Efficacy of an information system addressed to nursing staff for diminishing contaminated blood cultures: a blind clinical trial / Eficacia de un sistema de información dirigido al personal de enfermería para disminuir la contaminación de los hemocultivos: un ensayo clínico ciego

Introduction: Evaluate the efficacy of an information system addressed to nursing staff to lower the blood culture contamination rate. Methods: A blind clinical trial was conducted at Internal Medicine and Emergency Departments during 2011. After following a reeducation program in BC extraction, participants were randomly selected in a 1:1 ratio. Every participant of the experimental group was informed of each worker's individual performance; whereas the control group was only informed of the global results. Results: A total of 977 blood extractions were performed in 12 months. Blood culture contamination rate was 7.5%. This rate was higher in the Emergency Department than in Internal Medicine (10% vs. 3.8%; p=0.001). Factors associated with the higher risk of contamination were, in the univariate analysis, the extraction through a recently implanted blood route and the time of professional experience, while those associated with a lower risk were the extraction in Internal Medicine and through a butterfly needle. On multivariate analysis, extraction through a recently placed access was an independent risk factor for an increased contamination rate (OR 2.29; 95%CI 1.18-4.44, p=0.014), while individual information about the blood culture results (OR 0.11; 95%CI 0.023-0.57; p=0.008), and more than 9 years of professional experience were asso-ciated with fewer contaminations (OR 0.30; 95%CI 0.12-0.77; p=0.012). In the intervention group the contamination rate diminished by a 26 %. Conclusions: Drawing blood cultures through a recently taken peripheral venous access increased their risk of contamination. The intervention informing the nurse staff of the contamination rate is effective to decrease it

Objetivos: Evaluar la eficacia de un sistema de información dirigido al personal de enfermería, en la reducción de la tasa de contaminación de los hemocultivos. Métodos: Durante el año 2011, se realizó un ensayo clínico en los servicios de Medicina Interna y de Urgencias. Después de seguir un programa de reeducación en la extracción de los hemocultivos, los participantes, fueron aleatorizados en una proporción de 1:1. En el grupo de intervención se informó del porcentaje de hemocultivos contaminados de cada profesional y en el grupo control se aportaba la información del porcentaje global de contaminaciones. Resultados: Durante un periodo de 12 meses se realizaron 977 extracciones. La tasa de contaminación de los hemocultivos fue del 7,5%. Esta tasa fue mayor en Urgencias que en Medicina Interna (10% versus 3,8%, p=0,001). Los factores asociados con mayor riesgo de contaminación fueron, en el análisis univariable: la extracción a través de una vía sanguínea recientemente implantada y el tiempo de experiencia profesional; mientras que los que se asociaron con menor riesgo fueron la extracción en Medicina Interna (versus en Urgencias) y a través de una palomilla. En el análisis multivariable, la extracción de los hemocultivos de una vía recientemente implantada se relacionó de forma independiente con un incremento de las contaminaciones (OR 2,29, IC 95% 1,18-4,44, p=0,014),mientras que la información individual sobre los resultados de los hemocultivos (OR 0.11; IC 95% 0,023-0,57; p=0,008) y la experiencia profesional mayor de 9 años, lo hizo con menos contaminaciones (OR 0,30, IC 95% 0,12-0,77, p=0,012). En el grupo de intervención la tasa de contaminaciones se redujo en un 26%. Conclusión: La extracción de hemocultivos a través de una vena periférica recientemente implantada aumentó el riesgo de contaminación de los mismos. La intervención informativa a los enfermeros de la tasa de contaminación de los hemocultivos, es eficaz para disminuirla

Prevalence of and risk factors for low bone mineral density in Spanish treated HIV-infected patients.

