Revista científica de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud de la Universidad Católica de Asunción

Microbiological characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of pathogens isolated in urine cultures from patients hospitalized in a pediatric service

Daihiana Cabo De Vila Jourdan — 2025-06-30

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance in pediatric infections represents a growing challenge for public health. In Paraguay, there is limited information about resistance patterns in the pediatric population, especially in hospital centers outside the capital. Objective: To determine the frequency of antimicrobial resistance of germs isolated in urine cultures of patients admitted to the pediatric service of the General Hospital of Luque, during the period from October 2023 to October 2024. Methodology: Observational, descriptive, and retrospective study. Medical records and laboratory results of 121 hospitalized pediatric patients who underwent urine culture were analyzed. Demographic characteristics, microbiological results, antimicrobial resistance and sensitivity patterns, and treatments used were evaluated. Results: During the study period, 121 patients with a diagnosis of urinary tract infection were hospitalized, of which 67.77% were female patients, with a predominance of <1 year of age (38.02%). Of the total urine cultures, 32.81% were positive, with a predominance of monomicrobial cultures (85.71%). Escherichia coli was the most frequent pathogen (69.23%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (7.69%). ESBL strains were identified in 7.69% of cases. The highest resistance was observed against Ampicillin/Sulbactam (35.71%) and Cotrimoxazole (23.81%), while the highest sensitivity was to Gentamicin (69.05%) and Cefazolin (57.14%). The most commonly used treatment was cefotaxime (58.67%), with a predominant duration of 4-7 days (70.25% of cases). Conclusion: The findings demonstrate a considerable frequency of antimicrobial resistance, with specific patterns that should be considered in the selection of initial empirical treatment. The high prevalence of E. coli and the emergence of ESBL strains underscore the relevance of constant surveillance and the need to establish strategies for rational antibiotic use in the pediatric population.

Caracterización clínico laboratorial de pacientes internados por dengue en sala de pediatría del Hospital General de Luque enero-mayo 2024

Alba Rocío Zárate Benítez — 2025-06-30

Introduction: Dengue represents a frequent cause of pediatric hospital admission in Paraguay, where Luque General Hospital is an important referral center for its care. This study sought to characterize the clinical and laboratory aspects of pediatric patients hospitalized for dengue between January-May 2024. Methodology: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Pediatric patients under 15 years of age hospitalized for dengue in the Pediatrics Ward of Luque General Hospital were included. Sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory variables and hospitalization data were analyzed through medical record review. Results: During the study period, 90 patients were hospitalized with a diagnosis of Dengue. The most affected age group was 6-10 years (42.2%), with a predominance of males (57.8%). The majority came from Luque (78.9%). The main clinical manifestations were fever (70%), abdominal pain (64.4%) and vomiting (57.8%). Laboratory findings showed thrombocytopenia (mean 117,213/mm³) and elevated transaminases (AST mean 102.4 U/L). Pleural effusion was the most frequent complication (10%). Parenteral hydration was the main treatment (72.2%). In 50% of cases, hospital stay was 3-4 days, with an improvement rate of 98.9%. Conclusion: The clinical-laboratory characterization of pediatric patients with dengue showed a presentation profile with predominance of uncomplicated cases, typical clinical manifestations and favorable evolution. These findings validate the effectiveness of the implemented management protocols and provide valuable information to optimize care for future cases.

Use of supplements, body composition and physical performance in first division soccer players of the National Club in 2023

