Basic host response parameters to classify mortality risk in COVID-19 and community-acquired pneumonia.

Improved phenotyping in pneumonia is necessary to strengthen risk assessment. Via a feasible and multidimensional approach with basic parameters, we aimed to evaluate the effect of host response at admission on severity stratification in COVID-19 and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Three COVID-19 and one CAP multicenter cohorts including hospitalized patients were recruited. Three easily available variables reflecting different pathophysiologic mechanisms-immune, inflammation, and respiratory-were selected (absolute lymphocyte count [ALC], C-reactive protein [CRP] and, SpO2/FiO2). In-hospital mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were analyzed as outcomes. A multivariable, penalized maximum likelihood logistic regression was performed with ALC (< 724 lymphocytes/mm3), CRP (> 60 mg/L), and, SpO2/FiO2 (< 450). A total of 1452, 1222 and 462 patients were included in the three COVID-19 and 1292 in the CAP cohort for the analysis. Mortality ranged between 4 and 32% (0 to 3 abnormal biomarkers) and 0-9% in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and CAP, respectively. In the first COVID-19 cohort, adjusted for age and sex, we observed an increased odds ratio for in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 with elevated biomarkers altered (OR 1.8, 3, and 6.3 with 1, 2, and 3 abnormal biomarkers, respectively). The model had an AUROC of 0.83. Comparable findings were found for ICU admission, with an AUROC of 0.76. These results were confirmed in the other COVID-19 cohorts Similar OR trends were reported in the CAP cohort; however, results were not statistically significant. Assessing the host response via accessible biomarkers is a simple and rapidly applicable approach for pneumonia.

Ten Issues to Update in Nosocomial or Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: An Expert Review.

Nosocomial pneumonia, or hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) are important health problems worldwide, with both being associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. HAP is currently the main cause of death from nosocomial infection in critically ill patients. Although guidelines for the approach to this infection model are widely implemented in international health systems and clinical teams, information continually emerges that generates debate or requires updating in its management. This scientific manuscript, written by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, reviews the most important issues in the approach to this important infectious respiratory syndrome, and it updates various topics, such as a renewed etiological perspective for updating the use of new molecular platforms or imaging techniques, including the microbiological diagnostic stewardship in different clinical settings and using appropriate rapid techniques on invasive respiratory specimens. It also reviews both Intensive Care Unit admission criteria and those of clinical stability to discharge, as well as those of therapeutic failure and rescue treatment options. An update on antibiotic therapy in the context of bacterial multiresistance, in aerosol inhaled treatment options, oxygen therapy, or ventilatory support, is presented. It also analyzes the out-of-hospital management of nosocomial pneumonia requiring complete antibiotic therapy externally on an outpatient basis, as well as the main factors for readmission and an approach to management in the emergency department. Finally, the main strategies for prevention and prophylactic measures, many of them still controversial, on fragile and vulnerable hosts are reviewed.

Endothelial Damage, Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and Platelet Activation in COVID-19 vs. Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Case-Control Study.

COVID-19 has been a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. It has marked a paradigm shift when considering other types of pneumonia etiology. We analyzed the biomarkers related to endothelial damage and immunothrombosis in COVID-19 in comparison to community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) through a case-control study of 358 patients with pneumonia (179 hospitalized with COVID-19 vs. 179 matched hospitalized with CAP). Endothelial damage markers (endothelin and proadrenomedullin), neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) (citrullinated-3 histone, cell-free DNA), and platelet activation (soluble P-selectin) were measured. In-hospital and 1-year follow-up outcomes were evaluated. Endothelial damage, platelet activation, and NET biomarkers are significantly higher in CAP compared to COVID-19. In-hospital mortality in COVID-19 was higher compared to CAP whereas 1-year mortality and cardiovascular complications were higher in CAP. In the univariate analysis (OR 95% CIs), proADM and endothelin were associated with in-hospital mortality (proADM: CAP 3.210 [1.698-6.070], COVID-19 8.977 [3.413-23.609]; endothelin: CAP 1.014 [1.006-1.022], COVID-19 1.024 [1.014-1.034]), in-hospital CVE (proADM: CAP 1.623 [1.080-2.439], COVID-19 2.146 [1.186-3.882]; endothelin: CAP 1.005 [1.000-1.010], COVID-19 1.010 [1.003-1.018]), and 1-year mortality (proADM: CAP 2.590 [1.644-4.080], COVID-19 13.562 [4.872-37.751]; endothelin: CAP 1.008 [1.003-1.013], COVID-19 1.026 [1.016-1.037]). In conclusion, COVID-19 and CAP showed different expressions of endothelial damage and NETs. ProADM and endothelin are associated with short- and long-term mortality.

