Detection of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato infection by using extracts derived from a protoscoleces G1 cell line.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) can be diagnosed by means of several serological approaches, but their results vary among laboratories due to the molecular characteristics of the reference antigens used. Thus, this study aimed to address both the relevance of an EGPE cell line previously obtained from Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces G1 and the complexity of the immune response by using two different in vitro growth stages as separate sources of parasite antigens. The serum reactivity was investigated by western blotting (WB) in 21 CE patients from an endemic area in a matched case-control design and also in seven experimentally infected sheep and five healthy control sheep. EGPE-antigen-human serum sensitivity by WB was higher than that of hydatid fluid (HF) WB, ELISA and DD5 (P < .05, Chi-square test). EGPE protein extract was immunogenic in mice and hyperimmune plasma reacted with HF proteins, and AgB2 expression was detected by molecular analysis. Proteins of 37 to 60 kDa were recognized by 95.24% of the CE patients' sera but, with poor specificity. Statistically significant differences were found between serum protein extract recognition at 7 and 20 days of cell growth. The EGPE cell line is a laboratory source of antigens for improvement of CE serological diagnosis.

Seguimiento de 134 pacientes pediátricos con patrón de Wolff-Parkinson-White: evolución natural e intervención médica* / Follow-up of 134 Pediatric Patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White Pattern: Natural Outcome and Medical Treatment

Objetivos Evaluar la evolución de una población pediátrica con patrón de preexcitación ventricular, presencia de taquicardia supraventricular, fibrilación auricular, cardiopatías, mortalidad e intervención médica. Material y métodos Estudio descriptivo observacional. Se registraron pacientes con preexcitación ventricular en el electrocardiograma desde 1976 a 2011. Todos tenían ecocardiograma, 101 pacientes Holter (75,3%) y 69 (51,5%) ergometría. En pacientes seleccionados se realizó ablación por radiofrecuencia. Los datos se expresaron como media y desviación estándar. Resultados Se incluyeron en el estudio 134 pacientes, 80 varones (59,7%). Edad al diagnóstico: 2 días a 18 años, media 6,5 ± 5 años. Seguimiento clínico: 1 mes a 20 años, media 3,6 ± 3,9 años. Consultaron por taquicardia supraventricular 35 pacientes (26,1%), por preexcitación ventricular 16 pacientes (11,9%) y por otras causas 83 pacientes (61,9%); 76 pacientes (56,7%) evidenciaron vía izquierda, 3 pacientes doble vía; 16 pacientes (11,9%) presentaron taquicardia supraventricular durante el seguimiento. En total, 51 pacientes (38%) tuvieron taquicardia ortodrómica a los 6,3 ± 5,8 años, 10 pacientes en el período neonatal; 38 pacientes (28,3%) recibieron antiarrítmicos. No se observó fibrilación auricular. Veintiocho pacientes (20,9%) presentaron cardiopatía, 9 con taquicardia supraventricular. No hubo variables vinculadas con taquicardia supraventricular. En 43 pacientes (32,1%) se realizó ablación por radiofrecuencia. Un paciente murió súbitamente. Otro paciente falleció en el posoperatorio de cardiopatía. Conclusiones 1) Más del 60% de los pacientes permanecieron asintomáticos. 2) No se registró fibrilación auricular. 3) La tasa de muerte súbita fue del 0,75%. 4) Los pacientes con taquicardia supraventricular no sometidos a ablación evolucionaron bien. 5) No se asociaron variables con taquicardia supraventricular. 6) Las vías múltiples siempre desarrollaron taquicardia supraventricular.

