Dexamethasone-cyclophosphamide pulse therapy outcomes comparing pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus groups in a Brazilian cohort study

Abstract Background Dexamethasone-cyclophosphamide pulse (DCP) and dexamethasone pulse (DP) have been successfully used to treat pemphigus, but DCP/DP outcomes comparing pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) are scarce. Objective To compare DCP/DP outcomes in a Brazilian cohort of PV and PF patients according to demographic and clinical data. Methods Retrospective analytical cohort study, reviewing medical charts of PV and PF patients (for DCP/DP Phases I‒IV consult Pasricha et al.16‒18). Results 37 PV and 41 PF patients non responsive to usual treatments were included similarly for DCP or DP therapy. Disease duration was longer among PF before DCP/DP prescription (p < 0.001); PF required a higher number of monthly pulses to acquire remission in Phase I (median 10 and 6 pulses, respectively; p = 0.005). DCP/DP outcomes were similar in both groups: remission in 37.8% of PV and 34.1% of PF after completed DCP/DP cycles following a median of 13 months (1-56 months follow-up); failure occurred in 13.5% of PV and 14.6% of PF in Phase I; relapse in 13.5% of PV and 12.2% of PF, and dropout in 27% of PV and 24.4% of PF in Phases II to IV. Mild side effects were documented. Study limitations The severity of PV and PF disease was not assessed by score indexes. Conclusions PV and PF patients presented similar DCP/DP outcomes. DCP/DP should be initiated earlier in PF patients due to the longer duration of their disease in order to decrease the number of pulses and the duration of Phase I to acquire remission.

Lung Inflammasome Activation in SARS-CoV-2 Post-Mortem Biopsies.

The inflammasome complex is a key part of chronic diseases and acute infections, being responsible for cytokine release and cell death mechanism regulation. The SARS-CoV-2 infection is characterized by a dysregulated cytokine release. In this context, the inflammasome complex analysis within SARS-CoV-2 infection may prove beneficial to understand the disease's mechanisms. Post-mortem minimally invasive autopsies were performed in patients who died from COVID-19 (n = 24), and lung samples were compared to a patient control group (n = 11) and an Influenza A virus H1N1 subtype group from the 2009 pandemics (n = 10). Histological analysis was performed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed using monoclonal antibodies against targets: ACE2, TLR4, NF-κB, NLRP-3 (or NALP), IL-1ß, IL-18, ASC, CASP1, CASP9, GSDMD, NOX4, TNF-α. Data obtained from digital analysis underwent appropriate statistical tests. IHC analysis showed biomarkers that indicate inflammasome activation (ACE2; NF-κB; NOX4; ASC) were significantly increased in the COVID-19 group (p < 0.05 for all) and biomarkers that indicate cell pyroptosis and inflammasome derived cytokines such as IL-18 (p < 0.005) and CASP1 were greatly increased (p < 0.0001) even when compared to the H1N1 group. We propose that the SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis is connected to the inflammasome complex activation. Further studies are still warranted to elucidate the pathophysiology of the disease.

Facial skin injuries caused by individual protectors in the combat to covid-19 / Lesões cutâneas faciais causadas por protetores individuais no combate à covid-19

ABSTRACT The single-stranded ribonucleic acid coronavirus is the seventh known member of the Coronaviridae family to infect humans. The droplets and aerosols that are suspended in the air with the virus can be transmitted by contact with the oral, nasal and eye mucosa, which can cause severe acute respiratory syndrome. Due to the outbreak of the new coronavirus disease, the constant use of personal protective equipment by health professionals has become necessary, as the virus has a rapid and widespread spread. But, unexpectedly, the coronavirus outbreak brought another concern, the emergence of facial injuries due to the continuous and inappropriate use of these individual protectors, harming the health of these professionals. An alternative to alleviate and prevent such injuries would be the use of prophylactic creams and dressings in places where there is pressure caused by these equipment, as well as relieving the loads generated by them, at intervals that do not exceed 4 hours. Therefore, this literature review aimed to report the potential for the emergence of facial injuries caused by the continuous and inappropriate use of PPE, highlighting the most affected areas, the risks to the health of the professional, prevention and treatment, through the electronic consultation based on of data, PUBMED, SCOPUS and Bireme/BVS.

