Reduction in morbidity and mortality from childhood diarrhoeal disease after species A rotavirus vaccine introduction in Latin America : a review

Countries in Latin America were among the first to implement routine vaccination against species A rotavirus (RVA). We evaluate data from Latin America on reductions in gastroenteritis and RVA disease burden following the introduction of RVA vaccine. Published literature was reviewed to identify case-control studies of vaccine effectiveness and population-based studies examining longitudinal trends of diarrhoeal disease reduction after RVA vaccine introduction in Latin American countries. RVA vaccine effectiveness and impact on gastroenteritis mortality and hospitalization rates and RVA hospitalization rates are described. Among middle-income Latin American countries with published data (Mexico, Brazil, El Salvador and Panama), RVA vaccine contributed to a gastroenteritis-associated mortality reduction of 22-41%, a gastroenteritis-associated hospitalization reduction of 17-51% and a RVA hospitalization reduction of 59-81% among children younger than five years of age. In Brazil and El Salvador, case-control studies demonstrated that a full RVA vaccination schedule was 76-85% effective against RVA hospitalization; a lower effectiveness of 46% was seen in Nicaragua, the only low-income country with available data. A growing body of literature offers convincing evidence of "real world" vaccine program successes in Latin American settings, which may be expanded as more countries in the region include RVA vaccine in their immunization programs.

Depletion of CD25+ cells during acute toxoplasmosis does not significantly increase mortality in Swiss OF1 mice

The interleukin (IL)-2R alpha chain (CD25) is expressed on regulatory T cells (Treg), which constitute more than 85% of the CD25+ T cell population in a naïve mouse. CD25 is also expressed on effector T cells in mice suffering from an acute infection by the obligate intracellular protozoan parasite, Toxoplasma gondii. Lethal toxoplasmosis is accompanied by a significant loss of Treg in mice naturally susceptible to toxoplasmosis. The present study was done to explore the role of Treg cells using an anti-CD25 antibody-mediated depletion in mice naturally resistant to toxoplasmosis. Although a significant decrease in the percentage of Treg cells was observed following anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody injections, the depletion of CD25+ cells during acute toxoplasmosis did not significantly increase the mortality of Swiss OF1 mice and no significant difference was observed in the brain parasitic load between the mice in the depleted-infected and isotype-infected groups. We found no significant difference between the titres of total IgG in the sera of the mice from the two groups in the chronic phase. However, CD25+ cells depletion was followed by significantly higher levels of IL-12 in the serum of depleted mice than in that of mice injected with the isotype control antibody.

The residual efficacy of a cypermethrin pour-on formulation applied on goats on the mortality and blood intake of Triatoma infestans

Triatoma infestans is the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the aetiological agent of Chagas disease in the Gran Chaco region of South America. As a frequent blood meal source for triatomine bugs, domestic goats play a key role in the eco-epidemiology of Chagas disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mortality and blood intake of T. infestans fed on goats that had been treated with different doses of pour-on insecticide. Third-instar nymphs were fed on goats that had been treated with 0 cc, 5 cc, 10 cc or 15 cc of a pour-on formulation of cypermethrin. The exposure of T. infestans to animals treated at different post-application intervals revealed a residual activity of the insecticide. The mortality rate in the treated groups was higher than in the control groups until 30 days post-insecticide application (p = 0.03), except in the group treated with 5 cc, in which no mortality was detected after seven days of insecticide application. Rainfall affected the triatomicide effect, reducing the time of residual activity. The cypermethrin pour-on treatment decreased the blood intake of T. infestans. Thirty days after the cypermethrin application, nymph mortality was 16% (± 13) with both doses (10 cc and 15 cc). The 15 cc dose did not result in higher insect mortality or increased persistence compared to the 10 cc dose.

Maternal mortality from hemorrhage in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil

Hemorrhage represents a set of causes that focuses on women during the pregnancy and puerperal period, and that, with improper attention, results in death. The authors aimed to analyze maternal deaths related to hemorrhage that occurred in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The data were obtained from the Mortality Information System and Live Births Information System from the Brazilian Ministry of Health. This was a descriptive study, in which 491 maternal deaths that occurred in the period 1997-2010 were analyzed. Of these, 61 were related to hemorrhage, corresponding to 12.42%; postpartum hemorrhage was the most prevalent cause, with 26 deaths, followed by placental abruption with 15, representing 67.21% of the cases. The maternal mortality from hemorrhage is a public health problem in the state of Santa Catarina, due to its high prevalence and the fact that its underlying causes are preventable.

