Osteomielitis por mucorales (OMM) asociada a artroscopia de reparación de ligamento cruzado anterior: investigación epidemiológica y recomendaciones para su prevención / Mucor osteomyelitis after arthroscopic repair of ACL. Epidemiological investigation

OBJETIVO: Describir la investigación epidemiológica de osteomielitis por Mucorales (OMM) post reparación artroscópica de LCA (RA-LCA) en Argentina. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: 1) Revisión de los casos; 2) Relevamiento de 3 instituciones; 3) Cultivo micológico de materiales quirúrgicos; 4) Encuesta a instrumentadoras; 5) Secuenciación de las cepas de Rhizopus y 6) Redacción de recomendaciones. RESULTADOS: Del 2005 al 2017 se identificaron 40 casos de OMM (Rhizopus sp.) post reparación artroscópica de LCA en pacientes inmunocompetentes de 12 jurisdicciones de Argentina. El diagnóstico fue por cultivo (22/31), y por anatomía patológica (9). La edad promedio fue 29 años. El 84% de 38 casos eran varones. Intervinieron 13 ortopedias. El implante fue importado en 8/20 casos y nacional en 12. En las 3 instituciones se observó: manejo inadecuado del aire de quirófano, variabilidad en la limpieza del artroscopio, en el taladro utilizado, y en el manejo de materiales que llegan de las ortopedias y falta de trazabilidad de los implantes. Los cultivos micológicos de los materiales fueron negativos. La encuesta a instrumentadores confirmó los hallazgos de los relevamientos. La secuenciación de las cepas de Rhizopus demostró predominio de policlonalidad. CONCLUSIÓN: La OMM es una complicación posible luego de la RA-LCA en instituciones privadas de Argentina. No se identificó un origen único. Se detectaron múltiples prácticas que favorecen la contaminación de la cirugía con hongos filamentosos (manejo del aire de quirófano, del artroscopio, de los materiales provenientes de ortopedia, etc.). En base a estos hallazgos la Asociación Argentina de Artroscopía sugiere medidas de prevención. Implicancia clínica: Prevención de osteomielitis por Mucorales post- cirugía artroscópica para ligamento cruzado anterior. Tipo de estudio: Serie de casos. Nivel de Evidencia: IV.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the epidemiological investigation of Mucor osteomyelitis (MO) after arthroscopic repair of ACL (ARACL) in Argentina. MATERIAL Y METHODS: 1) Review of cases; 2) Survey of 3 institutions; 3) Mycological culture of surgical materials; 4) Survey of instrumentists; 5) Sequencing of Rhizopus strains and 6) Writing of recommendations. RESULTS: From 2005 to 2017, 40 cases of MO (Rhizopus sp.) Post AR-ACL were identified in immunocompetent patients from 12 jurisdictions of Argentina. The diagnosis was made by culture (22/31), and by pathology (9). The average age was 29 years. 84% of 38 cases were male. Thirteen orthopedics intervened. The implant was imported in 8/20 cases and national in 12. In the 3 institutions it was observed: inadequate handling of the operating room air, variability in the cleaning of the arthroscope, in the drill used, and in the handling of materials that come from the orthopedics and lack of traceability of the implants. The mycological cultures of the materials were negative. The survey of instrumentists confirmed the findings of the surveys. The sequencing of Rhizopus strains showed a predominance of polyclonality. CONCLUSION: MO is a possible complication after AR-ACL in private institutions in Argentina. A unique origin was not identified. Multiple practices that favor the contamination of surgery with filamentous fungi (handling of operating room air, arthroscope, materials from orthopedics, etc.) were detected. Based on these findings, the Argentine Association of Arthroscopy suggests prevention measures. Clinical relevance: Prevention of Mucor osteomyelitis after arthroscopic surgery for anterior cruciate ligament. Type study: Cases series. Level of evidence: IV.

Descripción epidemiológica de los episodios de sífilis asistidos en una institución de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires durante el período 2008-2011 / Epidemiological description of episodes of syphilis attending an institution of the city of Buenos Aires during the period 2008-2011

Introducción: se han notificado epidemias de sífilis en di-versas regiones del mundo, la reemergencia de sífilis constituye un problema de salud pública.Objetivos: determinar número de casos de sífilis diagnosticados y asistidos en una institución, analizar características demográficas, pertenencia o no a la población vulnerable de hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH), estadio del episodio en el momento del diagnóstico, coinfección con infección por VIH, estadios clínicos en VIH reactivos y no reactivos. Materiales y métodos: en la base de datos del laboratorio se iden-tificaron VDRL ≥ 1/8 de pacientes mayores de 18 años asistidos en la institución durante 2008-2011. En forma retrospectiva se revisa-ron las historias clínicas de los pacientes con diagnóstico de sífilis. Resultados: se diagnosticaron 356 episodios en 325 pacientes. Edad media 38,6 años(DS 10,47), mediana 37 años, 95,3 % hombres, 65,2 % VIH reactivos; 50,5 % fueron sífilis primaria o secun-daria y 45 % sífilis latente. Estadio de sífilis similar en pacientes VIH reacti-vos y no reactivos (p = 0,41). Se analizó el número total de VDRL procesadas y el porcentaje de posi-tividad de las mismas en los cuatro años estudiados. Se observó aumento de la tasa anual de positividad de VDRL por 1000 VDRL solicitadas, diferencia estadísticamente no significa-tiva (p = 0,1).Discusión: los episodios de sífilis fueron diagnosticados predomi-nantemente en hombres, en HSH y en pacientes VIH reactivos. Los resultados de nuestro estudio sugieren que la implementación ru-tinaria del testeo para sífilis en poblaciones vulnerables permite diagnosticar un número considerable de episodios en pacientes sin-tomáticos y asintomáticos, ofreciendo beneficios clínicos y epide-miológicos.

