Pre-hospital assistance by ambulance in the context of coronavirus infections.

OBJECTIVE: To reflect on the safe care exercised by the pre-hospital care team by emergency ambulance in times of coronavirus infection. METHOD: A reflection and description of how to provide safe care to the patient and the professional during pre-hospital care in times of coronavirus infection. RESULTS: To ensure the health of all those involved in the care, health professionals who work in pre-hospital care by emergency ambulance should use the recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as the use of surgical masks and N95, N99, N100, PFF2 or PFF3, the use of an apron or overall, goggles and face shield, gloves and a hat. The entire team must receive training and demonstrate the ability to use PPE correctly and safely. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The professional working in the pre-hospital care by ambulance is exposed to a series of occupational risks that need to be discussed and minimized through professional training.

Construction and validation of checklist for disinfecting ambulances to transport Covid-19 patients / Construcción y validación de checklist para la desinfección de ambulancias para el transporte de pacientes Covid-19 / Construção e validação de checklist para desinfecção de ambulâncias para transporte de pacientes Covid-19

ABSTRACT Objective To build and validate a checklist for disinfecting ambulances transporting patients with Covid-19. Method Methodological study composed by the construction of a checklist and validation by 42 professionals, of which 35 professionals had expertise in patient transport/transfer and seven in hospital infection control. The item with a minimum agreement of 80% was considered valid, based on the Content Validation Index and binomial test. Results The checklist had the steps performed for terminal disinfection of ambulances. It had 54 items, which included the personal protective equipment and used materials, disinfection of the driver's cabin, equipment, and the patient care cabin. The minimum agreement obtained was 85% and the mean of the Content Validation Index was 0.96. Conclusion The checklist was considered valid in terms of content and can be used to disinfect ambulances transporting patients with Covid-19.

RESUMEN Objetivo Construir y validar checklist para desinfectar ambulancias que transportan pacientes con Covid-19. Método Un estudio metodológico compuesto por la construcción de un checklist y validación por 42 profesionales, de los cuales 35 profesionales tenían experiencia en transporte/transferencia de pacientes y siete en control de infecciones hospitalarias. El ítem con un acuerdo mínimo del 80% se consideró válido, según el índice de validación de contenido y la prueba binomial. Resultados El checklist tenía los pasos a seguir para la desinfección terminal de ambulancias. Tenía 54 artículos, que incluían el equipo de protección individual y los materiales utilizados, la desinfección de la cabina del conductor, el equipo y la cabina de atención al paciente. El acuerdo mínimo obtenido fue del 85% y el promedio del Índice de Validación de Contenido fue de 0,96. Conclusión El checklist se consideró válido en términos de contenido y puede usarse para desinfectar ambulancias que transportan pacientes con Covid-19.

RESUMO Objetivo Construir e validar checklist para desinfecção de ambulâncias que transportam pacientes com Covid-19. Método Estudo metodológico composto pela construção de checklist e validação por 42 profissionais, dos quais 35 profissionais possuíam expertise em transporte/transferência de pacientes e sete em controle de infecção hospitalar. Foi considerado válido o item com concordância mínima de 80%, a partir do Índice de Validação de Conteúdo e teste binomial. Resultados O checklist possuiu as etapas que devem ser realizadas para desinfecção terminal das ambulâncias. Possuiu 54 itens, que contemplaram os equipamentos de proteção individual e materiais utilizados, desinfecção da cabine do condutor, dos equipamentos e da cabine de atendimento ao paciente. A concordância mínima obtida foi de 85% e a média do Índice de Validação de Conteúdo foi de 0,96. Conclusão O checklist foi considerado válido quanto ao conteúdo e pode ser utilizado para desinfecção das ambulâncias que transportam pacientes com Covid-19.

Nota técnica nº 01, de 26 de março de 2020: orienta a atenção primária à saúde dos municípios para o enfrentamento do novo Coronavírus (COVID-19) / Technical note No. 01, of March 26, 2020: guides primary health care in municipalities to face the new Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Orienta os serviços de Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) ou Atenção Básica (AB), por meio da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF), no manejo e controle da infecção COVID-19. Indica os instrumentos de orientação clínica para os profissionais do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) a partir da transmissão do novo Coronavírus (COVID-19) no Tocantins.

