Infecciones fúngicas invasivas en niños hospitalizados en un centro de referencia de Uruguay / Invasive fungal infections in children hospitalized at a pediatric reference hospital in Uruguay / Infecções fúngicas invasivas em crianças internadas em um centro hospitalar de referência no Uruguai

Introducción: las infecciones fúngicas invasivas (IFI) son un problema de salud en creciente aumento. Objetivo: describir las características epidemiológicas, microbiológicas y clínicas de los menores de 15 años con IFI hospitalizados en el Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell entre 2010- 2019. Metodología: estudio retrospectivo, mediante revisión de historias clínicas. Variables: edad, sexo, comorbilidades, factores de riesgo, clínica, patógenos, tratamiento y evolución. Resultados: se registraron 26 casos de IFI en 23 niños. La mediana de edad fue 8 años, de sexo femenino 17, con comorbilidades 17: infección por VIH 5, enfermedad hematooncológica 4. Todos presentaban factores de riesgo para IFI. Las manifestaciones clínicas de sospecha fueron: fiebre en 19, síntomas neurológicos 11, respiratorios 9, gastrointestinales 6, urinarios 2, sepsis/shock en 3. Los agentes identificados fueron: Candida spp en 14, Cryptococcus neoformans complex 8 y Aspergillus fumigatus complex 4. Tratamiento: se indicó fluconazol en 15, asociado a anfotericina B 11. Todas las infecciones por candida fueron sensibles a los azoles. Fallecieron 7 niños, la mediana de edad fue 1 año. En 4 se identificó Candida spp, Aspergillus fumigatus complex 2 y Cryptococcus neoformans complex 1. Conclusiones: las IFI son poco frecuentes, afectan en su mayoría a niños inmunocomprometidos asociando elevada mortalidad. El diagnóstico requiere alto índice de sospecha. Candida spp y Cryptococcus spp fueron los agentes más involucrados. El inicio precoz del tratamiento acorde a la susceptibilidad disponible se asocia a menor mortalidad.

Summary: Introduction: invasive fungal infections (IFI) are an increasing health problem. Objective: describe the epidemiological, microbiological and clinical characteristics of children under 15 years of age with IFI hospitalized at the Pereira Rossell Hospital Center between 2010-2019. Methodology: retrospective study, review of medical records. Variables: age, sex, comorbidities, risk factors, symptoms, pathogens, treatment and evolution. Results: 26 cases of IFI were recorded involving 23 children. Median age 8 years, female 17, comorbidities 17, HIV infection 5, hematological-oncological disease 4. All with risk factors. Suspicion symptoms: fever 19, neurological symptoms 11, respiratory 9, gastrointestinal 6, urinary 2, sepsis / shock 3. Identified agents: Candida spp 14, Cryptococcus neoformans complex 8 and Aspergillus fumigatus complex 4. Treatment: fluconazole 15, associated with amphotericin B 11. All candida infections were sensitive to azoles. 7 died, median age 1 year. In 4, Candida spp was isolated, Aspergillus fumigatus complex in 2 and Cryptococcus neoformans complex in 1. Conclusions: IFI are rare, mostly affecting immunocompromised children, associated with high mortality. The diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. Candida spp and Cryptococcus spp were the most involved agents. Early treatment according to available susceptibility is associated with lower mortality.

Introdução: as infecções fúngicas invasivas (IFI) são um problema de saúde crescente. Objetivo: descrever as características epidemiológicas, microbiológicas e clínicas de crianças menores de 15 anos com IFI internadas no Centro Hospitalar Pereira Rossell entre 2010 e 2019. Metodologia: estudo retrospectivo, revisão de prontuários. Variáveis: idade, sexo, comorbidades, fatores de risco, sintomas, patógenos, tratamento e evolução. Resultados: foram registrados 26 casos de IFI em 23 crianças. Idade mediana 8 anos, sexo feminino 17, comorbidades 17, infecção por HIV 5, doença hemato-oncológica 4. Todos com fatores de risco. Suspeita clínica: febre 19, sintomas neurológicos 11, respiratórios 9, gastrointestinais 6, urinários 2, sepse/choque 3. Agentes identificados: Candida spp 14, Cryptococcus neoformans complexo 8 e Aspergillus fumigatus complexo 4. Tratamento: fluconazol 15, associado à anfotericina B 11. Todas as infecções por cândida foram sensíveis aos azóis. 7 morreram, idade média de 1 ano. Em 4 das crianças Cândida spp foi isolada, Aspergillus fumigatus complexo em 2 e Cryptococcus neoformans complexo em 1. Conclusões: IFIs são raras, afetando principalmente crianças imunocomprometidas, associadas a alta mortalidade. O diagnóstico requer alto índice de suspeita. Cândida spp e Cryptococcus spp são os agentes mais envolvidos. O tratamento precoce de acordo com a suscetibilidade disponível está associado a menor mortalidade.