Neonatal mortality in infants with low birth weigh

Objective To evaluate the factors associated with neonatal mortality in infant born with low birth weight. Method Cross-sectional study that analyzed data from 771 live births with low birth weight (<2500 g) in the city of Cuiabá, MT, in 2010, of whom 54 died in the neonatal period. We obtained data from the Information System on Live Births and Mortality, by integrated linkage. Results In multiple logistic regression, neonatal mortality was associated with: number of prenatal visits less than 7 (OR=3.80;CI:1,66-8,70); gestational age less than 37 weeks (OR=4.77;CI:1.48-15.38), Apgar score less than 7 at the 1st minute (OR=4.25;CI:1.84-9.81) and the 5th minute (OR=5.72,CI:2.24-14.60) and presence of congenital anomaly (OR=14.39;IC:2.72-76.09). Conclusion Neonatal mortality in infants with low birth weight is associated with avoidable factors through adequate attention to prenatal care, childbirth and infants.


Mortality of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera, Plutellidae) by parasitoids in the Province of Santa Fe, Argentina

Mortality of Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera, Plutellidae) by parasitoids in the Province of Santa Fe, Argentina. Plutella xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera, Plutellidae) larvae cause severe economic damage on cabbage, Brassica oleracea L. variety capitata (Brassicaceae), in the horticultural fields in the Province of Santa Fe, Argentina. Overuse of broad spectrum insecticides affects the action of natural enemies of this insect on cabbage. The objectives of this work were to identify the parasitoids of P. xylostella and to determine their influence on larva and pupa mortality. Weekly collections of larvae and pupae were randomly conducted in cabbage crops during spring 2006 and 2007. The immature forms collected were classified according to their developmental stage: L1 and L2 (Ls = small larvae), L3 (Lm = medium larvae), L4 (Ll = large larvae), pre-pupae and pupae (P). Each individual was observed daily in the laboratory until the adult pest or parasitoid emergence. We identified parasitoids, the number of instar and the percentage of mortality of P. xylostella for each species of parasitoid. Parasitoids recorded were: Diadegma insulare (Cresson, 1875) (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae), Oomyzus sokolowskii (Kurdjumov, 1912) (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), Cotesia plutellae (Kurdjumov, 1912) (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) and an unidentified species of Chalcididae (Hymenoptera). Besides parasitoids, an unidentified entomopathogenic fungus was also recorded in 2006 and 2007. In 2006, the most successful parasitoids were D. insulare and O. sokolowskii, while in 2007 only D. insulare exerted a satisfactory control and it attacked the early instars of the pest.

Mortality of Plutella xylostella larvae treated with Aspidosperma pyrifolium ethanol extracts

The objective of this work was to assess the effects of Aspidosperma pyrifolium ethanol extracts on cabbage moth (Plutella xylostella) larvae. The ethanol extracts of the stem bark, fruits and roots of A. pyrifolium were obtained by classical phytochemical methods, and the resulting subfractions were tested on P. xylostella, using 4 and 5 mg L-1. The crude ethanol extract of the stem bark was more lethal. The alkaloid-rich aqueous subfraction derived from the stem bark extract caused 100% larval mortality at 4 mg L-1. Insecticidal activity was associated with the presence of the monoterpenoid indole alkaloids aspidofractinine, 15-demethoxypyrifoline, and N-formylaspidofractinine. These alkaloids presented excellent insecticidal properties against P. xylostella.

Night admission is an independent risk factor for mortality in trauma patients - a systemic error approach

ABSTRACTObjective:to assess the impact of the shift inlet trauma patients, who underwent surgery, in-hospital mortality.Methods:a retrospective observational cohort study from November 2011 to March 2012, with data collected through electronic medical records. The following variables were statistically analyzed: age, gender, city of origin, marital status, admission to the risk classification (based on the Manchester Protocol), degree of contamination, time / admission round, admission day and hospital outcome.Results:during the study period, 563 patients injured victims underwent surgery, with a mean age of 35.5 years (± 20.7), 422 (75%) were male, with 276 (49.9%) received in the night shift and 205 (36.4%) on weekends. Patients admitted at night and on weekends had higher mortality [19 (6.9%) vs. 6 (2.2%), p=0.014, and 11 (5.4%) vs. 14 (3.9%), p=0.014, respectively]. In the multivariate analysis, independent predictors of mortality were the night admission (OR 3.15), the red risk classification (OR 4.87), and age (OR 1.17).Conclusion:the admission of night shift and weekend patients was associated with more severe and presented higher mortality rate. Admission to the night shift was an independent factor of surgical mortality in trauma patients, along with the red risk classification and age.