It guides the Primary Health Care (PHC) or Basic Care (AB) services, through the Family Health Strategy (FHS), in the management and control of the COVID-19 infection. Indicates the instruments of clinical guidance for professionals of the Unified Health System (SUS) from the transmission of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Tocantins.

Orienta a los servicios de Atención Primaria de Salud (APS) o Atención Básica (AB), a través de la Estrategia de Salud de la Familia (ESF), en el manejo y control de la infección por COVID-19. Indica los instrumentos de orientación clínica para profesionales del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) a partir de la transmisión del nuevo Coronavirus (COVID-19) en Tocantins.

Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Emergency Medical Transport of the Newborn.

Randomized controlled trials in the 1990s confirmed the safety and efficacy of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in near-term and term newborns with hypoxemic respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension, demonstrating improved oxygenation and reduced need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy. However, in about 30% to 40% of sick newborns, these improvements in oxygenation and hemodynamics are not sustained and affected infants often require rapid transfer to an ECMO center despite the initiation of iNO. Abrupt discontinuation of iNO therapy before transport in patients who have had little apparent clinical benefit can be harmful because of acute deterioration with severe hypoxemia. Thus, continued use of iNO therapy during hospital transfer of infants with pulmonary hypertension is important. In this review, we describe: 1) the history of iNO use during transport; 2) a practical approach to iNO during transport; and 3) guidelines for the initiation of iNO before or during transport.

Plano municipal de contingência de Brasilândia do Tocantins Novo Coronavírus (covid-19) / Municipal contingency plan of Brasilândia do Tocantins Novo Coronavirus (covid-19)

Orienta na campanha para ações de combate ao Coronavírus (Covid-19) no município de Brasilândia do Tocantins. Apresenta quais as definições de casos de infecção humana pelo COVID-19. Orientações de como notificar ao Centro de Informações Estratégicas de Vigilância em Saúde (CIEVS). Quais os períodos de incubação da doença. Fatores sobre a transmissão e tratamento. Investigação epidemiológica. Quais atribuições da Vigilância em Saúde. Orientações para a coleta de amostras no Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública do Tocantins (LACEN-TO) bem como a técnica de coleta de Swabde nasofaringe e orofaringe (swabs combinados), o acondicionamento, transporte e envio das amostras. Mostra as medidas de prevenção e controle Precauções padrão, as medidas de isolamento. Transporte do paciente. Como se dá a Limpeza e desinfecção de superfícies.

He guides in the campaign for actions to fight the Coronavirus (Covid-19) in the municipality of Brasilândia do Tocantins. It presents the definitions of cases of human infection by COVID-19. Guidelines on how to notify the Health Surveillance Strategic Information Center (CIEVS). What are the disease incubation periods. Factors about transmission and treatment. Epidemiological investigation. Which attributions of Health Surveillance. Guidelines for the collection of samples at the Central Laboratory of Public Health of Tocantins (LACEN-TO) as well as the technique of collecting Swabde nasopharynx and oropharynx (combined swabs), packaging, transport and sending of samples . Shows prevention and control measures Standard precautions, isolation measures. Transporting the patient. How to clean and disinfect surfaces.

Orienta en la campaña de acciones para combatir el Coronavirus (Covid-19) en el municipio de Brasilândia do Tocantins. Presenta las definiciones de casos de infección humana por COVID-19. Directrices sobre cómo notificar al Centro de Información Estratégica de Vigilancia Sanitaria (CIEVS). Cuáles son los períodos de incubación de la enfermedad. Factores de transmisión y tratamiento. Investigación epidemiológica. Qué atribuciones de la Vigilancia Sanitaria. Lineamientos para la recolección de muestras en el Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública de Tocantins (LACEN-TO) así como la técnica de recolección de Swabde nasofaringe y orofaringe (hisopos combinados), el empaque, transporte y envío de las muestras . Muestra medidas de prevención y control Precauciones estándar, medidas de aislamiento. Transporte del paciente. Cómo limpiar y desinfectar superficies.

