Postoperative Imaging of Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a highly prevalent disease that affects 10%-15% of women of reproductive age worldwide and is mainly associated with chronic pelvic pain and infertility. With the widespread use of imaging for the diagnosis and monitoring of endometriosis, combined with the ability of surgery to eradicate the disease and address infertility, there has been a significant increase in recent years in imaging examinations for postoperative evaluation of endometriosis. US and MRI are used not only to help diagnose and map endometriosis but also to evaluate refractory symptoms, residual lesions, and complications at posttreatment assessment. Knowledge of surgical techniques and recognition of expected postoperative imaging findings are crucial to differentiate postoperative changes from residual disease and/or recurrence. The authors discuss imaging aspects of postoperative endometriosis, with an emphasis on the imaging approach, comprehension of surgical techniques, recognition of the expected findings, possible complications, and analysis of residual disease or recurrence. ©RSNA, 2024 Test Your Knowledge questions for this article are available in the supplemental material. See the invited commentary by VanBuren in this issue. The slide presentation from the RSNA Annual Meeting is available for this article.

Early Mortality in Children and Adolescents with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: Experience of the Boldrini Children's Center.

INTRODUCTION: Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is currently considered a highly curable disease. However, an early death (ED) remains one of the main causes of APL treatment failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of 91 children and adolescents with APL, who were consecutively registered at the (name of institution removed) Children's Center from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2017. Data were assessed for age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index percentile, initial white blood cell count, peripheral blood blast count, and platelet count, hemoglobin value, partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, fibrinogen level, serum creatinine level, APL morphology subtype (classic vs. hypogranular variant M3v), and FLT3 gene mutations. RESULTS: ED occurred in 12 of 91 (13.1%) patients and was mainly related to cerebral thromboembolism. Overall 66% of deaths occurred in the second week after diagnosis. ED was associated with white blood cell ≥10×10 cells/L (odds ratio of 8.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.48-48.26; P=0.0016), initial promyelocytes ≥20×10/L (odds ratio of 9.29; 95% CI=2.45-35.8; P=0.001), morphologic subtype M3v (odds ratio of 3.63; 95% CI=1.04-12.64; P=0.043), and creatinine serum levels >0.7 mg/dL (odds ratio of 6.78; 95% CI=1.83-25.13; P=0.004). In multivariate analyses, ED was associated with initial peripheral promyelocytes ≥20×10 blasts/L and creatinine serum levels >0.7 mg/dL. CONCLUSIONS: EDs were mainly caused by thrombohemorrhagic events and occurred within the second week after diagnosis. High peripheral promyelocytes and creatinine levels were predictors of ED in APL.

Inferior Vena Cava Ultrasound in Children: Comparing Two Common Assessment Methods.

OBJECTIVES: Inferior vena cava ultrasound has been used as a predictor of fluid responsiveness in children. Two ultrasonographic modes can be used to measure the respiratory variation of inferior vena cava diameter: M-mode and B-mode. Inconsistencies in measurements between the modes can result in inaccuracies in commonly used indices that assess fluid responsiveness. Our primary objective was to determine whether there are differences in the ultrasound-based measurements between these two modes of evaluation, which would impact respiratory variation of inferior vena cava diameter calculation. Our secondary objective was to assess inferior vena cava displacements during the respiratory cycle as a possible mechanism for measurement differences between the modes. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: PICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Seventy-three children under controlled ventilation (median age of 16 mo and weight of 10 kg). INTERVENTIONS: The inferior vena cava diameters were measured using a longitudinal view using B- and M-mode ultrasound. Two respiratory variation of inferior vena cava diameter indices were evaluated: distensibility and respiratory variation. Maximum craniocaudal and mediolateral displacements of the inferior vena cava were measured using the B-mode ultrasound. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Maximum diameters of the inferior vena cava were similar between the B- and M-modes (7.90 vs 7.90 mm, respectively; p = 0.326), but minimum diameters were smaller when measured by M-mode (6.36 vs 5.00 mm; p = 0.003). When calculated by data obtained from M-mode, respiratory variation of inferior vena cava diameter indices presented significantly higher values compared to B-mode measures (p ≤ 0.001, for both). Median inferior vena cava displacements were 5.00 mm (interquartile range, 3.68-6.26 mm) in the craniocaudal and 0.80 mm (interquartile range, 0.12-1.23 mm) in the mediolateral directions. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant difference between measurements of the minimum inferior vena cava diameter observed in M- and B-mode ultrasound during the respiratory cycle in children under controlled ventilation. This results in imprecise respiratory variation of inferior vena cava diameter indices. Displacements of the inferior vena cava during the respiratory cycle may influence the reliability of ultrasonographic measurements, particularly in M-mode.

