Determinants of mortality in cancer patients with unscheduled admission to the Intensive Care Unit: A prospective multicenter study / Factores determinantes de la mortalidad en pacientes con cáncer ingresados de forma no programada en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos: estudio multicéntrico prospectivo

Objectives To analyze clinical fatures associated to mortality in oncological patients with unplanned admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and to determine whether such risk factors differ between patients with solid tumors and those with hematological malignancies. Design An observational study was carried out. Setting A total of 123 Intensive Care Units across Spain. Patient All cancer patients with unscheduled admission due to acute illness related to the background oncological disease. Interventions None. Main variables Demographic parameters, severity scores and clinical condition were assessed, and mortality was analyzed. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed. Results A total of 482 patients were included: solid cancer (n=311) and hematological malignancy (n=171). Multivariate regression analysis showed the factors independently associated to ICU mortality to be the APACHE II score (OR 1.102; 95% CI 1.064–1.143), medical admission (OR 3.587; 95% CI 1.327–9.701), lung cancer (OR 2.98; 95% CI 1.48–5.99) and mechanical ventilation after the first 24h of ICU stay (OR 2.27; 95% CI 1.09–4.73), whereas no need for mechanical ventilation was identified as a protective factor (OR 0.15; 95% CI 0.09–0.28). In solid cancer patients, the APACHE II score, medical admission, antibiotics in the previous 48h and lung cancer were identified as independent mortality indicators, while no need for mechanical ventilation was identified as a protective factor. In the multivariate analysis, the APACHE II score and mechanical ventilation after 24h of ICU stay were independently associated to mortality in hematological cancer patients, while no need for mechanical ventilation was identified as a protective factor. Neutropenia was not identified as an independent mortality predictor in either the total cohort or in the two subgroups (AU)

Objetivos Determinar las características clínicas asociadas con la mortalidad en pacientes oncológicos ingresados de forma no programada en la UCI. También evaluamos si estos factores de riesgos difieren en los pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas o tumores sólidos. Diseño Estudio observacional. Ámbito Ciento veintitrés Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos en España. Pacientes Todos los pacientes con cáncer ingresados de forma no programada debido a una enfermedad aguda asociada con la enfermedad oncológica. Intervenciones Ninguna. Variables principales Las variables analizadas fueron los datos demográficos, escalas pronósticas de gravedad y el estado clínico del paciente. Se analizó la mortalidad y los factores relacionados con ésta. Se aplicó un análisis de regresión logística binaria multivariante. Resultados Se incluyó a un total de 482 pacientes: con tumores sólidos (n=331) y con neoplasias hematológicas (n=171). En el análisis de regresión multivariante, los factores asociados de manera independiente con la mortalidad en la UCI fueron la puntuación APACHE II (OR 1,102; IC del 95% 1,064-1,143), el ingreso médico (OR 3,587; IC del 95% 1,327-9,701), el cáncer de pulmón (OR 2,98, IC del 95% 1,48-5,99) y la ventilación mecánica tras las primeras 24h de ingreso en la UCI (OR 2,27; IC del 95% 1,09-4,73), mientras que la no necesidad de ventilación mecánica fue un factor protector (OR 0,15; IC del 95% 0,09-0,28). En el caso de los tumores sólidos, la puntuación APACHE II, el ingreso médico, la administración de antibióticos en las 48 h previas y el cáncer de pulmón fueron variables independientes relacionadas con la mortalidad, y la no necesidad de ventilación mecánica se identificó como un factor protector. En el análisis multivariante, la puntuación APACHE II y la ventilación mecánica al cabo de 24h desde el ingreso en la UCI se asociaron de manera independiente con mortalidad en pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas (AU)

Determinants of mortality in cancer patients with unscheduled admission to the Intensive Care Unit: A prospective multicenter study.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze clinical features associated to mortality in oncological patients with unplanned admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and to determine whether such risk factors differ between patients with solid tumors and those with hematological malignancies. DESIGN: An observational study was carried out. SETTING: A total of 123 Intensive Care Units across Spain. PATIENTS: All cancer patients with unscheduled admission due to acute illness related to the background oncological disease. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES: Demographic parameters, severity scores and clinical condition were assessed, and mortality was analyzed. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 482 patients were included: solid cancer (n=311) and hematological malignancy (n=171). Multivariate regression analysis showed the factors independently associated to ICU mortality to be the APACHE II score (OR 1.102; 95% CI 1.064-1.143), medical admission (OR 3.587; 95% CI 1.327-9.701), lung cancer (OR 2.98; 95% CI 1.48-5.99) and mechanical ventilation after the first 24h of ICU stay (OR 2.27; 95% CI 1.09-4.73), whereas no need for mechanical ventilation was identified as a protective factor (OR 0.15; 95% CI 0.09-0.28). In solid cancer patients, the APACHE II score, medical admission, antibiotics in the previous 48h and lung cancer were identified as independent mortality indicators, while no need for mechanical ventilation was identified as a protective factor. In the multivariate analysis, the APACHE II score and mechanical ventilation after 24h of ICU stay were independently associated to mortality in hematological cancer patients, while no need for mechanical ventilation was identified as a protective factor. Neutropenia was not identified as an independent mortality predictor in either the total cohort or in the two subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors associated to mortality did not differ significantly between patients with solid cancers and those with hematological malignancies. Delayed intubation in patients requiring mechanical ventilation might be associated to ICU mortality.

Characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted to Spanish ICU: A prospective observational study from the ENVIN-HELICS registry (2006-2011).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the case-mix of patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) in Spain during the period 2006-2011 and to assess changes in ICU mortality according to severity level. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of data obtained from the ENVN-HELICS registry. Observational prospective study. SETTING: Spanish ICU. PATIENTS: Patients admitted for over 24h. INTERVENTIONS: None. VARIABLES: Data for each of the participating hospitals and ICUs were recorded, as well as data that allowed to knowing the case-mix and the individual outcome of each patient. The study period was divided into two intervals, from 2006 to 2008 (period 1) and from 2009 to 2011 (period 2). Multilevel and multivariate models were used for the analysis of mortality and were performed in each stratum of severity level. RESULTS: The study population included 142,859 patients admitted to 188 adult ICUs. There was an increase in the mean age of the patients and in the percentage of patients >79 years (11.2% vs. 12.7%, P<0.001). Also, the mean APACHE II score increased from 14.35±8.29 to 14.72±8.43 (P<0.001). The crude overall intra-UCI mortality remained unchanged (11.4%) but adjusted mortality rate in patients with APACHE II score between 11 and 25 decreased modestly in recent years (12.3% vs. 11.6%, odds ratio=0.931, 95% CI 0.883-0.982; P=0.008). CONCLUSION: This study provides observational longitudinal data on case-mix of patients admitted to Spanish ICUs. A slight reduction in ICU mortality rate was observed among patients with intermediate severity level.

Análisis comparativo de pacientes ingresados en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos españolas por causa médica y quirúrgica / Comparative analysis of patients admitted to Spanish Intensive Care Units due to medical and surgical disease

OBJETIVO: Describir el case-mix de los pacientes médicos y quirúrgicos ingresados en UCI y comparar ambas poblaciones. DISEÑO: Análisis de datos de pacientes ingresados en UCI entre 2006 y 2011, extraídos del registro ENVIN-HELICS. Estudio observacional, prospectivo, multicéntrico y de participación voluntaria. Ámbito: Ciento ochenta y ocho Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos españolas. PARTICIPANTES: Pacientes ingresados durante más de 24 h. Variables de interés principales: Datos demográficos, causa de ingreso, escalas de gravedad, tiempo de estancia y mortalidad. RESULTADOS: Se analiza a 138.999 pacientes. El motivo de ingreso era médico no coronario en 65.467 (47,1%), coronario en 27.785 (20,0%), postoperatorio de cirugía programada en 28.044 (20,2%) y urgente en 17.613 (12,7%). Los pacientes quirúrgicos urgentes precisan mayor utilización de dispositivos y presentan más infecciones nosocomiales y por patógenos multirresistentes. La mediana de estancia en UCI es más prolongada en estos pacientes (5 días; rango intercuartílico: 2-11), así como la media de APACHE II y SAPS II. La mortalidad global es superior en pacientes médicos no coronarios (16,6%). Categorizando a los pacientes según el valor APACHE II, la mortalidad es mayor para todos los niveles en los pacientes quirúrgicos urgentes que en los programados, dándose la mayor diferencia en aquellos con APACHE II entre 6 y 10: el 3 y el 0,9%, respectivamente; OR: 2,141 (IC del 95%, 1,825-2,513); p < 0,001. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes médicos no coronarios presentan mayor mortalidad, pero son los quirúrgicos urgentes los que precisan mayor uso de recursos por paciente. La escala APACHE II infraestima la mortalidad en pacientes quirúrgicos urgentes

