Novel real-time PCR assays using TaqMan minor groove binder probes for identification of fecal carriage of Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus complex from rectal swab specimens.

Real-time PCR based on the recN and gyrB genes was developed to detect four Streptococcus bovis/Streptococcus equinus complex (SBEC) subspecies from rectal swab specimens. The overall prevalence was 35.2%: Streptococcus gallolyticus subsp. gallolyticus (11.1%), S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus (13%), Streptococcus infantarius subsp. coli (20.4%), and S. infantarius subsp. infantarius (11.1%). To conclude, these real-time PCR assays provide a reliable molecular method to detect SBEC pathogenic subspecies from rectal swab specimens.

Liver retransplantation in adults: a 20-year experience of one center in southern Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Liver retransplantation (LReTx) is the therapeutic option for hepatic graft failure. Survival after LReTx is poorer than after primary liver transplantation. Given the organ shortage, it is essential to optimize the use of this resource. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate rates, indications and patient survival after LReTx and identify factors associated with mortality following LReTx. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all adults undergoing LReTx based on registry data from the Liver Transplantation Group (Complexo Hospitalar Santa Casa de Porto Alegre), southern Brazil. RESULTS: Between June 16, 1991 and July 19, 2011, 824 patients underwent 866 liver transplants. Forty-two procedures corresponded to LReTx (4.8% of all liver transplants performed). Thirty-eight patients who underwent a single LReTx procedure were included in this study. The leading indication for LReTx was hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) (31.6%), followed by primary nonfunction (PNF) (18.4%). The main indication for early LReTx was PNF (58.3%) and for late LReTx was HAT (38.5%). During the follow-up period, 26 patients (68.4%) died after LReTx. Patient survival at 1 and 3 years after LReTx was 44.7% and 44.7%, respectively. Patients infected with hepatitis C virus, serum albumin < 2.5 g/dL and receiving mechanical ventilation immediately before LReTx had a significantly lower survival rate than the other patients. CONCLUSION: Considering the increased mortality when the graft loss is delayed, it is necessary to define the minimum acceptable results to indicate LReTx and identify the patients who would most benefit from this treatment.

Sofosbuvir, ribavirin and pegylated interferon for a daclatasvir-resistent genotype 3 hepatitis C virus: case report and review.

Chronic Hepatitis C relapse after liver transplantation can lead to graft failure within a short time period. The high efficacy and good safety profile of direct-acting antivirals has led to consensual recommendations for using interferon-free treatment after liver transplantation. However, pegylated interferon may still be required for genotype 3 non-responders. We treated a liver graft recipient with grade 1 fibrosis in the biopsy with daclatasvir and sofosbuvir for 12 weeks. He did not respond and progressed to grade 3 fibrosis. Lacking other options, we obtained a sustained virological response with pegylated interferon, ribavirin and sofosbuvir for 12 weeks. The combination of pegylated interferon, ribavirin and sofosbuvir is a viable option after the failure of direct acting antivirals in economically disadvantaged countries.

PREVALENCE OF BACTERIAL RESISTANCE IN HOSPITALIZED CIRRHOTIC PATIENTS IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL: A NEW CHALLENGE.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: An increased frequency of infections by multiresistant bacteria has been described in hospitalized patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bacterial resistance profile in cirrhotic patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study. We assessed the antimicrobial susceptibility of 5,839 bacterial isolates from patients with and without cirrhosis. Regarding the multidrug resistance, we evaluated 4,505 bacterial isolates from 2,180 patients. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-one patients had cirrhosis (mean age 57.6 ± 11 years; 61.8% were male, 47.8% of cases associated with hepatitis C virus). Of the isolates of patients with and without cirrhosis, 174/464 (37.5%) and 1,783/4,041 (44.1%) were multiresistant, respectively (p = 0.007). E. coli was the most common multiresistant bacteria in both groups. Approximately 20% of E. coli and Klebsiella sp. isolates were ESBL-producers and 44% of S. aureus isolates were methicillin-resistant in cirrhotic patients. In cirrhotic patients admitted to the emergency department, hospital ward, and intensive care unit, 28.3%, 50% and 40% had multiresistant isolates, respectively. In patients with and without cirrhosis, 36.2% and 33.5% of isolates were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The empirical treatment of infections in hospitalized patients using broad-spectrum antibiotics should consider the observed pattern of bacterial resistance.

