scholarly journals The evolving epidemiology of acute gastroenteritis in hospitalized children in Italy

Author(s):  
Brigida Stanyevic ◽  
Margherita Sepich ◽  
Samanta Biondi ◽  
Giampiero Igli Baroncelli ◽  
Diego Peroni ◽  
...  

AbstractFew data are available on the prevalence and features of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in hospitalized children in Italy, where specific rotavirus vaccines were introduced into the national vaccination plan in 2017. To evaluate vaccination effects on AGE epidemiology, we analysed data from children aged ≤ 18 years admitted for AGE at the University Hospital of Pisa in 2019, comparing them with those recorded in 2012. Demographical, clinical, diagnostic, and treatment data were collected reviewing medical records and were therefore compared. In 2019 and 2012, 86 (median age 2.5 years [IQR 1.4–5.9]) and 85 children (median age 2.3 years [IQR 1.3–5.1]) were respectively admitted with AGE. The most common symptoms were diarrhoea and vomiting; decreased skin turgor was more frequent in 2019 (54% and 34% respectively, p = 0.01). Viral infections were more common than bacterial ones; in 2019, a decrease in rotavirus infections (67% and 22%, p = 0.003) and an increase in adenovirus infections (50% and 10%, p = 0.002) and in the number of patients with negative stool testing (58% and 39%, p = 0.04) were found.Conclusions: Viral infections are the leading cause of AGE in hospitalized children in Italy. The introduction of rotavirus vaccines did not reduce the number of hospitalizations per year. Adenovirus and other non-routinely screened viruses may be undergoing a selection process making them common causative agents for AGE. What is Known:• Rotavirus is the leading cause of acute severe gastroenteritis in children worldwide, especially < 5 years of age.• The introduction of specific vaccines may be changing its epidemiology.• Few data are available on acute gastroenteritis in hospitalized children in Italy. What is New:• Viral infections are the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in hospitalized children in Italy.• Specific vaccines are reducing rotavirus infections, but adenovirus and other non-routinely screened viruses may be undergoing a selection process making them common causative agents for gastroenteritis.

2018 ◽  
Vol 117 (8) ◽  
pp. 720-726 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wan-Ju Yu ◽  
Shih-Yen Chen ◽  
Chi-Neu Tsai ◽  
Hsun-Ching Chao ◽  
Man-Shan Kong ◽  
...  

2010 ◽  
Vol 138 (9) ◽  
pp. 1227-1234 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. RÄSÄNEN ◽  
S. LAPPALAINEN ◽  
S. KAIKKONEN ◽  
M. HÄMÄLÄINEN ◽  
M. SALMINEN ◽  
...  

SUMMARYWe examined stool specimens for viral pathogens from 50 children referred to hospital due to acute gastroenteritis (AGE) resulting from consuming drinking water contaminated with sewage in a Finnish community using PCR methods. Rotavirus was detected in 33 (66%), human calicivirus in 31 (62%), and both in 40% of cases. Of the caliciviruses, 20/31 (65%) were noroviruses and 11 (35%) sapoviruses. Furthermore, Aichi virus was detected in 25 (50%), adenovirus in six (12%) and bocavirus in four (8%) cases.Campylobacter jejuniwas present in 20 (61%) andSalmonellain four (12%) of the 33 stools cultured for bacteria. On a 20-point scale median severity score of AGE in the 28 hospitalized children was 17; the severity was similar regardless of viruses detected. Bloody diarrhoea occurred only whenC. jejuniwas present. To conclude, massive exposure to several AGE viruses caused mixed infections and severe AGE regardless of the aetiological agents.


2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 11-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
F J Luquero ◽  
J M Eiros ◽  
E Sanchez-Padilla ◽  
J Castrodeza ◽  
F Simón-Soria ◽  
...  

Rotavirus infection is one of the main causes of acute gastroenteritis and has an important impact on hospitalisation. There is no homogeneous surveillance system for rotavirus infections in Europe. The aim of this study is to develop a predictive model in order to estimate the expected rotavirus infections in the population covered by a hospital. A five year study (2000-2004) was developed in a Spanish university hospital. A correlation test between the notifications reported to the Microbiological Information System (SIM) and hospitalisations was carried out, as well as a time series analysis, obtaining the trend and the cyclical components. The predictive model was adjusted using the least squares method. A direct relationship between the microbiological isolations and the hospitalisations was established (=0.925; p&lt;0.001). A significant annual cycle was observed, with the peak of cases occurring in February. The two principal outbreaks that occurred in the study period would have been detected with the predictive model. Expected rotavirus cases and hospitalisations for 2005 and 2006 were obtained. The notifications of rotavirus infections reported to SIM are adequate in order to establish a hospital surveillance system, but a predictive model which provides expected cases is also necessary. Therefore, this tool will be useful to evaluate preventive measures such as rotavirus vaccines, which will soon be available in Europe.


