Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria Bloodstream Infections in Peru and Associated Outcomes: VIRAPERU Study.

Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance among gram-negative bacteria (GNB) is of critical importance, but data for Peru are not available. To fill this gap, a non-interventional hospital-based surveillance study was conducted in 15 hospitals across Peru from July 2017 to October 2019. Consecutive unique blood culture isolates of key GNB (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp.) recovered from hospitalized patients were collected for centralized antimicrobial susceptibility testing, along with linked epidemiological and clinical data. A total of 449 isolates were included in the analysis. Resistance to third-generation cephalosporins (3GCs) was present in 266 (59.2%) GNB isolates. Among E. coli (n = 199), 68.3% showed 3GC resistance (i.e., above the median ratio for low- and middle-income countries in 2020 for this sustainable development goal indicator). Carbapenem resistance was present in 74 (16.5%) GNB isolates, with wide variation among species (0% in E. coli, 11.0% in K. pneumoniae, 37.0% in P. aeruginosa, and 60.8% in Acinetobacter spp. isolates). Co-resistance to carbapenems and colistin was found in seven (1.6%) GNB isolates. Empiric treatment covered the causative GNB in 63.3% of 215 cases. The in-hospital case fatality ratio was 33.3% (92/276). Pseudomonas aeruginosa species and carbapenem resistance were associated with higher risk of in-hospital death. In conclusion, an important proportion of bloodstream infections in Peru are caused by highly resistant GNB and are associated with high in-hospital mortality.

Percutaneous Cystolitholapaxy Is Safe and Effective in Adult Patients With Lower Urinary Tract Reconstruction Utilizing Bowel.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety, efficacy, and surgical approach of percutaneous bladder calculi removal in adult patients with prior lower urinary tract reconstruction utilizing bowel using a single-institution database. METHODS: Twenty patients with prior history of lower urinary tract reconstruction (continent cutaneous urinary reservoir, augmentation enterocystoplasty with catheterizable channel, or ileal neobladder) who underwent percutaneous cystolitholapaxy from 2014 to 2020 were identified from an IRB-approved database. Analysis of patient demographics, operative details, stone composition, stone-free rates, recurrence, and associated complications was performed. RESULTS: Percutaneous access and either ultrasonic lithotripter or laser lithotripsy were utilized to remove bladder stones. Over half of the patients also underwent concomitant renal stone removal via percutaneous removal or retrograde ureteroscopy. Postoperative computed tomography imaging revealed complete bladder stone clearance in 90% of patients. There were no notable complications from percutaneous bladder stone removal and most patients were discharged either the same day or within 24hours. Urine and stone analysis revealed infection was present in the majority of patients. Bladder stones recurred in 45% of patients after more than 2years of follow-up, on average. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous cystolitholapaxy is a safe and effective approach for the removal of moderate-sized bladder calculi in adults with prior lower urinary tract reconstruction utilizing bowel. Its efficacy and minimally invasive nature make it the approach of choice at our institution.

Comparison of Contemporary Surgical Outcomes Between Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate and Robotic-Assisted Simple Prostatectomy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This study reviews contemporary literature on RASP and HoLEP to evaluate perioperative outcomes, common complications, cost analytics, and future directions of both procedures. RECENT FINDINGS: RASP is indicated for prostates > 80 mL, while HoLEP is size-independent. No notable differences were found in operative time, PSA nadir (surrogate for enucleation volume), re-catheterization rates, or long-term durability. Prolonged incontinence and bladder neck contracture rates are low for both surgeries. Patients experience similar satisfaction outcomes and improvements in uroflowmetry and post-void residual volumes. HoLEP demonstrates shorter hospitalizations, lower transfusion rates, lower costs, and higher rates of same-day discharge. RASP offers a shorter learning curve and lower rates of early postoperative urinary incontinence. HoLEP is a size-independent surgery that offers advantages for patients seeking a minimally invasive procedure with the potential for catheter-free same-day discharge. Future directions with single-port simple prostatectomy may offer parity in same-day discharge, but further research is needed to determine broader feasibility.

Can Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection (RPLND) be feasibly performed to prolong survival in Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) with limited lymph node involvement? An Analysis of Recurrence Patterns.

