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.

Characterization of patients with bacteremia by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a high-complexity military hospital / Caracterización de los pacientes con bacteriemia por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina en un hospital militar de alta complejidad

Introduction: In Colombia, there are about 500,000 members in the national armed forces who consult military health institutions. In this population, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a high-incidence pathogen. Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize patients with MRSA bacteremia in the Hospital Militar Central between 2012 and 2015. Materials and methods: This was an observational descriptive study with a retrospective review of clinical histories of hospitalized patients older than 18 years of age with positive blood cultures for methicillin-resistant S. aureus. The identification of the patients was made using the Whonet system, version 5.6. Results: From cultures positive for S. aureus, 24.8% were methicillin-resistant strains, with a higher prevalence in active military personnel. A similar frequency was observed for community-acquired MRSA bacteremias and those acquired at the hospital, with the community phenotype being the most frequent in both groups. The main infectious focus related to the development of bacteremia was soft tissue, followed by pulmonary tissue. There were higher complication rates in nosocomial bacteremias; 34.9% of the patients had prolonged stays attributable to complications triggered by the bacteremia. Conclusions: Active military personnel was the most affected population by MRSA, with a similar frequency in community-acquired and nosocomial bacteremias. The main infectious focus was soft tissue. Taking into account these data, studies that establish the prevalence of skin infections by MRSA should be carried out.

Introducción. En las Fuerzas Militares de Colombia, cerca de 500.000 de sus miembros asisten a consulta en los establecimientos sanitarios militares. En esta población, Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina (SAMR) se ha convertido en un agente patógeno de gran incidencia. Objetivo. Caracterizar los pacientes con diagnóstico de bacteriemia por SAMR en el Hospital Militar Central entre el 2012 y el 2015. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional descriptivo de revisión retrospectiva de historias clínicas de pacientes mayores de 18 años, hospitalizados y con hemocultivos positivos para S. aureus resistente a la meticilina. Para la identificación de los pacientes se empleó el sistema Whonet, version 5.6. Resultados. De los 177 cultivos positivos para S. aureus, el 24,8 % (n=44) correspondió a SAMR, con mayor prevalencia en pacientes militares activos (n=20m 45,4 %). Se observó una frecuencia similar para la bacteriemia por SAMR adquirida en la comunidad y la adquirida en el hospital, siendo más frecuente (n=37, 84 %) el fenotipo de la comunidad en ambos grupos. El principal foco infeccioso fueron los tejidos blandos, seguidos por el tejido pulmonar. Se presentaron mayores tasas de complicaciones (61%, n=13) en la bacteriemia adquirida en el hospital; 34,9 % (n=15),de los pacientes tuvieron una estancia hospitalaria prolongada atribuible a las complicaciones desencadenadas por la bacteriemia. Conclusiones. La población más afectada por SAMR fueron los pacientes militares activos (n=20, 45,4 %), con una frecuencia similar de la bacteriemia adquirida en la comunidad (n=18, 43,2 %) y la adquirida en el hospital (n=25, 56,8 %), y el principal foco infeccioso fueron los tejidos blandos. Dados estos resultados, es necesario adelantar estudios para establecer la prevalencia de infecciones por SAMR en la piel.

Caracterización de los pacientes con bacteriemia por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina en un hospital militar de alta complejidad / Characterization of patients with bacteremia by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a high-complexity military hospital