RESUMO O Coronavírus possui ácido ribonucléico de fita simples, sendo o sétimo membro conhecido da família Coronaviridae que infectam humanos. As gotículas e aerossóis que ficam suspensas no ar com o vírus pode ser transmitido por contato como mucosas bucal, nasais e oculares, podendo causar a síndrome respiratória aguda grave. Devido ao surto da nova doença do coronavírus, tornou-se necessário a utilização constante dos equipamentos de proteção individual pelos profissionais de saúde, visto que o vírus possui disseminação rápida e generalizada. Mas, inesperadamente o surto do coronavírus trouxe outra preocupação, o surgimento de lesões faciais pelo uso contínuo e inadequado destes protetores individuais, prejudicando a saúde desses profissionais. Uma alternativa para amenizar e prevenir tais lesões seria a utilização de cremes e curativos profiláticos nos locais onde há pressão causada por estes equipamentos, assim como o alivio das cargas geradas pelos mesmos, em intervalos que não ultrapassem 4 horas. Diante disso, esta revisão de literatura objetivou relatar o potencial de surgimento de lesões faciais causado pelo uso continuo e inadequado dos EPI's, evidenciando as áreas mais acometidas, os riscos à saúde do profissional, a prevenção e o tratamento, através da consulta eletrônica à base de dados, PUBMED, SCOPUS e Bireme/BVS.

COVID-19: Immunohistochemical Analysis of TGF-ß Signaling Pathways in Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) followed by repair with lung remodeling is observed in COVID-19. These findings can lead to pulmonary terminal fibrosis, a form of irreversible sequelae. There is evidence that TGF-ß is intimately involved in the fibrogenic process. When activated, TGF-ß promotes the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and regulates the remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this sense, the present study evaluated the histopathological features and immunohistochemical biomarkers (ACE-2, AKT-1, Caveolin-1, CD44v6, IL-4, MMP-9, α-SMA, Sphingosine-1, and TGF-ß1 tissue expression) involved in the TGF-ß1 signaling pathways and pulmonary fibrosis. The study consisted of 24 paraffin lung samples from patients who died of COVID-19 (COVID-19 group), compared to 10 lung samples from patients who died of H1N1pdm09 (H1N1 group) and 11 lung samples from patients who died of different causes, with no lung injury (CONTROL group). In addition to the presence of alveolar septal fibrosis, diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) was found to be significantly increased in the COVID-19 group, associated with a higher density of Collagen I (mature) and III (immature). There was also a significant increase observed in the immunoexpression of tissue biomarkers ACE-2, AKT-1, CD44v6, IL-4, MMP-9, α-SMA, Sphingosine-1, and TGF-ß1 in the COVID-19 group. A significantly lower expression of Caveolin-1 was also found in this group. The results suggest the participation of TGF-ß pathways in the development process of pulmonary fibrosis. Thus, it would be plausible to consider therapy with TGF-ß inhibitors in those patients recovered from COVID-19 to mitigate a possible development of pulmonary fibrosis and its consequences for post-COVID-19 life quality.

Identificação pela ultrassonografia vascular da compressão da veia ilíaca comum esquerda em mulheres assintomáticas: ortostatismo pode influenciar o diagnóstico? / Left common iliac vein compression identified by vascular ultrasonography in asymptomatic women: does standing position influence diagnosis?