INTRODUCTION: The therapeutic benefit of performing a lymph node dissection (LND) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has been controversial. In prior studies, it was thought that a low event rate for nodal metastases affected the ability to draw any conclusions. Here, we opted to select patients that had low burden 1 or 2 nodes positive to study survival outcomes and recurrence patterns based on limited LND or extended LND with a template retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND). METHODS: We used our single institutional database from 2000 and 2019 and identified 45 patients that had only 1 or 2 nodes positive on final pathology without any other systemic disease. These patients all underwent nephrectomy with limited LND or a template RPLND on the ipsilateral side. RESULTS: We identified 23 patients in the limited LND and 22 in the template RPLND group. Thirty-one patients included in the study had 1 positive lymph node and 14 patients had 2 positive lymph nodes. For patients undergoing a limited LND, a median 4 (IQR 1-11) lymph nodes were resected and for those undergoing template RPLND, 18 (IQR: 13-23) lymph nodes were resected. On Kaplan-Meier analysis, a difference was noted in overall survival (P = 0.04) when comparing limited LND to template RPLND. We also mapped out patterns of recurrence and found that 6 patients had retroperitoneal lymph node recurrences after a limited LND in the ipsilateral node packet. On univariate analysis, pathologic stage was a major factor for survival, but did not remain as significant with the inclusion of template RPLND status and Charlson Comorbidity Index in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: We identified specific patients that had RCC with limited lymph node involvement. We found that a select number of patients had durable improvement in survival outcomes with template RPLND. In examining the recurrence patterns, a greater number of patients may have derived benefit for an initial template RPLND.

Morpho-agronomic evaluation of native maize races associated with Mexican tropical climate agroforestry systems.

Maize (Zea mays L.) is native to Mexico, in which wide genetic diversity can be found; however, maize is at risk of genetic erosion, and agroforestry systems (ASs) can be a strategy for conservation and sustainable use of this crop. The objective of this study was to evaluate the variation in the morpho-agronomic characteristics of three native maize races, Tuxpeño, Olotillo × Tuxpeño and Ratón × Tepecintle, cultivated in different AS in a tropical climate of Veracruz, Mexico, as well as its association with microclimatic conditions. In 2019, experiments were established in the localities La Gloria and La Luisa, Veracruz, where the three maize races are cultivated, in a randomized complete block design with three replications in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme (three native maize races and three AS arrrays, plus monoculture). Ten morpho-agronomic variables were recorded in each experiment and were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA; Tukey's post-hoc test, all p ≤ 0.05) and principal component analysis (PCA). Six morpho-agronomic characteristics showed significant differences for the race × system interaction. Consistently standing out both in the Myroxylon with 2.8 m × 2.0 arrays and in the monoculture was the Olotillo × Tuxpeño race, as there were no variations (p ≥ 0.05) in 50% of its morpho-agronomic characteristics. The first three PCs explained 87.7% of the cumulative variance, determined by five variables of the ears, three of the grain and plant height, which were associated with temperature; therefore, the microclimatic conditions of the studied ASs are associated with the morpho-agronomic characteristics of the native maize races. The results show that ASs could be a strategy for the conservation and use of native corn germplasm and could allow the diversification of sustainable production for rural farmers.

Underutilization and Quality Gaps in Blood Culture Processing in Public Hospitals of Peru.

Correct processing of blood cultures may impact individual patient management, antibiotic stewardship, and scaling up of antimicrobial resistance surveillance. To assess the quality of blood culture processing, we conducted four assessments at 16 public hospitals across different regions of Peru. We assessed the following standardized quality indicators: 1) positivity and contamination rates, 2) compliance with recommended number of bottles/sets and volume of blood sampled, 3) blood culture utilization, and 4) possible barriers for compliance with recommendations. Suboptimal performance was found, with a median contamination rate of 4.2% (range 0-15.1%), with only one third of the participating hospitals meeting the target value of < 3%; and a median positivity rate of 4.9% (range 1-8.1%), with only 6 out of the 15 surveilled hospitals meeting the target of 6-12%. None of the assessed hospitals met both targets. The median frequency of solitary blood cultures was 71.9% and only 8.9% (N = 59) of the surveyed adult bottles met the target blood volume of 8 - 12 mL, whereas 90.5% (N = 602) were underfilled. A high frequency of missed opportunities for ordering blood cultures was found (69.9%, 221/316) among patients with clinical indications for blood culture sampling. This multicenter study demonstrates important shortcomings in the quality of blood culture processing in public hospitals of Peru. It provides a national benchmark of blood culture utilization and quality indicators that can be used to monitor future quality improvement studies and diagnostic stewardship policies.

Procedure: Laparoscopic Donor Nephrectomy.

