Utilidad de los parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio básicos para predecir infección bacteriana seria en menores de 3 meses que se hospitalizan por síndrome febril sin foco / Utility of basic clinical and laboratory parameters to predict Serious Bacterial Infection in children younger than 3 months old hospitalized for Febrile Syndrome without Source

Resumen: Introducción: Un 20% de los niños con síndrome febril se presenta como síndrome febril sin foco (SFSF). Las es trategias de manejo en este grupo presentan alta sensibilidad, pero baja especificidad. Objetivos: Ca racterizar las infecciones bacterianas serias (IBS) en menores de 3 meses hospitalizados por SFSF, y evaluar utilidad de parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio en la identificación de pacientes con alto riesgo de IBS. Pacientes y Método: Estudio prospectivo en pacientes < 3 meses hospitalizados entre enero 2014 y noviembre 2015 por SFSF en dos hospitales pediátricos de la Región Metropolitana. Criterios de inclusión: edad 4 días - 3 meses, fiebre > 38°C de < 72 h de evolución sin causa demostra ble. Criterios de exclusión: uso de antimicrobianos hasta 7 días previo a su ingreso, prematuros < 34 semanas, peso de nacimiento < 2 kg e inmunocomprometidos. Se registraron datos demográficos, clínicos, y exámenes de laboratorio, hemograma y PCR, diagnóstico de egreso, IBS descartada, IBS probable o confirmada. Resultados: 32% de los pacientes egresó con diagnóstico de IBS, 28% con diagnóstico de infección viral o probablemente viral, 34% con diagnóstico de SFSF no especificado y 6% SFSF por otras causas. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en PCR, leucocitosis, aspecto tóxico ni horas de fiebre al ingreso al comparar los grupos con y sin IBS (p > 0,05). La combinación de parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio mostro sensibilidad de 27%, especificidad de 90%, VPP 60% y VPN 71%. Conclusión: No fue posible establecer que parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio permitan identificar menores de 3 meses con alto riesgo de IBS, manteniendo su utilidad como indicadores de bajo riesgo. Es necesario contar con otros elementos clínicos y de laboratorio que permitan discrimi nar IBS de infecciones virales.

Abstract: Introduction: In 20% of children with febrile syndrome, it appears as fever of unknown origin (FUO) syndrome. Management strategies in this group have high sensitivity but low specificity. Objectives: To cha racterize serious bacterial infections (SBI) in children younger than three months old hospitalized because of FUO syndrome and to evaluate the utility of clinical and laboratory parameters in the identification of patients that are at high risk of SBI. Patients and Method: Prospective study in patients aged < 3 months hospitalized due to FUO syndrome between January 2014 and November 2015 in two pediatric hospitals in the Metropolitan Region. Inclusion criteria: age 4 days - 3 months, fever > 38°C longer than 72 hours after onset without demonstrable cause. Exclusion criteria: anti microbial use up to 7 days before admission, preterm infants < 34 weeks, birth weight < 2 kg, and im munocompromised. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory tests data were recorded as well as blood count and CRP, discharge diagnosis, and ruled out, probable or confirmed SBI. Results: 32% of the patients were discharged with diagnosis of SBI, 28% with diagnosis of viral or probably viral infec tion, 34% with diagnosis of not specified FUO syndrome, and 6% due to other causes. There were no significant differences in the CRP value, altered WBCs count, toxic aspect, or hours of fever at the admission when comparing groups with and without SBI (p < 0.05). The combination of clinical and laboratory parameters showed 27% of sensitivity, 90% of specificity, 60% of PPV, and 71% of NPV. Conclusion: It was not possible to establish clinical and laboratory parameters that allow the identifi cation of children younger than 3 months old at high risk of SBI, however, they maintain their value as low risk indicators. It is necessary further investigation of other clinical and laboratory elements that allow discriminating SBI from viral infections.

Serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein in the evaluation of bacterial infection in generalized pustular psoriasis