Risk factors for mortality in blunt abdominal trauma with surgical approach

ABSTRACTObjective:identify risk factors for mortality in patients who underwent laparotomy after blunt abdominal trauma.Methods:retrospective study, case-control, which were reviewed medical records of blunt trauma victims patients undergoing laparotomy, from March 2013 to January 2015, and compared the result of the deaths group with the group healed.Results:of 86 patients, 63% were healed, 36% died, and one patient was excluded from the study. Both groups had similar epidemiology and trauma mechanism, predominantly young adults males, automobilistic accident. Most cases that evolved to death had hemodynamic instability as laparotomy indication - 61% against 38% in the other group (p=0.02). The presence of solid organ injury was larger in the group of deaths - 80% versus 48% (p=0.001) and 61% of them had other associated abdominal injury compared to 25% in the other group (p=0.01). Of the patients who died 96% had other serious injuries associated (p=0.0003). Patients requiring damage control surgery had a higher mortality rate (p=0.0099). Only one of 18 patients with isolated hollow organ lesion evolved to death (p=0.0001). The mean injury score of TRISS of cured (91.70%) was significantly higher than that of deaths (46.3%) (p=0.002).Conclusion:the risk factors for mortality were hemodynamic instability as an indication for laparotomy, presence of solid organ injury, multiple intra-abdominal injuries, need for damage control surgery, serious injury association and low index of trauma score.

Fifty consecutive pancreatectomies without mortality

Objective: to report the group's experience with a series of patients undergoing pancreatic resection presenting null mortality rates. Methods: we prospectively studied 50 consecutive patients undergoing pancreatic resections for peri-ampullary or pancreatic diseases. Main local complications were defined according to international criteria. In-hospital mortality was defined as death occurring in the first 90 postoperative days. Results: patients' age ranged between 16 and 90 years (average: 53.3). We found anemia (Hb < 12g/dl) and preoperative jaundice in 38% and 40% of cases, respectively. Most patients presented with peri-ampullary tumors (66%). The most common surgical procedure was the Kausch - Whipple operation (70%). Six patients (12%) needed to undergo resection of a segment of the mesenteric-portal axis. The mean operative time was 445.1 minutes. Twenty two patients (44%) showed no clinical complications and presented mean hospital stay of 10.3 days. The most frequent complications were pancreatic fistula (56%), delayed gastric emptying (17.1%) and bleeding (16%). Conclusion : within the last three decades, pancreatic resection is still considered a challenge, especially outside large specialized centers. Nevertheless, even in our country (Brazil), teams seasoned in such procedure can reach low mortality rates.

Transfusão intra-uterina em fetos afetados pela doença hemolítica perinatal grave: um estudo descritivo

Objetivo: analisar 54 transfusões intravasculares intra-uterinas (TIVs), ressaltando complicações do procedimento e morbimortalidade perinatal. Material e Métodos: fetos submetidos a TIVs na Clínica Materno-Fetal e Maternidade Carmela Dutra (Florianópolis, SC), entre janeiro de 1992 e agosto de 1997, foram incluídos no estudo. As características das gestantes, dados relativos ao procedimento e ao recém-nascido foram tabulados para análise e apresentados de forma descritiva, utilizando-se percentagem, média, desvio padrão, mediana, variação e risco relativo (RR) com intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC) conforme apropriado. Resultados: foram realizadas 50 TIVs e quatro ex-sangüíneo transfusões em 21 fetos. Houve quatro óbitos (20%), três dos quais (75%) ocorridos em fetos hidrópicos. A idade gestacional média quando da primeira transfusão foi de 29,1 semanas. A concentração média de hemoglobina foi de 5,69 mg/dl. A taxa de mortalidade decorrente do procedimento foi de 7,4%. A idade gestacional média ao nascimento foi 33,9 semanas e o peso médio foi 2.437 gramas. Sessenta e cinco por cento dos recém-nascidos receberam ex-sangüíneo transfusão complementar. Conclusão: a taxa de mortalidade por procedimento (7,4%) foi semelhante à relatada na literatura mundial. A taxa de mortalidade perinatal (20%) foi mais elevada do que a relatada na literatura estrangeira, mas inferior à relatada em estudo conduzido no Brasil, no qual a prevalência de fetos hidrópicos foi semelhante.

