[Antibiotic stewardship programs in the Spanish emergency services: PROA-URG Study]. / Programas de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos en los servicios de urgencias españoles: Estudio PROA-URG.

OBJECTIVE: Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) have become a key tool in the adaptation of these drugs to the health system. The information available on the application and indicators used in these programs in emergency departments is scarce. The objective of this study is to know the extent of ASP implementation in the emergency departments, as well as the use of antimicrobials in these units. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective study. An invitation was sent to all participants of the REDFASTER-SEFH emergency pharmacist working group. A questionnaire was used consisting of 21 items, answered by a team made up of a pharmacist, emergency room specialist, infectious disease specialist and microbiologist. RESULTS: Eighteen hospitals completed the survey. Fourteen (77.8%) had an ASP manager. The DDD value per 1000 admissions ranged between 36.5 and 400.5 (median: 100.4 [IQR:57.2-157.3]). Both carbapenem and macrolide group presented wide variability in use. Six (33.3%) hospitals had an annual report on the specific resistance profile for urine and blood cultures. The percentage of multi-drug resistant strains in urine cultures was 12.5% and in blood cultures 12.2%. The percentage of adequacy in the bacteremia treatment was 81.0% (IQR:74.6-85.0%), while in urinary tract infections was 78.0% (IQR:71.5-88.0). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the existence of ASP members in emergency services, as well as the training activity and local guidelines is common. knowledge of the use of antimicrobials and resistances is limited. Future activities must be aimed at improving information about the ASP results in these units.

[Antimicrobial stewardship program in urinary tract infections due to multiresistant strains in the emergency department]. / Programa de optimización de antibioterapia en infección urinaria por cepas multirresistentes en el servicio de urgencias.

OBJECTIVE: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are a frequent reason for attendance at emergency department (ED). The present study evaluates the impact of a multidisciplinary program for the optimization of antibiotic therapy in patients with UTI caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria treated from the hospital ED. METHODS: Descriptive study of the implementation of a program in which emergency, microbiology and pharmacy departments participated. Antibiotic treatment of the patients who consulted the ED with positive urine cultures caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria was reviewed upon discharge. In those patients with inappropriate treatment, doctors and/or pharmacists of the next level of healthcare or patients in the case of home discharge were contacted. The impact of the program was evaluated based on new visits to the ED at 30 days after discharge, compared with the results obtained from the usual practice three months prior the intervention. RESULTS: During the first year, 2,474 urine cultures of patients with UTI were reviewed, 533 (21.7%) were caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Empirical treatment was inappropriate in 287 (53.4%), making treatment modifications in 243 of them. 73 (19.3%) patients returned to the ED 30 days after discharge, being lower than the results obtained in the three months prior intervention (27.9%; p=0.031), without significant differences in new visits associated with UTI. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a multidisciplinary program focused on multidrug resistant UTI at discharge form ED correct antibiotic therapy in a large number of patients, being a potentially tool to reduce the number of new ED visits.

Programas de optimización de antibióticos en la unidad de cuidados intensivos en caso de infecciones por bacilos gramnegativos multiresistentes / Antimicrobial stewardship programs in the intensive care unit in patients with infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli

Los programas de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos (PROA) han demostrado ser una herramienta eficaz y segura, que disminuye y ajusta el uso de antimicrobianos en la práctica clínica. El beneficio mostrado es doble, por un parte reduce la presión antibiótica y, por tanto, la selección de cepas multiresistentes, y por otro disminuye los potenciales efectos deletéreos en el paciente concreto e incluso mejora el pronóstico al ajustar la elección del fármaco, la posología y los posible efectos adversos e interacciones. Los bacilos gramnegativos (BGN), especialmente aquellas cepas con mecanismos de resistencia (BGN-MDR), representan el principal problema infeccioso en las unidades de cuidados intensivos y, por tanto, son el objetivo de los PROA. En la siguiente revisión actualizaremos aquellos aspectos que combinan y justifican la relación entre los PROA y los BGN-MDR (AU)