Neutrophil Extracellular Traps and Platelet Activation for Identifying Severe Episodes and Clinical Trajectories in COVID-19.

The role of NETs and platelet activation in COVID-19 is scarcely known. We aimed to evaluate the role of NETs (citrullinated histone H3 [CitH3], cell-free DNA [cfDNA]) and platelet activation markers (soluble CD40 ligand [CD40L] and P-selectin) in estimating the hazard of different clinical trajectories in patients with COVID-19. We performed a prospective study of 204 patients, categorized as outpatient, hospitalized and ICU-admitted. A multistate model was designed to estimate probabilities of clinical transitions across varying states, such as emergency department (ED) visit, discharge (outpatient), ward admission, ICU admission and death. Levels of cfDNA, CitH3 and P-selectin were associated with the severity of presentation and analytical parameters. The model showed an increased risk of higher levels of CitH3 and P-selectin for ED-to-ICU transitions (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 1.35 and 1.31, respectively), as well as an elevated risk of higher levels of P-selectin for ward-to-death transitions (HR: 1.09). Elevated levels of CitH3 (HR: 0.90), cfDNA (HR: 0.84) and P-selectin (HR: 0.91) decreased the probability of ward-to-discharge transitions. A similar trend existed for elevated levels of P-selectin and ICU-to-ward transitions (HR 0.40); In conclusion, increased NET and P-selectin levels are associated with more severe episodes and can prove useful in estimating different clinical trajectories.

Genome analysis suggests HTLV-1aA introduction in Chile related to migrations of ancestral indigenous populations.

The human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), unlike other RNA viruses such as HIV, has a stable genome and has infected humans since remote times. Although the HTLV-1 infection is endemic in South America, there is scarce information about HTLV-1 in Chile and its history of introduction. This study assessed the genomic content of HTLV-1 from Chile and its relationship with HTLV-1 lineages circulating worldwide by phylogenetic reconstruction and dating analyses. A total of 30 HTLV-1 genomes collected from the four continents were used to conduct dating analyses, including the first HTLV-1 genome from Amerindian/Mapuche ethnicity. Estimation was performed using a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo coalescent-based approach as implemented in the BEAST program. The time of the most recent ancestor of HTLV-1 from Chile was ∼1409 years ago, which coincides with the period of Amerindian population expansion across South America. Our results suggest HTLV-1aA was possibly introduced in Chile during the migrations of the ancestral indigenous populations.

Acute and sustained increase in endothelial biomarkers in COVID-19.

Endothelial injury is related to poor outcomes in respiratory infections yet little is known in relation to COVID-19. Performing a longitudinal analysis (on emergency department admission and post-hospitalisation follow-up), we evaluated endothelial damage via surrogate systemic endothelial biomarkers, that is, proadrenomedullin (proADM) and proendothelin, in patients with COVID-19. Higher proADM and/or proendothelin levels at baseline were associated with the most severe episodes and intensive care unit admission when compared with ward-admitted individuals and outpatients. Elevated levels of proADM or proendothelin at day 1 were associated with in-hospital mortality. High levels maintained after discharge were associated with reduced diffusing capacity.

Incidence, risk factors, and thrombotic load of pulmonary embolism in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence, characteristics, and risk factors of pulmonary embolism (PE) among patients hospitalized for COVID-19. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective observational study of a randomly selected cohort of consecutive patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection between March 8, 2020 through April 25, 2020. All eligible patients underwent a computed tomography pulmonary angiography independently of their PE clinical suspicion and were pre-screened for a baseline elevated D-dimer level. RESULTS: 119 patients were randomly selected from the 372 admitted to one tertiary hospital in Valencia (Spain) for COVID-19 infection during the period of study. Seventy-three patients fulfilled both the inclusion criteria and none of the exclusion criteria and were finally included in the study. Despite a high level of pharmacological thromboprophylaxis (89%), the incidence of PE was 35.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 29.6 to 41.6%), mostly with a peripheral location and low thrombotic load (Qanadli score 18.5%). Multivariate analysis showed that heart rate (Hazard Ratio [HR], 1.04), room-air oxygen saturation (spO2) (HR, 0.87), D-dimer (HR, 1.02), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (HR, 1.01) at the time of admission were independent predictors of incident PE during hospitalization. A risk score was constructed with these four variables showing a high predictive value of incident PE (AUC-ROC: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.80 to 0.93). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirmed a high incidence of PE in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Heart rate, spO2, D-dimer, and CRP levels at admission were associated with higher rates of PE during hospitalization.