Il guide dans la campagne d'actions de lutte contre le Coronavirus (Covid-19) dans la commune de Brasilândia do Tocantins. Il présente les définitions des cas d'infection humaine par COVID-19. Lignes directrices sur la manière de notifier le Centre d'information stratégique de surveillance sanitaire (CIEVS). Quelles sont les périodes d'incubation de la maladie. Facteurs de transmission et de traitement. Enquête épidémiologique. Quelles attributions de Surveillance de la Santé. Directives pour le prélèvement d'échantillons au Laboratoire Central de Santé Publique de Tocantins (LACEN-TO) ainsi que la technique de prélèvement Swabde rhinopharynx et oropharynx (écouvillons combinés), emballage, transport et envoi des échantillons . Affiche les mesures de prévention et de contrôle Précautions standard, mesures d'isolement. Transport du patient. Comment nettoyer et désinfecter les surfaces.

Plano municipal de contingência de Marianópolis do Tocantins Novo Coronavírus (COVID-19) / Municipal contingency plan for Marianópolis do Tocantins Novo Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Orienta na campanha para ações de combate ao Coronavírus (Covid-19) no município de Marianópolis do Tocantins. Apresenta quais as definições de casos de infecção humana pelo COVID-19. Orientações de como notificar ao Centro de Informações Estratégicas de Vigilância em Saúde (CIEVS). Quais os períodos de incubação da doença. Fatores sobre a transmissão e tratamento. Investigação epidemiológica. Quais atribuições da Vigilância em Saúde. Orientações para a coleta de amostras no Laboratório Central de Saúde Pública do Tocantins (LACEN-TO) bem como a técnica de coleta de Swabde nasofaringe e orofaringe (swabs combinados), o acondicionamento, transporte e envio das amostras. Traz as recomendações para a coleta de amostras em situação de óbito. Mostra as medidas de prevenção e controle Precauções padrão, as medidas de isolamento. Transporte do paciente. Como se dá a Limpeza e desinfecção de superfícies.

He guides in the campaign for actions to combat the Coronavirus (Covid-19) in the municipality of Marianópolis do Tocantins. It presents the definitions of cases of human infection by COVID-19. Guidelines on how to notify the Health Surveillance Strategic Information Center (CIEVS). What are the disease incubation periods. Factors about transmission and treatment. Epidemiological investigation. Which attributions of Health Surveillance. Guidelines for the collection of samples at the Central Laboratory of Public Health of Tocantins (LACEN-TO) as well as the technique of collecting Swabde nasopharynx and oropharynx (combined swabs), packaging, transport and sending of samples . It provides recommendations for the collection of samples in situations of death. Shows prevention and control measures Standard precautions, isolation measures. Transporting the patient. How to clean and disinfect surfaces.

Orienta en la campaña de acciones de combate al Coronavirus (Covid-19) en el municipio de Marianópolis do Tocantins. Presenta las definiciones de casos de infección humana por COVID-19. Directrices sobre cómo notificar al Centro de Información Estratégica de Vigilancia Sanitaria (CIEVS). Cuáles son los períodos de incubación de la enfermedad. Factores de transmisión y tratamiento. Investigación epidemiológica. Qué atribuciones de la Vigilancia Sanitaria. Lineamientos para la recolección de muestras en el Laboratorio Central de Salud Pública de Tocantins (LACEN-TO) así como la técnica de recolección de Swabde nasofaringe y orofaringe (hisopos combinados), el empaque, transporte y envío de las muestras . Proporciona recomendaciones para la recolección de muestras en situaciones de muerte. Muestra medidas de prevención y control Precauciones estándar, medidas de aislamiento. Transporte del paciente. Cómo limpiar y desinfectar superficies.

Il guide dans la campagne d'actions de lutte contre le Coronavirus (Covid-19) dans la municipalité de Marianópolis do Tocantins. Il présente les définitions des cas d'infection humaine par COVID-19. Lignes directrices sur la manière de notifier le Centre d'information stratégique de surveillance sanitaire (CIEVS). Quelles sont les périodes d'incubation de la maladie. Facteurs de transmission et de traitement. Enquête épidémiologique. Quelles attributions de la Surveillance de la Santé. Directives pour le prélèvement d'échantillons au Laboratoire Central de Santé Publique de Tocantins (LACEN-TO) ainsi que la technique de prélèvement de Swabde nasopharynx et oropharynx (écouvillons combinés), l'emballage, le transport et l'envoi des échantillons . Il fournit des recommandations pour le prélèvement d'échantillons en cas de décès. Affiche les mesures de prévention et de contrôle. Transport du patient. Comment nettoyer et désinfecter les surfaces.