Resumen Introducción. En las Fuerzas Militares de Colombia, cerca de 500.000 de sus miembros asisten a consulta en los establecimientos sanitarios militares. En esta población, Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina (SAMR) se ha convertido en un agente patógeno de gran incidencia. Objetivo. Caracterizar los pacientes con diagnóstico de bacteriemia por SAMR en el Hospital Militar Central entre el 2012 y el 2015. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional descriptivo de revisión retrospectiva de historias clínicas de pacientes mayores de 18 años, hospitalizados y con hemocultivos positivos para S. aureus resistente a la meticilina. Para la identificación de los pacientes se empleó el sistema Whonet, version 5.6. Resultados. De los 177 cultivos positivos para S. aureus, el 24,8 % (n=44) correspondió a SAMR, con mayor prevalencia en pacientes militares activos(n=20m 45,4 %). Se observó una frecuencia similar para la bacteriemia por SAMR adquirida en la comunidad y la adquirida en el hospital, siendo más frecuente (n=37, 84 %) el fenotipo de la comunidad en ambos grupos. El principal foco infeccioso fueron los tejidos blandos, seguidos por el tejido pulmonar. Se presentaron mayores tasas de complicaciones (61%, n=13) en la bacteriemia adquirida en el hospital; 34,9 % (n=15),de los pacientes tuvieron una estancia hospitalaria prolongada atribuible a las complicaciones desencadenadas por la bacteriemia. Conclusiones. La población más afectada por SAMR fueron los pacientes militares activos (n=20, 45,4 %), con una frecuencia similar de la bacteriemia adquirida en la comunidad (n=18, 43,2 %) y la adquirida en el hospital (n=25, 56,8 %), y el principal foco infeccioso fueron los tejidos blandos. Dados estos resultados, es necesario adelantar estudios para establecer la prevalencia de infecciones por SAMR en la piel.

Abstract Introduction: In Colombia, there are about 500,000 members in the national armed forces who consult military health institutions. In this population, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a high-incidence pathogen. Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize patients with MRSA bacteremia in the Hospital Militar Central between 2012 and 2015. Materials and methods: This was an observational descriptive study with a retrospective review of clinical histories of hospitalized patients older than 18 years of age with positive blood cultures for methicillin-resistant S. aureus. The identification of the patients was made using the Whonet system, version 5.6. Results: From cultures positive for S. aureus, 24.8% were methicillin-resistant strains, with a higher prevalence in active military personnel. A similar frequency was observed for community-acquired MRSA bacteremias and those acquired at the hospital, with the community phenotype being the most frequent in both groups. The main infectious focus related to the development of bacteremia was soft tissue, followed by pulmonary tissue. There were higher complication rates in nosocomial bacteremias; 34.9% of the patients had prolonged stays attributable to complications triggered by the bacteremia. Conclusions: Active military personnel was the most affected population by MRSA, with a similar frequency in community-acquired and nosocomial bacteremias. The main infectious focus was soft tissue. Taking into account these data, studies that establish the prevalence of skin infections by MRSA should be carried out.

Caracterización de neumonía por Staphylococcus aureus meticilino resistente en hospital militar de alta complejidad / Characterization of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia in high complex militar hospital

Introducción: Por su capacidad de resistencia, las cepas de Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a la meticilina (SAMR) representan un reto importante en la terapéutica. Se desarrolló este estudio con el fin de caracterizar la población con neumonía por SAMR del Hospital Militar Central. Métodos: Se condujo un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, en pacientes con diagnóstico de neumonía bacteriana con aislamiento microbiológico positivo para SAMR. El análisis de los datos se realizó a través de medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión. Resultados: Durante el periodo de 4 años de estudio hubo 211 aislamientos correspondientes a S. aureus de los cuales 22 correspondieron a neumonía bacteriana por SAMR. La neumonía nosocomial fue la forma más frecuente de presentación (54,5%), seguida por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (36,3%). El 36,3% de los pacientes eran militares activos, el 31,8% militares retirados o civiles. La frecuencia de comorbilidades fue del 92,3% siendo la enfermedad renal crónica y malignidad las más frecuentes. Conclusión: Desde el punto de vista clínico la neumonía por SAMR se caracterizó por una mayor cantidad de pacientes jóvenes y sin comorbilidades contrastando con neumonía nosocomial que se caracterizó por una población de más edad y con mayor prevalencia de comorbilidades.