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of the patients case-mix admitted to ICUs due to medical and surgical disease, and to compare both groups. DESIGN: Analysis of data covering the period 2006-2011 in the ENVIN-HELICS registry. An observational, prospective, multicenter and voluntary participation study. Setting: A total of 188 Spanish ICUs. Patients: All patients admitted for more than 24 hours. MAIN VARIABLES: Demographic data, cause of admission, severity scores, length of stay, mortality. RESULTS: A total of 138,999 patients were analyzed. Of these, 65,467 (47.1%) were admitted due to a non-coronary medical cause, 27,785 (20,0%) due to coronary-related illness, 28,044 (20,2%) after elective surgery and 17,613 (12.7%) after urgent surgery. Use of devices, nosocomial infections and isolation of multirresistant organisms were more prevalent in urgent surgery patients. Longer length of stay (median 5 days; interquartile range 2-11) as well as higher severity scale values (APACHE II and SAPS II) corresponded to this same group of patients. Mortality was higher in non-coronay medical patients. On categorizing the patients according to the APACHE II score, mortality was seen to be higher in urgent surgery cases than in elective surgery patients in all groups. The largest difference was observed in the APACHE II score 6-10 group (3% vs. 0.9%) (OR: 2.14, 95% CI 1.825-2.513; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The mortality rate is higher in non-coronary medical patients, though resource use per patient is greater in the urgent surgery cases. The APACHE II scale underestimates mortality in emergency surgery patients

[Comparative analysis of patients admitted to Spanish Intensive Care Units due to medical and surgical disease]. / Análisis comparativo de pacientes ingresados en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos españolas por causa médica y quirúrgica.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of the patients case-mix admitted to ICUs due to medical and surgical disease, and to compare both groups. DESIGN: Analysis of data covering the period 2006-2011 in the ENVIN-HELICS registry. An observational, prospective, multicenter and voluntary participation study. SETTING: A total of 188 Spanish ICUs. PATIENTS: All patients admitted for more than 24 hours. MAIN VARIABLES: Demographic data, cause of admission, severity scores, length of stay, mortality. RESULTS: A total of 138,999 patients were analyzed. Of these, 65,467 (47.1%) were admitted due to a non-coronary medical cause, 27,785 (20,0%) due to coronary-related illness, 28,044 (20,2%) after elective surgery and 17,613 (12.7%) after urgent surgery. Use of devices, nosocomial infections and isolation of multirresistant organisms were more prevalent in urgent surgery patients. Longer length of stay (median 5 days; interquartile range 2-11) as well as higher severity scale values (APACHE II and SAPS II) corresponded to this same group of patients. Mortality was higher in non-coronay medical patients. On categorizing the patients according to the APACHE II score, mortality was seen to be higher in urgent surgery cases than in elective surgery patients in all groups. The largest difference was observed in the APACHE II score 6-10 group (3% vs. 0.9%) (OR: 2.14, 95% CI 1.825-2.513; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The mortality rate is higher in non-coronary medical patients, though resource use per patient is greater in the urgent surgery cases. The APACHE II scale underestimates mortality in emergency surgery patients.

Invasive device-related infections after heart surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze postoperative infections in critically ill patients undergoing heart surgery. SETTING: Intensive care units (ICUs). DESIGN: An observational, prospective, multicenter study was carried out. PATIENTS: Patients in the postoperative period of heart surgery admitted to the ICU and included in the ENVIN-HELICS registry between 2005 and 2011. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLES: Mechanical ventilation associated pneumonia (MVP), urinary catheter-related infection (UCI), primary bacteremia (PB), PB related to vascular catheters (PB-VC) and secondary bacteremia. RESULTS: Of a total of 97,692 patients included in the study, 9089 (9.3%) had undergone heart surgery. In 440 patients (4.8%), one or more infections were recorded. Infection rates were 9.94 episodes of MVP per 1000 days of mechanical ventilation, 3.4 episodes of UCI per 1000 days of urinary catheterization, 3.10 episodes of BP-VC per 1000 days of central venous catheter, and 1.84 episodes of secondary bacteremia per 1000 days of ICU stay. Statistically significant risk factors for infection were ICU stay (odds ratio [OR] 1.18, 95%CI 1.16-1.20), APACHE II upon admission to the ICU (OR 1.05, 95%CI 1.03-1.07), emergency surgery (OR 1.67, 95%CI 1.13-2.47), previous antibiotic treatment (OR 1.38, 95%CI 1.04-1.83), and previous colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (OR 18.25, 95%CI 3.74-89.06) or extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing enterobacteria (OR 16.97, 95%CI 5.4-53.2). The overall ICU mortality rate was 4.1% (32.2% in patients who developed one or more infections and 2.9% in uninfected patients) (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Of the patients included in the ENVIN-HELICS registry, 9.3% were postoperative heart surgery patients. The overall mortality was low but increased significantly in patients who developed one or more infection episodes.

