Nintedanib in chronic fibrosing interstitial lung diseases. A case series.

Progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) can be fatal in non-idiopathic interstitial lung diseases. We report a descriptive series of 13 patients with PPF who received treatment with nintedanib, a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor with antifibrotic effect. Although the reduced number of patients and the observational nature of a case series prevent us from providing strong evidence, our results suggest that nintedanib could be effective in PPF of various etiologies. Nintedanib could also be useful in specific populations such as patients awaiting lung transplant and elderly patients.

Radiological usual interstitial pneumonia pattern is associated with two-year mortality in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Introduction: The new diagnostic guidelines for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) did not rule out the possibility of combining the radiological patterns of usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) and probable UIP, given the similar management and diagnostic capacity. However, the prognostic implications of these patterns have not been fully elucidated, with different studies showing heterogeneous results. We applied the new criteria to a retrospective series of patients with IPF, assessing survival based on radiological patterns, findings, and their extension. Methods: Two thoracic radiologists reviewed high-resolution computed tomography images taken at diagnosis in 146 patients with IPF, describing the radiological findings and patterns. The association of each radiological finding and radiological patterns with two-year mortality was analysed. Results: The two-year mortality rate was 40.2% in IPF patients with an UIP radiological pattern versus 7.1% in those with probable UIP. Compared to the UIP pattern, probable UIP was protective against mortality, even after adjusting for age, sex, pulmonary function, and extent of fibrosis (hazard ratio (HR) 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06-0.99). Receiving antifibrotic treatment was also a protective factor (HR 0.51, 95%CI 0.27-0.98). Honeycombing (HR 3.62, 95%CI 1.27-10.32), an acute exacerbation pattern (HR 4.07, 95%CI 1.84-8.96), and the overall extent of fibrosis (HR 1.04, 95%CI 1.02-1.06) were predictors of mortality. Conclusions: In our series, two-year mortality was higher in patients with IPF who presented a radiological pattern of UIP versus probable UIP on the initial scan. Honeycombing, an acute exacerbation pattern, and a greater overall extent of fibrosis were also predictors of increased mortality. The prognostic differences between the radiological pattern of UIP and probable UIP in our series would support maintaining them as two differentiated patterns.

The role of expectations, subjective experience, and pain in the recovery from an elective and emergency caesarean section: A structural equation model.

BACKGROUND: Rapid return to mobilisation and daily function is essential for recovery after an elective and emergency caesarean section, prevention of short- and long-term complications, and mothers' well-being. High pain levels may delay recovery. Considering the biopsychosocial model, recovery is additionally complex and comprises social and psychological aspects. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relationships between preoperative expectations, perioperative subjective experience, postoperative pain levels, and postoperative interruption of functioning and recovery. METHODS: Overall, 306 women completed a set of questionnaires on the fourth day after a caesarean section regarding their demographic information, levels of expectation matching the caesarean section and the perioperative subjective experience, and the pain levels and interruption to daily activities 24 hours postpartum. RESULTS: Using a structural equation model, a gap between preoperative expectations and perioperative experience related to a poorer perioperative subjective experience was found. This was associated with higher postoperative pain levels that were directly and indirectly related to the interruption of various functions and activities during the initial 24 hours postpartum. The model explained 58% of the variance in postpartum functioning and had good goodness-of-fit (χ2 = 242.74, df = 112, χ2/df = 2.17, NFI = 0.93, CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.06). Additionally, pain levels were higher and daily activities were more severely impaired for women who had undergone emergency caesarean section compared to those who had undergone elective caesarean section. CONCLUSION: The need for preoperative preparation and setting expectations, perioperative emotional support, continuous communication with the mother, and an efficient postoperative pain management was highlighted.