Expression of stem cell-related genes in the endometrium and endometriotic lesions: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the expression of stem cell-related genes in the endometrium (END), superficial endometriosis (SE), and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). STUDY DESIGN: We performed a prospective pilot study of six women suffering from SE and DIE who gave consent for laparoscopy surgery, endometrial biopsies, and participation in this study. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of 84 stem cell-related genes was performed in 18 biopsy samples. RESULTS: A total of 40 of 84 genes were expressed in SE and DIE, but were different from END as follows. Seven genes were over-expressed in SE and 33 genes were under-expressed in DIE compared with END. Two genes were only over-expressed in SE and three genes were only over-expressed in DIE. Six under-expressed genes were exclusively located in SE and one was only located in DIE. The remaining 31 genes were not different among the groups. There was no significant difference in gene expression between SE and DIE samples. CONCLUSION: Tissue of DIE and SE appears to have similar stem cell-related genes. Nevertheless, there are differences in gene expression between SE and DIE.

Clinical features and outcome of children and adolescents hospitalized with influenza A (H1N1) virus infection compared with flu-like symptoms and negative rapid tests for influenza A (H1N1) admitted in the same period of time.

This report describes the clinical features and outcome of 61 pediatric hospitalized patients with influenza-like infection. Fever, cough and respiratory distress were the most common symptoms of the infection. Fifteen patients presented positive RT-PCR results for influenza A (H1N1). The group with positive results was compared with the negative one. The main significant difference was antibiotic usage and the need of mechanical ventilation in the patients with H1N1-virus infection. Among the 11 patients who required intensive care due to respiratory failure, 3 from the positive group died and none from the negative group.

Evaluation of CD8+ T cell subpopulations in paracoccidioidomycosis.

Aim: We aimed to verify the frequency of CD8+ T cell subsets in patients with acute form and chronic form of paracoccidioidomycosis. Material & Methods: Mononuclear cells from paracoccidioidomycosis patients and healthy donors were isolated and phenotyped by flow cytometry. Dendritic cells were pulsed with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeast and co-cultures with lymphocytes. Cytokine production was measured by ELISA. Results: Acute form patients present a higher frequency of Tc1 and Tc10 cells, while chronic form patients have more Tc1 and Tc21 cells, compared with healthy controls. In vitro assays showed that P. brasiliensis induced polarization to the Tc17/Tc22 subsets. Conclusion: Our results suggest that CD8+ T cells can respond in a similar way to P. brasiliensis infection, regardless of the clinical presentation of the disease.

Paradoxical reaction to treatment in 2 patients with severe acute paracoccidioidomycosis: a previously unreported complication and its management with corticosteroids.

Paradoxical reactions have never been described in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis or other deep endemic mycoses out of the context of human immunodeficiency virus infection. We describe 2 patients with an acute form of paracoccidioidomycosis who presented with a worsening of their clinical manifestations while on appropriate antifungal treatment. These manifestations were severe and required adjunct corticosteroid therapy.

The role of the Hoxa10/HOXA10 gene in the etiology of endometriosis and its related infertility: a review.