Abstract Background There is an obvious need for more prompt and specific biomarkers of bacterial infections in generalized pustular psoriasis patients. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic properties and define appropriate cut-off values of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein in predicting bacterial infection in generalized pustular psoriasis patients. Methods Sixty-four generalized pustular psoriasis patients hospitalized from June 2014 to May 2017 were included in this retrospective study. The values of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, details of infection, and other clinical parameters were analyzed. Results Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis generated similar areas (p = 0.051) under the curve for procalcitonin 0.896 (95% CI 0.782-1.000) and C-reactive protein 0.748 (95% CI 0.613-0.883). A cut-off value of 1.50 ng/mL for procalcitonin and 46.75 mg/dL for C-reactive protein gave the best combination of sensitivity (75.0% for procalcitonin, 91.7% for C-reactive protein) and specificity (100% for procalcitonin, 53.8% for C-reactive protein). Procalcitonin was significantly positively correlated with C-reactive protein levels both in the infected (r = 0.843, p = 0.040) and non-infected group (r = 0.799, p = 0.000). Study limitations The sample size and the retrospective design are limitations. Conclusions The serum levels of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein performed equally well to differentiate bacterial infection from non-infection in generalized pustular psoriasis patients. The reference value of procalcitonin and C-reactive protein applied to predicting bacterial infection in most clinical cases may not be suitable for generalized pustular psoriasis patients. C-reactive protein had better diagnostic sensitivity than procalcitonin; however, the specificity of procalcitonin was superior to that of C-reactive protein.

El valor de proteínas de fase aguda y la prueba LightCycler® SeptiFast en el diagnóstico de infecciones bacterianas y virales en niños / The value of acute phase reactants and LightCycler® SeptiFast test in the diagnosis of bacterial and viral infections in pediatric patients

Introducción. Evaluamos el nivel de reactantes de fase aguda y la prueba LightCycler® SeptiFast para diferenciar infecciones bacterianas vs.virales. Métodos. Estudio prospectivo en niños febriles. Se analizaron recuento de leucocitos, proteína C-reactiva y procalcitonina en días 1, 3 y 7 de hospitalización. El día 1 se realizaron hemocultivo y radiografía de tórax. Se evaluaron dos grupos de niños que presentaron infecciones bacterianas o virales. Resultados. Se incluyeron 94 niños febriles. La temperatura media de la fiebre fue significativamente más alta en niños con infecciones bacterianas que con infecciones virales (p < 0,001). En 34 (72,3%) niños con infecciones bacterianas, el hemocultivo fue negativo. De ellos, 12 (35,2%) presentaron prueba SeptiFast positiva. No hubo resultados positivos en hemocultivos de niños con infecciones virales y todos tuvieron resultado negativo para la prueba SeptiFast. La media de proteína C-reactiva el primer día de hospitalización fue significativamente más alta en el grupo con infecciones bacterianas (p < 0,001) y en los días 3 y 7 junto con la procalcitonina fueron significativamente más altas en niños con infecciones bacterianas (p <0,001). La sensibilidad y especificidad de los leucocitos, la proteína C-reactiva y la procalcitonina fueron 63,8%, 44,7%, 74,5% y 78,7%, 68,1% y 100%, respectivamente. Las áreas bajo la curva de los leucocitos, la proteína C-reactiva y la procalcitonina fueron 0,519, 0,764 y 0,835, respectivamente. Conclusiones. Los reactantes de fase aguda, en especial procalcitonina, y la prueba LightCycler® SeptiFast podrían ayudar a diferenciar infecciones bacterianas de virales.

Introduction: This study was performed to investigate the value of acute phase reactants and LightCycler® SeptiFast test to differentiate bacterial and viral infections. Population and methods: Children with fever were enrolled to this prospective study. Peripheral white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) were studied from all patients on day 1, 3 and 7. Blood culture and chest X-ray were also obtained on day 1. Blood samples for LightCycler® SeptiFast test were obtained in all patients to use them if there was uncertain diagnosis between bacterial or viral infection. The patients were divided into two groups as bacterial and viral infection. Results: A total of 94 children with fever were enrolled. The mean value of fever was significantly higher in bacterial group than viral group (p <0.001). In bacterial infection group, 34 (72.3%) patients had negative blood culture. Of those, 12 (35.2%) had positive SeptiFast test. There were no positive blood culture in patients with viral infection group and all of them had negative SeptiFast test. The mean levels of CRP on the first day of admission were significantly higher in bacterial group than viral group (p <0.001). CRP and PCT levels of day 3 and 7 were significantly higher in bacterial group (p <0.001). The sensitivity and specificity levels of WBC, CRP and PCT were 63.8%, 44.7%, 74.5% and 78.7% ,68.1% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: We found that acute phase reactants, especially PCT, and LightCycler® SeptiFast test may help to differentiate bacterial and viral infections.

