Mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19 durante la primera ola en una institución de tercer nivel de Neuquén / Mortality in Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 during the First Wave in a Tertiary Care Institution in Neuquén

Introducción: En diciembre de 2019, se detectó un brote de enfermedad por un nuevo coronavirus que evolucionó en pandemia con severa morbilidad respiratoria y mortali- dad. Los sistemas sanitarios debieron enfrentar una cantidad inesperada de pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria. En Argentina, las medidas de cuarentena y control sani - tario retrasaron el primer pico de la pandemia y ofrecieron tiempo para preparar el sis- tema de salud con infraestructura, personal y protocolos basados en la mejor evidencia disponible en el momento. En una institución de tercer nivel de Neuquén, Argentina, se desarrolló un protocolo de atención para enfrentar la pandemia adaptado con la evo- lución de la mejor evidencia y evaluaciones periódicas de la mortalidad hospitalaria. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte observacional para evaluar la evolución de pacientes con COVID-19 con los protocolos asistenciales por la mortalidad hospitalaria global y al día 28 en la Clínica Pasteur de Neuquén en 2020. Resultados: Este informe describe los 501 pacientes diagnosticados hasta el 31 de di- ciembre de 2020. La mortalidad general fue del 16,6% (83/501) y del 12,2% (61/501) al día 28 de admisión. En los 139 (27,7%) pacientes con ventilación mecánica, la mortali- dad general y a los 28 días fue de 37,4% (52/139) y 28,1% (38/139) fallecieron, respec- tivamente. Los factores de riesgo identificados fueron edad, comorbilidades y altos re- querimientos de oxígeno al ingreso. Conclusión: La mortalidad observada en los pacientes hospitalizados en nuestra insti- tución en la primera ola de la pandemia COVID-19 fue similar a los informes internacio- nales y menor que la publicada en Argentina para el mismo período.

Introduction: In December 2019, an outbreak of disease due to a new coronavirus was detected that evolved into a pandemic with severe respiratory morbidity and mortality. Health systems had to face an unexpected number of patients with respiratory failure. In Argentina, quarantine and health control measures delayed the first peak of the pan - demic and offered time to prepare the health system with infrastructure, personnel and protocols based on the best evidence available at the time. In a third level institution of Neuquén, Argentina, a care protocol was developed to confront the pandemic adapted by evolving best evidence and periodic evaluations of hospital mortality. Methods: Observational cohort study to evaluate the evolution of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 with care protocols in terms of overall hospital mortality and at day 28 at the Pasteur Clinic in Neuquén in 2020. Results: This report describes the 501 patients diagnosed until December 31, 2020. Mortality was 16.6% (83/501) and 12.2% (61/501) on day 28 of admission. Among the 139 (27.7%) patients with mechanical ventilation, overall mortality and at 28 days it was 37.4% (52/139) and 28.1% (38/139), respectively. The risk factors identified were age, comorbidities and high oxygen requirements on admission. Conclusion: The mortality observed in patients hospitalized in our institution during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic was similar to international reports and lower than other publications in Argentina for the same period.

Patrón de neumonía organizativa en TC de tórax: prevalencia y asociación con resultados clínicos en una cohorte de pacientes con COVID-19 grave/crítico / Organizing Pneumonia Pattern on Chest CT: Prevalence and Association with Clinical Outcomes in a Cohort of Patients with Severe/Critical COVID-19

Introducción: La neumonía por COVID-19 puede presentarse con dos patrones radio-lógicos: daño alveolar difuso o neumonía organizativa. Estos patrones tienen diferente evolución y pronóstico en pacientes sin infección por COVID-19. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la prevalencia del patrón radiológico de neumonía organizativa y su asociación con los desenlaces clínicos.Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo que incluyó a pacientes adultos hospitalizados por COVID-19 grave/crítica a los que se les realizó una tomografía computarizada de tórax en los 21 días posteriores al diagnóstico. Los patrones radiológicos fueron revisados y clasificados por dos radiólogos expertos. Resultados: De los 80 pacientes incluidos, el 89% (n=71) presentaron un patrón compatible con neumonía organizativa. Los principales hallazgos radiológicos fueron la distribución multilobar (98,7%) y bilateral (97,6%) con opacidades en vidrio esmerilado (97,6%). El 44% (n=33) de los sujetos requirió ingreso en cuidados intensivos, de los cuales el 24% (n=19) recibió ventilación mecánica. La presencia de neumonía organizativa se asoció de forma independiente con una disminución de las probabilidades de ventilación mecánica o muerte (Odds ratio 0,14; intervalo de confianza del 95%: 0,02 - 0,96; valor de p 0,045) en un modelo multivariado que incluía la edad, el sexo, el IMC y la afectación pulmonar en la TC.Conclusiones: Un patrón radiológico de neumonía organizativa es altamente prevalen-te en pacientes con COVID-19 grave/crítico y se asocia con mejores resultados clínico

Introduction: COVID-19 pneumonia can present with two distinct radiologic patterns: diffuse alveolar damage or organizing pneumonia. These patterns have been linked to different outcomes in non-COVID-19 settings. We sought to assess the prevalence of organizing pneumonia radiologic pattern and its association with clinical outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study including adult patients hospita- lized for severe/critical COVID-19 who underwent chest computed tomography within 21 days of diagnosis. Radiologic patterns were reviewed and classified by two expert radiologists. Results: Among 80 patients included, 89% (n=71) presented a pattern consistent with organizing pneumonia. The main radiologic findings were multilobar (98.7%) and bilateral (97.6%) distribution with ground glass opacities (97.6%). Intensive care admission was required for 44% (n=33) of subjects, of which 24% (n=19) received mechanical ventilation. The presence of organizing pneumonia was independently associated with a decreased odds of mechanical ventilation or death (Odds ratio 0.14; 95% confidence interval 0.02 - 0.96; p value 0.045) in a multivariate model including age, gender, BMI and lung involvement on CT. Conclusion: A radiologic pattern of organizing pneumonia is highly prevalent in patients with severe/critical COVID-19 and is associated with improved clinical outcomes.