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of a pediatric population with ventricular preexcitation pattern, supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathies, mortality and medical treatment. Methods From 1976 to 2011, a descriptive observational study was conducted on patients with ventricular preexcitation in the electrocardiogram. All patients underwent an echocardiogram, 101 (75.3%) Holter monitoring, and 69 (51.5%) an ergometric test. Radiofrequency ablation was performed in selected patients. Data were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Results The study population consisted of 134 patients, 80 (59.7%) of whom were male. Age at diagnosis ranged from 2 days to 18 years, with a mean of 6.5±5 years. Clinical follow-up lasted 1 month to 20 years, with a mean of 3.6±3.9 years. Thirty five patients (26.1%) consulted for supraventricular tachycardia, 16 (11.9%) for ventricular preexcitation, and the remaining 83 patients (61.9%) for other abnormalities. Seventy-six patients (56.7%) evidenced left conduction pathway and 3 patients a double conduction pathway. Sixteen patients (11.9%) presented supraventricular tachycardia during follow-up. Overall, 51 patients (38%) had orthodromic tachycardia at 6.3±5.8 years, 10 patients during the neonatal period. Thirty-eight patients (28.3%) received antiarrhythmic drugs. No atrial fibrillation was observed. Twenty-eight patients (20.9%) presented cardiomyopathy, 9 with supraventricular tachycardia. No association was found between supraventricular tachycardia and another variable. Forty-three patients (32.1%) underwent radiofrequency ablation. A patient suffered sudden death and another patient died during the postoperative period of corrective surgery. Conclusions 1) More than 60% of patients remained asymptomatic. 2) No atrial fibrillation was recorded. 3) Sudden death rate was 0.75%. 4) Patients with supraventricular tachycardia not submitted to ablation had a favorable outcome. 5) Supraventricular fibrillation was not associated with any variable. 6) Multiple conduction pathways always developed supraventricular tachycardia.

Seguimiento de 134 pacientes pediátricos con patrón de Wolff-Parkinson-White: evolución natural e intervención médica* / Follow-up of 134 Pediatric Patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White Pattern: Natural Outcome and Medical Treatment

Objetivos Evaluar la evolución de una población pediátrica con patrón de preexcitación ventricular, presencia de taquicardia supraventricular, fibrilación auricular, cardiopatías, mortalidad e intervención médica. Material y métodos Estudio descriptivo observacional. Se registraron pacientes con preexcitación ventricular en el electrocardiograma desde 1976 a 2011. Todos tenían ecocardiograma, 101 pacientes Holter (75,3%) y 69 (51,5%) ergometría. En pacientes seleccionados se realizó ablación por radiofrecuencia. Los datos se expresaron como media y desviación estándar. Resultados Se incluyeron en el estudio 134 pacientes, 80 varones (59,7%). Edad al diagnóstico: 2 días a 18 años, media 6,5 ± 5 años. Seguimiento clínico: 1 mes a 20 años, media 3,6 ± 3,9 años. Consultaron por taquicardia supraventricular 35 pacientes (26,1%), por preexcitación ventricular 16 pacientes (11,9%) y por otras causas 83 pacientes (61,9%); 76 pacientes (56,7%) evidenciaron vía izquierda, 3 pacientes doble vía; 16 pacientes (11,9%) presentaron taquicardia supraventricular durante el seguimiento. En total, 51 pacientes (38%) tuvieron taquicardia ortodrómica a los 6,3 ± 5,8 años, 10 pacientes en el período neonatal; 38 pacientes (28,3%) recibieron antiarrítmicos. No se observó fibrilación auricular. Veintiocho pacientes (20,9%) presentaron cardiopatía, 9 con taquicardia supraventricular. No hubo variables vinculadas con taquicardia supraventricular. En 43 pacientes (32,1%) se realizó ablación por radiofrecuencia. Un paciente murió súbitamente. Otro paciente falleció en el posoperatorio de cardiopatía. Conclusiones 1) Más del 60% de los pacientes permanecieron asintomáticos. 2) No se registró fibrilación auricular. 3) La tasa de muerte súbita fue del 0,75%. 4) Los pacientes con taquicardia supraventricular no sometidos a ablación evolucionaron bien. 5) No se asociaron variables con taquicardia supraventricular. 6) Las vías múltiples siempre desarrollaron taquicardia supraventricular.(AU)