Urethral catheter-related urinary infection in critical patients admitted to the ICU. Descriptive data of the ENVIN-UCI study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe trends in national catheter-related urinary tract infection (CRUTI) rates, as well as etiologies and multiresistance markers. DESIGN: An observational, prospective, multicenter voluntary participation study was conducted from 1 April to 30 June in the period between 2005 and 2010. SETTING: Intensive Care Units (ICUs) that participated in the ENVIN-ICU registry during the study period. PATIENTS: We included all patients admitted to the participating ICUs and patients with urinary catheter placement for more than 24 hours (78,863 patients). INTERVENTION: Patient monitoring was continued until discharge from the ICU or up to 60 days. VARIABLES OF INTEREST: CRUTIs were defined according to the CDC system, and frequency is expressed as incidence density (ID) in relation to the number of urinary catheter-patients days. RESULTS: A total of 2329 patients (2.95%) developed one or more CRUTI. The ID decreased from 6.69 to 4.18 episodes per 1000 days of urinary catheter between 2005 and 2010 (p<0.001). In relation to the underlying etiology, gramnegative bacilli predominated (55.6 to 61.6%), followed by fungi (18.7 to 25.2%) and grampositive cocci (17.1 to 25.9%). In 2010, ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli strains (37.1%) increased, as well as imipenem-resistant (36.4%) and ciprofloxacin-resistant (37.1%) strains of P. aeruginosa. CONCLUSIONS: A decrease was observed in CRUTI rates, maintaining the same etiological distribution and showing increased resistances in gramnegative pathogens, especially E. coli and P. aeruginosa.

First influenza season after the 2009 pandemic influenza: report of the first 300 ICU admissions in Spain

Introducción Durante la pandemia de gripe A, se publicaron diferentes comunicaciones. No obstante, el perfil clínico de los pacientes críticos afectados por este virus durante este segundo brote epidémico es poco conocido.Material y métodosEstudio prospectivo, observacional y multicéntrico realizado en 148 UCI españolas entre las semanas epidemiológicas 50 de 2010 y 4 de 2011.ResultadosSe incluyó a los primeros 300 pacientes ingresados en UCI con infección confirmada por An/H1N1. La media de edad fue de 49 [38-58] años y el 62% eran varones. La media de APACHE II fue 16,9±7,5, con una media de SOFA de 6,3±3,5. El 76% (n=228) de los pacientes presentaron alguna comorbilidad, 111 (37,4%) eran obesos y 59 (20%) presentaban EPOC. La presentación clínica más habitual fue la neumonía viral con hipoxemia severa (65,7%; n=197), mientras que se observó coinfección en 54 pacientes (18%). Todos recibieron tratamiento antiviral, de forma empírica en 194 (65,3%). Sólo 53 pacientes (17,6%) recibieron tratamiento antiviral precoz; 22 pacientes (7,3%) estaban vacunados. Cumplieron su evolución en UCI 200 pacientes, y fallecieron 67 de ellos. La enfermedad hematológica, la gravedad general, los infiltrados en la radiografía de tórax y la necesidad de ventilación mecánica fueron las variables asociadas de forma independiente con la mortalidad.ConclusionesLos pacientes críticos ingresados en UCI durante el brote estacional de gripe pospandémica evidenciaron escaso nivel de vacunación, mayor frecuencia de comorbilidades, un nivel gravedad más elevado, mayor incidencia de neumonía viral primaria y una mortalidad superior en comparación con lo observado durante la pandemia de 2009 (AU)

Introduction: During the 2009 influenza pandemic, several reports were published, nevertheless,data on the clinical profiles of critically ill patients with the new virus infection duringthis second outbreak are still lacking.Material methods: Prospective, observational, multi-center study conducted in 148 Spanishintensive care units (ICU) during epidemiological weeks 50-52 of 2010 and weeks 1 - 4 of 2011.Results: Three hundred patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with confirmedAn/H1N1 infection were analyzed. The median age was 49 years [IQR = 38-58] and 62% weremale. The mean APACHE II score was 16.9±7.5 and the mean SOFA score was 6.3±3.5 onadmission. Comorbidities were present in 76% (n = 228) of cases and 111 (37.4%) patients were reportedly obese and 59 (20%) were COPD. The main presentation was viral pneumonia withsevere hypoxemia in 65.7% (n = 197) of the patients whereas co-infection was identified in 54(18%) patients. All patients received antiviral treatment and initiated empirically in 194 patients(65.3%), however only 53 patients (17.6%) received early antiviral treatment. Vaccination wasonly administered in 22 (7.3%) patients. Sixty-seven of 200 patients with ICU discharge died.Haematological disease, severity of illness, infiltrates in chest X-ray and need for mechanicalventilation were variables independently associated with ICU mortality.Conclusions: In patients admitted to the ICU in the post-pandemic seasonal influenza outbreakvaccination was poorly implemented and appear to have higher frequency of severe comorbidities,severity of illness, incidence of primary viral pneumonia and increased mortality whencompared with those observed in the 2009 pandemic outbreak (AU)