Introduction: Strains methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), to be resistant to most beta-lactam available and different families of antibiotics, represent a major challenge in therapeutics; for this reason, it is necessary to conduct studies to characterize better patients with MRSA infection. Methods: A descriptive study of cross section of patients diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia with positive microbiological isolation for MRSA was conducted by reviewing medical records and susceptibility testing relevant demographic and clinical data were extracted. The data analysis was conducted through measures of central tendency and dispersion. Results: During the period of 4 years of study; there were 211 isolates corresponding to S. aureus; of which 22 were for MRSA bacterial pneumonia. Nosocomial pneumonia was the most common presentation (54,5%); followed by community-acquired pneumonia (36,3%). 36,3% of patients were military personnel, 31,8% retired military or civilians. The frequency of comorbidities was 92,3% being chronic kidney disease and the most common malignancy. Conclusion: From the clinical point of view MRSA pneumonia it was characterized by a greater number of young patients without comorbidities; which contrasted with nosocomial pneumonia was characterized by an aging population and higher prevalence of comorbidities.

Impacto clínico de la profilaxis con levofloxacino en pacientes neutropénicos con neoplasias hematológicas Estudio antes y después, en un hospital de cuarto nivel de Colombia / Clinical impact of levofloxacin prophylaxis in neutropenic patients with hematological malignancies Before and after study in a fourth-level Colombian hospital

Resumen Introducción: el uso de la profilaxis con fluoroquinolonas en pacientes con neutropenia y enfermedades hematológicas malignas es controvertido. Se ha reportado un impacto positivo en la reducción de la morbilidad y mortalidad, pero el consiguiente desarrollo de resistencia bacteriana es una preocupación. Objetivo: comparar la incidencia de neutropenia febril, infección documentada y muerte por infección, en una cohorte de pacientes adultos con neoplasias hematolinfoides en quimioterapia de alto riesgo, que reciben profilaxis con levofloxacino, versus quienes no recibieron profilaxis. Material y métodos: s e realizó un estudio de antes y después. Los desenlaces fueron neutropenia febril, infección clínica y microbiológicamente documentada, duración de la hospitalización, estancia en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, y mortalidad asociada a infección. Resultados: ciento sesenta y ocho (168) admisiones hospitalarias, 98 en el grupo con levofloxacino y 70 en grupo sin profilaxis. El grupo de levofloxacino tuvo reducción de eventos de neutropenia febril (39 vs 70%, p=<0,001), menor tasa de infecciones microbiológicamente documentadas (45.6 vs 61,2%, p= 0.049), menor estancia hospitalaria (24 vs 28.1 días, p=0.008), y menor estancia en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (17 vs 6.1%, p=0.023), comparado con el grupo sin profilaxis. Se encontró asociación en la administración de levofloxacino y reducción de eventos de neutropenia febril OR= 0.21 (IC 95% 0.10-0.43), NNT= 3 (IC 95% 2-6). No se documentó diferencia en la mortalidad (3 vs 8.6%, p=0.118). Conclusiones: la profilaxis mostró beneficio en reducción de eventos febriles, infección micro-biológicamente documentada, menor estancia hospitalaria y en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, sin impacto en la mortalidad. (Acta Med Colomb 2016; 40: 235-242).

Abstract Introduction: the use of fluoroquinolone prophylaxis in patients with neutropenia and hematological malignancies is controversial. A positive impact on reducing morbidity and mortality has been reported, but the subsequent development of bacterial resistance is a concern. Objective: to compare the incidence of febrile neutropenia, documented infection and death from infection in a cohort of adult patients with hematolymphoid neoplasms on high-risk chemotherapy that receive prophylaxis with levofloxacin versus those who did not receive prophylaxis. Material and methods: a before and after study was performed. Outcomes were febrile neutropenia, clinically and microbiologically documented infection, duration of hospitalization, intensive care unit stay, and mortality associated with infection. Results: one hundred sixty-eight (168) hospital admissions, 98 in the levofloxacin group and 70 in the non-prophylaxis group. The levofloxacin group had a reduction in febrile neutropenia events (39 vs 70%, p = <0.001), a lower rate of microbiologically documented infections (45.6 vs 61.2%, p = 0.049), shorter hospital stay (24 vs. 28.1 days , P = 0.008), and shorter stay in the intensive care unit (17 vs 6.1%, p = 0.023) compared to the group without prophylaxis. Association in the administration of levofloxacin and reduction of febrile neutropenia events OR = 0.21 (95% CI 0.10-0.43), NNT = 3 (95% CI 2-6) was found. There was no documented difference in mortality (3 vs 8.6%, p = 0.118). Conclusions: prophylaxis showed benefit in reducing febrile events, microbiologically documented infection, less hospital and intensive care unit stay, with no impact on mortality. (Acta Med Colomb 2016; 40: 235-242).

