Overlapping of Independent SARS-CoV-2 Nosocomial Transmissions in a Complex Outbreak.

SARS-CoV-2 nosocomial outbreaks in the first COVID-19 wave were likely associated with a shortage of personal protective equipment and scarce indications on control measures. Having covered these limitations, updates on current SARS-CoV-2 nosocomial outbreaks are required. We carried out an in-depth analysis of a 27-day nosocomial outbreak in a gastroenterology ward in our hospital, potentially involving 15 patients and 3 health care workers. Patients had stayed in one of three neighboring rooms in the ward. The severity of the infections in six of the cases and a high fatality rate made the clinicians suspect the possible involvement of a single virulent strain persisting in those rooms. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of the strains from 12 patients and 1 health care worker revealed an unexpected complexity. Five different SARS-CoV-2 strains were identified, two infecting a single patient each, ruling out their relationship with the outbreak; the remaining three strains were involved in three independent, overlapping, limited transmission clusters with three, three, and five cases. Whole-genome sequencing was key to understand the complexity of this outbreak. IMPORTANCE We report a complex epidemiological scenario of a nosocomial COVID-19 outbreak in the second wave, based on WGS analysis. Initially, standard epidemiological findings led to the assumption of a homogeneous outbreak caused by a single SARS-CoV-2 strain. The discriminatory power of WGS offered a strikingly different perspective consisting of five introductions of different strains, with only half of them causing secondary cases in three independent overlapping clusters. Our study exemplifies how complex the SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the nosocomial setting during the second COVID-19 wave occurred and leads to extending the analysis of outbreaks beyond the initial epidemiological assumptions.

Proper Assignation of Reactivation in a COVID-19 Recurrence Initially Interpreted as a Reinfection.

A 77-year-old man (case R) with previous diagnosis of a mild COVID-19 episode was hospitalized 35 days later. On day 23 postadmission, he developed a second COVID-19 episode, now severe, and finally died. Initially, case R's COVID-19 recurrence was interpreted as a reinfection due to the exposure to a SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR-positive roommate. However, whole-genome sequencing indicated that case R's recurrence corresponded to a reactivation of the strain involved in his first episode. Case R's reactivation had major consequences, leading to a more severe episode, and causing subsequent transmission to another 2 hospitalized patients, 1 of them with fatal outcome.

Desmoid fibromatosis of the esophagogastric junction

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Desmoid fibromatosis of the esophagogastric junction.

Desmoid fibromatosis is a mesenchymal clonal proliferation, which lacks metastatic potential. Nevertheless, it has an infiltrative growth and thus implies a high morbidity1. Although the etiology remains unclear, mutations in the B-catenin or APC genes are involved. Some risk factors include pregnancy, hormonal exposure or surgery. Desmoid fibromatosis can be sporadic (80%) or FAP-associated2. In sporadic cases, it is caused by mutations in the B-catenin (CTNNB1) gene. Whether it is FAP-associated or not should be determined, as the treatment for each condition is different. A radiologic test is essential for diagnosis, although a biopsy is necessary for confirmation. With regard to treatment, there is a wide range of different alternatives such as observation only, medical treatment or even surgery3. However, a recurrence rate that ranges from 30% to 40% have been reported in the major published series4 and thus, conservative treatment is more common nowadays. We present the case of an 82-year-old male with constitutional syndrome. A computed tomography was performed, which identified a 69 x 52mm mass in the oesophago-gastric union. A computed tomography guided biopsy was performed and the histological analysis identified a fusocellular tumor compatible with desmoid fibromatosis. Treatment was started with indomethacin. However, a control computed tomography 3 months later showed that the mass had grown. Thus, indomethacin treatment was stopped and tamoxifen treatment was started. The patient has had an excellent performance status since symptom presentation. In conclusion, desmoid tumors are rare and most are sporadic. However, they may also be associated with familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome. It must be emphasized that our patient did not have any risk factors and the anatomical location in the oesophago-gastric union is not a common location. Desmoid fibromatosis supposes a clinical challenge for diagnosis and treatment and thus, management should be individualized.

Octreotide long-active release in the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding due to vascular malformations: Cost-effectiveness study.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to vascular malformations has a negative impact on patients´ quality of life and consumes an important quantity of resources. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the cost-effectiveness of long-active releasing octreotide (OCT-LAR) in the treatment of gastrointestinal haemorrhage secondary to vascular malformations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study, including 19 pacients that were treated with mensual injections of OCTLAR between 2008-2013. The number of blood transfusions, hemoglobin levels, hospital admissions and possible side effects during the year before treatment and the year after the start of the treatment were assessed, and cost-effectiveness was analyzed. RESULTS: After the beginning of the treatment with OCTLAR, complete response was observed in 7 patients (36.8 %), partial response in 7 patients (36.8 %) and 5 patients (26.3 %) continued to require admissions, blood transfusions and/or endoscopic treatment. We observed significant reduction in the length of admission per year (in days) before and after the start of the treatment (22.79 versus 2.01 days, p < 0.0001) as well as in the number of blood transfusions administered (11.19 versus 2.55 blood transfusions per year, p = 0.002). The mean haemoglobin levels increased from 6.9 g/dl to 10.62 g/dl (p < 0.0001). We observed reduction of costs of 61.5 % between the two periods (from 36,072.35 € to 13,867.57 € per patient and year, p = 0.01). No side effects related to treatment were described. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, OCT-LAR seems to be a costefficient and safe pharmacological treatment of gastrointestinal haemorrhage secondary to vascular malformations, mainly in patients in whom endoscopic or surgical treatment is contraindicated.