Resumo Contexto A ultrassonografia vascular é o exame de imagem de escolha para rastreamento inicial da compressão na veia ilíaca comum esquerda, cujo achado assintomático pode ser encontrado em até 25% em algumas casuísticas. Objetivo Identificar, pela ultrassonografia vascular, se há diferença na avaliação da compressão na veia ilíaca comum esquerda em mulheres assintomáticas em decúbito dorsal e ao ortostatismo. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo observacional transversal em 50 mulheres voluntárias, sem sintomas de compressão venosa pélvica. Os parâmetros avaliados pela ultrassonografia vascular em decúbito dorsal e ao ortostatismo foram os diâmetros e as velocidades máximas na veia ilíaca comum esquerda no local do cruzamento com a artéria ilíaca comum direita e antes desse cruzamento, além dos índices de velocidade na veia ilíaca comum esquerda no local do cruzamento. Resultados Foram identificados oito casos de compressão significativa na veia ilíaca comum esquerda na avaliação em decúbito dorsal (16%) e somente dois casos (4%) ao ortostatismo. Os diâmetros na veia ilíaca comum esquerda foram estatisticamente maiores (p = 0,002) no local de cruzamento com a artéria ilíaca comum direita ao ortostatismo, e as velocidades e índices de velocidades foram estatisticamente maiores (p < 0,001) em decúbito dorsal. Não houve identificação de compressão significativa na veia ilíaca comum esquerda em ortostatismo quando os índices de velocidades estavam normais em decúbito dorsal. Conclusão Não houve diferença na detecção de compressão significativa da veia ilíaca comum esquerda ao ortostatismo em relação ao decúbito dorsal; no entanto, o estudo mostrou que pode haver menor compressão anatômica da veia ilíaca comum esquerda em posição ortostática.

Abstract Background Vascular ultrasonography is the imaging exam of choice for initial screening for left common iliac vein compression, which is an asymptomatic finding that can be detected in up to 25% of some patient samples. Objective To determine, using vascular ultrasonography, whether findings of left common iliac vein compression in asymptomatic women are different when assessed in the prone and standing positions. Methods This is a cross-sectional observational study of 50 adult female volunteers with no symptoms of pelvic venous compression. The parameters assessed with vascular ultrasonography in the prone and standing positions were diameters and maximum velocities of the left common iliac vein at the point at which it crosses behind the right common iliac artery and before this point, in addition to left common iliac vein velocity indices at the crossing. Results Eight cases of significant compression of the left common iliac vein were identified when assessed in prone position (16%) and just two cases (4%) were identified in the standing position. Left common iliac vein diameters were statistically larger (p = 0.002) at the point where it crosses behind the right common iliac artery in the standing position and velocities and velocity indices were statistically higher (p < 0.001) in the prone position. No significant compression of the left common iliac vein was identified in the standing position when velocity indices were normal in the prone position. Conclusions There was no difference in detection of significant compression of the left common iliac vein when assessed in the standing position in comparison with assessment in the prone position. However, the study showed that anatomic compression of the left common iliac vein may be reduced in the standing position.

From adrenarche to aging of adrenal zona reticularis: precocious female adrenopause onset.

OBJECTIVE: Adaptive changes in DHEA and sulfated-DHEA (DHEAS) production from adrenal zona reticularis (ZR) have been observed in normal and pathological conditions. Here we used three different cohorts to assess timing differences in DHEAS blood level changes and characterize the relationship between early blood DHEAS reduction and cell number changes in women ZR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DHEAS plasma samples (n = 463) were analyzed in 166 healthy prepubertal girls before pubarche (<9 years) and 324 serum samples from 268 adult females (31.9-83.8 years) without conditions affecting steroidogenesis. Guided by DHEAS blood levels reduction rate, we selected the age range for ZR cell counting using DHEA/DHEAS and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), tumor suppressor and cell stress marker, immunostaining, and hematoxylin stained nuclei of 14 post-mortem adrenal glands. RESULTS: We confirmed that overweight girls exhibited higher and earlier DHEAS levels and no difference was found compared with the average European and South American girls with a similar body mass index (BMI). Adrenopause onset threshold (AOT) defined as DHEAS blood levels <2040 nmol/L was identified in >35% of the females >40 years old and associated with significantly reduced ZR cell number (based on PTEN and hematoxylin signals). ZR cell loss may in part account for lower DHEA/DHEAS expression, but most cells remain alive with lower DHEA/DHEAS biosynthesis. CONCLUSION: The timely relation between significant reduction of blood DHEAS levels and decreased ZR cell number at the beginning of the 40s suggests that adrenopause is an additional burden for a significant number of middle-aged women, and may become an emergent problem associated with further sex steroids reduction during the menopausal transition.