Tuberculosis pulmonar con baciloscopía positiva en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Hospital de Clínicas, 2018-2019 / Smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis in immunocompromised patients. Hospital de Clínicas, 2018-2019

Introducción: La tuberculosis representa la novena causa de muerte en todo el mundo. La infección latente puede reactivarse por situaciones que comprometan la inmunidad del huésped. La tuberculosis pulmonar es la manifestación más frecuente en pacientes inmunodeprimidos. La baciloscopia es la herramienta primaria en el diagnóstico de la tuberculosis pulmonar activa. Objetivos: Determinar la frecuencia de tuberculosis pulmonar con baciloscopia positiva en pacientes inmunocomprometidos que acuden al Servicio de Neumología del Hospital de Clínicas durante el periodo 2018 a 2019. Materiales y métodos: Diseño observacional, descriptivo, transversal, retrospectivo, muestreo no probabilístico de casos consecutivos. Se realizó la revisión de fichas clínicas de pacientes internados en la Cátedra de Neumología del Hospital de Clínicas (2018-2019), registrados en la estadística del servicio. Para el procesamiento y análisis de datos fue utilizada una planilla electrónica precodificada de Microsoft Excel. Resultados: Del total de historias clínicas de pacientes dentro de la población estudiada (n=34), en el 68% de los casos el diagnóstico se estableció mediante baciloscopia, el 65% de ellos con hallazgo tres cruces (+++). Conclusión: La frecuencia de baciloscopia positiva en inmunocomprometidos determinada fue elevada. Aunque se está disminuyendo su uso, es importante seguir practicando este estudio a todos los inmunocomprometidos con síntomas respiratorios debido a su bajo costo y practicidad.

Introduction: Tuberculosis represents the ninth leading cause of death worldwide. Latent infection can be reactivated by situations that compromise host immunity. Pulmonary tuberculosis is the most frequent manifestation in immunocompromised patients. Smear microscopy is the primary tool in the diagnosis of active pulmonary tuberculosis. Objectives: To determine the frequency of smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis in immunocompromised patients attending the Pneumology Service of the Hospital de Clínicas during the period 2018 to 2019. Materials and methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective, non-probabilistic sampling of consecutive cases. A review of clinical records of patients admitted to the Department of Pneumology of the Hospital de Clínicas (2018-2019), registered in the statistics department of the service, was performed. A pre-coded Microsoft Excel spreadsheet was used for data processing and analysis. Results: Of the total patient medical records within the studied population (n=34), in 68% of the cases the diagnosis was established by smear microscopy, 65% of them with finding three crosses (+++). Conclusion: The frequency of positive smear microscopy in immunocompromised patients was high. Although its use is decreasing, it is important to continue performing this study in all immunocompromised patients with respiratory symptoms due to its low cost and practicality.

Zigomicosis y síndrome hemofagocítico en un paciente inmunocompetente: informe de caso / Zygomycosis and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in an immunocompetent patient: a case report

Introducción: la zigomicosis es una infección fúngica poco frecuente, con alta tasa de mortalidad y de mal pronóstico. Afecta principalmente a pacientes inmunocomprometidos. La asociación con el síndrome hemofagocítico es extremadamente inusual, más aún en pacientes inmunocompetentes, con pocos ejemplos registrados en la literatura. Caso clínico: se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino inmunocompetente de 40 años con diagnóstico de mucormicosis y síndrome hemofagocítico que evoluciona desfavorablemente, con fallo multiorgánico, a pesar de los esfuerzos médicos. Conclusión: la asociación de mucormicosis con síndrome hemofagocítico en un paciente inmunocompetente es extremadamente rara; existen pocos casos informados en Latinoamérica. Debemos tener presente esta asociación, ya que requiere un tratamiento agresivo y soporte vital avanzado. (AU)

Introduction: zygomycosis is a rare fungal infection that carries with high mortality rates. This poor prognosis, rapidly progressive infection mainly affects immunocompromised patients. The association with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis is extremely unusual, even more in immunocompetent patients, with few cases reported. Case: we present the case of an immunocompetent male patient who was diagnosed with zygomycosis and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Despite medical efforts he developed multiorganic failure. Conclusion: the association of mucormycosis with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in an immunocompetent patient is exceptional with few cases reported in Latin America. We must always suspect this association considering they require aggressive treatment and advanced life support. (AU)

