Bloodstream infection in pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia induced by chemotherapy

Abstract Introduction Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a serious complication of cancer chemotherapy. The present study aimed to identify risk factors for documented infection in pediatric patients with FN and cancer. Methods This prospective cohort study included patients under 18 years from 2016 to 2018. Infection was defined according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Results A total of 172 febrile neutropenic episodes were evaluated. From univariate analysis, the risk factors were: female gender; monocyte count < 100 cell/mm³, platelets < 50,000, C-reactive protein (CRP) > 90 mg/dl and hemoglobin < 7mg/dl at the onset of an episode; two or more episodes of FN, and; fever onset; positive blood culture at the fever onset. Independent risk factors according to the multivariate analysis were: CRP at the onset of a febrile episode > 90mg/dl, fever onset and first blood culture with a positive result. The lowest probability of infection was related to first episode and to platelets > 50,000 at the onset of fever. Conclusion A CRP > 90 at the onset of a febrile episode, platelets < 50,000, second episode or more, first fever episode during hospitalization and positive first blood culture were found to be associated with a higher risk of infection and they could be useful for the establishment of risk scores for infection in neutropenic children.

Psychometric properties of CVFQ7-BR-toxo to evaluate vision-related quality of life in children with congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazil / Propriedades psicométricas do CVFQ7-BR-toxo para avaliar a qualidade de vida relacionada à visão em crianças com toxoplasmose congênita no Brasil

ABSTRACT Purpose: The high prevalence and severity of congenital toxoplasmosis in Brazil, with several affected individuals progressing to low vision, emphasize the importance of evaluating their quality of life. In this study, the Children's Visual Function Questionnaire (CVFQ) was adapted to the sociocultural context of Brazilian children, and its psychometric properties were investigated for evaluating the vision-related quality of life of these individuals. Methods: This was a nested cross-sectional epidemiological study that prospectively monitored a cohort of 142 preschool children at a single referral university hospital in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. All children underwent complete ophthalmological examination, including visual acuity testing and binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. Questionnaires were applied to their parents and caregivers to evaluate quality of life perception, as well as socioeconomic status of their families. Psychometric properties of the quality of life scale were evalua­ted by multivariate statistical analyses. Results: Adaptation to the Brazilian version of CVFQ-7 resulted in CVFQ-BR-toxo, a questionnaire for evaluating the perception of parents/caregivers about the vision-related quality of life of preschool children with congenital toxoplasmosis. The following six subscales were identified based on description, variability structure, and interpretation/grouping of items: general health, visual acuity, visual performance/functional vision, personal and social behavior, impact on family, and treatment. Children with low vision related to congenital toxoplasmosis had significantly lower scores for the following subscales: visual acuity (p=0.004), visual performance/functional vision (p=0.008), impact on family (p=0.001), and overall health (p=0.001). Conclusion: Psychometric properties were appropriate concerning the validity of the quality of life construct. CVFQ-BR-toxo could demonstrate the impact of vision impairment on families of children with congenital toxoplasmosis.

RESUMO Objetivo: A alta prevalência e gravidade da toxoplasmose congênita no Brasil, com muitos indivíduos afetados desenvolvendo baixa visão, reforça a importância da avaliação da sua qualidade de vida. Este estudo tem como objetivo adaptar o Children's Visual Function Questionnaire (CVFQ) para a realidade sociocultural de crianças brasileiras e investigar suas propriedades psicométricas para avaliação da qualidade de vida relacionada à visão nesses indivíduos. Métodos: Estudo epidemiológico transversal aninhado de coorte de 142 crianças pré-escolares acompanhadas prospectivamente em hospital universitário de referência em Belo Horizonte, Brasil. Todas foram submetidos a exame oftalmológico completo, incluindo medida da acuidade visual e oftalmoscopia binocular indireta. Questionários foram aplicados aos pais e cuidadores, para avaliar a percepção da qualidade de vida, bem como o nível sócio-econômico das famílias. Análise estatística multivariada foi realizada para avaliar as propriedades psicométricas da escala de qualidade de vida. Resultados: Adaptações na versão brasileira do Children's Visual Function Questionnaire-7 originaram o Children's Visual Function Questionnaire-7-BR-toxo, um questionário para avaliar a percepção de pais/cuidadores sobre a qualidade de vida relacionada à visão de crianças pré-escolares com toxoplasmose congênita. Pela descrição, estrutura de variabilidade, e interpretação do agrupamento dos itens do questionário adaptado, identificaram-se seis subescalas: saúde geral, capacidade visual, desempenho visual/visão funcional, comportamento social e pessoal, impacto na família e tratamento. Crianças com baixa visão associada a toxoplasmose congênita tiveram escores mais baixos nas seguintes subescalas: acuidade visual (p=0,004), desempenho visual/visão funcional (p=0,008), impacto na família (p=0,001) e saúde geral (p=0,001). Conclusão: As propriedades psicométricas foram adequadas no tocante à validade do construto. O Children's Visual Function Questionnaire-7-BR-toxo foi capaz de registrar o impacto da deficiência visual nas famílias de crianças com toxoplasmose congênita.

Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis in pediatric patients with oncohematological diseases

Abstract Introduction Invasive fungal diseases represent important causes of morbidity and mortality among pediatric oncohematological patients. Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis is a rare and aggressive disease that occurs mainly in immunocompromised patients. The mortality rate is high and therefore, accurate and early diagnosis is essential. Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis among pediatric oncohematological patients and characterize them with confirmed diagnoses. Methods This was a retrospective study that analyzed the medical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with oncohematological diseases and suspected fungal infections, who were included after obtaining informed consent, from January to December 2017, in the pediatric unit of a tertiary university hospital. Data collected from medical record analysis included the following: underlying diagnosis, absolute neutrophil count, clinical presentation, culture and biopsy results, surgical procedures performed, survival and mortality. Results A total of 27 patients were evaluated, with three suspected cases of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. Histopathological and microbiological analyses confirmed two cases. In both cases, the pathogen isolated in the culture was Fusarium sp. The two confirmed cases were female, aged 12 and 14 years, both with an absolute neutrophil count of 10 cells/μL. The underlying disease of the first patient was acute myeloid leukemia (subtype M5), whereas the second patient presented idiopathic bone marrow aplasia. Conclusion Both confirmed cases of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis presented with constitutional symptoms and signs of nasal and sinusital inflammation. This demonstrates the importance of fever as a symptom in immunocompromised patients and it should prompt otorhinolaryngological investigation.

Assistance and educational factors associated to congenital syphilis in a referral maternity: a case-control study / Assistência e fatores educacionais associados a sífilis congênita em uma maternidade referência: um estudo caso-controle

Abstract Objectives: to investigate the information received by pregnant women considering assistance care and educational factors on syphilis and its association with the diagnostic of congenital syphilis in a referral maternity. Methods: a case-control study conducted in a referral maternity in Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 2017 to 2018. A case group included newborns' mothers with presumptive congenital syphilis and A control group was considered healthy newborns ' mothers. Clinical, obstetrics variables and information about maternal educational approach on syphilis during prenatal care were obtained through interviews and medical records. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed. Chi-square or Fisher's exact test and odds ratio were calculated followed by multivariate logistic regression. Results: sixty mothers were included in the case group and 120 mothers in the control group. Mothers in the case group presented lower schooling level and they were 24 times more likely to have information about the risks of congenital syphilis and five times more likely to had received previous treatment for syphilis and mothers in the control group were 10 times more likely to receive information about Sexually Transmitted Infections during prenatal care. Conclusion: adequate health assistance identifying previous history of syphilis and health education improving its information about Sexually Transmitted Infections can help prevent congenital syphilis, which indicates the necessity of a better approach by the professionals during prenatal care.

Resumo Objetivos: investigar as informações recebidas pela gestante considerando fatores assis-tenciais e educacionais sobre sífilis e a suas associações com o diagnóstico de sífilis congênita em uma maternidade de referência. Métodos: estudo caso-controle realizado em maternidade de referência em Minas Gerais, Brasil, de 2017 a 2018. Grupo caso incluiu mães de recém-nascidos com sífilis congênita presuntiva e o grupo Controle foi considerado mães de recém-nascidos saudáveis. Variáveis clínicas, obstétricas e informações sobre a abordagem educacional materna sobre a sífilis durante a assistência no pré-natal foram obtidas por meio de entrevista e prontuário. Análises descritivas e comparativas foram realizadas. Calculou-se o teste do qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher e a razão de chances, seguido de regressão logística multivariada. Resultados: sessenta mães foram incluídas no grupo caso e 120 mães foram incluídas no grupo controle. As mães do grupo caso apresentavam menor escolaridade e tiveram 24 vezes mais chances de ter informações sobre os riscos da sífilis congênita e cinco vezes mais chances de ter recebido tratamento anterior para sífilis e as mães do grupo controle tiveram 10 vezes mais chances de receber informações sobre as Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis durante a assistência no pré-natal. Conclusão: a assistência a saúde adequada identificando história previa de sífilis da gestante e educação em saúde com melhores informações sobre Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis podem ajudar na prevenção de sífilis congênita, o que indica necessidade de melhor abordagem pelos profissionais durante a assistência pré-natal.

Diagnostic value of the reaction at the bacillus calmette-guérin vaccination site in kawasaki disease / Utilidade diagnóstica da reação do sítio de vacinação bacillus calmette-guérin na doença de kawasaki

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the case of an infant - diagnosed with incomplete Kawasaki disease - who developed BCG scar reactivation. Case description: A 6-month-old patient was admitted to hospital with fever associated with ocular hyperemia, cervical lymphadenopathy, and hyperemic lips, and remained hospitalized for 12 days. The physical examination revealed an inflammatory reaction at the site of the BCG scar, leading to the diagnosis of incomplete Kawasaki disease. The patient was treated with venous immunoglobulin, but presented recurrence of Kawasaki disease, with subsequent onset of coronary artery disease. Comments: BCG scar reactivation is an important finding in countries where the vaccine is routinely given and may be a useful marker for early diagnosis of Kawasaki disease, especially in its incomplete form.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever o caso de um lactente - com diagnóstico de Doença de Kawasaki incompleta - que desenvolveu reativação da cicatriz da vacina BCG. Descrição do caso: Um paciente de 6 meses de idade foi admitido no hospital com febre, associada à hiperemia ocular, linfadenomegalia cervical e fissuras labiais, permanecendo hospitalizado por 12 dias. Apresentava, no exame físico, reação inflamatória no local da cicatriz da vacina BCG, tendo sido feito o diagnóstico de Kawasaki incompleto. O paciente foi tratado com imunoglobulina venosa, mas apresentou recorrência da doença, com posterior surgimento de coronariopatia. Comentários: A reativação da BCG é um achado importante na doença de Kawasaki em países onde a vacina é aplicada de forma rotineira e pode ser um marcador útil para o diagnóstico precoce da doença de Kawasaki, principalmente em sua forma incompleta.

