Risk factors associated with acute kidney injury in a cohort of hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Patients with COVID-19 have a high incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), which is associated with mortality. The objective of the study was to determine the factors associated with AKI in patients with COVID-19. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective cohort was established in two university hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia. Adults hospitalized for more than 48 h from March 6, 2020, to March 31, 2021, with confirmed COVID-19 were included. The main outcome was to determine the factors associated with AKI in patients with COVID-19 and the secondary outcome was estimate the incidence of AKI during the 28 days following hospital admission. RESULTS: A total of 1584 patients were included: 60.4% were men, 738 (46.5%) developed AKI, 23.6% were classified as KDIGO 3, and 11.1% had renal replacement therapy. The risk factors for developing AKI during hospitalization were male sex (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.73-2.99), age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03), history of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR 3.61, 95% CI 2.03-6.42), High Blood Pressure (HBP) (OR 6.51, 95% CI 2.10-20.2), higher qSOFA score to the admission (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.14-1.71), the use of vancomycin (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.05-2.37), piperacillin/tazobactam (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.2-2.31), and vasopressor support (CI 2.39, 95% CI 1.53-3.74). The gross hospital mortality for AKI was 45.5% versus 11.7% without AKI. CONCLUSIONS: This cohort showed that male sex, age, history of HBP and CKD, presentation with elevated qSOFA, in-hospital use of nephrotoxic drugs and the requirement for vasopressor support were the main risk factors for developing AKI in patients hospitalized for COVID-19.

Effect of Inappropriate Treatment in Hospitalized Patients with Pyelonephritis Treated with Cefuroxime: A Cohort Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of inappropriate therapy in adult patients with community-acquired pyelonephritis caused by Escherichia coli receiving empirical treatment with cefuroxime during hospital stay and readmission. A retrospective cohort study was performed. Inappropriate treatment was considered treatment for a nonsusceptible isolate according to the results of the urine culture. Adjustment for confounding factors was performed with propensity score-derived inverse probability of treatment weighting. Between 2013 and 2020, 747 patients were included, 102 (13.7%) of whom received inappropriate therapy. Compared to appropriate therapy, inappropriate therapy was associated with a shorter length of stay in the adjusted analysis (Hazard Ratio = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.23-0.49). After 735 patients were discharged from the hospital, 66 were readmitted in the following 30 days. In comparison with appropriate therapy, inappropriate antimicrobial therapy was not related to readmission (OR 1.47; 95% CI = 0.35-2.79). Inappropriate therapy was not related to a longer hospital stay or readmission due to pyelonephritis after adjusting for confounders and covariates.

[Emergence of resistance to third generation cephalosporins by Enterobacteriaceae causing community-onset urinary tract infections in hospitals in Colombia]. / Emergencia de fenotipos resistentes a cefalosporinas de tercera generación en Enterobacteriaceae causantes de infección del tracto urinario de inicio comunitario en hospitales de Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common disease in the community, and a matter of concern due to the increasing resistance of microorganisms to first line antibiotics and the emergence of multiresistant strains producing extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBL) in the community. METHODS: An analytical case-control study was conducted over twelve months in 9 hospitals in Colombia. We collected isolates of E. coli, Klebsiella spp. and Proteus spp. from patients with community-onset UTI. The presence of ESBL, AmpC and KPC beta-lactamases were characterized by microbiological and molecular methods. The aim of this study was to determine factors related to the presence of these mechanisms of the resistance to third generation cephalosporins. RESULTS: A total of 325 isolates (287 E. coli, 29 Klebsiella spp. and 9 Proteus spp.) were included. The most frequent comorbidities among the patients were hypertension (n=82; 25.2%) and diabetes mellitus (n=68; 20.9%). Previous use of antimicrobials was found in 23% of patients, and 29% had a previous UTI. Resistance to third and fourth generation cephalosporins varied between 3.4% and 6.3% in E. coli and between 6.9% and 17.8% in K. pneumoniae. Seven (2.4%) CTX-M-15 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were detected; four of them belonged to ST 131 clone. In K. pneumoniae we detected three KPC-3 carbapenemases (10.3%). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the emergence of resistance to third generation cephalosporins enterobacteriaceae as a cause of community-onset UTI. We emphasize the presence of ST 131 clone and KPC carbapenemases circulating in Colombia outside the hospital environment.