Aplicación de escalas pronósticas de gravedad en la neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 / Application of validated severity scores for pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2

Objetivos: Comparar el rendimiento de las escalas pronósticas PSI, CURB-65, MuLBSTA y COVID-GRAM para predecir mortalidad y necesidad de ventilación mecánica invasiva en pacientes con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2. Valorar la existencia de coinfección bacteriana respiratoria durante el ingreso.MétodoEstudio observacional retrospectivo que incluyó a adultos hospitalizados con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 del 15 de marzo al 15 de mayo de 2020. Se excluyó a aquellos inmunodeprimidos, institucionalizados e ingresados en los 14 días previos por otro motivo. Se realizó un análisis de curvas ROC, calculando el área bajo la curva para las diferentes escalas, así como sensibilidad, especificidad y valores predictivos.ResultadosSe incluyó a 208 pacientes, con edad de 63±17 años; el 57,7% eran hombres. Ingresaron en UCI 38 (23,5%), de estos, 33 precisaron ventilación mecánica invasiva (86,8%), con una mortalidad global del 12,5%. Las áreas bajo las curvas ROC para mortalidad de los clasificaciones fueron: PSI 0,82 (IC 95%: 0,73-0,91); CURB-65 0,82 (0,73-0,91); MuLBSTA 0,72 (0,62-0,81) y COVID-GRAM 0,86 (0,70-1). Las áreas para necesidad de ventilación mecánica invasiva fueron: PSI 0,73 (IC 95%: 0,64-0,82); CURB-65 0,66 (0,55-0,77); MuLBSTA 0,78 (0,69-0,86) y COVID-GRAM 0,76 (0,67-0,85), respectivamente. Los pacientes que presentaron coinfección bacteriana respiratoria fueron 20 (9,6%); los gérmenes más frecuentes fueron Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Klebsiella pneumoniae.ConclusionesEn nuestro estudio la escala COVID-GRAM fue la más precisa para identificar a los pacientes con mayor mortalidad ingresados con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2; no obstante, ninguna de estas escalas predice de forma precisa la necesidad de ventilación mecánica invasiva con ingreso en UCI. El 10% de los pacientes presentó coinfección bacteriana respiratoria.

Objectives: Compare the accuracy of PSI, CURB-65, MuLBSTA and COVID-GRAM prognostic scores to predict mortality, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 and assess the coexistence of bacterial respiratory tract infection during admission.MethodsRetrospective observational study that included hospitalized adults with pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 from 15/03 to 15/05/2020. We excluded immunocompromised patients, nursing home residents and those admitted in the previous 14 days for another reasons. Analysis of ROC curves was performed, calculating the area under the curve for the different scales, as well as sensitivity, specificity and predictive values.ResultsA total of 208 patients were enrolled, aged 63±17 years, 57,7% were men; 38 patients were admitted to ICU (23,5%), of these patients 33 required invasive mechanical ventilation (86,8%), with an overall mortality of 12,5%. Area under the ROC curves for mortality of the scores were: PSI 0,82 (95% CI: 0,73-0,91), CURB-65 0,82 (0,73-0,91), MuLBSTA 0,72 (0,62-0,81) and COVID-GRAM 0,86 (0,70-1). Area under the curve for needing invasive mechanical ventilation was: PSI 0,73 (95% CI: 0,64-0,82), CURB-65 0,66 (0,55-0,77), MuLBSTA 0,78 (0,69-0,86) and COVID-GRAM 0,76 (0,67-0,85), respectively. Patients with bacterial co-infections of the respiratory tract were 20 (9,6%), the most frequent strains being Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae.ConclusionsIn our study, the COVID-GRAM score was the most accurate to identify patients with higher mortality with pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2; however, none of these scores accurately predicts the need for invasive mechanical ventilation with ICU admission. The 10% of patients admitted presented bacterial respiratory co-infection. (AU)

Application of validated severity scores for pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2.

