Diferencias epidemiológicas y clínicas en pacientes VIH positivas antes y durante la pandemia covid-19 / Epidemiological and clinical differences in HIV positive patients before and during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Con la llegada de la pandemia por COVID-19 en el año 2020, múltiples diagnósticos y tratamientos de diversas enfermedades quedaron relegados por el impacto del síndrome respiratorio agudo causado por el nuevo coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) en los sistemas de salud. Teniendo en cuenta la coexistencia de la pandemia por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y la provocada por el virus SARS-Cov-2, el objetivo del presente trabajo fue recolectar información de un Hospital de Enfermedades Infecciosas de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires y analizar cómo repercutió la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 en el diagnóstico de las enfermedades que afectan a la población VIH positiva y, a su vez, comparar el estado clínico al ingreso y egreso de las pacientes en el período pre pandemia y durante la misma. Para esto se analizaron 100 epicrisis correspondientes a la sala 16 de internación de mujeres con complicaciones de la enfermedad VIH/SIDA que fueron asistidas en el período entre Enero del 2020 y Julio del 2021, y 74 epicrisis de pacientes internadas en ese mismo sitio en los siete meses previos. Se tuvieron en cuenta múltiples variables como el motivo de ingreso, conocimiento o no del diagnóstico de VIH, indicación de tratamiento antirretroviral y cumplimiento del mismo, antecedentes patológicos de las pacientes, presencia de enfermedades marcadoras de SIDA e infecciones de transmisión sexual, entre otras. Al comparar los datos entre pre-pandemia y pandemia se evidencia que esta última afectó a la población VIH positiva, en aspectos que van desde el retraso en el diagnóstico de la infección por el retrovirus, el inicio o reinicio de los tratamientos antirretrovirales y diferencias en los múltiples diagnósticos de egreso, incrementándose las consultas por trastornos respiratorios y neurológicos. A todo esto se añadieron las dificultades del personal médico para brindar una buena atención dado por el colapso del sistema sanitario que se hizo presente en dicho contexto. Por otra parte, destacar la importancia de la confección correcta y completa de las historias clínicas para lograr una mejor calidad de atención médica

With the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many diagnoses and treatments of various diseases were relegated due to the impact of the acute respiratory syndrome caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) in health systems. Taking into account the coexistence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic and that caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the objective of this study was to collect information from an Infectious Disease Hospital in the City of Buenos Aires and analyze the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the diagnosis of diseases that affect the HIV-positive population. Also, was compared the clinical status at admission and discharge of patients in the pre-pandemic period and during the same. For this, 100 epicrisis (clinical summaries) corresponding to 16 women who were hospitalized in the period between January 2020 and July 2021 were analyzed, and 74 epicrisis from patients hospitalized during the seven previous months. Multiple variables were considered, such as the reason for admission, whether or not there was knowledge of the HIV diagnosis, the presence of antiretroviral treatment and compliance with it, the patient's clinical history, the presence of marker AIDS diseases and sexually transmitted infections. When comparing the data between both periods, it can be clearly observed that the pandemic generated by SARS-CoV-2 affected the population with HIV, in aspects ranging from the delay in the diagnosis of the retroviral infection, the start or restart of antiretroviral treatments and differences in the multiple discharge diagnoses, especially those involvement the respiratory and the central nervous systems, that added new difficulties to the medical staff due to the saturation of the health system. The importance of the correct and complete preparation of medical records is highlighted in order to achieve better clinical care

First case report of acute cholangitis secondary to Cronobacter sakazakii.