Factores pronósticos de mortalidad a 30 días en neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 / Prognostic Factors for 30-day Mortality in SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia

Introducción: SARS-CoV-2 ha causado millones de muertes a nivel global desde su primer caso reportado en China. En Guatemala existen pocos estudios que describan los factores pronósticos. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar los factores asociados de mortalidad a 30 días en pacientes con neumonía (Nm) por SARS-CoV-2 y construir un modelo predictor. Material y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en 144 sujetos en el Hospital Roosevelt de marzo a diciembre 2020 con criterios de Nm por SARS-CoV-2. Se revisó el expediente médico para datos clínicos y de laboratorio desde ingreso hasta alta hospitalaria o muerte. Resultados: Se evaluaron 105 hombres y 39 mujeres con media de edad 53 años. El 47% tenía comorbilidades como diabetes mellitus 2 e hipertensión arterial sistémica. Promedio de días de hospitalización: 13. Cuadros leves a moderados de Síndrome de Distrés Respiratorio Agudo (SDRA): 92%. Se indicó ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) a 46 pacientes. La mortalidad general fue 35%. Factores asociados a mortalidad a 30 días: edad ≥50 años, inicio de síntomas ≥7 días, SDRA severo, radio NL >4,4, recibir VMI, alteración en LDH y procalcitonina. Nuestro modelo mostró que los mejores predictores de mortalidad eran alteración en procalcitonina (OR: 4,45), recibir VMI (OR: 112) y días de estancia hospitalaria (OR: 1,12) con precisión de 91,5% y área bajo la curva de 94,4%. Conclusiones: Los factores pronósticos de mortalidad en pacientes guatemaltecos con Nm por SARS-CoV-2 son múltiples e incluyen rasgos demográficos, clínicos y serológicos; identificarlos y contar con un modelo pronóstico ayudará a brindar atención médica de precisión.

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 has caused millions of deaths globally since its first case was reported in China. In Guatemala, few studies describe prognostic factors. Our objective was to determine the factors associated with 30 day mortality in patients with Pneumonia (Nm) due to SARS-CoV-2 and to build a predictor model. Material and Methods: Retrospective study in 144 subjects at Roosevelt Hospital from March to December 2020 with Nm criteria for SARS-CoV-2. The medical record was rviewed, obtaining clinical and laboratory data from admission to hospital discharge or death. Results: 105 men and 39 women with an average age of 53 years were evaluated. 47% had comorbidities, with type 2 diabetes mellitus and systemic arterial hypertension being common. The average number of days of hospitalization was 13. 92% had mild to moderate acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Invasive mechanical ventila-tion (IMV) was indicated for 46 patients. Overall mortality was 35%. The factors asso-ciated with 30-day mortality were age ≥50 years, the onset of symptoms ≥7 days, severe ARDS, N/L ratio >4.4, receiving IMV, alterations in LDH, and procalcitonin. Our model showed that the best predictors of mortality were altered procalcitonin (OR: 4.45), receiving IMV (OR: 112), and days of hospital stay (OR: 1.12) with precision of 91.5% and area under the curve of 94.4%. Conclusions: The prognostic factors of mortality in Guatemalan patients with Nm due to SARS-CoV-2 are multiple and include demographic, clinical and serological features; identifying them and having a prognostic model will help provide precision medical care.

Selective decontamination of the digestive tract in a burns unit reduces the incidence of hospital-acquired infections: A retrospective before-and-after cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) on hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in patients with acute burn injury requiring admission to a Burns Unit (BU). DESIGN: Retrospective before-and-after cohort study, between January 2017 and June 2023. SDD was implemented in March 2019, dividing patients into two groups. SETTING: Four-bed BU, in a referral University Hospital in Spain. PATIENTS: All the patients admitted during the study period were eligible for analysis. Patients who died or were discharged within 48hours of admission, and patients with an estimated survival less than 10% not considered for full escalation of therapy were excluded. INTERVENTION: SDD comprised the administration of a 4-day course of an intravenous antibiotic, and an oral suspension and oral topical paste of non-absorbable antibiotics during the stay in the BU. MAIN VARIABLE OF INTEREST: Incidence of HAIs during the stay in the BU. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: incidence of specific types of infections by site (bacteremia, pneumonia, skin and soft tissue infection) and microorganism (Gram-positive, Gram-negative, fungi), and safety endpoints. RESULTS: We analyzed 72 patients: 27 did not receive SDD, and 45 received SDD. The number of patients who developed HAIs were 21 (77.8%) and 21 (46.7%) in the non-SDD and the SDD groups, respectively (p=0.009). The number of hospital-acquired infectious episodes were 2.52 (1.21-3.82) and 1.13 (0.54-1.73), respectively (p=0.029). CONCLUSIONS: SDD was associated with a reduced incidence of bacterial HAIs and a decrease in the number of infectious episodes per patient.

Respiratory syncytial virus: A new era / Virus respiratorio sincitial: un nuevo tiempo

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major public health problem that has undergone significant changes in recent years. First of all, it has become easier to diagnose with highly reliable and rapidly available confirmatory tests. This has led to a better understanding of its epidemiology and RSV has gone from being a disease of the pediatric age group, severe only in infants and immunosuppressed children, to being a common disease in people of all ages, particularly important in patients of advanced age or with immunosuppressive diseases. Recent therapeutic and prophylactic advances, both with long-lasting monoclonal antibodies and vaccines, are another reason for satisfaction. For these reasons, the COVID and Emerging Pathogens Committee of the Illustrious Official College of Physicians of Madrid (ICOMEM) has considered it pertinent to review this subject in the light of new knowledge and new resources for dealing with this infection. We have formulated a series of questions that we believe will be of interest not only to members of the College but also to any non-expert in this subject, with a particular focus on the situation of RSV infection in Spain. (AU)

El Virus Respiratorio Sincitial (VRS), es un problema de salud pública de primera magnitud que en años recientes ha experimentado cambios muy importantes. En primer lugar, se ha producido una mayor facilidad diagnóstica con pruebas confirmatorias altamente fiables y rápidamente disponibles. Esto ha permitido conocer mejor su epidemiología y VRS ha pasado de ser una enfermedad de la edad pediátrica, grave sólo en lactantes y niños inmunodeprimidos, a ser una enfermedad común en personas de toda edad, particularmente importante en pacientes de edades avanzadas o con enfermedades que inmunodeprimen. Los avances terapéuticos y profilácticos, recientes, tanto con anticuerpos monoclonales de larga duración como con vacunas, constituyen otro motivo de satisfacción. Por estos motivos, el Comité de COVID y de patógenos emergentes del Ilustre Colegio Oficial de Médicos de Madrid (ICOMEM) ha considerado pertinente revisar este tema, a la luz de los nuevos conocimientos y de los nuevos recursos para afrontar esta infección. Hemos formulado una serie de preguntas que creemos de interés no sólo para los colegiados si no para cualquier persona no experta en este tema, con una vista particular en la situación de la infección por VRS en España. (AU)

Switches in non-invasive respiratory support strategies during acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: Need to monitoring from a retrospective observational study