Inadequate use of antibiotics and increase in neonatal sepsis caused by resistant bacteria related to health care assistance: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Background Technologies and life support management have enhanced the survival of preterm infants. The immune system of newborns is immature, which contributes to the occurrence of healthcare-associated infections. The overlap of several conditions with neonatal sepsis and the difficulty of diagnosis and laboratory confirmation during this period result in a tendency to over-treat neonatal sepsis. The use of antimicrobial agents is a risk factor for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. This work aimed to perform a systematic review of the relationship between inadequate use of antimicrobial agents and increase in neonatal sepsis related to healthcare assistance, due to bacterial resistance. Methods Our population, exposition, comparison, outcome and study type was as follows: P: hospitalized neonates with sepsis diagnosis, E: inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents, C: adequate use of antimicrobial agents or no indication of infection, O: resistant bacterial infection, and S: original studies. We performed searches in the PubMed, Scopus, Virtual Health Library (Scielo, LILACS, and MEDLINE), and Embase without limits on time, language, and the references of the articles found. Fourteen studies were included and assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation, Newcastle, and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observacional Studies in Epidemiology methodologies. Results All studies found were observational and started with a low-quality evidence level in the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Conclusions Despite their low-quality evidence, the studies demonstrated the association between inadequate use of antimicrobial agents and increase of neonatal resistant bacterial healthcare-associated infections in neonatal units. However, there is significant difficulty in conducting high-quality studies in this population due to ethical issues tied to randomized trials. Therefore, new studies should be encouraged to recommend adequate treatment of newborns without increasing the risk of healthcare-associated infections by multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Fluconazole prophylaxis in preterm infants: a systematic review

ABSTRACT Objective: This article aims to review the use of antifungal prophylaxis with intravenous fluconazole in premature newborns and the occurrence of Invasive Candidiasis. Methods: This is a systematic review with search at databases: PubMed, Capes Portal, Virtual Health Library (BVS - Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde)/Lilacs, Scopus and Cochrane. The keywords used were: "Antifungal", "Candida" "Fluconazole prophylaxis" and "Preterm infants". Results: Invasive Candidiasis was evaluated in all the twelve items. In eleven of them, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups receiving prophylactic fluconazole, with lower frequency of Invasive Candidiasis, compared to placebo or no prophylaxis group. Colonization by Candida species was also evaluated in five studies; four of them presented statistically lower proportion of colonization in patients with Fluconazole prophylaxis, compared to placebo or no drugs. In one study, there was a significant difference, favoring the use of fluconazole, and reduction of death. Conclusion: Studies indicate the effectiveness of prophylaxis with fluconazole, with reduction in the incidence of colonization and invasive fungal disease. The benefits of prophylaxis should be evaluated considering the incidence of candidiasis in the unit, the mortality associated with candidiasis, the safety and toxicity of short and long-term medication, and the potential for development of resistant pathogens.

Serum levels of vancomycin: is there a prediction using doses in mg/kg/day or m2/day for neonates?

Abstract Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus has been identified as the main nosocomial agent of neonatal late-onset sepsis. However, based on the pharmacokinetics and erratic distribution of vancomycin, recommended empirical dose is not ideal, due to the inappropriate serum levels that have been measured in neonates. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of vancomycin used in newborns and compare the prediction of adequate serum levels based on doses calculated according to mg/kg/day and m2/day. This is an observational reprospective cohort at a referral neonatal unit, from 2011 to 2013. Newborns treated with vancomycin for the first episode of late-onset sepsis were included. Total dose in mg/kg/day, dose/m2/day, age, weight, body surface and gestational age were identified as independent variables. For predictive analysis of adequate serum levels, multiple linear regressions were performed. The Receiver Operating Characteristic curve for proper serum vancomycin levels was also obtained. A total of 98 patients received 169 serum dosages of the drug, 41 (24.3%) of the doses had serum levels that were defined as appropriate. Doses prescribed in mg/kg/day and dose/m2/day predicted serum levels in only 9% and 4% of cases, respectively. Statistical significance was observed with higher doses when the serum levels were considered as appropriate (p < 0.001). A dose of 27 mg/kg/day had a sensitivity of 82.9% to achieve correct serum levels of vancomycin. Although vancomycin has erratic serum levels and empirical doses cannot properly predict the target levels, highest doses in mg/kg/day were associated with adequate serum levels.

Empirical antimicrobial therapy for late-onset sepsis in a neonatal unit with high prevalence of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus / Terapia antimicrobiana empírica para sepse tardia na unidade neonatal com alta prevalência de Staphylococcus coagulase negativo

