Incidence of urinary tract infections in patients with permanent percutaneous nephrostomy after implementation of a standardized care program.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous nephrostomy tubes (PNT), which are used in some cancer hospitals, are associated with an increase in urinary tract infections (UTI). OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of a standardized care program on the incidence of UTIs requiring hospitalization (UTI-RH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study that included patients with a first PNT inserted. The incidence, relative risk (RR), costs and outcomes of patients with UTI-RH were compared during the period before (P0) vs. after the intervention (P1). RESULTS: 113 PNTs were inserted during P0, and 74 at P1. During P0, 61 patients (53.9%) experienced 64 UTI-RH events in 22,557 PNT days. At P1, four patients (5.4%) had a UTI-RH in 6,548 PNT days (IRR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.05-0.57). The RR was 0.09 (95% CI: 0.03-0.25). Monthly cost per day/bed was USD 3,823 at P0 and USD 1,076 at P1, and for antibiotics, it was USD 790 at P0 and USD 123.5 at P1. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the importance of a standardized care program for permanent percutaneous devices, since this reduces antibiotic use, hospitalization, and the cost of care.

ANTECEDENTES: Los catéteres de nefrostomía percutánea (CNP) que se utilizan en algunos hospitales oncológicos condicionan un incremento en las infecciones del tracto urinario (ITU). OBJETIVO: Determinar el impacto de un programa estandarizado de atención en la incidencia de ITU que requiere hospitalización (ITU-RH). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes con un primer CNP. Se comparó la incidencia, riesgo relativo (RR), costos y evolución de los pacientes con ITU-RH durante el período previo a la intervención (P0) versus posterior a ella (P1). RESULTADOS: Se instalaron 113 CNP durante P0 y 74 durante P1. Durante P0, 61 pacientes (53.9 %) presentaron 64 episodios de ITU-RH, en 22 557 días de uso de CNP. Durante P1, cuatro pacientes (5.4%) cursaron con ITU-RH en el transcurso de 6548 días de uso del CNP (razón de tasa de incidencia de 0.21, IC 95 % = 0.05-0.57). El RR fue de 0.09 (IC 95 % = 0.03-0.25). El costo mensual por día-cama fue de 3823 USD en P0 y de 1076 USD en P1; el de los antibióticos, de 790 USD en P0 y 123.5 USD en P1. CONCLUSIONES: Este estudio resalta la importancia de un programa estandarizado del cuidado de los dispositivos permanentes, el cual disminuye el uso de antibióticos, la hospitalización y el costo de la atención.

Incidencia de infección de vías urinarias con catéter de nefrostomía percutánea posterior a la implementación de un programa estandarizado de cuidados / Incidence of urinary tract infections in patients with permanent percutaneous nephrostomy after implementation of a standardized care program

Resumen Antecedentes: Los catéteres de nefrostomía percutánea (CNP) que se utilizan en algunos hospitales oncológicos condicionan un incremento en las infecciones del tracto urinario (ITU). Objetivo: Determinar el impacto de un programa estandarizado de atención en la incidencia de ITU que requiere hospitalización (ITU-RH). Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes con un primer CNP. Se comparó la incidencia, riesgo relativo (RR), costos y evolución de los pacientes con ITU-RH durante el período previo a la intervención (P0) versus posterior a ella (P1). Resultados: Se instalaron 113 CNP durante P0 y 74 durante P1. Durante P0, 61 pacientes (53.9 %) presentaron 64 episodios de ITU-RH, en 22 557 días de uso de CNP. Durante P1, cuatro pacientes (5.4%) cursaron con ITU-RH en el transcurso de 6548 días de uso del CNP (razón de tasa de incidencia de 0.21, IC 95 % = 0.05-0.57). El RR fue de 0.09 (IC 95 % = 0.03-0.25). El costo mensual por día-cama fue de 3823 USD en P0 y de 1076 USD en P1; el de los antibióticos, de 790 USD en P0 y 123.5 USD en P1. Conclusiones: Este estudio resalta la importancia de un programa estandarizado del cuidado de los dispositivos permanentes, el cual disminuye el uso de antibióticos, la hospitalización y el costo de la atención.