2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 415-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wisoot Chan-it ◽  
Aksara Thongprachum ◽  
Shuvra Kanti Dey ◽  
Tung Gia Phan ◽  
Pattara Khamrin ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (04) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anwar Hussain Abbasi ◽  
Shahab Abid

Objectives: To determine the clinical outcome of acute pancreatitis in relation with major etiologies (Gallstones, Alcohol, and Drugs). Study Design: Cross sectional hospital based study. Setting: Aga Khan University Hospital. Period: 16 years (from 1st January 2001 to 30th June 2016). Methods: All patients with acute pancreatitis admitted. Major risk factors of pancreatitis such as gallstones, alcohol, and drugs were evaluated and outcomes assessed for the development of complications and mortality. Results: We evaluated 3049 patients with acute pancreatitis, the causative agents found, 80.35% (N = 2450), followed by Alcohol 13.05% (N = 398) and drugs 6.59% (N = 201), respectively. Patients with alcohol abuse were relatively older 53.74 years compared to patients with gallstones 39.54 years and drugs induced 43.26 years AP. Among them, the overall complication rate was 5.05% (N = 155). The most common complication was development of sepsis 45.8% (N = 71) and the overall mortality rate observed was 0.91% (N = 28). Conclusions: Gall stones are the leading cause of acute pancreatitis while drugs are the rare cause, however in significant number of patients cause remained obscure. Based on the above results patients with drug induced pancreatitis have good outcome as compared to gall stones and alcohol induced acute pancreatitis, however further studies warranted.


Respiration ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Marina Aiello ◽  
Marianna Ghirardini ◽  
Laura Marchi ◽  
Annalisa Frizzelli ◽  
Roberta Pisi ◽  
...  

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a hereditary disorder involving lungs, characterized by low serum concentration of the protein alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) also called proteinase inhibitor (PI). Asthma is common in AATD patients, but there are only few data on respiratory function in asthmatic patients with AATD. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The aim of the study was to evaluate lung function in asthmatic outpatients with mutation in the <i>SERPINA1</i> gene coding for AAT versus asthmatic subjects without mutation. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed the quantitative analysis of the serum concentration of AAT in 600 outpatients affected by mild to moderate asthma from the University Hospital of Parma, Italy. Fifty-seven of them underwent the genetic analysis subsequently; they were subdivided into mutated and non-mutated subjects. All the mutated patients had a heterozygous genotype, except 1 (PI*SS). We assessed the lung function through a flow-sensing spirometer and the small airway parameters through an impulse oscillometry system. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The values of forced vital capacity (% predicted) and those of the residual volume to total lung capacity ratio (%) were, respectively, lower and higher in patients mutated versus patients without mutation, showing a significantly greater air trapping (<i>p =</i> 0.014 and <i>p =</i> 0.017, respectively). Moreover, patients with mutation in comparison to patients without mutation showed lower forced expiratory volume in 3 s (% predicted) and forced expiratory volume in 6 s (L) spirometric values, reflecting a smaller airways contribution. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> In asthmatic patients, heterozygosity for AAT with PI*MZ and PI*MS genotypes was associated with small airway dysfunction and with lung air trapping.


Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 625
Author(s):  
Chonnamet Techasaensiri ◽  
Artit Wongsa ◽  
Thanyawee Puthanakit ◽  
Kulkanya Chokephaibulkit ◽  
Tawee Chotpitayasunondh ◽  
...  

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is highly prevalent in East and Southeast Asia. It particularly affects children under five years of age. The most common causative agents are coxsackieviruses A6 and A16, and enterovirus A71 (EV71). The clinical presentation is usually mild and self-limited, but, in some cases, severe and fatal complications develop. To date, no specific therapy or worldwide vaccine is available. In general, viral infection invokes both antibody and cell-mediated immune responses. Passive immunity transfer can ameliorate the severe symptoms of diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, MERS, and SARS. Hyperimmune plasma (HIP) from healthy donors with high anti-EV71 neutralizing titer were used to transfuse confirmed EV71-infected children with neurological involvement (n = 6). It resulted in recovery within three days, with no neurological sequelae apparent upon examination 14 days later. Following HIP treatment, plasma chemokines were decreased, whereas anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines gradually increased. Interestingly, IL-6 and G-CSF levels in cerebrospinal fluid declined sharply within three days. These findings indicate that HIP has therapeutic potential for HFMD with neurological complications. However, given the small number of patients who have been treated, a larger cohort study should be undertaken. Successful outcomes would stimulate the development of anti-EV71 monoclonal antibody therapy.


Author(s):  
Fang-Tzy Wu ◽  
Tomoichiro Oka ◽  
Ting-Yu Kuo ◽  
Yen Hai Doan ◽  
Luke Tzu-Chi Liu

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 230949902199607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia-Lung Shih ◽  
Peng-Ju Huang ◽  
Hsuan-Ti Huang ◽  
Chung-Hwan Chen ◽  
Tien-Ching Lee ◽  
...  

Aim: Taiwan’s response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) differed in that it successfully prevented the spread without having to shutdown or overburden medical services. Patients’ fear regarding the pandemic would be the only reason to reduce surgeries, so Taiwan could be the most suitable place for research on the influence of psychological factors. This study aimed to assess the impact of patients’ fear on orthopedic surgeries in Taiwan amid the peak period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients and Methods: The investigation period included the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to April 2020) and the corresponding period in the previous year. The following data on patients with orthopedic diseases were collected: outpatient visits, hospital admission, and surgical modalities. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 22%–29% and 20%–26% reduction in outpatients, 22%–27% and 25%–37% reduction in admissions, and 26%–35% and 18%–34% reduction in surgeries, respectively, at both hospitals. The weekly mean number of patients was significantly smaller during the COVID-19 pandemic for all types of surgery and elective surgeries at the university hospital, and for all types of surgery, elective surgeries, and total knee arthroplasties at the community hospital. Further, patients visiting the community hospital during the pandemic were significantly younger, for all types of surgery, elective surgeries, and total knee arthroplasties. Conclusions: The reduction in orthopedic surgeries in Taiwan’s hospitals during COVID-19 could be attributed to patients’ fear. Even without restriction, the pandemic inevitably led to a reduction of about 20%–30% of the operation volume.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document