Identificación rápida de microorganismos de frascos de hemocultivos por espectrometría de masas: Comparación de 2 procedimientos diagnósticos / Rapid identification of microorganisms by mass spectrometry in a blood culture system: Comparison of two procedures

La identificación rápida de microorganismos es crítica, en especial en pacientes sépticos hospitalizados. La espectrometría de masas conocida como matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of- flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) permite la identificación directa desde botellas de hemocultivos positivos en forma rápida y sencilla. Este estudio evaluó el desempeño del procedimiento basado en el sistema MALDI Biotyper que utiliza el kit comercial MALDI Sepsityper de Bruker Daltonics (en adelante, MS) frente a uno artesanal (en adelante, HF). Se procesaron 840 botellas de hemocultivos positivos con HF y 542 de estas fueron evaluadas también con MS. Se logró la identificación de los microorganismos en 670 (79,76 %) y 391 (72,14 %) botellas, respectivamente (p = 0,0013). Se demostró la efectividad de ambos procedimientos para la identificación de microorganismos desde frascos de hemocultivos positivos. Sin embargo, el procedimiento HF fue superior al MS, en especial frente a bacterias gram positivas.

Rapid identification of microorganisms is critical in hospitalized infected patients. Blood culture is currently the gold standard for detecting and identifying microorganisms causing bacteremia or sepsis. The introduction of mass spectrometry by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF MS) in microbiology laboratories, especially in microorganisms growing in blood culture bottles, provides rapid identification. This study evaluates the performance of the Maldi Sepsityper Biotyper procedure (hereinafter, MS) compared to that of an in-home method (hereinafter, HF). Eight hundred and forty (840) positive blood culture bottles were processed using the HF procedure, 542 of which were also processed using MS. The organisms were identified in 670 (79. 76 %) and 391 (72. 14 %) bottles respectively (p = 0,0013). This study demonstrates the effectiveness of both procedures for identifying microorganisms directly from positive blood culture bottles. However, the HF procedure proved to be more effective than MS, especially in the presence of Gram positive organisms.

Cutoff value of serum procalcitonin as a diagnostic biomarker of infection in end-stage renal disease patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels are low in healthy individuals but are elevated in patients with a serious bacterial infection or sepsis. In this study, we examined the ability of serum PCT concentration to diagnose infections in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, and sought to determine an appropriate threshold level. METHODS: Serum PCT levels were measured in ESRD patients on antibiotic therapy for a suspected bacterial infection (ESRD infection [iESRD] group, n = 21), and compared with those of ESRD patients on hemodialysis with no sign of infection (ESRD control [cESRD] group, n = 20). RESULTS: The mean serum PCT concentration of the iESRD group was significantly higher than in the cESRD group (2.95 +/- 3.67 ng/mL vs. 0.50 +/- 0.49 ng/mL, p = 0.006), but serum PCT concentrations did not correlate with severity of infection. The optimized threshold level derived for serum PCT was 0.75 ng/mL, rather than the currently used 0.5 ng/mL; this threshold demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 76.2% and 80.0% for infection and 100% and 60.6% for systemic inflammatory response syndrome, respectively, compared with the cutoff of 0.5 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that serum PCT at a cutoff value of 0.75 ng/mL is an appropriate indicator of infection in ESRD patients.

Study on coinfecting vector-borne pathogens in dogs and ticks in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil / Estudo da coinfecção por patógenos transmitidos por vetores em cães e carrapatos no Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

Since dogs presenting several vector borne diseases can show none or nonspecific clinical signs depending on the phase of infection, the assessment of the particular agents involved is mandatory. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Leishmania spp. in blood samples and ticks, collected from two dogs from Rio Grande do Norte showing suggestive tick-borne disease by using molecular techniques. DNA of E. canis, H. canis and L. infantum were detected in blood samples and R. sanguineus ticks collected from dogs. Among all samples analyzed, two showed the presence of multiple infections with E. canis, H. canis and L. infantum chagasi. Here we highlighted the need for molecular differential diagnosis in dogs showing nonspecific clinical signs.

Cães que apresentam diversas doenças transmitidas por vetores podem mostrar nenhum ou alguns sinais clínicos inespecíficos. Dependendo da fase da infecção, a confirmação dos agentes envolvidos é necessária. O presente estudo teve como objetivo detectar a presença de Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp. e Leishmania spp. em amostras de sangue e carrapatos, coletados em dois cães do Rio Grande do Norte. Esses animais apresentavam sinais clínicos sugestivos de doenças transmitidas por carrapatos, quando foram usadas técnicas moleculares. DNA de E. canis, H. canis e L. infantum foram detectados em amostras de sangue e carrapatos R. sanguineus coletados dos cães. Entre todas as amostras analisadas, duas mostraram a presença de infecções múltiplas por E. canis, H. canis e L. infantum chagasi. Destaca-se a necessidade de um diagnóstico molecular diferencial em cães com sinais clínicos inespecíficos.