OBJECTIVES: Compare the accuracy of PSI, CURB-65, MuLBSTA and COVID-GRAM prognostic scores to predict mortality, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in patients with pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 and assess the coexistence of bacterial respiratory tract infection during admission. METHODS: Retrospective observational study that included hospitalized adults with pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 from 15/03 to 15/05/2020. We excluded immunocompromised patients, nursing home residents and those admitted in the previous 14 days for another reasons. Analysis of ROC curves was performed, calculating the area under the curve for the different scales, as well as sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. RESULTS: 208 patients were enrolled, aged 63 ± 17 years, 577% were men. 38 patients were admitted to ICU (235%), of these patients 33 required IMV (868%), with an overall mortality of 125%. Area under the ROC curves for mortality of the scores were: PSI 082 (95% CI 073-091), CURB-65 082 (073-091), MuLBSTA 072 (062-081) and COVID-GRAM 086 (070-1). Area under the curve for needing IMV was: PSI 073 (95% CI 064-082), CURB-65 066 (055-077), MuLBSTA 078 (069-086) and COVID-GRAM 076 (067-085), respectively. Patients with bacterial co-infections of the respiratory tract were 20 (9,6%), the most frequent strains being Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the COVID-GRAM score was the most accurate to identify patients with higher mortality with pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2; however, none of these scores accurately predicts the need for IMV with ICU admission. 10% of patients admitted presented bacterial respiratory co-infection.

OBJETIVOS: Comparar el rendimiento de las escalas pronósticas PSI, CURB-65, MuLBSTA y COVID-GRAM para predecir mortalidad y necesidad de ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) en pacientes con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2. Valorar la existencia de coinfección bacteriana respiratoria durante el ingreso. MÉTODO: Estudio observacional retrospectivo que incluyó adultos hospitalizados con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2 del 15/03 al 15/05/2020. Se excluyeron aquellos inmunodeprimidos, institucionalizados e ingresados en los 14 días previos por otro motivo. Se realizó un análisis de curvas ROC, calculando el área bajo la curva para las diferentes escalas, así como sensibilidad, especificidad y valores predictivos. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 208 pacientes, con edad de 63 ± 17 años; el 57,7% eran hombres. Ingresaron en UCI 38 (23,5%), precisando de estos VMI 33 (86,8%), con una mortalidad global del 12,5%. Las áreas bajo las curvas ROC para mortalidad de los scores fueron: PSI 0,82 (95% IC 0,73­0,91), CURB-65 0,82 (0,73­0,91), MuLBSTA 0,72 (0,62­0,81) y COVID-GRAM 0,86 (0,70­1). Las áreas para necesidad de VMI fueron: PSI 0,73 (95% IC 0,64­0,82), CURB-65 0,66 (0,55­0,77), MuLBSTA 0,78 (0,69­0,86) y COVID-GRAM 0,76 (0,67­0,85), respectivamente. Los pacientes que presentaron coinfección bacteriana respiratoria fueron 20 (9.6%) siendo los gérmenes más frecuentes Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Klebsiella pneumoniae. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestro estudio el score COVID-GRAM fue el más preciso para identificar los pacientes con mayor mortalidad ingresados con neumonía por SARS-CoV-2, no obstante, ninguno de estos scores predice de forma precisa la necesidad de VMI con ingreso en UCI. El 10% de los pacientes presentó coinfección bacteriana respiratoria.

Inhaled bronchodilators use and clinical course of adult inpatients with Covid-19 pneumonia in Spain: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In the current coronavirus health crisis, inhaled bronchodilators(IB) have been suggested as a possible treatment for patients hospitalized. Patients with evidence of Covid-19 pneumonia worldwide have been prescribed these medications as part of therapy for the disease, an indication for which this medications could be ineffective taken on account the pathophysiology and mechanisms of disease progression. OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to evaluate whether there is an association between IB use and length of stay. Primary end points were the number of days that a patient stayed in the hospital and death as a final event in a time to event analysis. Pneumonia severity, oxygen requirement, involved drugs, comorbidity, historical or current respiratory diagnoses and other drugs prescribed to treat coronavirus pneumonia were also evaluated. METHODS: A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was performed in this tertiary hospital in Madrid (Spain). Data were obtained regarding patients hospitalized with Covid-19, excluding those who were intubated. The primary and secondary outcomes such as duration of hospitalization and death were compared in patients who received IB with those in patients who did not. RESULTS: 327 patients were evaluated, mean age was 64.4 ± 15.8 years. Median length of hospitalization stay was 10 days. Of them 292 (89.3%) overcame the disease, the remaining 35 died. Patients who had received IB did not have less mortality rate (odds ratio 0.839; 95% CI: 0.401 to 1.752) and less hospitalization period when compared with patients who did not received IB (odds ratio 1.280; 95% CI: 0.813 to 2.027). There was no significant association between IB use and recovery or death. Hypertension and diabetes were the most common comorbidities. The prevalence of chronic respiratory disease in our cohort was low (21.1%). Anticholinergics were the IB more frequently prescribed for Covid-19 pneumonia. Better response in patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids was not observed. CONCLUSION: Off-label indication of inhaled-bronchodilators for Covid-19 patients are common in admitted patients. Taken on account our results, the use of IB for coronavirus pneumonia apparently is not associated with a significantly patient's improvement. Our study confirms the hypothesis that inhaled bronchodilators do not improve clinical outcomes or reduce the risk of Covid-19 mortality. This could be due to the fact that the virus mainly affects the lung parenchyma and the pulmonary vasculature and probably not the airway. More researches are necessary in order to fill the gap in evidence for this new indication.