Outcomes in patients with fungal endocarditis: A multicenter observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and epidemiological features, treatments, and outcomes of patients with isolated right-sided and left-sided fungal endocarditis and to determine the risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with Candida sp endocarditis. METHODS: A retrospective review of all consecutive cases of fungal endocarditis from five hospitals was performed. Clinical features were compared between patients with isolated right-sided and left-sided endocarditis. In the subgroup of fungal endocarditis due to Candida species, binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine variables related to in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients with fungal endocarditis were studied. Their median age was 50 years; 55% were male and 19 patients (24%) had isolated right-sided endocarditis. Overall, cardiac surgery was performed in 46 patients (59%), and in-hospital mortality was 54%. Compared to patients with left-side fungal endocarditis, patients with isolated right-sided endocarditis had lower mortality (32% vs. 61%; p=0.025) and were less often submitted to cardiac surgery (37% vs. 66%; p=0.024). The most frequent etiology was Candida spp (85%). In this subgroup, acute heart failure (odds ratio 5.0; p=0.027) and exclusive medical treatment (odds ratio 11.1; p=0.004) were independent predictors of in-hospital death, whereas isolated right-sided endocarditis was related to a lower risk of mortality (odds ratio 0.13; p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with isolated right-sided fungal endocarditis have particular clinical and epidemiological features. They were submitted to cardiac surgery less often and had better survival than patients with left-sided fungal endocarditis. Isolated right-sided endocarditis was also a marker of a less harmful illness in the subgroup of Candida sp endocarditis.

Early Onset Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis: Experience at a Cardiothoracic Surgical Hospital, 2006-2016.

BACKGROUND: Early onset prosthetic valve endocarditis (EO-PVE) is an serious complication associated with heart valve replacement surgery. OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory profile of patients with EO-PVE in a cardiac surgical hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of an endocarditis database, implemented prospectively, with a post hoc study driven by analysis of cases of adults with definite endocarditis occurring up to 12 months after heart valve surgery. RESULTS: We identified 26 cases in 2,496 surgeries in the period 2006-2016. The average annual incidence was 1.04%. The median time between valve replacement and the diagnosis of EO-PVE was 33 days (interquartile range [IQR] 19.25-118.75). Biologic and mechanical prostheses were affected in 53.8% and 46.2%, respectively. Rheumatic disease was present in 57.7% of patients. The most common causative pathogens were Staphylococcus epidermidis (23.1%). No Staphylococcus aureus infection was reported. Complications were present in 73.1% of cases, including embolism (65.4%), acute renal failure (38.5%), and heart failure (23.1%). The mortality rate at 30 days and 12 months was 3.8% and 34.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort EO-PVE was an serious complication of heart valve replacement with a high morbidity and mortality, despite its low frequency.

