Is Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole a Valid Alternative in the Management of Infections in Children in the Era of Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus? A Comprehensive Systematic Review.

Objective. To evaluate the use of TMP-SMX compared with other options available for the treatment of children with community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections. Data Sources. The following databases were searched: Medline and PreMedline (OivdSP interface); Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE; Elsevier interface); Cumulative Index to the Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL; EbscoHost interface); Sciences Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED; Web of Science interface); Cochrane Library (Wiley interface); Scopus (Elsevier interface), and DARE, HTA (CRD interface). The search strategy was the one developed by SIGN to identify randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews. Also, we conducted a hand review of all reference lists of included studies. No language or data limits were added. The last search was done on October 1, 2015. Main key words were trimethoprim or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole combination and Staphylococcus aureus. Study Selection. Only randomized controlled trials comparing TMP-SMX versus any other antibiotic as the first-line treatment in CA-MRSA infections in children were included. Articles were reviewed by 2 reviewers, and in case of discrepancy, the final decision was made by the study coordinator. Data Extraction. Only 27 out of 364 articles identified were randomized controlled trials and only 4 fulfilled the eligibility criteria (Jadad score >3). Data Synthesis. Evidence found only referred to use of TMP-SMX in soft tissue infections. Heterogeneity among studies precluded meta-analysis. Conclusions. Available evidence is not conclusive to promote or refuse TMP-SMX as first-line treatment in CA-MRSA infections in children. Additional well-designed studies are required to fsurther elucidate this issue.

Pseudomonas putida bacteremia in pediatric patients: A case series study.

INTRODUCTION: Bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas act as opportunistic pathogens. Pseudomonas putida has been considered a pathogen of low virulence and susceptible to multiple antibiotics, but in recent years resistant strains have emerged. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics, evolution and antibiotic resistance of P. putida bacteremia documented in pediatric hospitalized patients. METHODS: Retrospective cases series. Pediatric patients admitted to the Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan Hospital of Buenos Aires City, Argentina, with isolation in blood cultures of P. putida were included, between August 2015 and August 2020. RESULTS: Sample consisting of 13 patients. Median age: 81 months (IQR 15-163). Ten of the patients were immunocompromised (77%), 11 (85%) had a central venous catheter, 2 (15%) received transfusions prior to the episode of bacteremia, and 6 (46%) had had an invasive procedure within the previous 30 days. Three patients (23%) presented bacteremia secondary to clinical focus and 10 (77%) had central venous catheter-associated bacteremia. All presented fever, 62% (8) evolved with sepsis and 15% (2) with septic shock. Two patients required admission to the intensive care unit (15%), and in 7 (54%) the central venous catheter was removed. None died. The median days of treatment was 14 (IQR 10-14). Resistance to carbapenems was 30%. CONCLUSION: All children had underlying comorbidities, most of them immunocompromised. Catheter-associated infection predominated. The sensitivity to antibiotics was variable. Given the emergence of multi-resistant strains, it is essential to know the local epidemiology.

[Efficacy and safety of empirical treatment with piperacillin/tazobactan as monotherapy in episodes of neutropenia and fever in children with cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis]. / Eficacia y seguridad del tratamiento empírico con piperacilina/tazobactan como monoterapia en episodios de neutropenia y fiebre en niños con cáncer: revisión sistemática y meta-análisis.

BACKGROUND: Febrile neutropenia in children with onco-hematological diseases is an important cause of morbidity and mortality and requires early and adequate empirical treatment. This systematic review was conducted to evaluate if piperacillin/ tazobactan (PTZ) monotherapy leads to a lower incidence of therapeutic failures than comparators. METHODS: A literature search was carried out in Embase, and MEDLINE databases using the search terms ('febrile neutropenia' OR hemato oncology OR haemato oncology OR 'immunocompromised host' OR 'immunocompromised patient' OR 'chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia') AND (piperacillin OR tazobactam OR 'piperacillin plus tazobactam' OR 'piperacillin/tazobactam' OR 'piperacillin-tazobactam' OR tazocin OR 'piperacillin-tazobactam drug combination')), Efficacy endpoint was treatment failure rate. The safety end-point was absence of any adverse effects (AE). RESULTS: Eleven studies were included. No heterogeneity was detected ( I 2 0%). The risk of failure was not superior for piperacillin/tazobactan to comparators (Global RR: 0.94; IC95% 0.83 a 1.07). Rates of adverse events were similar among studies. No publication bias was detected (p 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that treating episodes of febrile neutropenia in oncology pediatric patients, the risk of failure for PTZ was not superior to comparators. Adverse events were similar to the comparators.

[Lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis in a pediatric patient, a case report]. / Esporotricosis linfocutánea en un paciente pediátrico, a propósito de un caso.

Sporotrichosis is a subacute-chronic fungal infection caused by dimorphic fungi of the Sporothrix schenckii Complex. It is more common in tropical areas. The prevalence in Argentina is estimated between 0.01 and 0.02%. In half of the patients it manifests as lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis, which occurs after inoculation of the fungus into the skin after minor trauma. The initial lesion is a papule or nodule that occurs with the appearance of an ascending chain of mobile, painless and erythematous subcutaneous nodules. The diagnosis is made from mycological culture. The antifungal of choice is itraconazole and the prognosis is usually favorable. We present the case of a healthy 4-year-old girl who consulted for subacute axillary lymphadenopathy without response to multiple antimicrobial regimens, arriving at the diagnosis of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis from the culture of a lymph node biopsy sample.

Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Associated With SARS-CoV-2: A Retrospective Cohort Study From Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the differential characteristics of SARS-COV-2 associated inflammatory multisystem syndrome (MIS-C) in children. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted.  The definition of MIS- C was based on WHO criteria. Temporally related COVID-19 patients were included as controls. RESULTS: 25 patients with MIS-C and 75 controls were included. Multivariate multiple logistic regression model of variables that showed to be significant in univariate analysis revealed that age ≥2 years (OR 24.7; 95% CI 1.03 -592.4; P=0.048), lymphopenia (OR 9.03, 95%CI 2.05-39.7; P=0.004), and platelet count <150x109/L (OR 11.7; 95% CI 1.88-75.22; P=0.009) were significantly associated with MIS-C. Presence of underlying disease seemed to reduce the risk of MIS-C (OR 0.06; 95% CI 0.01-0.3). CONCLUSIONS: MIS-C was more common in patients older than 2 years and in those with lymphopenia or thrombocytopenia. Underlying disease appears to reduce the risk of MIS-C.

[Epidemiological characteristics according to the progress of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in a highly complex pediatric hospital in Argentina: a descriptive study]. / Características epidemiológicas según el avance de la pandemia SARS-CoV-2 en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad en Argentina: estudio descriptivo.

BACKGROUND: The knowledge of the clinical and evolutionary characteristics of children with SARS-CoV-2 is continuously updated. The true impact of the disease in the pediatric population is still unknown. AIM: To describe the clinical characteristics, the use of resources and the evolution of children with COVID-19 in the Garrahan Pediatric Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the first 20 weeks from the identification of the first case. METHODS: Descriptive, analytical, retrospective study. The epidemiological, clinical, evolutionary characteristics and the use of hospital resources of patients < 18 years with confirmed COVID-19 are described. In addition, these characteristics were compared according to whether they occurred in the first 10 epidemiological weeks from the first case of COVID-19 in the hospital or in the following ten weeks. RESULTS: n: 280. The median age was 83 months (IQR 33-144). 209 patients (74.6%) were hospitalized. The median days of hospitalization was 8 days (IQR 3-13). According to the WHO severity classification, there were 184 mild cases (65.7%), 3 moderate (1.1%), 16 severe (5.7%) and 20 critical patients (7.1%). The main reasons for admission to the ICU were not related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. When comparing the characteristics of the patients in the two periods, in the first period there was a higher frequency of underlying comorbidities, immunosuppressive treatment, the consultation was later and the patients had more requirements for ICU admission. Two children (0.7%) died in relation to the infection, both with severe comorbidities and severe bacterial coinfections. CONCLUSION: In this study, patients with underlying disease predominated. The mild form of the disease was the most frequent presentation. At the beginning of the pandemic, there were more patients under immunosuppressive treatment, the consultation was later and the hospitalization was more frequent, prolonged and with more serious clinical pictures.

[Osteo-articular infections by Kingella kingae in children in a highly complex pediatric hospital: epidemiology and associated factors]. / Infecciones osteo-articulares por Kingella kingae en niños en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad: epidemiología y factores asociados.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of osteoarticular infections (IOA) has changed in recent years. The incidence of Kingella kingae in Latin America is unknown. AIMS: To describe the epidemiology in patients with IOA in a children hospital. To estimate the incidence of IOA due to K. kingae and compare with other etiologies. METHODS: Prospective cohort. Patients older than 1 month hospitalized between March, 1th 2017 and February, 28th 2019 with suspected IOA and diagnostic procedure (biopsy or arthrocentesis) were included. STATA 13 was used. RESULTS: n: 84 patients. The etiology was identified in 58 patients (69.1%). Staphylococus aureus predominated (n: 44; 52.4%) and K. kingae (n: 9; 10.8%). In the period studied, the incidence of IOA by K. kingae was 10.8 cases per 100 hospitalized IOA. In multivariate analysis, age less than 4 years (OR 13.8, 95% CI 5.5-82.7), recent respiratory symptoms (OR 5.7, 95% CI 3.5-31.6, p 0.04) and normalization before the fifth day of C-reactive protein (CRP) (OR 3.38 95% CI 1.8-16.3, p 0.01) were associated with IOA by K. kingae. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of children the incidence of K. kingae was 10.8 cases per 100 IOA. Kingella kingae represented the second documented etiology, after S. aureus. Age under 4 years, recent respiratory symptoms and normalization before the fifth day of quantitative CRP were statistically associated with IOA by K. kingae.

Efficacy and safety of daptomycin: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess whether daptomycin is safer and more efficacious than comparators for the treatment of serious infection caused by gram-positive microorganisms. METHODS: Electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and clinical registered trials) were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the efficacy and safety of daptomycin versus therapy with any other antibiotic comparator. Two reviewers independently applied selection criteria, performed a quality assessment and extracted the data. Heterogeneity was assessed, and a random-effects or fixed-effects model, when appropriate, was used for estimates of risk ratio (RR). The primary outcome assessed was the risk of clinical treatment failure among the intention-to-treat population and the presence of any treatment related adverse event (AEs). RESULTS: A total of seven trials fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Daptomycin treatment failure rates were no different to comparator regimens (RR = 0.96; CI 95% 0.86-1.06). No significantly different treatment related AEs were identified when comparing groups (RR = 0.91; CI 95% 0.83-1.01). CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences in treatment failure rates and safety were found using daptomycin or any of the comparators treatment.