First influenza season after the 2009 pandemic influenza: report of the first 300 ICU admissions in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: During the 2009 influenza pandemic, several reports were published, nevertheless, data on the clinical profiles of critically ill patients with the new virus infection during this second outbreak are still lacking. MATERIAL METHODS: Prospective, observational, multi-center study conducted in 148 Spanish intensive care units (ICU) during epidemiological weeks 50-52 of 2010 and weeks 1 - 4 of 2011. RESULTS: Three hundred patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with confirmed An/H1N1 infection were analyzed. The median age was 49 years [IQR=38-58] and 62% were male. The mean APACHE II score was 16.9 ± 7.5 and the mean SOFA score was 6.3 ± 3.5 on admission. Comorbidities were present in 76% (n=228) of cases and 111 (37.4%) patients were reportedly obese and 59 (20%) were COPD. The main presentation was viral pneumonia with severe hypoxemia in 65.7% (n=197) of the patients whereas co-infection was identified in 54 (18%) patients. All patients received antiviral treatment and initiated empirically in 194 patients (65.3%), however only 53 patients (17.6%) received early antiviral treatment. Vaccination was only administered in 22 (7.3%) patients. Sixty-seven of 200 patients with ICU discharge died. Haematological disease, severity of illness, infiltrates in chest X-ray and need for mechanical ventilation were variables independently associated with ICU mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In patients admitted to the ICU in the post-pandemic seasonal influenza outbreak vaccination was poorly implemented and appear to have higher frequency of severe comorbidities, severity of illness, incidence of primary viral pneumonia and increased mortality when compared with those observed in the 2009 pandemic outbreak.

[Impact of primary and intravascular catheter-related bacteremia due to coagulase-negative staphylococci in critically ill patients]. / Impacto de la bacteriemia primaria y relacionada con catéter intravascular causada por Staphylococcus coagulasa negativo en pacientes críticos.

OBJECTIVE: To study the impact of coagulase-negative staphylococcal (CNS) primary and intravascular catheter-related bloodstream infection (PBSI/CRBSI) on mortality and morbidity in critically-ill patients. DESIGN: We performed a double analysis using data from the ENVIN-HELICS registry data (years 1997 to 2008): 1) We studied the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with CNS-induced PBSI/CRBSI and compared them with those of patients with PBSI/CRBSI caused by other pathogens; and 2) We analyzed the impact of CNS-induced PBSI/CRBSI using a case-control design (1:4) in patients without other nosocomial infections. SETTING: 167 Spanish Intensive Care Units. PATIENTS: Patients admitted to ICU for more than 24 hours. RESULTS: 2,252 patients developed PBSI/CRBSI, of which 1,133 were caused by CNS. The associated mortality for PBSI/CRBSI caused by non-CNS pathogens was higher than that of the CNS group (29.8% vs. 25.9%; P=.039) due exclusively to the mortality of patients with candidemia (mortality: 45.9%). In patients without other infections, PBSI/CRBSI caused by CNS (414 patients) is an independent risk factor for a higher than average length of ICU stay (OR: 5.81, 95% CI: 4.31-7.82; P<.001). CONCLUSION: Crude mortality of patients with CNS-induced BPSI/CRBSI is similar to that of patients with BPSI/CRBSI caused by other bacteria, but lower than that of patients with candidemia. Compared to patients without nosocomial infections, CNS-induced PBSI/CRBSI is associated with a significant increase in length of ICU stay.

[Epidemiology and impact of nosocomial infections]. / Epidemiología e impacto de las infecciones nosocomiales.

Nosocomial infections are one of the most important problems occurring in Intensive Care Units. For this reason, the epidemiology and impact of these infections on critical patients must be known. Based on the data from the ENVIN-UCI study, the rates and etiology of the main nosocomial infections, such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, urinary tract infection and primary and secondary bloodstream infection, have been described. A review of the literature regarding the impact of different nosocomial infections on critically ill patients, particularly those caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, was also performed.

