Submitted by Onia Arantes Albuquerque (onia.ufg@gmail.com) on 2018-10-11T15:04:28Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Alexsandra Gomes Resende de Souza da Silva - 2018.pdf: 3027265 bytes, checksum: 4c70a842bfa34b413b177bde613f5ba1 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2018-10-15T11:04:15Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Alexsandra Gomes Resende de Souza da Silva - 2018.pdf: 3027265 bytes, checksum: 4c70a842bfa34b413b177bde613f5ba1 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-10-15T11:04:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Alexsandra Gomes Resende de Souza da Silva - 2018.pdf: 3027265 bytes, checksum: 4c70a842bfa34b413b177bde613f5ba1 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-08-29 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Introduction: Central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are common in Intensive care units (ICUs), leading to longer hospital stays, high hospital costs and death. As such, surveillance, prevention and control are indispensable.Objective: Analyze the epidemiological and microbiological profile of central-line associated bloodstream infections in adult ICUs in the municipality of Goiânia, Brazil. Method: Analytical ecological study conducted using secondary data from reports of all clinical and laboratory central-line associated bloodstream infections in adult ICUs in Goiânia, between 2012 and 2016. SPSS-17.0 and Stata software (version 14.0) were used. Data were expressed as temporal trend, descriptive statistics and percentiles. Data analysis considered a 95% confidence interval and significance level of p<0.05. Results: We analyzed 1988 healthcare-associated infection (HAI) notifications from 42 adult ICUs. The temporal trend of central-line associated bloodstream infections incidence density was stationary. The incidence density of laboratory central-line associated bloodstream infections varied from 3.32 to 4.34 infections per 1000 catheters/day. The rate of central venous catheter use in the period was 55.36%. In relation to percentile, increase was observed in the study period, particularly in 2016 in the 90th percentile. There was no statistical association between the variables analyzed. With respect to the microbiological and antimicrobial susceptibility profile, SCon and S. aureus showed 91.8% and 71.4% resistance to oxacillin, respectively, in 2016. K. pneumoniae and Acinectobacter spp. Were resistant to 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins and carbapenems. Conclusion: It was concluded that the temporal trend of central-line associated bloodstream infections was stationary, and incidence density and percentiles increased over the years. The primary causative agents were SCon and K. pneumoniae, with broad spectrum antimicrobial resistance. Measures should be implemented to monitor health services and provide continuing education for health workers regarding the prevention and control of these infections. / Introdução: As infecções primárias de corrente sanguínea são frequentes, em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) ocasionando prolongamento no tempo de internação, elevados custos hospitalares e óbitos. Mediante essa situação a vigilância, prevenção e controle são imprescindíveis. Objetivo: Analisar o perfil epidemiológico e microbiológico das infecções primárias de corrente sanguínea de UTI adulto do Município de Goiânia. Método: Estudo analítico ecológico, realizado a partir de dados secundários de notificações de infecções primárias de corrente sanguínea clínicas e laboratoriais das UTI adulto no Município de Goiânia-GO, no período de 2012-2016. Utilizou-se os Softwares SPSS-17.0 e Stata, versão 14.0. Os dados foram apresentados por meio da tendência temporal, estatística descritiva e percentis. Considerou-se IC: 95% e p<0,05.de significância de p<0,05. Resultados: Analisou-se 1988 fichas de notificações de IRAS dos referentes a 42 UTI adulto. A tendência temporal da densidade de incidência das infecções primárias de corrente sanguínea foi estacionária. A densidade de incidência das infecções primárias de corrente sanguínea laboratoriais variou de 3,32 a 4,34 infecções por 1000 cateteres-dia. A taxa de utilização de cateter venoso central no período foi de 55,36%. Em relação aos percentis houve elevação no período de estudo com destaque no ano de 2016 no percentil 90. Não houve associação estatística entre as variáveis analisadas. Quanto ao perfil microbiológico e de sensibilidade antimicrobiana identificou-se: SCon e S. aureus resistentes à oxacilina em 91,8% e 71,4% respectivamente em 2016. K. pneumoniae e Acinectobacter spp. resistentes às cefalosporinas de 3ª e 4ª gerações e aos carbapenêmicos. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a tendência temporal das infecções primárias de corrente sanguínea se manteve estacionária; a densidade de incidência e os percentis apresentaram elevação no decorrer dos anos. Os principais patógenos foram os SCon e K. pneumoniae com resistência a antimicrobianos de amplo espectro. Medidas de monitoramento dos serviços de saúde e de educação permanente dos trabalhadores da área da saúde, quanto a prevenção e controle dessas infecções, devem ser instituídas.

