Background Outbreaks of infectious diseases generate outbreaks of scientific evidence. In 2016 epidemics of Zika virus emerged, and in 2020, a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We compared patterns of scientific publications for the two infections to analyse the evolution of the evidence. Methods We annotated publications on Zika virus and SARS-CoV-2 that we collected using living evidence databases according to study design. We used descriptive statistics to categorise and compare study designs over time. Results We found 2286 publications about Zika virus in 2016 and 21,990 about SARS-CoV-2 up to 24 May 2020, of which we analysed a random sample of 5294 (24%). For both infections, there were more epidemiological than laboratory science studies. Amongst epidemiological studies for both infections, case reports, case series and cross-sectional studies emerged first, cohort and case-control studies were published later. Trials were the last to emerge. The number of preprints was much higher for SARS-CoV-2 than for Zika virus. Conclusions Similarities in the overall pattern of publications might be generalizable, whereas differences are compatible with differences in the characteristics of a disease. Understanding how evidence accumulates during disease outbreaks helps us understand which types of public health questions we can answer and when.
The aim was to evaluate if the addition of video discharge instructions (VDIs) to usual verbal information improved the comprehension of information provided to caregivers of patients who consult for acute gastroenteritis (AGE). We conducted an open-label, parallel, randomized trial, enrolling patients who consulted for AGE at a tertiary hospital. First, caregivers answered a written test concerning AGE characteristics and management. They were randomly allocated to a control group, which received the usual verbal instructions, or to an intervention group, which additionally received VDI. After discharge, caregivers were contacted by telephone and answered the same test, satisfaction questions, and follow-up information. From September 2019 to March 2020, 139 patients were randomized, 118 completed follow-up. The mean score was 3.13 (SD 1.07) over 5 points in the initial test and 3.96 (SD 0.96) in the follow-up test. Patients in the intervention group had a greater improvement (1.17 points, SD 1.11) than those in the control group (0.47 points, SD 0.94, p < 0.001). In the follow-up test, 49.1% in the intervention group and 18.6% in the control group answered all questions correctly (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in return visits. Caregivers gave high satisfaction scores regardless of the allocation group. Conclusion: Video instructions improve caregivers' understanding of discharge information. Trial registration: [NCT04463355, retrospectively registered July 9, 2020]. What is Known: • Poor comprehension of discharge instructions leads to incorrect treatment after discharge, increased readmissions and a reduction of caregivers' satisfaction. • Video discharge instructions are useful providing concise information independently of the patients' health literacy level or communication skills of the health care provider What is New: • The addition of video discharge instructions to verbal instructions improves caregivers' knowledge about AGE improved with respect to those who only receive verbal instructions • Video instructions do not add extra time to the emergency department visits
Background: Influenza infection is a common cause of respiratory disease and hospitalization in children. Neurologic manifestations of the infection have been increasingly reported and may have an impact on the severity of the disease. The aim of this study is to describe neurologic events in pediatric patients hospitalized with influenza and identify associated risk factors. Methods: Retrospective cohort study which included all hospitalized patients with microbiologic confirmation of influenza disease over 4 epidemic seasons, focusing on neurologic complications. Demographic, laboratory and clinical data, as well as past history, were recorded. Descriptive and analytic statistical study was performed using SPSS and R statistical software. Results: Two hundred forty-five patients were included. Median age was 21 months (interquartile range, 6–57) and 47.8% had a previous underlying condition. Oseltamivir was administered to 86% of patients, median hospitalization was 4 days (interquartile range, 3–6), and pediatric intensive care unit admission rate 8.9%. Twenty-nine patients (11.8%) developed neurologic events, febrile seizures being the most frequent, followed by nonfebrile seizures and encephalopathy. Status epilepticus occurred in 4 children, and 69.6% of seizures recurred. Patients with a previous underlying condition were at greater risk of developing a neurologic complication [odds ratio (OR), 4.55; confidence interval (CI), 95% 1.23–16.81). Male sex (OR, 3.21; CI 95%, 1.22–8.33), influenza B virus (OR, 2.82; CI 95%, 1.14–7.14) and neurologic events (OR, 3.34; CI 95%, 1.10–10.19) were found to be risk factors for pediatric intensive care unit admission. Conclusions: A significant proportion of influenza-related hospitalized patients develop neurologic complications, especially seizures which may be prolonged or recurrent. Previous underlying conditions pose the greatest risk to neurologic events, which increase disease severity.
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