Octreótido de acción prolongada (LAR) en el tratamiento de hemorragia digestiva por lesiones vasculares: estudio de coste-eficiencia / Octreotide long-active release in the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding due to vascular malformations: cost-effectiveness study

INTRODUCCIÓN: la hemorragia digestiva por lesiones vasculares (HDLV) deteriora la calidad de vida de los pacientes y requiere el consumo de una importante cantidad de recursos. OBJETIVO: analizar la coste-eficiencia de octreótido de depósito (OCT-LAR) en el tratamiento de hemorragia gastrointestinal por lesiones vasculares. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio retrospectivo, incluyendo a 19 pacientes que fueron tratados con inyecciones mensuales de OCTLAR entre los años 2008-2013. Se revisaron los requerimientos transfusionales, niveles de hemoglobina, necesidad de ingreso hospitalario y posibles efectos secundarios en el año previo y posterior al inicio del tratamiento, se analizó la coste-eficiencia. RESULTADOS: tras el inicio de OCT-LAR observamos respuesta completa en 7 pacientes (36,8 %), parcial en otros 7 pacientes (36,8 %) y 5 pacientes (26,3 %) siguieron precisando ingresos, trasfusiones de hemoderivados y/o tratamiento endoscópico. Observamos disminución significativa de los días de ingreso al año, antes y después de tratamiento (22,79 vs. 2,01 días, p < 0,0001) y del número de concentrados de hematíes transfundidos (11,19 vs. 2,55 concentrados de hematíes por paciente/año, p = 0,002). La media de hemoglobina mejoró de 6,95 a 10,62 g/dl (p < 0,0001). Observamos una reducción del 61,5 % del coste entre los dos periodos (de 36.072,35 Euros a 13.867,57 Euros por paciente/ año, p = 0,01). No se observaron efectos secundarios asociados al tratamiento. CONCLUSIÓN: en conclusión, OCT-LAR parecer ser un tratamiento farmacológico coste-eficiente y seguro para la hemorragia digestiva secundaria a malformaciones vasculares, especialmente en pacientes no subsidiaros de tratamiento endoscópico o quirúrgico

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to vascular malformations has a negative impact on patients' quality of life and consumes an important quantity of resources. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the cost-effectiveness of long-active releasing octreotide (OCT-LAR) in the treatment of gastrointestinal haemorrhage secondary to vascular malformations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study, including 19 pacients that were treated with mensual injections of OCTLAR between 2008-2013. The number of blood transfusions, hemoglobin levels, hospital admissions and possible side effects during the year before treatment and the year after the start of the treatment were assessed, and cost-effectiveness was analyzed. RESULTS: After the beginning of the treatment with OCTLAR, complete response was observed in 7 patients (36.8 %), partial response in 7 patients (36.8 %) and 5 patients (26.3 %) continued to require admissions, blood transfusions and/or endoscopic treatment. We observed significant reduction in the length of admission per year (in days) before and after the start of the treatment (22.79 versus 2.01 days, p < 0.0001) as well as in the number of blood transfusions administered (11.19 versus 2.55 blood transfusions per year, p = 0.002). The mean haemoglobin levels increased from 6.9 g/dl to 10.62 g/dl (p < 0.0001). We observed reduction of costs of 61.5 % between the two periods (from 36,072.35 Euros to 13,867.57 Euros per patient and year, p = 0.01). No side effects related to treatment were described. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, OCT-LAR seems to be a costefficient and safe pharmacological treatment of gastrointestinal haemorrhage secondary to vascular malformations, mainly in patients in whom endoscopic or surgical treatment is contraindicated

[Prognostic value of a spontaneous bacterial peritonitis episode in cirrhotic patients in clinical practice]. / Valor pronóstico de un episodio de peritonitis bacteriana espontánea en pacientes cirróticos en la práctica clínica.