Prevención de infecciones asociadas a cuidados de la salud en pacientes quemados / Prevention of healthcare-associated Infections in burn patients

Las infecciones asociadas a cuidados de la salud (IACS) son una de las complicaciones más importantes que presentan los pacientes gran quemados. Aumentan su morbimortalidad, la duración de su estadía, el consumo de antimicrobianos y los costos hospitalarios. Las tasas reportadas de IACS son muy variables entre los distintos países y centros de atención.El ánimo de esta publicación es brindar el material necesa-rio y actualizado de las medidas de control de infecciones que se deben implementar en la atención de los quemados ya que no es fácil disponer de información sobre este tema.En la presente revisión se analizaron estudios de distin-tas poblaciones, adultos y niños, con diferentes tipos que-maduras y diversos lugares de atención. Se utilizó como material de referencia las recomendaciones vigentes de la Sociedad Internacional de injurias por Quemaduras (ISBI, por su sigla inglés) y se adicionaron publicaciones y expe-riencias de grupos de trabajo local e internacional referen-tes en el tema.Se describen cinco tipos de medidas de control y preven-ción de IACS: medidas generales, medidas de higiene am-biental, prevención de la infección de los lechos de las que-maduras, profilaxis antibiótica y medidas de prevención de neumonía, infecciones asociadas a catéteres vasculares y vesicales en quemados. Es esencial implementar un enfoque proactivo y multidisci-plinario del control de infecciones en la atención de estos pacientes, generando recomendaciones adaptadas a la realidad de cada centro de salud, destinadas a disminuir las transmisión cruzada de microorganismos, utilizar los antimicrobianos tópicos y sistémicos en forma adecuada, disminuir la multirresistencia, reducir las IACS y su mor-talidad

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are one of the most important complications of severe burn patients. They increase their morbidity and mortality, length of stay, antimicrobial consumption, and hospital costs. Re-ported rates of IACS vary widely across countries and care settings.The purpose of this publication is to provide the nec-essary and up-to-date material on the infection control measures that should be implemented in the care of burn patients, since it is not easy to have information on this subject.In this review, we analysed studies of different popula-tions, adults and children, with different types of burns and different places of care. The current recommenda-tions of the International Society of Burn Injuries (ISBI) were used as reference material, and publications and experiences of local and international working groups on the subject were added. Five types of IACS control and prevention measures are described: General mea-sures, Environmental hygiene measures, Prevention of infection of burn injuries, Antibiotic prophylaxis and pre-vention measures for pneumonia, infections associated with vascular and bladder catheters in burn patients.Conclusion: It is essential to implement a proactive and multidisciplinary approach to infection control in the care of these patients, generating recommendations adapted to the reality of each health center, aimed at reducing cross-transmission of microorganisms, using typical and systemic antimicrobials appropriately, reduc-ing multiresistance, reducing HAIs and their mortality

Infección congénita por citomegalovirus: evaluación de diagnóstico y desafíos en la detección temprana / Congenital cytomegalovirus infection: diagnosis assessment and challenges in early detection / Infecção congênita por citomegalovírus: avaliação do diagnóstico e desafios na detecção precoce

Resumen La detección temprana de la infección congénita por citomegalovirus (cCMV) en pacientes pediátricos permite la implementación de un tratamiento apropiado con el fin de reducir la gravedad de las secuelas asociadas a esta infección, lo cual impacta directamente en la calidad de vida del paciente. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la tasa de positividad de infección por CMV en niños con sospecha clínica de infección congénita y analizar las estrategias utilizadas en la confirmación diagnóstica de laboratorio. Para ello se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de muestras de niños con sospecha clínica de cCMV, las cuales fueron evaluadas en el laboratorio de Virología de la institución mediante una reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real (qPCR) específica para citomegalovirus (CMV). Fue incluido un total de 698 pacientes y se analizaron 125 muestras de sangre de tarjetas de screening neonatal (TSN) y 659 muestras de orina en el período comprendido entre el 1 de enero de 2016 y el 31 de diciembre de 2022. El diagnóstico de cCMV fue confirmado en 24 pacientes mediante la presencia del virus en muestras de orina o TSN según la edad del paciente, lo que correspondió al 3,4% (24/698) del total de los pacientes estudiados.

Abstract Early detection of congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection in pediatric patients enables the implementation of appropriate treatment to reduce the severity of associated sequelae, directly impacting the child's quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the CMV positivity rate in children clinical suspected of congenital infection and to analyse the strategies used in laboratory diagnostic confirmation. A retrospective analysis of samples from children with clinical suspected cCMV was evaluated by the Virology Laboratory of this institution using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) specific for cytomegalovirus (CMV). A total of 698 patients were included, analysing 125 samples from neonatal screening cards (NSC) and 659 urine samples in the period between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2022. The diagnosis of congenital CMV (cCMV) was confirmed in 24 patients through the presence of the virus in urine or NSC samples, corresponding to 3.4% (24/698) of the total patients studied.