Immunocompromised patients and coronavirus disease 2019: a review and recommendations for dental health care

Abstract In less than four months, an unprecedented pandemic changed the world scenario, closing institutions and commerce, paralyzing sports championships, blocking frontiers, and putting almost all populations in a house quarantine regimen. Immunocompromised patients are within the high-risk group to severe outcomes from COVID-19. However, there is no clear evidence of the association between impaired immune host status and complications from SARS-CoV-2 infection so far. The virus is transmitted by inhalation or direct contact with infected secretions, and therefore the dental office is a highly susceptible environment for such transmission. Here, we review the literature and discuss immunological COVID-19 related issues. We also make suggestions for immunocompromised patients' support in this new emerging context of clinical dental practice. Until comprehensive findings are published, individuals with impaired immunity should be considered as high-risk. Cross infection control procedures for the clinical care of immunocompromised patients should follow the same guidelines that are being proposed for immunocompetent ones. However, during the active outbreak, people under immunosuppressive conditions should not receive elective procedures, even if they do not have symptoms or exposure history to COVID-19, and in case of emergence, care must be done in a separate airborne room. In the pos-pandemic phase, the dental care general recommendations should be the same for all subjects. Changes in the current guidelines have been proposed to SARS-CoV-2 infection control in order to provide the best and safe dental practice. However, they still need to be validated by future studies.

Segurança e Benefício do Uso de Probióticos em Pacientes Submetidos ao TCTH: Revisão Integrativa / Safety and Benefit of Using Probiotics in Patients Undergoing HSCT: Integrative Review / Seguridad y Beneficio del Uso de Probióticos en Pacientes Sometidos al TCTH: Revisión Integradora

Introdução: O transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas (TCTH) é um dos potenciais tratamentos curativos utilizados para pacientes com doenças hematológicas e outras doenças imunes. Durante o transplante, o paciente é submetido ao condicionamento e a outros tratamentos, como radioterapia e quimioterapia, o que pode causar a perda da diversidade da microbiota intestinal. A manipulação da microbiota intestinal com probióticos vem sendo apontada como uma estratégia de prevenção de complicações nos pacientes submetidos ao TCTH. Objetivo: Identificar se há evidências científicas relacionadas à segurança e aos benefícios da utilização de probióticos em pacientes submetidos ao TCTH. Método: Revisão integrativa com base em estudos que abordassem o uso de probióticos para o caso específico de pacientes submetidos ao TCTH publicados entre 2000 a 2018. Resultados: Foram selecionados cinco estudos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, com um total de 52 pacientes. A utilização de probióticos na prevenção e/ou tratamento da diarreia tem mostrado resultados positivos em pacientes com diarreia induzida por antibióticos ou por infecções bacterianas, porém os estudos ainda não destacam benefícios no uso de probióticos no caso específico de pacientes submetidos ao TCTH. Poucos estudos mostram o uso de probióticos para auxílio na melhora dos sintomas associados a infecções ou bacteremias em pacientes imunossuprimidos. Conclusão: O uso de probióticos na população submetida ao TCTH e em imunossuprimidos ainda é controverso, sendo necessários mais estudos que demonstrem os benefícios no uso dessa estratégia para esse público.

Introduction: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is one of the potential curative treatments used for patients with hematological and other immune diseases. During transplantation, the patient undergoes conditioning and other treatments, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which may cause loss of the intestinal microbiota diversity. The manipulation of the intestinal microbiota with probiotics has been pointed out as a strategy to prevent complications in patients undergoing HSCT. Objective: To identify if there is scientific evidence related to the safety and benefits of the use of probiotics in patients submitted to HSCT. Method: Integrative review based on studies addressing the use of probiotics for the specific case of patients undergoing HSCT published between 2000 and 2018. Results: Five studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were eligible, with a total of 52 patients. The use of probiotics in the prevention and/or treatment of diarrhea has shown positive results in patients with antibiotic-induced diarrhea or bacterial infections, but the studies do not yet emphasize the benefits of using probiotics in the specific case of patients submitted to HSCT. Few studies show the use of probiotics to help the improvement of the symptoms associated to infections or bacteremia in immunosuppressed patients. Conclusion: The use of probiotics in the population submitted to HSCT and immunosuppressed is still controversial, and further studies are necessary to demonstrate the benefits of using probiotics for this public.