Objective To explore combined non-invasive-respiratory-support (NIRS) patterns, reasons for NIRS switching, and their potential impact on clinical outcomes in acute-hypoxemic-respiratory-failure (AHRF) patients. Design Retrospective, single-center observational study. Setting Intensive Care Medicine. Patients AHRF patients (cardiac origin and respiratory acidosis excluded) underwent combined NIRS therapies such as non-invasive-ventilation (NIV) and High-Flow-Nasal-Cannula (HFNC). Interventions Patients were classified based on the first NIRS switch performed (HFNC-to-NIV or NIV-to-HFNC), and further specific NIRS switching strategies (NIV trial-like vs. Non-NIV trial-like and single vs. multiples switches) were independently evaluated. Main variables of interest Reasons for switching, NIRS failure and mortality rates. Results A total of 63 patients with AHRF were included, receiving combined NIRS, 58.7% classified in the HFNC-to-NIV group and 41.3% in the NIV-to-HFNC group. Reason for switching from HFNC to NIV was AHRF worsening (100%), while from NIV to HFNC was respiratory improvement (76.9%). NIRS failure rates were higher in the HFNC-to-NIV than in NIV-to-HFNC group (81% vs. 35%, p < 0.001). Among HFNC-to-NIV patients, there was no difference in the failure rate between the NIV trial-like and non-NIV trial-like groups (86% vs. 78%, p = 0.575) but the mortality rate was significantly lower in NIV trial-like group (14% vs. 52%, p = 0.02). Among NIV to HFNC patients, NIV failure was lower in the single switch group compared to the multiple switches group (15% vs. 53%, p = 0.039), with a shorter length of stay (5 [2–8] vs. 12 [8–30] days, p = 0.001). Conclusions NIRS combination is used in real life and both switches’ strategies, HFNC to NIV and NIV to HFNC, are common in AHRF management. Transitioning from HFNC to NIV is suggested as a therapeutic escalation and in this context performance of a NIV-trial could be beneficial. ... (AU)

Objetivo Explorar los patrones combinados de soporte-respiratorio-no-invasivo (SRNI), las razones para cambiar de SRNI y su potencial impacto en los resultados clínicos en pacientes con insuficiencia-respiratoria-aguda-hipoxémica (IRAH). Diseño Estudio observacional retrospectivo unicéntrico. Ámbito Cuidados Intensivos. Pacientes Pacientes con IRAH (excluyendo causa cardíaca y acidosis respiratoria) que recibieron tanto ventilación-no-invasiva (VNI) como cánula-nasal-de-alto-flujo (CNAF). Intervenciones Se categorizó a los pacientes según el primer cambio de SRNI realizado (CNAF-to-VNI o VNI-to-CNAF) y se evaluaron estrategias específicas de SRNI (VNI trial-like vs. Non-VNI trial-like y cambio único vs. múltiples cambios de NIRS) de manera independiente. Variables de interés principales Razones para el cambio, así como las tasas de fracaso de SRNI y la mortalidad. Resultados Un total de 63 pacientes recibieron SRNI combinado, 58,7% clasificados en el grupo CNAF-to-VNI y 41,3% en el grupo VNI-to-CNAF. Los cambios de CNAF a VNI ocurrieron por empeoramiento de la IRHA (100%) y de VNI a CNAF por mejora respiratoria (76.9%). Las tasas de fracaso de SRNI fueron mayores de CNAF a VNI que de VNI a CNAF (81% vs. 35%, p < 0.001). Dentro de los pacientes de CNAF a VNI, no hubo diferencia en las tasas de fracaso entre los grupos VNI trial-like y no-VNI trial-like (86% vs. 78%, p = 0.575), pero la mortalidad fue menor en el grupo VNI trial-like (14% vs. 52%, p = 0.02). Dentro de los pacientes de VNI a CNAF, el fracaso de VNI fue menor en grupo de cambio único vs. múltiple (15% vs. 53%, p = 0.039). Conclusiones Los cambios de estrategia de SRNI son comunes en el manejo clínico diario de la IRHA. El cambio de CNAF a VNI impresiona de ser una escalada terapéutica y en este contexto la realización de un VNI-trial puede ser beneficioso. Al contrario, cambiar de VNI a CNAF impresiona de ser una desescalada terapéutica y parece segura si no hay fracaso ... (AU)

Impact on tuberculosis diagnostic during COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care hospital / Impacto de la pandemia COVID-19 en el diagnóstico de tuberculosis en un hospital de tercer nivel

Introduction: The aim of this study is to review how did the first three COVID-19 waves affected the diagnostic of tuberculosis and to describe the extra-pulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (TB) diagnosis. Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study was done during the first three waves of pandemic to ascertain the impact on TB samples and to recover the extra-pulmonary TB cases we included the first two years of COVID-19. All relevant data was recovered from hospital and Clinical Microbiology records. Results: Prepandemic period showed an average of 44 samples per week for TB study; during the first three waves this number dropped to 23.1 per week. A reduction of 67.7% of pulmonary TB diagnosis was observed and an increase of 33.3% diagnosis of extra-pulmonary TB was noted when comparing pre-pandemic and pandemic period. Discussion: The number of declared cases and samples for TB diagnosis dropped during the first three COVID-19 waves due to the overstretched Public Health System which could lead to a delay in diagnosis, treatment and to the spread of TB disease in the general population. Surveillance programs should be reinforced to avoid this.(AU)

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio fue revisar cómo afectaron las primeras tres olas de la pandemia COVID-19 al diagnóstico de tuberculosis y describir el diagnóstico de las infecciones extrapulmonares causadas por Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (TB). Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional y retrospectivo durante el periodo que incluye las tres primeras olas de la pandemia para valorar el impacto en las muestras de TB y para valorar el diagnóstico de las TB extrapulmonares se amplió el periodo de estudio para incluir los 2 primeros años de la COVID-19. Todos los datos relevantes se extrajeron de la base de datos del hospital y del Servicio de Microbiología y Parasitología Clínica. Resultados: En el periodo prepandémico se recibían una media de 44 muestras por semana para el estudio de TB; durante las tres primeras olas ese número cayó a 23,1 por semana. Se observó una reducción del 67,7% en el diagnóstico de la TB pulmonar y un aumento del 33,3% en el diagnóstico de la TB extrapulmonar cuando se comparó con los datos prepandemia. Discusión: El número de casos declarados y el número de muestras para el diagnóstico de TB cayó durante las tres primeras olas del COVID-19 debido a la saturación del Sistema Nacional de Salud, lo que podría llevar a un retraso en el diagnóstico, tratamiento y a un aumento de la transmisión en la población general. Los sistemas de vigilancia deberían reforzarse para evitar esto.(AU)

Reingresos por la COVID-19 durante los tres primeros periodos epidémicos en Orihuela, España: incidencia, factores de riesgo y letalidad / COVID-19 readmissions during the first three epidemic periods in Orihuela, Spain: incidence, risk factors and letality