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) have been shown to be effective and safe, contributing to reducing and adjusting antimicrobial use in clinical practice. Such programs not only reduce antibiotic selection pressure and therefore the selection of multidrug-resistant strains, but also reduce the potential deleterious effects for individual patients and even improve the prognosis by adjusting the choice of drug and dosage, and lessening the risk of adverse effects and interactions. Gram-negative bacilli (GNB), particularly multidrug-resistant strains (MDR-GNB), represent the main infectious problem in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and are therefore a target for ASPs. The present review provides an update on the relationship between ASPs and MDR-GNB (AU)

Antimicrobial stewardship programs in the Intensive Care Unit in patients with infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli.

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) have been shown to be effective and safe, contributing to reducing and adjusting antimicrobial use in clinical practice. Such programs not only reduce antibiotic selection pressure and therefore the selection of multidrug-resistant strains, but also reduce the potential deleterious effects for individual patients and even improve the prognosis by adjusting the choice of drug and dosage, and lessening the risk of adverse effects and interactions. Gram-negative bacilli (GNB), particularly multidrug-resistant strains (MDR-GNB), represent the main infectious problem in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and are therefore a target for ASPs. The present review provides an update on the relationship between ASPs and MDR-GNB.

Factores asociados a reconsultas a urgencias en pacientes frágiles con diabetes tipo 2 que consultan por hipoglucemia / Risk factors associated with emergency service re-visits in frailty diabetic patients who consult for hypoglycaemia

Introducción y objetivos: Las consultas a los servicios de urgencias (SU) por hipoglucemias son un fenómeno frecuente en los pacientes de edad avanzada. El objetivo del presente estudio es evaluar los factores de riesgo asociados a reconsultas a 90días en los pacientes frágiles que consultan al SU por episodios de hipoglucemia. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes >65años atendidos en un área de fragilidad del SU por hipoglucemias relacionadas con el uso de antidiabéticos orales y/o insulinas. Para evaluar los factores de riesgo asociados a reconsultas a los 90días se realizó un análisis multivariante mediante regresión logística, incluyendo las variables relacionadas con la comorbilidad y el tratamiento antidiabético con un valor de p<0,2 en el análisis univariante previo. Resultados: Se incluyeron 106 pacientes. El valor de %HbA1c estuvo disponible en 87 (82,1%) pacientes, de los cuales 10 (11,5%) presentaban una HbA1c ≤5,5%. Al alta, el tratamiento antidiabético se modificó a 63 (59,4%) pacientes. Reconsultaron a urgencias 38 (36,1%) pacientes, 9 (8,5%) de ellos por motivos relacionados con nuevas alteraciones de la glucemia. Los factores que se asocian a reconsultas a los 90días fueron: ser hombre (OR: 3,62 [IC95%: 1,24-10,51]), la modificación del tratamiento al alta (OR: 0,31 [0,11-0,91]) y presentar un valor de HbA1c ≤5,5% (OR: 5,33 [1,16-14,51]). Conclusiones: Los pacientes frágiles con diabetes que consultan al SU por hipoglucemia presentan con frecuencia cifras de HbA1c inferiores a las recomendadas, hecho que se asocia a un aumento en el riesgo de reconsulta a 90días (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Emergency department (ED) visits due to hypoglycaemia are frequent in elderly patients. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the risk factors associated to ED re-visits at 90days in elderly patients who visited ED with an episode of hypoglycaemia. Material and methods: A retrospective observational study was designed, including elderly diabetic patients (>65years) attended in a fragility area of an ED for an episode of hypoglycaemia. To evaluate the risk factors associated to ED re-visits at 90days a multivariate analysis with logistic regression was performed, including those variables related to comorbidity and antidiabetic treatment with a P<0.2 in a previous univariate analysis. Results: 106 patients were included. %HbA1c value was available in 87 (82.1%) patients. Ten (11.5%) patients presented a value of HbA1c ≤5.5%. Antidiabetic treatment was changed to 63 (59.4%) patients at discharge. Thirty-eight (36.1%) patients re-visited the ED at 90days, 9 for glycaemic alterations. The risk factors associated to 90days ED re-visit were: being man (OR: 3.62 [95%CI: 1.24-10.51)), treatment modified at discharge (OR: 0.31 [0.11-0.91]) and to present an HbA1c value ≤5.5% (OR: 5.33 [1.16-14.51]). Conclusions: Fragile patients with diabetes who visit ED for hypoglycaemia present, in high frequency, HbA1c values lower than those recommended, being associated to an increase of ED re-visit risk at 90days (AU)