[Consensus on transport of critically ill children]. / Consenso sobre el traslado de niños críticamente enfermos.

The greater development and creation of new Pediatric Intensive Care Units in recent years requires us to review the appropriate structure of the corresponding care between the initial resuscitation of the critical pediatric patient and care by specialists in highly complex areas. The transportation process must offer the critical pediatric patient a standard of care similar to that offered in said Unit. This standard is achieved with a team trained in pediatric transport and with the capacity to provide critical care. The decision to transport a patient within the same hospital or to another institution is based on the evaluation of the potential benefits weighed against potential risks, since there is an increase in morbidity and mortality during transport. The recommendations presented in this document are intended to try to improve the transfer of critical patients in our country.

El mayor desarrollo y la creación de nuevas unidades de terapia intensiva pediátrica en los últimos años obligan a revisar la estructuración adecuada de los cuidados correspondientes entre la reanimación inicial del paciente grave y la atención por especialistas en ámbitos de alta complejidad. El proceso de transporte debe ofrecer al paciente grave un estándar de cuidado similar al que se le ofrece en dicha Unidad. Este se logra con un equipo entrenado en el transporte pediátrico y con capacidad de proveer cuidados críticos. La decisión de transportar a un paciente dentro del mismo hospital o a otra institución se basa en la evaluación de los potenciales beneficios sopesados contra potenciales riesgos, ya que existe un incremento de la morbilidad y la mortalidad durante el transporte. Las recomendaciones que se presentan en este documento tienen el objetivo de intentar mejorar el traslado de pacientes críticos en nuestro país.

Quality Assessment of Neonatal Transport performed by the Mobile Emergency Medical Services (SAMU) / Avaliação da qualidade do transporte inter-hospitalar neonatal feito pelo Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência (Samu)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of neonatal transport performed by the Mobile Emergency Medical Services (Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência [SAMU]).METHODS: This was a cross-sectional before-and-after observational study. The study was carried out from March to August of 2013 using a validated instrument, the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS), to assess the characteristics of the newborn, medical and mechanical complications (equipment and ambulance), and stability of newborns before and after transport. Tests were conducted with 95% confidence level. Numerical variables are represented by measures of central tendency and dispersion. Categorical variables were compared by Fisher's exact test. In the comparison of variables between the groups, the Student's t-test was used for variables with normal distribution, Fisher exact test, when appropriate, and the Mann-Whitney test, for non-normal distribution.RESULTS: 33 newborns were transported from low-risk units to neonatal intensive care units. Male gender (57.6%) and full-term gestational age (63.6%) were more prevalent. Birth weight < 2,500 g was found in 39.4% of newborns. Respiratory failure accounted for 42.4% of the requests. The mean transport time was 58 minutes without medical or mechanical complications. The TRIPS score worsened in 15% of neonates; in this group of infants, the mean initial temperature of 36.46 ± 0.19 decreased significantly to 36.08 ± 0.22 (p = 0.041).CONCLUSION: The transport performed by the SAMU was adequate for most newborns. The oscillation in body temperature was the only significant variable for the alteration in the TRIPS score.

OBJETIVO: Verificar a qualidade do transporte neonatal feito pelo Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência (Samu).MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional transversal de antes e depois, de março a agosto de 2013. Usou-se instrumento validado de avaliação do transporte, o Transport Risk Index of Phisiologic Stabilit (Trips). Foram analisadas características dos recém-nascidos, intercorrências de aspecto médico e mecânico (das máquinas e da ambulância) e a estabilidade, antes e depois do transporte. Os testes foram aplicados com 95% de confiança. As variáveis numéricas estão representadas pelas medidas de tendência central e de dispersão. As variáveis categóricas foram avaliadas pelo teste exato de Fisher. Na comparação das variáveis entre os grupos usou-se o teste t de Student para as distribuições normais, o teste exato de Fisher, quando indicado, e o de Mann-Whitney para as não normais.RESULTADOS: Foram transportados de unidades de baixo risco para unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal 33 recém-nascidos. Prevaleceram o gênero masculino (57,6%) e a idade gestacional a termo (63,6%). Peso de nascimento abaixo de 2.500 g foi encontrado em 39,4% dos recém-nascidos. Insuficiência respiratória foi responsável por 42,4% das solicitações. A duração média do transporte foi de 58 minutos, sem intercorrências médicas ou mecânicas. O escore Trips piorou em 15% dos pacientes e nesse grupo de RN a média da temperatura inicial de 36,46 ± 0,19 diminuiu de forma significativa para 36,08 ± 0,22 (p = 0,041).CONCLUSÃO: O transporte feito pelo Samu foi adequado para a maioria dos recém-nascidos. A oscilação da temperatura corporal foi a única variável importante para alteração do escore no transporte.