Introduction: syphilis epidemics have been reported worldwide and currently represent a major reemerging public health problem.Objectives: to determine the number of cases of syphilis diagnosed at one institution, analyzing demographics, subjects belonging to the population of men who have sex with men (MSM), stage of the episode at the time of diagnosis, co infection with HIV infection, clinical stages in HIV reactive and non-reactive patients. Materials and methods: in the database laboratory VDRL ≥ 1/8 of patients over 18 years attended the institution during 2008-2011 were identified. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with diagnosis of syphilis Results: 356 episodes were diagnosed in 325 patients. Mean age 38.6 years; median age 37 years; 95.3% male, 65.2% HIV reactive; 50.5% were primary or secondary syphilis and 45% latent syphilis. Similar stage syphilis in HIV reactive and non-reactive (p = 0.41). Increase in the annual rate of positive VDRL requested by 1000 VDRL was observed, however, the difference was no statistically significant (p = 0.1).Discussion: episodes of syphilis were diagnosed predominantly in men, MSM and HIV reactive patients. The results of our study suggest that implementation of routine testing for syphilis in vulnerable populations to diagnose symptomatic and asymptomatic syphilis may provide clinical benefits and epidemiological.

Risk factors for mortality in burn children

Studies about risk factors for mortality in burn children are scarce. We conducted this study to evaluate the risk factors for mortality in pediatric burn patients. We included 110 patients. Mean age was 31.5 months (range: 1 to 204). The burn surface was between 1% and 95%(median 27%) Type of burn was: A or superfitial in 39 patients (36%), AB or intermediate in 19 (17%), and B or full thickness in 52 (47%). Inhalatory injury was present in 52 patients (47%). Invasive procedures were: venous catheter, 90 patients (82%), arterial catheter, 83patients (75.5%), urinary catheter, 86 patients (78%), and mechanical ventilation, 75 patients (68%). In 84 patients, 128 infections were diagnosed. in 53 cases (48%). Multiresistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acynetobacter baumannii were the most common organisms isolated. The median length of hospital stay was 33 days (r: 8-139 days). Seventeen patients (15%) died and 14 of them of infection-related causes. Age< <4 years, Garcés 4, full thickness burn, > 40% burn surface, presence of inhalatory syndrome, use of venous catheter, arterial catheter, urinary catheter and mechanical ventilation, positive blood cultures, colistin use in documented multiresistant infections, antifungal use and graft requirement, were identified as risks factors for mortality in the univariate analysis. By multivariate analysis: age <4 years, Garcés 4, colistin use in multiresistant infections, mechanical ventilation and graft requirement were independent variables related with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In this series of burn children age < 4 years, Garces index score 4, colistin use in documented multiresistant infections, mechanical ventilation and graft requirement were identified as independent variables related with mortality. .

Infecciones en los niños quemados: análisis epidemiológico y de los factores de riesgo / Infections in burned children: epidemiological analysis and risk factors

Introducción. Las quemaduras son la tercera causa de muerte por accidentes en los niños. El 50 a 60% de estas muertes son por infección. Objetivo. Determinar los factores de riesgo asociados a la infección en los niños quemados. Población y métodos. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes ingresados por quemaduras en la Unidad de Quemados del Hospital "Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan" en el período comprendido entre junio de 2007 y diciembre de 2009. Se determinó la epidemiología de las infecciones intrahospitalarias y las variables asociadas. Se compararon los grupos de niños infectados y no infectados con las pruebas de Student o de Mann-Whitney Rank Sum, según correspondía. Las variables dicotómicas se analizaron con la prueba de la X², con corrección de Yates. Para evaluar el valor predictivo de las variables independientes se utilizó el modelo de regresión logística múltiple. Resultados. En esta cohorte de 110 niños se documentaron 128 infecciones intrahospitalarias en 84 pacientes. Se produjeron 17 (15%) muertes; en 14 de 17 (82%) la causa estuvo relacionada con la infección. Los factores vinculados a la infección fueron el porcentaje de superfcie quemada; el mayor puntaje de Garcés; la profundidad de la quemadura; la proflaxis antibiótica; el uso de antibióticos tópicos; la presencia de catéter venoso central, catéter arterial, sonda vesical, asistencia respiratoria, escarectomía y requerimiento de injerto. El análisis multivariado mostró mayor riesgo de infección con el uso de catéteres venosos centrales (RR 5,15; IC 95% 1,44 a 18,46), la proflaxis antibiótica (RR 5,22; IC 95% 1,26 a 21,63) y el requerimiento de injerto (RR 3,65; IC 95%; 1,08 a 12,37). Conclusiones. La presencia de catéteres, la proflaxis antibiótica y el requerimiento de injerto fueron factores independientes de riesgo de infección en los niños quemados.