Daniel E. Marín — 2025-06-30

Objective: To describe supplement use, body composition, and physical performance in first division soccer players from the Nacional club in 2023. Methodology: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 33 players with an average age of 25.2 years. A digital interview survey was conducted with three sections: sociodemographic data, supplement use, and physical activity. Body composition data were also recorded using the Indody bioimpedance scale. Results: 12.1% (n=4) were goalkeepers, 21.2% (n=7) were defenders, 18.2% (n=6) were forwards, and 48.5% (n=16) were midfielders. It was found that 51.5% (n=17) did not consume supplements, while 48.5% (n=16) did. 93.8% (n=15) consumed protein supplements, while 62.5% of the players consumed creatine. 56.3% (n=9) reported having consumed supplements for greater athletic performance, 43.8% (n=7) for better muscle development. Regarding the type of physical activity, the frequency of technical exercises was first analyzed, with 63.6% (n=21) reporting doing them six times a week. Secondly, the frequency of resistance-type exercises was analyzed, with 24.2% (n=8) reporting doing them twice a week and 39.4% (n=13) reporting doing them six times a week. The frequency of bodybuilding exercises was reported by 24.2% (n=8) to do it three times a week and 51.5% (n=17) six times a week. In terms of weight, 72.7% (n=24) were of normal weight, on the other hand, 27.3% (n=9) were of high weight, including 75% of the goalkeepers (n=3). In terms of fat percentage, 87.9% (n=29) of the players had a normal fat percentage. 6.1% (n=2) had a low fat percentage, of which 16.7% (n=1) were forwards and 6.3% (n=1) were midfielders. It was found that 6.1% (n=2) had a high fat percentage, of which the total 12.5% (n=2) were midfielders. Regarding total lean mass classification, 69.7% (n=23) had a high percentage of lean mass, of which midfielders had 75% (n=12), goalkeepers 75% (n=3), defenders 71.4% (n=4), and forwards 50% (n=3). On the other hand, 30.3% (n=10) had a normal percentage of lean mass, most of whom were forwards with 50% (n=3). Conclusion: Regarding the relationship between supplement use, body composition, and physical performance, a correlation was found between supplement use, high lean mass, and improved performance.

Monthly cost of the basic food basket for an average paraguayan family in march 2025

Lourdes Ibarra Samudio — 2025-06-30

Introduction: Within the current social and economic context, analyzing the monthly cost of the Basic Food Basket (BFB) for an average family in Paraguay is essential for assessing the population's nutritional demand and the economic impact on food choices. This research was conducted by students in the Nutrition program at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Catholic University of Asunción, with the guidance of their professors. Objective: To determine the monthly cost of the BFB for an average Paraguayan family in March 2025. Materials and Methods: An observational and descriptive study was conducted, focusing on estimating the monthly cost of the Basic Food Basket (BFB). Costs were collected from several supermarkets in Asunción and Central Paraguay, and calculations were made based on the number of food servings recommended by group and age according to the Paraguayan Dietary Guidelines, published in 2017 on the website of the National Institute of Food and Nutrition (INAN), for an average Paraguayan family consisting of four people (an adult woman, an adult man, a preschool girl, and a school-age boy). Variables considered include: food group, food, weight and home measurement of a serving, number of servings per month, and weight per month. Results: The monthly cost of the CBA for an average family in Paraguay in March 2025 was PYG 2,051,758 ($256.23). The food with the highest contribution to the cost was premium beef (14%), followed by milk (12.9%), and finally Paraguayan cheese (8.1%). The cost of the CBA corresponds to 71% of the current minimum wage. Conclusion: The study provides the monthly cost of the Basic Food Basket in Paraguay in March 2025. The results demonstrate the importance of implementing public policies that reduce food inequalities. They also highlight the need to guarantee access to healthy food. This contributes to the overall well-being of the population.

Use of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil in total intravenous anesthesia with scalp block in a school-aged patient with tuberous sclerosis: Case report

Ana María Auxiliadora Florentín de Villalba — 2025-06-30

A 3-year-old male schoolboy with tuberous sclerosis, refractory epilepsy, and cardiac neurofibromatosis, receiving pharmacological treatment, was admitted for elective callosotomy. Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with dexmedetomidine and remifentanil, combined with a scalp block, was used. The surgery was uneventful, with adequate ventilation and positive fluid balance. He was successfully extubated and made a stable recovery.

Innovative management of enterocutaneous fistula in a resource-limited setting: a case report

Víctor Raúl Luraschi Centurión — 2025-06-30

This report describes the innovative management of a patient with an open abdomen and high-output enterocutaneous fistula, secondary to multiple reinterventions for intestinal obstruction and jejunal perforation. In a resource-limited setting, a temporary intestinal bypass was implemented using a pediatric corrugated tube, covered with sterile condoms, as a bridge between everted bowel loops, allowing the physiological flow of bile. The patient showed favorable clinical progress, including nutritional recovery, correction of electrolyte imbalances, and subsequent intestinal reconstruction with definitive anastomosis. This case highlights that context-adapted solutions can be both effective and safe when applied with sound clinical judgment.