O desenvolvimento de Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrica (UTIP) aumentou a sobrevida de pacientes graves, que passaram a receber alta das UTIP e, conseqüentemente, aumentou o número de doenças crônicas sequelares. A proposta deste trabalho é identificar se houve diminuição da expectativa média de vida das crianças, após cinco anos de alta da UTIP, quais tipos de co-morbidades apresentam e identificar alterações no desempenho escolar, observando se necessitam de escola regular ou especial, os índices de reprovação e abandono escolar, correlacionando-os com situação sócio-econômica, doença da internação e tipo de atendimento prestado, público ou privado, no momento da internação. A pesquisa iniciou identificando as crianças internadas na UTIP da Santa Casa de Maringá, que possui atendimento misto (SUS E NÃO SUS), desde que, no momento da internação, apresentassem mais de vinte e oito dias de idade, ficassem internadas por mais de 24 horas e não evoluíssem para óbito durante a internação. Após seleção, aplicamos dois questionários, o primeiro relacionado à internação, com dados pessoais e clínicos, e o segundo aplicado às famílias das crianças encontradas após cinco anos da alta. Encontramos 84% da amostra, com taxa de sobrevida de 88% e 98% para NÃO SUS e SUS respectivamente. Observamos que 35% das crianças estão em escola especial e 18% com seqüelas motoras. No restante das crianças, o índice de reprovação chega a 45%, com 5% de abandono escolar / The development of Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) increased the survival of critically ill patients, now discharged from PICU, and consequently, increased the number of chronic diseases and sequelae. The purpose of this study is to identify whether there was a decrease of average life expectancy of children after five years of discharge from PICU, what types of co morbidities present and identify changes in school performance, noting if they need regular or special school, the failure rates and dropout, correlating them with socioeconomic status, disease hospitalization and type of care provided, public or private, at the time of admission. The research began by identifying the children admitted to the PICU at Santa Casa de Maringá, which has mixed attendance (SUS AND NON SUS) since, at the time of admission, presented more than twenty-eight days old, stayed in hospital for more than 24 hours and not died during hospitalization. After selection, we applied two questionnaires, the first related to the hospital, with personal and clinical data, and the second applied to childrens families found five years after discharge. We found 84% of the sample, with survival rate of 88% and 98% for NO SUS and SUS, respectively. We observed that 35% of children are at special school and 18% of them with motor sequelae. In the remaining children, the failure rate is about 45%, with 5% of dropout

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:30:40Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao part1 Denise Milioli Ferreira.pdf: 425784 bytes, checksum: 2fa9fb3f87bb9afd8a2ef9c5ee09a0a8 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2001-12-14 / Accidental tetanus is a millenary disease of high lethal indices, even when proven and effective, low cost prophylactics are available. Several studies have tried to identify the physiopathological process which releases the succession of clinical manifestations of the disease. The objective of these studies is to recognize and make available a new strategy for the treatment of tetanus after exposition to the toxin. The diagnosis of tetanus is eminently clinical. Several factors may occur during the evolution of the disease which complicate its prognosis. The most frequent complications are infections and autonomic dysfunction. Several therapeutic options exist. However, they have a supportive and symptomatic role. This study has as its objective to show the complexity which involves the physiopathological process and treatment of accidental tetanus as well as to emphasize that the only effective way of reducing tetanic mortality is, doubtless, a better vaccine coverage of susceptible individuals. NOTE: Essay with review articles. This is the sum of the first. / O Tétano acidental é uma doença milenar, que mesmo com a disponibilidade de profilaxia de comprovada eficácia e baixo custo, mantém alta taxa demorbiletalidade. Vários estudos vêm tentando identificar em nível biomolecular, o processo fisiopatológico que desencadeia as manifestações clínicas da doença, com o objetivo de conhecer e disponibilizar uma nova estratégia para o tratamento do tétano, após a exposição à toxina e sua fixação nos neurotransmissores. O diagnostico do tétano é eminentemente clínico. Podem ocorrer várias complicações durante a evolução da doença que comprometem o seu prognóstico. As complicações mais freqüentes e de maior gravidade são as infecciosas e a disautonomia simpática. Existem várias opções para o tratamento do tétano, todas porém de caráter suportivo e sintomático. Este estudo tem como objetivos: ressaltar a complexidade do processo fisiopatológico e do tratamento do tétano acidental e enfatizar como única forma efetiva de se reduzir a morbiletalidade do tétano, a cobertura vacinal das populações susceptíveis, constituída basicamente por adultos e idosos. OBS: Dissertação com artigos de revisão. Este é o resumo do primeiro.

