdoba" con el N2O (RR: 1,13 [1,00-1,28]). El número de consultas por IRA en los meses fríos fue mayor que en los cálidos (19,9% vs 11,9%; RR:1,67 [1,61-1,72]). Conclusión: Los valores promedios de PM10 y N2O muestran correlación con el número de las consultas totales y por infección respiratoria aguda, respectivamente. Las consultas se incrementaron durante el invierno.

Cost of lost productivity from acute respiratory infections in South America.

Objectives: To estimate the burden of permanent productivity losses caused by acute respiratory infections in South American countries in 2019. Methods: Mortality data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 were analyzed to estimate the burden of disease attributable to acute respiratory infections. An approach based on the human capital method was used to estimate the cost of permanent productivity losses associated with respiratory diseases. To calculate this cost, the sum of the years of productive life lost for each death was multiplied by the proportion in the workforce and the employment rate, and then by the annual minimum wage or purchasing power parity in United States dollars (US$) for each country in the economically active age groups. Separate calculations were done for men and women. Results: The total number of deaths from acute respiratory infections in 2019 was 30 684 and the years of productive life lost were 465 211 years. The total cost of permanent productivity loss was about US$ 835 million based on annual minimum wage and US$ 2 billion in purchasing power parity, representing 0.024% of the region's gross domestic product. The cost per death was US$ 33 226. The cost of productivity losses differed substantially between countries and by sex. Conclusion: Acute respiratory infections impose a significant economic burden on South America in terms of health and productivity. Characterization of the economic costs of these infections can support governments in the allocation of resources to develop policies and interventions to reduce the burden of acute respiratory infections.

Clinical and functional course of patients with cystic fibrosis treated with lumacaftor/ivacaftor at a children's hospital. A case series. / Evolución clínico funcional de pacientes con fibrosis quística tratados con lumacaftor/ivacaftor en un centro pediátrico. Serie de casos.

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) modulators treat defective CFTR protein. Our objective is to describe the course of children with cystic fibrosis treated with lumacaftor/ivacaftor. This is a case series of 13 patients aged 6 to 18 years with ≥ 6 months of treatment. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), body mass index (BMI) Z-score, antibiotic therapy/year, before treatment and for 24 months after treatment were analyzed. At 12 months (9/13) and 24 months (5/13), the median change in the percent predicted FEV1 (ppFEV1) was 0.5 pp (-2-12) and 15 pp (8.7-15.2) and the BMI Z-score was 0.32 points (-0.2-0.5) and 1.23 points (0.3-1.6). In the first year, in 11/13 patients, the median number of days of antibiotic use decreased from 57 to 28 (oral) and from 27 to 0 (intravenous). Two children had associated adverse events.

Los moduladores de la proteína reguladora transmembrana de fibrosis quística (CFTR) tratan el defecto de esta proteína. El objetivo es describir la evolución de niños con fibrosis quística tratados con lumacaftor/ivacaftor. Se trata de una serie de 13 pacientes de 6 a 18 años con ≥ 6 meses de tratamiento. Se analizaron el volumen espiratorio forzado en el primer segundo (VEF1), puntaje Z del índice de masa corporal (IMC), antibioticoterapia/año, antes del tratamiento y durante 24 meses posteriores. A los 12 meses (9/13) y 24 meses (5/13), la mediana de cambio del porcentaje del predicho VEF1 (ppVEF1) fue de 0,5 pp [-2-12] y 15 pp [8,7-15,2], y del puntaje Z de IMC de 0,32 puntos [-0,2-0,5] y 1,23 puntos [0,3-1,6]. El primer año (11/13) la mediana de días de uso de antibiótico disminuyó de 57 a 28 (oral) y de 27 a 0 (intravenoso). Dos niños evidenciaron eventos adversos asociados.

Influencia de la obesidad en la severidad de la infección por SARS-CoV-2

La obesidad es una enfermedad metabólica crónica asociada a un incremento de la morbimortalidad cuya prevalencia se ha incrementado a niveles pandémicos lo que la constituye como un factor de riesgo clínico típico de peor pronóstico en pacientes con COVID-19. El propósito de esta revisión fue categorizar los principales factores fisiopatológicos que influyen en la gravedad de COVID-19 en pacientes con obesidad, mediante la búsqueda sistemática de artículos publicados hasta el 11 de marzo de 2022 usando diferentes bases de datos (Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed, Web of Science y Medline). Los resultados indican que la presencia de angiotensina II permite el ingreso del virus SARS-CoV-2 en las células del tejido adiposo convirtiéndolo en un depósito importante del virus lo que causa una diseminación más rápida a órganos vecinos. Estos valores incrementados de angiotensina II en el pulmón pueden inducir a vasoconstricción que a su vez conduce a un desajuste de ventilación/perfusión e hipoxemia, así como a inflamación y daño oxidativo. El incremento de la angiotensina II en pacientes con obesidad puede exacerbar el aumento del nivel de angiotensina II inducido por COVID-19, lo que lleva a una lesión pulmonar más grave, además de la formación de microcoágulos que colapsan la irrigación a nivel capilar, sobre todo la del alveolo, causando fallo a este nivel con extravasación de líquidos y neumonía fulminante. Además, la obesidad produce una alteración del sistema inmune comprometiendo así su capacidad de respuesta ante la infección respiratoria y propiciando un empeoramiento de la enfermedad.

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disease associated with increased morbidity and mortality whose prevalence has increased to pandemic levels, making it a typical clinical risk factor for worse prognosis in patients with COVID-19. The purpose of this review was to categorize the main pathophysiological factors that influence the severity of COVID-19 in patients with obesity, through a systematic search for articles published up to March 11, 2022 using different databases (Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed, Web of Science and Medline). The results indicate that the presence of angiotensin II allows the SARS-CoV-2 virus to enter the adipose tissue cells, making it an important reservoir for the virus, which causes faster dissemination to neighboring organs. These increased values of angiotensin II in the lung can induce vasoconstriction which in turn leads to ventilation/perfusion mismatch and hypoxemia, as well as inflammation and oxidative damage. The increase in angiotensin II in the obese can exacerbate the increase in the level of angiotensin II induced by COVID-19, leading to more severe lung injury, in addition to the formation of microclots that collapse the irrigation at the capillary level, especially in the alveolus, causing failure at this level with fluid extravasation and fulminant pneumonia. In addition, obesity produces an alteration of the immune system, thus compromising its ability to respond to respiratory infection and leading to a worsening of the disease.

High altitude pulmonary edema at 2640 m altitude associated with an acute Rhinovirus infection. First case in the literature.

High altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) is a multifactorial condition that may occur after ascent of high altitudes, especially in genetic predisposed individuals. Diagnosis is challenging and could lead to potentially lethal complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We present one of the few reported cases of HAPE below 3000 m of altitude, and the first to our knowledge to present with a concomitant acute Rhinovirus infection, precipitating and complicating the diagnosis and clinical course. Clinical manifestations, treatment, and outcomes are shown below.