INTRODUCTION: Cronobacter sakazakii is an opportunistic Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium which may be a causative agent of meningitis in premature infants and enterocolitis and bacteremia in neonates and adults. While there have been multiple cases of C. sakazakii infections, there have been no acute cholangitis cases reported in humans. CASE PRESENTATION: An 81-year-old male with a past medical history of basal cell carcinoma, alcoholic liver cirrhosis, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure, complicated by staphylococcus bacteremia, pituitary tumor, glaucoma, and hypothyroidism presented to the emergency room with the complaint of diffuse and generalized 10/10 abdominal pain of 1 day's duration. There was a concern for pancreatitis, acute cholangitis, and possible cholecystitis, and the patient underwent a percutaneous cholecystostomy tube placement. Blood cultures from admission and biliary fluid cultures both grew C. sakazakii. The patient was treated with a carbapenem and clinically improved. CONCLUSIONS: The case study described a patient with multiple medical comorbidities that presented with C. sakazakii bacteremia and cholangitis. While this bacterium has been implicated in other infections, we believe this is the first time the bacteria is being documented to have caused acute cholangitis.

Opportunistic Invasive Fungal Infections Mimicking Progression of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have shown that invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, and mucormycosis can mimic radiographic and clinical features of primary lung cancer. However, more research surveying the incidence and outcomes of these fungal infections among patients with a history of lung cancer is needed. The aim of this study was to describe the occurrence and clinical outcomes of opportunistic invasive fungal infections that can mimic tumors in non-small-cell lung cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients seen at Stanford University Medical Center from January 1, 2007, to May 1, 2020, with pulmonary aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, or mucormycosis after non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) diagnosis were reviewed. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group criteria was used to classify patients with evidence of proven or probable invasive fungal infection within our cohort. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients with proven or probable invasive mold infection (including 8 cases of aspergillosis) and 1 patient with proven cryptococcosis were identified, without any cases of mucormycosis. Of this cohort, 6 patients (46%) showed radiographic findings that were found to be most consistent with lung cancer by radiologists. Eight cases (62%) were suspected of cancer recurrence or progression by the treatment team on the basis of additional considerations of medical history and clinical symptoms. Most patients had active NSCLC or had a history of recurrence without active NSCLC at the time of fungal discovery (11 patients; 85%). Most patients died without full recovery (7 patients; 54%). CONCLUSIONS: Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and cryptococcosis can often be mistaken as cancer recurrence or progression in patients with a history of NSCLC because of mimicking radiographic and clinical characteristics.

Advances in Supportive Care for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Tremendous advances have been made in the treatment armamentarium for acute lymphoblastic leukemia in recent years, which have substantially improved outcomes for these patients. At the same time, unique toxicities have emerged, and without early intervention, are life-threatening. This article will review the novel therapies in acute leukemias and highlight the clinically relevant supportive care advances. RECENT FINDINGS: The American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT) has put forth the most recent recommendations in managing the cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity after chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) and blinatumomab. The hepatic injury incurred by inotuzumab, and the vascular toxicity of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, other relatively novel agents, require subspecialist intervention and multidisciplinary care. Asparaginase, a long-established and key element of pediatric regimens, has made a comeback in the young adult leukemia population. Updated guidelines have been outlined for management of asparaginase thrombotic complications. Lastly, although there have been few changes in the applications of growth factor, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and management of neuropathy, these encompass exceedingly important aspects of care. While the rapidly changing treatment paradigms for acute lymphoblastic leukemia have transformed leukemia-specific outcomes, treatment emergent toxicities have forced much necessary attention to better definitions of these toxicities and on improving supportive care guidelines in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Ultraviolet A light effectively reduces bacteria and viruses including coronavirus.