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome of a pediatric population with ventricular preexcitation pattern, supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, cardiomyopathies, mortality and medical treatment. Methods From 1976 to 2011, a descriptive observational study was conducted on patients with ventricular preexcitation in the electrocardiogram. All patients underwent an echocardiogram, 101 (75.3%) Holter monitoring, and 69 (51.5%) an ergometric test. Radiofrequency ablation was performed in selected patients. Data were expressed as mean and standard deviation. Results The study population consisted of 134 patients, 80 (59.7%) of whom were male. Age at diagnosis ranged from 2 days to 18 years, with a mean of 6.5±5 years. Clinical follow-up lasted 1 month to 20 years, with a mean of 3.6±3.9 years. Thirty five patients (26.1%) consulted for supraventricular tachycardia, 16 (11.9%) for ventricular preexcitation, and the remaining 83 patients (61.9%) for other abnormalities. Seventy-six patients (56.7%) evidenced left conduction pathway and 3 patients a double conduction pathway. Sixteen patients (11.9%) presented supraventricular tachycardia during follow-up. Overall, 51 patients (38%) had orthodromic tachycardia at 6.3±5.8 years, 10 patients during the neonatal period. Thirty-eight patients (28.3%) received antiarrhythmic drugs. No atrial fibrillation was observed. Twenty-eight patients (20.9%) presented cardiomyopathy, 9 with supraventricular tachycardia. No association was found between supraventricular tachycardia and another variable. Forty-three patients (32.1%) underwent radiofrequency ablation. A patient suffered sudden death and another patient died during the postoperative period of corrective surgery. Conclusions 1) More than 60% of patients remained asymptomatic. 2) No atrial fibrillation was recorded. 3) Sudden death rate was 0.75%. 4) Patients with supraventricular tachycardia not submitted to ablation had a favorable outcome. 5) Supraventricular fibrillation was not associated with any variable. 6) Multiple conduction pathways always developed supraventricular tachycardia.(AU)

Patent ductus arteriosus associated with aberrant right subclavian artery: two cases, one successful interventional closure of PDA.

Two children were sent to the catheterization laboratory for transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). During the intervention, cineangiogram revealed associated aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA). Both patients had left-sided aortic arch. The first patient was sent to surgery after one unsuccessful attempt to close the PDA due to the proximity of the ARSA and also because of other concomitant cardiac lesions. We successfully treated the second patient by closing the PDA with a Nit-Occlud® PDA occlusion device (Pfm Medical, Carlsbad, California). Similar mirror cases of PDA closure with aberrant left subclavian artery and right aortic arch have been reported. Anatomic features, as well as the technique and management of the procedure, are discussed here.

Experiencia inicial en la cirugía cardiovascular con circulación extracorpórea en recién nacidos prematuros con un peso menor de 2.500 gramos / Initial Experience in Cardiovascular Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Premature Newborns Weighing Less than 2500 Grams

Introducción No obstante el progreso sostenido en cirugía cardiovascular neonatal en los últimos 30 años, los recién nacidos prematuros con cardiopatías congénitas presentan un desafío adicional al equipo multidisciplinario interviniente debido a la frecuente asociación de comorbilidades y bajo peso. A diferencia de las estrategias históricas diferidas de diferir la cirugía, desde 2007 llevamos a cabo cirugías correctoras sin importar el peso ni la edad en pacientes sintomáticos con el propósito de mejorar su estado cardíaco para que pudieran superar las comorbilidades asociadas. Objetivo Comunicar la experiencia inicial en cirugía cardiovascular (CCV) con circulación extracorpórea (CEC) en neonatos de menos de 2.500 gramos. Material y métodos De mayo de 2007 a mayo de 2009, 11 neonatos fueron intervenidos con CEC. La edad media fue de 24 días (4 a 90 días), la edad gestacional media fue de 34 semanas (32 a 37) y el peso medio, de 2,27 kg (1,7 a 2,5). Previo a la intervención, siete pacientes estaban con asistencia respiratoria mecánica (ARM) y nueve con inotrópicos. Los diagnósticos fueron comunicación interventricular (n = 4, uno con coartación de la aorta grave), anomalía total del retorno venoso pulmonar (n = 2), transposición de grandes arterias (n = 2), atresia pulmonar con septum íntegro (n = 1), atresia pulmonar con comunicación interventricular (n = 1) e hipoplasia del ventrículo izquierdo (n = 1). Se utilizó hipotermia profunda a 18 °C de temperatura rectal con paro circulatorio total intermitente (n = 8) o flujo completo a 28 °C de temperatura rectal (n = 3). En 10 pacientes se realizó cirugía correctora biventricular y en uno se efectuó cirugía de Norwood. Resultados En 8 pacientes se dejó el esternón abierto, con un tiempo medio al cierre de 3,5 días (3 a 5). Tres pacientes requirieron factor VII por presentar sangrado incoercible. El tiempo medio de ARM fue de 7,5 días (2 a 20). Las complicaciones más comunes fueron sangrado (n = 5), sepsis (n = 2) y quilotórax (n = 1). No hubo mortalidad inicial y sólo un paciente falleció alejadamente debido a sepsis por Candida albicans. Nueve sobrevivientes se encuentran en buen estado general libres de síntomas y uno con insuficiencia cardíaca compensada. Conclusiones La CCV con CEC en neonatos de bajo peso presenta resultados iniciales muy promisorios, pero con una morbilidad inicial significativa.