Introdução: Pacientes portadores de câncer estão sobrevivendo mais devido aos avanços no diagnóstico precoce e tratamento dos tumores. A diminuição da mortalidade relacionada ao câncer e o envelhecimento da população acarretaram um número crescente de pacientes oncológicos internados em UTI. Objetivos: Identificar a prevalência e os fatores de risco para IRA nos pacientes oncológicos críticos. Métodos: Foram avaliados, prospectivamente, 371 pacientes oncológicos internados nas UTIs do Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo e do Hospital AC Camargo, entre novembro de 2011 a março de 2013. Os pacientes foram avaliados na admissão, 24h e 48h da internação na UTI. Foram coletados os parâmetros demográficos, clínicos e laboratoriais os quais foram analisados para os desfechos IRA, conforme o critério AKIN (Cr > 0,3 mg/dl ou aumento de 50% sobre a Cr basal em 48h) e óbito na UTI. Os dados foram submetidos à análise bivariada e multivariada. Resultados: A incidência de IRA nos pacientes oncológicos foi de 45,1%, sendo que apenas 5,2% necessitaram de tratamento dialítico. Os pacientes com IRA apresentaram mais frequentemente admissão cirúrgica (49% IRA vs 34% sem IRA; p=0,022). Na admissão à UTI, os fatores associados ao desenvolvimento de IRA (IRA vs sem IRA) foram: ventilação mecânica (26,6% vs 16,0%; p=0,031), frequência cardíaca (88 bpm vs 82 bpm; p=0,029), balanço hídrico (575 ml vs 275 ml; p = 0,0002), lactato (19 mg/dL vs 17 mg/dL; p= 0,046) e fósforo (3,9 mg/dL vs 3,4 mg/dL; p < 0,0001). A taxa de óbito hospitalar foi de 37,3% sendo que 25,3% ocorreu na UTI. A mortalidade foi mais prevalente em pacientes com câncer hematológico (8,6% sobreviventes vs 19,5% óbitos; p = 0,008), procedentes do pronto atendimento (23,5% sobreviventes vs 34,1% óbitos; p = 0,002), admissão clínica (50,4% sobreviventes vs 84,1% óbitos; p < 0,0001) e internação não planejada (59,9% vs 86,6% óbitos; p < 0,0001). Outros fatores relacionados ao óbito foram: sinais de congestão, uso de drogas vasoativas, choque séptico e infecção respiratória (p < 0,0001). Os dias de internação prévios à admissão na UTI também se relacionaram ao óbito (6 dias óbitos vs 2 dias sobreviventes; p < 0,0001). Os exames laboratoriais que se relacionaram ao óbito foram (sobreviventes vs óbitos): hipoalbuminemia (2,7 g/dL vs 2,4 g/dL; p= 0,003), aumento do INR (1,3 vs 1,5; p < 0,0001); aumento do lactato (17 mg/dL vs 20,5 mg/dL; p = 0,037), PCR (41,8 mg/dL vs 148,4 mg/dL; p < 0,0001) e TP (69% vs 59,5%; p = 0,001). Conclusão: A IRA é frequente em pacientes oncológicos admitidos na UTI e apresenta alta mortalidade. As ocorrências de IRA e óbito encontram-se mais relacionados com a gravidade das disfunções orgânicas no momento da admissão à UTI, do que às características da neoplasia de base / Introduction: Cancer patients are currently presenting longer survival due to advances in diagnosis and treatment. Mortality reduction related to cancer and aging of population had led to an increased admission of cancer patients in the ICU. Objectives: Evaluation of the prevalence and risk factors for AKI in critically ill cancer patients. Methods: It was prospectively evaluated 371 cancer patients admitted to the ICU in Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo and Hospital AC Camargo, from November 2011 until March 2013. Patients were evaluated at admission, 24h and 48h in the ICU. Demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters were collected which were correlated with the outcome AKI (AKIN I - Cr > 0.3 mg/dL or 50% increase over baseline in 48h) and mortality in the ICU. Statistical analysis was performed using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Results: The incidence of AKI in cancer patients was 45.1% but only 5.2% were dialysed. AKI patients were more frequently admitted due to surgical admission (AKI 53% vs. 49% non-AKI, p=0.022). At ICU admission, factors associated with AKI development (AKI vs. non-AKI) were: mechanical ventilation (26.6% vs. 16%, p =0.031), heart beats (88 bpm vs. 82 bpm, p=0.029), fluid balance (575 ml