Quality Assessment of Neonatal Transport performed by the Mobile Emergency Medical Services (SAMU).

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of neonatal transport performed by the Mobile Emergency Medical Services (Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência [SAMU]). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional before-and-after observational study. The study was carried out from March to August of 2013 using a validated instrument, the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS), to assess the characteristics of the newborn, medical and mechanical complications (equipment and ambulance), and stability of newborns before and after transport. Tests were conducted with 95% confidence level. Numerical variables are represented by measures of central tendency and dispersion. Categorical variables were compared by Fisher's exact test. In the comparison of variables between the groups, the Student's t-test was used for variables with normal distribution, Fisher exact test, when appropriate, and the Mann-Whitney test, for non-normal distribution. RESULTS: 33 newborns were transported from low-risk units to neonatal intensive care units. Male gender (57.6%) and full-term gestational age (63.6%) were more prevalent. Birth weight<2,500g was found in 39.4% of newborns. Respiratory failure accounted for 42.4% of the requests. The mean transport time was 58 minutes without medical or mechanical complications. The TRIPS score worsened in 15% of neonates; in this group of infants, the mean initial temperature of 36.46±0.19 decreased significantly to 36.08±0.22 (p=0.041). CONCLUSION: The transport performed by the SAMU was adequate for most newborns. The oscillation in body temperature was the only significant variable for the alteration in the TRIPS score.

Disaster aeromedical evacuation.

Successful disaster aeromedical evacuation depends on applying the principles learned by moving patients since World War II, culminating in today's global patient movement system. This article describes the role of the Department of Defense patient movement system in providing defense support to civil authorities during the 2008 hurricane season and the international disaster response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Adapting and applying the principles of active partnerships, establishing patient movement requirements, patient preparation, and in-transit visibility have resulted in the successful aeromedical evacuation of over 1,600 patients since the federal response to Hurricane Katrina.

Predictive score for clinical complications during intra-hospital transports of infants treated in a neonatal unit.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a predictive score for clinical complications during intra-hospital transport of infants treated in neonatal units. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study nested in a prospective cohort of infants transported within a public university hospital from January 2001 to December 2008. Transports during even (n=301) and odd (n = 394) years were compared to develop and validate a predictive score. The points attributed to each score variable were derived from multiple logistic regression analysis. The predictive performance and the score calibration were analyzed by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test, respectively. RESULTS: Infants with a mean gestational age of 35 ± 4 weeks and a birth weight of 2457 ± 841 g were studied. In the derivation cohort, clinical complications occurred in 74 (24.6%) transports. Logistic regression analysis identified five variables associated with these complications and assigned corresponding point values: gestation at birth [<28 weeks (6 pts); 28-34 weeks (3 pts); >34 weeks (2 pts)]; pre-transport temperature [<36.3°Cor >37°C(3pts); 36.3-37.0°C (2 pts)]; underlying pathological condition [CNS malformation (4 pts); other (2 pts)]; transport destination [surgery (5 pts); magnetic resonance or computed tomography imaging (3 pts); other (2 pts)]; and pre-transport respiratory support [mechanical ventilation (8 pts); supplemental oxygen (7 pts); no oxygen (2 pts)]. For the derivation and validation cohorts, the areas under the ROC curve were 0.770 and 0.712, respectively. Expected and observed frequencies of complications were similar between the two cohorts. CONCLUSION: The predictive score developed and validated in this study presented adequate discriminative power and calibration. This score can help identify infants at risk of clinical complications during intra-hospital transports.