Background Despite the sustained progress in neonatal cardiovascular surgery in the last 30 years, premature newborns with congenital heart defects pose an additional challenge to the multidisciplinary team taking part in the intervention due to the frequent association with comorbidities and low weight. Unlike historical strategies, and imitating successful approaches reported in the last decade, we have been performing corrective surgeries in symptomatic patients since 2007, irrespective of weight and age, in order to improve their cardiac status and thus overcome the associated comorbidities. Objective To report the initial experience in cardiovascular surgery (CVC) with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in newborns weighing less than 2500 grams. Material and Methods From May 2007 to May 2009, 11 newborns underwent CBP surgery. Mean age was 24 days (4 to 90 days), gestational age was 34 weeks (32 to 37) and mean weight was 2.27 kg (1.7 to 2.5). Before the intervention, 7 patients were under mechanical ventilation (MV) and 9 were receiving inotropic drugs. The diagnoses were ventricular septal defect (n = 4, one with severe coarctation of the aorta), total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (n = 2), transposition of the great arteries (n = 2), pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (n = 1), pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (n = 1) and hypoplastic left heart syndrome (n = 1). Patients underwent either deep hypothermic circulatory arrest with a rectal temperature of 18 °C with intermittent flow perfusion (n = 8) or continuous flow perfusion with a rectal temperature of 28 °C (n = 3). Biventricular correction was performed in 10 patients and 1 patient underwent the Norwood procedure. Results The sternotomy remained opened in 8 patients; mean time to closure was 3.5 days (3 to 5). Three patients with unremitting bleeding required therapy with factor VII. Mean duration of MV was 7.5 days (2 to 20). Bleeding (n = 5), sepsis (n = 2) and chylothorax (n = 1) were the most frequent complications. There were no early deaths and only one patient died during late follow-up of sepsis due to Candida albicans. Nine survivors are in good general condition free from symptoms and one patient presents compensated heart failure. Conclusions The initial outcomes of cardiovascular surgery with CPB in newborns are promising, yet the initial morbidity is high.

Artritis séptica por Bacteroides fragilis en paciente con linfoma no hodgkiniano y enfermedad mixta del tejido conectivo / Septic arthritis due to Bacteroides fragilis in a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and mixed connective tissue disease

Presentamos una paciente de 53 años de edad con enfermedad mixta del tejido conectivo que desarrolló un linfoma no hodgkiniano de alto grado de malignidad y 2 años más tarde, un cuadro de absceso inguinal izquierdo, luego tenosinovitis supurada de tobillo izquierdo y, finalmente, artritis séptica del hombro derecho y tenosinovitis supurada del tercer dedo de la mano derecha. Se logró aislar Bacteroides fragilis en líquido sinovial del hombro, en hemocultivos y en punta de catéter central intravenoso. El foco infeccioso primario se presume que haya sido intraabdominal, y el catéter central en permanencia, el factor de mantenimiento de la infección crónica. Utilizamos un tratamiento empírico secuencial de ampicilina/sulbactam y clindamicina intravenosos y más tarde metronidazol por vía oral hasta la cura definitiva de la infección. La artritis séptica por Bacteroides fragilis es una entidad rara que ocurre principalmente en pacientes inmunodeficientes, tal como refleja este caso (AU)