Introduction. Burns are the third cause of accidental deaths among children. Approximately 50-60% of these deaths are the result of an infection. Objective. To determine infection related risk factors in burned children. Population and Methods. All patients admitted to the Burn Unit of Hospital "Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan" between June 2007 and December 2009 were included. The epidemiology of hospital-acquired infections and the associated outcome measures were determined. Groups of infected and non-infected children were compared using Student's t test or the Mann-Whitney Rank Sum test, as applicable. Dichotomous outcome measures were analyzed with the X2 test using Yates' correction. In order to assess the predictive value of independent outcome measures, the multiple logistic regression model was applied. Results. In this cohort of 110 children, 128 hospital-acquired infections were recorded in 84 patients. There were 17 deaths (15%); 14 out of these 17 (82%) were related to infection. Infection-related factors included the percentage of burned body surface area; the highest Garces' index; burn depth; antibiotic prophylaxis; the use of topical antibiotics; the presence of a central venous line, an arterial line, a urinary catheter, mechanical ventilation support, escharotomy, and the need of a graft. The multivariate analysis showed a higher risk of infection with the use of central venous lines (RR: 5.15; 95% CI: 1.44-18.46), antibiotic prophylaxis (RR: 5.22; 95% CI: 1.26-21.63), and graft requirement (RR: 3.65; 95% CI: 1.08-12.37). Conclusions. The presence of lines or catheters, antibiotic prophylaxis, and graft requirement were independent risk factors for infection in burned children.

Estudio prospectivo de infecciones en niños quemados / Aprospective study on infections in children with burn injuries

Las infecciones juegan un rol importante en la morbilidad y mortalidad asociada a quemaduras. La experiencia en pacientes pediátricos es escasa. Se llevo a cabo este estudio con el objetivo de evaluar las características epidemiológicas, clínicas, microbiológicas y de evolución de niños quemados. Material y métodos: cohorte prospectiva de niños quemados admitidos entre junio de 2007 y diciembre de 2009 en el Hospital de Pediatría Garrahan-Argentina. Resultados: el total de pacientes fue de 110, con una mediana de edad de 31.5 meses. El porcentaje de superficie corporal quemada tuvo un rango de 1 a 95%. El tipo de quemadura fue A en 39 pacientes, AB en 19 y B en 52. Noventa pacientes tuvieron catéter venoso, 83 catéter arterial y 86 sonda vesical. En 75 pacientes se requirió asistencia ventilatoria mecánica, en 84 pacientes se documentaron 128 infecciones. El foco más frecuente fue la sepsis relacionada con la quemadura. Las bacterias gram negativas Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Acinetobacter spp multirresistentes, fueron los gérmenes mas frecuentemente aislados. Se fueron de alta 93 pacientes y 17 fallecieron. En 14 de ellos la causa del fallecimiento estuvo relacionada con la infección. La duración de la internación tuvo una mediana de 37 días. Conclusiones: las infecciones en niños quemados son una importante causa de morbimortalidad y las bacterias gram negativas multirresistentes juegan un importante rol en las mismas. La mortalidad estuvo relacionada con la infección.

Infections play an important role in burns-associated morbid-ity and mortality. Experience in pediatric patients is scarce. A study was conducted with the aim to assess epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological features and outcome in children with burn injury. Material and Methods: A prospective cohort of children with burn injuries admitted to the pediatric hospital J P Garrahan, Argentina, between June 2007 and December 2009. Results: A total number of 110 patients with a median age of 31.5 months was enrolled in the study. The percentage of burned body surface ranged from 1 to 95% (median 27%). Types of burns were A (superficial) in 39 patients (36%), AB (intermediate) in 19 (17%) and B (deep) in 52 (47%). Ninety patients (82%) had an intravenous catheter, 83 (75.5%) an arterial catheter, and 86 (78%) a urinary catheter. Seventy-five patients (68%) required mechanical ventilation. In 84 patients, 128 infections were registered. The most-frequently found focus was burn-associated sepsis. Multiresistent gram-neg-ative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp were the most-frequently isolated germs. Ninety-three patients (85%) were discharged and 17 (15%) died. In 14 (82%) of the latter patients the cause of death was related to the infection. Median hospital stay was 37 days (r: 1 - 139). Conclusions: In children with burn injuries, infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality and multiresistent gram-negative bacteria are often associated. Mortality was related to the infection.

Systematic Review: which topical agent is more efficacious in the prevention of infections in burn patients? / Revisión sistemática: ¿Cuál es el agente tópico más eficaz en la prevención de infecciones en el paciente quemado?

Topical agents are widely used in the care of burn patients; however the efficacy to prevent local infections and/or sepsis has not been clearly established in studies with a high level of evidence. This systematic review was conducted to assess the comparative efficacy among different topical agents. Material and Methods. The literature search was performed using the Medline database. Key MESH terms were: (burn* or scald*) AND (antibacterial or antibiotic*) AND (topic*) AND (therap* or prophylax*). Only randomized or quasi-randomized clinical trials, with a primary endpoint of local infection and/or sepsis were included. Studies were scored and classified regarding methodological key issues according to their level of evidence. Results. The initial search identified 457 studies of which 14 were eligible for final evaluation, and full text was available for 11 of them. Conclusions. The evidence found in our review does not support differences in efficacy of topical agents to reduce sepsis and/or local infections in burn patients.