Resumo A detecção precoce da infecção congênita pelo citomegalovírus (cCMV) em pacientes pediátricos permite a implementação de um tratamento adequado com o objetivo de reduzir a gravidade das sequelas associadas a esta infecção, o que impacta diretamente na qualidade de vida da criança. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a taxa de positividade de infecção por CMV em crianças com suspeita de infecção congênita e analisar as estratégias utilizadas na confirmação diagnóstica laboratorial. Para isso, foi realizado uma análise retrospectiva de amostras de crianças com suspeita de cCMV, as quais foram estudiadas pelo laboratório de Virologia da instituição por meio de reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real (qPCR) específica para citomegalovírus (CMV). Um total de 698 pacientes foram incluídos, sendo analisadas 125 amostras de sangue de cartões de triagem neonatal (TSN) e 659 amostras de urina no período entre 1º de janeiro de 2016 e 31 de dezembro de 2022. O diagnóstico de cCMV foi confirmado em 24 pacientes pela presença do vírus em amostras de urina ou TSN, de acordo com a idade do paciente, correspondendo a 3,4% (24/698) do total de pacientes estudados.

Riesgo de mortalidad en infecciones invasoras por Fusarium spp en niños con enfermedades hemato-oncológicas: una revisión sistemática de la literatura / Risk of mortality in invasive infections by Fusarium spp in children with hematooncological diseases: a literature systematic review

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los estudios sobre la infección fúngica invasora (IFI) por Fusarium spp en pacientes pediátricos con patología hemato-oncológica, son escasos, correspondiendo en general a series clínicas descriptas en forma retrospectiva, lo que dificulta conocer en profundidad sus características y evolución. OBJETIVO: Analizar la evolución fatal de la IFI causada por Fusarium spp en pacientes pediátricos con patología hemato-oncológica, llevándose a cabo una revisión sistemática. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: La búsqueda bibliográfica se realizó con fecha 23 de marzo de 2023, en las principales bases de datos (Medline (a través de PubMed), Embase (a través de Embase-Elsevier), The Cochrane Library (a través de Wiley), Cinahl (a través de EbscoHOST), SCI-EXPANDED y Scielo (a través de la WOS) y Scopus (a través de Scopus-Elsevier) y libre (mediante el motor Google) y revisando las citas de los artículos incluidos. RESULTADOS: Se rescataron 1.341 artículos, de los cuales se descartaron 931 por diversas razones. Mediante el análisis de los textos completos, finalmente se incluyeron 11 estudios. Todos los estudios eran de nivel 4 (serie de casos). Se detectó una notoria heterogeneidad (p < 0,008) entre los mismos. La mediana de la frecuencia de muerte observada implicó a un tercio de los afectados (Md 33 %; Q1:22,7-Q4:75). CONCLUSIONES: La mortalidad por IFI por Fusarium spp fue alta en niños con patología hemato-oncológica, en especial en aquellos con neutropenia profunda y mala respuesta al tratamiento de su enfermedad de base

BACKGROUND: Studies on invasive fungal infection (IFI) by Fusarium spp in pediatric patients with hemato-oncological pathology are scarce and limited and a few series of cases described retrospectively, which makes it difficult to fully understand their characteristics and outcome. With the aim of analyzing the fatal evolution of these patients, this systematic review was carried out. METHODS: The literature search was performed up to March 23, 2023, in the main databases, as Medline (through PubMed), Embase (through Embase-Elsevier), The Cochrane Library (through Wiley), Cinahl (through EbscoHOST), SCI-EXPANDED and Scielo (through WOS) and Scopus (through Scopus-Elsevier) and free (through the Google engine) and reviewing the citations of the included articles. RESULTS: 1341 articles were retrieved, of which 931 were discarded for various reasons. By analyzing its full texts, 11 studies were finally included. It was observed that heterogeneity among them was relevant (p < 0.008). Median frequency of death involved one third of those affected (Md 33%; Q1:22,7-Q4:75). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality due to IFI due to Fusarium spp was high in children with hemato-oncological pathology, especially in those with severe neutropenia and poor response to treatment of their underlying disease.

Efficacy and safety of voriconazole in immunocompromised patients: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Voriconazole is a second-generation triazole. It has excellent bioavailability and broad antifungal spectrum; thus, it is an attractive option for patients at high risk of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). Comparing efficacy and safety of voriconazole with other antifungals in prophylaxis or treatment of IFIs would be useful to draw conclusions regarding prevention and therapeutics of these infections. AIM: To assess efficacy and safety of voriconazole compared with other options as prophylaxis or treatment of IFIs in haematology-oncology patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed in MEDLINE database using the search term 'voriconazole' and completed with manual search. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing voriconazole with other antifungal agents or placebo. DATA EXTRACTION: Seven studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. RESULTS: Five studies compared voriconazole to another comparator as prophylaxis of IFIs and two as treatment. Pooled results showed that voriconazole was more effective than the comparator (RR = 1.17; 95%CI = 1.01-1.34), but heterogeneity was significant (Q test 32.7; p = .00001). Sub-analysis according to prophylaxis showed RR = 1.17; 95%CI = 1.00-1.37; while as treatment, RR = 1.23; 95%CI = 0.68-2.22. Risk of adverse events was not different from that observed for the comparator (RR = 1.06, 95%CI = 0.66-1.72) though significant heterogeneity was detected (p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Voriconazole was as effective and safe as comparators, probably better as prophylaxis than as treatment, but limitations due to variability in the sample size of studies, differences in the age of patients, and heterogeneity between studies' outcome measures indicate the need for further research.