We present a 53 year old woman with pre-existing mixed collagen tissue disease who developped highly-malignant non-Hodgkin lymphoma and 2 years later had left groin abscess, then septic tenosynovitis of the left ankle, septic artrhritis of the right shoulder and purulent tenosynovitis of the right hand. Bacteroides fragilis was identified in synovial fluid drawn from the right shoulder, in blood cultures and in culture of a central venous catheter tip. The primary infection site is presumed to have been the abdominal cavity, and the presence of an indwelling central venous catheter the reason for recurrence of infection. We treated her empyrically with intravenous ampicillin/sulbactam and clindamycine then oral metronidazol until definite resolution of the infection. Septic artrhritis due to Bacteroides fragilis is a rare entity mainly occurring in immunocompromised patients, as shown in this case (AU)

[Septic arthritis due to Bacteroides fragilis in a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and mixed connective tissue disease]. / Artritis séptica por Bacteroides fragilis en paciente con linfoma no hodgkiniano y enfermedad mixta del tejido conectivo.

We present a 53 year old woman with pre-existing mixed collagen tissue disease who developped highly-malignant non-Hodgkin lymphoma and 2 years later had left groin abscess, then septic tenosynovitis of the left ankle, septic artrhritis of the right shoulder and purulent tenosynovitis of the right hand. Bacteroides fragilis was identified in synovial fluid drawn from the right shoulder, in blood cultures and in culture of a central venous catheter tip. The primary infection site is presumed to have been the abdominal cavity, and the presence of an indwelling central venous catheter the reason for recurrence of infection. We treated her empyrically with intravenous ampicillin/sulbactam and clindamycine then oral metronidazol until definite resolution of the infection. Septic artrhritis due to Bacteroides fragilis is a rare entity mainly occurring in immunocompromised patients, as shown in this case.

[Neumonía acquired in the community. Practical guide elaborated by a committee intersocieties]. / Neumonía adquirida en la comunidad. Guía práctica elaborada por un comité intersociedades.

Clinical practice guidelines for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) contribute to improve patient's management. CAP undergoes continuous changes in etiology, epidemiology and antimicrobial sensitivity, requiring periodic guidelines revisions. An inter-society committee designed this guidelines dividing it into several topics based on prior guidelines and recent clinical studies. CAP compromises annually more than 1% of the population; most of the cases only require outpatient care but others are severe cases, reaching the 6th cause of death in Argentina. The cases are distributed unevenly into ambulatory, admitted in the general ward or in the intensive care unit. There is no way to predict the etiology. Unfavorable outcome predictors include age, antecedents and physical, laboratory and radiography findings. Ten to 25% of inpatients need to be admitted to the intensive care unit at the onset or during the follow-up, for mechanical ventilation or hemodynamic support (severe CAP). Severe CAP is associated with high mortality and requires adequate and urgent therapy. Pregnant, COPD and nursing home patients require special recommendations. Diagnosis is clinical, while complementary methods are useful to define etiology and severity; chest X-ray is the only one universally recommended. Other studies, including microbiologic evaluation are particularly appropriate in the hospitalized patients. The initial therapy is empiric, it must begin early, using antimicrobials active against the target microorganisms, avoiding their inappropriate use which can lead to the development of resistance. Length of therapy must not be unnecessarily prolonged. Hydratation, nutrition, oxygen and therapy of complications must complement antibiotic treatment. Prevention is based on influenza prophylaxis, anti-pneumococcal vaccine, aspiration prevention and other general measures.

Adult bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia acquired in the community. A prospective study on 101 patients.