Impacto clínico de la profilaxis con levofloxacino en pacientes neutropénicos con neoplasias hematológicas / Clinical impact of levofloxacin prophylaxis in neutropenic patients with hematological malignancies

Introducción: el uso de la profilaxis con fluoroquinolonas en pacientes con neutropenia y enfermedades hematológicas malignas es controvertido. Se ha reportado un impacto positivo en la reducción de la morbilidad y mortalidad, pero el consiguiente desarrollo de resistencia bacteriana es una preocupación. Objetivo: comparar la incidencia de neutropenia febril, infección documentada y muerte por infección, en una cohorte de pacientes adultos con neoplasias hematolinfoides en quimioterapia de alto riesgo, que reciben profilaxis con levofloxacino, versus quienes no recibieron profilaxis. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio de antes y después. Los desenlaces fueron neutropenia febril, infección clínica y microbiológicamente documentada, duración de la hospitalización, estancia en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, y mortalidad asociada a infección. Resultados: ciento sesenta y ocho (168) admisiones hospitalarias, 98 en el grupo con levofloxacino y 70 en grupo sin profilaxis. El grupo de levofloxacino tuvo reducción de eventos de neutropenia febril (39 vs 70%, p=<0,001), menor tasa de infecciones microbiológicamente documentadas (45.6 vs 61,2%, p= 0.049), menor estancia hospitalaria (24 vs 28.1 días, p=0.008), y menor estancia en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (17 vs 6.1%, p=0.023), comparado con el grupo sin profilaxis. Se encontró asociación en la administración de levofloxacino y reducción de eventos de neutropenia febril OR= 0.21 (IC 95% 0.10-0.43), NNT= 3 (IC 95% 2-6). No se documentó diferencia en la mortalidad (3 vs 8.6%, p=0.118). Conclusiones: la profilaxis mostró beneficio en reducción de eventos febriles, infección microbiológicamente documentada, menor estancia hospitalaria y en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, sin impacto en la mortalidad.

Introduction: the use of fluoroquinolone prophylaxis in patients with neutropenia and hematological malignancies is controversial. A positive impact on reducing morbidity and mortality has been reported, but the subsequent development of bacterial resistance is a concern. Objective: to compare the incidence of febrile neutropenia, documented infection and death from infection in a cohort of adult patients with hematolymphoid neoplasms on high-risk chemotherapy that receive prophylaxis with levofloxacin versus those who did not receive prophylaxis. Material and methods: a before and after study was performed. Outcomes were febrile neutropenia, clinically and microbiologically documented infection, duration of hospitalization, intensive care unit stay, and mortality associated with infection.Results: one hundred sixty-eight (168) hospital admissions, 98 in the levofloxacin group and 70 in the non-prophylaxis group. The levofloxacin group had a reduction in febrile neutropenia events (39 vs 70%, p = <0.001), a lower rate of microbiologically documented infections (45.6 vs 61.2%, p = 0.049), shorter hospital stay (24 vs. 28.1 days , P = 0.008), and shorter stay in the intensive care unit (17 vs 6.1%, p = 0.023) compared to the group without prophylaxis. Association in the administration of levofloxacin and reduction of febrile neutropenia events OR = 0.21 (95% CI 0.10-0.43), NNT = 3 (95% CI 2-6) was found. There was no documented difference in mortality (3 vs 8.6%, p = 0.118). Conclusions: prophylaxis showed benefit in reducing febrile events, microbiologically documented infection, less hospital and intensive care unit stay, with no impact on mortality.