Interventions to Improve Antibiotic Use in Hospitals with Different Levels of Complexity in Colombia: Findings from a Before-and-After Study and Suggestions for the Future.

BACKGROUND: In the collaborative efforts to control bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the challenge for many low- and middle-income countries currently lies in the adequate design and successful implementation and operation of different strategies aimed at improving antibiotic use during hospital care. This study aims to provide data on these different strategies in three hospitals with different levels of complexity and geographic locations in Colombia. METHODS: This before-and-after study describes and analyzes the development and implementation of clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), continuing education courses, quick consultation tools, and antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) with the use of telemedicine. This includes measuring indicators in the ASP framework such as adherence to CPGs and antibiotic consumption. RESULTS: We used five CPGs developed in the Colombian context. We designed and developed a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and a mobile application (app) as strategies for dissemination and implementation. The ASP was designed and implemented according to each institution's level of complexity. In the three hospitals, a progressive increase in adherence to the antibiotic recommendations proposed in the CPGs was observed, and there was a lower use of antibiotics with the ASPs, both in the general wards and ICUs. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that in medium-complexity hospitals located in small rural cities, successful development of ASPs is possible when they are well-planned, implemented, and supported by the organization. It is necessary that Colombia and other Latin American countries continue activities that reduce AMR by designing, implementing, and improving these interventions throughout the national territory.

Efficacy and safety of preemptive therapy for cytomegalovirus end-organ disease in people living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Cytomegalovirus end-organ-disease (CMV EOD) is still a major cause of debilitating illness in people living with HIV, especially in developing countries. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of preemptive therapy against CMV EOD in HIV-positive adults with CMV viremia. METHODS: Systematic review of clinical trials by searching electronic databases and clinical trial registries, screening and selection of references, data extraction and assessment of risk of bias. The results were presented in a narrative synthesis. Aggregated analyzes for dichotomous outcomes were reported as odds ratios with 95 % Confidence Intervals. RESULTS: Four RTC were included. A reduction in the risk of CMV EOD with preemptive therapy was found OR=0.49 (95 % CI 0.31‒0.76). We did not identify significant differences for all-cause mortality, adverse events, and withdrawal of the therapy secondary to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Preemptive therapy could be a potential option for preventing CMV EOD in people living with HIV.

Effect of bloodstream infection on survival in COVID-19 patients admitted to an intensive care unit in Colombia: a matched cohort analysis.

Aim: To determine the impact of bloodstream infection (BSI) and other risk factors for mortality in patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: A retrospective cohort was carried out at the Hospital Universitario Nacional (HUN) between March 29 and December 19, 2020. Patients with COVID-19 admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were paired 1:4 in two groups, one with BSI and the other without, according to hospital stay and the month of admission. The primary outcome was mortality at 28 days. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate differences in mortality risk. Results: 456 patients were identified and 320 were included in the final cohort, 18% (n = 59) in the BSI group and 82% (n = 261) in the control group. 125 (39%) patients died, 30 (51%) in the BSI group and 95 (36%) in the control group (P = 0.040). BSI was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality at 28 days, [HR] 1.77 (95% CI: 1.03-3.02; P = 0.037). Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and age were associated with increased mortality risk. Some months of the year of the hospital stay were associated with a reduced risk of mortality. There was no difference in mortality between inappropriate and appropriate empirical antimicrobial use. Conclusion: BSI in patients with COVID-19 in ICU increases in-hospital mortality to 28 days. Other risk factors for mortality were IMV and age.

Mortality Caused by Candida auris Bloodstream Infections in Comparison with Other Candida Species, a Multicentre Retrospective Cohort.

Candida auris is an emerging pathogen considered to be critical in the World Health Organization fungal organisms list. The study aims to determine the mortality and hospital stays attributed to Candida auris (C. auris) compared to other Candida species in adult patients with candidemia. A retrospective cohort of adults with candidemia was examined from seven centres in Colombia between 2016 and 2021. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality, and the secondary outcome was the length of hospital stay among survivors. Adjustment of the confounding variables was performed using inverse probability weights of exposure propensity score (candidemia by C. auris), survival regression models (Weibull distribution), and a counting model (negative binomial distribution). A value of 244 (47.6%) of the 512 patients with candidemia died within the first 30 days. The crude mortality in C. auris was 38.1% vs. 51.1% in Candida non-auris (CNA). In the Weibull model, mortality in the C. auris group was lower (adjusted HR: aHR- 0.69, 95% CI: 0.53-0.90). Antifungal treatment also decreased mortality, with an aHR of 0.36 (95% CI 0.27-0.47), while the presence of septic shock on patient progression increased it, with an aHR of 1.73 (95% CI 1.41-2.13). Among the patients who survived, no differences in the length of hospital stay were observed between the C. auris and the CNA groups, with an incidence rate ratio of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.68-1.22). Mortality in patients with C. auris bloodstream infections appears lower when adjusted for numerous confounding variables regarding treatment and the presence of septic shock in patient progression. We identified no significant effect of C. auris on the length of hospital stay in surviving patients.