Our objective was to describe incidence, clinical, radiographic and microbiological features of bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia (BPP) in our environment. A total of 101 patients (7 were treated as outpatients), older than 18 years of age suffering BPP were prospectively evaluated. The incidence was 2.8 cases per 1000 admissions, 50 were males, mean age was 59.9 years (19-97), mortality was 11.8%. Eighty three percent of fatalities occurred within 3 days of admission. Mortality rate increased with advancing age. Fever, cough and chest pain were the commonest presenting symptoms and 44% of patients had extrapulmonary manifestations. Cigarette smoking, chronic obstructive lung disease, alcoholism and congestive heart failure (CHF) were the commonest underlying conditions. CHF was more frequent in non-survivors (p = 0.002). A lobar pattern at chest radiograph predominated in survivors and a diffuse pattern in non-survivors (p = 0.007). Pleural effusion (20.7%), empyema (7.9%) and respiratory failure (7.9%) were the main complications. Underlying diseases were present in 100% of non-survivors (p = 0.03). Ninety four percent of patients were treated with beta-lactam antibiotics. Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from sputum in 6 cases. Three out of 101 S. pneumoniae isolates recovered from blood samples (one from each patient) presented organisms resistant to penicillin. We observed an incidence of BPP that is similar to the observed in other countries. There are clinical and radiographic differences between survivors and non-survivors. Penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae is still an unusual problem in our area.

Neumonia adquirida en la comunidad. Guia practica elaborada por un comite intersociedades / Neumonía acquired in the community. Practical guide elaborated by a committee intersocieties

Clinical practice guidelines for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) contribute to improve patient's management. CAP undergoes continuous changes in etiology, epidemiology and antimicrobial sensitivity, requiring periodic guidelines revisions. An inter-society committee designed this guidelines dividing it into several topics based on prior guidelines and recent clinical studies. CAP compromises annually more than 1 of the population; most of the cases only require outpatient care but others are severe cases, reaching the 6th cause of death in Argentina. The cases are distributed unevenly into ambulatory, admitted in the general ward or in the intensive care unit. There is no way to predict the etiology. Unfavorable outcome predictors include age, antecedents and physical, laboratory and radiography findings. Ten to 25 of inpatients need to be admitted to the intensive care unit at the onset or during the follow-up, for mechanical ventilation or hemodynamic support (severe CAP). Severe CAP is associated with high mortality and requires adequate and urgent therapy. Pregnant, COPD and nursing home patients require special recommendations. Diagnosis is clinical, while complementary methods are useful to define etiology and severity; chest X-ray is the only one universally recommended. Other studies, including microbiologic evaluation are particularly appropriate in the hospitalized patients. The initial therapy is empiric, it must begin early, using antimicrobials active against the target microorganisms, avoiding their inappropriate use which can lead to the development of resistance. Length of therapy must not be unnecessarily prolonged. Hydratation, nutrition, oxygen and therapy of complications must complement antibiotic treatment. Prevention is based on influenza prophylaxis, anti-pneumococcal vaccine, aspiration prevention and other general measures

Adult bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia acquired in the community. Aprospective study on 101 patients

Our objective was to describe incidence, clinical, radiographic and microbiological features of bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia (BPP) in our environment. A total of 101 patients (7 were treated as outpatients), older than 18 years of age suffering BPP were prospectively evaluated. The incidence was 2.8 cases per 1000 admissions, 50 were males, mean age was 59.9 years (19-97), mortality was 11.8%. Eighty three percent of fatalities occurred within 3 days of admission. Mortality rate increased with advancing age. Fever, cough and chest pain were the commonest presenting symptoms and 44% of patients had extrapulmonary manifestations. Cigarette smoking, chronic obstructive lung disease, alcoholism and congestive heart failure (CHF) were the commonest underlying conditions. CHF was more frequent in non-survivors (p = 0.002). A lobar pattern at chest radiograph predominated in survivors and a diffuse pattern in non-survivors (p = 0.007). Pleural effusion (20.7%), empyema (7.9%) and respiratory failure (7.9%) were the main complications. Underlying diseases were present in 100% of non-survivors (p = 0.03). Ninety four percent of patients were treated with beta-lactam antibiotics. Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from sputum in 6 cases. Three out of 101 S. pneumoniae isolates recovered from blood samples (one from each patient) presented organisms resistant to penicillin. We observed an incidence of BPP that is similar to the observed in other countries. There are clinical and radiographic differences between survivors and non-survivors. Penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae is still an unusual problem in our area

Neumonia adquirida en la comunidad. Guia practica elaborada por un comite intersociedades / NeumonAía acquired in the community. Practical guide elaborated by a committee intersocieties