Antimicrobial-resistant and novel pathogens continue to emerge, outpacing efforts to contain and treat them. Therefore, there is a crucial need for safe and effective therapies. Ultraviolet-A (UVA) phototherapy is FDA-approved for several dermatological diseases but not for internal applications. We investigated UVA effects on human cells in vitro, mouse colonic tissue in vivo, and UVA efficacy against bacteria, yeast, coxsackievirus group B and coronavirus-229E. Several pathogens and virally transfected human cells were exposed to a series of specific UVA exposure regimens. HeLa, alveolar and primary human tracheal epithelial cell viability was assessed after UVA exposure, and 8-Oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine was measured as an oxidative DNA damage marker. Furthermore, wild-type mice were exposed to intracolonic UVA as an in vivo model to assess safety of internal UVA exposure. Controlled UVA exposure yielded significant reductions in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Clostridioides difficile, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus mirabilis and Candida albicans. UVA-treated coxsackievirus-transfected HeLa cells exhibited significantly increased cell survival compared to controls. UVA-treated coronavirus-229E-transfected tracheal cells exhibited significant coronavirus spike protein reduction, increased mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein and decreased coronavirus-229E-induced cell death. Specific controlled UVA exposure had no significant effect on growth or 8-Oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine levels in three types of human cells. Single or repeated in vivo intraluminal UVA exposure produced no discernible endoscopic, histologic or dysplastic changes in mice. These findings suggest that, under specific conditions, UVA reduces various pathogens including coronavirus-229E, and may provide a safe and effective treatment for infectious diseases of internal viscera. Clinical studies are warranted to further elucidate the safety and efficacy of UVA in humans.

[Emerging bacteria in cystic fibrosis and non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis from a microbiologist's perspective]. / Bactéries émergentes dans la mucoviscidose et les dilatations des bronches hors mucoviscidose. Le point de vue du microbiologiste.

INTRODUCTION: Common major pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa are identified in the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF bronchiectasis. However, other opportunistic bacterial pathogens like Achromobacter xylosoxidans complex, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and non-tuberculous mycobacteria are currently emerging in CF and are also reported in non-CF bronchiectasis. BACKGROUND: The emergence of opportunistic bacterial pathogens has been recognized in CF through annual national reports of sputum microbiology data. Despite common factors driving the emergence of bacteria identified in CF and non-CF bronchiectasis patients, bronchiectasis registries have been created more recently and no longitudinal analysis of recorded microbiological data is currently available in the literature, thereby preventing the recognition of emerging bacteria in patients with non-CF bronchiectasis. OUTLOOK: A longitudinal follow-up of microbiological data is still needed in non-CF bronchiectasis to identify emerging opportunistic bacterial pathogens. Homogeneity in practice of sputum microbiological examination is also required to allow comparative analysis of data in CF and non-CF bronchiectasis. CONCLUSION: Bacterial pathogens recognized as emerging in CF have to be more carefully monitored in non-CF bronchiectasis in view of their association with deterioration of the lung disease.

Update on the Management of BK Virus Infection.

The BK polyomavirus was isolated in 1971; it has been a significant risk factor for both graft dysfunction and failure in renal transplant recipients. So far, no specific treatment option has been available for effective treatment or prophylaxis for BK virus infections. Although the use of heavy immunosuppression has been the main risk factor for BK virus infection, other risk factors are equally important, including elderly recipients, prior rejection episodes, male sex, human leukocyte antigen mismatching, prolonged cold ischemia time, pretransplant BK virus serostatus, and ureteral stenting. Regular follow-up for BK virus infections according to each institution's policy has been, so far, effective in detecting patients with BK virus viremia and consequently preventing allograft loss. The mainstay of management continues to be reduction of immunosuppression. However, newer options are providing new insights, such as cellular immunotherapy. In this review, we will address the diagnosis, screening, new diagnostic tools, and updated management of BK virus infections.

Moving Past Ganciclovir and Foscarnet: Advances in CMV Therapy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: CMV DNA polymerase inhibitors such as ganciclovir and foscarnet have dramatically reduced the burden of CMV infection in the HCT recipient. However, their use is often limited by toxicities and resistance. Agents with novel mechanisms and favorable toxicity profiles are critically needed. We review recent developments in CMV antivirals and immune-based approaches to mitigating CMV infection. RECENT FINDINGS: Letermovir, an inhibitor of the CMV terminase complex, was approved in 2017 for primary CMV prophylaxis in adult seropositive allogeneic HCT recipients. Maribavir, an inhibitor of the CMV UL97 kinase, is currently in two phase 3 treatment studies. Adoptive immunotherapy using third-party T cells has proven safe and effective in preliminary studies. Vaccine development continues, with several promising candidates currently under study. No longer limited to DNA polymerase inhibitors, the prevention and treatment of CMV infections in the HCT recipient is a rapidly evolving field which should translate into improvements in CMV-related outcomes.