Consensus for the treatment of upper urinary tract infections during pregnancy / Consenso para el tratamiento de la infección de vías urinarias altas durante la gestación

Objectives: To generate evidence-based recommendations through formal consensus regarding the treatment of upper urinary tract infections during gestation. Materials and methods: Experts in microbiology, public health, internal medicine, infectious diseases, obstetrics, maternal fetal medicine and obstetric and gynecological infections participated in the consensus development group. The group also included professionals with training in clinical epidemiology, systematic data search, and representatives from the Health Secretariat and the Bogota Obstetrics and Gynecology Association. The participants disclosed their conflicts of interest. Starting with a clinical question, outcomes were graded and a systematic search was conducted in the Medline via PubMed, Embase, Lilacs, and Bireme databases. The search was expanded to include institutional repositories and antimicrobial resistance surveillance systems, with no language or date restrictions. The search was updated on October 1, 2022. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) methodology was used to assess the quality of the evidence and determine the strength of the recommendations. Finally, the RAND/UCLA (Research and Development/University of California Los Angeles) methodology was applied for the formal consensus. This document was reviewed by academic peers before publication. Results: The following are the consensus recommendations. Recommendation 1. The initial management of pregnant women with upper urinary tract infections (UTIs) should be approached in a hospital setting. Recommendation 2. The use of second generation cephalosporins is the suggested first option for empirical antimicrobial management in pregnant women with upper UTI in order to improve the rates of clinical and microbiological cure. Recommendation 3. Because of the risk-benefit balance, the use of aminoglycosides is suggested as a second option for empirical antimicrobial treatment in pregnant women presenting with upper UTIs in the second and third trimester. Recommendation 4. The use of third-generation cephalosporins is suggested as the third option for empirical antimicrobial treatment in pregnant women with upper UTIs given that the risk of inducing microbial resistance is high with this group of antibiotics. Recommendation 5. The use of carbapenems is suggested as a first option in pregnant women with upper UTIs and a history of infections caused by microorganisms with resistance to third or fourth-generation cephalosporins. Recommendation 6. The use of aminoglycosides or fourth-generation cephalosporins is suggested as a second option in pregnant women with upper UTIs and a history of infection caused by microorganisms with resistance to third-generation cephalosporins, taking risk-benefit into account. Recommendation 7. The use of piperacillin/tazobactam is suggested as a third option in pregnant women with upper UTIs and a history of infection caused by microorganisms with resistance to third or fourthgeneration cephalosporins. Recommendation 8. Getting a urine culture is recommended in pregnant women with upper UTIs before initiating empirical antimicrobial treatment. Recommendation 9. In pregnant women with upper UTIs, it is suggested to modify therapy in accordance with the results of the sensitivity test when the culture report shows resistance to the antimicrobial agent initiated empirically. Recommendation 10. In pregnant women hospitalized due to upper UTIs, it is suggested to switch to oral antimicrobial therapy after at least 48 hours of modulation of the systemic inflammatory response and the clinical signs of infection, and when tolerance to oral intake is adequate. Recommendation 11. In pregnant women with upper UTIs with no complications secondary to the primary infection, it is recommended to administer antibiotic therapy for a period of 7 to 10 days. Conclusions: It is expected that with this Colombian upper UTI consensus variability in clinical practice will be reduced. It is recommended that groups doing research in maternal fetal medicine assess the implementation and effectiveness of these recommendations.