Los agentes tópicos son ampliamente utilizados en el cuidado de los pacientes quemados. Con el objetivo de evaluar la eficacia comparativa entre diferentes agentes tópicos habitualmente utilizados para la prevención de infecciones, llevamos a cabo una revisión sistemática. Material y métodos. La búsqueda bibliográfica se realizó en la base Medline. Las palabras clave utilizadas, fueron: burn* or scald* AND antibacterial or antibiotic* AND topic* AND therap* or prophylax*. Solamente se incluyeron estudios con asignación aleatorizada o cuasi-aleatorizada de las intervenciones y cuya variable principal fuera la presencia de infección local y/o sepsis. Resultados. La búsqueda inicial detectó 457 artículos, de los cuales se seleccionaron 14 para su evaluación final, disponiendo del texto de 11 de ellos. Conclusiones. Las evidencias halladas sobre el tema fueron de calidad científica moderada. No se identificaron evidencias que demostraran la superioridad de alguno de los agentes tópicos sobre otros para reducir la infección o la sepsis en el paciente quemado.

Eficacia de cinco desinfectantes para la reducción bacteriana doméstica / Efficacy of five disinfectants to reduce bacterial load in the household

El uso adecuado de hipoclorito de sodio, sales de amonio cuaternario y triclosán ha demostrado ser eficaz para eliminar gérmenes dentro del hogar. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la eficacia inmediata, a la semana y al mes del uso controlado de cinco productos con estos componentes, comparados con otros productos de uso habitual. Se incluyeron 32 hogares de clase media de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires y la periferia en un estudio con intervención, abierto, aleatorizado, y de grupos paralelos, durante 6 meses. La mitad de los hogares fue seleccionada para usar hipoclorito de sodio, sales de amonio cuaternario y triclosán en la cocina y el baño durante un mes. El grupo control mantuvo prácticas habituales de limpieza doméstica. Se tomaron muestras para recuento y tipificación bacteriana de los sitios estudiados: muestras basales (sin discriminación de grupo) en cocina, que presentaron recuento bacteriano promedio de 66.0 UFC/cm²; baño: 40.1 UFC/cm². Las muestras inmediatas a la limpieza (sin discriminación de grupo): en cocina: 0.8 UFC/cm²; baño: <1 UFC/cm². A la semana (grupo intervenido vs. grupo control): cocina 18.0 vs. 32.5 UFC/cm²; baño 12.7 vs. 7.7 UFC/cm². Al mes (intervenido vs. control): cocina: 60.1 vs. 62.1 UFC/cm²; baño: 37.0 vs. 42.0 UFC/cm². Se observó una notable disminución de la carga bacteriana en ambos grupos, lo que sugiere que no sólo la calidad de los productos sino también la educación en el uso desempeñan un papel clave en la desinfección del hogar. Este enfoque podría ser una herramienta importante para prevenir infecciones transmitidas por alimentos, dado que los coliformes fecales predominaron ampliamente en todas las muestras tipificadas.

The proper use of products containing sodium hypochlorite, ammonium salts and triclosan has proved to be effective in the elimination of infectious agents in the household environment. Our objective was to evaluate the immediate, one-week and one-month efficacy of controlled use of five products containing these components, compared to other commonly used products. Within a six month period, thirty two middle-class homes from Buenos Aires City and suburbs were included in this open-label, randomized, parallel-group intervention study. Sixteen homes were randomized to use products containing sodium hypochlorite, ammonia and triclosan in the kitchen and bathroom during one month. The remaining maintained usual practices for domestic cleaning. Bacterial counts and identification were performed from samples taken from each study site. Baseline samples (no group discrimination) contained a mean bacterial count in kitchen of 66.0 CFU/cm², and in bathroom 40.1 CFU/cm². Samples taken immediately after-cleaning (no group discrimination) contained: kitchen 0.8 CFU/cm²; bathroom < 1 CFU/ cm². After one week (intervention group vs. control group) contained: kitchen 18.0 vs. 32.5 CFU/cm²; bathroom 12.7 vs. 7.7 CFU/cm². After one month (intervention group vs. control group): kitchen 60.1 vs. 62.1 CFU/cm²; bathroom 37.0 vs. 42.0 CFU/cm². A remarkable dicrease of bacterial load was observed in both groups, which suggests that not only product quality but also education for suitable use plays a key role in successful house disinfection. This approach could be an important tool for improving prevention of foodborne infections since fecal coliforms widely predominated in all analyzed samples.

Reproducción asistida en hombres infectados con el virus de VIH / Assisted reproduction in HIV positive men

Objetivo: Describir un programa de procreación responsable en parejas donde el varón está infectado con el VIH organizado en un centro ambulatorio infectológico de la ciudad de Bs. As. y llevado a cabo por un equipo interdisciplinario conformado por Infectólogos, Bioquímicos, Ginecólogos y Biólogos. Comentar algunas revisiones de la literatura que avalan la evidencia cientifica para realizar estos procedimientos. Métodos: las parejas serodiscordantes son candidatas para este programa si el varón tiene seguimiento infectológico, los estudios de esperma demuestran carga viral (CV) indetectable y DNA proviral de VIH negativo, y, la mujer tiene ADN proviral de VIH negativo en sangre, en el ciclo en el cual se realizará el procedimiento de fertilización asistida. Se realiza en la mujer pesquisa de infecciones connatales. Las muestras de esperma son procesadas con técnicas de lavado, swim up y swim down, y congeladas. Después de cada procedimiento de fertilización asistida la mujer es controlada controlada con estudios serológicos para anticuerpos (VIH ELISA) periódicos. Los recién nacidos son evaluados a través de ADN proviral de VIH en el 1er mes de vida, o, durante los primeros 6 meses de vida a través de anticuerpos (VIH ELISA). Resultadaos: desde 12/2000 y hasta mayo 2009 se incluyeron 165 parejas serodiscordantes. 147 pacientes VIH (+) realizaron estudios de muestras de esperma, 26, tuvieron muestras con estudios microbiológicos positivos (23, CV detectable, y 3, ADN proviral de VIH positivo). En 123 parejas se realizaron: 329 inseminaciones, 55 ICSI y 28 FIV. Se concretron 44 embarazos y nacieron 51 bebés. Todos los estudios realizados a las mujeres y recién nacidos mostraron resultados negativos. Conclusiones: este programa logró resultados satisfactorios en la prevención de infecciones por VIH y connatales.