Recovery of Renal Function in a Kidney Transplant Patient After Receiving Hemodialysis for 4 Months.

Renal transplant is the preferred choice of treatment for end-stage renal diseases. To avoid rejection, increasingly potent immunosuppressants are administered to recipients of kidney transplants. Complications, when there is excess immunosuppression, include possible lethal infections, which reduce allograft survival and compromise patient survival. When there is insufficient immunosuppression, rejections could impair allograft outcomes. Moreover, recurrent primary diseases could also threaten allograft outcomes. Here, we report a case of a patient who underwent ABO-incompatible and living-related renal transplant in which the patient experienced 7 acute kidney injury episodes, including recurrent malignant hypertension, rejection, and infections. After the patient underwent 4 months of hemodialysis (with serum creatinine level of 17 mg/dL), which was later terminated, no adverse effects were found for 1 year (serum creatinine level of 3.7 mg/dL). Therefore, renal function recovery may be longer in patients with renovascular diseases with hypertension. For recipients undergoing hemodialysis with allograft failure, we suggest that the treatment should be not completely withdrawn of immunosuppressants so that acute kidney injuries are minimized. Even after prolonged hemodialysis (eg, for 4 months), recipients may still be able to recover renal function.

Clinical features and treatment outcomes of opportunistic infections among human T-lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) carriers and patients with adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) at a single institution from 2006 to 2016.

As opportunistic infections among human T-lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) carriers and patients with adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) pose a serious problem, it is necessary to clarify their clinical characteristics and outcomes in these patients. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features and outcomes of opportunistic infections in 127 HTLV-1 carriers and 153 ATL patients between 2006 and 2016. The cumulative incidence rates of opportunistic infections among HTLV-1 carriers and ATL patients were 1.5% (2/127) and 6.5% (10/153), respectively. The etiology of opportunistic infections was as follows: fungal infections (3 cases), pneumocystis pneumonia, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. Even after aggressive treatment, the prognosis of opportunistic infections was poor (50% of overall survival at 28 days). Regarding prognostic factors affecting the OS of opportunistic infections, higher SOFA scores (especially the respiratory subscore) and higher LDH values were identified by univariate analysis. Moreover, 3 out of 6 patients achieved spontaneous remission of ATL as the short-term outcome after the development of opportunistic infection. However, 5 out of 6 surviving patients exhibited ATL progression or relapse after a median of 194 days (133-226) after contracting an opportunistic infection as the long-term outcome of ATL. In conclusion, opportunistic infections should be carefully followed among HTLV-1 carriers and ATL patients because of their aggressive clinical course and poor outcomes. Furthermore, early diagnosis and subsequent prompt treatment are necessary in clinical practice.

Pathogen-Specific T Cells Beyond CMV, EBV and Adenovirus.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Infectious diseases contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality in recipients of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT), particularly in the era of highly immunosuppressive transplant regimens and alternate donor transplants. Delayed cellular immune recovery is a major mechanism for the increased risk in these patients. Adoptive cell therapy with ex vivo manipulated pathogen-specific T cells (PSTs) is increasingly taking its place as a treatment strategy using donor-derived or third party-banked cells. RECENT FINDINGS: The majority of clinical trial data in the form of early-phase studies has been in the prophylaxis or treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and adenovirus (AdV). Advancements in methods to select and enrich PSTs offer the opportunity to target the less common viral pathogens as well as fungi with this technology. Early clinical studies of PSTs targeting polyomaviruses (BK virus and JC virus), human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6), varicella zoster virus (VZV) and Aspergillus spp. have shown promising results in small numbers of patients. Other potential targets include herpes simplex virus (HSV), respiratory viruses and other invasive fungal species. In this review, we describe the burden of disease of this wider spectrum of pathogens, the progress in the development of manufacturing capability, early clinical results and the opportunities and challenges for implementation in the clinic.