Systemic Inflammation during and after Bronchiectasis Exacerbations: Impact of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Bronchiectasis is a chronic structural disease associated with exacerbations that provoke systemic inflammation. We aimed to evaluate the systemic acute proinflammatory cytokine and its biomarker profiles during and after exacerbations and its relationship with the severity of episode, microbiological findings, and the bronchiectasis severity index. This prospective observational study compared exacerbation and stable groups. Cytokine (interleukins (IL)-17a, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL 8; tumor necrosis factor-alpha (α)) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were determined by multiplex analysis on days 1, 5, 30, and 60 in the exacerbation group and on day 1 in the stable group. We recruited 165 patients with exacerbations, of which 93 were severe (hospitalized). Proinflammatory systemic IL-17a, IL-1ß, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels increased similarly on days 1 and 5 in severe and non-severe episodes, but on day 30, IL-17a, IL-8, and IL-6 levels were only increased for severe exacerbations. The highest IL-17a level occurred in patients with chronic plus the acute isolation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. At 30 days, severe exacerbations were independently associated with higher levels of IL-17 (Odds ratio (OR) 4.58), IL-6 (OR 4.89), IL-8 (OR 3.08), and hsCRP (OR 6.7), adjusted for age, the bronchiectasis severity index, and treatment duration. Exacerbations in patients with chronic P. aeruginosa infection were associated with an increase in IL-17 and IL-6 at 30 days (ORs 7.47 and 3.44, respectively). Severe exacerbations elicit a higher systemic proinflammatory response that is sustained to day 30. Patients with chronic P. aeruginosa infection had impaired IL-17a reduction. IL-17a could be a useful target for measuring systemic inflammation.

Phylogenetic dating analysis of HTLV-1 from Chile suggests transmissions events related to ancient migrations and contemporary expansion.

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a globally-spread virus. It is estimated that there are about 5­10 million infected people in the world. HTLV is endemic in Chile, with higher seroprevalence among indigenous people. However, little is known about HTLV-1 genetic diversity, its introduction and dispersion in this country. To gain insights into these issues, a phylogenetic dating analysis was conducted based on Chilean and closed related long terminal repeat sequences. The time tree reconstruction showed that the introduction of HTLV-1aA occurred several times in Chile. It was hypothesized that these introductions took place at least in two different historical moments: (i) during the ancient human migrations and (ii) during/after the European colonization of South America. The present study contributes toward understanding the evolutionary history of HTLV-1 in Chile and South America.

Community-Acquired Pneumonia Patients at Risk for Early and Long-term Cardiovascular Events Are Identified by Cardiac Biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) increases the risk of cardiovascular complications during and following the episode. The goal of this study was to determine the usefulness of cardiovascular and inflammatory biomarkers for assessing the risk of early (within 30 days) or long-term (1-year follow-up) cardiovascular events. METHODS: A total of 730 hospitalized patients with CAP were prospectively followed up during 1 year. Cardiovascular (proadrenomedullin [proADM], pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP), proendothelin-1, and troponin T) and inflammatory (interleukin 6 [IL-6], C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin) biomarkers were measured on day 1, at day 4/5, and at day 30. RESULTS: Ninety-two patients developed an early event, and 67 developed a long-term event. Significantly higher initial levels of proADM, proendothelin-1, troponin, proBNP, and IL-6 were recorded in patients who developed cardiovascular events. Despite a decrease at day 4/5, levels remained steady until day 30 in those who developed late events. Biomarkers (days 1 and 30) independently predicted cardiovascular events adjusted for age, previous cardiac disease, Pao2/Fio2 < 250 mm Hg, and sepsis: ORs (95% CIs), proendothelin-1, 2.25 (1.34-3.79); proADM, 2.53 (1.53-4.20); proBNP, 2.67 (1.59-4.49); and troponin T, 2.70 (1.62-4.49) for early events. For late events, the ORs (95% CIs) were: proendothelin-1, 3.13 (1.41-7.80); proADM, 2.29 (1.01-5.19); and proBNP, 2.34 (1.01-5.56). Addition of IL-6 levels at day 30 to proendothelin-1 or proADM increased the ORs to 3.53 and 2.80, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac biomarkers are useful for identifying patients with CAP at high risk for early and long-term cardiovascular events. They may aid personalized treatment optimization and for designing future interventional studies to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Factors associated with hospitalization in bronchiectasis exacerbations: a one-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis (BE) is a chronic structural lung disease with frequent exacerbations, some of which require hospital admission though no clear associated factors have been identified. We aimed to evaluate factors associated with hospitalization due to exacerbations during a 1-year follow-up period. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed in patients recruited from specialized BE clinics. We considered all exacerbations diagnosed and treated with antibiotics during a follow-up period of 1 year. The protocol recorded baseline variables, usual treatments, Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI) and FACED scores, comorbid conditions and prior hospitalizations. RESULTS: Two hundred and 65 patients were recruited, of whom 162 required hospital admission during the follow-up period. Independent risk factors for hospital admission were age, previous hospitalization due to BE, use of proton pump inhibitors, heart failure, FACED and BSI, whereas pneumococcal vaccination was a protective factor. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.799 for BSI model was 0.799, and 0.813 for FACED model. CONCLUSIONS: Previous hospitalization, use of proton pump inhibitors, heart failure along with BSI or FACED scores is associated factors for developing exacerbations that require hospitalization. Pneumococcal vaccination was protective. This information may be useful for the design of preventive strategies and more intensive follow-up plans.