PURPOSE: endometriosis and its associated infertility have been the object of continuous research for over a century. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease, it has become necessary to determine the aspects of its etiology that are not explained by the retrograde menstruation theory. This could in turn elucidate how various clinical and surgical treatments might affect the evolution and remission of the disease. METHODS: this review is focused on the most recent clinical and laboratory findings regarding the association of HOXA10 with endometriosis and infertility. RESULT: the homebox (Hox/HOX) proteins are highly conserved transcription factors that determine segmental body identities in multiple species, including humans. Hoxa10/HOXA10 is directly involved in the embryogenesis of the uterus and embryo implantation via regulation of downstream genes. Cyclical endometrial expression of Hoxa10/HOXA10, with a peak of expression occurring during the window of implantation, is observed in the adult in response to estrogen and progesterone. Women with endometriosis do not demonstrate the expected mid-luteal rise of HOXA10 expression, which might partially explain the infertility observed in many of these patients. Recent studies also demonstrated HOXA10 expression in endometriotic foci outside the Müllerian tract. CONCLUSIONS: multiple lines of evidence suggest that the actions of the homeobox A10 (Hoxa10/HOXA10) gene could account for some aspects of endometriosis.

Clinical manifestations of children with COVID-19: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is an unprecedented global public health challenge, leading to thousands of deaths every day worldwide. Despite the epidemiological importance, clinical patterns of children with COVID-19 remain unclear. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical, laboratorial, and radiological characteristics of children with COVID-19. METHODS: The Medline database was searched between December 1st 2019 and April 6th 2020. No language restrictions were applied. Inclusion criteria were (a) studied patients younger than 18 years old; (b) presented original data from cases of COVID-19 confirmed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction; and (c) contained descriptions of clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, or radiological examinations. RESULTS: A total of 38 studies (1124 cases) were included. From all the cases, 1117 had their severity classified: 14.2% were asymptomatic, 36.3% were mild, 46.0% were moderate, 2.1% were severe, and 1.2% were critical. The most prevalent symptom was fever (47.5%), followed by cough (41.5%), nasal symptoms (11.2%), diarrhea (8.1%), and nausea/vomiting (7.1%). One hundred forty-five (36.9%) children were diagnosed with pneumonia and 43 (10.9%) upper airway infections were reported. Reduced lymphocyte count was reported in 12.9% of cases. Abnormalities in computed tomography were reported in 63.0% of cases. The most prevalent abnormalities reported were ground-glass opacities, patchy shadows, and consolidations. Only one death was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical manifestations of children with COVID-19 differ widely from adult cases. Fever and respiratory symptoms should not be considered a hallmark of COVID-19 in children.

Use of circular stapler for laparoscopic excision of rectosigmoid anterior wall endometriosis.

The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic rectosigmoid anterior wall discoid resection for endometriosis using the circular stapler. A retrospective analysis was conducted of nine consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic radical excision of pelvic endometriosis, including bowel anterior wall discoid excision, at the Fertility and Pelvic Surgery Clinic and private hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil. The selected intervention was a radical laparoscopic endometriosis resection, including rectosigmoid anterior wall excision with the circular stapler. For certain types of bowel endometriosis, the anterior wall discoid stapler excision proved a suitable option that diminishes the chances of serious complications such as bowel fistula or anastomosis dehiscence.