Anticytokine autoantibodies leading to infection: early recognition, diagnosis and treatment options.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The current review gives a concise and updated overview of the relative new field of anticytokine autoantibodies (ACAA) and associated infections with a focus on recent findings regarding clinical manifestions, diagnostic and treatments. RECENT FINDINGS: Several recent case reports of unusual presentations of patients with neutralizing autoantibodies to IFN-γ and granulocyt macrophage colony-stimulating factor and expand the spectrum of clinical manifestations and suggest that anticytokine-mediated acquired immunodeficiency causing susceptibility to infection may be underdiagnosed. There is an expanding geographical distribution of antigranulocyt macrophage colony-stimulating factor associated Cryptococcus gattii infection. The spectrum of identified infections in patients with neutralizing antibodies to IFN-γ has a strong endemic component. Rituximab or cyclophophamide in addition to antimycobacterials could be a treatment options in refractory cases. NF-κB2 deficiency may be associated with a complex pattern of high titre neutralizing ACAA similar to autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type I and Thymoma. New technique for the detection of anticytokine antibodies are presented. Quantiferon testing, which is widely available for TB-diagnostic, may be repurposed to detect anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies. We propose that this test could be as well used to show if they are neutralizing. SUMMARY: ACAA are an emerging cause of acquired immunodeficiency which is likely underdiagnosed. Recent case reports document expanding spectra of clinical manifestations. NF-κB2 deficiency may be associated with a complex anti cytokine autoantibody pattern.

[Customised infectiology - Immunogenetics]. / Infectiologie sur mesure - 1.Immunogénétique des maladies infectieuses†: premiers pas.

Recent discoveries in innate immunity together with improvements in the analysis of the human genome have led to the identification of factors that make certain individuals more susceptible to infections than other. We know understand why herpes simplex virus I, a virus with a minor burden in most individuals, is responsible for devastating encephalitis in children unable to detect primo-infection of neural cells. A growing number of patients are treated with immunosuppressive drugs in the field of oncology, organ transplantation and immunology. In such patients, opportunistic infections such invasive aspergillosis are clearly associated with genetic polymorphisms. Medical immune suppression represents a possible model for personalized approaches, in which infections could be prevented by individualized prophylactic strategies based on genetic testing.

Les progrès de la connaissance du système immunitaire inné et des techniques d'analyse du génome humain ont permis d'identifier des facteurs qui rendent certains individus susceptibles aux agents infectieux. C'est ainsi que l'on comprend depuis quelques années pourquoi le virus de l'herpès simplex I peut causer des encéphalites dévastatrices chez des enfants dont l'immunité est incapable de détecter la primo-infection. De plus en plus de patients subissent des traitements immunosuppresseurs dans le domaine de l'oncologie, des greffes d'organes ou de l'immunologie. Chez ces patients, certaines infections opportunistes, comme l'aspergillose pulmonaire invasive, sont clairement associées à des polymorphismes génétiques. L'immunosuppression Med représente un modèle possible d'infectiologie personnalisée, où les infections pourraient être prévenues par des prophylaxies individualisées, basées sur des tests génétiques.

Human Papillomavirus-Associated Invasive Condylomas in a Man with Immunosuppressive Comorbidities.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) infections are one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. We present the case of a 77-year-old Caucasian male with enormous genital warts of the penis, scrotum, groins and anus. Lesions were excised by electrosurgery. The histological examination revealed Condylomata gigantea as well as an invasive perianal squamous cell carcinoma. Mucosal "low-risk" HPV type 6 was detected. The patient had a history of an immunosuppressing disease. During the 4-year follow-up, multiple relapses occurred. Thus, particularly in immunosuppressed patients, early prophylactic HPV vaccination seems to be indicated for use in the prevention of HPV-associated mutilating and life-threatening disease. Vaccination should also protect from "low-risk" HPV.

Fifteen minute consultation: Fever in children being treated for cancer.