Multi-resistant bacteria in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: a new step in management?

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is the most typical infection observed in cirrhosis patients. SBP is responsible for an in-hospital mortality rate of approximately 32%. Recently, pattern changes in the bacterial flora of cirrhosis patients have been observed, and an increase in the prevalence of infections caused by multi-resistant bacteria has been noted. The wide-scale use of quinolones in the prophylaxis of SBP has promoted flora modifications and resulted in the development of bacterial resistance. The efficacy of traditionally recommended therapy has been low in nosocomial infections (up to 40%), and multi-resistance has been observed in up to 22% of isolated germs in nosocomial SBP. For this reason, the use of a broad empirical spectrum antibiotic has been suggested in these situations. The distinction between community-acquired infectious episodes, healthcare-associated infections, or nosocomial infections, and the identification of risk factors for multi-resistant germs can aid in the decision-making process regarding the empirical choice of antibiotic therapy. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents, such as carbapenems with or without glycopeptides or piperacillin-tazobactam, should be considered for the initial treatment not only of nosocomial infections but also of healthcare-associated infections when the risk factors or severity signs for multi-resistant bacteria are apparent. The use of cephalosporins should be restricted to community-acquired infections.

Morphological basis for the study of the interatrial septum in the human fetus.

OBJECTIVE: To describe morphological features of the interatrial septum in normal fetuses, especially foramen ovale (FO) and septum primum (SP), in order to compare septum primum excursion with foramen ovale diameter. METHODS: Septum primum excursion (SPE) toward the left atrium (LA) and foramen ovale diameter (FOD) were measured in the hearts of ten formaldehyde-fixed human fetuses ranging from 28 to 36 weeks of gestation. Histological sections were obtained from the foramen ovale (FO), septum primum (SP), septum secundum (SS), left atrium (LA), and right atrium (RA). RESULTS: FOD and SPE measurements were the following: FOD 3.1-3.5 mm and SPE 2.8-3.1 mm in three fetuses with presumed gestational age (GA) of 28 weeks; FOD 3.3-3.5 mm, and SP excursion 4.0-5.0 mm in four fetuses with presumed GA of 34 weeks, plus FOD 3.3-4.5 mm and SPE 6.0-9.0 in three fetuses with presumed GA of 36 weeks. Cardiac muscular fibers were identified in both the septum primum and secundum. CONCLUSION: Based on its muscular components, it may be suggested that SP is active in character, influencing blood flow through the FO, SP mobility, and its excursion into the LA.

Bases morfológicas para o estudo do septo interatrial no feto humano / Morphological basis for the study of the interatrial septum in the human fetus

OBJETIVO: Descrever observações morfológicas sobre o septo interatrial em fetos normais, especialmente o forame oval e o septo primeiro, de forma a comparar a excursão do septo primeiro com o diâmetro do forame oval. MÉTODOS: As medidas da excursão do septo primeiro (ESP) em direção ao átrio esquerdo (AE) e do diâmetro do forame oval (DFO) foram realizadas em corações de dez fetos humanos formolizados com 28 a 36 semanas. Os cortes histológicos foram feitos no FO, SP, septo segundo e nos AE e AD. RESULTADOS: Os resultados da análise anatômica estão expressos em amplitude das medidas do DFO e da ESP: 3 fetos com idade gestacional (IG) presumida de 28 semanas, DFO (3,1-3,5 mm) e ESP (2,8-3,1 mm); 4 fetos com IG presumida de 34 semanas, DFO (3,3-3,5 mm) e ESP (4,0-5,0 mm); e 3 fetos com IG presumida de 36 semanas, DFO (3,3-4,5 mm) e ESP (6,0-9,0). Foram identificadas fibras musculares cardíacas no SP e no segundo. CONCLUSÃO: Pode-se sugerir que o SP apresenta caráter ativo devido às fibras musculares que o constituem, influenciando o fluxo sangüíneo através do FO, a mobilidade do SP e a sua excursão para o interior do AE.