OBJECTIVES: To assess survival and predictive factors of mortality after an episode of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients and to analyze the diagnostic and therapeutic measures used. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 158 consecutive episodes of SBP treated between January 2003 and December 2005. Survival was studied by Kaplan-Meier curves, compared by the log-rank test. Independent predictive factors of mortality were obtained by a Cox regression model, while independent predictive factors of in-hospital mortality were obtained by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 80.4% of the SBP episodes occurred in men and the mean age was 61.23 +/- 12.49 years. The most frequent etiology of cirrhosis was viral (51.3%), followed by alcoholic (39.9%). The distribution of Child-Pugh classification was 5.7% (A), 63.3% (B) and 31% (C). Overall 3-year survival in the sample was 43.3%. Four variables were identified as independent predictive factors of in-hospital and 3-month mortality: renal impairment, hepatic encephalopathy, diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 75 mmHg. At the end of the monitoring period, the results of the analysis were as follows: diagnosis of HCC, MAP < 75 mmHg, and age > 65 years. Microbiological detection was achieved in 21% of the episodes. The most frequent microorganisms detected were Escherichia coli in ascitic fluid and Staphylococcus aureus in blood cultures. CONCLUSIONS: SBP has a poor short- and long-term prognosis in cirrhotic patients. Independent predictive factors of short-term survival are renal impairment, hepatic encephalopathy, MAP < 75 mmHg, and the presence of HCC.

Valor pronóstico de un episodio de peritonitis bacteriana espontánea en pacientes cirróticos en la práctica clínica / Prognostic value of a spontaneous bacterial peritonitis episode in cirrhotic patients in clinical practice

OBJETIVOS: Evaluar la supervivencia y los factores pronósticotras el diagnóstico de un episodio de peritonitis bacterianaespontánea (PBE) en pacientes cirróticos y las medidasdiagnosticadas y terapéuticas utilizadas.MÉTODOS: Se revisaron de manera retrospectiva los datos de158 episodios de PBE consecutivos durante el período deenero de 2003 a diciembre de 2005. Se procedió a un análisisde supervivencia mediante curvas de Kaplan-Meier, su comparaciónmediante el test de rangos logarítmicos, y valoraciónde los factores predictivos independientes mediante regresiónde Cox, y de mortalidad intrahospitalaria medianteregresión logística.RESULTADOS: El 80,4% de los episodios de PBE se produjoen varones, y la edad media fue de 61,23 ± 12,49 años. Laetiología de la cirrosis más prevalente fue viral (51,3%) seguidadel origen etílico (39,9%), y la distribución según laclasificación de Child-Pugh fue del 5,7% (A), 63,3% (B) y31% (C). La supervivencia global de la cohorte a los 3 añosdel seguimiento fue del 43,3%. Se determinaron como factoresindependientes asociados a mortalidad, tanto intrahospitalariacomo a los 3 meses tras la PBE el deterioro de funciónrenal, la presencia de encefalopatía hepática, laexistencia de carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) y una presiónarterial media (PAM) < 75 mmHg, y a largo plazo la edad> 65 años, la existencia de CHC y la PAM < 75 mmHg. Seconsiguió el aislamiento microbiológico en el 20,3% de losepisodios. El microorganismo más frecuentemente aisladoen el líquido ascítico fue Escherichia coli y en hemocultivosStaphylococcus aureus.CONCLUSIONES: La PBE es un evento pronóstico importanteen la cirrosis hepática, y los factores independientes de mortalidada corto plazo son el deterioro de función renal, lapresencia de encefalopatía hepática, la existencia de CHC yPAM < 75 mmHg

OBJECTIVES: To assess survival and predictive factors ofmortality after an episode of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis(SBP) in cirrhotic patients and to analyze the diagnosticand therapeutic measures used.METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical recordsof 158 consecutive episodes of SBP treated between January2003 and December 2005. Survival was studied by Kaplan-Meier curves, compared by the log-rank test. Independentpredictive factors of mortality were obtained by a Cox regressionmodel, while independent predictive factors of inhospitalmortality were obtained by logistic regressionanalysis.RESULTS: A total of 80.4% of the SBP episodes occurred inmen and the mean age was 61.23 ± 12.49 years. The mostfrequent etiology of cirrhosis was viral (51.3%), followed byalcoholic (39.9%). The distribution of Child-Pugh classificationwas 5.7% (A), 63.3% (B) and 31% (C). Overall 3-yearsurvival in the sample was 43.3%. Four variables were identifiedas independent predictive factors of in-hospital and 3-month mortality: renal impairment, hepatic encephalopathy,diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) andmean arterial pressure (MAP) < 75 mmHg. At the end of themonitoring period, the results of the analysis were as follows:diagnosis of HCC, MAP < 75 mmHg, and age > 65 years.Microbiological detection was achieved in 21% of theepisodes. The most frequent microorganisms detected wereEscherichia coli in ascitic fluid and Staphylococcus aureus inblood cultures.CONCLUSIONS: SBP has a poor short- and long-term prognosisin cirrhotic patients. Independent predictive factors ofshort-term survival are renal impairment, hepatic encephalopathy,MAP < 75 mmHg, and the presence of HCC (AU)