Infective endocarditis due to Haemophilus aphrophilus: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: To report the case of a child with infective endocarditis caused by Haemophilus aphrophilus. DESCRIPTION: Boy with 20 days of fever and chills. On admission, he was febrile, pale and with no signs of hemodynamic instability; on cardiac auscultation, a mitral-related holosystolic murmur was observed. Laboratory examination identified anemia (hemoglobin = 9.14 g/dL), total leukocytes of 11,920 mm3, platelets of 250,000 mm3, elevated sedimentation velocity of red cells and elevated C-reactive protein. The echocardiogram revealed image on mitral valve, resembling vegetation. Considering endocarditis, antibiotic therapy was started with crystalline penicillin (200,000 UI/kg/day) in association with gentamicin (4 mg/kg/day). On the third day of treatment, Haemophilus aphrophilus was identified in the blood cultures and the antibiotic scheme was replaced with ceftriaxone (100 mg/kg/day). On the 20th day of evolution, the patient was pale but with no fever or other complaints. Examinations showed hemoglobin = 7.0 g/dL, leukocytes = 2,190 mm3, platelets = 98,000 mm3, international normalized ratio = 1.95 and R = 1.89. Considering the hypothesis of adverse reaction to ceftriaxone, a 6-week replacement treatment with ciprofloxacin (20 mg/kg/day) was started. Examination results normalized after 72 hours of the replacement therapy. During ambulatory follow-up, patient presented with severe mitral regurgitation, undergoing a valve replacement with a metallic prosthetic valve 9 months after acute event. Patient has done well throughout the 3-year ambulatory follow-up. COMMENTS: Identification of agents of the HACEK group (Haemophilus ssp, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Cardiobacterium hominis, Eikenella corrodens and Kingella kingae) in children with infective endocarditis is rare. This case report, with no HACEK agent-related risk factors, reinforces the need for identification of the etiological agent of endocarditis to ensure adequate treatment.

Low prevalence of vancomycin resistant enterococci colonization in intensive care patients in a Brazilian teaching hospital.

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are important pathogens involved in nosocomial infections. Colonization precedes infection and the number of colonized individuals is about 10 times higher than the number of infected patients. We examined VRE colonization in two intensive care units from October 2003 to June 2004. Perirectal swab specimens were obtained from all patients, starting on the 5th day after admission, and then weekly. A total of 249 swabs were obtained from 112 patients. Nine patients had VRE-positive swabs, giving a positive rate of 8.0%. The rate of patients colonized by V-R E. faecalis was 1.8% (n=2), 4.5% by V-R E. gallinarun (n=5) and 1.8% by V-R E. casseliflavus (n=2). No V-R E. faeciun was isolated. None of the patients that had been colonized by VRE were found to be infected by these pathogens. In summary, a low prevalence of colonization by VRE was found in our institution. Only a structured surveillance program, based on active searching, was able to detect this low number of cases.

[Hypercalcemia and multiple osteolytic lesions in a child with disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis and pulmonary tuberculosis]. / Hipercalcemia e lesões osteolíticas múltiplas em criança com paracoccidioidomicose disseminada e tuberculose pulmonar.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the case of a child with paracoccidioidomycosis who presented hypercalcemia with multiple osteolytic lesions. DESCRIPTION: A 6-year-old boy was admitted with a one-month history of fever and hepatosplenomegaly. On admission, he looked sick, pale, and had disseminated lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. The laboratory findings included anemia (hemoglobin = 6.8 g/dl), eosinophilia (1,222/mm3), thrombocytopenia (102,000/mm3), and hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin = 2.2 g/dl). Paracoccidioides brasiliensis was identified in bone marrow examination. In the second week after admission, the patient presented joint pain, poor activity and difficulty in walking. He presented hypercalcemia (maximum value = 14.9 mg%) and reduction in renal function, which lasted for two weeks. On the 42nd day after admission, his chest X-ray showed lytic lesions in clavicle, scapula, ribs, and humerus, with bilateral slipped capital humeral epiphysis. The patient presented nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis, reduction in creatinine clearance and evidence of tubular lesions. At the end of the second month after admission, Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated in gastric washing. The child received treatment for paracoccidioidomycosis and tuberculosis and has not had any sequelae for 3 years. COMMENTS: The development of symptomatic hypercalcemia leading to renal lesion, associated with multiple osteolytic lesions, had never been described in paracoccidioidomycosis. Although pulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed and could be related to hypercalcemia, the sudden onset of hypercalcemia and its normalization without specific treatment for tuberculosis suggests that bone lysis was the most important factor in the genesis of hypercalcemia.

Dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome in an adolescent during treatment during of leprosy.