Programa de coordinación en la transición asistencial para la mejora de la farmacoterapia entre un Servicio de Urgencias y un Centro Sociosanitario / Coordination program in the care transition for the improvement of pharmacotherapy between an Emergency Service and a Center Socio-sanitary

Objetivos: Describir un programa de colaboración entre farmacéuticos de un Servicio de Urgencias y un Centro Sociosanitario, así como evaluar su impacto sobre la frecuencia de reconsulta al Servicio de Urgencias.Material y métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo en el cual se describieron las intervenciones realizadas por un programa de colaboración multidisciplinar en pacientes dados de alta desde un Servicio de Urgencias a un Centro Sociosanitario durante 9 meses. Para evaluar el impacto asistencial del programa, se comparó el número de reconsultas al Servicio de Urgencias a los 30 días de los pacientes derivados al Centro Sociosanitario con el mismo periodo del año previo a la intervención. Resultados: De los 627 pacientes dados de alta desde el Servicio de Urgencias hasta al centro de sociosanitario, se comunicaron modificaciones de tratamiento en 233 pacientes (edad media: 87,1 (SD:7,7) años). El principal motivo de asistencia a Urgencias fue infección respiratoria/broncoaspiaración (74; 31,8%), seguida de infección urinaria (33; 14,2%). Se realizaron intervenciones en 48 (20,6%) de los pacientes al ingreso por parte de los farmacéuticos del centro sociosanitario, siendo mayoritario el ajuste de antibioterapia (13; 27,1%). Se observó una tendencia no significativa a la reducción en el número de reconsultas al Servicio de Urgencias (6,6% vs. 4,9%; p=0,258).Conclusiones: La comunicación entre los farmacéuticos responsables del Servicio de Urgencias y de los Centros Sociosanitarios permite optimizar de forma precoz el tratamiento farmacoterapéutico de los pacientes, con un potencial impacto sobre las reconsultas a los Servicios de Urgencias. (AU)

Objectives: To describe a collaborative program between pharmacists from an Emergency Department and a long-term Health Care Center, and to evaluate its impact on the frequency of visits to the emergency department.Material and methods: Retrospective observational study in which the interventions performed by a multidisciplinary collaboration team in patients discharged from an Emergency Service to a long-term Health Care Center for 9 months were described. To evaluate the health-care impact of this intervention, the number of re-visits to the emergency department at 30 days of patient’s dischrge to long-term Health Care Center was compared with the same period of the previous year.Results: 627 patients discharged from the Emergency Department to the long-term Health Care Center, being treatment modifications reported in 233 patients (mean age: 87.1 (SD: 7.7) years). The main reason for attending the emergency room was respiratory infection (74; 31.8%), followed by urinary infection (33; 14.2%). Interventions were performed in 48 (20.6%) of the patients upon admission by pharmacists of the the long-term Health Care Center, being the adjustment of antibiotic therapy the most frequent intervention (13; 27.1%). There was a non-significant trend towards a reduction in the number of re-visits to the Emergency Department during the intervention period (6.6% vs. 4.9%; p=0.258).Conclusions: Communication between the pharmacists responsible for the Emergency Service and long-term Health Care Centers allows a comprehensive action on the patient’s pharmacotherapy, with a potential impact on the healthcare system. (AU)

