Epidemiologic Study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in critical patients and reservoirs.

BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of nosocomial infections, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). The aim of this study was to characterize P. aeruginosa clinical isolates by comparing antimicrobial susceptibility patterns with the presence of plasmids and to establish the clonal relatedness by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing. METHODS: The patients included those with isolation of P. aeruginosa hospitalized for more than 48 h in the ICU from April to May 1998. Environmental and staff cultures were obtained simultaneously. Minimal inhibitory concentrations, plasmid DNA profiles, and PFGE genomic patterns of enzyme restriction chromosomal DNA were compared. RESULTS: Sixty P. aeruginosa isolates were obtained from 197 clinical specimens, 178 environmental samples, and 47 hand cultures of personnel. Antimicrobial resistance was as follows: tobramycin 100%; ticarcillin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, and gentamicin 80%; cefepime 60%; amikacin, ticarcillin/clavulanate, imipenem, and meropenem 40%; piperacillin and norfloxacin 20%; carbenicillin 12%, and ciprofloxacin 0%. Plasmids were detected in 11 isolates (18%). PFGE typing showed that 23 isolates belonged to a common clone (pattern A), identified from five patients, two nurses, and 10 environmental samples. Ten isolates were grouped in four clusters and 27 isolates had unrelated genomic patterns. There was no relationship among DNA genomic patterns, plasmid profiles, and susceptibility patterns. CONCLUSIONS: PFGE demonstrated the existence of a common clone in a critical care area. Reinforcement of infection control measures is needed to avoid horizontal transmission and severe infections.

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in three geographically and genetically different populations of ankylosing spondylitis and other spondyloarthropathies.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional. RESEARCH QUESTIONS: (a) Is any clinical variable of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) associated with the presence of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL)? and (b) Is OPLL present in patients with AS from different geographical or genetic backgrounds? METHODS: Three groups were assembled: (1) a prospective group of 103 consecutive AS patients from two community based rheumatology clinics from Guadalajara, who were evaluated using: a questionnaire with disease characteristics variables; clinical assessment by a neurologist; lateral radiographic views of the cervical spine and somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP). (2) Fifty one spondyloarthropathies (SpA) patients from Mexico city whose cervical spine films were retrospectively reviewed. (3) Thirty nine AS patients from Edmonton, Canada whose cervical spine films were retrospectively reviewed and compared with 72 controls. RESULTS: Group 1: 74% of the 103 patients were men and 86% were HLA-B27 positive. The mean age was 35 years, and mean (SD) disease duration 10 (8) years. OPLL was reported in 16 patients (15.5%; 95% CI 9, 22). OPLL was statistically associated with older age (p = 0.001), longer disease duration (p = 0.001), clinical myelopathy (p = 0.03), worst functional index (p = 0.042), restricted axial movement measurements (all p < 0.001), radiological sacroilitis (p < 0.001 for linear association), osteitis pubis (p = 0.009), hip involvement (p = 0.006 for linear association), and abnormal SSEP (p = 0.008). Group 2: 92% of 51 patients were men; the mean age was 30 years and the mean (SD) disease duration 11 (7) years. OPLL was reported in 15 (29%, 95% CI 17, 41) patients (nine AS, two psoriatic arthritis, three juvenile AS, and one Reiter's syndrome). Group 3: 95% of the 39 patients were men; the mean of age was 46 years and disease duration of 18 (10) years. OPLL was reported in nine (23%; 95% CI 10, 36) patients, including one with psoriatic arthritis, and two with Crohn's disease. OPLL was observed in two of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of OPLL in AS and SpA is higher than previously recognised and seems to be associated with variables identifying more severe axial disease.