Asymptomatic and symptomatic embolic events in infective endocarditis: associated factors and clinical impact

ABSTRACT Background: Embolic complications of infective endocarditis are common. The impact of asymptomatic embolism is uncertain. Objectives: To determine the frequency of emboli due to IE and to identify events associated with embolism. Methods: Retrospective analysis of an endocarditis database, prospectively implemented, with a post hoc study driven by analysis of data on embolic events. Data was obtained from the International Collaboration Endocarditis case report forms and additional information on embolic events and imaging reports were obtained from the medical records. Variables associated with embolism were analyzed by the statistical software R version 3.1.0. Results: In the study period, 2006-2011, 136 episodes of definite infective endocarditis were included. The most common complication was heart failure (55.1%), followed by embolism (50%). Among the 100 medical records analyzed for emboli in left-sided infective endocarditis, 36 (36%) were found to have had asymptomatic events, 11 (11%) to the central nervous system and 28 (28%) to the spleen. Cardiac surgery was performed in 98/136 (72%). In the multivariate analysis, splenomegaly was the only associated factor for embolism to any site (p < 0.01, OR 4.7, 95% CI 2.04-11). Factors associated with embolism to the spleen were positive blood cultures (p = 0.05, OR 8.9, 95% CI 1.45-177) and splenomegaly (p < 0.01, OR 9.28, 95% CI 3.32-29); those associated to the central nervous system were infective endocarditis of the mitral valve (p < 0.05, OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.23-10) and male gender (p < 0.05, OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.04-10). Splenectomy and cardiac surgery did not impact on in-hospital mortality. Conclusions: Asymptomatic embolism to the central nervous system and to the spleen were frequent. Splenomegaly was consistently associated with embolic events.

Asymptomatic and symptomatic embolic events in infective endocarditis: associated factors and clinical impact.

BACKGROUND: Embolic complications of infective endocarditis are common. The impact of asymptomatic embolism is uncertain. OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of emboli due to IE and to identify events associated with embolism. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of an endocarditis database, prospectively implemented, with a post hoc study driven by analysis of data on embolic events. Data was obtained from the International Collaboration Endocarditis case report forms and additional information on embolic events and imaging reports were obtained from the medical records. Variables associated with embolism were analyzed by the statistical software R version 3.1.0. RESULTS: In the study period, 2006-2011, 136 episodes of definite infective endocarditis were included. The most common complication was heart failure (55.1%), followed by embolism (50%). Among the 100 medical records analyzed for emboli in left-sided infective endocarditis, 36 (36%) were found to have had asymptomatic events, 11 (11%) to the central nervous system and 28 (28%) to the spleen. Cardiac surgery was performed in 98/136 (72%). In the multivariate analysis, splenomegaly was the only associated factor for embolism to any site (p<0.01, OR 4.7, 95% CI 2.04-11). Factors associated with embolism to the spleen were positive blood cultures (p=0.05, OR 8.9, 95% CI 1.45-177) and splenomegaly (p<0.01, OR 9.28, 95% CI 3.32-29); those associated to the central nervous system were infective endocarditis of the mitral valve (p<0.05, OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.23-10) and male gender (p<0.05, OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.04-10). Splenectomy and cardiac surgery did not impact on in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic embolism to the central nervous system and to the spleen were frequent. Splenomegaly was consistently associated with embolic events.

Histopathology of valves in infective endocarditis, diagnostic criteria and treatment considerations.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe disease. Pathogen isolation is fundamental so as to treat effectively and reduce morbidity and mortality. Blood and valve culture and histopathology (HP) are routinely employed for this purpose. Valve HP is the gold standard for diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of clinical criteria for IE (the modified Duke and the St Thomas' minor modifications, STH) of blood and valve culture compared to valve HP, and to evaluate antibiotic treatment duration. METHODS: Prospective case series of patients, from 2006 to 2014 with surgically treated IE. Statistical analysis was done by the R software. RESULTS: There were 136 clinically definite episodes of IE in 133 patients. Mean age ± SD was 43 ± 15.6 years and IE was left sided in 81.6 %. HP was definite in 96 valves examined, which were used as gold standard. Sensitivity of blood culture was 61 % (CI 0.51, 0.71) and of valve culture 15 % (CI 0.07, 0.26). The modified Duke criteria were 65 % (CI 0.55, 0.75) sensitive and 33 % specific, while the STH's sensitivity was 72 % (CI 0.61, 0.80) with similar specificity. In multivariate analysis and logistic regression, the only variable with statistical significance was duration of antibiotic therapy postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Valve HP had high sensitivity and valve culture low sensitivity in the diagnosis of IE. The STH's criteria were more sensitive than the modified Duke criteria. Valve HP should guide duration of postoperative antibiotic treatment.