[Risk factors associated with emergency service re-visits in frailty diabetic patients who consult for hypoglycaemia]. / Factores asociados a reconsultas a urgencias en pacientes frágiles con diabetes tipo 2 que consultan por hipoglucemia.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Emergency department (ED) visits due to hypoglycaemia are frequent in elderly patients. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the risk factors associated to ED re-visits at 90days in elderly patients who visited ED with an episode of hypoglycaemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was designed, including elderly diabetic patients (>65years) attended in a fragility area of an ED for an episode of hypoglycaemia. To evaluate the risk factors associated to ED re-visits at 90days a multivariate analysis with logistic regression was performed, including those variables related to comorbidity and antidiabetic treatment with a P<0.2 in a previous univariate analysis. RESULTS: 106 patients were included. %HbA1c value was available in 87 (82.1%) patients. Ten (11.5%) patients presented a value of HbA1c ≤5.5%. Antidiabetic treatment was changed to 63 (59.4%) patients at discharge. Thirty-eight (36.1%) patients re-visited the ED at 90days, 9 for glycaemic alterations. The risk factors associated to 90days ED re-visit were: being man (OR: 3.62 [95%CI: 1.24-10.51)), treatment modified at discharge (OR: 0.31 [0.11-0.91]) and to present an HbA1c value ≤5.5% (OR: 5.33 [1.16-14.51]). CONCLUSIONS: Fragile patients with diabetes who visit ED for hypoglycaemia present, in high frequency, HbA1c values lower than those recommended, being associated to an increase of ED re-visit risk at 90days.

Antimicrobial stewardship programs in emergency departments: how do we measure antimicrobial use? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) has become a usual practice in hospital settings. However, the method for monitoring antimicrobial use in accident and emergency departments (ED) is not yet adequately defined. Thus, the objective of this review is to describe antimicrobial use indicators used by ASPs implemented in ED. METHODS: A systematic review was performed based on studies found in the following academic research databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus (Period: January 2000 to December 2019). Controlled clinical trials, before-and-after studies, interrupted time series, and repeated measures studies assessing the impact of ASPs on antimicrobial use in ED were included; studies published in languages other than English or Spanish were excluded from this review. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. In total, 15 (62.5%) studies described the ASP team members who collaborated with the ED staff. Most (21; 80.8%) studies used the percentage of patients with an antibiotic prescription as an indicator. Four (15.4%) studies included defined daily dose data. The antibiotic treatment duration was reported in four (15.4%) studies. Only two studies assessed the impact of the ASP using microbiological indicators, both of which used the incidence of infection with Clostridioides difficile as the indicator. CONCLUSIONS: The reports of experiences in implementing ASPs in ED show heterogeneous antimicrobial use indicators, which makes it difficult to compare results. Therefore, antimicrobial use indicators for ASPs must be standardised between hospital units.

Fosfomycin in infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens.

The alarming increase in antibiotic resistance rates reported for various pathogens has resulted in the use of alternative treatment policies. Given the fairly limited availability of new antimicrobial drugs, the reassessment of older antibiotics is now an interesting option. Fosfomycin, a bactericidal analog of phosphoenolpyruvate that has been previously been employed as an oral treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infection, has recently raised interest among physicians worldwide. In general, the advanced resistance described in Gram-negative bacteria suggests that fosfomycin can be an appropriate treatment option for patients with highly resistant microbial infections. This review, which refers to key available data, focuses on the possibility of extending the use of fosfomycin beyond urinary tract infections and against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

Haemodialysis significantly reduces serum levetiracetam levels inducing epileptic seizures: Case report.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Levetiracetam is used in the treatment of some forms of epilepsy. In renal impairment and patients on chronic haemodialysis, dose adjustment is required. We report a case. CASE DESCRIPTION: This case report describes a woman on levetiracetam treatment who presented with generalized tonic-clonic seizures during a haemodialysis session. We report on treatment adjustment and on the impact of dialysis on levetiracetam levels. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Haemodialysis reduces serum levetiracetam concentration and can lead to subtherapeutic levels. Close monitoring is necessary when dialysis is used on patients receiving anticonvulsant drugs that are extensively eliminated by the procedure.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia by methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus: do minimum inhibitory concentrations to vancomycin and daptomycin matter?