Objective: to describe the data obtained during the development of an assisted reproduction program for couples where the man is HIV - Infected organized by an ambulatory infectologist center in BsAs city. a multidisciplinary team with infectious disease MD, biochemists, ginecologists and bilogist collaborate in the follow-up of the patients. Methods: couples seeking reproductive counseling were eligible for this programme if: the HIV positive male partner adhered to an infectious disease follow-up, he has undetectable viral load in the fresh sperm sample and is negative for HIV proviral DNA in the swim-up material after sperm washing, the female partner is negative for HIV proviral DNA immediately beforme each assisted reproduction attempt. Procedures comprised intrauterine insemination, intracytoplasmic sperm injection and in vitro fertilization accordin to gynecologist indication. After each procedure, women were tested for indication. After each procedure, women were tested for HIV antibodies periodically. Newborns were tested for HIV proviral DNA at one month of age or HE during the first six months. Results: One hundred and sixty five couples were assessed, semen analyses results were obtained from 147 HIV positive men, 23 had detectable viral load, 3 had positive HIV proviral DNA in swim up. One hundred and twenty three couples undervent AR procedures: 329 intrauterine inseminations, 55 intracytoplasmic sperm injections, and 28 in-vitro fertilizations. Forty four pregnancies resulted in fifty one live Births. All HE and HDP tests performed in women and new-borns were negative. Conclusions: This programme achieved satisfactory results in prevention of HIV and congenital infections.

Indications of a new antibiotic in clinical practice: results of the tigecycline initial use registry

Tigecycline is the first of a new class of antibiotics named glycylcyclines and it was approved for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections and complicated skin and skin structure infections. Notwithstanding this, tigecycline's pharmacological and microbiological profile which includes multidrug-resistant pathogens encourages physicians' use of the drug in other infections. We analyzed, during the first months after its launch, the tigecycline prescriptions for 113 patients in 12 institutions. Twenty-five patients (22 percent) received tigecycline for approved indications, and 88 (78 percent) for "off label" indications (56 percent with scientific support and 22 percent with limited or without any scientific support). The most frequent "off label" use was ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) (63 patients). The etiology of infections was established in 105 patients (93 percent). MDR-Acinetobacter spp. was the microorganism most frequently isolated (50 percent of the cases). Overall, attending physicians reported clinical success in 86 of the 113 patients (76 percent). Our study shows that the "off label" use of tigecycline is frequent, especially in VAP. due to MDR-Acinetobacter spp., where the therapeutic options are limited (eg: colistin). Physicians must evaluate the benefits/risks of using this antibiotic for indications that lack rigorous scientific support.

Herpes zoster: Epidemiología y clínica / Clinical and epidemiological aspects of Herpes zoster

El herpes zoster (HZ) constituye una enfermedad de distribución mundial; sin embargo, existen es casos datos comunicados sobre la misma en países de Latinoamérica. Con el objetivo de evaluar aspectos clínicos y epidemiológicos de esta enfermedad en nuestra población, realizamos un análisis retrospectivo de historias clínicas de un centro privado de referencia en enfermedades infecciosas en Buenos Aires, Argentina (período: 2000-2005). Se realizó un análisis estadístico univariado para evaluar los factores asociados a neuralgia posherpética en este grupo de pacientes. Sobre un total de 302 casos evaluables, el 62% correspondieron a mujeres. La mediana de edad fue de 57 años. El 16.1% de los pacientes presentó condiciones predisponentes al desarrollo de zoster. Las localizaciones más frecuentes fueron la torácica, oftálmica y lumbosacra. El 7.75% presentó compromiso de más de dos metámeras. El 94% de los pacientes recibió medicación antiviral, siendo el aciclovir la droga más utilizada. El 94% recibió alguna medicación coadyuvante (antiinflamatorios no esteroideos, antineuríticos, corticoides). La complicación más frecuente fue la neuralgia posherpética (12%) y se encontró estadísticamente asociada a edad mayor de 50 años.

Herpes zoster (HZ) is a public health problem worldwide. Although, there is paucity of data of this disease from South American countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical and epidemiological aspects of HZ in a population of patients from South America. We underwent a retrospective analysis of clinical charts of an infectious diseases reference center (period: 2000-2005). Univariate analysis was performed to assess variables related to post herpetic neuralgia (PHN). From a total of 302 cases, 62% were in women. The median age was 57 years; 16.1% of the patients had a predisposing condition for the development of HZ. Most frequent dermatomes involved were: thoracic, ophthalmic and lumbar; 93.5% of the patients received antiviral drugs and 94% complementary medications. The most frequent complication was PHN and was related with age over 50 years. Clinical and epidemiological aspects of HZ and the frequency of complications in our population were similar to data from developed countries.