vs. 275 ml, p=0.0002), lactate (19 mg/dLvs. 17 mg/dL, p=0.046) and phosphorus (3.9 mg/dL vs. 3.4 mg/dL, p < 0.0001). Hospital mortality rate was 37.3% whereas ICU mortality was 25.3%. Mortality was more prevalent in patients with hematological cancer (8.6% survivors vs. 19.5% non-survivors, p = 0.008), patients from emergency room (23.5% survivors vs. 34.1% non-survivors, p = 0.002), patients with clinical admission (50.4% survivors vs. 84.1% non-survivors, p < 0.0001) and non-elective admission (59.9% vs. 86.6% non-survivors, p < 0.0001). Other factors related to mortality were: volume overload, vasoactive drugs use, septic shock and pulmonary infection (p < 0.0001). Hospitalization period before ICU admission also correlated with mortality (6 days survivors vs. 2 days non-survivors, p 0.0001). The laboratory parameters that correlated to mortality were (survivors vs. non-survivors): hypoalbuminemia (2.7 g/dL vs. 2.4 g/dL, p=0.003), increased INR (1.3 vs. 1.5, p < 0.0001), increased lactate (17 mg/dL vs. 20.5 mg/dL, p=0.037), PCR (41.8 mg/dL vs 148.4 mg/dL, p < 0.0001) e PT (69% vs. 59.5%, p = 0.001). Conclusions: AKI is a frequent complication in cancer patients admitted to ICU, presenting high mortality rate. AKI and mortality outcomes are more related to the severity of organs dysfunction at ICU admission than the patient´s cancer disease

Estudos baseados em parâmetros fisiológicos tem mostrado que a fisioterapia tem papel imperativo na assistência de pacientes pré e pós-operatórios. Os efeitos da assistência fisioterapêutica na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) sobre o tempo de ventilação mecânica invasiva (VMI), tempo de internação e mortalidade do paciente crítico não foram elucidados. Tampouco, estudos sobre o impacto do turno diário da assistência fisioterapêutica nestes desfechos tem sido realizados. A despeito disto, e, possivelmente, baseadas na experiência clínica, as UTIs brasileiras adotarão turnos de 18 horas de assistência fisioterapêutica na UTI para atender a uma regulamentação governamental. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o efeito da assistência fisioterapêutica na UTI em turno diário de 24 horas (Fisio-24) ao turno diário de 12 horas (Fisio-12), sobre o tempo de VMI, tempo de internação na UTI, frequência de complicações respiratórias relacionadas a VMI e custos indiretos de pacientes pós-operatórios. Este estudo observacional, prospectivo, de coorte incluiu 114 pacientes de UTIs com Fisio-12 e 152 pacientes de UTIs com Fisio-24 em condição pós-operatória, idade 18 anos, submetidos a VMI por 24 horas e admitidos na UTI para rotina pós-operatória. Foram coletados dados demográficos e cirúrgicos. Os desfechos primários deste estudo foram tempo de VMI, tempo de internação na UTI, complicações respiratórias relacionadas a VMI e custos indiretos. O desfecho secundário foi o dia-livre de ventilação (VFD). Os custos foram avaliados através do Omega French Score que compreende três categorias (Omega 1, 2 e 3). Um modelo de regressão linear múltipla (MRL) foi construído para verificar a associação entre o turno diário de assistência fisioterapêutica na UTI e o tempo de VMI. A despeito dos pacientes Fisio-24 serem mais velhos (p=0,002), possuírem maior número de comorbidades (p=0,001), maior frequência de risco cirúrgico moderado a alto (p=0,003), maior frequência de complicações intra operatórias (p=0,012) e insuficiência renal aguda dialítica (p<0,001), comparados aos pacientes Fisio-12, apresentaram melhores desfechos clínicos, tais quais, menor mediana de tempo de VMI (4 dias versus 6 dias; p=0,002), maior mediana de VFD (24 dias versus 21 dias; p=0,004) e menor mediana de tempo de internação na UTI (10 dias versus 15 dias; p=0,015). Não foi encontrada diferença na frequência de complicações respiratórias relacionadas à VMI entre os dois grupos (p=0,704), embora pacientes Fisio-24 tenham recebido mais sessões de fisioterapia respiratória durante a internação na UTI (25 versus 20 sessões; p=0,014). Pacientes Fisio-24 apresentaram menor pontuação do Omega 2 (p=0,007). O