[Mild preeclampsia and serum insulin values in the third pregnancy trimester]. / Preeclampsia leve y valores de insulina sérica en el tercer trimestre del embarazo.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the baseline insulin level in sera during fasting and after an oral glucose load in patients with mild preeclampsia and compare these values with those obtained from pregnant women with normal arterial pressure during the third trimester of their pregnancy. A cross-sectional study was realized in 38 patients with mild preeclamsia and 39 patients with normal arterial pressure values, both groups in their third trimester of pregnancy. We determined baseline arterial pressure, serum glucose and insulin, and the insulin/glucose ratio with at least 6 hours of fasting, and one hour after 50 g of glucose PO. The hypertensive group was under treatment with alfametildopa and/or hidralazine, patients with known coexistent conditions that would alter glucose or insulin levels were not included. The glucose was measured with the glucose oxidase method and the insulin levels by radioimmunoanalysis. The insulin/glucose ratio was obtained as the coefficient of insulin/glucose. Both patient groups had similar ages, number of pregnancies, gestational age and pre-pregnancy body mass index. We found no difference in glucose levels during fasting nor glucose post-load between groups. Insulin fasting levels were lower in the preeclampsia group compared with the normotensive one (7.1 +/- 3.8 vs 10.6 +/- 8.7 microU/mL, p = 0.02), however there was no difference in either group after the glucose load was administered (66.8 +/- 46.5 vs 71.0 +/- 51.9, p = N.S.). The insulin/glucose ratio had the same behavior than insulin. The hypertensive group showed a lower fasting insulin levels compared with the normotensive group. We suggest further research be done on this matter with strict selection criteria in order to emit final conclusions.

[Severe pre-eclampsia, HELLP syndrome and renal failure]. / Preeclampsia severa, síndrome HELLP e insuficiencia renal.

A retrospective study was done of thirty-patients with severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome whose developed acute renal failure, 25 patients also had acute tubular necrosis and five cases bilateral cortical necrosis with chronic renal insufficiency. Severe hypertension was present in all cases and anti-hypertensive therapy was needed. Six patients died, three due to intracranial hemorrhage, other two secondary to hypovolemic shock, and in one case multiple organ dysfunction.

[Comparative study of soft diet or clear liquids in the resumption of oral intake in the postoperative period]. / Análisis comparativo entre reinstalar la vía oral en el postoperatorio con dieta blanda o líquidos claros.

BACKGROUND: The reinstitution of oral intake in patients who have undergone intraabdominal surgery has traditionally progressed in a stepwise fashion beginning with clear liquids, liquid diet and after an adequate tolerance regular diet. OBJECTIVE: To determine if the reinstitution of oral intake after major abdominal surgery with regular diet offers benefits into which it's not harmful for patients and reduce the in-hospital stay. TYPE OF STUDY: Prospective, randomized, open study conducted between October 1996 to May 1997. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients aged 18 and older submitted to elective or urgent surgery of the abdomen and pelvis were included with the exception of: bariatric surgery, esophageal resection, pyloroplasty, pancreato-duodenal resection, laparoscopic surgery and patients under ventilatory support or with enteral or parenteral nutrition. As soon as postoperative ileus disappeared patients were randomly assigned to receive regular diet (group 1) or clear liquids (group 2) as the first oral intake. Oral diet tolerance was evaluated as well as the caloric and protein intake, the in-hospital stay and the cost. RESULTS AND MEASUREMENTS: Group 1 was conformed by 63 patients, and group 2 for 69 patients. There was no difference between, sex, age, kind of surgery (elective or emergency) and the type of pathology. 96.6% of patients in group 1 tolerated regular diet and 96.9% of patients in group 2 tolerated clear liquids. Only two patients of each group required oral intake suspension. The in-hospital stay was 2.6 +/- 2.0 days in group 1 against 3.4 +/- 2.6 in group 2 (P = < 0.005), the cost of the in-hospital stay period after the beginning of oral intake was 2726 +/- 2107 pesos in group 1 against 3547 +/- 2690 in group 2 (P = < 0.005), the caloric and protein intake were 1307 +/- 523 Kcals with 55.9 +/- 23.2 grams of proteins in group 1 and 651 +/- 204 Kcals and 0 grams of proteins in group 2 (P = < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: No difference was found in adverse reactions with the use of regular diet as the first meal. The in-hospital stay and the cost were reduced significantly and the calories and grams of proteins are higher in group 1. These results suggest that the routine use of clear liquids as the initial postoperative diet may be unnecessary and nutritionally suboptimal when compared with regular diet.