Betalactámicos con inhibidores de betalactamasas: Amoxicilina-sulbactam / Betalactam antibiotics combined with bectalactamases inhibitors: Amoxicillin-sulbactam

La producción de betalactamasas constituye uno de los principales mecanismos de resistencia bacteriana a los antibióticos betalactámicos. La utilización de inhibidores de betalactamasas en combinación con antibióticos betalactámicos permite la inactivación de determinadas betalactamasas producidas por gérmenes Gram positivos, Gram negativos, anaerobios, y aun por micobacterias. Los inhibidores de betalactamasas representan una alternativa terapéutica mejorada respecto del resto de los betalactámicos al asegurar, en la mayoría de los casos, un mayor espectro antimicrobiano comparado con el de sus análogos. La actividad enzimática de las betalactamasas está dirigida específicamente a la hidrólisis del anillo betalactámico, con producción de un compuesto sin actividad antibacteriana. De acuerdo con su posición genómica dentro de los microorganismos, las betalactamasas pueden ser cromosómicas o plasmídicas. Actualmente existen tres inhibidores de betalactamasas localmente disponibles: ácido clavulánico, sulbactam y tazobactam. De ellos, sólo el sulbactam posee actividad antimicrobiana intrínseca sobre las proteínas ligadoras de penicilina. La experiencia clínica acumulada durante más de 20 años confirma que las combinaciones de betalactámicos-inhibidores de betalactamasas son efectivas en el tratamiento empírico inicial de infecciones respiratorias, intraabdominales, urinarias y ginecológicas, incluidas las de origen polimicrobiano. En el caso particular de amoxicilina-sulbactam, la evidencia citada indica que esta combinación es efectiva para el tratamiento de absceso periamigdalino, otitis media, sinusitis, neumonía extrahospitalaria, exacerbación aguda de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC), infección del tracto urinario e infecciones ginecoobstétricas. Por su espectro y propiedades farmacológicas, la combinación amoxicilina-sulbactam constituye una excelente opción también para el tratamiento de infecciones de piel y partes blandas e infecciones intraabdominales.

Betalactamases production is one of the main bacterial resistance mechanisms to betalactam antibiotics. The use of bectalactamases inhibitors combined with betalactam antibiotics allows the inactivation of certain betalactamases produced by Gram positive, Gram negative and anaerobic organisms, and even by mycobacteria. Betalactamases inhibitors are an improved therapeutic alternative compared with the other betalactam since, in most cases, they cover a wider antimicrobial spectrum than their analogues. Betalactamases enzimatic activity is specifically directed to the betalactam ring hydrolisis, producing a compound without antibacterial activity. According to their genomic position within microorganisms, betalactamases can be either chromosomic or plasmidic. Currently there are three betalactamases inhibitors locally available: clavulanic acid, sulbactam and tazobactam. Of them, only sulbactam has an intrinsic antimicrobial activity against penicillin binding proteins. The clinical experience from over 20 years confirms that the combination of betalactam antibiotics is effective in the empirical initial treatment of respiratory, intraabdominal, urinary tract and gynecologic infections, including those of polymicrobial origin. In the specific case of amoxicillin-sulbactam, experiences have shown the effectiveness of the combination in the treatment of peritonsillar abscess, otitis media, sinusitis, community acquired pneumonia, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonar disease (COPD), urinary tract infection and obstetric/ gynecologic infections. The spectrum and pharmacologic properties of this combination makes it also an excellent option for the treatment of skin/soft tissue and intraabdominal infections.

Infeccion por citomegalovirus con compromiso hepatico en adultos inmunocompetentes / Cytomegalovirus infection with hepatic involvement in immunocompetent adults

Evaluamos retrospectivamente a 73 adultos inmunocompetentes que consultaron entre marzo de 1999 y marzo de 2004 a un centro infectológico ambulatorio por fiebre y astenia, con elevación discreta de las transaminasas y serología compatible con infección reciente por citomegalovirus (CMV). Excluimos a pacientes con antecedentes de transfusiones, adicciones e inmunodeficiencias, así como aquellos con alteraciones hepáticas preexistentes o con serología compatible con infección aguda por hepatitis A, B, C (VHA, VHB, VHC) o virus Epstein Barr (VEB). El diagnóstico de infección reciente por citomegalovirus se efectuó mediante la detección de IgM específica (ELISA de captura), seroconversión o aumento cuádruple del título de IgG específica, en presencia de un cuadro clínico compatible. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: fiebre (85%) y astenia (83%), cefalea (25%), esplenomegalia (20%), adenomegalia (22%), faringitis (25%), mialgia (25%) y hepatomegalia (19 %). Se encontró elevación discreta de transaminasas y linfomonocitosis en todos los pacientes (73/73). La elevación promedio de GPT fue de 6 veces y la de GOT fue de 3.5 veces su valor límite. Las características clínicas que diferencian la infección por CMV de la infección por VEB son la menor frecuencia de poliadenopatías y faringitis en la primera. El diagnóstico diferencial de la infección por CMV con compromise hepático con las hepatitis A y B agudas se basa en la ausencia de ictericia, la menor elevación de las transaminasas, la linfomonocitosis intensa y la presencia de IgM específica que caracterizan a la infección por CMV. En conclusión, ante un paciente joven, previamente sano, con fiebre, astenia intensa, linfomonocitosis y elevación discreta de transaminasas, es importante investigar infección por citomegalovirus.