[Application of validated severity scores for pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2]. / Aplicación de escalas pronósticas de gravedad en la neumonía por SARS-CoV-2.

OBJECTIVES: Compare the accuracy of PSI, CURB-65, MuLBSTA and COVID-GRAM prognostic scores to predict mortality, the need for invasive mechanical ventilation in patients with pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 and assess the coexistence of bacterial respiratory tract infection during admission. METHODS: Retrospective observational study that included hospitalized adults with pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 from 15/03 to 15/05/2020. We excluded immunocompromised patients, nursing home residents and those admitted in the previous 14 days for another reasons. Analysis of ROC curves was performed, calculating the area under the curve for the different scales, as well as sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. RESULTS: A total of 208 patients were enrolled, aged 63±17 years, 57,7% were men; 38 patients were admitted to ICU (23,5%), of these patients 33 required invasive mechanical ventilation (86,8%), with an overall mortality of 12,5%. Area under the ROC curves for mortality of the scores were: PSI 0,82 (95% CI: 0,73-0,91), CURB-65 0,82 (0,73-0,91), MuLBSTA 0,72 (0,62-0,81) and COVID-GRAM 0,86 (0,70-1). Area under the curve for needing invasive mechanical ventilation was: PSI 0,73 (95% CI: 0,64-0,82), CURB-65 0,66 (0,55-0,77), MuLBSTA 0,78 (0,69-0,86) and COVID-GRAM 0,76 (0,67-0,85), respectively. Patients with bacterial co-infections of the respiratory tract were 20 (9,6%), the most frequent strains being Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the COVID-GRAM score was the most accurate to identify patients with higher mortality with pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2; however, none of these scores accurately predicts the need for invasive mechanical ventilation with ICU admission. The 10% of patients admitted presented bacterial respiratory co-infection.

New technologies as a strategy to decrease medication errors: how do they affect adults and children differently?

BACKGROUND: Medication error can occur throughout the drug treatment process, with special relevance in children given the risk of adverse effects resulting from a medication error is more prevalent than in adults. The significance of medication error in children is also greater because small error that would be tolerated in adults can cause significant damage in children. Moreover, the likelihood of injury is higher than in adults. DATA SOURCES: Based on the data published, most medication errors take place in prescribing and administration stages in both populations. Taking in account that child's risk factors are different from those of adults, with some specific causes to pediatrics, we have reviewed available data about new technologies as a strategy to reduce pediatric medication errors. RESULTS: Even though there is a lack of standardized definitions and terminology that makes studies difficult to compare, we checked that new technologies have proven to be effectives in reducing medication errors, mainly computerized physician order entry (CPOE) and platforms to aid decision-making. However, we also observed that the use of these informatic tools can also generate new errors. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of CPOE programs for pediatrics, communication improvement between healthcare professionals taking care of admitted children and the knowledge of these programs should be the mayor priorities for the safety of hospitalized children.