Minimally invasive approaches for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy are necessary to limit surgical morbidity, and technical challenges differ from those encountered during other laparoscopic renal surgeries. Presented here is a step-by-step guide for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy-focusing on pure laparoscopic and hand-assisted techniques. Both straight laparoscopic and hand-assisted nephrectomies were performed in healthy donors who met transplantation criteria in terms of global health and psychologic well-being. Patient positioning, trocar placement, surgical steps, incision closure, and postoperative care are reviewed. Standard equipment used to complete this procedure is itemized. This guide outlines indications, preoperative preparation, and procedural steps for laparoscopic donor nephrectomy. The techniques and the evolution thereof represent our experience since 2002 for 510 cases. The attached videos demonstrate a high-volume surgeon's typical approach while factoring in anatomical variation. In both cases, the donor nephrectomies were without incident and the patient's postoperative courses were without complication. A basic framework for donor nephrectomy is presented highlighting surgical steps we believe to be essential for graft preservation and ultimately effective transplantation. Although no two cases are the same, systematic approaches will allow for timely case completion, fewer complications, and better donor/recipient outcomes.

Tratamiento anti-retroviral conteniendo raltegravir en mujeres gestantes con infección por VIH: revisión sistemática / Antiretroviral therapy containing raltegravir in HIV-infected pregnant women: systematic review

Introduction: The risk of mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV increases in pregnant women diagnosed late in pregnancy. Some experts suggest that the use of raltegravir (RAL), as part of the antiretroviral treatment in these pregnant women, could reduce the risk of MTCT, since RAL can quickly decrease the viral load. Objective: To evaluate the available scientific information on the efficacy and safety of RAL, during the third trimester of pregnancy, in reducing MTCT of HIV. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature. The following databases were consulted: MEDLINE, Tripdatabase, Cochrane, Lilacs and Web of Science. We included systematic reviews, clinical trials, observational studies or case reports. The search was not filtered by language. Results: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Selected studies were case reports or case series. We included, in total, 44 pregnancies (with 45 live births). A case of TMI of HIV was reported. Eight studies reported adverse events, of which four cases can be attributed to the use of RAL. Conclusion: There is insufficient evidence on the efficacy and safety of RAL to decrease the risk of MTCT in HIV pregnant women who present in the last trimester of pregnancy.

Introducción: El riesgo de transmisión materno-infantil (TMI) del VIH incrementa en mujeres gestantes diagnosticadas tardíamente en el embarazo. Algunos expertos sugieren que el uso de raltegravir (RAL), como parte del esquema de tratamiento anti-retroviral en estas pacientes, puede reducir el riesgo de TMI al disminuir rápidamente la carga viral. Objetivo: Evaluar la información científica existente sobre la eficacia y seguridad de RAL durante el tercer trimestre de gestación en la reducción de la TMI del VIH. Materiales y Métodos: Revisión sistemática de la literatura. Las bases de datos consultadas fueron: MED-LINE, Tripdatabase, Cochrane, Lilacs y Web of Science. En la búsqueda se incluyeron revisiones sistemáticas, ensayos clínicos, estudios observacionales o reportes de caso. La búsqueda no se filtró por idioma. Resultados: Catorce estudios cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Los estudios seleccionados fueron reportes o series de caso. Se incluyeron 44 embarazos (con 45 nacidos vivos), se reportó un caso de TMI del VIH y ocho estudios reportaron eventos adversos, cuatro de ellos atribuibles al uso de RAL. Conclusión: No se encontró evidencia suficiente sobre la eficacia y seguridad RAL en mujeres gestantes con infección por VIH que se presentan en el último trimestre del embarazo, para disminuir el riesgo de TMI.

[Antiretroviral therapy containing raltegravir in HIV-infected pregnant women: Systematic review]. / Tratamiento anti-retroviral conteniendo raltegravir en mujeres gestantes con infección por VIH: Revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: The risk of mother to child transmission (MTCT) of HIV increases in pregnant women diagnosed late in pregnancy. Some experts suggest that the use of raltegravir (RAL), as part of the antiretroviral treatment in these pregnant women, could reduce the risk of MTCT, since RAL can quickly decrease the viral load. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the available scientific information on the efficacy and safety of RAL, during the third trimester of pregnancy, in reducing MTCT of HIV. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature. The following databases were consulted: MEDLINE, Tripdatabase, Cochrane, Lilacs and Web of Science. We included systematic reviews, clinical trials, observational studies or case reports. The search was not filtered by language. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Selected studies were case reports or case series. We included, in total, 44 pregnancies (with 45 live births). A case of TMI of HIV was reported. Eight studies reported adverse events, of which four cases can be attributed to the use of RAL. CONCLUSION: There is insufficient evidence on the efficacy and safety of RAL to decrease the risk of MTCT in HIV pregnant women who present in the last trimester of pregnancy.