Objetivos: generar recomendaciones informadas en la evidencia, a través de un consenso formal, orientadas al tratamiento de la infección de vías urinarias altas durante la gestación. Materiales y métodos: en el grupo desarrollador participaron expertos temáticos en microbiología, salud pública, medicina interna, infectología, obstetricia, medicina materno-fetal e infectología ginecobstétrica. También hicieron parte profesionales con entrenamiento en epidemiología clínica, búsqueda sistemática de la información, representantes de la Secretaría de Salud y la Asociación Bogotana de Obstetricia y Ginecología. Los participantes presentaron sus conflictos de interés. A partir de una pregunta clínica se realizó la graduación de los desenlaces y una búsqueda sistemática que abarcó las bases de datos Medline vía PubMed, Embase, Lilacs, Bireme. La pesquisa se amplió a repositorios institucionales y reportes de vigilancia de resistencia antimicrobiana, sin restricción de idioma o fecha, la búsqueda se actualizó el 1 de octubre de 2022. Se utilizó la metodología GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) para valorar la calidad de la evidencia y establecer la fuerza de las recomendaciones.Finalmente, se utilizó la metodología RAND/ UCLA (Research and Development/University of California Los Angeles) para el consenso formal. Este documento fue revisado por pares académicos previo a su publicación. Resultados: el consenso formuló las siguientes recomendaciones. Recomendación 1. Se sugiere que el manejo inicial de la gestante con infección de vías urinarias (IVU) altas se realice de forma intrahospitalaria. Recomendación 2. Como primera opción, se sugiere que el tratamiento antimicrobiano empírico de la gestante con IVU altas se realice con el uso de cefalosporinas de segunda generación con el fin de mejorar la tasa de cura clínica y microbiológica. Recomendación 3. Como segunda opción, se sugiere que el tratamiento antimicrobiano empírico de la gestante con IVU altas en el segundo y tercer trimestre se realice con aminoglucósidos dado su balance riesgo-beneficio. Recomendación 4. Como tercera opción, se sugiere que el tratamiento antimicrobiano empírico de la gestante con IVU altas se realice con el uso de cefalosporinas de tercera generación, debido a que el riesgo de inducción de resistencia microbiana es alto con este grupo de antibióticos. Recomendación 5. Como primera opción, en mujeres gestantes con IVU altas y antecedente de infección por microorganismos con resistencia a cefalosporinas de tercera o cuarta generación se sugiere el uso de carbapenémicos. Recomendación 6. Como segunda opción, en gestantes con IVU altas y antecedente de infección por microorganismos con resistencia a cefalosporinas de tercera generación se sugiere el uso de aminoglucósidos o cefalosporinas de cuarta generación teniendo en cuenta el riesgo-beneficio. Recomendación 7. Como tercera opción, en gestantes con IVU altas y antecedente de infección por microorganismos con resistencia a cefalosporinas de tercera o cuarta generación se sugiere el uso de piperacilina/tazobactam. Recomendación 8. En gestantes con IVU altas se recomienda realizar urocultivo previo al inicio de tratamiento antimicrobiano empírico. Recomendación 9. En gestantes con IVU altas, cuando el urocultivo reporte resistencia al antimicrobiano iniciado de forma empírica, se sugiere modificar la terapia guiada por los resultados del antibiograma. Recomendación 10. En la gestante hospitalizada por IVU altas se sugiere realizar el cambio de terapia antimicrobiana a vía oral cuando la paciente tenga, al menos, 48 horas de modulación de respuesta inflamatoria sistémica y de los signos clínicos de infección, así como adecuada tolerancia a vía oral. Recomendación 11. En gestantes con IVU altas, sin complicaciones secundarias a la infección primaria, se recomienda que la terapia antibiótica se administre de 7 a 10 días. Conclusiones: se espera que este consenso colombiano de IVU altas reduzca la variabilidad en la práctica clínica. Se recomienda a los grupos de investigación en medicina materno fetal e infectología evaluar la implementación y efectividad de las recomendaciones emitidas.

Emergence of cryptic species and clades of Meyerozyma guilliermondii species complex exhibiting limited in vitro susceptibility to antifungals in patients with candidemia.