Indicadores de infección nosocomial / Nosocomial infection indicators

Los indicadores de infección nosocomial (IN) son una expresión de la calidad asistencial así como de la seguridad de los pacientes durante su estancia en el hospital. La cuantificación de los indicadores de infección se realiza mediante la aplicación de sistemas y/o programas de vigilancia. Los sistemas actuales de vigilancia de IN se basan tanto en estudios de prevalencia como de incidencia. En España se realiza desde el año 1990 el estudio de prevalencia EPINE, promovido por la Sociedad Española de Medicina Preventiva, Salud Pública e Higiene, que ha desarrollado 25 indicadores relacionados con IN en el conjunto de pacientes hospitalizados. Asimismo, desde el año 1994, se realiza el estudio de incidencia ENVIN-HELICS promovido por el Grupo de Trabajo de Enfermedades Infecciosas de la Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica y Unidades Coronarias que ha desarrollado 9 indicadores relacionados con infección adquirida en unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) en pacientes críticos. La participación en ambos sistemas de vigilancia es voluntaria y ha crecido de forma progresiva año tras año. Los dos sistemas de vigilancia ofrecen resultados de diferentes realidades en el entorno de la IN son complementarios entre si y han contribuido a crear una formación y una sensibilización del personal sanitario ante la IN y la seguridad del paciente. Este artículo muestra los indicadores correspondientes al año 2007 obtenidos por ambos programas, así como los estándares de referencia (AU)

Nosocomial infection indicators are a reflection of healthcare quality and patient safety in hospitals. Infection indicators are calculated using surveillance programs and/or systems. Current nosocomial infection surveillance systems are based on both prevalence and incidence studies. Since 1990 the EPINE prevalence study, promoted by the Spanish Society for Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Hygiene, has developed 25 nosocomial infection indicators in hospital patients in Spain. And since 1994 the ENVIN-HELICS incidence study, promoted by the Infectious Diseases Working Group of the Spanish Society for Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units, has developed nine ICU-acquired infection indicators in critical patients. Participation in both surveillance systems is voluntary and has gradually increased over the years. These two control systems present the results of two different situations in the area of nosocomial infection and each complements the other; in addition, they have helped to train health professionals and to raise their awareness of nosocomial infection and patient safety. This article presents the indicators obtained in 2007 through both surveillance programs as well as their standards of reference (AU)

[Recommendations of antimicrobial treatment in patients allergic to beta-lactam antibiotics]. / Recomendaciones del tratamiento antimicrobiano en pacientes alérgicos a antibióticos betalactámicos.

Beta-lactam antibiotics are the cornerstone of most of the severe bacterial infections. However, their use can be limited by resistances and allergic reactions. Allergic reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics account for only a small proportion of reported adverse drug reactions, but they are related with an important morbidity, mortality and increase of the health care costs. Drug-specific IgE antibodies cause early reactions, whereas T cells play a predominant role in delayed hypersensitivity reactions. For penicillin a major antigenic determinant and several minor determinants have been identified. Clinical assessment is mandatory by medical history, skin and other testing, including provocation. If the beta-lactam should be avoided or a desensitization procedure should be performed depends on the nature and severity of the reaction. Several new antibiotics are currently available (tigecycline, linezolid, daptomycin, etc.) that are as effective and safe as beta-lactams. In this article we have developed a few recommendations for the management of patients with allergy to beta-lactams on the basis of evidence and expert opinion.

[Nosocomial infection indicators]. / Indicadores de infección nosocomial.

Nosocomial infection indicators are a reflection of healthcare quality and patient safety in hospitals. Infection indicators are calculated using surveillance programs and/or systems. Current nosocomial infection surveillance systems are based on both prevalence and incidence studies. Since 1990 the EPINE prevalence study, promoted by the Spanish Society for Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Hygiene, has developed 25 nosocomial infection indicators in hospital patients in Spain. And since 1994 the ENVIN-HELICS incidence study, promoted by the Infectious Diseases Working Group of the Spanish Society for Intensive and Critical Care Medicine and Coronary Units, has developed nine ICU-acquired infection indicators in critical patients. Participation in both surveillance systems is voluntary and has gradually increased over the years. These two control systems present the results of two different situations in the area of nosocomial infection and each complements the other; in addition, they have helped to train health professionals and to raise their awareness of nosocomial infection and patient safety. This article presents the indicators obtained in 2007 through both surveillance programs as well as their standards of reference.