Influência do local de nascimento e do transporte sobre a morbimortalidade de recém-nascidos prematuros / Effect of place of birth and transport on morbidity and mortality of preterm newborns

OBJETIVO: Verificar a influência do local de nascimento e do transporte sobre a morbimortalidade de recém-nascidos prematuros na Região Sul do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte com recém-nascidos prematuros transferidos para a unidade de tratamento intensivo de referência (grupo transporte = 61), tendo sido acompanhados até a alta. Os dados sobre o atendimento no hospital de origem e transporte foram obtidos no momento da internação. Esse grupo foi comparado com neonatos da maternidade de referência, pareados por idade gestacional (grupo controle = 123), tendo como desfecho primário o óbito e desfechos secundários as alterações da glicemia, temperatura e saturação de oxigênio no momento da internação e a incidência de enterocolite necrosante, displasia broncopulmonar e sepses. Na associação entre as variáveis e o desfecho, foi utilizado o risco relativo. Foi adotado um nível de significância de α = 5 por cento e β = 90 por cento. RESULTADOS: A distância média percorrida foi de 91 km. A idade gestacional média foi de 34 semanas. Entre os recém-nascidos transferidos, 23 por cento (n = 14) não tiveram atendimento pediátrico na sala de parto. No transporte, 33 por cento dos recém-nascidos foram acompanhados por pediatra, e os equipamentos utilizados foram: incubadora (57 por cento), bomba de infusão (13 por cento), oxímetro (49 por cento) e aparelho para aferição da glicemia (21 por cento). O grupo transporte apresentou maior incidência de hiperglicemia, risco relativo (RR) = 3,2 (2,3-4,4), hipoglicemia, RR = 2,4 (1,4-4,0), hipertermia, RR = 2,5 (1,6-3,9), e hipoxemia, RR = 2,2 (1,6-3,0). Foram observados 18 por cento de óbitos no grupo dos transferidos e 8,9 por cento no grupo controle, RR = 2,0 (1,0-2,6). CONCLUSÕES: A pesquisa expõe deficiências no atendimento e transporte dos recém-nascidos, sendo necessária uma melhor organização do atendimento perinatal e do transporte na região nordeste do Rio Grande do Sul.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of place of birth and transport on morbidity and mortality of preterm newborns in the southern region of Brazil. METHODS: This cohort study included preterm newborns transported to a reference intensive care unit (transport group = 61) and followed up until discharge. Data about care in hospital of origin and transport were obtained at admission. This group was compared with infants born in the maternity ward of the reference hospital paired according to gestational age (control group = 123). Primary outcome was death, and secondary outcomes were changes in blood glucose, temperature and oxygen saturation at admission and the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and sepsis. Relative risk (RR) was used to evaluate the association between variables and outcome. The level of significance was set at α = 5 percent and β = 90 percent. RESULTS: Mean travel distance was 91 km. Mean gestational age was 34 weeks. Of the neonates in the transport group, 23 percent (n = 14) did not receive pediatric care in the delivery room. During transportation, 33 percent of newborns were accompanied by a pediatrician, and the equipment available was: incubator (57 percent), infusion pump (13 percent), oximeter (49 percent) and device for blood glucose test (21 percent). The transport group had a greater incidence of hyperglycemia (RR = 3.2; 2.3-4.4), hypoglycemia (RR = 2.4; 1.4-4.0), hyperthermia (RR = 2.5; 1.6-3.9), and hypoxemia (RR = 2.2; 1.6-3.0). The percentage of deaths was 18 percent in the transport group and 8.9 percent in the control group (RR = 2.0; 1.0-2.6). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed deficiencies in neonatal care and transport. Perinatal care and transport should be better organized in the northeastern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Effect of place of birth and transport on morbidity and mortality of preterm newborns.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of place of birth and transport on morbidity and mortality of preterm newborns in the southern region of Brazil. METHODS: This cohort study included preterm newborns transported to a reference intensive care unit (transport group = 61) and followed up until discharge. Data about care in hospital of origin and transport were obtained at admission. This group was compared with infants born in the maternity ward of the reference hospital paired according to gestational age (control group = 123). Primary outcome was death, and secondary outcomes were changes in blood glucose, temperature and oxygen saturation at admission and the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and sepsis. Relative risk (RR) was used to evaluate the association between variables and outcome. The level of significance was set at α = 5% and ß = 90%. RESULTS: Mean travel distance was 91 km. Mean gestational age was 34 weeks. Of the neonates in the transport group, 23% (n = 14) did not receive pediatric care in the delivery room. During transportation, 33% of newborns were accompanied by a pediatrician, and the equipment available was: incubator (57%), infusion pump (13%), oximeter (49%) and device for blood glucose test (21%). The transport group had a greater incidence of hyperglycemia (RR = 3.2; 2.3-4.4), hypoglycemia (RR = 2.4; 1.4-4.0), hyperthermia (RR = 2.5; 1.6-3.9), and hypoxemia (RR = 2.2; 1.6-3.0). The percentage of deaths was 18% in the transport group and 8.9% in the control group (RR = 2.0; 1.0-2.6). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed deficiencies in neonatal care and transport. Perinatal care and transport should be better organized in the northeastern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Aerotransporte: aspectos básicos y clínicos / Air transport: basic and clinical aspects