A 12 y old girl was admitted 24 days after start a WHO multidrug therapy scheme for multibacillary leprosy (dapsone, clofazimine and rifampicin) with intense jaundice, generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatoesplenomegaly, oral erosions, conjunctivitis, morbiliform rash and edema of face, ankles and hands. The main laboratory data on admission included: hemoglobin, 8.4 g/dL; WBC, 15,710 cells/mm3; platelet count, 100,000 cells/mm3; INR = 1.49; increased serum levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, direct and indirect bilirubin. Following, the clinical conditions had deteriorated, developing exfoliative dermatitis, shock, generalized edema, acute renal and hepatic failure, pancytopenia, intestinal bleeding, pneumonia, urinary tract infection and bacteremia, needing adrenergic drugs, replacement of fluids and blood product components, and antibiotics. Ten days after admission she started to improve, and was discharged to home at day 39th, after start new supervised treatment for leprosy with clofazimine and rifampicin, without adverse effects. This presentation fulfils the criteria for the diagnosis of dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome (fever, generalized lymphadenopathy, exfoliative rash, anemia and liver involvement with mixed hepatocellular and cholestatic features). Physicians, mainly in geographical areas with high prevalence rates of leprosy, should be aware to this severe, and probably not so rare, hypersensitivity reaction to dapsone.

Fatal disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis in a two-year-old child.

A two year-old female child was admitted at the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in a septic shock associated with a lymphoproliferative syndrome, with history of fever, adynamia and weight loss during the last two months. On admission, the main clinical and laboratory manifestations were: pallor, jaundice, disseminated enlarged lymph nodes, hepatosplenomegaly, crusted warts on face, anemia, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, increased direct and indirect bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and gammaglutamyl transpeptidase. A parenteral administration of fluids, dobutamine and mechanical ventilation was started, without improvement of the clinical conditions. A direct examination of exsudate collected from cervical lymph node revealed numerous oval-to-around cells with multiple budding, like a "pilot wheel" cell, suggesting Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Even though treatment with intravenous sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprine was soon started, the child died 36 hours after hospital admission. Disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis was confirmed in the autopsy. This is the youngest case of paracoccidioidomycosis in children reported in the literature.

Sensitivity of scales to evaluate change in symptomatology with psychostimulants in different ADHD subtypes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the sensitivity of scales (Conners' Global Index Parent and Teacher form [CGI-P, CGI-T], Clinical Global Impression Scale [CGI], Continuous Performance Test [CPT], and Restricted Academic Situation Scale [RASS]) in evaluating improvement in symptomatology with methylphenidate in different Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) subtypes. METHOD: Four hundred and ninety children (309 with ADHD Combined/Hyperactive [ADHD-CH] and 181 with ADHD Inattentive subtype [ADHD-I]) participated in a two week double-blind placebo-controlled crossover methylphenidate trial. RESULTS: CGI-P showed small effect size for ADHD-I and medium effect size for the ADHD-CH subtype. CGI-T showed medium effect size for ADHD-I and large effect size for ADHD-CH subtype. CGI and RASS showed large effect size while CPT showed medium effect size for both subtypes. CONCLUSION: Acute behavioural assessments by clinicians (CGI, RASS) are better at detecting improvement with medication in all subtypes than parent or teacher reports (CGI-P, CGI-T). CGI-T is better than CGI-P for ADHD-I in detecting change in symptomatology as there is a greater demand for attention at school.