Risk factors for multidrug-resistant pathogens in bronchiectasis exacerbations.

BACKGROUND: Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is a chronic structural lung condition that courses with recurrent infectious exacerbations that lead to frequent antibiotic treatment making this population more susceptible to acquire pathogens with antibiotic resistance. We aimed to investigate risk factors associated with isolation of multidrug-resistant pathogens in bronchiectasis exacerbations. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in two tertiary-care hospitals, enrolling patients when first exacerbation appeared. Multidrug-resistance was determined according to European Centre of Diseases Prevention and Control classification. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty three exacerbations were included and microorganisms were isolated in 159 episodes. Multidrug-resistant pathogens were found in 20.1% episodes: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (48.5%), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (18.2%) and Extended spectrum betalactamase + Enterobacteriaceae (6.1%), and they were more frequent in exacerbations requiring hospitalization (24.5% vs. 10.2%, p: 0.016). Three independent multidrug-resistant risk factors were found: chronic renal disease (Odds ratio (OR), 7.60, 95% CI 1.92-30.09), hospitalization in the previous year (OR, 3.88 95% CI 1.37-11.02) and prior multidrug-resistant isolation (OR, 5.58, 95% CI 2.02-15.46). The proportion of multidrug-resistant in the 233 exacerbations was as follows: 3.9% in patients without risk factors, 12.6% in those with 1 factor and 53.6% if ≥2 risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalization in the previous year, chronic renal disease, and prior multidrug-resistant isolation are risk factors for identification multidrug-resistant pathogens in exacerbations. This information may assist clinicians in choosing empirical antibiotics in daily clinical practice.

Pneumonia presenting with organ dysfunctions: Causative microorganisms, host factors and outcome.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a serious infection that may occasionally rapidly evolve provoking organ dysfunctions. We aimed to characterize CAP presenting with organ dysfunctions at the emergency room, with regard to host factors and causative microorganisms, and its impact on 30-day mortality. 460 of 4070 (11.3%) CAP patients had ≥2 dysfunctions at diagnosis, with a 30-day mortality of 12.4% vs. 3.4% in those with one or no dysfunctions. Among them, the most frequent causative microorganisms were Streptococcus pneumoniae, gram-negatives and polymicrobial etiology. Independent host risk factors for presenting with ≥2 dysfunctions were: liver (OR 2.97) and renal diseases (OR 3.91), neurological disorders (OR 1.86), and COPD (OR 1.30). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (OR 6.41) and bacteraemic episodes (OR 1.68) had the higher independent risk among microorganisms. The number of organ dysfunctions vs. none increased at 30-day mortality: three organs (OR 11.73), two organs (OR 4.29), and one organ (OR 2.42) whereas Enterobacteria (OR 3.73) were also independently related to mortality. The number of organ dysfunctions was the strongest 30-day mortality risk factor while Enterobacteriaceae was also associated with poorer outcome. The assessment of organ dysfunctions in CAP should be implemented for management, allocation and treatment decisions on initial evaluation.