Mortalidad en niños con bacteriemia por Burkholderia cepacia: una revisión sistemática / Mortality in children with bacteremia due to Burkholderia cepacia: a systematic review

INTRODUCCIÓN: En los niños, la bacteriemia debida a Burkholderia cepacia, es considerada una complicación grave y conducente a una elevada mortalidad. Con el objetivo de conocer la mortalidad asociada a esa condición, se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura médica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se aplicó una estrategia de búsqueda bibliográfica con las palabras claves: "bacteriemia por B. cepacia", "humanos", "niños" y "adolescentes", como únicos filtros. Se informan la mediana y los valores intercuartílicos de la frecuencia de la mortalidad reportada por los estudios incluidos. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 92 estudios potencialmente útiles. De ellos, se descartaron 81, incluyéndose finalmente, 11 estudios. Se trató de descripciones retrospectivas de casos, salvo uno de ellos, que respondió a un diseño analítico caso-control. La mediana de la mortalidad reportada por esta revisión, fue 0 (Q25 = 0 y Q75 = 28,57%). INTERPRETACIÓN: Si bien la evidencia disponible es escasa y de baja calidad, sugiere que el curso clínico de esta afección no siempre resulta en una elevada mortalidad.

BACKGROUND: Bacteremia due to Burkolderia cepacia in children is considered a severe complication and associated with high mortality incidence. In order to know the level of mortality associated with it, this systematic review of the literature was carried out. METHODS: A search strategy was carried out with the keywords: "bacteremia by B cepacia and human" and "children" and "adolescents" as filters. Global frequency of mortality reported by the included studies was calculated and informed as median (Q2) and its interquartile values (Q1 and Q3). RESULTS: The search identified 92 potentially useful studies. Of these, 81 were discarded, and then remained 11 studies to be included. One out of 11 studies is an analytic case-control design. Rest are retrospective case series. Related mortality median was 0 (Q25 = 0 and Q75 = 28,57%). CONCLUSION: Although the available evidence is scarce and of low quality, it suggests that clinical course of this condition does not always lead to high mortality rates.

Infección de piel y tejidos blandos por Burkholderia stabilis en un niño con quemaduras graves / Skin and soft tissue infection due to Burkholderia stabilis in a severely burned child

Resumen Las heridas por quemadura representan un grave problema, sobre todo en la población pediátrica, dada la severidad de su presentación y la morbimortalidad asociada. La infección es la complicación más frecuente y grave en el paciente quemado. Las bacterias que conforman el complejo Burkholderia cepacia (CBc) son capaces de causar enfermedades en plantas, humanos y animales. En el hombre pueden establecer infecciones crónicas y frecuentemente graves, por lo general en pacientes con fibrosis quística y en inmunocomprometidos. El CBc está compuesto por al menos 22 especies filogenéticamente muy relacionadas. El objetivo de esta publicación fue describir el primer caso de una infección de piel y partes blandas por Burkholderia stabilis, una especie poco frecuente, en un niño con grandes quemaduras en la Argentina. Las especies del CBc son intrínsecamente resistentes a la mayoría de los antimicrobianos disponibles clínicamente, como aminoglucósidos, quinolonas, polimixinas y β-lactámicos. Esto representa un serio problema en el momento de tratar las infecciones por las escasas opciones terapéuticas.

Abstract Burn wounds represent a serious problem, especially in the pediatric population, given the severity of their presentation and the associated morbidity and mortality. Infection is the most frequent and serious complication in the burned patient. Burkholderia cepacia (CBc) complex bacteria are capable of causing disease in plants, humans, and animals. In human beings they can establish chronic and frequently serious infections, generally in patients with cystic fibrosis and in immunocompromised patients. The CBc is composed of 22 phylogenetically closely related species. The objective of this publication was to describe the first report of a skin and soft tissue infection by Burkholderia stabilis, a rare species, in a child with extensive burns in Argentina. CBc species are inherently resistant to most clinically available antimicrobials, such as aminoglycosides, quinolones, polymyxins, and β-lactams. This represents a serious problem when treating infections, due to the limited therapeutic options.

Resumo As feridas por queimadura representam um grave problema, principalmente na população pediátrica, devido à gravidade de sua apresentação e morbimortalidade associada. A infecção é a complicação mais frequente e grave do paciente queimado. As bactérias que compõem o complexo Burkholderia cepacia (CBc) são capazes de causar doenças em plantas, humanos e animais. No homem, podem estabelecer infecções crônicas e freqüentemente graves, geralmente em pacientes com fibrose cística e imunocomprometidos. O CBc é composto, no mínimo, por 22 espécies filogeneticamente muito relacionadas. O objetivo desta publicação é descrever o primeiro caso de uma infecção de pele e tecidos moles por Burkholderia stabilis, uma espécie rara, em uma criança com queimaduras extensas na Argentina. As espécies do CBc são inerentemente resistentes à maioria dos antimicrobianos disponíveis clinicamente, como aminoglicosídeos, quinolonas, polimixinas e β-lactâmicos. Isso representa um problema sério na hora de tratar as infecções devido às opções terapêuticas limitadas.