Fundamentos: los reingresos por la covid-19 se asocian a un incremento de la mortalidad, saturación de los servicios sanitarios y elevados costes. Este estudio pretendió evaluar la incidencia y los factores de riesgo de reingreso en pacientes con covid-19 en un hospital comarcal español entre febrero de 2020 y marzo de 2021.métodos: se realizó un estudio sobre una cohorte que describía las características de los pacientes adultos reingresados en los treinta días siguientes al alta tras un ingreso por la covid-19. Se analizaron los factores de riesgo asociados a reingreso mediante un modelo de regresión de logística binaria.resultados: de los 967 pacientes dados de alta de un primer ingreso por la covid-19, 70 (7,2%) reingresaron en los treinta días siguientes. De ellos, el 34,3% presentó progresión de la neumonía, el 15,7% deterioro funcional y el 12,9% otras infecciones. La letalidad en el reingreso fue del 28,6%. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la incidencia acumulada de reingreso entre los tres periodos (p=0,241). Los factores asociados de forma independiente con el reingreso fueron: diabetes mellitus (ora: 1,96; ic 95%:1,07-3,57; p=0,030); insuficiencia renal aguda (ora 2,69; ic del 95%: 1,43-5,07, p=0,002); no ser candidato a cuidados intensivos (ora 7,68, ic 95% 4,28-13,80, p<0,001); y no tener prescritos corticosteroides al alta (ora 2,15, ic 95% 1,04- 4,44; p=0,039).conclusiones: una proporción sustancial de los pacientes ingresados por la covid-19 reingresan, con una elevada letalidad. La diabetes mellitus, la insuficiencia renal aguda, no ser candidato a ingreso en uci y no tener prescritos corticoides al alta se asocian con un mayor riesgo de reingreso.(AU)

Background: readmission for covid-19 is associated with high mortality, saturation of health services, and high costs. This study aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors of readmissions in covid-19 patients in a regional hospital of spain from february 2020 to march 2021.methods: a retrospective cohort study describing the characteristics of adult patients readmitted within thirty days of discharge after being infected with sars-cov-2 was carried out. Readmission associated risk factors were analysed using a binary logistic regression model.results: of the 967 patients who survived their first covid-19 admission, 70 (7.2%) were readmitted within thirty days. Of these, 34.3% presented pneumonia progression, 15.7% functional deterioration, and 12.9% other infections. The mortality rate during read-mission was 28.6%. There were no statistically significant differences in the cumulative incidence of readmissions between the epide-mic periods (p=0.241). Factors independently associated with readmission were: diabetes mellitus (aor 1.96, 95%ci 1.07-3.57, p=0.030); acute kidney failure (aor 2.69, 95%ci 1.43-5.07, p=0.002); not being a candidate for intensive care (aor 7.68, 95% ci 4.28-13.80, p<0.001); and not being prescribed corticosteroids at discharge (aor 2.15, 95% ci 1.04-4.44; p=0.039).conclusions: a substantial proportion of patients admitted due to covid-19 are readmitted, and they carry a high letality. Dia-betes mellitus, acute kidney failure, not being a candidate for icu admission, and not being prescribed corticosteroids on discharge are independently associated with an increased risk of readmission.(AU)

Epidemiological and clinical management aspects of pneumonias diagnosed in the emergency department in elderly patients in Spain: Results of the EDEN-29 study.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the incidence of pneumonia diagnosis in elderly patients in Spanish emergency departments (ED), need for hospitalization, adverse events and predictive capacity of biomarkers commonly used in the ED. METHODS: Patients ≥65 years with pneumonia seen in 52 Spanish EDs were included. We recorded in-hospitaland 30-day mortality as adverse events, as well as intensive care unit (ICU) admission among hospitalizedpatients. Association of 10 predefined variables with adverse events was calculated and expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), as well as predictive capacity of 5 commonly used biomarkers in the ED (leukocytes, hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, glucose, creatinine) was investigated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC). RESULTS: 591 patients with pneumonia attended in the ED were included (annual incidence of 18,4 per 1000 inhabitants). A total of 78.0% were hospitalized. Overall, 30-day mortality was 14.2% and in-hospital mortality was 12.9%. Functional dependency was associated with both events (OR=4.453, 95%CI=2.361-8.400; and OR=3.497, 95%CI=1.578-7.750, respectively) as well as severe comorbidity (2.344, 1.363-4.030, and 2.463, 1.252-4.846, respectively). Admission to the ICU during hospitalization occurred in 3.5%, with no associated factors. The predictive capacity of biomarkers was only moderate for creatinine for ICU admission (AUC-ROC=0.702, 95% CI=0.536-0.869) and for leukocytes for post-discharge adverse event (0.669, 0.540-0.798). CONCLUSIONS: Pneumonia is a frequent diagnosis in elderly patients consulting in the ED. Their functional dependence and comorbidity is the factor most associated with adverse events. The biomarkers analyzed do not have a good predictive capacity for adverse events.

Secondary hypogammaglobulinemia in adults—A large retrospective cohort study / Hipogammaglobulinemia secundaria en adultos: estudio de cohorte retrospectiva

Background and objective: IgG replacement therapy (IgG-RT) has radically changed the clinical evolution of primary immunodeficiencies, yet the information regarding secondary hypogammaglobulinemia (SHG) is insufficient or conflicting. We aim to describe clinical features, evolution and treatment of SHG patients in our center. Methods: Dynamic retrospective cohort between January 2001 and July 2021 of adults with gamma globulin fraction <0.6g/dL in a serum protein electrophoresis and a coincident decrease of IgG levels – with a disease-related SHG or treatment that reduces serum immunoglobulins. Results: We included 1012 patients with SHG with a median follow-up of 5 years (IQR 2–8). Hematological diseases were identified in 95% of the patients and 61% received drugs related to SHG. Sixty five percent had more than one etiological factor associated with SHG. Infectious diseases were present in 69% of the patients, 48% had respiratory infections and 17% had severe infections. There was statistical association between respiratory and severe infections with multiple myeloma (MM), lymphoma and rituximab. MGUS had less infections and death compared with other etiologies. IgG-RT was indicated in 18.7% of the patients and 4.6% received it for more than 6 months with variable intervals. Among the latter group, there was a significant reduction of all-type infections and respiratory infections with IgG-RT (p<0.001), and it was consistent with similar findings in lymphoma, MM and all IgG levels subgroups. Conclusion: SHG was associated with more than one etiological factor and a high frequency of infections. IgG-RT indication was irregular yet still effective. It is relevant to consider IgG levels screening, monitoring and accurate indication of IgG-RT.(AU)