MRL manteve como variáveis explicativas o número de sessões de fisioterapia respiratória, APACHE II, realização de Neurocirurgia e o turno diário de assistência fisioterapêutica na UTI. Mantidas constantes as outras variáveis explicativas, a presença de Fisio-24 na UTI reduziu o tempo de VMI em 2,80 unidades. Concluí-se que pacientes pós-operatórios admitidos em UTIs com Fisio-24 apresentaram menores tempo de VMI e tempo de internação na UTI, maior VFD, contudo, não foi encontrada diferença na frequência de complicações respiratórias relacionadas à VMI entre Fisio-12 e Fisio-24. A redução da pontuação de Omega 2 nos pacientes Fisio-24 não foi suficiente para promover diferenças no custo indireto entre os grupos / According to studies based on physiologic parameters, physiotherapy plays an imperative role on pre and postoperative patients. The effects of physiotherapy assistance (PTA) in the intensive care unit (ICU) on length of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), length of ICU stay, frequency of ventilator-associated pneumonia and mortality remain unclear. Moreover, studies about impact of PTA shifts have not been conducted. Despite this fact, and possibly based on clinical experiences, Brazilian ICUs are going to adopt 18 hours of PTA shifts in order to attend a governmental regulation. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of 24-hour PTA (Physio-24) to 12-hour PTA (Physio-12) daily shifts in the ICU on length of IMV, length of ICU stay, frequency of respiratory complications related to IMV and indirect costs of postoperative patients. This observational, prospective and cohort study included 114 patients from ICUs with Physio-12 and 152 patients from ICU with Physio-24. Patients presented postoperative conditions, were aged 18 years, who underwent IMV 24 hours and were admitted on ICU for postoperative routine. We collected demographical and surgical data. Our primaries end-points were duration of IMV, length of ICU stay, frequency of respiratory complications related to IMV and indirect costs. The secondary end-point was ventilator-free days (VFD). Indirect costs were assessed by Omega French Score which comprises three categories (Omega 1, 2 and 3). In addition, a multiple linear regression model (MLR) was constructed to verify the association between daily shifts of PTA in ICU and length of IMV. Despite of the fact that Physio-24 patients were older (p=0.002), with more severe conditions such as higher number of co morbidities (p<0.001), higher presence of moderate to severe surgical risk (p=0.003), higher frequency of intraoperative complications (p=0.012) and dialytic acute renal failure in ICU (p<0.001), compared to Physio-12 patients, they presented better clinical outcomes such as fewer median days spent in IMV (4 versus 6 days; p=0.002), higher median of VFD (24 versus 21 days; p=0.004) and shorter median of ICU stay (10 versus 15 days; p=0.015). No differences were found concerning respiratory complications related to IMV between groups (p=0.704), although Physio-24 patients had received more sessions of chest physiotherapy during ICU stay (25 versus 20 sessions; p=0.014). Physio-24 patients presented lower scores of Omega 2 (p=0.007). The number of chest physiotherapy sessions, APACHE II, Neurosurgery, and daily shifts of PTA in ICU remained as independent variables to length of IMV in the MLR model. According to this model, Physio-24 may reduce 2.80 units from length of IMV if the other independent variables are constant. We concluded that postoperative patients admitted in ICUs with daily shifts of 24-hour PTA showed shorter length of IMV and length of ICU stay and increased VFD; however, no reduction in frequency of respiratory complications related to IMV was found between groups. Despite the fact that Physio-24 patients had lower score of Omega 2, it was not enough to provoke a difference on indirect costs between Physio-12 and Physio-24 patients