Estreptococos del grupo Streptococcus anginosus Parte IIIa. Epidemiología e infecciones de cabeza y cuello / Streptococcus anginosus group. Part IIIa. Epidemiology and head and neck infections

Resumen Los estreptococos del grupo Streptococcus anginosus (EGA) son colonizantes habituales de las mucosas orofaríngea, intestinal y genitourinaria, pero, cada vez más frecuentemente, son reconocidos como patógenos humanos. En esta parte IIIa se describen la epidemiología de las infecciones por EGA y las características de las localizadas en cabeza y cuello. Es ampliamente conocida su capacidad de formar abscesos; en particular en la zona de cabeza y cuello se destacan los abscesos odontogénicos, los periorbitales y los cerebrales. También producen sinusitis, infecciones oculares, abscesos epidurales, síndrome de Lemierre, empiemas subdurales y colecciones en piel y tejidos blandos y huesos del cráneo. Su rol en la faringitis es controvertido aunque algunas de las subespecies podrían estar involucradas en ese tipo de infecciones. También se postula su potencial cancerígeno dada su asociación con carcinomas orofaríngeos, gástricos o esofágicos.

Abstract Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG) organisms are common colonizers of the oropharyngeal, intestinal, and genitourinary mucosa, but are increasingly recognized as human pathogens. This part IIIa describes the epidemiology of SAG infections and the characteristics of those located in the head and neck. Its ability to form abscesses is widely known, particularly, in the head and neck area; odontogenic, periorbital and brain abscesses stand out. They also cause sinusitis, eye infections, epidural abscesses, Lemierre's syndrome, subdural empyemas, and collections in the skin and soft tissues and bones of the skull. Its role in pharyngitis is controversial, although some of the subspecies could be involved in such infections. Its carcinogenic potential is also postulated given its association with oropharyngeal, gastric or esophageal carcinomas..

Resumo Os estreptococos do grupo Streptococcus anginosus (EGA) são colonizadores comuns da mucosa orofaríngea, intestinal e geniturinária, mas são cada vez mais frequentemente reconhecidos como patógenos humanos. Esta parte IIIa descreve a epidemiologia das infecções por EGA e as características daquelas localizadas na cabeça e no pescoço. Sua capacidade de formar abscessos é amplamente conhecida, principalmente, na região da cabeça e pescoço, destacando-se os abscessos odontogênicos, os periorbitais e os cerebrais. Eles também causam sinusite, infecções oculares, abscessos epidurais, síndrome de Lemierre, empiemas subdurais e coleções em pele e tecidos moles, e ossos do crânio. Seu papel na faringite é controverso, embora algumas das subespécies possam estar envolvidas em tais infecções. Seu potencial carcinogênico também é postulado pela associação com carcinomas orofaríngeos, gástricos ou esofágicos.

Estreptococos del grupo Streptococcus anginosus Parte IIIb. Infecciones en localizaciones diferentes de las de cabeza y cuello / Streptococcus anginosus group. Part IIIb. Other than head and neck infections

Resumen Las bacterias del grupo Streptococcus anginosus (EGA) son colonizantes habituales de las mucosas orofaríngea, intestinal y genitourinaria, pero, cada vez más frecuentemente, son reconocidas como patógenos humanos. En esta parte III se describen las tendencias de los EGA a la producción de distintas patologías humanas. Por su extensión debió ser desdoblada a su vez en otras dos partes (IIIa y IIIb). Es ampliamente conocida su capacidad de formar abscesos en órganos sólidos, especialmente abscesos cerebrales, pulmonares y hepáticos. También producen sinusitis, empiemas y colecciones en piel y tejidos blandos, huesos, articulaciones, etc. Se han encontrado asociados con infecciones urinarias, vaginitis aeróbica y con exacerbaciones pulmonares en pacientes con fibrosis quística y con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Producen también infecciones posteriores a mordeduras humanas, infecciones diseminadas, bacteriemia sin foco aparente y, en menor medida, endocarditis infecciosas, generalmente complicadas con abscesos perivalvulares. Esta parte IIIb está focalizada en las infecciones que no comprometen la cabeza y el cuello.

Abstract Streptococcus anginosus (SGA) group streptococci are common colonizers of the oropharyngeal, intestinal, and genitourinary mucosa, but they are increasingly recognized as human pathogens. In this part III, tendencies of the EGA to the production of different human pathologies are described. Due to its length, it had to be divided into two other parts (IIIa and IIIb). Its ability to form abscesses in solid organs, especially brain, lung and liver abscesses, is widely known. They also cause sinusitis, empyema and collections in skin and soft tissues, bones, joints, etc. They have been found associated with urinary tract infections, aerobic vaginitis and with pulmonary exacerbations in patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They also cause infections after human bites, disseminated infections, bacteremia without apparent focus and, to a lesser extent, infective endocarditis, generally complicated by perivalvular abscesses. This part IIIb is focused on other than head and neck infections.