OBJECTIVE: To describe morphological features of the interatrial septum in normal fetuses, especially foramen ovale (FO) and septum primum (SP), in order to compare septum primum excursion with foramen ovale diameter. METHODS: Septum primum excursion (SPE) toward the left atrium (LA) and foramen ovale diameter (FOD) were measured in the hearts of ten formaldehyde-fixed human fetuses ranging from 28 to 36 weeks of gestation. Histological sections were obtained from the foramen ovale (FO), septum primum (SP), septum secundum (SS), left atrium (LA), and right atrium (RA). RESULTS: FOD and SPE measurements were the following: FOD 3.1-3.5 mm and SPE 2.8-3.1 mm in three fetuses with presumed gestational age (GA) of 28 weeks; FOD 3.3-3.5 mm, and SP excursion 4.0-5.0 mm in four fetuses with presumed GA of 34 weeks, plus FOD 3.3-4.5 mm and SPE 6.0-9.0 in three fetuses with presumed GA of 36 weeks. Cardiac muscular fibers were identified in both the septum primum and secundum. CONCLUSION: Based on its muscular components, it may be suggested that SP is active in character, influencing blood flow through the FO, SP mobility, and its excursion into the LA.

Choque: diagnóstico e tratamento na emergência / Shock: emergency diagnosis and treatment

O choque é uma síndrome caracterizada pela redução da perfusão tecidual sistêmica, levando a disfunção orgânica. É essencial o reconhecimento precoce para correção das disfunções e diagnóstico e tratamento da causa de base.

Shock is a syndrome characterized for the reduction of the systemic tissue perfusion. It leads to global organic dysfunction. Early recognition is essential for dysfunctions correction and to diagnosis and treat the basic cause.

Perfil dos pacientes com diagnóstico de carcinoma hepatocelular acompanhados no ambulatório de nódulos hepáticos da irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre / Profile of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis consulting in an outpatient hepaticnodules office of irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre

O carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) é a principal causa de morte nos pacientes com cirrose. Corresponde à quinta neoplasia mais comum e terceira causa de morte por câncer no mundo. O objetivo do estudo é analisar a casuística da população com neoplasia de fígado atendida no Ambulatório de Nódulos Hepáticos de um centro terciário. Métodos: Estudo descritivo analítico transversal de uma população de 109 pacientes com diagnóstico de CHC entre março de 2005 e abril de 2010. Resultados: A média de idade dos doentes foi 58,31 anos e 73,4% eram do gênero masculino. Quanto à etiologia da cirrose, as principais causas foram infecção pelo vírus C (51,4%), associação vírus C e álcool (23,9%) e uso isolado de álcool (10,1%). De acordo com o escore Child-Pugh, 47,7% dos pacientes eram A, 37,6% eram B e 13,8% eram C. Em 77,1% somente um exame de imagem foi necessário para estabelecer o diagnóstico de CHC. Em 64,2% o diâmetro do maior nódulo excedia 3 cm. Em 17,4% foram detectados 4 nódulos ou mais e 17,4% possuíam invasão macrovascular ao diagnóstico. Tratamento curativo pôde ser oferecido a apenas 21% dos casos: 13,7% transplante hepático e 7,3% hepatectomia. O tempo médio de espera em lista de transplante foi 5,8 meses. Conclusões: A maioria dos pacientes com diagnóstico de CHC apresenta tumores em estágio intermediário ou avançado. Dessa forma, é imprescindível que se faça o diagnóstico da neoplasia em fase precoce, através do rastreamento periódico dos indivíduos em risco, aumentando assim a sobrevida desses pacientes.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of death in patients with cirrhosis. It is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The aim of the study is to analyze a sample of the population with liver cancer treated at the Clinic of Liver Nodules in a tertiary center. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of a population of 109 patients diagnosed with HCC between Mar 2005 and Apr 2010. Results: The mean age of patients was 58.31 years and 73.4% were males. Regarding the etiology of cirrhosis, the main causes were infection by hepatitis C virus (51.4%), an association of C virus and alcohol (23.9%), and use of alcohol in isolation (10.1%). According to Child-Pugh score, 47.7% were A, 37.6% were B and 13.8% were C. In 77.1% of patients only one imaging test was needed to establish the diagnosis of HCC. In 64.2% the diameter of the largest nodule exceeded 3 cm. In 17.4% of cases 4 or more nodes were detected and 17.4% had macrovascular invasion at diagnosis. Medical treatment could be provided to only 21% of cases: 13.7% liver transplantation and 7.3% hepatectomy. Mean time on waiting list was 5.8 months. Conclusions: Most patients diagnosed with HCC have tumors in intermediate or advanced stage. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose cancer at an early stage through regular screening of individuals at risk, thus increasing patient survival.