Sepsis remains the second largest killer in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), giving rise to a significant economic burden ($17b per annum in the US, 0.3% of the gross domestic product). The aim of the work described in this thesis is to improve the estimation of severity in this population, with a view to improving the allocation of resources. A cohort of 2,143 adult patients with sepsis and hypotension was identified from the MIMIC-II database (v2.26). The implementation of state-of-the-art models confirms the superiority of the APACHE-IV model (AUC=73.3%) for mortality prediction using ICU admission data. Using the same subset of features, state-of-the art machine learning techniques (Support Vector Machines and Random Forests) give equivalent results. More recent mortality prediction models are also implemented and offer an improvement in discriminatory power (AUC=76.16%). A shift from expert-driven selection of variables to objective feature selection techniques using all available covariates leads to a major gain in performance (AUC=80.4%). A framework allowing simultaneous feature selection and parameter pruning is developed, using a genetic algorithm, and this offers similar performance. The model derived from the first 24 hours in the ICU is then compared with a “dynamic” model derived over the same time period, and this leads to a significant improvement in performance (AUC=82.7%). The study is then repeated using data surrounding the hypotensive episode in an attempt to capture the physiological response to hypotension and the effects of treatment. A significant increase in performance (AUC=85.3%) is obtained with the static model incorporating data both before and after the hypotensive episode. The equivalent dynamic model does not demonstrate a statistically significant improvement (AUC=85.6%). Testing on other ICU populations with sepsis is needed to validate the findings of this thesis, but the results presented in it highlight the role that data mining will increasingly play in clinical knowledge generation.

Ce mémoire de thèse porte sur le traitement et l'analyse des signaux issus des unités de soins intensifs néonatales (USIN) pour l'étude de la maturité, de l'infection généralisée et de l'influence de l'immunisation chez le nouveau-né prématuré. Une attention particulière est portée sur l'électroencéphalographie et le signal de respiration. Pour le premier, ce signal est souvent bruité en USIN et des méthodes de décomposition du signal et d'annulation optimale du bruit, adaptées aux particularités des EEG immatures, ont été proposées et évaluées objectivement sur signaux réels et simulés. L'analyse de l'EEG et des bouffées delta, repérées automatiquement par un classificateur proposé, ont permis d'étudier la maturation et les effets de la vaccination. Pour la seconde modalité, la respiration, des méthodes non-linéaires et fractales sont retenues et adaptées pour évaluer la maturité et l'infection généralisée. Une étude de robustesse des méthodes d'estimation est menée et on montre que l'exposant de Hurst, estimé sur des signaux de variabilité respiratoire, est un bon détecteur de l'infection. / This Ph.D. dissertation processes and analyzes signals from the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for the study of maturity, systemic infection (sepsis) and the influence of immunization in the premature newborn. A special attention is payed to the electroencephalography and the breathing signal. The former is often contaminated by several sources of noise, thus methods based on the signals decomposition and optimal noise cancellation, adapted to the characteristics of the immature EEG, were proposed and evaluated objectively on real and simulated signals. By means of the EEG and delta burst analysis, detected automatically by a proposed classifier, infant's maturation and the effects of vaccination are studied. Concerning the second signal, breathing, non-linear and fractal methods are adapted to evaluate maturity and sepsis. A robustness study of estimation methods is also conducted, showing that the Hurst exponent, estimated on respiratory variability signals, is a good detector of infection.

