Colonization of multidrug resistant pathogens in a hybrid pediatric cardiac surgery center.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of multidrug resistant microorganisms worldwide is increasing. The aim of the study was to present institutional experience with the multidrug resistant microorganism colonization patterns observed in children with congenital heart diseases hospitalized in a hybrid pediatric cardiac surgery center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Microbiological samples were routinely collected in all children admitted to our department. All microbiological samples were analyzed with regard to multidrug resistant microorganisms: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), Gram-negative rods producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL), multidrug resistant Gram-negative rods (MDR-GNRs), carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC), carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA). RESULTS: In 30 (9%) swabs 'alert' pathogens from the above group of listed microorganisms were found. All positive swabs were isolated in 19 (16.1%) children. Multidrug resistant pathogen colonization was statistically significantly more often observed in children admitted from other medical facilities than in children admitted from home (38% vs. 10%, p = 0.0089). In the group of children younger than 6 months 'alert' pathogen were more often observed than in older children (34.1% vs. 5.4%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative multidrug resistant pathogen screening in children admitted and referred for congenital heart disease procedures may be of great importance since many of these patients are colonized with resistant bacteria. Knowledge of the patient's microbiome is important in local epidemiological control along with tailoring the most effective preoperative prophylactic antibiotic for each patient. The impact of preoperative screening on postoperative infections and other complications requires further analysis.

Candidemia in children after complex congenital heart defects surgery treated with caspofungin--our own experience and a review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal infections due to Candida species constitute an increasing clinical problem. There are no guidelines for the management of candidemia in children undergoing surgical procedures for congenital heart defects (CHD). The aim of the study was to draw attention to the problem of candidemia in children who are operated on due to congenital heart defects. MATERIAL/METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed medical documentation of 307 children with congenital heart defects treated in 1 clinical centre in Poland, from whom we selected those diagnosed with candidemia during the postoperative period. Next, we analyzed in detail the clinical course of invasive candidiasis in each individual and we performed an analysis of risk factors that lead to candidemia. RESULTS: In the analyzed period, among 307 children who underwent surgical procedures, we observed 2 cases of candidemia (0.65%) which were effectively cured with caspofungin. No adverse effects were observed after treatment with the drug. CONCLUSIONS: Candidemia in children who undergo surgical treatment of congenital heart defects is an important factor that can influence final clinical results. Caspofungin may be an effective therapeutic option when treating candidemia in children after extensive cardiosurgical procedures.

[Blood culture analysis in children with central venous catheter]. / Analiza wyników posiewów krwi u dzieci z zalozonym cewnikiem centralnym.

We analyzed 99 blood cultures taken from 28 children with central venous catheter. Children were hospitalized in pediatric, pediatric surgery and pediatric intensive care department. All samples were collected from peripherial vein. Positive blood cultures were obtained more frequently from children with central venous catheter than from children without central venous catheter (57.5% vs. 7.4%). Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most frequently obtained bacteria. The other bacterial species were obtained less frequently. The highest percentage of multi resistant straines was isolated from blood samples collected from intensive care department patients. In each departments in which coagulase-negative Staphylococci were isolated, metycillin-resistant straines dominated.

[Procalcitonin as a diagnostic marker in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis]. / Prokalcytonina jako marker diagnostyczny Zespolu Uogólnionej Reakcji Zapalnej (SIRS) i posocznicy.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation the value of procalcitonin as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in septic patients and patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 126 patients were included into the study. The patients were divided into four groups: 1--septic patients with positive blood cultures, 2--septic patients with negative blood cultures, 3--patients with SIRS, 4--patients without sepsis and SIRS. PCT level was measured by imunoluminometric assay (LUMItest) and immunochromatographic assay (PCT-Q). RESULTS: PCT level is higher in patients with sepsis than in patients with SIRS. PCT level is only slightly elevated in patients without sepsis and SIRS. The highest PCT level is found in patients with septic shock. In patients with the clinical improvement the frequency of PCT level increase is approximately twice lower than in patients who died. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of PCT level on the first, second and third day of hospitalization has no prognostic value. There is no significant difference in PCT level in sepsis caused by Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. PCT is a useful marker in diagnosis of sepsis but its role in monitoring the severity of sepsis requires more clinical studies.