Introducción: El trasplante de células madre de las hematopoyéticas (TCTH) es uno de los posibles tratamientos curativos utilizados para pacientes con enfermedades hematológicas y otras enfermedades inmunes. Durante el transplante, el paciente es sometido al condicionamiento ya otros tratamientos, como radioterapia y quimioterapia, lo que puede causar la pérdida de la diversidad de la microbiota intestinal. La manipulación de la microbiota intestinal con probióticos viene siendo apuntada como una estrategia de prevención de complicaciones en los pacientes sometidos al TCTH. Objetivo: Identificar si hay evidencias científicas relacionadas con la seguridad y beneficios de la utilización de probióticos en pacientes sometidos al TCTH. Método: Revisión integradora basada em estúdios que abordan el uso de probióticos para el caso específico de pacientes sometidos a TCMH publicados entre 2000 y 2018. Resultados: Fueron elegibles 4 estudios que atendieron a los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, con un total de 52 pacientes. La utilización de probióticos en la prevención y/o tratamiento de la diarrea ha mostrado resultados positivos en pacientes con diarrea inducida por antibióticos o por infecciones bacterianas, pero los estudios aún no aportan beneficios en el uso de probióticos en pacientes sometidos al TCTH. Pocos estudios muestran infecciones o bacterias en pacientes inmunosuprimidos que utilizaron probióticos para ayudar en la mejora de los síntomas asociados al tratamiento. Conclusión: El uso de probióticos en la población sometida al TCTH e inmunosuprimidos aún es controvertido, siendo necesarios más estudios que comprueben los beneficios en el uso de probióticos para este público.

The importance of risk factors for the prediction of patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis

Summary Objective: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a major challenge in the management of immunocompromised patients. Despite all the advances in diagnosis, it remains a problem. The purpose of our study was to investigate the risk factors associated with IPA seen in patients with hematological malignancies. Method: A total of 152 febrile neutropenia (FEN) patients with hematological malignancies aged over 18 years and receiving high-dose chemotherapy or stem cell transplant between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2012 were included in the study. Sixty-five (65) cases with IPA according to the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group criteria were enrolled as the case group, while 87 patients without IPA development during concomitant monitoring were enrolled as the control group. Incidence of IPA was 21.4% (3/14) in patients receiving bone marrow transplant (allogeneic 2, autologous 1) and those cases were also added into the case group. The two groups were compared in terms of demographic, clinical and laboratory findings and risk factors associated with IPA investigated retrospectively. Results: Presence of relapse of primary disease, neutropenia for more than 3 weeks, presence of bacterial infection, and non-administration of antifungal prophylaxis were identified as risk factors associated with IPA. Conclusion: It may be possible to reduce the incidence of the disease by eliminating preventable risk factors. Predicting those risks would, per se, enable early diagnosis and treatment and, thus, the mortality rate of these patients would unquestionably decline.

Polyomavirus en hospederos inmunocomprometidos: situación en Sudamérica / Polyomavirus in immunocompromised patients: the South America's situation

Resumen A 46 años de la identificación de los primeros polyomavirus en humanos (PyV), la preocupación por encontrar nuevos tipos relacionados a patologías de distintos órganos en pacientes inmunosuprimidos persiste. Hasta el momento de esta revisión, 15 PyV han sido descritos, muchos de ellos sin estar claramente asociados a enfermedades. En nuestro país, al igual que en gran parte de Sudamérica, el conocimiento y la pesquisa de estos agentes infecciosos son insuficientes por lo que sistematizamos aquello que se sabe sobre estos virus y su relación con los diferentes sistemas del cuerpo humano, con énfasis en los inmunosuprimidos y señalamos aquellos datos publicados en nuestro continente. Esperamos así incentivar un mayor estudio de estas infecciones virales.

Forty-six years after the identification of the first polyomaviruses in humans (PyV) still there are strong concerns to find new types related to pathologies of different organs in immunocompromised patients. At the time of this review, 15 PyV have been described, many of them without being clearly associated with diseases. In our country, as in much of South America, the knowledge and research of these infectious agents are insufficient, so we systematized what is known about these viruses and their relationship with different human systems with emphasis on immunocompromised and we pointed out data published in our continent. Thus, we hope to encourage the study of these infections.