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to compare two different empiric treatments for late-onset neonatal sepsis, vancomycin and oxacillin, in a neonatal intensive care unit with a high prevalence of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an neonatal intensive care unit from 2011 to 2014. Data from the medical records of at-risk newborns were collected daily. Infections were defined according to the National Health Surveillance Agency criteria. Data analysis was performed using an internal program. Results: There was a significant reduction in the number of Staphylococcus aureus infections (p = 0.008), without endocarditis, meningitis, or lower respiratory tract infection, as well as a reduction in the frequency of deaths related to S. aureus infection. There were no significant changes in the incidence of Gram-negative bacterial or fungal infections. An increase in coagulase-negative Staphylococcus infections was observed (p = 0.022). However, there was no measured increase in related morbidity and mortality. There was a reduction in the median number of days of treatment with oxacillin from 11.5 to 6 days (p < 0.001) and an increase of one day in the median number of days of treatment with vancomycin (p = 0.046). Conclusions: Modification of the empiric treatment regimen for neonatal late-onset sepsis with use of oxacillin showed a significant reduction in S. aureus infections, as well as a reduction in the frequency of infections with major organ system involvement and mortality due to infection with this microorganism. As a result, oxacillin can be considered as an effective treatment for late-onset sepsis, making it possible to avoid broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar dois períodos com diferentes esquemas empíricos para tratamento de sepse neonatal tardia, incluindo vancomicina ou oxacilina respectivamente, em unidade neonatal de referência com alta prevalência de Staphylococcus coagulase negativo. Métodos Estudo transversal, feito em unidade neonatal de referência, de 2011 a 2014. Os dados foram coletados diariamente por vigilância ativa em prontuário de recém-nascidos de risco. As infecções foram notificadas conforme critérios definidos pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. O banco de dados e a análise foram feitos em programa interno. Resultados Ocorreu redução significativa da notificação de infecções por Staphylococcus aureus (p = 0,008), sem notificações de endocardite, meningite e infecções de vias aéreas inferiores, além de redução na frequência de óbitos pelo microrganismo e sem alteração significativa nas incidências de infecções por bactérias Gram negativas e fungos. Houve aumento de infecções S. aureus coagulase negativo (p = 0,022), mas sem aumento de morbidade e mortalidade. Ocorreu redução na mediana do tempo de uso de oxacilina, de 11,5 para 6 dias (p < 0,001), com aumento de mediana de um dia de uso de vancomicina (p = 0,046). Conclusões A modificação do esquema empírico com uso de oxacilina revelou redução significativa das infecções por S. aureus, além da redução na frequência de infecção de foco profundo e mortalidade pelo microrganismo. Considera-se que oxacilina pode ser usada como esquema de tratamento de sepse neonatal tardia para se evitar o uso de antibióticos de largo espectro.

Estudo transversal do perfil das infecções congênitas atendidas entre 2012 e 2014 em um centro de referência em Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais / Cross-sectional study of clinical and laboratorial aspects of congenital infections attended at a reference Center in Belo Horizonte, MG, 2012-2014

Introdução: as infecções congênitas são resultantes da transmissão vertical de microrganismos de gestantes infectadas para seus conceptos. Apesar dessas infecções, em geral, cursarem com pouca ou nenhuma manifestação clínica nas gestantes, a infecção fetal pode trazer morbimortalidade perinatal e na infância. Objetivo: identificar a prevalência das infecções congênitas encaminhadas ao Centro de Referência e Treinamento em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias Orestes Diniz (CTR/DIP Orestes Diniz) e avaliar os métodos laboratoriais usados para o diagnóstico. Métodos: estudo transversal realizado em ambulatório de referência em doenças infecciosas, a partir de coleta de dados de prontuários de crianças com diagnóstico suspeito de infecção congênita. A confirmação diagnóstica baseou-se em testes sorológicos ou de biologia molecular, além de descrição de sintomatologia da criança. Resultados: um total de 513 crianças foram identificadas, sendo que 41,3% tiveram o diagnóstico confirmado, a maioria foi de toxoplasmose (45,35%) e sífilis (15,98%). Entre as crianças com diagnóstico confirmado, 28,85% apresentaram manifestações clínicas, enquanto que no grupo com diagnóstico indeterminado ou suspeito o percentual foi de 16,38%. As principais manifestações identificadas foram acometimento do sistema nervoso central (n=39) e alterações visuais (n=30). Conclusão: a confirmação de infecção foi definida em aproximadamente metade dos pacientes avaliados e a maioria das crianças foi assintomática ao nascimento. O pré-natal de qualidade e a propedêutica e tratamento precoce das crianças identificadas podem reduzir o impacto dessas infecções no nosso meio.(AU)

Introduction: congenital infections are results of microorganisms transmitted to the fetus by the infected pregnant. Most newborn infants infected during pregnancy or labor have no sings of congenital disease. However, these infections may cause perinatal and infancy morbidity and mortality. Objective: to determine the prevalence of congenital infections in newborns and infants attended at the CTR/DIP Orestes Diniz (Centro de Treinamento e Referência em Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias Orestes Diniz) and to analyse the laboratorial methods used for diagnosis of congenital disease of assisted children. Methods: cross-sectional study conducted in an Infectious Diseases Reference Center where it was evaluated the charts of infants with suspected congenital infection. Diagnosis confirmation was based on serological tests, molecular biology and signs and symptoms described in the charts. Results: A total of 41,3% of the 513 children identified have had a defined diagnosis. Most of them had toxoplasmosis (45,35%) and syphilis (15,98%). Clinical manifestations was observed in 28,85% of children with defined diagnosis of congenital infection, and in 16,38% of children with uncertain diagnosis. Central Nervous System (n=39) and ocular (n=30) manifestations were the most frequent findings. Conclusions: Defined diagnosis was possible in about half of cases and most of them were asymptomatic at birth. An appropriate prenatal care and early diagnosis and treatment of congenital infections may reduce the impact of disease in the population.(AU)

Management of syphilis in pregnant womenand their newborns: is it still a problem? / Manejo de sífilis em gestantes e seus recém-nascidos: ainda um problema?