Diagnosis of blood culture-negative endocarditis and clinical comparison between blood culture-negative and blood culture-positive cases.

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical characteristics of blood culture-negative endocarditis (BCNE) and how it compares to those of blood culture-positive endocarditis (BCPE) cases and show how molecular tools helped establish the etiology in BCNE. METHODS: Adult patients with definite infective endocarditis (IE) and having valve surgery were included. Valves were studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Statistical analysis compared BCNE and BCPE. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-one patients were included; 53 (40 %) had BCNE. The mean age was 45 ± 16 years; 33 (62 %) were male. BCNE was community-acquired in 41 (79 %). Most patients were referred from other hospitals (38, 73 %). Presentation was subacute in 34 (65 %), with fever in 47/53 (90 %) and a new regurgitant murmur in 34/42 (81 %). Native valves were affected in 74 %, mostly left-sided. All echocardiograms showed major criteria for IE. Antibiotics were used prior to BC collection in 31/42 (74 %). Definite histological diagnosis was established for 35/50 (70 %) valves. PCR showed oralis group streptococci in 21 (54 %), S. aureus in 3 (7.7 %), gallolyticus group streptococci in 2 (5.1 %), Coxiella burnetii in 1 (2.5 %) and Rhizobium sp. in 1 (2.5 %). In-hospital mortality was 9/53 (17 %). Fever (p = 0.06, OR 4.7, CI 0.91-24.38) and embolic complications (p = 0.003, OR 3.3, CI 1.55-6.82) were more frequent in BCPE cases, while new acute regurgitation (p = 0.05, OR 0.3, CI 0.098-0.996) and heart failure (p = 0.02, OR 0.3, CI 0.13-0.79) were less so. CONCLUSIONS: BCNE resulted mostly from prior antibiotics and was associated with severe hemodynamic compromise. Valve histopathology and PCR were useful in confirming the diagnosis and pointing to the etiology of BCNE.

Healthcare-associated infective endocarditis: a case series in a referral hospital from 2006 to 2011.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infective endocarditis (HCA-IE), a severe complication of medical care, shows a growing incidence in literature. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate epidemiology, etiology, risk factors for acquisition, complications, surgical treatment, and outcome of HCA-IE. METHODS: Observational prospective case series study (2006-2011) in a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients with HCA-IE from a total of 151 cases of infective endocarditis (IE) were included. There were 26 (49%) males (mean age of 47 ± 18.7 years), 27 (51%) females (mean age of 42 ± 20.1 years). IE was acute in 37 (70%) cases and subacute in 16 (30%) cases. The mitral valve was affected in 19 (36%) patients and the aortic valve in 12 (36%); prosthetic valves were affected in 23 (43%) patients and native valves in 30 (57%). Deep intravenous access was used in 43 (81%) cases. Negative blood cultures were observed in 11 (21%) patients, Enterococcus faecalis in 10 (19%), Staphylococcus aureus in 9 (17%), and Candida sp. in 7 (13%). Fever was present in 49 (92%) patients, splenomegaly in 12 (23%), new regurgitation murmur in 31 (58%), and elevated C-reactive protein in 44/53 (83%). Echocardiograms showed major criteria in 46 (87%) patients, and 34 (64%) patients were submitted to cardiac surgery. Overall mortality was 17/53 (32%). CONCLUSION: In Brazil HCA-IE affected young subjects. Patients with prosthetic and native valves were affected in a similar proportion, and non-cardiac surgery was an infrequent predisposing factor, whereas intravenous access was a common one. S. aureus was significantly frequent in native valve HCA-IE, and overall mortality was high.