The use of vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) as an outcome predictor in patients with methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteremia has become an important topic for debate in the last few years. Given these previous results, we decided to investigate whether MICs to vancomycin or daptomycin had any effect on the evolution of patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) due to MSSA. An observational, retrospective, multicenter study was conducted among patients with MSSA VAP. We analyzed the relationship between vancomycin and daptomycin MICs and early clinical response (72 h), 30-day mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (LOS), and duration on mechanical ventilation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Sixty-six patients from 12 centers were included. Twenty-six patients (39%) had an infection due to MSSA strains with a vancomycin MIC ≥1.5 µg/mL. Daptomycin MIC was determined in 58 patients, of whom 17 (29%) had an MIC ≥1.0 µg/mL. Ten patients (15%) did not respond to first-line treatment. Only daptomycin MIC ≥1.0 µg/mL had a significant association [odds ratio (OR): 30.00; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.91-60.41] with early treatment failure. The 30-day mortality was 12% (n = 8). Any variable was associated with mortality in the multivariate analysis. None of the variables studied were associated with ICU LOS or duration on mechanical ventilation. In patients with MSSA VAP, vancomycin MIC does not influence the response to antibiotic treatment or the 30-day mortality. Daptomycin MIC was directly related to early treatment failure.

Antimicrobial stewardship programs in the critical care setting / Programas de administración de antimicrobianos en la unidad de cuidados intensivos

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Resultados de aflibercept en degeneración macular asociada a la edad refractaria a ranibizumab / Aflibercept in exudative age related macular degeneration refractory to ranibizumab

OOBJETIVO: El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la efectividad, seguridad y costes de aflibercept en el tratamiento de la degeneración macular relacionada con la edad (DMAE) refractaria al ranibizumab. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional retrospectivo en el que se incluyó a pacientes diagnosticados de DMAE húmeda tratados previamente con ranibizumab. Las variables de eficacia evaluadas fueron cambios en la agudeza visual corregida (AV) y mejoras anatómicas en el ojo más afectado. Se estudiaron factores asociados a la mejora de la AV con aflibercept. Se recogieron los eventos adversos relacionados con el tratamiento. El análisis de costes se realizó desde la perspectiva del hospital, teniendo en cuenta solo los costos médicos directos. El análisis coste-efectividad respecto a la terapia previa con ranibizumab se calculó mediante el coste del tratamiento y la efectividad del tratamiento calculada como AV ganada. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un total de 50 ojos correspondientes a 46 pacientes, con una mediana de seguimiento de 4,6 meses (rango: 1,0-6,0). El porcentaje de ojos tratados que mostraron una mejora en la AV después de las 2 primeras dosis y al final del período de seguimiento fue de 32,0 y 28,0%. Ninguna de las variables estudiadas se asoció con una mejoría en la AV corregida después del tratamiento. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en el coste medio mensual entre tratamientos. CONCLUSIONES: Aflibercept es un tratamiento efectivo en un número significativo de pacientes resistentes al tratamiento con ranibizumab, con un coste similar al generado durante las etapas finales de tratamiento con ranibizumab