Two year followup of anterior and vertical atlantoaxial subluxation in ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and radiological 2-yr followup of 22 patients with anterior atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) from a prospective cohort of patients with ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: The 2-yr assessment included a structured questionnaire for rheumatologic and neurologic complaints and lateral cervical radiographs in maximal flexion view. Initial and 2-yr radiographs were assessed blind to patient data. The course of anterior AAS was classified as unchanged (< 1 mm), progression (> or = 1 mm) or regression (> or = 1 mm) at 2 yrs compared with baseline. Vertical AAS was classified using the Sakaguchi-Kauppi method. Magnification factor was corrected using the ratio of C3 width. RESULTS: Anterior AAS was detected in 22 patients at baseline examination. Two patients also had vertical AAS; 86% were male. Mean age was 33 +/- 9 yrs and mean disease duration was 12 +/- 7 yrs. At followup, one patient had died of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, 3 could not be reached, and 2 had undergone surgical fusion due to severe myelopathy and now showed complete neurological recovery. Of the remaining 16 patients, 7 (32%) showed progression and 9 (41%) showed no change in the C1-odontoid distance. Vertical AAS developed in one patient. After the 2-yr assessment, 3 additional patients had surgical fusion because of notable progression of AAS, despite absence of neurological signs. CONCLUSION: Anterior AAS progressed in a number of these patients in the 2 yrs following its detection, and with or without neurological signs, surgical management was thought appropriate in a considerable number of them.

Temporomandibular joint osseous morphology in a consecutive sample of ankylosing spondylitis patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osseous morphology in a consecutive sample of Mexican patients with ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: Consecutive patients with a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis who attended two secondary care outpatient rheumatology clinics were included in the study. Patients had a rheumatological assessment using a structured questionnaire and examination. Recorded variables included demographic data, disease characteristics, TMJ symptoms, and axial mobility measurements. Hypocycloidal tomography of the TMJ was obtained on all subjects. Radiographic variables included condyle position, superior joint space, range of movement, condylar osseous changes, and temporal osseous changes. Patients also underwent standard cervical spine radiography. A control group of normal people without either TMJ symptoms or systemic rheumatic disease was obtained. RESULTS: 65 subjects were studied (65 right sided and 63 left sided tomograms). The control group consisted of 22 individuals. Both groups were similar in age [33 (SD 11) v 34 (9) years, P = 0.8]. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis had more variability in TMJ mobility than controls (P < 0.05) and showed increased frequency of condylar erosions (P < 0.01), flattening (P < 0.01), sclerosis (P < 0.01), and temporal flattening (P < 0.01). Condylar erosions were associated with longer duration of ankylosing spondylitis (P < 0.05), neck complaints (P < 0.05), and atlantoaxial subluxation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TMJ involvement is frequent in this population of patients with ankylosing spondylitis and is associated with variables that suggest more severe disease.

Colecistitis aguda acalculosa en el paciente con trauma grave / Acute acalculous cholecistitis in severe trauma patients

Antecedentes: La frecuencia informada de CAA en pacientes con lesiones traumáticas oscila entre 0.5 y 5 por ciento, con una mortalidad que varía entre 7 y 75 por ciento, valores determinados por reporte de casos o series retrospectivas. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de colecistitis aguda acalculosa (CAA) en una población de pacientes con trauma contuso grave y las implicaciones clínicas que tiene, así como los factores de riesgo que puedan precipitar su aparición, evaluación de cambios morfológicos tempranos, tratamiento quirúrgico y morbi-mortalidad. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio prospectivo, observacional, longitudinal y descriptivo inferencial conducido entre ocubre de 1994 y junio de 1995. Se incluyeron 28 pacientes adultos consecutivos con trauma contuso al menos en dos regiones corporales. Se estimó la severidad de las lesiones con una escala fisiológica (Revised Trauma Score = RTS) y una anatómica (Injury Severity Score = ISS). Todos los pacientes se sometieron a ultrasonido de hígado y vías biliares a su ingreso y cada 5 a 7 días para la detección temprana de cambios sonográficos o concluyentes de CAA. Cada paciente recibió tratamiento conveniente de acuerdo a sus lesiones. La evaluación fue clínica, laboratorial y de los posibles factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de esta alteración. Mediciones: Prueba exacta de Fisher de dos colas para las variables cualitativas y prueba U de Mann-Withney para las cuantitativas. Resultados: Del total 21 correspondieron al sexo masculino (75 por ciento) y 7 al femenino (25 por ciento) con un promedio de edad de 45.5 años y un período de observación promedio de 22.5 días. Siete de los pacientes (25 por ciento) desarrollaron cambios sonográficos a partir del noveno día de manejo, 4 fueron concluyentes de CAA demostrados histológicamente, de los cuales tres se sometieron a colecistectornía abierta sin morbilidad y mortalidad y mejoría de sus condiciones clínicas. El otro caso falleció por hipovolemia sin ofrecerle tratamiento quirúrgico. Los factores de riesgo con significancia estadística fueron: Estancia prolongada, fiebre, dolor abdominal, evaluación de la fosfatasa alcalina, hipoalbuminemia, uso de nutrición parenteral total y casos complicados con neumonía intrahospitalaria (P = < 0.05). Hubo significancia marginal con el uso de analgesia-sedación. La mortalidad global fue del 18 por ciento. Conclusiones: La frecuencia es mayor a la informada previamente y no hubo mortalidad relacionada a la presencia de la CAA. El ultrasonido detecta fácilmente los cambios morfológicos vesiculares. No hubo morbilidad y mortalidad atribuida a la colecistectomía.