OBJECTIVES: Several studies have involved antiretroviral therapy in the pathogenesis of low bone mineral density (BMD), while others have not confirmed this association. In this study we analyze the impact of HIV status, traditional risk factors and antiretroviral therapy in BMD in an HIV-infected population living in Madrid. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 107 individuals infected with HIV and exposed to antiretroviral treatment to estimate the prevalence of decreased BMD. Bone mineral density of lumbar spine and femoral neck was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. In a multivariate analysis variables related with HIV status, antiretroviral drugs and traditional risk factors were included. RESULTS: Low BMD was diagnosed in 63 participants (58.9%), including osteoporosis in 11 (10%). At least one cause of osteoporosis was identified in 43 patients (40%), with a deficiency of vitamin D in 86 (89%) and secondary hyperparathyroidism in 30 (28%). In multivariate analysis, increasing age, a treatment based on boosted PI and tenofovir DF, and previous exposure to tenofovir were identified as independent risk factors for a decreased BMD in both lumbar spine and femoral neck. CONCLUSIONS: We have confirmed a high prevalence of reduced BMD, which is favoured by ritonavir-boosted PI and TDF. Bone safety should continue to be evaluated in clinical trials and cohort studies in order to demonstrate that the new drugs offer additional advantages regarding the impact on BMD.

Depressive symptoms in early- and late-onset older bipolar patients compared with younger ones.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine clinical and outcome differences between older bipolar patients with early onset (EO) and late onset (LO) of the illness and between younger and EO older patients with a bipolar disorder under long-term treatment in an outpatient clinical setting. METHODS: Three hundred ninety-five bipolar I and II outpatients were followed up for up to 7.7 years. Of these, 213 younger (<50 years) and 88 older (>60 years) patients were included. In the older subsample, 50 EO patients (onset <50 years) versus 38 LO patients (≥50 years) were analyzed. Likewise, younger versus EO older patients were compared. RESULTS: The likelihood of LO older patients of being bipolar II was higher than for EO older patients. They were also diagnosed earlier than EO older patients. No other clinical differences at baseline and at the prospective follow-up were found. Compared with younger patients, EO older patients had more frequent depressive symptoms at baseline, suffered more major depressive episodes in the previous year and in the prospective follow-up, received more antidepressants at baseline, had higher rates of medical comorbid conditions and were less likely to be tobacco smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Older patients constitute a meaningful proportion of bipolar patients under treatment. EO older patients suffered significantly from more frequent depressive symptoms than younger ones. LO older patients were predominantly bipolar II. So as bipolar illness progressed, depressive symptomatology became more frequent and manic episodes were less severe. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Factores predictivos de las interacciones farmacológicas clínicamente significativas en los pacientes tratados con regímenes basados en inhibidores de proteasa, inhibidores de transcriptasa inversa no nucleósidos y raltegravir / Predictive factors of clinically significant drug-drug interactions among regimens based on protease inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and raltegravir

Fundamento y objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia y los tipos de interacciones farmacológicas clínicamente significativas (IFCS) en los regímenes farmacológicos de los pacientes infectados por VIH que están recibiendo un tratamiento antirretroviral, y desarrollar una herramienta diagnóstica que pueda predecir la posibilidad de una IFCS. Material y métodos: Diseño: revisión retrospectiva de bases de datos. Centro: Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa, Unidad de Infecciosas. Participantes: 142 participantes seguidos por uno de los autores fueron seleccionados desde enero de 1985 hasta diciembre de 2014. Recogida de datos: recogimos en la última visita disponible de los participantes información relacionada con la infección VIH, las comorbilidades, los datos demográficos y los fármacos que estuvieran recibiendo, tanto los antirretrovirales como aquellos no relacionados con la infección VIH. Se definió la existencia de IFCS por la información de la ficha técnica y/o la base de datos de interacciones de fármacos antirretrovirales de la Universidad de Liverpool (http://www.hiv-druginteractions.org). Mediante el modelo de análisis multivariable de regresión logística y con la estimación de la curva de rendimiento diagnóstico obtenida identificamos una herramienta que nos pudiera predecir la existencia de interacciones farmacológicas. Resultados: De 142 pacientes, 39 (29,11%) tenían algún tipo de IFCS y en 11,2% se detectaron 2 o mas interacciones. Solo en un paciente la combinación de los fármacos estaba contraindicada (este paciente estaba recibiendo darunavir/r y quetiapina). En el análisis multivariable, los factores predictores de IFCS fueron el que estuvieran recibiendo un régimen basado en IP o ITINAN y la presencia de 3 o más fármacos no antirretrovirales (AUC 0,886, IC 95% 0,828-0,944; p = 0,0001). El riesgo fue 18,55 veces en aquellos que recibían ITINAN y 27,95 veces en los que recibían IP con respecto a aquellos que tomaban raltegravir. Conclusiones: Las interacciones farmacológicas, incluyendo aquellas definidas como clínicamente significativas, son frecuentes en pacientes infectados por VIH tratados con antirretrovirales, y este riesgo es mayor en los regímenes basados en IP. Prescribiendo regímenes basados en raltegravir, especialmente en pacientes que reciben al menos 3 fármacos no relacionados con el VIH, se podrían evitar interacciones (AU)