Reasons for initiation of proton pump inhibitor therapy for hospitalised patients and its impact on outpatient prescription in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Proton-pump-inhibitors are often prescribed unnecessarily in hospitals, which in turn induces their prescriptions after discharge. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patients starting treatment with proton-pump-inhibitors during hospitalisation and proportion of inappropriate prescriptions. Patient risk factors and whether initiation in hospital induced their continuation in ambulatory care were also analyzed. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital (1350 beds) was carried out on the first Tuesday in February 2015. Pharmacists screened admitted patients treated with proton-pump-inhibitors using an electronic prescription program (FarmaTools®-5.0). They also checked patients' home medications before admission by accessing a primary care program (Horus®). Authorized indications according to Spanish-Medicines-Agency and those recommended in Spanish-Clinical-Practice-Guidelines were considered appropriate. Hospital-medical-records were checked to know whether proton-pump-inhibitors were prescribed at discharge. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy nine patients were analysed. Two hundred ninety four of them were prescribed proton-pump-inhibitors (77.6%). Treatment was initiated during admission for 143 patients (48.6%, 95% CI: 42.8-54.5). Of them, 91 (63.6%, 95% CI: 55.2-71.5) were inappropriate, mainly due to its inclusion unnecessarily in protocols associated with surgeries or diseases (56 cases of 91, 61.5%). Additional inappropriate indications were surgical stress ulcer prophylaxis for surgeries without bleeding risks (19.8%) and polypharmacy without drugs that increase the risk of bleeding (18.7%). Of 232 discharge reports assessed, in 153 (65.9%, 95% CI: 59.5-72), proton-pump-inhibitor continuation was recommended, of them, 51 (33.3%) were initiated at admission. CONCLUSION: In hospitalized patients there is a high prevalence of prescription of proton-pump-inhibitors unnecessarily. The superfluous use is often associated with the prescription of treatment protocols. Those treatments started in the hospital generally did not contribute to over-use existing primary care, most of them were removed at discharge.

Reasons for initiation of proton pump inhibitor therapy for hospitalised patients and its impact on outpatient prescription in primary care

BACKGROUND: Proton-pump-inhibitors are often prescribed unnecessarily in hospitals, which in turn induces their prescriptions after discharge. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patients starting treatment with proton-pump-inhibitors during hospitalisation and proportion of inappropriate prescriptions. Patient risk factors and whether initiation in hospital induced their continuation in ambulatory care were also analyzed. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital (1350 beds) was carried out on the first Tuesday in February 2015. Pharmacists screened admitted patients treated with proton-pump-inhibitors using an electronic prescription program (FarmaTools®-5.0). They also checked patients' home medications before admission by accessing a primary care program (Horus®). Authorized indications according to Spanish-Medicines-Agency and those recommended in Spanish-Clinical-Practice- Guidelines were considered appropriate. Hospital-medical-records were checked to know whether proton-pump-inhibitors were prescribed at discharge. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy nine patients were analysed. Two hundred ninety four of them were prescribed proton-pumpinhibitors (77.6%). Treatment was initiated during admission for 143 patients (48.6%, 95% CI: 42.8-54.5). Of them, 91 (63.6%, 95% CI: 55.2-71.5) were inappropriate, mainly due to its inclusion unnecessarily in protocols associated with surgeries or diseases (56 cases of 91, 61.5%). Additional inappropriate indications were surgical stress ulcer prophylaxis for surgeries without bleeding risks (19.8%) and polypharmacy without drugs that increase the risk of bleeding (18.7%). Of 232 discharge reports assessed, in 153 (65.9%, 95% CI: 59.5-72), proton-pump-inhibitor continuation was recommended, of them, 51 (33.3%) were initiated at admission. CONCLUSION: In hospitalized patients there is a high prevalence of prescription of proton-pump-inhibitors unnecessarily. The superfluous use is often associated with the prescription of treatment protocols. Those treatments started in the hospital generally did not contribute to over-use existing primary care, most of them were removed at discharge

¿Es útil la reevaluación de cristales en el líquido sinovial? / Reassessment of crystals in synovial fluid: is it helpful?