Evaluación de los índices predictores de eventos adversos en el adulto inmunocompetente hospitalizado por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad / Adverse event prediction in immunocompetent adult patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) causes significant morbidity and mortality in adults. Aim: To compare the accuracy of four validated rules for predicting adverse outcomes in patients hospitalized with CAP. Patients and Methods: We compared the pneumonia severity index (PSI), British Thoracic Society score (CURB-65), SMART-COP and severe CAP score (SCAP) in 659 immunocompetent adult patients aged 18 to 101 years, 52% male, hospitalized with CAP. Major adverse outcomes were: admission to ICU, need for mechanical ventilation (MV), in-hospital complications and 30-day mortality. Mean hospital length of stay (LOS) was also evaluated. The predictive indexes were compared based on sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: Of the studied patients, 77% had comorbidities, 23% were admitted to the intensive care unit and 12% needed mechanical ventilation. The rate of all adverse outcomes and hospital LOS increased directly with increasing PSI, CURB-65, SMART-COP and SCAP scores. The sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve of the prognostic indexes to predict adverse events were: Admission to ICU (PSI: 0.48, 0.84 and 0.73; SMART-COP: 0.97, 0.23 and 0.75; SCAP: 0.57, 0.81 and 0.76); use of MV (PSI: 0.44, 0.84 and 0.75; SMART-COP: 0.96, 0.35 and 0.84; SCAP: 0.53, 0.87 and 0.78); 30-days mortality (PSI: 0.45, 0.97 and 0.83; SMART-COP: 0.94, 0.29 and 0.77; SCAP: 0.53, 0.95 and 0.81). CURB-65 had a lower discriminatory power compared to the other indices. Conclusions: PSI score and SCAP were more accurate and specific and SMART-COP was more sensitive to predict the risk of death. SMART-COP was more sensitive and SCAP was more specific in predicting the use of mechanical ventilation.

Detección de virus parainfluenza en pacientes inmunocomprometidos e inmunocompetentes atendidos en un hospital terciario de la Ciudad de São Paulo, Brasil / Detection of parainfluenza virus in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients in a tertiary hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Parainfluenza virus infections (PIV) were evaluated in patients with mild and severe infections through real time PCR. One thousand and sixty-seven samples were collected from subjects as follows: 233 adult renal transplanted outpatients, 129 children with congenital heart disease, 381 with adult hematopoietic stem cell patients and 324 hospitalized patients suspected of influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 infection. PIV was detected in 74 (6.9%) samples. VPI-3 was the most frequent (60.8%) and a higher risk was observed for older adults (p = 0.018) and for those who were hematopoietic stem cell transplanted. Further studies are needed to understand the VPI role in patients' at risk for developing serious illness.

Se evaluó la infección por virus parainfluenza (VPI) en pacientes con infecciones leves y graves mediante RPC en tiempo real. Se analizó un total de 1.067 muestras: 233 provenían de pacientes ambulatorios adultos receptores de trasplantes renales, 129 de niños con cardiopatía congénita, 381 de pacientes receptores de trasplantes de precursores hematopoyéticos adultos y 324 de pacientes hospitalizados con sospecha de influenza A (H1N1) pdm09. Se detectó VPI en 74 muestras (6,9%). Siendo VPI-3 el virus más frecuente (60,8%), se observó un mayor riesgo para los adultos mayores (p = 0,018) y para aquellos que fueron receptores de precursores hematopoyéticos. Son necesarios estudios adicionales para entender el papel del VPI en pacientes de riesgo para desarrollar enfermedad grave.

Cryptococcus laurentii fungaemia in a cervical cancer patient

ABSTRACT Infections caused by emerging Cryptococcus non-neoformans species are being reported with increasingly frequency. Here, we present a case of fungaemia byCryptococcus laurentii in a woman receiving aggressive immunosuppressive therapy for cervical neoplasia. Three venous blood samples were aseptically collected on consecutive days and C. laurentiiwas isolated and identified through phenotypic and molecular methods. After central venous catheter removal and appropriate antifungal therapy, the patient showed significant improvement and blood culture became negative. Thus, patients following immunosuppressive therapies and using invasive medical devices are at risk of C. laurentii blood infections.

New insights on the development of fungal vaccines: from immunity to recent challenges

Fungal infections are emerging as a major problem in part due to high mortality associated with systemic infections, especially in the case of immunocompromised patients. With the development of new treatments for diseases such as cancer and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome pandemic, the number of immunosuppressed patients has increased and, as a consequence, also the number of invasive fungal infections has increased. Several studies have proposed new strategies for the development of effective fungal vaccines. In addition, better understanding of how the immune system works against fungal pathogens has improved the further development of these new vaccination strategies. As a result, some fungal vaccines have advanced through clinical trials. However, there are still many challenges that prevent the clinical development of fungal vaccines that can efficiently immunise subjects at risk of developing invasive fungal infections. In this review, we will discuss these new vaccination strategies and the challenges that they present. In the future with proper investments, fungal vaccines may soon become a reality.