Background and objective: To determine the prevalence and types of clinically significant drug-drug interactions (CSDI) in the drug regimens of HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral treatment. Material and methods: Design: retrospective review of database. Centre: Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa, Infectious Unit.Participants: one hundred and forty-two participants followed by one of the authors were selected from January 1985 to December 2014. Data collection: from their outpatient medical records we reviewed information from the last available visit of the participants, in relation to HIV infection, comorbidities, demographics and the drugs that they were receiving; both antiretroviral drugs and drugs not related to HIV infection. We defined CSDI from the information sheet and/or database on antiretroviral drug interactions of the University of Liverpool (http://www.hiv-druginteractions.org) and we developed a diagnostic tool to predict the possibility of CSDI. By multivariate logistic regression analysis and by estimating the diagnostic performance curve obtained, we identified a quick tool to predict the existence of drug interactions. Results: Of 142 patients, 39 (29.11%) had some type of CSDI and in 11.2% 2 or more interactions were detected. In only one patient the combination of drugs was contraindicated (this patient was receiving darunavir/r and quetiapine). In multivariate analyses, predictors of CSDI were regimen type (PI or NNRTI) and the use of 3 or more non-antiretroviral drugs (AUC 0.886, 95% CI 0.828 to 0.944; P = .0001). The risk was 18.55 times in those receiving NNRTI and 27,95 times in those receiving IP compared to those taking raltegravir. Conclusions: Drug interactions, including those defined as clinically significant, are common in HIV-infected patients treated with antiretroviral drugs, and the risk is greater in IP-based regimens. Raltegravir-based prescribing, especially in patients who receive at least 3 non-HIV drugs could avoid interactions (AU)

[Predictive factors of clinically significant drug-drug interactions among regimens based on protease inhibitors, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and raltegravir]. / Factores predictivos de las interacciones farmacológicas clínicamente significativas en los pacientes tratados con regímenes basados en inhibidores de proteasa, inhibidores de transcriptasa inversa no nucleósidos y raltegravir.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and types of clinically significant drug-drug interactions (CSDI) in the drug regimens of HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral treatment. DESIGN: retrospective review of database. Centre: Hospital Universitario Severo Ochoa, Infectious Unit. PARTICIPANTS: one hundred and forty-two participants followed by one of the authors were selected from January 1985 to December 2014. DATA COLLECTION: from their outpatient medical records we reviewed information from the last available visit of the participants, in relation to HIV infection, comorbidities, demographics and the drugs that they were receiving; both antiretroviral drugs and drugs not related to HIV infection. We defined CSDI from the information sheet and/or database on antiretroviral drug interactions of the University of Liverpool (http://www.hiv-druginteractions.org) and we developed a diagnostic tool to predict the possibility of CSDI. By multivariate logistic regression analysis and by estimating the diagnostic performance curve obtained, we identified a quick tool to predict the existence of drug interactions. RESULTS: Of 142 patients, 39 (29.11%) had some type of CSDI and in 11.2% 2 or more interactions were detected. In only one patient the combination of drugs was contraindicated (this patient was receiving darunavir/r and quetiapine). In multivariate analyses, predictors of CSDI were regimen type (PI or NNRTI) and the use of 3 or more non-antiretroviral drugs (AUC 0.886, 95% CI 0.828 to 0.944; P=.0001). The risk was 18.55 times in those receiving NNRTI and 27,95 times in those receiving IP compared to those taking raltegravir. CONCLUSIONS: Drug interactions, including those defined as clinically significant, are common in HIV-infected patients treated with antiretroviral drugs, and the risk is greater in IP-based regimens. Raltegravir-based prescribing, especially in patients who receive at least 3 non-HIV drugs could avoid interactions.