Complicações da gestação e do parto como fatores de risco de óbito perinatal

Objetivo: avaliar as complicações clínicas da gestação e as complicações do parto como fatores de risco de óbito perinatal. Metodologia - Pacientes: os casos (óbitos perinatais) foram identificados a partir de 3.031 partos assistidos em maternidade de nível terciário (Hospital da Polícia Militar do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, PMERJ). Após cada caso foram selecionados 3 controles de forma seqüencial. Métodos: o delineamento foi de caso-controle aninhado. Casos (n = 82) foram óbitos perinatais com mínimo de 28 semanas de idade gestacional ou 1.000 g de peso. Controles (n = 246) foram recém-nascidos vivos até uma semana de vida. A variável dependente foi óbito perinatal (28 sem - 7 dias de nascido). Foram variáveis independentes (fatores de risco): idade gestacional, peso do recém-nascido, complicações da gravidez e complicações do parto. A análise foi feita em três etapas: univariada, estratificada e multivariada (regressão logística). Resultados: foi observada uma razão de chances de 4,21 para as complicações da gravidez e de 5,26 para as complicações do parto. O peso do recém-nascido mostrou OR = 0,999 por grama acima de 1.000 g. A idade gestacional mostrou OR = 0,729 por semana acima de 28. Conclusões: as complicações da gravidez e as complicações do parto são fatores de risco para óbito perinatal. A idade gestacional e o peso do recém-nascido comportaram-se como fatores de proteção para o óbito perinatal.

Fatores Prognósticos para o Óbito Perinatal em Gestações com Diástole Zero ou Reversa na Dopplervelocimetria das Artérias Umbilicais

Objetivos: estudar os fatores prognósticos para o óbito perinatal em gestações com diagnóstico de diástole zero (DZ) ou reversa (DR) na dopplervelocimetria das artérias umbilicais. Métodos: foram analisadas retrospectivamente 204 gestantes com DZ ou DR, sendo realizados os exames de cardiotocografia, perfil biofísico fetal, índice do líquido amniótico e dopplervelocimetria do ducto venoso e das artérias umbilicais, uterinas, aorta e cerebral média. Em 170 casos foi aplicado o modelo de regressão logística para determinar a variável com melhor acurácia na predição do óbito perinatal. Resultados: a mortalidade foi de 28 casos de óbito fetal (13,7%) e 45 de óbito pós-natal (22,1%). Houve correlação significativa entre os óbitos e as variáveis analisadas. A proporção de óbitos no grupo com recém-nascidos de peso inferior a 1.000 g foi de 74,7% e no grupo com idade gestacional inferior a 31 semanas, de 66,3%. Na regressão logística, o peso do recém-nascido foi a melhor variável capaz de predizer o óbito perinatal (p<0,0001), permitindo a elaboração de uma curva de probabilidade de óbito de acordo com esta variável. Conclusões: a DZ ou DR representam um grave comprometimento fetal, cujo risco para óbito perinatal está relacionado principalmente ao peso do RN e à idade gestacional inferior a 31 semanas.

Valor da Taxa de Eritroblastos no Sangue da Veia Umbilical de Recém-Nascidos como Marcador Hematológico da Hipóxia Perinatal

Objetivo: examinar se a taxa de eritroblastos, no sangue da veia umbilical de recém-nascidos, tem relação com a hipoxia perinatal, analisada pelos parâmetros que expressam o equilíbrio ácido-básico (EAB) do sangue funicular. Métodos: de recém-nascidos vivos com pelo menos 37 semanas de gestação, assistidos no Hospital de Alvorada-RS, foram coletadas amostras de sangue da veia umbilical antes da instalação da respiração. Parte do sangue foi coletado em frasco contendo EDTA, determinando-se as séries vermelha e branca. No sangue coletado em seringa com heparina, foram determinados valores do pH, pO2, pCO2 e calculado o EAB. Em lâmina corada pelo corante panótico, procedeu-se à contagem manual do número de eritroblastos. A taxa de eritroblastos foi calculada em relação ao número de leucócitos. Resultados: dos 158 casos que compõem o estudo, em 55 as condições perinatais permitiram considerá-los como isentos de acometimento de processo hipóxico. A média da taxa de eritroblastos foi 3,9%, com o desvio-padrão de 2,8%. Os valores mínimo e máximo foram 0% e 10%, respectivamente. Dentre os 158 casos, a taxa dos eritroblastos foi 5,7%, com desvio-padrão de 5,3%. Os valores mínimo e máximo foram 0% e 28%, respectivamente. A aplicação do teste de Pearson a taxa dos eritroblastos e valores dos parâmetros do EAB mostrou correlação significativa para o pH e pCO2. A elaboração da curva ROC revelou que 5% de eritroblastos e pH de 7,25 representam pontos de corte que contrabalançam a sensibilidade e especificidade (54% e 56%), respectivamente. Dos 23 conceptos com taxa de eritroblastos maior que 10%, 7 (30,4%) estavam acidóticos, 11 (48,7%) eram grandes para a idade gestacional, 3 (13%) eram pequenos para a idade gestacional, 7 (30,4%) tinham anemia e em 3 (13%) não foram constatadas anormalidades. Conclusões: em recém-nascidos de gestações e partos sem complicações, a taxa de eritroblastos ao nascimento foi menor do que 10%. Quando a taxa de eritroblastos foi maior do que 10% houve correlação principalmente com acidemia, distúrbios do crescimento intra-uterino e anemia fetal.