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness, safety and cost of aflibercept in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) refractory to ranibizumab. METHODS: Retrospective observational study was conducted on patients diagnosed with wet ARMD, and previously treated with ranibizumab. Efficacy variables assessed were changes in visual acuity (BCVA) and anatomical improvements in the most affected eye. Factors associated with improvement of BCVA with aflibercept were also studied. Adverse events related to the aflibercept administration were recorded. Cost analysis data were collected from the hospital perspective, and only taking the direct medical costs into account. Cost-effectiveness analysis was calculated using the aflibercept treatment cost, and effectiveness calculated as BCVA gained. RESULTS: A total of 50 eyes corresponding to 46 patients were included. The median follow-up period was 4.6 months (range: 1.0-6.0). Improvement in visual acuity after the first 2 doses and at the end of the follow-up period was observed in 32.0 and 28.0% of treated eyes, respectively. None of the variables studied was associated with an improvement in the BCVA after treatment. No significant differences were found in the average monthly cost between treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Aflibercept is shown to be an effective treatment in a significant number of patients resistant to treatment with ranibizumab, presenting a cost similar to that generated during the final stages of treatment with ranibizumab

Aflibercept in exudative age related macular degeneration refractory to ranibizumab.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness, safety and cost of aflibercept in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) refractory to ranibizumab. METHODS: Retrospective observational study was conducted on patients diagnosed with wet ARMD, and previously treated with ranibizumab. Efficacy variables assessed were changes in visual acuity (BCVA) and anatomical improvements in the most affected eye. Factors associated with improvement of BCVA with aflibercept were also studied. Adverse events related to the aflibercept administration were recorded. Cost analysis data were collected from the hospital perspective, and only taking the direct medical costs into account. Cost-effectiveness analysis was calculated using the aflibercept treatment cost, and effectiveness calculated as BCVA gained. RESULTS: A total of 50 eyes corresponding to 46 patients were included. The median follow-up period was 4.6 months (range: 1.0-6.0). Improvement in visual acuity after the first 2 doses and at the end of the follow-up period was observed in 32.0 and 28.0% of treated eyes, respectively. None of the variables studied was associated with an improvement in the BCVA after treatment. No significant differences were found in the average monthly cost between treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Aflibercept is shown to be an effective treatment in a significant number of patients resistant to treatment with ranibizumab, presenting a cost similar to that generated during the final stages of treatment with ranibizumab.

Evaluación del uso de rituximab en la neuromielitis óptica / Clinical evaluation of rituximab treatment for neuromyelitis optica

Introducción: La neuromielitis óptica es un trastorno autoinmune, inflamatorio y desmielinizante del sistema nervioso central que afecta a la médula espinal y al nervio óptico, de carácter recurrente. Rituximab ha sido utilizado en el tratamiento de varias enfermedades neurológicas de probable naturaleza autoinmune o donde la inmunidad humoral estaba implicada. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de rituximab en el tratamiento de la neuromielitis óptica en un hospital terciario. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con neuromielitis óptica tratadas con 2 infusiones de rituximab 1.000 mg separadas por 15 días, cada 6-8 meses. Se evaluó la puntuación EDSS, la existencia de brotes, el estado general, el recuento de CD19+, la presencia de anticuerpos anti-NMO y las reacciones adversas. Resultados: Se trataron 6 pacientes, todas mujeres (mediana de edad 46 años; rango 38-58). En 3 de ellas (50%) se detectó la presencia de anticuerpos anti-NMO. La EDSS basal fue de 4 (rango 2-5,5). Dos pacientes recibieron previamente algún fármaco inmumodulador. La mediana desde el primer brote hasta el tratamiento con rituximab fue de 3,7 años (rango 1,7-6,9); 2 pacientes presentaron alguna reacción adversa tras la primera infusión del fármaco. En cuanto a la respuesta, 4 pacientes no volvieron a tener brotes y su EDSS no progresó, en una paciente no se observó mejoría clínica y otra no pudo evaluarse. Conclusiones: El uso de rituximab en pacientes con neuromielitis óptica puede considerarse una alternativa terapéutica interesante, ya que no existen tratamientos autorizados para esta enfermedad. Son necesarios más estudios con rituximab para establecer el lugar de este fármaco en la terapéutica de la neuromielitis óptica