Abstract Background: Percutaneous nephrostomy tubes (PNT), which are used in some cancer hospitals, are associated with an increase in the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI). Objective: To determine the impact of a standardized care program on the incidence of UTI requiring hospitalization (UTI-RH). Material and methods: Retrospective study that included patients with a first PNT inserted. The incidence, relative risk (RR), costs and outcomes of patients with UTI-RH were compared during the period before (P0) vs. after the intervention (P1). Results: 113 PNCs were inserted during P0, and 74 at P1. During P0, 61 patients (53.9%) experienced 64 UTI-RH events in 22,557 PNT days. At P1, four patients (5.4%) had a UTI-RH in 6,548 PNT days (IRR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.05-0.57). The RR was 0.09 (95% CI: 0.03-0.25). Monthly cost per day/bed was USD 3,823 at P0 and USD 1,076 at P1, and for antibiotics, it was USD 790 at P0 and USD 123.5 at P1. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of a standardized care program for permanent percutaneous devices, since this reduces antibiotic use, hospitalization, and the cost of care.

A fecalith mimicking a bladder calculus secondary to an appendicovesical fistula: a case report.

An appendicovesical fistula is defined as an abnormal communication between the appendix and the urinary bladder, with only a few cases reported in the literature. It is very challenging to make an early diagnosis, due to the inability of conventional imaging modalities to detect this unique pathology. The symptoms are often mild, and there are not any specific signs or symptoms that might suggest this type of anomalous communication. We report a case of a 27-year-old male patient who presented difficulty for initiating urination, dysuria, and persistent urinary tract infections. An abdominal x-ray showed a large calculus inside the bladder. A cystoscopy was performed, where the tip of the appendix was seen protruding inside the bladder with a large fecalith adhered to the bladder wall. An appendectomy and partial cystectomy with primary repair were auspiciously achieved. A review of the literature is also presented.

Comparison of Physiological Effects Induced by Two Compression Stockings and Regular Socks During Prolonged Standing Work.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to evaluate and compare lower-leg muscle fatigue, edema, and discomfort induced by the prolonged standing of security guards wearing regular socks and those wearing 15-20 or 20-30 mmHg compression stockings as intervention. BACKGROUND: Compression stockings are sometimes used by individuals standing all day at work. However, quantitative evidence showing their potential benefits for lower-leg health issues in healthy individuals during real working conditions is lacking. METHOD: Forty male security employees participated in the study. All were randomly assigned to the control or one of the two intervention groups (I15-20 or I20-30). Lower-leg muscle twitch force, volume, and discomfort ratings were measured before and after their regular 12-hr standing work shift. RESULTS: Significant evidence of lower-leg long-lasting muscle fatigue, edema, and discomfort was observed after standing work for guards wearing regular socks. However, no significant changes were found for guards wearing either compression stockings. CONCLUSION: In healthy individuals, compression stockings seem to attenuate efficiently the tested outcomes in the lower leg resulting from prolonged standing. APPLICATION: Occupational activities requiring prolonged standing may benefit from 15-20 or 20-30 mmHg compression stockings. As similar benefits were observed for both levels of compression, the lower level may be sufficient.

An Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Appendix Mimicking an Appendicular Malignant Lesion.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a very rare lesion of unknown etiology. Cases of IMT involving the appendix are exceptional, and they can mimic malignant appendicular tumors. We present a case of a 65-year-old man who presented to our emergency room on septic shock and acute abdomen secondary to visceral perforation. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy; massive bowel dilatation was encountered, along with 3 L of purulent intraperitoneal fluid and a perforated appendicular mass of 6 cm. An appendicectomy was performed. Histopathologic examination established the diagnosis of inflammatory pseudotumor with appendiceal perforation. This study constitutes the 14th confirmed case report of an appendicular IMT. It is important to include IMT in differential diagnoses of appendicular masses to avoid excessive resections.

Persistence of a vitelline artery on a Meckel's diverticulum as a cause of bowel infarction.

