Systemic cytokines/chemokines associated to radiographic abnormalities in pneumonia in children.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) diagnosis remains a challenge in paediatrics. Chest radiography is considered gold standard for definition of pneumonia, however no previous study assessed the relationship between immune response and radiographic-confirmed-pneumonia. We assessed association between cytokines/chemokines levels and radiographic abnormalities in children with CAP.

Evolution of cytokines/chemokines in cases with community-acquired pneumonia and distinct etiologies.

Aim: To compare the systemic cytokines/chemokines levels over time during the evolution of children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) with and without pneumococcal infection.

Methods: Children less than 5-years-old hospitalized with CAP were prospectively investigated in Salvador, Brazil. Clinical data and biological samples were collected to investigate 20 etiological agents and to determine serum cytokines/chemokines levels on admission and 2 to 4 weeks later.

Recovery from childhood community-acquired pneumonia in a developing country: Prognostic value of serum procalcitonin.

Background: Childhood community-acquired pneumonia is a common and potentially life-threatening illness in developing countries. We assessed the prognostic value of serum procalcitonin level upon admission on clinical response to antibiotic treatment.

Methods: Out of 89 patients, the median (IQR) age was 19(12-29) months and 60% were boys.

Systemic cytokines and chemokines on admission of children hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the main cause of death in children under-5 years worldwide and Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial agent. However, it is difficult to identify pneumococcal infection among children with CAP. We aimed to assess association between any cytokine/chemokine and pneumococcal infection in childhood CAP.

Congenital hydrocephalus in the northeast of Brazil: epidemiological aspects, prenatal diagnosis, and treatment.

Purpose: Congenital hydrocephalus (CH) has higher proportions in developing countries such as Brazil, reaching rates of 3.16:1,000 newborns. Early diagnosis is essential and can be done during the second trimester of pregnancy, highlighting the importance of regular prenatal care.

Oxacillin or cefalotin treatment of hospitalized children with cellulitis.

Cellulitis is an important cause of hospitalization in pediatrics. Because Staphylococcus aureus is the main pathogen of cellulitis, medicinal therapeutics should take the changing resistance profile of this organism into consideration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the progression and outcomes of children hospitalized for cellulitis and treated with oxacillin or cefalotin.

Risk of venous thromboembolism and efficacy of thromboprophylaxis in hospitalized obese medical patients and in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Background: Obesity is considered a highly prevalent risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in hospitalized patients. However, recommendations for VTE prophylaxis in obese patients are not clear.

Methods: To evaluate obesity as a risk factor for VTE in medical and bariatric patients and the efficacy of VTE prophylaxis, we performed a systematic review in MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and LILACS from 1976 to 2006.