Healthcare-Associated Infective Endocarditis: a Case Series in a Referral Hospital from 2006 to 2011 / Endocardite Infecciosa Associada aos Cuidados de Saúde: Série de Casos em Hospital de Referência entre 2006 e 2011

Background: Healthcare-associated infective endocarditis (HCA-IE), a severe complication of medical care, shows a growing incidence in literature. Objective: To evaluate epidemiology, etiology, risk factors for acquisition, complications, surgical treatment, and outcome of HCA-IE. Methods: Observational prospective case series study (2006-2011) in a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Results: Fifty-three patients with HCA-IE from a total of 151 cases of infective endocarditis (IE) were included. There were 26 (49%) males (mean age of 47 ± 18.7 years), 27 (51%) females (mean age of 42 ± 20.1 years). IE was acute in 37 (70%) cases and subacute in 16 (30%) cases. The mitral valve was affected in 19 (36%) patients and the aortic valve in 12 (36%); prosthetic valves were affected in 23 (43%) patients and native valves in 30 (57%). Deep intravenous access was used in 43 (81%) cases. Negative blood cultures were observed in 11 (21%) patients, Enterococcus faecalis in 10 (19%), Staphylococcus aureus in 9 (17%), and Candida sp. in 7 (13%). Fever was present in 49 (92%) patients, splenomegaly in 12 (23%), new regurgitation murmur in 31 (58%), and elevated C-reactive protein in 44/53 (83%). Echocardiograms showed major criteria in 46 (87%) patients, and 34 (64%) patients were submitted to cardiac surgery. Overall mortality was 17/53 (32%). Conclusion: In Brazil HCA-IE affected young subjects. Patients with prosthetic and native valves were affected in a similar proportion, and non-cardiac surgery was an infrequent predisposing factor, whereas intravenous access was a common one. S. aureus was significantly frequent in native valve HCA-IE, and overall mortality was high. .

Fundamento: A endocardite infecciosa associada aos cuidados de saúde (EI-ACS) é uma complicação grave associada aos cuidados médico-hospitalares, com uma incidência crescente na população. Objetivo: Avaliar a EI-ACS com relação à sua epidemiologia, etiologia, fatores de risco de aquisição, complicações, tratamento cirúrgico e quadro clínico. Métodos: Este estudo de caráter observacional e prospectivo avaliou uma série de casos reportados entre 2006 e 2011 em um hospital público no Rio de Janeiro. Resultados: Cinquenta e três pacientes com EI-ACS de um total de 151 casos de endocardite infecciosa (EI) foram incluídos no estudo, dos quais 26 (49%) eram do sexo masculino (idade média de 47 ± 18,7 anos), e 27 (51%) eram sexo feminino (idade média de 42 ± 20,1 anos). Quadros clínicos agudos de EI ocorreram em 37 casos (70%) e quadros subagudos em 16 casos (30%). A válvula mitral foi afetada em 19 casos (36%), e a valva aórtica em 12 casos (36%). As válvulas cardíacas protéticas foram afetadas em 23 casos (43%), e as válvulas cardíacas nativas em 30 casos (57%). O acesso venoso profundo foi usado em 43 pacientes (81%). Hemoculturas negativas foram observadas em amostras de 11 pacientes (21%). Nas hemoculturas positivas, Enterococcus faecalis foi identificado em 10 casos (19%), Staphylococcus aureus em 9 casos (17%) e Candida sp. em 7 casos (13%). Febre ocorreu em 49 pacientes (92%), esplenomegalia em 12 pacientes (23%), novo sopro de regurgitação valvar em 31 pacientes (58%) e proteína C reativa elevada em 44 pacientes (83%). O ecocardiograma apresentou critérios principais em 46 casos (87%). Trinta e quatro pacientes (64%) foram submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca. A mortalidade ocorreu em 17 casos (32%). Conclusão: EI-ACS afeta ...