A sífilis congênita (SC) é um agravo prevenível, mas o Brasil ainda apresenta alta prevalência da doença, com consequente morbimortalidade perinatal. Objetivo: Avaliar a abordagem de sífilis em gestantes e seus recém-nascidos encaminhados para centro de referência. Métodos: Estudo transversal, de março de 2012 a abril de 2013. A coleta de dados foi realizada em prontuários de pacientes referenciados com SC, considerando critérios estabelecidos pelo Ministério da Saúde (MS). Os dados foram analisados pelo Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) e o estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética. Resultados: Um total de 31 recém-nascidos foi encaminhado devido à triagem materna com Venereal Disease Research Laboratory(VDRL) materno positivo durante a gestação, com 4 mulheres adequadamente tratadas. Treze recém-nascidos apresentaram alteração no hemograma e1 apresentou alteração óssea, 28 deles com tratamento adequado. Discussão: Quando se considera adequação de tratamento de acordo com as diretrizes nacionais, poucos casos de sífilis na gestação são considerados adequadamente tratados. Isso impacta na assistência ao recém-nascido, que, muitas vezes,é submetido a propedêutica invasiva e tratamento extenso, embora na maioria das vezes seja assintomático. Conclusão: O seguimento das recomendações para o tratamento da sífilis na gestante tem sido, frequentemente, considerado inadequado, o que dificulta a eliminação da SC.

Congenital syphilis (CS) is a preventable disease, but its prevalence is still high in Brazil, with consequent perinatal morbidity and mortality.Objective: To evaluate the approach of syphilis in pregnant women and their newborns referred to the referral center of Orestes Diniz, in Belo Horizonte.Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from March 2012 to April 2013. Data collection was performed on the medical records of patients referred with CS, considering the criteria established by the Ministry of Health. Data were analyzed using SPSS and the study was approved by the Ethics Committee. Results: A total of 31 newborns were referred due to a positive result in maternal testing with Venereal Disease Research Laboratory during pregnancy. However, only four women have been adequately treated in accordance with the Ministry of Health. Thirteen newborns presented alterations inblood cells count, one had bone rarefactions, and 28 presented proper information of treatment. Discussion: When considering the adequacy of treatmenta ccording to the national guidelines, few cases of syphilis during pregnancy can be considered adequately treated. This affects the assistance to the newborn,who is often subjected to invasive investigation and extensive treatment, although most are asymptomatic. Conclusion: The follow-up of recommendations for the treatment of syphilis in pregnant women has often been considered inadequate, making CS difficult to eliminate

Leishamniose tegumentar americana: um desafio diagnóstico na prática pediátrica / Leishamniose american cutaneous: challenging diagnosis in pediatric practice

O objetivo deste artigo foi descrever as particularidades clínicas da leishmaniose tegumentar americana (LTA) e as dificuldades em realizar o diagnóstico dessa doença em Pediatria. Serão relatados três casos clínicos provenientes de serviço de referência no atendimento de doenças infecciosas para o estado de Minas Gerais, de janeiro a março de 2011, com as seguintes formas de manifestação da doença: lesão cutânea localizada e lesão cutânea disseminada. Um dos casos evidencia lesão cicatricial mutiladora. Os três casos relatados revelam a dificuldade do diagnóstico precoce de LTA. Em todos eles os pacientes foram examinados por vários pediatras e receberam tratamento empírico com antibioticoterapia, sem sucesso. Devido ao aumento da incidência da doença próximo dos grandes centros urbanos, é de suma importância que o pediatra se familiarize com os aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos da leishmaniose para realizar um diagnóstico mais precoce, minimizando as sequelas para o paciente.

The purpose of this article is to describe the clinical characteristics of American Cutaneous Leishmaniasis ( ACL) and the difficulties in making a diagnosis of this disease in pediatrics. Three clinical cases from reference service in the care of infectious diseases in the state of Minas Gerais, January-March 2011, with the following manifestations of the disease are reported: localized cutaneous lesion and skin disseminada. An injury casesshows mutilating scar tissue. The three reported cases show the difficulty of early diagnosis of ATL. In all cases, the patients were examined for various pediatric and received empirical treatment with antibiotics without success. Due to the increased incidence of disease close to large urban centers is of paramount importance that pediatricians become familiar with the clinical and epidemiological aspects of leishmaniasis to make an earlier diagnosis minimizing the consequences for the patient.

Risk factors for laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection in neonates undergoing surgical procedures

BACKGROUND: Healthcare Associated Infections constitute an important problem in Neonatal Units and invasive devices are frequently involved. However, studies on risk factors of newborns who undergo surgical procedures are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection in neonates undergoing surgical procedures. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted from January 2008 to May 2011, in a referral center. Cases were of 21 newborns who underwent surgery and presented the first episode of laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection. Control was 42 newborns who underwent surgical procedures without notification of laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection in the study period. Information was obtained from the database of the Hospital Infection Control Committee Notification of infections and related clinical data of patients that routinely collected by trained professionals and follow the recommendations of Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária and analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences. RESULTS: During the study period, 1141 patients were admitted to Neonatal Unit and 582 Healthcare Associated Infections were reported (incidence-density of 25.75 Healthcare Associated Infections/patient-days). In the comparative analysis, a higher proportion of laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection was observed in preterm infants undergoing surgery (p = 0.03) and use of non-invasive ventilation was a protective factor (p = 0.048). Statistically significant difference was also observed for mechanical ventilation duration (p = 0.004), duration of non-invasive ventilation (p = 0.04), and parenteral nutrition duration (p = 0.003). In multivariate analysis duration of parenteral nutrition remained significantly associated with laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Shortening time on parenteral nutrition whenever possible and preference ...