El transporte aéreo de pacientes es una realidad cada vez más frecuente. Las condiciones y el ambiente presentado durante un vuelo, así como los cambios fisiológicos que ahí ocurren en los pacientes y en la tripulación son parámetros que el equipo médico debe conocer antes de enfrentarse a esta actividad. En este artículo se revisarán elementos propios de la aviación y de cómo estos influyen en el organismo humano; también se analizarán algunas recomendaciones a considerar.

Air transport of patients is an increasingly common reality. The conditions and the environment presented during a flight, as well as the physiological changes that occur in patients there and the crew are parameters that the medical team should know before taking on this activity. This article will review elements of aviation and how they affect the human organism also discusses some recommendations to consider.

[Intrahospital transportation of the seriously ill patient. The need for an action guideline]. / Transporte intrahospitalario del paciente grave. Necesidad de una guía de actuación.

The basics caused by the transportation of a patient in serious condition within the same hospital are varied, all of them involving a risk to the patient's stability and a responsibility for the accompanying professionals. The care that supposes the appropriate attention to the patient and the need for coordination among the parties make it necessary to homogenize the transfer criteria and those of the necessary previous maneuvers. This work has been carried out based on the lack of an intervention system that guides this practice. This work describes the possible intrahospital itineraries, the transport of this kind of patient, the phases of this type of transport as well as the most frequent physiologic alterations. The purpose of all this is to develop an action algorithm for the serious patient's intrahospital transportation and to reduce the incidence of adverse events during this transfer. A classification system that makes it possible to calculate the level of risk and to anticipate the care needs that a patient may require during the transfer is presented.

Predictive score for clinical complications during intra-hospital transports of infants treated in a neonatal unit

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a predictive score for clinical complications during intra-hospital transport of infants treated in neonatal units. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study nested in a prospective cohort of infants transported within a public university hospital from January 2001 to December 2008. Transports during even (n=301) and odd (n = 394) years were compared to develop and validate a predictive score. The points attributed to each score variable were derived from multiple logistic regression analysis. The predictive performance and the score calibration were analyzed by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test, respectively. RESULTS: Infants with a mean gestational age of 35 + 4 weeks and a birth weight of 2457 + 841 g were studied. In the derivation cohort, clinical complications occurred in 74 (24.6 percent) transports. Logistic regression analysis identified five variables associated with these complications and assigned corresponding point values: gestation at birth [<28 weeks (6 pts); 28-34 weeks (3 pts); >34 weeks (2 pts)]; pre-transport temperature [<36.3°Cor >37°C(3pts); 36.3-37.0°C (2 pts)]; underlying pathological condition [CNS malformation (4 pts); other (2 pts)]; transport destination [surgery (5 pts); magnetic resonance or computed tomography imaging (3 pts); other (2 pts)]; and pre-transport respiratory support [mechanical ventilation (8 pts); supplemental oxygen (7 pts); no oxygen (2 pts)]. For the derivation and validation cohorts, the areas under the ROC curve were 0.770 and 0.712, respectively. Expected and observed frequencies of complications were similar between the two cohorts. CONCLUSION: The predictive score developed and validated in this study presented adequate discriminative power and calibration. This score can help identify infants at risk of clinical complications during intra-hospital transports.