Hospitalización diurna como modelo de atención de salud en pacientes adultos inmunocompetentes con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad / Respiratory day hospital care for immunocompetent adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia

Background: Day hospitals can reduce health care costs without increasing the risks of patients with lower respiratory tract infection. Aim: To report the experience of a respiratory day hospital care delivered to adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in a public hospital. Material and Methods: During the fall and winter of 2011 and 2012, adult patients with CAP of intermediate risk categories were assessed in the emergency room, their severity was stratified according to confusion, respiratory rate, blood pressure, 65 years of age or older (CRB-65) score and the Chilean CAP Clinical Guidelines, and were admitted to the respiratory day hospital. Results: One hundred seventeen patients aged 67 ± 16 years, (62% females) with CAP were attended in the respiratory day hospital. Ninety percent had comorbidities, especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 58%, heart disease in 32%, diabetes in 16% and asthma in 13%. Their most important risk factors were age over 65 years in 60%, comorbidities in 88%, failure of antibiotic treatment in 17%, loss of autonomy in 21%, vital sign abnormalities in 60%, mental confusion in 5%, multilobar CAP in 23%, pleural effusion in 15%, hypoxemia in 41% and a serum urea nitrogen over 30 mg/dL in 16%. Patients stayed an average of seven days in the day hospital with oxygen, hydration, chest physiotherapy and third-generation cephalosporins (89%) associated with quinolones (52%) or macrolides (4%). Thirteen patients required noninvasive ventilation, eight patients were hospitalized because of clinical deterioration and three died in hospital. Conclusions: Day hospital care reduced hospital admission rates of patients with lower respiratory tract infections.

Neumonías en el inmunocomprometido: perspectiva desde el diagnóstico por imágenes, e inferencia Bayesiana / Pneumonia in the inmunocompromised host: perspective through images diagnosis and a Bayesian inference

Introduction: The population of immunocompromised patients has increased in recent decades. Many of these patients eventually present infectious complications including pneumonia, which is a diagnostic that must to be prompt and accurate. Objective: To review the basis of the diagnosis of pneumonia in the immunocompromised patient. Sorted by the methodology of Bayesian inference, very relevant in the diagnostic attribution, we review the main basis of the diagnosis of pneumonia of immunocompromised patients: the epidemiology, the clinical history including the type of immunosuppression that weigh the likelihood of attribution a priori of an etiologic agent, and finally, the findings in the image (or likelihood function). Conclusion: Although in general the findings are not pathognomonic and there is much overlap in the images, there are several features that orient in one direction or another. Proper assessment of the prior probability and the likelihood function is allowing ultimately a good diagnostic proposition.

Introducción: La población de pacientes inmunocomprometidos se ha incrementado en las últimas décadas. Gran parte de estos pacientes presenta en algún momento complicaciones infecciosas, entre ellas la neumonía, lo que constituye un desafío diagnóstico que debe ser rápido y acertado. Objetivo: Revisar las bases del diagnóstico de las neumonías del paciente inmunocomprometido. Ordenados por la metodología de la inferencia Bayesiana, muy relevante en la atribución diagnóstica, destacamos y revisamos los pilares fundamentales en el diagnóstico de las neumonías del inmunocomprometido: la epidemiología, los antecedentes clínicos incluyendo el tipo de inmunodepresión, que pesan en la probabilidad de atribución a priori de un agente etiológico, y finalmente, los hallazgos en la imagen (o función de verosimilitud). Conclusión: Los hallazgos de imagen que, aunque en general no son patognomónicos y existe mucha superposición, presentan algunas características que orientan en una u otra dirección. La adecuada valoración de la probabilidad a priori y la función de verosimilitud son las que permiten en definitiva una buena proposición diagnóstica.