Antecedentes y objetivos: La IgG sustitutiva ha cambiado radicalmente la evolución de las inmunodeficiencias primarias, mientras que la información sobre hipogammaglobulinemia secundaria (HGS) es insuficiente y discordante. El objetivo del estudio es describir las características clínicas, evolución y tratamiento de pacientes con HGS. Métodos: Cohorte retrospectiva dinámica entre enero de 2001 y julio de 2021 de adultos con proteinograma y fracción de gammaglobulina <0,6g/dL y dosaje disminuido de IgG, con enfermedad o tratamiento que produzcan HGS. Resultados: Se incluyó a 1.012 pacientes con HGS con una mediana de seguimiento de 5 años (IIC 2-8). El 95% tenía enfermedad hematológica y el 61% recibió fármacos asociados a HGS. El 65% tenía más de un factor etiológico asociado con HGS. El 69% presentó infecciones de cualquier tipo, el 48% infecciones respiratorias y el 17%, infecciones graves. Hubo asociación significativa entre infecciones respiratorias y graves entre los subgrupos de mieloma múltiple, linfoma y rituximab. Los pacientes con MGUS tuvieron menor frecuencia de infecciones y muerte comparados con otros factores etiológicos. El 18,7% de los pacientes recibió IgG sustitutiva y el 4,6% de forma crónica, con intervalos variables. Los últimos tuvieron disminución significativa de infecciones de cualquier tipo e infecciones respiratorias con IgG sustitutiva (p<0,001), que se mantuvo en los subgrupos con mieloma múltiple, linfoma y todos los niveles de IgG. Conclusión: La HGS asoció más de un factor etiológico y alta frecuencia de infecciones. La indicación de IgG sustitutiva fue irregular, pero, aún así, efectiva. Se plantea considerar el dosaje de inmunoglobulinas, monitoreo y la adecuada indicación de IgG sustitutiva.(AU)

Health care-associated infections in neonatology.

Health care-associated infections are common in neonatology, but there is no consensus on their definitions. This makes it difficult to compare their incidence or assess the effectiveness of prevention bundles. This is why we think it is very important to achieve a consensus on the definitions and diagnostic criteria for one of the most frequent causes of morbidity in hospitalised neonates. This document aims to standardise the definitions for the most frequent health care-associated infections, such as catheter-associated bloodstream infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia and surgical wound infection, as well as the approach to their diagnosis and treatment.

Infecciones relacionadas con la asistencia sanitaria en neonatología / Health care-associated infections in neonatology

Las infecciones relacionadas con la asistencia sanitaria (IRAS) son frecuentes en neonatología, pero no existe un consenso en sus definiciones. Esto dificulta la comparación de incidencias entre distintas unidades o la valoración de la eficacia de los paquetes de prevención. Por ello, es que consideramos muy importante lograr un acuerdo en las definiciones y diagnóstico de una de las morbilidades más recurrentes de los neonatos hospitalizados. El presente documento pretende unificar estas definiciones en relación con las infecciones más comunes como son la bacteriemia relacionada con el catéter (BRC), la neumonía vinculada a la ventilación mecánica (NAV) y la infección de la herida quirúrgica (IHQ), así como su abordaje diagnóstico-terapéutico.(AU)

Health care-associated infections are common in neonatology, but there is no consensus on their definitions. This makes it difficult to compare their incidence or assess the effectiveness of prevention bundles. This is why we think it is very important to achieve a consensus on the definitions and diagnostic criteria for one of the most frequent causes of morbidity in hospitalised neonates. This document aims to standardise the definitions for the most frequent health care-associated infections, such as catheter-associated bloodstream infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia and surgical wound infection, as well as the approach to their diagnosis and treatment.(AU)

Mortalidad intrahospitalaria de pacientes con COVID-19 complicados con neumonías bacterianas en asistencia respiratoria mecánica en Cuidados Intensivos de Adultos en un Hospital del Paraguay / In-hospital mortality of patients with COVID-19 complicated by bacterial pneumonia on mechanical ventilation in Adult Intensive Care in a Hospital in Paraguay

Introducción: los pacientes con COVID-19 ingresan en mayor proporción a asistencia respiratoria mecánica, aumentando: el riesgo de neumonía asociada a ventilador (NAV) las tasas de mortalidad, los días de permanencia en las unidades de terapia intensiva (UCI) y los costos sanitarios. Objetivo: determinar la Mortalidad intrahospitalaria de pacientes con COVID-19 complicados con neumonías bacterianas en asistencia respiratoria mecánica en Cuidados Intensivos de Adultos en un Hospital del Paraguay durante los años 2020 a 2021. Metodología: estudio analítico de tipo cohorte retrospectiva. Se registraron variables demográficas, comorbilidades, puntajes en scores de gravedad como el APACHE II al ingreso, la cifra más baja de oxigenación durante la internación expresado por la PaO2 / FIO2, días de ventilación, colocación en decúbito prono, traqueotomía, medidas terapéuticas farmacológicas y no farmacológicas, días de internación, así como las complicaciones y la mortalidad. Resultados: fueron incluidos 214 pacientes, 135 ingresaron a asistencia respiratoria mecánica (ARM) de los cuales 58 (42,9 %) desarrollaron NAV, con edad mediana de 52 años (40-60). Los microorganismos de NAV fueron cocos Gram negativos en 98,3 %, incluyendo Acinetobacter baumanii en 46,5 %, Klebsiella pneumoniae en 22,8 %, Pseudomona aeruginosa en 15,5 % y 5,2 % Stenotrophomona maltofilia. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue del 44,8 %. Los menores de 50 años tienen una sobrevida mayor que los mayores (34 días vs 22 días, con p de 0,026). Conclusión: la mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue del 44,8 %. La edad fue un factor de riesgo independiente para la mortalidad en pacientes con NAV, por lo que los profesionales de la salud deben estar atentos a la posibilidad de NAV en pacientes que requieren asistencia respiratoria mecánica, especialmente en pacientes mayores de 50 años.

Introduction: patients with COVID-19 are more likely to require mechanical ventilation, which increases the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), mortality rates, length of stay in intensive care units (ICUs), and healthcare costs. Objective: to determine the in-hospital mortality of patients with COVID-19 complicated by bacterial pneumonia on mechanical ventilation in Adult Intensive Care in a Hospital in Paraguay during the years 2020 to 2021. Methodology: this is a retrospective cohort analytical study. Demographic variables, comorbidities, severity scores such as APACHE II on admission, the worst oxygenation during hospitalization expressed by PaO2/FiO2, days of ventilation, prone position, tracheostomy, pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic measures, days of hospitalization, as well as complications and mortality were recorded. Results: a total of 214 patients were included, 135 were admitted to mechanical ventilation (MRA), of which 58 (42.9%) developed VAP, with a median age of 52 years (40-60). VAP microorganisms were Gram-negative cocci in 98.3%, including Acinetobacter baumanii in 46.5%, Klebsiella pneumoniae in 22.8%, Pseudomona aeruginosa in 15.5%, and Stenotrophomona maltophilia in 5.2%. In-hospital mortality was 44.8%. Those under 50 years of age have a longer survival than those older (34 days vs. 22 days, with p of 0.026). Conclusion: the overall mortality rate was 44.8%. Age was an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with VAP, so healthcare professionals should be aware of the possibility of VAP in patients who require mechanical ventilation, especially in patients over 50 years of age.