Members of the Meyerozyma guilliermondii species complex are able to cause superficial and life-threatening systemic infections with low susceptibility to azoles and echinocandins. We tested 130 bloodstream M. guilliermondii complex isolates collected from eight Latin American medical centers over 18 years (period 1 = 2000-2008 and period 2 = 2009-2018) to investigate trends in species distribution and antifungal resistance. The isolates were identified by rDNA ITS region sequencing, and antifungal susceptibility tests were performed against fluconazole, voriconazole, anidulafungin, and amphotericin B using the CLSI microbroth method. M. guilliermondii sensu stricto (s.s.; n = 116) was the most prevalent species, followed by Meyerozyma caribbica (n = 12) and Meyerozyma carpophila (n = 2). Based on rDNA ITS identification, three clades within M. guilliermondii sensu stricto were characterized (clade 1 n = 94; clade 2 n = 19; and clade 3 n = 3). In the second period of study, we found a substantial increment in the isolation of M. caribbica (3.4% versus 13.8%; P = 0.06) and clade 2 M. guilliermondii s.s. exhibiting lower susceptibility to one or more triazoles. IMPORTANCE Yeast-invasive infections play a relevant role in human health, and there is a concern with the emergence of non-Candida pathogens causing disease worldwide. There is a lack of studies addressing the prevalence and antifungal susceptibility of different species within the M. guilliermondii complex that cause invasive infections. We evaluated 130 episodes of M. guilliermondii species complex candidemia documented in eight medical centers over 18 years. We detected the emergence of less common species within the Meyerozyma complex causing candidemia and described a new clade of M. guilliermondii with limited susceptibility to triazoles. These results support the relevance of continued global surveillance efforts to early detect, characterize, and report emergent fungal pathogens exhibiting limited susceptibility to antifungals.

Molecular and Clinical Data of Antimicrobial Resistance in Microorganisms Producing Bacteremia in a Multicentric Cohort of Patients with Cancer in a Latin American Country.

Patients with cancer have a higher risk of severe bacterial infections. This study aims to determine the frequency, susceptibility profiles, and resistance genes of bacterial species involved in bacteremia, as well as risk factors associated with mortality in cancer patients in Colombia. In this prospective multicenter cohort study of adult patients with cancer and bacteremia, susceptibility testing was performed and selected resistance genes were identified. A multivariate regression analysis was carried out for the identification of risk factors for mortality. In 195 patients, 206 microorganisms were isolated. Gram-negative bacteria were more frequently found, in 142 cases (68.9%): 67 Escherichia coli (32.5%), 36 Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.4%), and 21 Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.1%), and 18 other Gram-negative isolates (8.7%). Staphylococcus aureus represented 12.4% (n = 25). Among the isolates, resistance to at least one antibiotic was identified in 63% of them. Genes coding for extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and carbapenemases, blaCTX-M and blaKPC, respectively, were commonly found. Mortality rate was 25.6% and it was lower in those with adequate empirical antibiotic treatment (22.0% vs. 45.2%, OR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.1-0.63, in the multivariate model). In Colombia, in patients with cancer and bacteremia, bacteria have a high resistance profile to beta-lactams, with a high incidence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases and carbapenemases. Adequate empirical treatment diminishes mortality, and empirical selection of treatment in this environment of high resistance is of key importance.

Fungemia in Hospitalized Adult Patients with Hematological Malignancies: Epidemiology and Risk Factors.

Fungemia in hematologic malignancies (HM) has high mortality. This is a retrospective cohort of adult patients with HM and fungemia between 2012 and 2019 in institutions of Bogotá, Colombia. The epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological characteristics are described, and risk factors related to mortality are analyzed. One hundred five patients with a mean age of 48 years (SD 19.0) were identified, 45% with acute leukemia and 37% with lymphomas. In 42%, the HM was relapsed/refractory, 82% ECOG > 3, and 35% received antifungal prophylaxis; 57% were in neutropenia, with an average duration of 21.8 days. In 86 (82%) patients, Candida spp. was identified, and other yeasts in 18%. The most frequent of the isolates were non-albicans Candida (61%), C. tropicalis (28%), C. parapsilosis (17%), and C. krusei (12%). The overall 30-day mortality was 50%. The survival probability at day 30 in patients with leukemia vs. lymphoma/multiple myeloma (MM0 group was 59% (95% CI 46-76) and 41% (95% CI 29-58), p = 0.03, respectively. Patients with lymphoma or MM (HR 1.72; 95% CI 0.58-2.03) and ICU admission (HR 3.08; 95% CI 1.12-3.74) were associated with mortality. In conclusion, in patients with HM, non-albicans Candida species are the most frequent, and high mortality was identified; moreover, lymphoma or MM and ICU admission were predictors of mortality.