Fever is a common symptom in children receiving treatment for cancer. Clinicians and families are most concerned about febrile neutropenia, though non-neutropenic fever often causes more challenging treatment dilemmas. This article provides a structured approach to the initial assessment, examination, investigation and risk assessment of children with fever during treatment for childhood cancer. Non-neutropenic fever in children with cancer is not well researched. There are no systematic reviews of its management and no National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (or other international) guidance about what to do. Features to consider when managing non-neutropenic fever are discussed. Febrile neutropenia, meanwhile, is an oncological emergency and requires management using standard sepsis principles including administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Relevant NICE guidance provides a clear structure for treatment. Ongoing management depends on the response to initial treatment.

[Cryptococcal Meningitis in a Patient with Breast Cancer Receiving Everolimus: A Case of Successful Treatment with Continuous Cerebrospinal Fluid Drainage].

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection that mainly occurs in immunocompromised patients. We present the first case of cryptococcal meningitis in a patient who was being administered everolimus for breast cancer. Everolimus, a selective inhibitor of mammalian target of rapamycin, is a molecular targeting agent that is administered not only as an immunosuppressive agent, but also as an anticancer therapeutic. A 72-year-old woman with recurrent breast cancer had been receiving everolimus. She was admitted to our hospital with headache and vomiting. Lumbar puncture revealed high opening pressure, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) evaluation diagnosed cryptococcal meningitis. She was administered liposomal amphotericin-B, followed by fosfluconazole. Daily lumbar puncture was insufficient to reduce the high intracranial pressure; thus, continuous lumbar drainage was needed to improve her symptoms. The indwelling catheter was replaced regularly to prevent bacterial infection. She was treated successfully with extracorporeal CSF drainage for 86 days and fosfluconazole administration over 17 weeks. The patient recovered fully and was discharged on day 153 of hospitalization. As patients who receive everolimus are potentially immunocompromised hosts, we recommend that the medicine be administered with caution considering opportunistic infections when used in patients with cancer. (Received April 19, 2018; Accepted August 9, 2018; Published November 1, 2018).

Pneumocystis Jiroveci Pneumonia and Newly Diagnosed Human Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS) in a 63-Year-Old Woman.

BACKGROUND Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) - formerly known as Pneumocyctis carinii pneumonia - with newly diagnosed AIDS is an uncommon presentation in people over 50 years of age. A high level of suspicion is required for this diagnosis when an elderly patient with pneumonia is not responding to broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment. CASE REPORT We describe the case of a 63-year-old woman who presented with dyspnea, cough, and significant hypoxemia requiring high-flow oxygen supplement with bilateral lung infiltrates, treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics for a presumed diagnosis of pneumonia. The patient demonstrated slow clinical improvement. A diagnostic bronchoscopy with transbronchial biopsy was done, which revealed unexpected findings of Pneumocystis organisms on GMS stain. The patient tested positive for HIV and was found to have a low CD4 of 47. She was treated for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) and recovered accordingly. CONCLUSIONS It is essential to remember that HIV and the associated opportunistic infections can be very easily overlooked in the elderly. Taking a sexual history can be challenging, especially in the older population, but it should be performed. Keep in mind that aged people can get infected with HIV at an earlier stage in life and remain in latent phase for up to 15 years without specific symptoms.

Infectious endocarditis in the case of cirrhosis: where do we stand?

Bacterial infections are common in the case of cirrhosis and represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The most frequent infections are spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia, but few data on infectious endocarditis are available. Infectious endocarditis is a rare event, and diagnosis can be made at all stages of Child-Pugh classification. In the case of cirrhosis, the clinical features and bacterial ecology are similar to that of the general population (two males/one female, preferential location on the aortic and mitral valves, history of heart disease, majority of Gram-positive bacteria), but in-hospital mortality is higher. The Child-Pugh score and a history of decompensation have been identified as independent predictive factors for in-hospital mortality and a Child-Pugh score more than C10 was associated with a higher risk of death. Less frequent use of aminoglycosides, rifampin, and cardiac surgery has been described in cirrhotic patients, probably because of potential toxicity. Nevertheless, as they are a cornerstone of therapy, prospective studies on the impact of these therapeutics are warranted to improve outcome in this population of patients.