Derivación y validación de un nuevo puntaje predictivo de mortalidad por covid-19 en la altura / Derivation and Validation of a New covid-19 Predictive Score for Mortality at High Altitude / Derivação e validação de um novo escore preditivo de mortalidade por covid-19 em altitude

Objetivo: desarrollar un puntaje predictivo de mortalidad para pacientes con covid-19. Materiales y méto-dos: estudio retrospectivo, analítico, observacional y transversal, realizado en dos fases. Se revisaron 620 historias clínicas con una cohorte de derivación de 320 pacientes y una de validación de 300 pacientes. Las variables se analizaron con test de Anova, chi cuadrado de Pearson y análisis multivariante con regresión binaria, que determinaron sensibilidad, especificidad y valor predictivo negativo y positivo. Los puntajes se compararon mediante curvas cor con los scoresnews y hews. Resultados: los dos puntajes obtenidos incluyeron valores de edad, conteo de linfocitos, SatO2/FiO2, leucocitos, plaquetas, ausencia de síntomas, hipertensión arterial, epid y dhl. El área bajo la curva (abc) fue de 0.838 para el puntaje con dhl, con una mortalidad del 100 % para 7.75 puntos o más, y un abc de 0.826 para el primer puntaje. En la cohorte de validación, el abc para el primer puntaje fue de 0.831 y para el score con dhl fue 0.855. El puntaje hewsobtuvo un abc de 0.451, y el news, un abc de 0.396. Conclusiones: se desarrollaron dos herramientas para predecir mortalidad en pacientes con covid-19, con alto poder de discriminación, superior a los puntajes británicos hews y news

Objetivo: desarrollar un puntaje predictivo de mortalidad para pacientes con covid-19. Materiales y méto-dos: estudio retrospectivo, analítico, observacional y transversal, realizado en dos fases. Se revisaron 620 historias clínicas con una cohorte de derivación de 320 pacientes y una de validación de 300 pacientes. Las variables se analizaron con test de Anova, chi cuadrado de Pearson y análisis multivariante con regresión binaria, que determinaron sensibilidad, especificidad y valor predictivo negativo y positivo. Los puntajes se compararon mediante curvas cor con los scoresnews y hews. Resultados: los dos puntajes obtenidos incluyeron valores de edad, conteo de linfocitos, SatO2/FiO2, leucocitos, plaquetas, ausencia de síntomas, hipertensión arterial, epid y dhl. El área bajo la curva (abc) fue de 0.838 para el puntaje con dhl, con una mortalidad del 100 % para 7.75 puntos o más, y un abc de 0.826 para el primer puntaje. En la cohorte de validación, el abc para el primer puntaje fue de 0.831 y para el score con dhl fue 0.855. El puntaje hewsobtuvo un abc de 0.451, y el news, un abc de 0.396. Conclusiones: se desarrollaron dos herramientas para predecir mortalidad en pacientes con covid-19, con alto poder de discriminación, superior a los puntajes británicos hews y news

Objetivo: desenvolver um escore preditivo de mortalidade para pacientes com covid-19. Materiais e Métodos: estudo retrospectivo, analítico, observacional e transversal, realizado em duas fases. Foram revisados 620 prontuários, com uma coorte de derivação de 320 pacientes e uma coorte de validação de 300 pacientes. As variáveis foram analisadas com teste anova, qui-quadrado de Pearson e análise multivariada com regressão binária, determinando sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo nega-tivo e positivo. As pontuações foram comparadas por meio de curvas cor com as pontuações news e hews. Resultados: os dois escores obtidos incluíram valores de: idade, contagem de linfócitos, SatO2/FiO2, leucócitos, plaquetas, ausência de sintomas, hipertensão arterial, epid e dhl. A área sob a curva (abc) foi de 0,838 para o escore dhl, com 100 % de mortalidade para 7,75 pontos ou mais, e uma abc de 0,826 para o primeiro escore. Na coorte de validação, a abc para o primeiro escore foi de 0,831 e para o escore com dhl foi de 0,855. A pontuação hews obteve abc de 0,451 e o news uma abc de 0,396. Conclusões: foram desenvolvidas duas ferramentas para prever mortalidade em pacientes com covid-19, com alto poder de discriminação, superior aos escores britânicos hews e news

Impact on tuberculosis diagnostic during COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary care hospital.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to review how did the first three COVID-19 waves affected the diagnostic of tuberculosis and to describe the extra-pulmonary Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (TB) diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was done during the first three waves of pandemic to ascertain the impact on TB samples and to recover the extra-pulmonary TB cases we included the first two years of COVID-19. All relevant data was recovered from hospital and Clinical Microbiology records. RESULTS: Prepandemic period showed an average of 44 samples per week for TB study; during the first three waves this number dropped to 23.1 per week. A reduction of 67.7% of pulmonary TB diagnosis was observed and an increase of 33.3% diagnosis of extra-pulmonary TB was noted when comparing pre-pandemic and pandemic period. DISCUSSION: The number of declared cases and samples for TB diagnosis dropped during the first three COVID-19 waves due to the overstretched Public Health System which could lead to a delay in diagnosis, treatment and to the spread of TB disease in the general population. Surveillance programs should be reinforced to avoid this.

Switches in non-invasive respiratory support strategies during acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: Need to monitoring from a retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore combined non-invasive-respiratory-support (NIRS) patterns, reasons for NIRS switching, and their potential impact on clinical outcomes in acute-hypoxemic-respiratory-failure (AHRF) patients. DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center observational study. SETTING: Intensive Care Medicine. PATIENTS: AHRF patients (cardiac origin and respiratory acidosis excluded) underwent combined NIRS therapies such as non-invasive-ventilation (NIV) and High-Flow-Nasal-Cannula (HFNC). INTERVENTIONS: Patients were classified based on the first NIRS switch performed (HFNC-to-NIV or NIV-to-HFNC), and further specific NIRS switching strategies (NIV trial-like vs. Non-NIV trial-like and single vs. multiples switches) were independently evaluated. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Reasons for switching, NIRS failure and mortality rates. RESULTS: A total of 63 patients with AHRF were included, receiving combined NIRS, 58.7% classified in the HFNC-to-NIV group and 41.3% in the NIV-to-HFNC group. Reason for switching from HFNC to NIV was AHRF worsening (100%), while from NIV to HFNC was respiratory improvement (76.9%). NIRS failure rates were higher in the HFNC-to-NIV than in NIV-to-HFNC group (81% vs. 35%, p < 0.001). Among HFNC-to-NIV patients, there was no difference in the failure rate between the NIV trial-like and non-NIV trial-like groups (86% vs. 78%, p = 0.575) but the mortality rate was significantly lower in NIV trial-like group (14% vs. 52%, p = 0.02). Among NIV to HFNC patients, NIV failure was lower in the single switch group compared to the multiple switches group (15% vs. 53%, p = 0.039), with a shorter length of stay (5 [2-8] vs. 12 [8-30] days, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: NIRS combination is used in real life and both switches' strategies, HFNC to NIV and NIV to HFNC, are common in AHRF management. Transitioning from HFNC to NIV is suggested as a therapeutic escalation and in this context performance of a NIV-trial could be beneficial. Conversely, switching from NIV to HFNC is suggested as a de-escalation strategy that is deemed safe if there is no NIRS failure.