Introduction: Neuromyelitis optica is an inflammatory and usually relapsing demyelinating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that targets the optic nerves and spinal cord. Rituximab has been used for different neurological diseases that are probably immune-mediated or involving humoural immunity. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab as treatment for neuromyelitis optica in a tertiary hospital. Methods: Retrospective study of patients with neuromyelitis optica treated with rituximab 1000 mg on days 1 and 15, repeated every 6 to 8 months. We recorded EDSS score, relapse rate, overall condition, CD19+ count, presence of anti-NMO antibodies, and possible adverse reactions. Results: Six patients were treated; all were women with a median age of 46 years (range, 38-58). Anti-NMO antibodies were detected in 3 patients (50%). Baseline EDSS was 4 (range 2.0-5.5). Two patients had previously been treated with an immunomodulatory drug. Median time from the first rituximab infusion to first relapse was 3.7 years (range 1.7-6.9). Two patients had infusion reactions after the first dose of rituximab. Four patients remained relapse-free and their EDSS score did not progress during rituximab treatment, one patient showed no clinical improvement, and one patient could not be evaluated. Conclusion: Rituximab can be considered an attractive therapeutic alternative for patients with neuromyelitis optica as there are no approved treatments for this disease. Further studies with rituximab are needed to establish the role of this drug in treating neuromyelitis optica

Initial experience of use of tolvaptan in critically ill patients with fluid overload.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Positive volume balance is related with high mortality in critically ill patients. We describe our experience in the use of tolvaptan in patients with fluid overload. CASE SUMMARY: Six patients in the recovery phase from septic shock were included. All patients achieved an increase in diuresis after the first day, with a median fluid balance variation of -2362 (-485 to -3447) mL. At the end of treatment, median fluid balance variation was -9080 (-26,784 to -4395) mL. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Tolvaptan could be an option in critically ill patients with fluid overload and resistant or not treatable with conventional diuretics.

Clinical evaluation of rituximab treatment for neuromyelitis optica.

INTRODUCTION: Neuromyelitis optica is an inflammatory and usually relapsing demyelinating autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that targets the optic nerves and spinal cord. Rituximab has been used for different neurological diseases that are probably immune-mediated or involving humoural immunity. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab as treatment for neuromyelitis optica in a tertiary hospital. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with neuromyelitis optica treated with rituximab 1000mg on days 1 and 15, repeated every 6 to 8 months. We recorded EDSS score, relapse rate, overall condition, CD19+ count, presence of anti-NMO antibodies, and possible adverse reactions. RESULTS: Six patients were treated; all were women with a median age of 46 years (range, 38-58). Anti-NMO antibodies were detected in 3 patients (50%). Baseline EDSS was 4 (range 2.0-5.5). Two patients had previously been treated with an immunomodulatory drug. Median time from the first rituximab infusion to first relapse was 3.7 years (range 1.7-6.9). Two patients had infusion reactions after the first dose of rituximab. Four patients remained relapse-free and their EDSS score did not progress during rituximab treatment, one patient showed no clinical improvement, and one patient could not be evaluated. CONCLUSION: Rituximab can be considered an attractive therapeutic alternative for patients with neuromyelitis optica as there are no approved treatments for this disease. Further studies with rituximab are needed to establish the role of this drug in treating neuromyelitis optica.

[Analysis of the causes leading to withdrawal of the treatment with triple antiviral therapy for hepatitis C patients]. / Análisis de las causas de suspensión de tratamiento con triple terapia antiviral en pacientes con hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVE: To assess causes of suspension of hepatitis C treatment in patients receiving triple antiviral therapy (peginterferon+ ribavirin + protease inhibitor). METHODS: Retrospective observational study of patients who received triple antiretroviral therapy against hepatitis C between January 2012 - March 2013 and discontinued their treatment. RESULTS: Of 156 patients who initiated therapy, 41 discontinued treatment: Nineteen due to adverse events, being dermatological events in seven patients ( 36.8 %), intolerance in six(31.6%) and hematologic toxicity in four (15.8%) . Sixteen patients discontinued treatment for being ineffectiveness.Patients with higher inefficacy failure rate were "null-responders"(32.3% ) while the group of "relapsers" were the one with the highest rate of toxicity suspensions (15.6%). Two patients died during treatment for pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: Triple therapy with boceprevir and telaprevir is associated with a significant number of treatment failures due to toxicity and ineffectiveness.