Envejecimiento e influencia de la inversión del cociente CD4/CD8 en la incidencia de las comorbilidades y mortalidad de una cohorte de pacientes infectados por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana / Aging and influence of inversion of the CD4: CD8 ratio in the incidence of co-morbidities and mortality in a cohort of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Fundamentos y objetivo. La inversión del cociente CD4/CD8 como indicador de inmunosenescencia puede ser un factor que permita anunciar el riesgo de presentar comorbilidades. Estudiamos la influencia del envejecimiento y de la inversión del cociente CD4/CD8 en la incidencia de comorbilidades y de mortalidad en la cohorte del Hospital Severo Ochoa. Métodos: Analizamos las diferencias en las tasas de incidencia de las comorbilidades ajustadas por la edad y evaluamos la inversión del cociente CD4/CD8 como factor de riesgo para la mortalidad y para el desarrollo de comorbilidades. Resultados: La edad se asoció a un incremento en la tasa de incidencia de diabetes mellitus, fracturas, EPOC y neoplasias no asociadas a sida. Encontramos un mayor riesgo de la tasa de incidencia de episodios clínicos no asociados a sida (OR 2,25; IC 95% 1,025-4,94) y episodios asociados a sida (OR 3,48; IC 95% 1,58-7,64) en los individuos con el cociente CD4/CD8 < 0,7. También los pacientes con un cociente CD4/CD8 < 0,7 presentaron una mayor riesgo de mortalidad (OR 5,96; IC 95% 0,73-48,40). Conclusión: Es importante detectar y prevenir comorbilidades no asociadas a sida en presencia del cociente CD4/CD8 < 0,7 (AU)

Background and objective: It has been postulated that the inversion of the CD4:CD8 ratio as a hallmark of immunosenescence can be an independent factor that can herald the risk of co-morbidities. We studied the influence of aging and inversion of the CD4:CD8 ratio in the incidence of comorbidities and mortality in the cohort of Hosptital Severo Ochoa. Methods: We analyzed the differences in the incidence rates of age-adjusted morbidities and evaluated the inversion of the CD4:CD8 ratio as predictor of mortality and development of comorbidities. Results: Age was associated with an increased incidence rate of diabetes mellitus, fractures, COPD and non-AIDS malignancies. We found an increased incidence rate of non-AIDS clinical events (OR 2.25; 95% CI 1.025-4.94) and AIDS events (OR 3.48; 95% CI 1.58-7.64) in individuals with CD4:CD8 ratio < 0.7. Moreover, patients with a CD4:CD8 ratio < 0.7 ratio had a higher risk of mortality (OR 5.96; 95% CI 0.73 to 48.40). Conclusion: It is important to detect and prevent non-AIDS comorbidities in the presence of a CD4:CD8 ratio < 0.7 (AU)

[Aging and influence of inversion of the CD4:CD8 ratio in the incidence of co-morbidities and mortality in a cohort of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus]. / Envejecimiento e influencia de la inversión del cociente CD4/CD8 en la incidencia de las comorbilidades y mortalidad de una cohorte de pacientes infectados por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It has been postulated that the inversion of the CD4:CD8 ratio as a hallmark of immunosenescence can be an independent factor that can herald the risk of co-morbidities. We studied the influence of aging and inversion of the CD4:CD8 ratio in the incidence of comorbidities and mortality in the cohort of Hosptital Severo Ochoa. METHODS: We analyzed the differences in the incidence rates of age-adjusted morbidities and evaluated the inversion of the CD4:CD8 ratio as predictor of mortality and development of comorbidities. RESULTS: Age was associated with an increased incidence rate of diabetes mellitus, fractures, COPD and non-AIDS malignancies. We found an increased incidence rate of non-AIDS clinical events (OR 2.25; 95% CI 1.025-4.94) and AIDS events (OR 3.48; 95% CI 1.58-7.64) in individuals with CD4:CD8 ratio<0.7. Moreover, patients with a CD4:CD8 ratio<0.7 ratio had a higher risk of mortality (OR 5.96; 95% CI 0.73 to 48.40). CONCLUSION: It is important to detect and prevent non-AIDS comorbidities in the presence of a CD4:CD8 ratio<0.7.