Pró-calcitonina como biomarcador inflamatório e prognóstico de mortalidade à admissão na unidade de terapia intensiva: experiência de um hospital universitário / Procalcitonin as an inflammatory and prognostic biomarker of mortality at intensive care unit admission: experience at an university hospital

Introdução: A Pró-calcitonina (PCT) é um dos principais biomarcadores inflamatórios a ser avaliado no paciente critico. Seu papel discriminatório entre etiologias bacterianas e virais, bem como no acompanhamento do tratamento anti-infeccioso é bem estabelecido. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar se os níveis séricos de PCT na admissão em UTI eram preditores de mortalidade em pacientes adultos. Métodos: Estudo de coorte histórica. Foram avaliados os prontuários de pacientes consecutivos admitidos na UTI Geral de adultos de um Hospital Universitário, com diferentes diagnósticos etiológicos. Foi acompanhado o desfecho de saída (mortalidade), e comparado com outros marcadores inflamatórios e de prognóstico. Resultados: Incluídos 108 pacientes. Nos pacientes com sepse na admissão, os níveis de PCT foram significativamente maiores. Em todos os grupos, houve tendência a valores maiores dos níveis de PCT entre os pacientes que evoluíram para o óbito na UTI. Valores acima de 3,0 ng/ml foram preditores de mortalidade. Conclusões: Níveis séricos elevados de PCT na admissão em UTI, além de auxílio discriminatório de infecção e sepse, podem ser preditivos de mortalidade (AU)

Introduction: Procalcitonin (PCT) is one of the main inflammatory biomarkers to be evaluated in critically ill patients. Its discriminatory role among bacterial and viral etiologies, as well as in the monitoring of anti-infective treatment, is well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether serum PCT levels at admission to ICU were predictors of mortality in adult patients. Methods: A historical cohort study. The medical records of consecutive patients with different etiological diagnoses admitted to the General ICU of a University Hospital were assessed. The outcome (mortality) was accompanied and compared with other inflammatory and prognostic markers. Results: The study comprised 108 patients. In patients with sepsis on admission , PCT levels were signifi cantly higher. In all groups, there was a trend to higher levels of PCT in patients who eventually died in ICU. Values above 3.0 ng/ml were predictors of mortality. Conclusions: Elevated serum PCT levels on ICU admission, besides the discriminatory aid of infection and sepsis, may be predictive of mortality (AU)

Pro-calcitonin and inflammation in chronic hemodialysis / Pro-calcitonina e inflamación en hemodiálisis crónica

Procalcitonin (PCT) has emerged as a marker of infection, a frequent complication in hemodialysis (HD). We analyzed PCT levels in chronic non-acutely infected HD subjects, assessed its correlation with inflammatory and nutritional markers and propose a PCT reference value for non-infected HD patients.In an observational cross-sectional study, 48 chronic HD patients and 36 controls were analyzed. Variables: age, gender, time on HD; diabetes; vascular access, PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, malnutrition inflammatory score (MIS), hematocrit, leukocyte count, and body mass index (BMI). Subsequently, control (G1, n = 36, 43%) vs. non-infected patients (G2, n = 48, 57%) groups were compared. In control subjects (G1), age: 54.3 ± 13.7 years, range (r): 30-81; males: 19 (53%); median PCT 0.034 ng/ml (r: 0.02-0.08); median CRP 0.80 mg/dl (r: 0.36-3.9); p95 PCT level: 0.063 ng/ml. In G2, age: 60.2 ± 15.2 years; males 32 (67%), time on HD: 27.0 ± 24.4; diabetics: 19 (32%); median PCT: 0.26 ng/ml (r: 0.09-0.82); CRP: 1.1 mg/dl (r: 0.5-6.2); p95 PCT level: 0.8 ng/ml. In control subjects, PCT and CRP were significantly lower than in G2: PCT: 0.034 vs. 0.26 ng/ml, p = 0.0001; CRP: 0.8 vs. 1.1 mg/dl, p = 0.0004. PCT-CRP correlation in G2: ρ = 0.287, p = 0.048. PCT and CRP concentrations are elevated in chronic non-acutely infected HD subjects, independently of infection, diabetes and vascular access. A p95 PCT level of 0.8 ng/ml may be considered as the upper normal reference value in non-acutely infected HD subjects. The PCT cut-off level in HD is yet to be determined in HD.