Clinical practice guidelines for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) contribute to improve patients management. CAP undergoes continuous changes in etiology, epidemiology and antimicrobial sensitivity, requiring periodic guidelines revisions. An inter-society committee designed this guidelines dividing it into several topics based on prior guidelines and recent clinical studies. CAP compromises annually more than 1 of the population; most of the cases only require outpatient care but others are severe cases, reaching the 6th cause of death in Argentina. The cases are distributed unevenly into ambulatory, admitted in the general ward or in the intensive care unit. There is no way to predict the etiology. Unfavorable outcome predictors include age, antecedents and physical, laboratory and radiography findings. Ten to 25 of inpatients need to be admitted to the intensive care unit at the onset or during the follow-up, for mechanical ventilation or hemodynamic support (severe CAP). Severe CAP is associated with high mortality and requires adequate and urgent therapy. Pregnant, COPD and nursing home patients require special recommendations. Diagnosis is clinical, while complementary methods are useful to define etiology and severity; chest X-ray is the only one universally recommended. Other studies, including microbiologic evaluation are particularly appropriate in the hospitalized patients. The initial therapy is empiric, it must begin early, using antimicrobials active against the target microorganisms, avoiding their inappropriate use which can lead to the development of resistance. Length of therapy must not be unnecessarily prolonged. Hydratation, nutrition, oxygen and therapy of complications must complement antibiotic treatment. Prevention is based on influenza prophylaxis, anti-pneumococcal vaccine, aspiration prevention and other general measures (AU)

Adult bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia acquired in the community. Aprospective study on 101 patients

Our objective was to describe incidence, clinical, radiographic and microbiological features of bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia (BPP) in our environment. A total of 101 patients (7 were treated as outpatients), older than 18 years of age suffering BPP were prospectively evaluated. The incidence was 2.8 cases per 1000 admissions, 50 were males, mean age was 59.9 years (19-97), mortality was 11.8%. Eighty three percent of fatalities occurred within 3 days of admission. Mortality rate increased with advancing age. Fever, cough and chest pain were the commonest presenting symptoms and 44% of patients had extrapulmonary manifestations. Cigarette smoking, chronic obstructive lung disease, alcoholism and congestive heart failure (CHF) were the commonest underlying conditions. CHF was more frequent in non-survivors (p = 0.002). A lobar pattern at chest radiograph predominated in survivors and a diffuse pattern in non-survivors (p = 0.007). Pleural effusion (20.7%), empyema (7.9%) and respiratory failure (7.9%) were the main complications. Underlying diseases were present in 100% of non-survivors (p = 0.03). Ninety four percent of patients were treated with beta-lactam antibiotics. Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from sputum in 6 cases. Three out of 101 S. pneumoniae isolates recovered from blood samples (one from each patient) presented organisms resistant to penicillin. We observed an incidence of BPP that is similar to the observed in other countries. There are clinical and radiographic differences between survivors and non-survivors. Penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae is still an unusual problem in our area (AU)

Adult bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia acquired in the community. A prospective study on 101 patients.

Our objective was to describe incidence, clinical, radiographic and microbiological features of bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia (BPP) in our environment. A total of 101 patients (7 were treated as outpatients), older than 18 years of age suffering BPP were prospectively evaluated. The incidence was 2.8 cases per 1000 admissions, 50 were males, mean age was 59.9 years (19-97), mortality was 11.8

. Eighty three percent of fatalities occurred within 3 days of admission. Mortality rate increased with advancing age. Fever, cough and chest pain were the commonest presenting symptoms and 44

of patients had extrapulmonary manifestations. Cigarette smoking, chronic obstructive lung disease, alcoholism and congestive heart failure (CHF) were the commonest underlying conditions. CHF was more frequent in non-survivors (p = 0.002). A lobar pattern at chest radiograph predominated in survivors and a diffuse pattern in non-survivors (p = 0.007). Pleural effusion (20.7

), empyema (7.9

) and respiratory failure (7.9

) were the main complications. Underlying diseases were present in 100

of non-survivors (p = 0.03). Ninety four percent of patients were treated with beta-lactam antibiotics. Streptococcus pneumoniae was isolated from sputum in 6 cases. Three out of 101 S. pneumoniae isolates recovered from blood samples (one from each patient) presented organisms resistant to penicillin. We observed an incidence of BPP that is similar to the observed in other countries. There are clinical and radiographic differences between survivors and non-survivors. Penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae is still an unusual problem in our area.