Meckel's diverticulum is a congenital anomaly, resulting from incomplete obliteration of the most proximal portion of the omphalomesenteric duct. It generally remains silent, but life-threatening complications may arise in 4-6% of the patients. We present a case of a 16-year-old male, who arrived at the emergency room with crampy abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, suggestive of acute appendicitis. Surgical exploration revealed 150 cm of infarcted small bowel, secondary to a mesodiverticular band of a Meckel's diverticulum at the site of obstruction. The ischemic small bowel with Meckel's diverticulum was resected, and an ileo-ileal anastomosis was carried out. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day. He was seen 12 months after his initial surgery, with a favorable outcome.

Factores de riesgo modificables de infecciones respiratorias en Hogares Infantiles y Jardines Sociales del municipio de San José de Cúcuta / Modifiable risk factors of respiratory infections in Children's Homes and Social Gardens of the municipality of San José de Cúcuta

Introducción: La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) considera la infección respiratoria aguda (IRA) un problema de salud pública, es una enfermedad prevalente de la infancia y se ha demostrado que el ingreso a jardines infantiles aumenta los episodios, la posibilidad de complicaciones y el riesgo de muerte. Objetivo:Identificar algunos factores de riesgo modificables de IRA presentes en jardines infantiles estatales. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal, se eligió la totalidad de los hogares infantiles y jardines sociales del municipio de San José de Cúcuta en el año 2011. Se aplicaron dos instrumentos que permitieron describir los factores de riesgo modificables presentes en las instituciones. Resultados: Estas instituciones atienden una población pediátrica 2497 individuos, de los cuales el 49.6% son niñas. Se destacaron diferencias en los riesgos modificables entre los dos tipos de jardines, como la infraestructura física y el personal a cargo del cuidado del menor. Presentaron riesgos similares como fallas en el lavado de manos y poca colaboración de la familia para mantener el cuidado del niño enfermo en casa. Conclusión: Los factores de riesgo presentes en las instituciones requieren atención así como implementación de programas de prevención; sin embargo estos riesgos también pueden encontrarse en el hogar y estos deben de tratarse desde ahí.

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) considers acute respiratory infection as a public health problem. It is a prevalent childhood disease and it has been shown that when children enter to a kindergarten, the infectious episodes as well as the possibility of complications and the risk of death increase. Objective: To identify some modifiable risk factors of acute respiratory infection present in state kindergartens. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was made. All the children’s homes and social gardens of the municipality of San Jose de Cucuta were chosen in 2011. Two instruments were applied, which allowed describing modifiable risk factors in the institutions. Results: These institutions nurse a pediatric population of 2497 people, from which 49.6% are girls. Differences in modifiable risk were highlighted when comparing the two types of institutions, such as physical infrastructure and staff caring for the child. They presented similar risks such as faults in washing hands and little collaboration of the family to maintain the care of the sick child at home. Conclusion: The risk factors presented in the institutions require attention as well as the implementation of prevention programs. However, these risks can also be found at home and they must be dealt with from there.

Potential additional effect of omentectomy on metabolic syndrome, acute-phase reactants, and inflammatory mediators in grade III obese patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the additional effect of sudden visceral fat reduction by omentectomy on metabolic syndrome, acute-phase reactants, and inflammatory mediators in patients with grade III obesity (G-III O) undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients were randomized into two groups, LRYGB alone or with omentectomy. Levels of interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, leptin, adiponectin, glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as clinical characteristics, were evaluated before surgery and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results were compared between groups. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. Mean operative time was significantly higher in the group of patients who underwent omentectomy (P < 0.001). Median weight of the omentum was 795 +/- 341 g. In one patient, a duodenal perforation occurred at the time of omentectomy. BMI, blood pressure, glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides significantly improved in both groups at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up when compared with basal values. However, there were no consistent statistically significant differences among the groups in terms of metabolic syndrome components, acute-phase reactants, and inflammatory mediators. CONCLUSIONS: Omentectomy does not have an ancillary short-term significant impact on the components of metabolic syndrome and does not induce important changes in the inflammatory mediators in patients undergoing LRYGB. Operative time is more prolonged when omentectomy is performed.