Introduction: Epidemiological studies have indicated that 5-38% of influenza like illnesses (ILI) develop into severe disease due to, among others, factors such as; underlying chronic diseases, age, pregnancy, and viral mutations. There are suggestions that dual or multiple virus infections may affect disease severity. This study investigated the association between co-infection between influenza A viruses and other respiratory viruses and disease severity. Methodology: Datum for samples from North West England tested between January 2007 and June 2012 was analysed for patterns of co-infection between influenza A viruses and ten respiratory viruses. Risk of hospitalization to a general ward ICU or death in single versus mixed infections was assessed using multiple logistic regression models. Results: One or more viruses were identified in 37.8% (11,715/30,975) of samples, of which 10.4% (1,214) were mixed infections and 89.6% (10,501) were single infections. Among patients with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, co-infections occurred in 4.7% (137⁄2,879) vs. 6.5% (59⁄902) in those with seasonal influenza A virus infection. In general, patients with mixed respiratory virus infections had a higher risk of admission to a general ward (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.2 – 1.7, p = <0.0001) than those with a single infection. Co-infection between seasonal influenza A viruses and influenza B virus was associated with a significant increase in the risk of admission to ICU/ death (OR: 22.0, 95% CI: 2.21 – 219.8 p = 0.008). RSV/seasonal influenza A viruses co-infection also associated with increased risk but this was not statistically significant. For the pandemic influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus, RSV and AdV co-infection increased risk of hospitalization to a general ward, whereas Flu B increased risk of admission to ICU/ death, but none of these were statistically significant. Considering only single infections, RSV and hPIV1-3 increased risk of admission to a general ward (OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.28 – 1.73, p = <0.0001 and OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.003 – 1.8, p = 0.05) and admission to ICU/ death (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.20 – 2.0, p = <0.0001 and OR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.02 – 2.40, p = 0.04). Conclusion: Co-infection is a significant predictor of disease outcome; there is insufficient public health data on this subject as not all samples sent for investigation of respiratory virus infection are tested for all respiratory viruses. Integration of testing for respiratory viruses’ co-infections into routine clinical practice and R&D on integrated drugs and vaccines for influenza A&B, RSV, and AdV, and development of multi-target diagnostic tests is encouraged.

Comprehensive management in the neonatal nursery involves medical treatment of the infant, as well as developmental care and the provision of guidance, counselling and information to the family who are part of the decision-making process regarding the infant’s care. Neonatal communication intervention is of utmost importance in a country such as South Africa, which has an increased prevalence of infants at risk for disabilities and where the majority of these infants live in poverty. Speech-language therapists fulfil an important role in the neonatal nursery and are an integral part of the team involved with the high risk neonatal population. Local literature showed a dearth of information on the current service delivery and roles of speech-language therapists and audiologists in neonatal nurseries in the South African context. From an asset-based perspective it appears that the South African population receiving services in neonatal nurseries have unique characteristics. This provides speech-language therapists with ample opportunity to intervene, providing that intervention is well-timed in the neonatal nursery context. The country-wide initiative to implement the evidence-based technique of kangaroo mother care indicates that speech-language therapists should recognise its importance and develop communication based materials and tools to complement this successful neonatal intervention. The aim of the research was to establish whether speech-language therapists have needs for assessment and intervention tools/materials in this context. The study furthermore aimed to compile a locally relevant neonatal communication intervention instrument/tool for use by speech-language therapists in the neonatal nurseries of public hospitals in South Africa in order to propose a solution to address the shortage of tools in the public health context. The study entailed descriptive, exploratory research. During Phase 1, a survey was received back from 39 speech-language therapists and two audiologists in six provinces. The data revealed that participants performed different roles in neonatal nurseries, which