Secondary hypogammaglobulinemia in adults-A large retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: IgG replacement therapy (IgG-RT) has radically changed the clinical evolution of primary immunodeficiencies, yet the information regarding secondary hypogammaglobulinemia (SHG) is insufficient or conflicting. We aim to describe clinical features, evolution and treatment of SHG patients in our center. METHODS: Dynamic retrospective cohort between January 2001 and July 2021 of adults with gamma globulin fraction <0.6g/dL in a serum protein electrophoresis and a coincident decrease of IgG levels - with a disease-related SHG or treatment that reduces serum immunoglobulins. RESULTS: We included 1012 patients with SHG with a median follow-up of 5 years (IQR 2-8). Hematological diseases were identified in 95% of the patients and 61% received drugs related to SHG. Sixty five percent had more than one etiological factor associated with SHG. Infectious diseases were present in 69% of the patients, 48% had respiratory infections and 17% had severe infections. There was statistical association between respiratory and severe infections with multiple myeloma (MM), lymphoma and rituximab. MGUS had less infections and death compared with other etiologies. IgG-RT was indicated in 18.7% of the patients and 4.6% received it for more than 6 months with variable intervals. Among the latter group, there was a significant reduction of all-type infections and respiratory infections with IgG-RT (p<0.001), and it was consistent with similar findings in lymphoma, MM and all IgG levels subgroups. CONCLUSION: SHG was associated with more than one etiological factor and a high frequency of infections. IgG-RT indication was irregular yet still effective. It is relevant to consider IgG levels screening, monitoring and accurate indication of IgG-RT.

Fisioterapia respiratória em crianças com pneumonia: revisão sistemática da literatura / Chest physiotherapy in children with pneumonia: a systematic literature review / Fisioterapia respiratoria en niños con neumonía: revisión sistemática de la literatura

Objetivo: Avaliar a atuação da fisioterapia respiratória no tratamento da pneumonia em crianças. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática baseada no método Preferred Reporting Items for Sistematic Reviews and Meta-Análises (PRISMA). Neste estudo foram incluídos artigos originais relacionados com objetivo que aplicaram a fisioterapia respiratória no tratamento de crianças com pneumonia, escritos na língua portuguesa e inglesa, publicados no site da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), nas bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do caribe em ciências da saúde (LILACS), Scientific-Electronic-Library-Online (SciELO), no Physioterapia Evidence Database (PEDro) e PubMed, utilizando os descritores (pneumonia, respiratory physiotherapy, chest therapy, pediatric e child*). Resultados: Inicialmente foram identificados 273 artigos publicados e, de acordo com os critérios de inclusão, exclusão e elegibilidade, ao final cinco foram selecionados para análise qualitativa. Dos artigos selecionados para o estudo, três mostraram que fisioterapia respiratória proporcionou melhorias significativas entre os pacientes de grupo de controle e intervenção, usando técnicas e equipamentos que auxiliavam na desobstrução das vias aéreas e diminuição das internações decorrentes da pneumonia. Contudo, não houve estudos que qualificassem as intervenções fisioterapêuticas como principal recurso para o tratamento dessa doença. Conclusão: Dessa forma, conclui-se que a utilização da fisioterapia respiratória pode ser um adjuvante importante para a melhora dos quadros e funções respiratórias de crianças com pneumonia.

Objective: To evaluate the performance of respiratory physical therapy in the treatment of pneumonia in children. Methods: This is a systematic review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. This study included original articles related to the objective that applied respiratory physiotherapy in the treatment of children with pneumonia, written in Portuguese and English, published on the Virtual Health Library (VHL) site, in the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), Scientific-Electronic-Library-Online (SciELO), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and PubMed databases, using the descriptors (pneumonia, respiratory physiotherapy, chest therapy, pediatric and child*). Results: Initially 273 published articles were identified and according to the inclusion, exclusion and eligibility criteria, at the end five were selected for qualitative analysis. Of the articles selected for the study, three showed that respiratory physiotherapy provided significant improvements among control and intervention group patients using techniques and equipment that aided in airway clearance and decreased hospitalizations due to pneumonia. However, there were no studies qualifying physical therapy interventions as the main resource for the treatment of this disease. Conclusion: Therefore, we concluded that chest physiotherapy can be an important adjuvant for the improvement of respiratory function in children with pneumonia.

Objetivo: Evaluar el papel de la fisioterapia respiratoria en el tratamiento de la neumonía en niños. Métodos: Esta es una revisión sistemática basada en el método Preferred Reporting Items for Sistematic Reviews and Meta-Análises (PRISMA). Este estudio incluyó artículos originales relacionados con el objetivo de aplicar la fisioterapia respiratoria en el tratamiento de niños con neumonía, escritos en portugués e inglés, publicados en el sitio web de la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS), en las bases de datos de Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en ciencias de la salud. (LILACS), Scientific-Electronic-Library-Online (SciELO), no Physioterapia Evidence Database (PEDro) e PubMed, utilizando los descriptores (pneumonia, respiratory physiotherapy, chest therapy, pediatric e child*). Resultados: Inicialmente se identificaron 273 artículos publicados y, según los criterios de inclusión, exclusión y elegibilidad, finalmente se seleccionaron cinco para el análisis cualitativo. De los artículos seleccionados para el estudio, tres mostraron que la fisioterapia respiratoria proporcionó mejoras significativas entre los pacientes de los grupos de control e intervención, utilizando técnicas y equipos que ayudaron a despejar las vías respiratorias y reducir las hospitalizaciones por neumonía. Sin embargo, no hubo estudios que calificaran las intervenciones fisioterapéuticas como principal recurso para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad. Conclusíon: Por lo tanto, se concluye que el uso de fisioterapia respiratoria puede ser un coadyuvante importante para mejorar las condiciones y funciones respiratorias de los niños con neumonía.