Abordagem neonatal nas infecções congênitas ? toxoplasmose e sífilis / The approach to neonatal congenital infections ? toxoplasmosis and syphilis

As infecções que acometem o binômio mãe-filho durante a gestação constituem grande preocupação para obstetras e pediatras, por sua frequência e dificuldade no diagnóstico etiológico, importante para o tratamento precoce. A maioria dos recém-nascidos com infecções congênitas é assintomática, assinalando a importância da triagem laboratorial para doenças transmissíveis durante o ciclo gravídico-puerperal da mulher. Este artigo de revisão visa a apresentar recomendações em relação às infecções congênitas por Treponema pallidume Toxoplasma gondii. A sífilis é uma das doenças com maiores taxas de transmissão vertical e é um problema de saúde pública ainda com controle insuficiente no país. O diagnóstico da infecção materna, realizado com VDRL e confirmado com um teste treponêmico, indica tratamento imediato na gestante e em seu parceiro. A infecção congênita é prevenível por meio do tratamento materno adequado com penicilina benzatina, o que representa ótimo custo-benefício. A toxoplasmose é parasitose de distribuição mundial, com alta prevalência em nosso meio. O rastreamento sorológico durante o pré-natal permite a detecção das gestantes suscetíveis que devem ser priorizadas nas ações educativas e monitoradas para identificar-se possível soroconversão. O tratamento precoce da gestante com infecção aguda pode reduzir a transmissão materno-fetal ou o comprometimento do feto, melhorando o prognóstico do recém-nascido infectado. É possível evitar a sífilis e a toxoplasmose congênita por meio do pré-natal de qualidade, que deve ser disponível e acessível. Ações preventivas e diagnósticas devem ser intensificadas no acompanhamento da gestante, principalmente nas unidades básicas de saúde (UBS), de forma a gerar resultados com impacto populacional.

The infections that affect the binomial mother-son during pregnancy are of great concern to obstetricians and pediatricians because of its frequency and difficulty in reaching an etiological diagnosis that is important for early treatment. Most newborns with congenital infection are asymptomatic; this shows the importance of laboratory screening for diseases that are transmitted during the pregnancy-puerperal cycle of women. This review aims to provide recommendations with regard to congenital infection by Treponema pallidum and Toxoplasma gondii. Syphilis is one of the diseases with the highest rates of mother-to-child transmission and is a public health problem still with insufficient control in the country. The diagnosis of maternal infection, performed with VDRL and confirmed with a treponemic test, indicates immediate treatment in pregnant women and their partners. The congenital infection is preventable through adequate maternal treatment with benzathine penicillin, which presents great costbenefitvalue. Toxoplasmosis is a parasitosis of worldwide distribution, with high prevalence in our environment. The serological screening during the prenatal period allows the detection of susceptible pregnant women who should be prioritized in educational activities and monitored for possible seroconversion. The early treatment of pregnant women with acute infection can reduce the maternal-fetal transmission or fetal impairment improving the prognosis of infected newborns. Syphilis and congenital toxoplasmosis can be avoided with a high quality prenatal, whichshould be available and accessible. Preventive and diagnostic actions should be intensified in the monitoring of pregnant women, especially in the basic health units (UBS), to generate population impacting results.

Infecções congênitas por herpes-vírus / Congenital herpes virus infections

As infecções congênitas por herpes-vírus apresentam alta prevalência ou são responsáveis por alta morbimortalidade de recém-nascidos. Nesta revisão estão abordados o herpes-vírus simplex, o vírus Varicela zoster e o citomegalovírus como agentes de infecções em gestantes, feto e recém-nascidos, incluindo medidas para profilaxia da transmissão vertical e recomendações para propedêutica e terapêutica do binômio mãe e filho.

Congenital infections by the herpes virus show high prevalence or are responsible for high morbidity and mortality in newborns. In this review, the herpes virus simplex, Varicella zoster virus, and Cytomegalovirus are addressed as infectious agents in pregnant women, fetus, and newborns, and include measures for the prevention of mother-to-child transmissionand recommendations for the propaedeutics and therapy of both mother and child.

Abordagem atual da doença inflamatória pélvica / Current approaches to pelvic inflammatory disease

A doença inflamatória pélvica (DIP) é um processo inflamatório de natureza infecciosa que pode atingir estruturas e órgãos do trato genital superior. Devido à sua importância epidemiológica e de suas graves complicações, este artigo atualiza e propõe uma abordagem sistemática da DIP. Os principais agentes etiológicos são a Neisseria gonorrhoeae,Chlamydia trachomatis e outros agentes etiológicos de uretrites, cervicites, vulvovaginites e vaginoses, em geral, polimicrobiana, o que é a base de sua terapêutica. A mulher deve ser investigada para DIP quando apresenta, especialmente, desconforto abdominal, dor lombar, dispareunia e nódoas ou manchas ao exame ginecológico, previamente a procedimentos transcervicais. A classificação clínico-laparoscópica deDIP pode ser dividida em: a) estágio I (endometrite/salpingite sem peritonite); estágio II (salpingite aguda com peritonite); estágio III (salpingite aguda com oclusão tubária ou abscesso tubo-ovariano); estágio IV (abscesso tubo-ovariano roto). A definição do estágio orienta a conduta e o tratamento, pois em formas leves (estágio I) o tratamento e seguimento podem ser feitos ambulatorialmente, enquanto para os casos moderadosou graves a internação hospitalar está indicada para início do tratamento por via endovenosa e monitorização da resposta ao tratamento. O tratamento suportivo, retirada de dispositivo intrauterino (DIU), abstinência sexual e repouso também são indicados, além de orientações sobre as implicações da doença e abordagem do parceiro.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an inflammatory process of infectious nature that can affect structures and organs of the upper genital tract. Considering this disease's epidemiological relevance and severe complications, this article provides an update and proposes a systematic approach to PID. The main etiological agents are Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and other etiological agents of urethritis, cervicitis, vulvovaginitis and vaginoses. These are generally of polymicrobial origin, which determines the treatment basis for pelvic inflammatory diseases.Women must be checked for PID when experiencing abdominal discomfort, backache, dyspareunia, or presenting with stains during gynecological examination and prior to transcervical procedures. The clinical and laparoscopic classification of PID can be divided into: a) stage I (endometritis/salpingitis without peritonitis), stage II (acute salpingitis with peritonitis), stage III (acute salpingitis with tubal occlusion or tube-ovarian abscess), and stage IV (tube-ovarian abscess rupture). Defining the stage guides procedures and treatment, given that in mild forms (stage I) the treatment and follow-up can be performed in the ambulatory environment while moderate to severe cases require hospitalization so that intravenous treatment and treatment outcome monitoring can be started. Supportive treatment, removal of intrauterine device (IUD), sexual abstinence and rest are also indicated, as well as counseling on the implications of the disease and partner approach.