La procalcitonina (PCT) puede ser un marcador de infección en la hemodiálisis (HD). Analizamos los niveles de PCT en sujetos sin infección aguda en HD crónica, su correlación con marcadores inflamatorios y nutricionales y, de acuerdo a ello, proponemos niveles de referencia de PCT. En un estudio observacional transversal se estudiaron 48 pacientes en HD y 36 controles. Variables: edad; sexo, tiempo en HD; diabetes; acceso vascular, PCT, proteína C-reactiva (PCR), albúmina, score de malnutrición-inflamación, hematocrito, recuento leucocitario, e índice de masa muscular (IMC). En los controles se determinaron PCT y PCR. Se comparó grupo control (G1, n = 36, 43%) vs. pacientes (G2, n = 48, 57%). G1: edad, 54.3 ± 13.7, rango (r): 30-81 años; hombres: 19 (53%); PCT mediana: 0.034 ng/ml (r: 0.020-0.080); PCR mediana: 0.8 mg/dl (r: 0.36-3.9); el nivel p95 de PCT: 0.063 ng/ml. En el G2, edad media 60.2 ± 15.2 años, hombres: 32 (66%), tiempo en HD: 27.0 2 4.4; diabéticos: 19 (32%); PCT: 0.26 ng/ml (r: 0.09-0.82); PCR: 1.1 mg/dl (r: 0.5-6.2); p95 PCT: 0.8 ng/ml. En G1 los niveles de PCT y PCR fueron significativamente más bajos que en G2: PCT: 0.034 vs. 0.26 ng/ml, p = 0.0001; PCR: 0.8 vs 1.1 mg/dl, p = 0.0004. Correlación PCT- PCR en G2: ρ = 0.287, p = 0.048. La PCT y la PCR están elevadas en HD crónica independientemente de infección, diabetes y acceso vascular. Se propone p95 de PCT de 0.8 ng/ml como límite superior del intervalo de referencia en sujetos sin infección aguda en HD. El valor de PCT en HD está por determinarse.

Procalcitonin as a biomarker of infectious diseases

Traditional biomarkers, including C-reactive protein, leukocytes, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and clinical signs and symptoms, are not sufficiently sensitive or specific enough to guide treatment decisions in infectious febrile diseases. Procalcitonin (PCT) is synthesized by a large number of tissues and organs in response to invasion by pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and some parasites. A growing body of evidence supports the use of PCT as a marker to improve the diagnosis of bacterial infections and to guide antibiotic therapy. Clinically, PCT levels may help guide the need for empirical antibiotic therapy, source control for infections, and duration of antibiotic therapy. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence for PCT in different infections and clinical settings, and to discuss the reliability of this marker in order to provide physicians with an overview of the potential for PCT to guide antibiotic therapy.

Evaluation of procalcitonin and neopterin level in serum of patients with acute bacterial infection

BACKGROUND: Fever as a common presenting complaint in pediatric patients can be due to various causes. Differentiating bacterial infection from other causes is important because the prompt use of antibiotics is critical in bacterial infection. Traditional markers of infection such as BT and WBC count may be unspecific and culture may be late or absent. CRP and Procalcitonin (PCT) have been considered to evaluate the evolution of infections and sepsis in patients presenting with SIRS. Neopterin has also been proposed to aid in the diagnosis of bacterial infection. In this study, we compared the value of the serum PCT, neopterin level, and WBC count for predicting bacterial infection and outcome in children with fever. METHODS: 158 pediatric (2-120-month-old) patients suspected to have acute bacterial infection, based on clinical judgment in which other causes of SIRS were ruled out were included in the study. WBC count with differential was determined and PCT and neopterin levels were measured. RESULTS: PCT level was higher in bacterial infection and patients who were complicated or expired. CONCLUSION: Rapid PCT test is superior to neopterin and WBC count for anticipating bacterial infection, especially in ED where prompt decision making is critical. ABBREVIATIONS: BT, body temperature; WBC, white blood cell; PCT, procalcitonin; CRP, C-reactive protein; SIRS, systemic inflammatory response syndrome; ED, emergency department.

Anaplasma marginale infection in cattle from south-western Amazonia / Infecção por Anaplasma marginale em bovinos na Amazônia Sul Ocidental, Brasil

The present study provides the first epidemiological data regarding infection by Anaplasma marginale in cattle reared in south-western Brazilian Amazonia. One simple procedure was adapted for the extraction of DNA from blood clots collected in seven microregions of Rondônia State and two mesoregions of Acre State. PCR method was used to asses the frequency of A. marginale infections in 4 to12-month-old cattle. The cattle infection was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the specific primer "msp5" for A. marginale. The DNA amplifications revealed that the mean frequency of A. marginale infection was 98.6 percent (1,627/1,650) in samples from Rondonia, and 92.87 percent (208/225) in samples from Acre. The high frequency of A. marginale infections in 4 to 12-month-old cattle indicate a situation of enzootic stability in the studied areas and are comparable to those detected by immunodiagnosis in different endemic regions in Brazil. The DNA extraction of clotted blood method described here can be used for epidemiological studies on anaplasmosis and other bovine hemoparasites.