were determined by the environment, tools, materials and instrumentation available to them. Many participants were inexperienced, but were resourceful in their attempts to develop and adapt tools/materials. Participants expressed a need for culturally appropriate and user-friendly instruments for parent guidance and staff/team training on the topic of developmental care. During Phase 2 a tool for parent guidance titled “Neonatal communication intervention programme for parents” was compiled for use by speech-language therapists and justified by participants’ roles and needs as well as current early communication intervention (ECI) literature. The programme was piloted by three participants. Certain suggestions for enhancements of the programme were made such as providing a glossary of terms, adapting the programme’s language and terminology, and providing more illustrations. The programme complied with the guiding principles for best practice in ECI (ASHA, 2008) and can therefore contribute to neonatal care of high risk infants in South Africa. Speech-language therapists and audiologists must contribute to neonatal care of high risk infants to facilitate optimal health and development and to support their families. AFRIKAANS : Omvattende intervensie in die neonatale sorgeenheid behels mediese behandeling van die neonaat, sowel as ontwikkelingstoepaslike sorg en die verskaffing van leiding, berading en inligting aan die gesin wat deel is van die besluitnemingsproses rakende die baba se sorg. Neonatale kommunikasie intervensie is van uiterste belang in Suid-Afrika aangesien daar ‘n hoër prevalensie van babas is wat ‘n risiko het vir ontwikkelingsafwykings en aangesien die meerderheid van hierdie babas in armoede leef. Spraak-taalterapeute vervul ‘n belangrike rol in die neonatale sorgeenheid en is ‘n integrale deel van die span wat betrokke is by die hoërisiko neonatale populasie. Plaaslike literatuur dui op ‘n tekort aan inligting rakende die huidige dienslewering van die spraak-taalterapeut en oudioloog in neonatale sorgeenhede in die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks. Vanuit ‘n bate-benadering kom dit voor of die Suid-Afrikaanse populasie wat dienste in neonatale sorgeenhede ontvang, unieke eienskappe het. Dit bied genoegsame geleenthede aan spraak-taalterapeute om intervensie te verskaf, solank die behandeling betyds in die neonatale sorgeenheid konteks aanvang neem. Daar is ‘n landswye inisiatief om die bewysgerigte tegniek van kangeroe moedersorg toe te pas. Spraak-taalterapeute moet dus die belang daarvan herken en kommunikasie gebasseerde terapiemateriaal ontwikkel om hierdie suksesvolle neonatale intervensie te komplementeer. Die navorsing se doel was om vas te stel hoe wyd spraak-taalterapeute en oudioloe ‘n behoefte aan evaluasie en intervensie instrumente en –materiaal in hierdie konteks het. Die navorsing het verder ten doel gestel om ‘n relevante terapie instrument saam te stel vir spraak-taalterapeute in die neonatale sorgeenhede as ‘n moontlike oplossing vir die tekort aan relevante terapiemateriaal in die plaaslike publieke gesondheidsorgkonteks. Die studie het beskrywende, eksplorerende navorsing behels. Gedurende Fase 1 is ‘n vraelys terug ontvang van 39 spraak-taalterapeute en twee oudioloë in ses provinsies. Die data het aangedui dat deelnemers verskillende rolle in hierdie konteks vervul, wat beïnvloed was deur die omgewing, die instrumentasie en materiaal wat tot hulle beskikking was. Die meerderheid van die deelnemers was onervare, maar was vindingryk in hulle pogings om terapiemateriaal aan te pas en te ontwikkel. Deelnemers het ‘n behoefte vir kultureel toepaslike- en gebruikersvriendelike instrumente en materiaal uitgedruk met die oog op ouerleiding en personeel/span opleiding oor die onderwerp van ontwikkelingstoepaslike sorg. Gedurende Fase 2 is ‘n terapie instrument naamlik “Neonatale kommunikasie intervensie program vir ouers” saamgestel vir die gebruik in die neonatale sorgeenhede deur spraak-taalterapeute. Die samestelling van hierdie program is verantwoord deur die deelnemers se rolbeskrywing en behoeftebepaling van Fase 1, sowel as deur huidige vroeë kommunikasie intervensie (VKI) literatuur. Die program is deur drie deelnemers in ‘n loodsstudie geëvalueer. Voorstelle vir die verbetering van die program is verskaf, naamlik die byvoeging van ‘n terminologielys, aanpassing van die program se taalgebruik en terminologie en verskaffing van meer illustrasies. Die program het ooreengestem met die beginsels vir beste praktyk in VKI (ASHA, 2008) en kan daarom tot neonatale sorg van hoërisikobabas in Suid-Afrika bydra. Spraak-taalterapeute en oudioloë moet bydra tot neonatale sorg van hoërisiko neonate om sodoende optimale gesondheidsorg en ontwikkeling te fasiliteer en gesinne te ondersteun. Copyright / Dissertation (MCommunication Pathology)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology / unrestricted

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