Predictors of Severe Sepsis among Patients Hospitalized for Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Severe sepsis, may be present on hospital arrival in approximately one-third of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). OBJECTIVE: To determine the host characteristics and micro-organisms associated with severe sepsis in patients hospitalized with CAP. RESULTS: We performed a prospective multicenter cohort study in 13 Spanish hospital, on 4070 hospitalized CAP patients, 1529 of whom (37.6%) presented with severe sepsis. Severe sepsis CAP was independently associated with older age (>65 years), alcohol abuse (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.07-1.61), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.50-2.04) and renal disease (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.21-2.03), whereas prior antibiotic treatment was a protective factor (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.52-0.73). Bacteremia (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.05-1.79), S pneumoniae (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.31-1.95) and mixed microbial etiology (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.10-2.49) were associated with severe sepsis CAP. CONCLUSIONS: CAP patients with COPD, renal disease and alcohol abuse, as well as those with CAP due to S pneumonia or mixed micro-organisms are more likely to present to the hospital with severe sepsis.

Sensitivity, Specificity, and Positivity Predictors of the Pneumococcal Urinary Antigen Test in Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

RATIONALE: Detection of the C-polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae in urine by an immune-chromatographic test is increasingly used to evaluate patients with community-acquired pneumonia. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the sensitivity and specificity of this test in the largest series of cases to date and used logistic regression models to determine predictors of positivity in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, prospective, observational study of 4,374 patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The urinary antigen test was done in 3,874 cases. Pneumococcal infection was diagnosed in 916 cases (21%); 653 (71%) of these cases were diagnosed exclusively by the urinary antigen test. Sensitivity and specificity were 60 and 99.7%, respectively. Predictors of urinary antigen positivity were female sex; heart rate≥125 bpm, systolic blood pressure<90 mm Hg, and SaO2<90%; absence of antibiotic treatment; pleuritic chest pain; chills; pleural effusion; and blood urea nitrogen≥30 mg/dl. With at least six of all these predictors present, the probability of positivity was 52%. With only one factor present, the probability was only 12%. CONCLUSIONS: The urinary antigen test is a method with good sensitivity and excellent specificity in diagnosing pneumococcal pneumonia, and its use greatly increased the recognition of community-acquired pneumonia due to S. pneumoniae. With a specificity of 99.7%, this test could be used to direct simplified antibiotic therapy, thereby avoiding excess costs and risk for bacterial resistance that result from broad-spectrum antibiotics. We also identified predictors of positivity that could increase suspicion for pneumococcal infection or avoid the unnecessary use of this test.

Tobacco smoking increases the risk for death from pneumococcal pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Active smoking increases the risk of developing community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and invasive pneumococcal disease, although its impact on mortality in pneumococcal CAP outcomes remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of current smoking status on pneumococcal CAP mortality. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study in 4,288 hospitalized patients with CAP. The study group consisted of 892 patients with pneumococcal CAP: 204 current smokers (22.8%), 387 nonsmokers (43.4%), and 301 exsmokers (33.7%). RESULTS: Mortality at 30 days was 3.9%: 4.9% in current smokers vs 4.3% in nonsmokers and 2.6% in exsmokers. Current smokers with CAP were younger (51 years vs 74 years), with more alcohol abuse and fewer cardiac, renal, and asthma diseases. Current smokers had lower CURB-65 (confusion, uremia, respiratory rate, BP, age ≥ 65 years) scores, although 40% had severe sepsis at diagnosis. Current smoking was an independent risk factor (OR, 5.0; 95% CI, 1.8-13.5; P = .001) for 30-day mortality of pneumococcal CAP after adjusting for age (OR, 1.06; P = .001), liver disease (OR, 4.5), sepsis (OR, 2.3), antibiotic adherence to guidelines, and first antibiotic dose given < 6 h. The independent risk effect of current smokers remained when compared only with nonsmokers (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.3-12.6; P = .015) or to exsmokers (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.09-4.95; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: Current smokers with pneumococcal CAP often develop severe sepsis and require hospitalization at a younger age, despite fewer comorbid conditions. Smoking increases the risk of 30-day mortality independently of tobacco-related comorbidity, age, and comorbid conditions. Current smokers should be actively targeted for preventive strategies.