Associated factors for mortality in a COVID-19 colombian cohort: is the third wave relevant when Mu variant was predominant epidemiologically?

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between Colombia's third wave when the Mu variant was predominant epidemiologically (until 75%) in Colombia and COVID-19 all-cause in-hospital mortality. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort, we included hospitalized patients ≥18 years with SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 2020 to September 2021 in ten hospitals from three cities in Colombia. Description analysis, survival, and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between the third epidemic wave and in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: A total of 25,371 patients were included. The age-stratified time-to-mortality curves showed differences according to epidemic waves in patients ≥75 years (log-rank test p = 0.012). In the multivariate Cox analysis, the third wave was not associated with increased mortality relative to the first wave (aHR 0.95; 95%CI 0.84-1.08), but there was an interaction between age ≥75 years and the third wave finding a lower HR for mortality (aHR 0.56, 95%CI 0.36-0.86). CONCLUSIONS: We did not find an increase in in-hospital mortality during the third epidemic wave in which the Mu variant was predominant in Colombia. The reduced hazard in mortality in patients ≥75 years hospitalized in the third wave could be explained by the high coverage of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in this population and patients with underlying conditions.

First-generation cephalosporins for the treatment of complicated upper urinary tract infection in adults: A systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Complicated upper urinary tract infection (UTI) is a significant cause of infectious morbidity and in-hospital antibiotic therapy. However, the use of first-generation cephalosporins in this scenario is not clearly defined. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of first-generation cephalosporins for community-acquired complicated upper UTI in adults requiring hospital care. METHODS: Systematic review by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL) and trials registers. The articles were then screened and the references were selected, data was extracted, and risk of bias assessment was conducted. The results are presented in a narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Seven randomized clinical trials were included. We did not identify statistically significant differences when comparing first-generation cephalosporins with other antimicrobials for outcomes of clinical cure, length of hospital-stay, and reinfection. However, a lower probability of microbiological cure and a higher probability of relapse was identified in the first-generation cephalosporin group in 3 of 7 studies and in 2 of 5 studies, respectively. No serious adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS: First-generation cephalosporins could be a potential therapy in this setting, nevertheless the low quality of evidence for analyzed outcomes should be considered because of the limitations of the risk of bias assessment and its inaccuracy. It is essential to carry out comparative studies in which the benefits and harms of these antibiotics are evaluated.

Disease burden and vaccination priorities in Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination is considered a potentially effective strategy for controlling the disease. The objective of this study is to estimate the number of people with a high risk of morbidity and those who should be prioritized in immunization planning in Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The population at risk by age was identified from the national census data of 2018. Various sources were identified to obtain information on the number of patients with different comorbidities, including heart failure, diabetes, chronic kidney failure, cancers, HIV infection, and obesity. Sources were also identified to estimate the number of health workers, teachers and military and police force personnel. RESULTS: By 2021, Colombia is estimated to have a total of 51,049,498 inhabitants, of whom 14% will be people over 60 years of age. Additionally, of the people with comorbidities younger than 60 years old, 5,233,241 inhabitants are expected to be obese, 592,726 are expected to have diabetes mellitus, 216,389 are expected to have chronic kidney disease, and 521,263 are expected to have heart failure, totaling 15,055,697 individuals. Combining the high-priority groups and health workers, a projected 20 million people will have mortality risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: For Colombia's vaccination strategy to have an impact on reducing mortality, population groups with risk factors, corresponding to approximately 15 million inhabitants, as well as essential workers should be prioritized.

Pharmacokinetics of Vancomycin among Patients with Chemotherapy-Associated Febrile Neutropenia: Which Would Be the Best Dosing to Obtain Appropriate Exposure?

Previous research has determined that the required doses for treating febrile neutropenia with vancomycin are higher than the doses used conventionally. These recommendations have been made considering pharmacotherapeutic goals based on minimum concentration (Cmin) between 15-20 mg/L. This study was developed to evaluate dose recommendations based on the achievement of a target consisting of ratio of area under the curve over minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC24h/MIC) ≥400 in this population of individuals. This study was conducted in a referral hospital for cancer treatment, study participants received vancomycin doses of 1g every 12 h in 2-4-h infusions. Vancomycin was described by a two-compartment pharmacokinetic model with clearance dependent on the estimated glomerular filtration rate. Simulations were performed taking into account a reduced version of the model to establish the influence of controllable and non-controllable variables on the probability of achieving several PK-PD targets. A dose of 2.5g/day in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 80 and 122mL/min/1.73m2 was adequate to achieve the pharmacotherapeutic target. A discrepancy was found between AUC-based and Cmin-based PK/PD indices, the former being affected by the dose and creatinine clearance while the latter highly influenced by the interval between doses.