[Probable vertical transmission of the influenza virus A (H1N1): apropos of a case]. / Probable transmisión vertical del virus de la influenza A (H1N1): a propósito de un caso.

We report the case of a male newborn, product of a 36 week pregnancy, with diagnosis of congenital pneumonia and with a confirmatory test for influenza A (H1N1) virus, without any other suspicious contact. The mother was admitted to the hospital with respiratory failure and the history of a flu-like episode of 5 days of evolution, during the first days of the pandemic in Peru. Due to the severe evolution of the respiratory process, assisted ventilation was given to her and then a cesarean section was performed due to acute fetal distress and oligoamnios. The mother was later confirmed as a case of epidemic influenza A (H1N1) and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Probable transmisión vertical del virus de la influenza a (H1N1): a propósito de un caso / Probable vertical transmission of the influenza virus a (H1N1): apropos of a case

Se reporta el caso de un recién nacido varón, producto de embarazo de 36 semanas, con diagnóstico de neumonía congénita y examen confirmatorio de infección por el virus de la influenza A (H1N1), sin ningún otro tipo de contacto sospechoso. La madre ingresó al hospital con insuficiencia respiratoria y antecedente de proceso gripal de cinco días de evolución, durante los primeros días de la pandemia en el Perú. Por la evolución grave del proceso respiratorio, se le administró ventilación mecánica para luego ser sometida a cesárea por sufrimiento fetal agudo y oligoamnios. Se confirmó en la madre infección por el virus de la influenza A H1N1 epidémico y tuberculosis pulmonar.

We report the case of a male newborn, product of a 36 week pregnancy, with diagnosis of congenital pneumonia and with a confirmatory test for influenza A (H1N1) virus, without any other suspicious contact. The mother was admitted to the hospital with respiratory failure and the history of a flu-like episode of 5 days of evolution, during the first days of the pandemic in Peru. Due to the severe evolution of the respiratory process, assisted ventilation was given to her and then a cesarean section was performed due to acute fetal distress and oligoamnios. The mother was later confirmed as a case of epidemic influenza A (H1N1) and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Manejo institucionalizado del paciente con tuberculosis / Institutionalized management of tuberculosis patients

El manejo del paciente con tuberculosis (TB) a nivel institucional, que garantice la disminución del riesgo de transmisión,una adecuada vigilancia al tratamiento, y optar por medidas de soporte social, esta convirtiéndose en una propuestapara el manejo de pacientes con TB multidrogo resistente (TB MDR) y extensivamente resistente a drogas (TB XDR) y en especial en el manejo de casos que no cumplan con un tratamiento adecuado o tengan condiciones sociales que pongan en riesgo su adecuado seguimiento. Se plantean algunas estrategias que ya han sido utilizadas exitosamente en otros países cuya implementación debe ser valorada a nivel local.

The management of TB patient in close settings, that guarantee a decrease in transmission risk, an adequate surveillance to treatment, and to opt for social support measures, this one becoming a proposal for the management of MDR TB or XDR TB patients and specially in the management of cases that do not comply with an adequate treatment and/or havesocial conditions that put in risk their adequate follow up. Some strategies are exposed through this article that havealready been used in other countries and that we should value implementing them according to our local reality.

Profilaxis antimicrobiana aplicada en cirugía / Antimicrobial prophylaxis applied in surgery

La utilización profiláctica de antibióticos en toda cirugía es hoy en día una práctica muy común en todo servicio hospitalario, ya que ha demostrado prevenir en buen porcentaje los procesos infecciosos en el sitio quirúrgico reduciendo la morbi-mortalidad postoperatoria, como también costos relacionados a las complicaciones del paciente, especialmente por la resistencia bacteriana. Sin embargo, se han expuesto varios estudios científicos y experiencias médicas, donde se descubre el uso incorrecto de estos antimicrobianos, por lo que se ha realizado esta revisión para establecer recomendaciones generales y específicas con bases científicas para el uso adecuado de estos fármacos en los distintos tipos de cirugía.

Nowadays the prophylactic usage of antibiotics in any surgery is a very common practice at every hospital service as it has proven to prevent infectious processes in a good percentage at the surgery place giving as a result not only post operatory morbi-mortality reduction but also reduction in costs related to patient's complications, specially because of the bacterial resistance. However, many scientific studies and medical experience have been exposed, where the incorrect antimicrobial use has been discovered; so this revision has been carried out to establish general and specific recommendations with scientific basis for the correct usage of this medicine in different types of surgery.