Successful therapy of progressive rhino-orbital mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus arrhizus with combined and sequential antifungal therapy, surgery and hyperbaric therapy.

We present a case of rhino-orbitary mucormycosis which progressed despite liposomal amphotericin and early surgical debridement. Combined echinocandin and high dose liposomal amphotericin, repeated debridement, prolonged therapy with hyperbaric oxygen and continued therapy with posaconazole, along with strict diabetic control, allowed cure without disfigurement.

Seasonality, smoking and history of poor treatment compliance are strong predictors of dropout in a naturalistic 6 year follow-up of bipolar patients.

Bipolar disorder is a highly recurrent disease which requires long-term treatment. Dropout is a major problem, poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to know the risk of dropout of a cohort of bipolar patients under ambulatory treatment and to identify the clinical profile of patients more likely to abandon the follow-up. A sample of 285 BD I and II patients was followed up for a mean of 2.87 years. A significant proportion of patients failed regular follow-up. The dropout rates were 6.3 % at three months, 12.7 % at 6 months, and 17.6, 27.2, 37.3, 44.0, 47.2 and 49.0 % at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 years respectively. Very few variables at baseline predicted dropout. Patients under 35 years of age were more likely to dropout than older cases. Seasonality, smoking and specially history of poor treatment compliance were strong predictors of dropout. Given the magnitude of dropout, additional early clinical interventions should be considered for high-risk patients.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its related risk factor in a Spanish cohort of adult HIV-infected patients: effects of antiretroviral therapy.

We analyzed serum 25(OH) cholecalciferol [25(OH)D] levels and factors related to deficiency (<20 ng/ml) or insufficiency (<30 ng/ml) in a cohort of Spanish HIV-infected patients and compared them with an age- and latitude-matched population from another study. We prospectively assessed 25(OH)D deficiency/insufficiency in a cohort of 352 HIV patients during 2009-2010. Predisposing factors were recorded and their relationship to low levels was assessed by logistic regression; a nutritional survey examined intake, nutritional status, and sunlight exposure in a subgroup of 92 patients. We studied the correlation of 25(OH)D with parathyroid hormone (PTH) and alkaline phosphatase. Age-, sex-, and race/ethnicity-adjusted vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml) was 44.0% (95% CI, 38.8-49.4%) and insufficiency (<30 ng/ml) was 71.6% (95% CI, 66.9-76.3). Deficiency was 16.4% more prevalent in our sample than in non-HIV-infected Spaniards. Lower sunlight exposure was the only factor related to lower levels in the lifestyle and nutritional survey (p=0.045). In multiple logistic regression, higher body mass index (BMI), black race/ethnicity, lower seasonal sunlight exposure, men who have sex with men (MSM), and heterosexual transmission categories, efavirenz exposure and lack of HIV viral suppression were independently associated with deficiency/insufficiency. These variables predicted 79% of cases [AUC=0.872 (95% CI, 0.83-0.91)]. Patients receiving protease inhibitors (PIs) [OR 4.0 (95% CI, 1.3-12.3); p=0.014] or NNRTI [OR 3.6 (95% CI, 1.7-11.2); p=0.025] had higher odds of increased PTH levels; this was significant only in 25(OH)D-deficient patients (p=0.004). As in less insolated areas, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency was high in HIV-infected patients in Spain; among treated patients, levels were higher with PIs than with efavirenz.

[Diagnostic delay and differences by sex and clinical subtype in a cohort of outpatients with bipolar disorder]. / Retraso diagnóstico y diferencias por sexo y subtipo clínico en una cohorte de pacientes ambulatorios con trastorno bipolar.