[National Study of Control of Nosocomial Infection in Intensive Care Units. Evolutive report of the years 2003-2005]. / Estudio Nacional de Vigilancia de Infección Nosocomial en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Informe evolutivo de los años 2003-2005.

OBJECTIVE: Describe the national rates of acquired invasive device-related infections in the ICU during 2003, 2004 and 2005, their etiology and evolution of the multiresistance markers. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. SCOPE: Intensive Care Unit or other units where critical patients are admitted. PATIENTS: 21,608 patients admitted for more than 24 hours in the participating ICUs. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Device related infections: pneumonias related with mechanical ventilation (N-MV), urinary infections related with urethral probe (UI-UP) and primary bacteriemias (PB) and/or those related with at risk vascular catheters (BCV). RESULTS: In 2,279 (10.5%) patients, 3,151 infections were detected: 1,469 N-MV, 808 UI-UP and 874 PB/RVC. Incidence rates ranged from 15.5 to 17.5 N-MV per 1,000 days of mechanical ventilation, 5.0 to 6.7 UI-UP per 1,000 days of urethral probe and 4.0 to 4.7 PB/RVC per 1,000 days of vascular catheter. The predominant etiology in the N-MV was meticillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. The UI-UP were originated predominantly by Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis. A. baumannii and E. coli have increased their resistance to imipenem and ciprofloxacin or cefotaxime, respectively, in the last year controlled. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated rates persist in all the infections controlled, without change in the etiology and increase of resistance of gram-negative bacilli.

Estudio Nacional de Vigilancia de Infección Nosocomial en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos. Informe evolutivo de los años 2003-2005 / National Study of Control of Nosocomial Infection in Intensive Care Units. Evolutive report of the years 2003-2005

Objetivo. Describir las tasas nacionales de las infecciones adquiridas en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) relacionadas con dispositivos invasores durante 2003, 2004 y 2005, su etiología y la evolución de los marcadores de multirresistencia. Diseño. Estudio prospectivo observacional. Ámbito. UCI u otras unidades donde ingresan pacientes críticos. Pacientes. Un total de 21.608 pacientes ingresados durante más de 24 horas en las UCI participantes. Principales variables de interés. Infecciones relacionadas con dispositivos: neumonías relacionadas con ventilación mecánica (N-VM), infecciones urinarias relacionadas con sonda uretral (IU-SU) y bacteriemias primarias (BP) y/o relacionadas con catéteres vasculares de riesgo (BCV). Resultados. En 2.279 (10,5%) pacientes se han detectado 3.151 infecciones: 1.469 N-VM, 808 IU-SU y 874 BP/BCV. Las tasas de incidencia han oscilado desde 15,5 a 17,5 N-VM por 1.000 días de ventilación mecánica, 5,0 a 6,7 IU-SU por 1.000 días de sonda uretral y 4,0 a 4,7 BP/BCV por 1.000 días de catéter vascular. La etiología predominante en las N-VM ha sido Staphylococcus aureus sensible a meticilina, Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Acinetobacter baumannii. Las IU-SU han estado originadas predominantemente por Escherichia coli, Candida albicans y Enterococcus faecalis. A. baumannii y E. coli han aumentado su resistencia a imipenem y ciprofloxacino o cefotaxima, respectivamente, en el último año controlado. Conclusiones. Persisten tasas elevadas en todas las infecciones controladas, sin cambio en la etiología y aumento de la resistencia de bacilos gramnegativos

Objective. Describe the national rates of acquired invasive device-related infections in the ICU during 2003, 2004 and 2005, their etiology and evolution of the multiresistance markers. Design. Prospective, observational study. Scope. Intensive Care Unit or other units where critical patients are admitted. Patients. 21,608 patients admitted for more than 24 hours in the participating ICUs. Main variables of interest. Device related infections: pneumonias related with mechanical ventilation (N-MV), urinary infections related with urethral probe (UI-UP) and primary bacteriemias (PB) and/or those related with at risk vascular catheters (BCV). Results. In 2,279 (10.5%) patients, 3,151 infections were detected: 1,469 N-MV, 808 UI-UP and 874 PB/RVC. Incidence rates ranged from 15.5 to 17.5 N-MV per 1,000 days of mechanical ventilation, 5.0 to 6.7 UI-UP per 1,000 days of urethral probe and 4.0 to 4.7 PB/RVC per 1,000 days of vascular catheter. The predominant etiology in the N-MV was meticillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. The UI-UP were originated predominately by Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis. A. baumannii and E. coli have increased their resistance to imipenem and ciprofloxacin or cefotaxime, respectively, in the last year controlled. Conclusions. Elevated rates persist in all the infections controlled, without change in the etiology and increase of resistance of gram-negative bacilli