Infecciones en pacientes reumatológicos asociadas a corticosteroides y antagonistas del factor de necrosis tumoral α / Infections in patients affected by rheumatologic diseases associated to glucocorticoid use or tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors

A great diversity of infectious agents can affect patients that use steroids at immunosuppressive doses or tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) antagonists. The list of participating microorganisms is more restricted in the case of anti TNF-α blockers. Overlapping agents include intracellular bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, geographic fungal agents that have the ability to establish granulamotous infections, herpes zoster, and reactivation of chronic hepatitis B virus infection. An important conceptual issue for these infections is the existence of a threshold prednisone daily dose for the emergence of opportunistic infections but higher levels of immunosuppression and cofactors are required in the case of Pneumocystis jiroveci and cytomegalovirus infections. In order to prevent these threats, a detailed medical evaluation is needed before prescription to detect potential risks and manage them properly. Prevention rules must be prescribed in every case, that include common sense behaviors, vaccines, and in selected cases, chemoprophylaxis for latent tuberculosis (TB) infection, P. jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) or other specific requirements. Latent TB infection is probable and requires chemoprophylaxis in the case of remote or recent exposure to a patient with lung TB, a positive tuberculin or interferon-gamma release assay result or residual lung scars in a chest x-ray exam. PCP prevention is suggested when the patient reaches a daily dose of prednisone of 30 mg but might be needed at lower doses in case of other concomitant immunosuppressive drugs or when lymphopenia arises shortly after prednisone initiation.

Una gran diversidad de agentes infecciosos puede afectar a los pacientes que usan corticosteroides en dosis inmunosupresoras o antagonistas del factor de necrosis tumoral o (FNTα). La lista de microorganismos participantes es más restringida en el caso de los bloqueadores del FNTα. Los agentes que se sobreponen incluyen bacterias intracelulares, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, hongos geográficos que son capaces de establecer infecciones granulomatosas, herpes zoster y reactivación de hepatitis crónica por virus de hepatitis B. Existe una dosis umbral diaria de prednisona (o equivalente), sobre la cual emergen estas infecciones oportunistas, pero el nivel de inmunosupresión parece ser más alto en el caso de Pneumocystis jiroveci o citomegalovirus. Para prevenir estas amenazas, se requiere una evaluación médica detallada antes de su prescripción para detectar riesgos potenciales y manejarlos apropiadamente. Se deben indicar medidas de prevención en cada caso, las que incluyen conductas de sentido común y en casos seleccionados, quimioprofilaxis para infección latente por tuberculosis (TBC), neumonía por P. jiroveci u otros requerimientos específicos. La existencia de TBC latente es probable en el caso de exposición reciente o remota a un bacilífero pulmonar, prueba de tuberculina o de liberación de interferón γ positiva, o lesiones residuales en la radiografía de tórax. La prevención de neumonía por P. jiroveci se recomienda cuando se usan al menos 30 mg de prednisona al día pero puede ser necesario a dosis menores si se aplican otros fármacos inmunosupresores concomitantes o si aparece linfopenia poco después del inicio de los corticosteroides.

Acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis in a renal transplant recipient - Case report

A 24-year-old male patient, who underwent kidney transplant six years ago due to Lupus nephritis, for the last two years presented asymptomatic erythematous scaly plaques on the abdomen and areas exposed to light. Post-transplantation immunosuppressive medications included prednisone, mycophenolate sodium and sirolimus. The histopathologic features were typical for epidermodysplasia verruciformis. Epidermodysplasia verruciformis is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis with increased susceptibility to specific strains of cutaneous human papilloma virus. The term ''acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis'' was recently introduced to the literature and describes epidermodysplasia verruciformis occurring in patients with impaired cell-mediated immunity. We report an additional case associated to immunosuppression after kidney transplantation.

Comparison of the direct fluorescence assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction for the detection of influenza virus A and B in immunocompromised patients

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of two methods for the detection of influenza virus in immunocompromised transplant patients. METHODS: A total of 475 respiratory samples, 236 from patients in a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation program and 239 from kidney transplant patients, were analyzed by a direct fluorescence assay and the Centers for Disease Control real-time polymerase chain reaction protocol for influenza A and B detection. RESULTS: Influenza detection using either method was 7.6% in the hematopoietic stem cell transplant group and 30.5% in the kidney transplant patient group. Influenza detection by real-time polymerase chain reaction yielded a higher positive rate compared with fluorescence than that reported by other studies, and this difference was more pronounced for influenza A. The fluorescence assay sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and kappa coefficient were 17.6%, 100%, 1, 0.83, and 0.256, respectively, and lower detection rates occurred in the kidney transplant patients. CONCLUSIONS: The real-time polymerase chain reaction performance and the associated turnaround time for a large number of samples support the choice of this method for use in different routine diagnostic settings and influenza surveillance in high-risk patients. .