[Acute acalculous cholecystitis in patients with severe trauma]. / Colecistitis aguda acalculosa en el paciente con trauma grave.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of AAC on patients with traumatic lesions fluctuates between 0.5 to 5%, with mortality which varies between 7 and 75%. These values are determined by case reports or retrospective series. AIM: To determine the incidence of acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) in a number of patients with severe trauma and its clinical implications, as well as the risk factors that can favour the development of this pathology, evaluation of early morphological changes, surgical treatment and morbidity and mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, observational, longitudinal and descriptive inferential study conducted from October 1994 to June 1995. Twenty eight consecutive adult patients with contusion severe trauma on at least two corporal regions were included. The severity of lesions was estimated with a physiologic scale (Revised Trauma Score = RTS) and an anatomic one (Injury Severity Score = ISS). All patients were submitted to ultrasound of the liver and biliary tract on their admittance and every 5 or 7 days for an early detection of sonographic changes or conclusive of AAC. Each patient was treated conveniently in accordance with his or her lesions. The patients were evaluated clinically, with laboratory exams, and for possible risk factors for the development of this pathology. MEASUREMENTS: Two Tailed Fisher's Exact Test for qualitative variables and Mann-Withney U Test for the quantitatives. RESULTS: Twenty one patients were male (75%) and 7 were female (25%), average age 45.5 years and an average observation period of 22.5 days. Seven of these patients (25%) developed sonographic changes starting the 9th day after admission, 4 were conclusive of AAC proved histologically, three of these underwent open cholecystectomy with no morbidity and mortality and improvement of their clinical conditions. The other patient died due to hypovolemia without having been offered surgical treatment. The risks factors with statistical significance were: Long in-hospital stay, fever, abdominal pain, elevation of alkaline phosphatase, hypoalbuminemia, use of parenteral nutritional support and nosocomial pneumonia (P = < 0.05). There was a marginal significance with the use of sedatives and analgesics. Global mortality was 18%. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence is more than the one previously informed and there was no mortality related the presence of AAC. The ultrasound easily detects the gallbladder morphological changes. There was no morbidity or mortality due to the cholecystectomy.

[Measured versus estimated energy expenditure at rest in critically ill patients]. / El gasto energético en reposo, medido contra estimado, en pacientes críticamente enfermos.

UNLABELLED: Differences between the indirect calorimetry (Ic) and Harris-Benedict method (HBM) to assess the caloric demand in critically ill patients were determined using a manual procedure to measure Ic. Forty patients were evaluated by both methods. Activity and lesion factors were included for HBM regarding each case. Ic was based on gas analysis (O2 and CO2) of an expired/inspired sample by means of Weir equation and Lusk tables. The comparison between Ic and HBM alone did not show differences. Results showed statistically significant differences when Ic and HBM plus activity and lesion factors were compared. Ic showed higher confidence and precision in critically ill patients (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001. Student's t test). CONCLUSIONS: The HBM failed to show an appropriate correlation in these patients as other published data. The procedure manual in Ic has value and can be use in second level hospitals.