Leucemia linfoide aguda y mal de Pott: respuesta paradójica al tratamiento ANTITBC / Acute lymphoid leukemia and pott disease: parodixical response to anti-tb treatment

Hombre de 58 años con diagnóstico de leucemia linfoide aguda llevado a trasplante de progenitores de sangre periférica de donante intrafamiliar. Requirió manejo inmunosupresor por presencia de enfermedad injerto contra huésped aguda y crónica. Consultó por dolor lumbar severo y en los exámenes se encontraron lesiones compatibles con espondilodiscitis L4-L5 y colecciones paravertebrales. Con sospecha de tuberculosis se inició tratamiento empírico, la evolución clínica inicial fue tórpida por persistencia de síntomas y compromiso neurológico progresivo, por lo cual se sospechó presencia de micobacterias atípicas vs resistentes. Se logró aislamiento de Mycobacterium tuberculosis susceptible a la terapia instaurada. Se continuó esquema de tratamiento TBC con evolución clínica a la mejoría. Se interpretó como reacción paradójica a la terapia, pero con presencia de lesión renal en la que se confirmó recaída de la enfermedad hematológica...

We report the case of a 58 year-old male patient diagnosed with acute lymphoid leukemia who received a peripheral blood stem cell transplant from a family member. He required immunosuppressive management for developing acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease. He presented with severe back pain. Imaging showed spondylodiscitis L4/L5 and paravertebral fluid collections. Empirical anti-TB therapy was instituted for suspicion of tuberculosis. The initial phase was torpid due to persistent symptoms and progressive neurologic compromise, thus, the presence of atypical vs resistant mycobacteria was suspected. Initiated-therapy-susceptible Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated. The anti-TB therapy regimen was continued with improvement in his clinical state. It was interpreted as a paradoxical response to therapy, associated with the presence of a renal lesion in which a relapse of the hematologic condition was confirmed...

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics and risk factors for mortality in patients with candidemia in hospitals from Bogotá, Colombia

Background: Bloodstream infection by Candida species has a high mortality in Latin American countries. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients with documented bloodstream infections caused by Candida species in third level hospitals and determine the risk factors for in-hospital-mortality. Methods: Patients from seven tertiary-care hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia, with isolation of a Candida species from a blood culture were followed prospectively from March 2008 to March 2009. Epidemiologic information, risk factors, and mortality were prospectively collected. Isolates were sent to a reference center, and fluconazole susceptibility was tested by agar-based E-test. The results of susceptibility were compared by using 2008 and 2012 breakpoints. A multivariate analysis was used to determinate risk factors for mortality. Results: We identified 131 patients, with a median age of 41.2 years. Isolates were most frequently found in the intensive care unit (ICU). Candida albicans was the most prevalent species (66.4% of the isolates), followed by C. parapsilosis (14%). Fluconazole resistance was found in 3.2% and 17.6% of the isolates according to the 2008 and 2012 breakpoints, respectively. Fluconazole was used as empirical antifungal therapy in 68.8% of the cases, and amphotericin B in 22%. Hospital crude mortality rate was 35.9%. Mortality was associated with age and the presence of shock at the time of Candida detection. Fluconazole therapy was a protective factor for mortality. Conclusions: Candidemia is associated with a high mortality rate. Age and shock increase mortality, while the use of fluconazole was shown to be a protective factor. A higher resistance rate with new breakpoints was noted. .

Clinical and epidemiological characteristics and risk factors for mortality in patients with candidemia in hospitals from Bogotá, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Bloodstream infection by Candida species has a high mortality in Latin American countries. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of patients with documented bloodstream infections caused by Candida species in third level hospitals and determine the risk factors for in-hospital-mortality. METHODS: Patients from seven tertiary-care hospitals in Bogotá, Colombia, with isolation of a Candida species from a blood culture were followed prospectively from March 2008 to March 2009. Epidemiologic information, risk factors, and mortality were prospectively collected. Isolates were sent to a reference center, and fluconazole susceptibility was tested by agar-based E-test. The results of susceptibility were compared by using 2008 and 2012 breakpoints. A multivariate analysis was used to determinate risk factors for mortality. RESULTS: We identified 131 patients, with a median age of 41.2 years. Isolates were most frequently found in the intensive care unit (ICU). Candida albicans was the most prevalent species (66.4% of the isolates), followed by C. parapsilosis (14%). Fluconazole resistance was found in 3.2% and 17.6% of the isolates according to the 2008 and 2012 breakpoints, respectively. Fluconazole was used as empirical antifungal therapy in 68.8% of the cases, and amphotericin B in 22%. Hospital crude mortality rate was 35.9%. Mortality was associated with age and the presence of shock at the time of Candida detection. Fluconazole therapy was a protective factor for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Candidemia is associated with a high mortality rate. Age and shock increase mortality, while the use of fluconazole was shown to be a protective factor. A higher resistance rate with new breakpoints was noted.