INTRODUCTION: We describe the clinical and sociodemographic features at baseline of a cohort of bipolar patients included in a prospective study. METHODS: A total of 296 consecutive outpatients with bipolar disorder were recruited. Diagnosis relied on clinical judgment according to DSM-IV-TR criteria and the semi-structured MINI Interview. Retrospective data on the course of the disease and cross-sectional data on social adaptation (Social Adaptation Adjustment Self-Assessment Scale (SASS) and affective symptoms were collected. Affective symptomatology (euthymia, subsyndromal symptoms and episodes) was studied according to clinical criteria and the Hamilton Depression and Young rating scales. Differences between type I and II bipolar patients and between men and women were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age was 48.8 years (95% CI 47.2-50.4); 56.8% were women and 43.2% were men. A total of 65.2% had a diagnosis of type I bipolar disorder and 23.3% of type II; 49.8% of the sample were euthymic, 32.7% had subsyndromal symptoms and 17.5% had had an affective episode. Diagnostic delay was 9.3 years (95% CI 8.2-10.3). In patients with type II bipolar disorder, the mean age (54.4 years; 95% CI 50.9-57.9 vs. 47.7 years; 95% CI 45.8-49.7, p=0.007), age at onset of illness (35.7 years; 95% CI 31.8-39.7 vs. 29.8 years; 95% CI 28-31.6, p=0.008) and age at diagnosis (47.7 years; 95% CI 44-51.3 vs. 37.9; 95% CI 35.9-39.8, p<0.0001) were higher than in patients with type I bipolar disorder. Manic polarity in the initial episode and psychotic episodes were more frequent in men, while depressive episodes and hypothyroidism were more frequent in women. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm data published in our environment on sociodemographic and clinical variables but diagnostic delay in our study was longer. Compared with American samples, age at onset and at diagnosis were higher in our sample but comorbidity was much lower.

[Factors predicting the failure of interruption of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) in HIV-infected patients]. / Factores que predicen el fracaso de las interrupciones del tratamiento antirretroviral (TAR) en los pacientes con infección por el VIH.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment interruptions may be an alternative to HAART in the management of chronically infected HIV-patients. We designed this study in an attempt to assess the predictability of this strategy. METHODS: We recruited HIV-infected patients whose treatment had been suspended. Interruption was due to the patient's own decision, or toxicity, or because the patient had started the treatment with more than 350 CD41 cells/microL (immunologic criteria). RESULTS: Forty-one consecutive patients were included, with a median follow-up of 13 months. Failure was associated with the reason for interruption (p 5 0.0063). Failure occurred in 14.3% of those who interrupted treatment due to immunological criteria and in 40% of those who interrupted treatment due to their own decision or toxicity. The reasons for interruption were: toxicity in 11 patients (26.8%), personal decision in 9 (21.9%) and immunological criteria in 21 (51.2%). In the univariate analysis, the nadir CD41 cell count < 350 cél./microL [OR 16 (p = 0.054)] was statistically significant in the patients who stopped treatment due to immunological criteria, while treatment with protease inhibitors [OR 14 (p = 0.032)] was statistically significant in the remaining patients. In the multivariable analysis only nadir CD41 < 350 cél./microL was independently related with failure. CONCLUSIONS: Failure was related to interruption criteria and was greater in patients who stopped due their own decision or toxicity. When interruption was due to immunological criteria, the factor predicting failure was nadir CD41 cell count < 350 cél./microL. In the remaining patients, none of the variables was related to failure.

Factores que predicen el fracaso de las interrupciones del tratamiento antirretroviral (TAR) en los pacientes con infección por el VIH / Factors predicting the failure of interruption of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) in HIV-infected patients