Introducción. El recuento celular, el análisis de cristales y el estudio microbiológico del líquido sinovial (LS), son piezas claves en el diagnóstico y manejo del derrame articular pues conducen a decisiones clínicas y terapéuticas. El análisis de cristales suele realizarse en campo claro y con luz polarizada compensada (LPC). Depende de la experiencia del examinador y del número de cristales presentes. Para aumentar el rendimiento, se puede analizar el sedimento tras centrifugación. Hay autores que sugieren que la maduración in vitro de los cristales facilita su identificación tras 24 horas de la extracción. Otros sugieren que dicha demora deteriora la muestra. Nuestro objetivo es valorar si el re-examen del LS a las 24 horas puede aumentar el rendimiento diagnóstico para cristales. Material y métodos. Se analizaron durante 4 meses las muestras de LS remitidas para su análisis con LP y microscopía de campo claro; se realizó reevaluación a las 24 horas en todos los casos posibles. Resultados. Recibimos 174 LS, de los cuales 138 (79,3%) fueron negativos para el primer análisis y 36 positivos. En 84 casos (60,8%) se pudo realizar una evaluación a las 24 horas. En 10 casos (11,9%) se observaron cristales que no habían sido vistos en el primer análisis. Siempre se trató de cristales de pirofosfato cálcico dihidratado. El incremento de muestras positivas tras el segundo examen fue de un 27,8% (IC 95%: 13,1-42,4). Conclusión. El reanálisis de cristales en LS a las 24 horas debe considerarse en los casos de sospecha de artropatía microcristalina con primer examen negativo (AU)

Background. White blood cell counts, analysis of crystals in synovial fluid (SF) and microbiological studies are key measurements in the diagnosis and management of joint effusion. The results may lead to clinical and therapeutic decisions. The diagnosis of crystals in SF, usually performed by examination with compensated polarised light microscopy (PL), is not easy. It depends on the experience of the examiner and amount of crystals in the sample, which is sometimes very small. In order to increase the performance, analysis may be performed on the sediment after centrifugation. Some authors suggest that due to in vitro maturation of crystals, they can be more easily identified 24hours after extraction. Others suggest that the sample deteriorates. We question whether re-examination of SF can increase the diagnostic yield of this test. Methods. Over a 4 month period we analysed crystals in SF received in the laboratory using a PL and ordinary light microscopy. Where this was possible, the SF was examined again after 24hours. Results. We received 174 SF; 138 (79.3%) were negative for the first analysis. In 84 cases (60.8%) a re-evaluation could be made after 24hours by trained staff. In 10 cases (11.9%) crystals that had not been seen previously became apparent. In all cases they were calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals. The number of positive fluids increased by 27.8% (95% CI: 13.1-42.4) after a second assay. Conclusions. The re-analysis of crystals in SF at 24hours should be considered in cases of high suspicion of microcrystalline arthropathy when the first test is negative (AU)

Infecciones nosocomiales en el Hospital Universitario de Caracas / Nosocomial infections in the University Hospital of Caracas

En un estudio de vigilancia epidemiológica intensificada de las infecciones nosocomiales durante el año 1986 en el Hospital Universitario de Caracas se identificaron 1566 casos, en 913 pacientes hospitalizados. La incidencia de infección nosocomial fue de 74 casos por 1.000 egresos hospitalarios. infecciones de tejidos blandos superficiales, de heridas quirúrgicas, respiratorias bajas y urinarias, fueron las mas frecuentemente identificadas. La Unidad de Terapia Intensiva, el Servicio de Pediatría Neonatal y los tres Servicios de Medicina registraron más de 50%de estas infecciones. Pseudomonas aeroginosa fue el microorganismo más frecuente aislado, seguido por Escherichia coli y por Staphylococcus aureus. La mayoría de los agentes fueron bacterias Gram negativas, las cuales presentan serios problemas de resistencia a los antimicrobianos, particularmente Pseudomonas aeruginosa y acinetobacter calcoaceticus var. anitratus