Objetivo: Evaluar las causas de suspensión de tratamientofrente a Hepatitis C que reciben triple terapia antiviral (peginterferon+ ribavirina + inhibidor de proteasa).Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de pacientes queiniciaron triple terapia antiviral entre enero 2012 - marzo 2013y suspendieron el tratamiento antes de completar el mismo.Resultados: De 156 pacientes que iniciaron triple terapia, 41interrumpieron el tratamiento: Diecinueve por toxicidad, siendodermatológica en siete pacientes (36,8%), intolerancia en seis(31,6%) y hematológica en cuatro (15,8%). Dieciséis pacientessuspendieron todo el tratamiento por ineficacia. El grupo depacientes con mayor porcentaje de fracasos por ineficacia fueronlos "no respondedores" (32,3%) mientras que el grupo depacientes "recidivantes" fueron el grupo con mayor porcentajede suspensiones por toxicidad (15,6%). Dos pacientes fallecierondurante el tratamiento por neumonía.Conclusiones: La triple terapia frente a VHC está asociada a unnúmero importante de fracasos terapéuticos tanto por toxicidadcomo por ineficacia.

Análisis de las causas de suspensión de tratamiento con triple terapia antivrial en pacientes con hepatitis C / Analysis of the causes leading to withdrawal of the treatment with triple antivial therapy for hepatitis C patients

Objetivo: Evaluar las causas de suspensión de tratamient of rente a Hepatitis C que reciben triple terapia antiviral (pegin-terferon + ribavirina + inhibidor de proteasa).Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de pacientes que iniciaron triple terapia antiviral entre enero 2012 - marzo 2013y suspendieron el tratamiento antes de completar el mismo. Resultados: De 156 pacientes que iniciaron triple terapia, 41interrumpieron el tratamiento: Diecinueve por toxicidad, siendo dermatológica en siete pacientes (36,8%), intolerancia en seis(31,6%) y hematológica en cuatro (15,8%). Dieciséis pacientes suspendieron todo el tratamiento por ineficacia. El grupo de pacientes con mayor porcentaje de fracasos por ineficacia fueron los "no respondedores" (32,3%) mientras que el grupo de pacientes "recidivantes" fueron el grupo con mayor porcentaje de suspensiones por toxicidad (15,6%). Dos pacientes fallecieron durante el tratamiento por neumonía. Conclusiones: La triple terapia frente a VHC está asociada a un número importante de fracasos terapéuticos tanto por toxicidad como por ineficacia

Objective: To assess causes of suspension of hepatitis C treatment in patients receiving triple antiviral therapy (peginterferon+ ribavirin + protease inhibitor).Methods: Retrospective observational study of patients who recived triple antiretroviral therapy agaisnst hepatitis C between January 2012 - March 2013 and discontinued their treatment. Results: Of 156 patients who initiated therapy, 41 discontinued treatment: Nineteen due to adverse events, being dermatological events in seven patients ( 36.8 %), intolerance in six(31.6%) and hematologic toxicity in four (15.8%) . Sixteen patients discontinued treatment for beeing ineffectiveness. Patients with higher inefficacy failure rate were "null-responders" (32.3% ) while the group of "relapsers" were the one with the highest rate of toxicity suspensions (15.6%). Two patients died during treatment for pneumonia. Conclusions: Triple therapy with boceprevir and telaprevir is associated with a significant number of treatment failures due to toxicity and ineffectiveness (AU)