Guías para el manejo de la neumonía comunitaria del adulto que precisa ingreso en el hospital / Guidelines for the management of community pneumonia in adult who needs hospitalization

La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC) sigue siendo un problema sanitario de primer orden. En España, la incidencia de este tipo de infección es de 162 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes, lo que supone 53.000 hospitalizaciones al año y un coste de 115 millones de euros. Además, en los últimos años se han producido avances significativos en el conocimiento de la etiología y el diagnóstico de la enfermedad. Al mismo tiempo se está consiguiendo una mejor comprensión del problema derivado del aumento de las resistencias bacterianas, y han aparecido nuevas alternativas terapéuticas para el manejo de esta enfermedad. Por todo ello, un grupo de expertos pertenecientes a tres sociedades científicas de nuestro país (Sociedad Española de Medicina Intensiva, Crítica y Unidades Coronarias - SEMICYUC; Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica - SEIMC; Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica - SEPAR) se han reunido para, tras una revisión crítica de la literatura, elaborar las presentes Guías para el manejo de la NAC. En ellas se abordan aspectos de epidemiología, índices pronósticos, etiología, diagnóstico, tratamiento y prevención de la enfermedad. El objetivo que se persigue es ayudar a los clínicos en la toma de decisiones, sin olvidar destacar la importancia que tiene el conocer las características particulares de la NAC en cada zona

Community acquired pneumonia is still an important health problem. In Spain the year incidence is 162 cases per 100,000 inhabitants with 53,000 hospital admission costing 115 millions of euros per year. In the last years there have been significant advances in the knowledge of: aetiology, diagnostic tools, treatment alternatives and antibiotic resistance. The Spanish Societies of Intensive and Critical Care (SEMICYUC), Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC) and Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) have produced these evidence-based Guidelines for the management of community acquired pneumonia in Adults. The main objective is to help physicians to make decisions about this disease. The different points that have been developed are: aetiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention

[Guidelines for the management of community pneumonia in adult who needs hospitalization]. / Guías para el manejo de la neumonía comunitaria del adulto que precisa ingreso en el hospital.

Community acquired pneumonia is still an important health problem. In Spain the year incidence is 162 cases per 100,000 inhabitants with 53,000 hospital admission costing 115 millions of euros per year. In the last years there have been significant advances in the knowledge of: aetiology, diagnostic tools, treatment alternatives and antibiotic resistance. The Spanish Societies of Intensive and Critical Care (SEMICYUC), Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC) and Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) have produced these evidence-based Guidelines for the management of community acquired pneumonia in Adults. The main objective is to help physicians to make decisions about this disease. The different points that have been developed are: aetiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

[Levofloxacin in patients in the ICU. Factors influencing the choice of dose and its use in combined therapy]. / Levofloxacino en pacientes ingresados en UCI. Factores que influyen en la elección de la dosis y en su uso en terapia combinada.

This study aimed to identify factors that influence the selection of different approaches to prescribing levofloxacin (e.g., monotherapy vs. combined therapy, 12-h vs. 24-h interval) and the effect on mortality in the ICU. An observational, prospective, multicenter study was conducted. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with the prescription of levofloxacin in combined therapy and at a dose of 500 mg every 12 hours. In addition, a logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the impact of the different prescribing methods on mortality in the ICU. The most frequently administered initial dose was 500 mg/24 h (48.5%) and 500 mg/12 h (48.3%). No factors were found to influence the choice of daily dose. A total of 49.7% of levofloxacin prescriptions were in combined therapy. Factors influencing the decision to prescribe a combined regimen included diagnosis of extra-ICU nosocomial infection (OR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.13-3.42); severe sepsis (OR: 2.56; 95% CI: 1.66-3.94); septic shock (OR: 6.22; 95% CI: 3.54-10.9); and identification of the causative pathogen (OR: 1.99: 95% CI: 1.34-2.95). The mortality rate was 21.4% and the related factors were septic shock (OR: 3.09; 95% CI: 1.38-6.91); treatment failure (OR: 23.4; 95% CI: 12.3-44.6); and combined therapy (OR: 2.36; 95% CI: 1.21-4.59). The selection of the initial dose of levofloxacin was not influenced by any factor, as long as the antibiotic was given in combined therapy in patients in whom the cause of the infection had been identified, in patients with greater systemic response, and in nosocomial infection outside the ICU. The selection of combined therapy was associated with a worse prognosis.