[Diagnostic methods in candidemia: a systematic review of literature with meta-analysis]. / Métodos diagnósticos en candidemia: una revisión sistemática de la literatura con meta-análisis.

UNLABELLED: Candidemia is a disease with high morbidity and mortality especially in critical care patients. Early diagnosis enables early treatment. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review of the literature in order to establish the best laboratory tests for the diagnosis of candidemia in critical patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of available literature in PubMed. Serological studies were subjected to meta-analysis in metadisk-Beta 1.1.1. RESULTS: 4 studies of 1286 reviewed were included. Three were about serological tests and one about molecular testing (RT-PCR). The sensitivity and specificity for RT-PCR, antibody testing and antigen and antibody tests were 87% and 100%, 47.5% and 82.6%, 96% and 81%, respectively. Diagnostic Odds Ratio of antigenemia was 1.51 (95% CI = 0,032-70,964, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RT-PCR has better diagnostic performance, measuring antigenemia plus antibodies improves sensitivity, specificity, LR + and LR-- . There is insufficient evidence to support this.

Risk Factors for Mortality in Colombian Patients with Candidemia.

The aim of the study was to describe the microbiology and susceptibility profile of candidemia and to identify the risk factors associated with mortality in Colombia. A cohort of patients was followed for 30 days during 2008 to 2010. Microbiological identification and susceptibility assessments were performed in a reference centre. Demographic, clinical and treatment variables were evaluated for their associations with mortality. A parametric survival regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors associated with mortality. A total of 109 patients with candidemia in four hospitals in Colombia were identified, with a median age of 30 years old. C. parapsilosis was the most frequently identified microorganism (38.5%); the susceptibility of all isolates was high to fluconazole and anidulafungin, except for C. glabrata isolates. The overall mortality was 35.7%, and the risk factors associated with mortality included lack of antifungal treatment (HR 5.5, 95% CI 3.6-11.4), cancer (HR 3.9, 95% CI 2.3-8.0), diabetes (HR 2.5, 95% CI 1.03-6.4), and age (HR 1.13 per every 10 years, 95% CI 1.02-1.24). Catheter removal was associated with a low mortality rate (HR 0.06, 95% CI 0.00-0.49). Prompt antifungal treatment, better glycemic control and catheter removal should be prioritized in the management of candidemia.

Risk factors for mortality caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in cancer patients.

INTRODUCTION: Staphylococcus aureus is the cause of 11-33% of nosocomial bloodstream infections and has a complication rate close to 50%. S. aureus accounts for 31% of isolates in the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC), in Bogotá, Colombia, and is the main etiological agent of bacteremia. This study describes the risk factors for mortality caused by S. aureus bacteremia in cancer patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective, analytical, observational cohort study of 267 cases of bacteremia caused by S. aureus. Data from all bacteremic patients with proven cancer were extracted, and variables were introduced in a multivariate analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: A total of 354 bacteremic patients were identified between 2001 and 2005, and 267 patients met the specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among these, death was considered secondary to S. aureus infection in 31%. Independent predictors of mortality related to S. aureus bacteremia in the multivariate analysis were: severity of sepsis at onset of bacteremia (HR 6.5, 95% CI 3.1-13.6), age (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.04), non-eradicable source of infection (HR 36.3, 95% CI 5.2-254.1), heart failure (HR 10.6; 95% CI 1.8-63.7), and primary bacteremia (HR 6.3, 95% CI 1.3-31.0). CONCLUSION: Severity of sepsis at the time bacteremia was detected, a non-eradicable source of infection (including primary bacteremia), and comorbid conditions were risk factors for mortality caused by S. aureus bacteremia in cancer patients. These risk factors do not differ considerably from those of patients who do not have cancer.