Seroprevalencia de virus varicela-zoster en niños con cáncer en seis hospitales de Santiago, Chile / Seroprevalence of varicella-zoster virus in children with cancer in six hospitals in Santiago, Chile

Infections with varicella-zoster virus (VVZ) in immunocompromised children imply a high mortality. There is no data about VVZ seroprevalence in children with cancer in our country. Aim: To determine the prevalence of VVZ antibodies in children with cancer who have undergone chemotherapy or have undergone a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Methodology: collaborative, multicenter study. Serum samples were collected from 281 children with cancer and episodes of febrile neutropenia from 6 hospitals belonging to the public health network in the Metropolitan Region between June 2004 and August 2006. These samples were stored at -70 ° C, and 200 of them were randomly chosen and analyzed to determine VVZ IgG (ELISA). Results: 179 samples from 179 children, 65% male. Ninety eigth/179 (55%) were positive, 72/179 (40%) negative and 9/179 (5%) indeterminate. Stratified by age, seropositive percentage was: 1 to 4 years 32%, 5-9 years 42%, 10-14 years 78%, over 15 years 88%. Conclusion: Forty percent of children treated for cancer are seronegative to VVZ infection, a frequency that decreases with age. These results support the adoption of preventive measures to avoid infection in this population of children at risk of developing a serious and possibly fatal illness.

Las infecciones por virus varicela-zoster (VVZ) en niños inmunocomprometidos presentan una alta morbi-mortalidad. Se desconoce la seroprevalencia de VVZ en niños con cáncer en nuestro medio. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de anticuerpos anti VVZ en niños sometidos a tratamiento por cáncer (quimioterapia o trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos). Método: Estudio colaborativo, multicéntrico. Se recolectaron muestras de suero de 281 niños con cáncer y episodios de neutropenia febril (NF) en seis hospitales de Santiago, entre junio 2004 y agosto 2006 y almacenadas a -70° Cº. Doscientas muestras fueron seleccionadas al azar para determinación de IgG anti VVZ. Resultados: De las 200 muestras de suero obtenidas se excluyeron 21: 12 por ser muestras de un mismo paciente en diferentes episodios de NF y 9 por falta de información. Se analizaron las muestras de 179 niños, 65% de sexo masculino. Noventa y ocho resultaron positivos (55%), 72 negativos (40%) y 9 indeterminados (5%). Estratificado por edad: 1-4 años (32%), 5-9 años (42%), 10-14 años (78%) y mayores de 15 años (88%). Conclusión: 40% de los niños en tratamiento por cáncer son seronegativos para VVZ, condición que disminuye en pacientes con mayor edad. Estos resultados apoyan la adopción de medidas que eviten la infección en esta población de niños con riesgo de desarrollar una enfermedad grave y eventualmente fatal.

Mucormycosis and chromoblastomycosis occurring in a patient with leprosy type 2 reaction under prolonged corticosteroid and thalidomide therapy / Mucormicose e cromoblastomicose em um paciente com reação hansênica tipo II sob terapia prolongada com corticosteróide e talidomida

Mucormycosis is an uncommon fungal infection caused by Mucorales. It frequently occurs in patients with neutropenia, diabetes, malignancy and on corticoid therapy. However, it is rare in patients with AIDS. Clinical disease can be manifested in several forms. The case reported illustrates the rare occurrence of chromoblastomycosis and mucormycosis in an immunosuppressed patient with multibacillary leprosy, under prolonged corticosteroid and thalidomide therapy to control leprosy type 2 reaction. Neutrophil dysfunction, thalidomide therapy and work activities are some of the risk factors in this case. Chromoblastomycosis was treated by surgical excision and mucormycosis with amphotericin B. Although the prognosis of mucormycosis is generally poor, in the reported case the patient recovered successfully. This case should alert dermatologists to possible opportunistic infections in immunosuppressed patients.

Mucormicose é uma infecção fúngica incomum causada por Mucorales. Ocorre frequentemente em pacientes com neutropenia, diabetes, corticoterapia e condições malignas. Porém, é rara em pacientes com AIDS. A doença pode apresentar-se em diferentes formas. Este caso ilustra a rara ocorrência de mucormicose e cromoblastomicose em um paciente com hanseníase multibacilar, que estava sendo tratado com prednisona e talidomida devido a eritema nodoso (reação hansênica tipo II). Disfunção de neutrófilos, uso de talidomida e atividades profissionais são alguns fatores de risco neste caso. A cromoblastomicose foi tratada por excisão cirúrgica e a mucormicose com anfotericina B. Embora o prognóstico da mucormicose seja ruim, neste caso o tratamento foi bem sucedido. Este caso alerta dermatologistas para a possibilidade de infecções oportunistas em pacientes imunossuprimidos.