OBJECTIF: Évaluer la sensibilité des échelles (formulaire pour parents et enseignants de l'indice global de Conners [CGI-P, CGI-T], Impression clinique globale [CGI], test de performance continue [CPT], et échelle des situations scolaires restreintes [RASS]) pour évaluer l'amélioration de la symptomatologie par le méthylphénidate dans différents sous-types du trouble de déficit de l'attention avec hyperactivité (TDAH). MÉTHODE: Quatre cent quatre-vingt-dix enfants (309 souffrant du TDAH de type combiné/hyperactif [TDAH-CH] et 181 du sous-type TDAH inattentif [TDAH-I]) ont participé à un essai de méthylphénidate transversal à double insu contre placebo. RÉSULTATS: Le CGI-P a présenté une ampleur de l'effet modeste pour le TDAH-I et une ampleur de l'effet moyenne pour le sous-type TDAH-CH. Le CGI-T a révélé une ampleur de l'effet moyenne pour le TDAH-I et une grande ampleur de l'effet pour le sous-type TDAH-CH. La CGI et la RASS ont montré une grande ampleur de l'effet alors que le CPT a révélé une ampleur de l'effet moyenne pour les deux sous-types. CONCLUSION: Les évaluations aiguës du comportement menées par des cliniciens (CGI, RASS) détectent mieux l'amélioration attribuable aux médicaments dans tous les sous-types que les évaluations des parents ou des enseignants (CGI-P, CGI-T). Le CGI-T est préférable au CGI-P dans le TDAH-I pour détecter les changements de symptomatologie, puisque la demande d'attention est plus forte à l'école.

Extensive excision of deep infiltrative endometriosis before in vitro fertilization significantly improves pregnancy rates.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments in women with infertility-associated deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) who underwent extensive laparoscopic excision of endometriosis before IVF with those who underwent IVF only. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Infertility clinic and private hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. PATIENTS: A total of 179 infertile patients younger than 38 years had symptoms and/or signs of endometriosis and sonographic images suggestive of DIE. INTERVENTIONS: After thorough counseling, 179 women were invited to participate in a prospective cohort study with 2 treatment options: IVF without undergoing laparoscopic surgery (group A, n = 105) and extensive laparoscopic excision of DIE before IVF (group B, n = 64). Ten women were lost to follow-up. The IVF outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In group B, patients had 5 +/- 2 (mean +/- SD) DIE lesions excised during laparoscopy. Patient characteristics in groups A and B, respectively, were: age (32 +/- 3 vs 32 +/- 3 years, p = .94), infertility duration (29 +/- 20 vs 27 +/- 17 months, p = .45), day-3 serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels (5.6 +/- 2.5 vs 5.9 +/- 2.5 IU/L, p = .50), and previous IVF attempts (1 +/- 1 vs 2 +/- 1, p = .01). The IVF outcomes differed between groups A and B, respectively, with regard to total dose of recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone required to accomplish ovulation induction (2380 +/- 911 vs 2542 +/- 1012 IU, p = .01), number of oocytes retrieved (10 +/- 5 vs 9 +/- 5, p = .04), and pregnancy rates (24% vs 41%, p = .004), but not number of embryos transferred (3 +/- 1 vs 3 +/- 1, p = 1). The odds ratio of achieving a pregnancy were 2.45 times greater in group B than in group A. CONCLUSION: Extensive laparoscopic excision of DIE significantly improved IVF pregnancy rates of women with infertility-associated DIE.

Endocardite infecciosa por Haemophilus aphrophilus: relato de caso / Infective endocarditis due to Haemophilus aphrophilus: a case report