Manifestaciones neurológicas atípicas del síndrome de reconstitución inmunológico por infección con el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana, reporte de los casos / Atypical neurological manifestations of immunologic reconstitution syndrome in the context of HIV infection, a report of two case studies

El síndrome inflamatorio de reconstitución inmunológica en caso de infección por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) es una entidad clínica rara, que se manifiesta con la activación de procesos infecciosos oportunistas que se encontraban estables. Presentamos dos casos de este síndrome con compromiso del sistema nervioso central: síndrome de movimientos anormales y periférico, y síndrome de Guillain Barré...

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in the context of severe immunosupression secondary to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a clinical entity manifested by a paradoxical clinical impairment due to an activation of infectious opportunistic processes previously under immune surveillance. We illustrate two case reports of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome with atypical central nervous system involvement (choreoathetosis) and acute inflammatory demyelinating polineuropathy (Guillain-Barré syndrome)...

Consenso de uso de antimicrobianos en pacientes críticamente enfermos con falla renal o en riesgo de padecerla / Consensus for antimicrobial use in critically ill patients with renal failure or at risk of suffering it

Un número creciente de pacientes críticamente enfermos son atendidos por sepsis secundaria a infecciones bacterianas o micóticas. En este grupo de pacientes la sepsis per se es un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de falla renal, la cual implica un mayor riesgo de mortalidad. Un panel de expertos en las áreas de infectología, cuidado crítico y nefrología prepararon un consenso basado en la información actual (“evidencia”) sobre el uso de antimicrobianos (antibióticos y antifúngicos) en pacientes críticamente enfermos con falla renal o en riesgo de padecerla. Se identificó la literatura científica relevante mediante un proceso de búsqueda sistemática y se generaron recomendaciones por medio del método presencial Delphi. Se propone que las recomendaciones de este consenso sean utilizadas por los trabajadores de la salud que manejen este grupo de pacientes,con el fin de identificar aquellos en mayor riesgo de progresión a falla renal y establecer las estrategias terapéuticas que tengan el mayor beneficio con la menor probabildad de efectos secundarios serios sobre la función renal. Se adicionó una estrategia para la implmentación de estas recomendaciones.

A growing number of critically ill patients are being taken care with sepsis secondary to bacterial or mycotic infections. In this group of patients, sepsis per se is a risk factor for the development of renal failure, which has been related to an increased risk of hospital mortality. An expert panel in infectious diseases, critical care and renal diseases prepared an evidence based consensus over the use of antimicrobials (antibacterial and antifungal agents) in critically ill patients with renal failure or at risk of suffering it. A sytematic review of the scientific literature was performed and recommendations were established by means of a consensus using the Delphi method. Recommendations proposed by this consensus are intended to be use by healthcare workers who are in charge of this kind of patients with the aim to identify the group of patients with higher risk of developing renal failure and to establish the therapeutic measures theat have the best outcome and lower frequenc of severe side effects in renal function. An implementation strategy was added with the recommendations.

Guías de práctica clínica para la prevención de infecciones intrahospitalarias asociadas al uso de dispositivos médicos / Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention of nosocomial infections associated with the use of medical devices