Neumonía adquirida en la comunidad. Guía práctica elaborada por un comité intersociedades. / [Neumonía acquired in the community. Practical guide elaborated by a committee intersocieties]

Clinical practice guidelines for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) contribute to improve patients management. CAP undergoes continuous changes in etiology, epidemiology and antimicrobial sensitivity, requiring periodic guidelines revisions. An inter-society committee designed this guidelines dividing it into several topics based on prior guidelines and recent clinical studies. CAP compromises annually more than 1

of the population; most of the cases only require outpatient care but others are severe cases, reaching the 6th cause of death in Argentina. The cases are distributed unevenly into ambulatory, admitted in the general ward or in the intensive care unit. There is no way to predict the etiology. Unfavorable outcome predictors include age, antecedents and physical, laboratory and radiography findings. Ten to 25

of inpatients need to be admitted to the intensive care unit at the onset or during the follow-up, for mechanical ventilation or hemodynamic support (severe CAP). Severe CAP is associated with high mortality and requires adequate and urgent therapy. Pregnant, COPD and nursing home patients require special recommendations. Diagnosis is clinical, while complementary methods are useful to define etiology and severity; chest X-ray is the only one universally recommended. Other studies, including microbiologic evaluation are particularly appropriate in the hospitalized patients. The initial therapy is empiric, it must begin early, using antimicrobials active against the target microorganisms, avoiding their inappropriate use which can lead to the development of resistance. Length of therapy must not be unnecessarily prolonged. Hydratation, nutrition, oxygen and therapy of complications must complement antibiotic treatment. Prevention is based on influenza prophylaxis, anti-pneumococcal vaccine, aspiration prevention and other general measures.

Absceso en extremidad inferior por haemophylus influenzae en una paciente portadora de artritis reumatoide y mieloma múltiple / Abcess of lower limb due to haemophilus influenzae in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and concomitant multiple myeloma

Reportamos el caso de una mujer de 63 años de edad con artritis reumatoide de 15 años de evolución y mieloma múltiple de reciente descubrimiento, en la que se desarrolló un proceso de supuración recidivante en la pierna izquierda después de un proceso neumónico. El cultivo del material del absceso fue positivo para Haemophylus influenzae, y el mismo germen fue identificado en los hemocultivos, por lo que se consideró que el foco primario fue pulmonar y la diseminación hematógena. Sería el primer caso reportado de absceso en extremidad inferior por H. influenzae en la bibliografía internacional en pacientes con estas características. (AU)

Meningitis a enterococcus faecalis / Meningitis due to Enteroccocus faecalis

Enterococcus faecalis meningitis is an infrequent entity that accounts for less than 1 percent of all suppurative meningitis in the adult. Usually, this infection affects patients with compromised host defenses or those who have congenital or acquired CNS lesions mainly as intrahospitalary infections. An 85 year old woman from our community (Tandil county) without any predisposed condition, was admitted in the hospital in an unconscious state (grade 3 Glasgow's index), meningeal signs and purulent CSF, from which E. faecalis was isolated. The patient was treated with IV Ampicillin and Gentamycin (17 days), intrathecal Gentamycin (4 days) and ]V dexametasona (6 days). The clinical and bacteriological remission was achieved, without any sequel or relapse during 2 years follow up.

Meningitis a enterococcus faecalis / Meningitis due to Enteroccocus faecalis

Enterococcus faecalis meningitis is an infrequent entity that accounts for less than 1 percent of all suppurative meningitis in the adult. Usually, this infection affects patients with compromised host defenses or those who have congenital or acquired CNS lesions mainly as intrahospitalary infections. An 85 year old woman from our community (Tandil county) without any predisposed condition, was admitted in the hospital in an unconscious state (grade 3 Glasgows index), meningeal signs and purulent CSF, from which E. faecalis was isolated. The patient was treated with IV Ampicillin and Gentamycin (17 days), intrathecal Gentamycin (4 days) and ]V dexametasona (6 days). The clinical and bacteriological remission was achieved, without any sequel or relapse during 2 years follow up.(AU)