OBJETIVO: Descrever o caso de uma criança com endocardite infecciosa causada por Haemophilus aphrophilus. DESCRIÇÃO: Menino com febre e calafrios há 20 dias. À internação, apresentava-se febril, descorado e sem sinais de instabilidade hemodinâmica; à ausculta cardíaca, tinha sopro holosistólico em foco mitral. Os exames laboratoriais identificaram anemia (hemoglobina = 9,14 g/dL), leucócitos totais de 11.920 mm³, plaquetas de 250.000 mm³, velocidade de sedimentação das hemácias e proteína C reativa elevadas. O ecocardiograma revelou imagem em válvula mitral, sugestiva de vegetação. Com a hipótese de endocardite, foi iniciada antibioticoterapia com penicilina cristalina (200.000 UI/kg/dia) associada à gentamicina (4 mg/kg/dia). No terceiro dia de tratamento, foi identificado Haemophilus aphrophilus em hemoculturas, sendo então trocado o esquema antibiótico para ceftriaxona (100 mg/kg/dia). No 20º dia de internação, encontrava-se pálido, mas sem febre e sem outras queixas. Os exames mostravam hemoglobina = 7,0 g/dL, leucócitos = 2.190 mm³, plaquetas = 98.000 mm³, razão normatizada internacional = 1,95 e R = 1,89. Foi feita hipótese de reação adversa ao ceftriaxona, que foi substituído por ciprofloxacina, 20 mg/kg/dia, até completar 6 semanas de tratamento. Após 72 horas da troca, houve normalização dos exames. Durante seguimento ambulatorial, apresentou insuficiência mitral grave, sendo submetido a troca de válvula por prótese metálica 9 meses após quadro agudo. Há 3 anos encontra-se bem, em acompanhamento ambulatorial. COMENTÁRIOS: É rara a identificação de agentes do grupo HACEK (Haemophilus ssp, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Cardiobacterium hominis, Eikenella corrodens e Kingella kingae) em crianças com endocardite infecciosa. O caso apresentado, sem fatores de risco relacionados a esses agentes, reafirma a necessidade de tentar sempre identificar o agente etiológico das endocardites para adequação do tratamento.

OBJECTIVE: To report the case of a child with infective endocarditis caused by Haemophilus aphrophilus. DESCRIPTION: Boy with 20 days of fever and chills. On admission, he was febrile, pale and with no signs of hemodynamic instability; on cardiac auscultation, a mitral-related holosystolic murmur was observed. Laboratory examination identified anemia (hemoglobin = 9.14 g/dL), total leukocytes of 11,920 mm³, platelets of 250,000 mm³, elevated sedimentation velocity of red cells and elevated C-reactive protein. The echocardiogram revealed image on mitral valve, resembling vegetation. Considering endocarditis, antibiotic therapy was started with crystalline penicillin (200,000 UI/kg/day) in association with gentamicin (4 mg/kg/day). On the third day of treatment, Haemophilus aphrophilus was identified in the blood cultures and the antibiotic scheme was replaced with ceftriaxone (100 mg/kg/day). On the 20th day of evolution, the patient was pale but with no fever or other complaints. Examinations showed hemoglobin = 7.0 g/dL, leukocytes = 2,190 mm³, platelets = 98,000 mm³, international normalized ratio = 1.95 and R = 1.89. Considering the hypothesis of adverse reaction to ceftriaxone, a 6-week replacement treatment with ciprofloxacin (20 mg/kg/day) was started. Examination results normalized after 72 hours of the replacement therapy. During ambulatory follow-up, patient presented with severe mitral regurgitation, undergoing a valve replacement with a metallic prosthetic valve 9 months after acute event. Patient has done well throughout the 3-year ambulatory follow-up. COMMENTS: Identification of agents of the HACEK group (Haemophilus ssp, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans,Cardiobacterium hominis, Eikenella corrodens and Kingella kingae) in children with infective endocarditis is rare. This case report, with no HACEK agent-related risk factors, reinforces the need for identification of the etiological agent of endocarditis to ensure adequate treatment.

Low prevalence of vancomycin resistant enterococci colonization in intensive care patients in a Brazilian teaching hospital

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are important pathogens involved in nosocomial infections. Colonization precedes infection and the number of colonized individuals is about 10 times higher than the number of infected patients. We examined VRE colonization in two intensive care units from October 2003 to June 2004. Perirectal swab specimens were obtained from all patients, starting on the 5th day after admission, and then weekly. A total of 249 swabs were obtained from 112 patients. Nine patients had VRE-positive swabs, giving a positive rate of 8.0 percent. The rate of patients colonized by V-R E. faecalis was 1.8 percent (n=2), 4.5 percent by V-R E. gallinarun (n=5) and 1.8 percent by V-R E. casseliflavus (n=2). No V-R E. faeciun was isolated. None of the patients that had been colonized by VRE were found to be infected by these pathogens. In summary, a low prevalence of colonization by VRE was found in our institution. Only a structured surveillance program, based on active searching, was able to detect this low number of cases.