Infecções relacionadas à assistência a saúde baseada em critérios internacionais, realizada em unidade neonatal de cuidados progressivos de referência de Belo Horizonte, MG / Notification of healthcare associated infections based on international criteria performed in a reference neonatal progressive care unity in Belo Horizonte, MG

OBJETIVO: Descrever a ocorrência de infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde em uma unidade neonatal de serviço público de referência em Belo Horizonte, MG, baseando-se em critérios internacionais. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo descritivo, realizado por busca ativa, na Unidade Neonatal de Cuidados Progressivos do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (HC/UFMG), de 2008 a 2009. A notificação de infecções baseou-se nos critérios do National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). O banco de dados e análise foi realizado em programa interno do serviço. RESULTADOS: Foram notificados 325 episódios de infecção nos recém-nascidos, com densidade de incidência de 22,8/1.000 pacientes-dia e incidência proporcional geral de infecção de 36,7%. A sepse foi a principal infecção (62,5%) notificada. A densidade de incidência de infecções foi maior em neonatos com peso menor que 750g (42,4/1.000 pacientes-dia). Observou-se 18,15 episódios de Sepse Relacionada a Cateter/1.000 Cateter Venoso Central-dia e 19,29/1.000 episódios de Sepse Relacionada a Cateter Umbilical/1.000 Cateter umbilical-dia. Em 122 (37,5%) casos de infecção notificada houve isolamento de microorganismos, predominando Staphylococcus coagulase negativo e Staphylococcus aureus (51 casos). A mortalidade e letalidade foram 4,3% e 17,12%, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A utilização de critérios padronizados para notificação de infecções é necessária para a construção de indicadores em neonatologia, que são escassos no país e ressaltam a necessidade de avaliação dos critérios nacionais propostos pela Agencia Nacional de Vigilância ...

OBJECTIVE: To describe occurence of Healthcare Related Infections in a neonatal unit of public reference service in Belo Horizonte-MG, based on international criteria. METHODS: This is a descriptive study, performed by active searching, in the Progressive Care Unit Neonatal Hospital das Clinicas, Federal University of Minas Gerais (HC / UFMG), from 2008 to 2009. Notification of infections was based on National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) criteria. The database and analysis were performed in a internal program. RESULTS: A total of 325 episodes of infection in newborns were notified and overall incidence density of infections was 22.8/1,000 patient-days, with a rate of 36.7% of newborns. Sepsis was the main infection (62.5%) reported. The incidence density of infections was higher in neonates weighing lower than 750g (42.4/1,000 patient-days). There were 18.15 episodes of central venous catheter related sepsis/1,000 central venous catheter-day and 19.29 umbilical catheter related sepsis /1,000 umbilical catheter-days. Microorganisms were isolated in 122 (37.5%) cases of reported infections, mainly defined as Staphylococcus coagulase negative and Staphylococcus aureus (51 cases). Mortality and lethality rates were 4.3% and 17,12%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of standardized criteria for reporting infections is necessary for the construction of indicators in neonatology, which are scarce in the country and highlight the need for evaluation of national criteria proposed by National Agency of Sanitary Surveillance (ANVISA). .

Neutropenic patients and their infectious complications at a University Hospital

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics and infectious complications of neutropenic patients in a referral hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out between April and September 2008, which enrolled all neutropenic patients identified by daily blood counts in the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Demographic data and information on infections were obtained from the Hospital Infection Control Committee. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. RESULTS: One hundred and sixteen patients were followed up during 129 hospitalizations. The patients had a mean age of 48.7 years old. Sixty-four (55.2%) patients were male and 25 (21.6%) died during the follow-up. In 97 (75.2%) of the hospitalizations, patients had episodes of febrile neutropenia. Patients classified as low-riskhad a mortality rate of 16.2% (n = 12) vs. 39.1% (n = 9) among high-risk patients (p-value = 0.02). The death rate of the patients who had been submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was 13.5% (n = 5)vs. 26.7% (n = 16) among patients not submitted to transplantation (p-value = 0.13). Of the 155 infections diagnosed, 45.5% were defined as clinically documented. The etiological agent most frequently isolated was Escherichia coli and the main topography reported was bloodstream infections. The most used antimicrobial agents were cefepime, vancomycin and fluconazole. Approximately 24% of patients evolved with impaired renal function during hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Most reported infections in neutropenic patients were defined as clinically documented, which shows the importance of suspicion in patients without specific signs and symptoms for early diagnosis and the need for the classification of risk for timely interventions.