Las infecciones asociadas a la atención en salud representan un problema de salud pública y son un indicador de la calidad en prestación y gestión en salud. En este contexto, los programas de vigilancia y control epidemológico de estas enfermedades, y la adaptación e implementación de guías para su prevención son estrategias que pueden mejorar la seguridad del paciente y deben ser una prioridad para las instituciones. Un panel de expertos de las áreas de infectología, cuidados intensivos, neumología, enfermería, terapia respiratoria y farmacia, preparó una guía de práctica clínica para la prevención de las infecciones asociadas a dispositivos médicos, mediante un proceso de adaptación de otras guías por medio de una estrategia de búsqueda sistemática basada en la "evidencia". Se propone que estas guías sean utilizadas por los trabajadores de la salud con el fin de establecer estrategias que prevengan la aparición de infecciones hospitalarias relacionadas con dispositivos de uso prioritario durante el cuidado intensivo. Se hacen recomendaciones basadas en información científica y adaptadas a nuestro medio en temas generales, como la introducción de listas de chequeo, el lavado de manos y los sistemas de vigilancia y supervisión; se formulan recomendaciones específicas para la prevención de las infecciones del torrente sanguíneo asociadas a dispositivos intravasculares, de las infecciones respiratorias asociadas al uso de asistencia respiratoria mecánica y de las infecciones urinarias asociadas al uso de catéteres urinarios.

Healthcare associated infections (HAI) are an important public health problem and an indicator of the quality of healthcare and management. In this scenario, surveillance and epidemiologic control programs and the adaptation and implementation of clinical guidelines for HAI prevention are estrategies that can improve the safety of patient care and should be prioritized in the institutions. Evidence based clinical practice guidelines for the prevention of infections asociated with invasive medical devices were prepared by an expert panel in infectious diseases, critical care, pulmonary care, nursery, respiratory therapy and pharmacy by means of a process of adaptation of other guidelines available through a systematic review of the literature. These guidelines are intended to be used by healthcare workers with the aim of establishing estrategies to prevent HAI related to invasive medical devices. Recommendations based of scientific evidence adapted to our setting are made related to general estrategies such as checklists, hand washing, surveillance and supervision systems. Specific recommendations to prevent bloodstream infections related to intravascular catheters, respiratory infections related to mechanical ventilation and urinary tract infections related to urinary catheters are made.

Neumonía necrosante por Staphylococcus aureus extrahospitalario resistente a la meticilina: reporte de dos casos en Colombia / Necrotizing pneumonia by community-acquired, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Colombia

En los últimos años se ha informado la aparición de Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina como causa de infecciones extrahospitalarias graves. En Colombia, en el 2006, se publicó el primer reporte de S. aureus como causa de infección de piel y tejidos blandos; en esta ocasión, presentamos el primer reporte de neumonía necrosante con etiología por S. aureus, en dos pacientes adultos que se caracterizaron por presentar progresión clínica rápida, estancia prolongada en cuidados intensivos y complicación de la neumonía con aparición de empiema. Ambos desarrollaron falla renal aguda, por lo que fueron manejados con linezolide, con adecuada respuesta clínica. Con la caracterización molecular de los aislamientos se confirmó la presencia del gen mecA que porta el casete SCCmec tipo IV y la producción de la toxina leucocidina Panton-Valentine.

The emergence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) as a cause of severe infections has been described in the recent years. In 2006, the first report of skin and soft tissue infection by CA-MRSA was published in Colombia. Herein, two additional cases of CA-MRSA are reported with a clinical course characterized by rapid progression, prolonged stay in the intensive care unit and complication of pneumonia with the onset of empyema. Both adult patients developed acute renal failure, and were treated with linezolide; the subsequent clinical response showed adequate treatment response. Molecular characterization of the isolates indicated the presence of the mecA gene carrying the cassette SCCmec type IV and the production of the toxin panton-valentine leukocidin.

[Necrotizing pneumonia by community-acquired, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Colombia]. / Neumonía necrosante por Staphylococcus aureus extrahospitalario resistente a la meticilina: reporte de dos casos en Colombia.

The emergence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) as a cause of severe infections has been described in the recent years. In 2006, the first report of skin and soft tissue infection by CA-MRSA was published in Colombia. Herein, two additional cases of CA-MRSA are reported with a clinical course characterized by rapid progression, prolonged stay in the intensive care unit and complication of pneumonia with the onset of empyema. Both adult patients developed acute renal failure, and were treated with linezolide; the subsequent clinical response showed adequate treatment response. Molecular characterization of the isolates indicated the presence of the mecA gene carrying the cassette SCCmec type IV and the production of the toxin panton-valentine leukocidin.