INTRODUCCIÓN. La interrupción del tratamiento puede ser una alternativa terapéutica al tratamiento antirretroviral en el manejo de la infección crónica por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana. Para estudiar esta opción, se ha diseñado un estudio de predicibilidad. MÉTODOS. Se incluyeron a pacientes que pararon el tratamiento por abandono de la medicación, toxicidad o por haber iniciado el tratamiento con una cifra de CD4+ > 350 cél./ml (criterio inmunológico).RESULTADOS. Se seleccionaron de forma prospectiva41 pacientes y la mediana de seguimiento fue de 13 meses. El fracaso se relacionó con el criterio de suspensión(p = 0,0063). En aquellos que abandonaron el tratamiento por criterio inmunológico el fracaso fue del 14,3% y en los que pararon por toxicidad o por abandono, el 40%. Las causas que motivaron la suspensión fueron: 11 (26,8%) por toxicidad; 9 (21,9%) por abandono y 21 (51,2%) por criterio inmunológico. Aunque en el análisis univariado, en el grupo que paró el tratamiento por “criterio inmunológico” la variable CD4+ nadir inferior a 350 cél./ml (odds ratio[OR] 16; p = 0,054) fue estadísticamente significativa, y en los otros pacientes lo fue el tratamiento con inhibidores de proteasa (OR 14; p = 0,032), en el análisis multivariable sólo CD4+ nadir inferior a 350 cél./ml se asoció de forma independiente con el fracaso. CONCLUSIONES. El fracaso se relacionó con el criterio de suspensión, y fue mayor cuando se suspendió por toxicidad o por abandono. El factor que predijo el fracaso en los pacientes que pararon por “criterio inmunológico ”fue una cifra de CD4+ nadir inferior a 350 cél./ml. En el otro grupo de pacientes, ninguna variable se relacionó con el fracaso (AU)

INTRODUCTION. Treatment interruptions may be an alternative to HAART in the management of chronically infected HIV-patients. We designed this study in an attempt to assess the predictability of this strategy. METHODS. We recruited HIV-infected patients whose treatment had been suspended. Interruption was due to the patient’s own decision, or toxicity, or because the patient had started the treatment with more than 350 CD4+ cells/mL (immunologic criteria).RESULTS. Forty-one consecutive patients were included, with a median follow-up of 13 months. Failure was associated with the reason for interruption (p = 0.0063).Failure occurred in 14.3% of those who interrupted treatment due to immunological criteria and in 40% of those who interrupted treatment due to their own decision or toxicity. The reasons for interruption were: toxicity in 11 patients (26.8%), personal decision in 9 (21.9%) and immunological criteria in 21 (51.2%). In the univariate analysis, the nadir CD4+ cell count < 350 cél./mL[OR 16 (p = 0.054)] was statistically significant in the patients who stopped treatment due to immunological criteria, while treatment with protease inhibitors [OR14 (p = 0.032)] was statistically significant in there maining patients. In the multivariable analysis only nadir CD4+ < 350 cél./mL was independently related with failure. CONCLUSIONS. Failure was related to interruption criteria and was greater in patients who stopped due their own decision or toxicity. When interruption was due to immunological criteria, the factor predicting failure was nadir CD4+ cell count < 350 cél./mL. In the remaining patients, none of the variables was related to failure (AU)

Clostridium difficile colitis associated with valaciclovir.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of Clostridium difficile colitis associated with valaciclovir treatment. CASE SUMMARY: A 73-year-old man with lumbar herpes-zoster started valaciclovir 1 g tid. After three days he began vomiting and developed diarrhea, three to four stools per day. Symptoms worsened over the following days and he was admitted. Valaciclovir was stopped and fluid and electrolyte replacement was started. He continued 6 days later with diarrhea of 7 to 13 stools per day and a stool test for diagnosis of C. difficile infection was performed with a positive result. The patient received oral metronidazole (500 mg/t.i.d. for 10 days) and rapid improvement and eventual resolution of his diarrhea was observed after 3 days of therapy. DISCUSSION: Although no conclusive reports of this reaction exist, we think this is a case of C difficile colitis that appeared three days after valaciclovir was initiated. Colitis improved with metronidazole. Other causes of diarrhea were excluded, such as diabetes mellitus, renal failure, intestinal surgery and intestinal obstruction. Infection was confirmed by a positive test for C. difficile. The application of Naranjo's algorithm asserts the reaction as 'probable'. CONCLUSIONS: Valaciclovir-associated C. difficile colitis, although rare, can have severe consequences for the patient's health. It should be included as a possible adverse effect of valaciclovir treatment by health professionals.