Resumo As bactérias do grupo Streptococcus anginosus (EGA) são colonizadores comuns da mucosa orofaríngea, intestinal e geniturinária, mas são cada vez mais reconhecidos como patógenos humanos. Nesta parte III são descritas as tendências do EGA à produção de diferentes patologias humanas. Devido ao seu comprimento, teve que ser dividido em duas outras partes (IIIa e IIIb). Sua capacidade de formar abcessos em órgãos sólidos, principalmente cérebro, pulmão e fígado, é amplamente conhecida. Eles também causam sinusite, empiema e coleções na pele e tecidos moles, ossos, articulações, etc. Eles foram encontrados associados à infecções urinárias, vaginite aeróbia e às exacerbações pulmonares em pacientes com fibrose cística e doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica. Também causam infecções após picadas humanas, infecções disseminadas, bacteremia sem origem aparente e, em menor grau, endocardite infecciosa, geralmente complicada por abscessos perivalvulares. Seu papel na faringite é controverso, embora algumas das subespécies possam estar envolvidas em tais infecções. Seu potencial carcinogênico também é postulado pela associação com carcinomas orofaríngeos, gástricos ou esofágicos. Esta parte IIIb enfoca infecções em diferentes locais da cabeça e pescoço.

Eficacia y seguridad del tratamiento empírico con piperacilina/tazobactan como monoterapia en episodios de neutropenia y fiebre en niños con cáncer: revisión sistemática y meta-análisis / Efficacy and safety of empirical treatment with piperacillin/tazobactan as monotherapy in episodes of neutropenia and fever in children with cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCCIÓN: La neutropenia febril en niños con patología oncohematològica requiere un tratamiento empírico precoz y adecuado. Esta revisión sistemática se realizó para evaluar si piperacilina/tazobactam (PTZ) monoterapia es más efectiva y segura que los comparadores, en niños con episodios de neutropenia febril de causa oncológica. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en Embase, MEDLINE utilizando los términos de búsqueda (('febrile neutropenia' OR hemato oncology OR haemato oncology OR 'immunocompromised host' OR 'immunocompromised patient' OR 'chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia') AND (piperacillin OR tazobactam OR 'piperacillin plus tazobactam' OR 'piperacillin/tazobactam' OR 'piperacillin-tazobactam' OR tazocin OR 'piperacillin-tazobactam drug combination')). El criterio de valoración de eficacia fue la incidencia de fracaso terapéutico. El punto final de seguridad fue la ausencia de cualquier efecto adverso (EA). RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 1.388 estudios, de los cuales se incluyeron 11 que cumplían los criterios de elegibilidad. Los estudios presentaron notable homogeneidad ( I 2 0%) y no se detectó sesgo de publicación (p 0,36). El riesgo de fracaso terapéutico de PTZ no fue mayor que en los comparadores (RR global: 0,94; IC95% 0,83 a 1,07) como tampoco lo fue, la incidencia de EA. CONCLUSIONES: El riesgo de fracaso terapéutico no fue superior para la PTZ como monoterapia frente a los comparadores

BACKGROUND: Febrile neutropenia in children with onco-hematological diseases is an important cause of morbidity and mortality and requires early and adequate empirical treatment. This systematic review was conducted to evaluate if piperacillin/ tazobactan (PTZ) monotherapy leads to a lower incidence of therapeutic failures than comparators. METHODS: A literature search was carried out in Embase, and MEDLINE databases using the search terms ('febrile neutropenia' OR hemato oncology OR haemato oncology OR 'immunocompromised host' OR 'immunocompromised patient' OR 'chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia') AND (piperacillin OR tazobactam OR 'piperacillin plus tazobactam' OR 'piperacillin/tazobactam' OR 'piperacillin-tazobactam' OR tazocin OR 'piperacillin-tazobactam drug combination')), Efficacy endpoint was treatment failure rate. The safety end-point was absence of any adverse effects (AE). RESULTS: Eleven studies were included. No heterogeneity was detected ( I 2 0%). The risk of failure was not superior for piperacillin/tazobactan to comparators (Global RR: 0.94; IC95% 0.83 a 1.07). Rates of adverse events were similar among studies. No publication bias was detected (p 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that treating episodes of febrile neutropenia in oncology pediatric patients, the risk of failure for PTZ was not superior to comparators. Adverse events were similar to the comparators.

Esporotricosis linfocutánea en un paciente pediátrico, a propósito de un caso / Lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis in a pediatric patient, a case report

Resumen La esporotricosis es una infección fúngica de evolución subagudacrónica causada por hongos dimórficos del Complejo Sporothrix schenckii. Es más frecuente en zonas tropicales. La prevalencia en Argentina se estima entre 0,01 y 0,02%. En la mitad de los pacientes se manifiesta como una esporotricosis linfocutánea, la cual se produce tras la inoculación del hongo en la piel luego de un trauma menor. La lesión inicial es una pápula o nódulo que se sucede con la aparición de una cadena ascendente de nódulos subcutáneos móviles, indoloros y eritematosos. El diagnóstico se realiza a partir del cultivo micológico. El antifúngico de elección es itraconazol y el pronóstico es usualmente favorable. Se presenta el caso de una niña de 4 años, previamente sana, que consultó por adenopatías axilares de evolución subaguda sin respuesta a múltiples esquemas antimicrobianos, confirmándose el diagnóstico de una esporotricosis linfocutánea por el cultivo de una biopsia ganglionar.