O presente estudo fornece os primeiros dados epidemiológicos relativos a infecção por Anaplasma marginale em bovinos criados na Amazônia Sul Ocidental brasileira. Foi adaptado um procedimento simples para a extração de DNA a partir de coágulos sanguíneos coletados em sete microrregiões do estado de Rondônia e duas mesoregiões do estado do Acre. A técnica da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) foi aplicada para avaliar a freqüência da infecção por A. marginale em bovinos com idade entre 4 e 12 meses. Após a extração do DNA de cada amostra, a infecção nos bovinos foi investigada pela amplificação do gene "msp5" de A. marginale. As técnicas de amplificação do DNA revelaram que a freqüência de infecção por A. marginale foi de 98,6 por cento (1.627/1.650) nas amostras provenientes de Rondônia e de 92,87 por cento (208/225) nas amostras do Acre. A alta freqüência da infecção por A. marginale nos animais com idade entre 4 e 12 meses indica uma situação de estabilidade enzoótica nas regiões estudadas, as quais são comparáveis às detectadas por técnicas de imunodiagnóstico em outras regiões endêmicas no Brasil. A extração do DNA através do método aqui descrito pode ser utilizado em estudos epidemiológicos sobre a anaplasmose bovina e outros hemoparasitas.

Síndrome febril sin foco y sospecha de infección bacteriana en niños entre 6 semanas y 36 meses / Clinical presentation of febrile syndrome without apparent focus and bacterial infection suspicion in children between 6 weeks and 36 months-old

Background: Unknown fever (UF) is a frequent pathology in children and its main etiology are viral infections. The identification of bacterial infection with antibiotics requirements is still on debate. Objective: Determine the characteristics of patients with suspicion of an invasive bacterial infection (IBI) and evaluate the contribution of C reactive protein (CRP) and leukocytes with absolute neutrophyl count (ANC). Method: Prospective-descriptive study of 640 patients between 6 weeks and 36 months-old, with UF and IBI suspicion, admitted in Infectology from the Emergency Room of Hospital Sotero del Rio between 2005 - 2007. Results: 53,7 percent of cases had a confirmed IBI, most commonly urinary tract infection (80,17 percent). A significantly difference was found between CRP, leukocytes and ANC, but the Roe curve did not show a relevant difference. It was not possible to determine a specific level of CRP, leukocytes and ANC for a better IBI discrimination.

Introducción: El síndrome febril sin foco (SFSF) es una patología frecuente en niños, su principal causa son infecciones virales. La identificación de los pacientes que requieren antibióticos, sigue siendo un tema de debate. Objetivo: Evaluar parámetros clínicos y de laboratorio y su utilidad para la decisión de indicación de antibiótico en niños de 6 semanas a 3 años que consultan al servicio de urgencia y su diagnóstico es un SFSF con sospecha de infección bacteriana. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo realizado en 640 pacientes entre 6 semanas y 36 meses de edad, hospitalizados o derivados a infectología desde la urgencia del Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río, en quienes se sospechó IBI, durante los años 2005 a 2007. Resultados: Se confirmó IBI en 53,7 por ciento de los pacientes, siendo la localización más frecuente la vía urinaria (80,17 por ciento), bacteriemia (9 por ciento) y neumonía (8,75 por ciento). Hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre el promedio de PCR, RAN y leucocitos entre los pacientes con IBI confirmadas y el resto, sin embargo, en las curvas de ROC estas diferencias no son relevantes. Conclusión: En los pacientes con SFSF y sospecha de IBI la principal causa es la ITU. No fue posible determinar un punto de corte de PCR, RAN o leucocitos para este grupo de pacientes, pues la curva de ROC no resultó significativa.

Proteína C reactiva y procalcitonina como marcadores de infección bacteriana en niños con neutropenia febril posterior a trasplante alogénico de progenitores hematopoyéticos / C reactive protein and procalcitonin levels for the diagnosis of invasive bacterial infections in allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients

Background: The main causes of complications of allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are infections and graft versus host disease. Aim: To assess the predictive value of C reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) in the diagnosis of invasive bacterial infections in children with febrüe neutropenia after an allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Material and methods: Prospective follow up of patients aged 18 years or íess, with febrile neutropenia after an allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In all patients, cultures from sterile sites, CRP and PCT determinations were done. CRP levels were also measured prior to transplantation and three times per week for 30 days after the procedure. An independent evaluator, blinded to the results of CRP and PCT, classified children as with or without invasive bacterial infection. Results: Thirty three patients aged 9±5 years (21 males) were studied. Eight had an invasive bacterial infection. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of a CRP ³90 mg/L for the diagnosis of invasive bacterial infection were 25, 80, 29 and 77 percent, respectively. The figures for a PCT ³0.7 ng/ml were 43, 78, 38 and 82 percent, respectively. No differences in repeated CRP values measured during evolution, were observed. Conclusions: A CRP ³90 mg/L or a PCT ³0.7 ng/ml had a high specificity and negative predictive value but low sensitivity for the diagnosis of invasive bacterial infections in recipients of allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Blood cultures in paediatric patients: a study of clinical impact.