Citywide preparedness for a pandemic: A crosssectional survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practices about respiratory infection prevention in Bogotá, Colombia. / Preparación de la ciudad para la pandemia: una encuesta de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre la prevención de infecciones respiratorias en Bogotá, Colombia

INTRODUCTION: Healthcare personnel plays an important role in the prevention of acute respiratory infections in hospital settings. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to establish the level of knowledge about respiratory virus infections and the attitudes and practices among healthcare workers, leaders of infection control committees in hospitals of Bogotá, Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a self-administered questionnaire of 28 items during the monthly meeting sponsored by the local health authority. "Yes or no" and "true or false" questions were applied to measure knowledge. Attitudes and practices were measured with a Likert-type scale according to the agreement degree. RESULTS: We surveyed 70 healthcare workers. Respondents demonstrated a good level of knowledge as 80% of them answered correctly more than five questions. A total of 54.4% showed a low degree of agreement when asked if their institutions have the policy to stay home when they are sick with respiratory symptoms and 67.1% never or rarely remain at home under such conditions. CONCLUSION: Healthcare worker leaders of infection control committees in Bogotá's ospitals have adequate knowledge about the prevention of seasonal respiratory viruses. There is a need for implementing urgent sick leave policies as a measure to prevent the spread of potential coronavirus infections in hospitals.

Introducción. El personal de salud juega un papel importante en la prevención de la diseminación de los virus respiratorios en los hospitales. Objetivo. Establecer el nivel de conocimiento y determinar las actitudes y prácticas en relación con los virus respiratorios entre los encargados de los comités de infecciones de los hospitales de Bogotá. Materiales y métodos. Los participantes respondieron una encuesta de 28 ítems durante una de las sesiones mensuales del comité de infecciones de la ciudad. Se midió el conocimiento y se formularon preguntas sobre las actitudes y las prácticas utilizando una escala de tipo Likert para evaluar la conformidad. Resultados. Se encuestaron 70 trabajadores de salud. Los participantes tenían un buen nivel de conocimiento, ya que el 80 % de los respondientes tuvieron cinco o más respuestas correctas. El 54,4 % mostró un bajo nivel de conformidad en cuanto a si susinstituciones tenían una política de quedarse en casa en caso de síntomas respiratorios y 64,1 % nunca o casi nunca se queda en casa cuando presenta dichos síntomas. Conclusión. Los trabajadores de la salud que encabezan los comités de infecciones de los hospitales de Bogotá tienen un adecuado conocimiento de la prevención de los virus respiratorios. Deben implementarse políticas de quedarse en casa para el personal con síntomas gripales, con el fin de prevenir la potencial diseminación de virus en los hospitales.

Candidemia in Colombia / [Candidemia en Colombia].

In Colombia, especially in intensive care units, candidemia is a frequent cause of infection, accounting for 88% of fungal infections in hospitalized patients, with mortality ranging from 36% to 78%. Its incidence in Colombia is higher than that reported in developed countries and even higher than in other Latin American countries. First, the patient's risk factors should be considered, and then clinical characteristics should be assessed. Finally, microbiological studies are recommended and if the evidence supports its use, molecular testing. In general, American, Latin American, and European guides place the echinocandins as the first-line treatment for candidemia and differ in the use of fluconazole based on evidence, disease severity, previous exposure to azoles, and prevalence of Candida non-albicans. Taking into account the high incidence of this disease in our setting, it should be looked for in patients with risk factors to start a prompt empirical anti-fungal treatment.

En Colombia, especialmente en las unidades de cuidados intensivos, la candidemia es una causa frecuente de infección del torrente sanguíneo y representa el 88 % de las infecciones fúngicas en pacientes hospitalizados, con una mortalidad entre 36 y 78 %. Su incidencia en Colombia es mayor a la reportada en los países desarrollados e, incluso, en otros países de Latinoamérica. Para su manejo deben considerarse los factores de riesgo del paciente, luego valorar las características clínicas y, finalmente, hacer los estudios microbiológicos y, si es necesario, pruebas moleculares. En general, las guías estadounidenses, latinoamericanas y europeas recomiendan las equinocandinas como el tratamiento de primera línea de la candidemia y difieren en el uso de fluconazol dependiendo de la 'evidencia', la gravedad de la enfermedad, la exposición previa a los azoles y la prevalencia de Candida no albicans. Dada su gran incidencia en nuestro país, asociada con una elevada mortalidad, esta infección debe buscarse sistemáticamente en pacientes con factores de riesgo, con el fin de iniciar oportunamente el tratamiento antifúngico.