Conduta em infecções relacionadas a cateter venoso central em um hospital de referência / Care conduct for central venous catheter-related infectionsat an excellence hospital

Objetivos: avaliar a adesão às recomendações para diagnóstico de sepse relacionada a cateter (SRC), verificando a realização simultânea cultura de ponta de cateter (CPC) e hemocultura de sangue periférico (HP), em um hospital de referência. Métodos: trata-se de estudo transversal, realizado no Hospital das Cínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, no período de janeiro de 2007 a outubro de 2009. Os dados foram coletados por profissionais especializados da Comissão de Controle de Infecção Hospitalar. Os critérios de base basearam-se nos critérios de notificação do National Healthcare Safety Network e diretrizes da Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Os dados foram digitados e analisados pelo Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) versão 14.0. Resultados: de 683 CPC com crescimento de microrganismos, apenas 220 (32,2%) apresentaram isolamento de microrganismo em HP concomitante. Desses 220 casos, 74,1% apresentaram crescimento do mesmo microrganismo, com mesmo perfil fenotípico, em ambas as amostras. Nos casos de HP com resultado negativo e casos em que a HP não foi realizada, antimicrobianos foram prescritos em 25,7 e 31,5% dos casos, respectivamente, embora não tenha havido critérios para definição de SRC. Conclusão: apenas da recomendação de realização de CPC pareada com HP, este estudo reflete a prática de realização de CPC isolada e pode estar relacionada ao uso inapropriado de antimicrobianos, aumentando custos da assistência e favorecendo a seleção de resistência bacteriana. O diagnóstico e tratamento da SRC devem ser melhorados e os profissionais devem ser conscientizados das práticas adequadas de manejo de cateter venoso central...

Objectives: This study aims to assess compliance with recommendations for the diagnosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) at an excellence hospital by verifying simultaneous performance of catheter tip culture (CTC) and peripheral blood culture (PBC). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at UFMG University Hospital from January 2007 through October 2009. Data were collected by specialized professionals of the Hospital Infection Control Committee. The notification criteria followed those prescribed by the National Healthcare Safety Network and the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Database and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 14.0. Results: Concurrent peripheral blood culture was performed for only 220 (32.2%) of the 683 CTC samples presenting microorganism growth. This points to low compliance with the existing guidelines. Out of the 220 positive CTC paired with PBC results, 74.1% presented the same microorganism, with the same phenotypic profile in both samples. As for negative PBC results and no blood culture testing, antibiotics were prescribed in 25.7 and 31.5% of the cases respectively, despite the inexistence of criteria to determine CRBSI. Conclusions: Despite recommendations for pairing CTC and PBC results, this study points to the common practice of performing isolated CTC tests. This may lead to inappropriate use of antimicrobials, increasing health care costs and selection of resistant bacteria. CRBSI diagnosis and treatment should be improved, and professionals should be aware of adequate practices and management of central venous catheter...

Ações educativas para prevenção de infecções hospitalares em uma unidade neonatal / Acciones educativas para prevenir infecciones hospitalarias en unidad neonatal / Educational activities for the prevention of hospital infection in a neonatal unit

As infecções hospitalares (IHs), importantes causas de morbimortalidade, são frequentes em recém-nascidos(RNs) internados em unidades neonatais. Para o controle de IH, é importante a orientação aos pacientes e a seusacompanhantes. O objetivo com este trabalho foi avaliar informações assimiladas por mães e acompanhantes de RNsinternados na Unidade Neonatal que participaram de atividades de educação em saúde em prevenção de infecções nosetor. Trata-se de estudo prospectivo, com aplicação de questionários às mães e acompanhantes de RNs na UnidadeNeonatal do Hospital das Clínicas da UFMG, realizado nos meses de agosto de 2008 a abril de 2009. O questionário foiaplicado em duas diferentes amostras: antes e após as orientações de prevenção de infecção. A amostra total foi de268 usuários, sendo que 121 deles receberam a orientação previamente à aplicação do questionário e 147 receberamas informações após o preenchimento deste. Observou-se um percentual de acerto maior após as orientações emtodas as questões e houve diferenças estatísticas significativas (p<0,05) entre os grupos em oito das dez questõesrealizadas. Concluiu-se que essa foi uma medida eficaz para a educação de acompanhantes dos RNs, que adquiriramnoções básicas de infecção após as orientações, por isso podem contribuir para o controle e a prevenção de infecçõesna Unidade e em casa após a alta.

Hospital-acquired infections (HAI) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality and are common in neonatal units. Tocontrol hospital infection it is important to advise patients and their companions on the subject. This study aimed atevaluating the mothers and their companions’ assimilation of information conveyed during health education activitieson the prevention of hospital-acquired infections. This was a prospective study that applied questionnaires to mothersand companions of newborns admitted to the Neonatal Unit of the Clinics Hospital of the Federal University of MinasGerais (UFMG). The study was carried out from August 2008 to April 2009. The questionnaire was administered intwo different samples: one before and another after the training on infection prevention. Total sample size was 268:121 received the information prior to questionnaire application, and 147 received it after questionnaire filling in.Results indicated that there were a higher percentage of correct answers after the groups were given instructions inall questions. There were significant statistical differences (p<0.05) between groups in eight of the ten questions. Inconclusion, this was an effective educational activity for the newborn companion. He/she acquired basic notions oninfection following the training and therefore may contribute to infection control and prevention in the unit and athome after hospital discharge.

Las infecciones hospitalarias (IH), comunes en recién nacidos (RN) internados en unidades neonatales, son la causaprincipal de morbilidad y mortalidad. Para controlar IH es importante instruir pacientes y cuidadores. El objetivo delpresente estudio fue evaluar las informaciones asimiladas por madres y cuidadores de RN internados en una unidad...