PURPOSE: Blood cultures form a critical part of evaluation of patients with suspected sepsis. The present study was undertaken to study the risk factors, duration of incubation for obtaining positive cultures and the clinical impact of the culture report. METHODS: A total of 220 samples from 107 pediatric patients presenting with suspected bacteraemia were processed aerobically. RESULTS: Cultures were positive in 18.7% of the samples. Most of the positive cultures were obtained after 24 hours of incubation of the broth and no isolates were obtained beyond day 4 of incubation. Therapy was modified in 54.23% of the patients after receipt of culture report. CONCLUSIONS: Incubation beyond four days (unless with specific indication like enteric fever) may be unnecessary for issuing a negative culture report. Repeated isolation of doubtful pathogens confirms true bacteraemia. Early culture report increases therapeutic compliance.

C-reactive protein-guided approach may shorten length of antimicrobial treatment of culture-proven late-onset sepsis: an intervention study

Late-onset sepsis (LOS) (i.e., sepsis in a neonate after 72 hours of life) is associated with high mortality and significantly prolonged antibiotic exposure and hospital stay in neonates admitted to intensive care units (ICU). In this study, we assessed the reliability of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) as a determinant of antimicrobial treatment duration of LOS. From January 1996 to December 2002, all consecutive infants aged <28 days admitted to a single medical-surgical ICU and diagnosed with primary LOS were enrolled in a prospective, intervention trial with historical controls. Only blood culture-positive LOSs were included. Exclusion criteria were: age >28 days at diagnosis of LOS, development of site-specific infection, and central venous catheter-related LOS. From January 1996 to July 1998 (historical control group), antimicrobial treatment of LOS was offered for at least 14 days. From August 1998 to December 2002 (intervention group), neonates underwent serial semiquantitative measurements of serum CRP, and antimicrobial treatment was discontinued when CRP was <12 mg/L. Primary efficacy endpoint was the duration of antimicrobial therapy. Secondary efficacy endpoints were the proportion of relapsing sepsis within 72 hours of antibiotic withdrawal and the overall mortality rate. The historical control group comprised 76 neonates developing 85 episodes of LOS; 138 LOS occurring in 120 patients comprised the intervention group. Length of antimicrobial treatment of LOS was significantly shorter during the second study period (16 days vs. 9 days, p<0.001). Secondary efficacy endpoints showed similar rates of relapsing sepsis and overall mortality in both time periods.

Estudio de concordancia entre nivel plasmático de proteína C reactiva (PCR) y uso de antibióticos en una unidad de pediatría / Equivalence study between plasmatic C reactive protein level and antibiotic use in a pediatrics unit

La proteína C reactiva (PCR) es un mediador de fase aguda de uso frecuente como una herramienta para tratar de diferenciar infecciones bacterianas y virales, pese a que la utilidad para este efecto no cuenta con apoyo de la evidencia científica disponible. En este trabajo se revisaron los resultados de las PCR expresadas en mg/dl, obtenidas en nuestro hospital, evaluando la concordancia entre el nivel de PCR obtenido y la indicación de tratamiento antibiótico. Pacientes y Método: Se evaluaron 165 exámenes obtenidos de los archivos del laboratorio de nuestro hospital seleccionándose aquellos correspondientes a pacientes cursando un cuadro febril sin tratamiento antibiótico en el que la PCR haya sido incluida entre los exámenes de laboratorio solicitados en la evaluación inicial. Posteriormente, se evaluó la concordancia entre valores altos de PCR (> 60) y la indicación de antibióticos. Resultados: Se observó una baja concordancia, con un índice kappa de 0,479, demostrando que el médico tratante frecuentemente no considera el resultado obtenido de PCR para el efecto de decidir el uso de antibióticos. Conclusión: La baja concordancia entre los niveles de PCR y el uso de antibióticos debe ser considerada al momento de evaluar la relación costo beneficio de este examen.