Onicomicosis: estudio multicéntrico clínico, epidemiológico y micológico / Onychomycosis: multicentre epidemiological, clinical and mycological study

Antecedentes. Las onicomicosis representan aproximadamente el 50% de las onicopatías, pueden ser causadas por dermatofitos, levaduras u hongos filamentosos no dermatofitos. Objetivos y metodología. Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico para conocer la prevalencia de onicomicosis, los agentes causales y las formas clínicas más frecuentes. Se evaluaron todas las muestras de uñas de manos y pies durante el período de un año en 9 centros asistenciales. Resultados. Se procesaron 5.961 muestras, el 82,3% correspondieron a uñas de pies y el 17,7% a uñas de manos. La edad promedio de los pacientes fue 49,7 años y el 66% perteneció al sexo femenino. Los exámenes directos fueron positivos en el 61% de los casos. En adultos, las uñas de los pies presentaron un 61,2% de resultados positivos en el examen directo, y los cultivos fueron positivos en un 43,7%. Los hongos predominantes fueron los dermatofitos (82,8%) y la forma clínica más frecuente fue la distal subungueal. En uñas de manos la positividad del examen directo fue del 59,8% y los cultivos fueron positivos en un 52,9%; los hongos predominantes fueron de tipo levaduriforme y la forma clínica más frecuente fue la onicolisis. Conclusiones. Se encontró un 61% de positividad en el examen directo, valor superior al de otras investigaciones. En las uñas de los pies prevalecieron los dermatofitos en ambos sexos, y en uñas de manos las levaduras, en el sexo femenino, y dermatofitos, en el masculino. El 4,8% de los aislamientos de uñas de pies y el 2,05% de los de uñas de manos fueron de hongos filamentosos no dermatofíticos(AU)

Background. Onychomycosis accounts for up to 50% of all nail disorders. They can be caused by: yeasts, dermatophytes and non-dermatophyte moulds. Objectives and methods. A multicentre study designed to determine the prevalence, mycological test results, aetiological agents, and clinical presentation of onychomycosis was carried out. All fingernail and toenail samples taken during a one year period at 9 diagnostic centres were included. Results. A total of 5,961 samples were analysed, of which 82.3% were from toenails and 17.7% from fingernails. The mean age of the patients was 49.7 years, and 66% were females. Direct microscopic examination was positive in 61% of the samples. In adults, 61.2% of toenails were positive using potassium hydroxide (KOH), and 43.7% were positive in cultures. The prevailing aetiological agents belong to the dermatophyte group (82.8%), and distal subungual was the most common clinical form. In fingernails, direct examination showed 59.8% positive samples, and cultures were positive in 52.9%. The prevailing agents were yeasts belonging to Candida species, and onycholysis was the most common lesion. Conclusions. Direct mycological examinations were positive in 61%, a higher value than that found in other series. Dermatophytes were prevalent in toenails of both sexes, and in finger nails yeast were prevalent in females, and dermatophytes in males. Non-dermatophyte moulds corresponded to 4.8% of toenail and 2.05% of fingernails isolates(AU)

Compliance with guidelines-recommended processes in pneumonia: impact of health status and initial signs.

Initial care has been associated with improved survival of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We aimed to investigate patient comorbidities and health status measured by the Charlson index and clinical signs at diagnosis associated with adherence to recommended processes of care in CAP. We studied 3844 patients hospitalized with CAP. The evaluated recommendations were antibiotic adherence to Spanish guidelines, first antibiotic dose <6 hours and oxygen assessment. Antibiotic adherence was 72.6%, first dose <6 h was 73.4% and oxygen assessment was 90.2%. Antibiotic adherence was negatively associated with a high Charlson score (Odds ratio [OR], 0.91), confusion (OR, 0.66) and tachycardia ≥100 bpm (OR, 0.77). Delayed first dose was significantly lower in those with tachycardia (OR, 0.75). Initial oxygen assessment was negatively associated with fever (OR, 0.61), whereas tachypnea ≥30 (OR, 1.58), tachycardia (OR, 1.39), age >65 (OR, 1.51) and COPD (OR, 1.80) were protective factors. The combination of antibiotic adherence and timing <6 hours was negatively associated with confusion (OR, 0.69) and a high Charlson score (OR, 0.92) adjusting for severity and hospital effect, whereas age was not an independent factor. Deficient health status and confusion, rather than age, are associated with lower compliance with antibiotic therapy recommendations and timing, thus identifying a subpopulation more prone to receiving lower quality care.