We retrospectivelyevaluated 73 immunocompetent adult patients assisted at our Infectious Diseases Clinic betweenMarch 1999 and March 2004 who presented fever and asthenia, mild to moderate increase of transaminasesand serological findings compatible with recent cytomegalovirus infection. We excluded patients with a history oftransfusions, drug abuse, immunodeficiencies, preexistent hepatic impairment or serological findings compatible with acute hepatitis A, B and C (HAV, HBV, HCV) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV). The laboratory diagnosis ofrecent cytomegalovirus infection was made by especific IgM detection (ELISA) or a significant increase of specific IgG. The most frequent symptoms were fever (85%) and asthenia (83%), followed by cephalea (25%), splenomegaly (20%), adenomegalies (22%), pharyngitis (25%), myalgias (25%) and hepatomegaly (19%). All the patients showed moderate increase of transaminases and lymphomonocytosis (73/73). In average, ALT wasincreased by 6 fold and AST by 3.5 fold. The clinical characteristics that differentiate CMV infection from Epstein-Barr infection are the lesser frequency of adenomegalies and pharyngitis in the former. The differential diagnosisof CMV infection with hepatic involvement from acute hepatitis A and B, is based on the absence of jaundice,the lower elevation of transaminases, the intense lymphomonocytosis and the presence of specific IgMagainst CMV that are characteristic of CMV infection. In conclusion, in previously healthy young adults with fever, intense asthenia, lymphomonocytosis and moderate increase in transaminases levels, cytomegalovirus infectionshould be investigated.

Artritis septica luego de la reparacion artroscopica de ligamentos: cura sin remocion del implante o injerto / Arthroscopic treatment of septic arthritis post ACL, reconstruction with implants retaining

Aunque las complicaciones infecciosas de la artroscopia son infrecuentes, ocasionan significativa morbilidad. Con frecuencia se plantea la necesidad de remover los implantes y/o injertos con el fin de resolver la infeccion. Retrospectivamente analizamos las historias clinicas de pacientes con artritis septica adquirida despues de la reparacion artroscopica de ligamentos. Se considero infeccion cuando el paciente presentaba: a) al menos uno de los signos clinicos de artritis (dolor, edema, calor) y/o b) fiebre y c) liquido sinovial macroscopicamente purulento o cultivo positivo. De 44 pacientes con AS post-artroscopica derivados a nuestro centro, 25 tenian implantes y/o injertos. Dolor: 24/25 (96 por ciento); eritema, calor o edema local: 21/25 (84 por ciento); fiebre 19/25 (76 por ciento) fueron los hallazgos clinicos mas habituales. El staphylococcus spp. fue el microorganismo mas frecuente (62,5 por ciento). Ademas del tratamiento con antibioticos, se practico algun tipo de cirugia en 22/25 pacientes (88 por ciento); 17/22 (77,2 por ciento) drenaje artroscopico, 4/22 (18,8 por ciento) puncion aspiracion y 1/22 (4 por ciento) artrotomia. Solo 1 paciente (4 por ciento) requirio la remocion del implante por inestabilidad de la rodilla y compromiso oseo. Se observo cura o mejoria en todos los pacientes. Esta situacion clinica es infrecuente y su presentacion suele ser indolente. En la mayoria de las situaciones, la infeccion puede ser controlada con un manejo conservador (antibioticos y limpieza quirurgica) sin retirar el implante o injerto, siempre que la articulacion se encuentre estable y funcionante.

Prevencion de las infecciones en cirugia artroscopica / How to prevent sepsis on arthroscopic surgery

Las infecciones asociadas a procedimientos artroscopicos son infrecuentes. Sin embargo, cuando se producen pueden ocasionar gran morbilidad. Existe una serie de medidas sencillas que, practicadas sistematicamente, permiten disminuir la probabilidad de infecciones vinculadas a este tipo de cirugias. Establecer el riesgo infectologico en la etapa preoperatoria, asi como la preparacion del paciente, la adecuada tecnica operatoria y los cuidados posteriores de la herida son algunas de las estrategias que, junto a la profilaxis antibiotica, permiten reducir las infecciones postquirurgicas.

A multicenter comparative study of cefepime versus broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy in moderate and severe bacterial infections

The safety and efficacy of cefepime empiric monotherapy compared with standard broad-spectrum combination therapy for hospitalized adult patients with moderate to severe community-acquired bacterial infections were evaluated. In an open-label, multicenter study, 317 patients with an Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score ranging from >5 to =19 were enrolled with documented pneumonia (n=196), urinary tract infection (n=65), intra-abdominal infection (n=38), or sepsis (n=18). Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive cefepime 1 to 2 g IV twice daily or three times a day or IV ampicillin, cephalothin, or ceftriaxone ± aminoglycoside therapy for 3 to 21 days. For both treatment groups, metronidazole, vancomycin, or macrolide therapy was added as deemed necessary. The primary efficacy variable was clinical response at the end of therapy. Two hundred ninety-six (93 percent) patients met evaluation criteria and were included in the efficacy analysis. Diagnoses included the following: 180 pneumonias (90 cefepime, 90 comparator), 62 urinary tract infections (29 cefepime, 33 comparator), 37 intra-abdominal infections (19 cefepime, 18 comparator), and 17 sepses (8 cefepime, 9 comparator). At the end of therapy, overall clinical success rates were 131/146 (90 percent) for patients treated with cefepime vs 125/150 (83 percent) for those treated with comparator (95 percent confidence interval [CI]: - 2.6 percent to 16.3 percent). The clinical success rate for patients with community-acquired pneumonia, the most frequent infection, was 86 percent for both treatment groups. Among the patients clinically evaluated, 162 pathogens were isolated and identified before therapy. The most commonly isolated pathogens were Escherichia coli (n=49), Streptococcus pneumoniae (n=29), Haemophilus influenzae (n=14), and Staphylococcus aureus (n=11). Bacteriologic eradication/presumed eradication was 97 percent for cefepime vs 94 percent for comparator-treated patients. Drug-related adverse events were reported in 16 percent of cefepime patients and 19 percent of comparator patients. In conclusion, cefepime had higher cure rates compared with broad-spectrum combination therapy as an initial empiric treatment for hospitalized patients with moderate to severe community-acquired infections, including urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections, and sepsis