Estudio de la prueba BRAHMS PCT®-Q en el diagnóstico precoz de sepsis causada por bacteriemia en pacientes procedentes del laboratorio del Hospital de Clínicas Caracas / Study of the BRAHMS PCT®-Q assay for the early diagnosis of sepsis caused by bacteremia in patients of the laboratory of the Hospital de Clínicas Caracas

La sepsis es una enfermedad severa que puede afectar a cualquier miembro de la población, causando graves consecuencias e incluso la muerte si no es tratada a tiempo. Está presente en un alto porcentaje en la población mundial y es la causa de muerte #23 en nuestro país, por ésta razón es de gran relevancia hacer un diagnóstico rápido y seguro de la enfermedad y así proporcionar tratamiento a la población afectada. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la sensibilidad, especificidad y exactitud de BRAHMS PCT®-Q, siendo éste una prueba para determinación de niveles de procalcitonina en sangre de manera semicuantitativa, para el diagnóstico precoz de sepsis y comparándolo con los resultados obtenidos por el hemocultivo y la impresión diagnóstica médica, siendo ésta última la prueba de referencia para el diagnóstico de sepsis bacterial. A partir de esto establecer la utilidad, así como los beneficios de una marcador de sepsis como la BRAHMS PCT®-Q en nuestro país. Para lograr esto se utilizó muestras de 102 pacientes que asistieron al Hospital de Clínicas Caracas, cuya sintomatología indicó que era recomendable realizar hemocultivo y determinación de procalcitonina. A estos pacientes se les hizo una toma de muestra para hemocultivo y en la misma punción se tomó una muestra de sangre sin anticoagulante. El hemocultivo fue procesado por el servicio de Bacteriología del Laboratorio del Hospital de Clínicas Caracas y el suero se utilizó para la determinación de procalcitonina. Una vez obtenidos ambos resultados se cotejaron y compararon. A partir de los datos obtenidos se pudo concluir que la sensibilidad de BRAHMS PCT®-Q es mayor al 80%, la especificidad es de 90% y presenta una exactitud de 90%. Por lo tanto es una prueba que puede ser utilizada para el diagnóstico precoz de sepsis...

Sepsis is a serious disease that may affect any member of the population and can have important consequences, including death, if not treated in time. It is present in a high percentage of the World population and is the 23rd cause of death in our country; it is therefore extremely relevant to diagnose the disease quickly and reliably and thus provide treatment to the affected population. The objective of this study consisted in determining the sensitivity, specificity and accurateness of the BRAHMS PCT®-Q, as a test to determine the levels of blood procalcitonin in a semi-quantitative manner for the early diagnosis of sepsis and comparing it with the results of the blood culture and medical impression, which is the benchmark test for the diagnosis of bacterial sepsis. And based on this, to establish the usefulness, as well as the benefits, of a sepsis marker, such as the BRAHMS PCT®-Q, in our country. To do so, samples of 102 patients, who visited the Hospital de Clínicas Caracas, were used; their symptomatology indicated that it was advisable to conduct a blood culture and determine procalcitonin. Of these patients a sample was taken for the blood culture, and with the same puncture a blood sample was taken without anticoagulant. The blood culture was processed using the services of the Bacteriological Department of the Hospital de Clínicas Caracas, and the serum was used to determine procalcitonin. Once both results were in, they were cross-tabulated and compared. Based on the data that was obtained, it could be concluded that the sensitivity of BRAHMS PCT®-Q is greater than 80%, its specificity is 90% which represents an accurateness of 90%. It is therefore a test that can be used for the early diagnosis of sepsis, but it is even more recommended to rule out the same...

Polymerase chain reaction in rapid diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.

In a prospective study a total of hundred neonates who fulfilled the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology's (ACOG) criteria for probable sepsis admitted to NICU of tertiary care armed forces hospital were investigated for evidence of sepsis. The investigation protocol included sepsis screen, blood culture and 1 mL of venous blood for molecular analysis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for bacterial DNA component encoding 16 s RNA in all cases. 100 newborns with probable sepsis were studied to evaluate the molecular diagnosis of sepsis using PCR amplification of 16 S RNA in newborns with risk factors for sepsis or those who have clinical evidence of sepsis. We compared the results of PCR with blood culture and other markers of sepsis screen (total leucocyte count (TLC), absolute neutrophil count (ANC), immature/total neutrophil count ratio (I/T ratio), peripheral blood smear, micro ESR and C reactive protein (CRP). Controls consisted of 30 normal healthy newborns with no overt evidence of sepsis. Sepsis screen was positive in 24 (24%) of cases in study group with sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 83.5% respectively. Blood culture was positive in 09(9%t) with sensitivity of 69.2% and specificity of 100%. PCR was positive in 13(13%) of cases (9% are both blood culture and sepsis screen positive and 4% are positive by sepsis screen); the sensitivity of PCR was 100% and specificity was 95.6%. Blood culture is the most reliable method for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. Polymerase chain reaction is useful and superior to blood culture for early diagnosis of sepsis in neonates.