Abstract Sporotrichosis is a subacute-chronic fungal infection caused by dimorphic fungi of the Sporothrix schenckii Complex. It is more common in tropical areas. The prevalence in Argentina is estimated between 0.01 and 0.02%. In half of the patients it manifests as lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis, which occurs after inoculation of the fungus into the skin after minor trauma. The initial lesion is a papule or nodule that occurs with the appearance of an ascending chain of mobile, painless and erythematous subcutaneous nodules. The diagnosis is made from mycological culture. The antifungal of choice is itraconazole and the prognosis is usually favorable. We present the case of a healthy 4-year-old girl who consulted for subacute axillary lymphadenopathy without response to multiple antimicrobial regimens, arriving at the diagnosis of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis from the culture of a lymph node biopsy sample.

Fusarium spp infections in a pediatric burn unit: nine years of experience.

INTRODUCTION: Fusarium spp are ubiquitous fungi recognized as opportunistic agents of human infections, and can produce severe infections in burn patients. The literature on Fusarium spp infections in pediatric burn patients is scarce. OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical and epidemiological features as well as outcome of Fusarium spp infections in pediatric burn patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective, descriptive study of Fusarium spp infections in a specialized intensive care burn unit. RESULTS: In 15 patients Fusarium spp infections were diagnosed. Median age was 48 months. Direct fire injury was observed in ten patients. The median affected burn surface area was 45%. Twelve patients had a full thickness burn. Fourteen patients had a Garces Index ≥3. Fungal infection developed at a median of 11 days after burn injury. Fungi were isolated from burn wound in 14 patients and from the bone in one patient. Amphotericin B was the drug of choice for treatment followed by voriconazole. Median time of treatment completion was 23 days. One patient (7%) died of fungal infection-related causes. CONCLUSION: In our series Fusarium spp was an uncommon pathogen in severely burnt patients. The burn wound was the most common site of infection and mortality was low.

Características epidemiológicas según el avance de la pandemia SARS-CoV-2 en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad en Argentina: estudio descriptivo / Epidemiological characteristics according to the progress of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in a highly complex pediatric hospital in Argentina: a descriptive study

INTRODUCCIÓN: El conocimiento de las características clínicas y evolutivas de los niños con SARS-CoV-2 está siendo continuamente actualizado. El verdadero impacto de la enfermedad en la población pediátrica es todavía desconocido. OBJETIVO: Describir las características clínicas, el uso de recursos y la evolución de niños con COVID-19 en el Hospital de Pediatría Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina, en las primeras 20 semanas desde la identificación del primer caso. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo analítico, retrospectivo. Se describen las características epidemiológicas, clínicas, evolutivas y el uso de recursos hospitalarios de pacientes < 18 años con COVID-19 confirmado. Además, se compararon dichas características según se presentaran en las primeras 10 semanas epidemiológicas desde el primer caso de COVID-19 en el hospital o en las 10 siguientes. RESULTADOS: n: 280. La mediana de edad fue 83 meses (RIC 33-144). Fueron hospitalizados 209 pacientes (74,6 %). La mediana de días de internación fue de 8 días (RIC 3-13). Según la clasificación de gravedad de la OMS, fueron casos leves 184 (65,7%), moderados 3 (1,1%), graves 16 (5,7%) y 20 pacientes críticos (7,1%). Los principales motivos de ingreso a UCI no se relacionaron con la infección por SARS-CoV-2. Al comparar las características de los pacientes en los dos períodos, en el primer período hubo más frecuencia de comorbilidades subyacentes, tratamiento inmunosupresor, la consulta fue más tardía y los pacientes tuvieron más requerimientos de internación en UCI. Fallecieron en relación con la infección dos niños (0,7%), ambos con comorbilidades graves y coinfecciones bacterianas graves. CONCLUSIÓN: En este estudio predominaron los pacientes con enfermedad de base. La forma leve de la enfermedad fue la presentación más frecuente. Al inicio de la pandemia, hubo más pacientes bajo tratamiento inmunosupresor, la consulta fue más tardía y la internación fue más frecuente, prolongada y con cuadros clínicos más graves.

BACKGROUND: The knowledge of the clinical and evolutionary characteristics of children with SARS-CoV-2 is continuously updated. The true impact of the disease in the pediatric population is still unknown. AIM: To describe the clinical characteristics, the use of resources and the evolution of children with COVID-19 in the Garrahan Pediatric Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina, in the first 20 weeks from the identification of the first case. METHODS: Descriptive, analytical, retrospective study. The epidemiological, clinical, evolutionary characteristics and the use of hospital resources of patients < 18 years with confirmed COVID-19 are described. In addition, these characteristics were compared according to whether they occurred in the first 10 epidemiological weeks from the first case of COVID-19 in the hospital or in the following ten weeks. RESULTS: n: 280. The median age was 83 months (IQR 33-144). 209 patients (74.6%) were hospitalized. The median days of hospitalization was 8 days (IQR 3-13). According to the WHO severity classification, there were 184 mild cases (65.7%), 3 moderate (1.1%), 16 severe (5.7%) and 20 critical patients (7.1%). The main reasons for admission to the ICU were not related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. When comparing the characteristics of the patients in the two periods, in the first period there was a higher frequency of underlying comorbidities, immunosuppressive treatment, the consultation was later and the patients had more requirements for ICU admission. Two children (0.7%) died in relation to the infection, both with severe comorbidities and severe bacterial coinfections. CONCLUSION: In this study, patients with underlying disease predominated. The mild form of the disease was the most frequent presentation. At the beginning of the pandemic, there were more patients under immunosuppressive treatment, the consultation was later and the hospitalization was more frequent, prolonged and with more serious clinical pictures.