Teicoplanina en el tratamiento de las infecciones osteoarticulares por Staphylococcus meticilino-resistente. Experiencia en adultos / Teicoplanin in the treatment of bone and joint infections due to methicillin resistant staphylococci. Experience in adult patients

We retrospectively evaluated 89 episodes of bone and joint infections due to methicillin-resistant staphylococci: 56 chronic osteomyelitis (CO), 10 septic arthritis (SA) and 23 infections associated to arthroplasties (IAA). We analyzed the efficacy of Teicoplanin (T) in three times a week or daily administration schemes and adequate surgery (AS). Also, we determined cost savings derived from outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT). The overall efficacy of T in CO and both in cases with and without implants, was higher when antibiotic therapy was associated to AS (86 vs. 46, p = 0.001; 100 vs. 33, p = 0.0049 and 76 vs. 50, p = 0.09). All SA were cured. The overall efficacy of T was higher in IAA with implant removal vs. surgical debridement (100 vs. 54, p = 0.045). In all cases, T was similarly effective when administered three times a week vs. daily administration, when associated to AS. The savings derived from OPAT were 897 days/bed and USS 179,400. Adverse effects were few and light (8 episodes, 9). The results obtained are similar to those published in the literature and show that T administered daily or in a three times a week scheme and associated to AS, is effective and safe for the treatment of bone and joint infections. The savings derived from OPAT, mainly related to reduced hospitalization, are significant in these pathologies, which usually require long treatment periods

Rol de la teicoplanina en el tratamiento ambulatorio de infecciones causadas por microorganisamos grampositivos en niños / Role of teicoplanin in the ambulatory treatment of infections in children due to gram-positive microorganisms

Infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic with similar spectrum to vancomycin. Easy administration and dosage encourage its use in children, particularly due to its long half-life which allows single daily dose regimens. We evaluated the efficacy of teicoplanin in severe infections in children due to Gram-positive organisms. We retrospectively analyzed 171 children with proven or suspected Gram-positive infection treated with teicoplanin between January 1996 and December 2000. Of them, 166 cases were valuable for clinical assessment. Staphylococcus aureus (72) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (38) were the most frequent pathogens isolated. Osteoarthritis (35) and catheter-related infections (31) were the predominant clinical foci. The cure and improvement rates were 88 (150 patients) and 5 (9 patients) respectively. There were 7 (4) cases of therapeutic failure. Mean treatment duration was 10 +/- 34.3 days (range: 1-205). Adverse events were registered in 11 patients (6, 15 adverse events). In this study population, teicoplanin was safe and effective in the ambulatory treatment of severe Gram-positive infections in children

La teicoplanina en la profilaxis de infecciones quirúrgicas y endocarditis bacteriana / [Teicoplanin in the prophylaxis of surgical infections and bacterial endocarditis]

Antibiotic prophylaxis has become a standard of care in all surgical categories, since its impact in reducing the incidence of post-operative infections has now been well established. Antibiotic prophylaxis should target expected pathogens. Glycopeptide-based regimens have been considered a choice for surgical procedures, since Gram-positive bacteria are the pathogens most commonly isolated from wound infections. In orthopedics, cardiac, vascular and other clean surgical procedures, staphylococci (S. aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci) are responsible for 70-90

of post-surgical infections. The isolation of methicillin-resistant strains has also risen to alarmingly high rates. This article focuses on the results of clinical trials on the efficacy of teicoplanin as prophylaxis in clean surgical procedures.

Nuevas modalidades terapéuticas en el uso de teicoplanina / [New therapeutic strategies with teicoplanin]

Teicoplanin is a glycopeptide antibiotic with similar spectrum to vancomycin. However, unlike this drug, teicoplanin can be administered by i.v. or i.m. route once daily thanks to its long half-life (88 to 182 hours). This pharmacokinetic characteristic is particularly interesting in infections that require extended antimicrobial therapy, where new therapeutic strategies may be considered. Long-term treatment with teicoplanin proved effective in the treatment of bone and joint infections due to methicillin-resistant staphylococci. Teicoplanin administered three times a week yields comparable clinical efficacy than daily administration with considerably improved cost-effectiveness. This aspect merits special attention, particularly when evaluating prolonged outpatient antibiotic therapy regimens. For synergic effects it is possible to associate teicoplanin with other antibiotics. Chronic suppressive antibiotic therapy with teicoplanin may be an alternative in carefully selected patients, particularly those carrying prosthetic devices.