Uso del cigarrillo electronico y riesgo de padecer enfermedades respiratorias en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes

Objetivo: Determinar el riesgo de padecer enfermedades respiratorias por el uso del cigarrillo electrónico. Materiales y métodos: Revisión integrativa, basada en el análisis de artículos científicos completos en bases de datos como: PubMed, Scopus y SciELO utilizando el método PRISMA, en el periodo 2018-2023, en los idiomas inglés y español. Resultados: Se obtuvo 95 artículos científicos, de los cuales se excluyeron un total de 75 por no cumplir con los criterios de selección, quedando seleccionados 20 artículos científicos que responden a los objetivos planteados. Conclusiones: Este estudio identificó los riesgos de padecer enfermedades respiratorias por el uso del cigarrillo electrónico, siendo las más relevantes: enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, neumonía, lesión pulmonar asociada al cigarrillo electrónico o al vapeo, síndrome de distrés respiratorio, hipertensión pulmonar y asma, además de acompañarse de signos y síntomas como infección de las vías aéreas, el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, gastrointestinales y el inicio de adicciones. El estudio identificó que el sexo masculino es el predominante en exponerse más al riesgo de enfermedades respiratorias y la edad oscila entre los 14 a 35 años, convirtiéndose en un problema de salud pública que cada año va en aumento.

Objective: To determine the risk of respiratory diseases due to the use of electronic cigarettes. Materials and Methods: Integrative review, based on the analysis of complete scientific articles in databases such as: PubMed, Scopus and SciELO, using the PRISMA method, in the period 2018-2023, in English and Spanish. Results: Of the 95 scientific articles that were obtained, 20 met the selection criteria and were selected to meet the stated objectives. The remaining 75 articles were excluded. Conclusions: This study identi fied the risks of suffering from respiratory diseases associated with the use of electronic cigarettes. The most significant risks include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, lung injury associated with electronic cigarettes or vaping, respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, and asthma. Symptoms may also include signs and symptoms of respiratory infections, development of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases, and the onset of addiction. The study found that males are more susceptible to respiratory diseases, with the 14-35 age group being particularly affected. This is becoming a growing public health concern.

Objetivo: Determinar o risco de doenças respiratórias devido ao uso de cigarros eletrônicos. Materiais e métodos: Revisão integrativa, baseada na análise de artigos científicos completos em bases de dados como: PubMed, Scopus e SciELO, utilizando o método PRISMA, no período de 2018 a 2023, em inglês e espanhol. Resultados: Foram obtidos 95 artigos científicos, dos quais um total de 75 foram excluídos por não atenderem aos critérios de seleção, restando 20 artigos científicos selecionados que respondem aos objetivos estabelecidos. Conclusões: Este estudo identificou os riscos de doenças respiratórias decorrentes do uso de cigarros eletrônicos, sendo as mais relevantes a doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, pneumonia, lesão pulmonar associada ao cigarro eletrônico ou vaping, síndrome do desconforto respiratório, hipertensão pulmonar e asma, além de serem acompanhadas de sinais e sintomas como infecção das vias aéreas, desenvolvimento de doença cardiovascular, doença gastrointestinal e início de dependência. O estudo identificou que o sexo masculino está predominantemente exposto ao risco de doenças respiratórias e a idade varia de 14 a 35 anos, tornando-se um problema de saúde pública que aumenta a cada ano.

Características epidemiológicas de pacientes con COVID-19 en el Hospital Regional de Encarnación, Paraguay, entre 2021 y 2023

Introducción: las vacunas desarrolladas durante la pandemia contra COVID-19 fueron elaboradas con el objetivo de ofrecer inmunidad contra el virus y evitar la enfermedad, reduciendo así las complicaciones fatales. Objetivos: determinar las características epidemiológicas de los pacientes con COVID-19, internados en el servicio de Clínica Médica del Hospital Regional de Encarnación. Además, describir el esquema de vacunación y la relación entre el diagnóstico de neumonía por COVID-19 y la vacunación contra ésta. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, observacional, de corte transversal realizado desde marzo del 2021 a noviembre del 2023. Se aplicó un muestro no probabilístico por conveniencia. Se incluyeron pacientes internados en el servicio de Clínica Médica del Hospital Regional de Encarnación, Paraguay, con diagnóstico de COVID-19. Resultados: la muestra estuvo conformada por 806 pacientes, el 63,28% era del sexo femenino. La edad promedio fue 44 ± 21 años. el 52,73% provenían del distrito de Encarnación. El 11,79% correspondía a pacientes internados con diagnóstico de neumonía por COVID-19 de los cuales el 34,74% contaba con algún esquema de vacunación contra el virus y el 88,21% correspondía a pacientes internados por COVID-19 y otros diagnósticos, de los cuales el 69,06% contaba con algún esquema de vacunación. Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron el tabaquismo, la diabetes y la obesidad. Se encontró que la vacunación esta relacionada con la menor frecuencia de neumonía por COVID-19. Conclusiones: se encontró una muestra predominantemente femenina, la edad promedio corresponde al grupo de adultos jóvenes, los pacientes residían principalmente en la ciudad de Encarnación. La frecuencia de internados por COVID-19 con algún esquema de vacunación contra el virus es considerable. Los factores de riesgo o comorbilidades frecuentes fueron la cardiopatía crónica, la hipertensión arterial y la diabetes mellitus. Se determinó estadísticamente que la vacunación y el número de dosis de la vacuna están relacionados con la menor frecuencia de neumonía por COVID-19.

Introduction: The vaccines developed during the COVID-19 pandemic were developed to offer immunity against the virus and avoid the disease, thus reducing fatal complications. Objectives: To determine the epidemiological characteristics of patients with COVID-19, admitted to the Medical Clinic service of the Regional Hospital of Encarnación and to describe the vaccination schedule and the relationship between the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia and vaccination against it. Methodology: Descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study carried out from March 2021 to November 2023. Non-probabilistic sampling was applied for convenience. Patients admitted to the Medical Clinic service of the Regional Hospital of Encarnación, Paraguay, with a diagnosis of COVID-19 were included. Results: The sample consisted of 806 patients, 63.28% of whom were female. The average age was 44 ± 21 years and 52.73% came from the Encarnación district. Eleven-point seventy-nine percent corresponded to patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia, 34.74% of whom had some vaccination schedule against the virus and 88.21% corresponded to patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and others. diagnoses, of which 69.06% had some vaccination schedule. The most common comorbidities were smoking, diabetes, and obesity. It was found that vaccination was related to the lower frequency of COVID-19 pneumonia. Conclusions: A predominantly female sample was found, the average age corresponds to the group of young adults, and the patients resided mainly in the city of Encarnación. The frequency of hospitalizations for COVID-19 with some vaccination schemes against the virus was considerable. The common risk factors or comorbidities were chronic heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus. It was statistically determined that vaccination and the number of doses of the vaccine were related to the lower frequency of COVID-19 pneumonia.