RESUMEN
Sudden respiratory and circulatory collapse during or immediately after delivery, vaginal or surgical, can have many causes that can lead to poor maternal outcomes. A pregnancy-induced amniotic fluid embolism and anaphylaxis are two distinct medical conditions that appear similar clinically but have very different underlying mechanisms and treatment approaches. Amniotic fluid embolism is a rare but life-threatening obstetric emergency that leads to a systemic inflammatory response that can be easily confounded with an anaphylactic reaction. We report the case of a patient with no comorbidities or allergies before the current pregnancy that was proposed for delivery by C-Section under spinal anesthesia. After delivery of the placenta and administering the test dose of antibiotic, the patient developed sudden circulatory collapse, altered neurological status, and critical respiratory distress. At that point, the two presumed diagnoses were amniotic fluid embolism and anaphylaxis. Concurrently with the diagnostic pathway, supportive measures (intubation, mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic support) were taken. The clinical evolution was favorable, and after day three, the patient was discharged from the hospital. Our case highlights the significance of promptly distinguishing between anaphylaxis and amniotic fluid embolism to facilitate the timely management of the critical situation.
RESUMEN
The ESKAPE group (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp.) is a group of bacteria very difficult to treat due to their high ability to acquire resistance to antibiotics and are the main cause of nosocomial infections worldwide, posing a threat to global public health. Nosocomial infections with MDR bacteria are found mainly in Intensive Care Units, due to the multitude of maneuvers and invasive medical devices used, the prolonged antibiotic treatments, the serious general condition of these critical patients, and the prolonged duration of hospitalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a period of one year, from January 2023 to December 2023, this cross-sectional study was conducted on patients diagnosed with sepsis admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Sibiu County Emergency Clinical Hospital. Samples taken were tracheal aspirate, catheter tip, pharyngeal exudate, wound secretion, urine culture, blood culture, and peritoneal fluid. RESULTS: The most common bacteria isolated from patients admitted to our Intensive Care Unit was Klebsiella pneumoniae, followed by Acinetobacter baumanii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Gram-positive cocci (Enterococcus faecium and Staphilococcus aureus) were rarely isolated. Most of the bacteria isolated were MDR bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: The rise of antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance among strains in the nosocomial environment and especially in Intensive Care Units raises serious concerns about limited treatment options.
RESUMEN
The worldwide increase of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria is a global threat. The emergence and global spread of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase- (KPC-) producing Klebsiella pneumoniae represent a particular concern. This pathogen has increased resistance and abilities to persist in human reservoirs, in hospital environments, on medical devices, and to generate biofilms. Mortality related to this microorganism is high among immunosuppressed oncological patients and those with multiple hospitalizations and an extended stay in intensive care. There is a severe threat posed by the ability of biofilms to grow and resist antibiotics. Various nanotechnology-based strategies have been studied and developed to prevent and combat serious health problems caused by biofilm infections. The aim of this review was to evaluate the implications of nanotechnology in eradicating biofilms with KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, one of the bacteria most frequently associated with nosocomial infections in intensive care units, including in our department, and to highlight studies presenting the potential applicability of TiO2 nanocomposite materials in hospital practice. We also described the frequency of the presence of bacterial biofilms on medical surfaces, devices, and equipment. TiO2 nanocomposite coatings are one of the best long-term options for antimicrobial efficacy due to their biocompatibility, stability, corrosion resistance, and low cost; they find their applicability in hospital practice due to their critical antimicrobial role for surfaces and orthopedic and dental implants. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has recently classified titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) as possibly carcinogenic. Currently, there is an interest in the ecological, non-toxic synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles via biological methods. Biogenic, non-toxic nanoparticles have remarkable properties due to their biocompatibility, stability, and size. Few studies have mentioned the use of nanoparticle-coated surfaces as antibiofilm agents. A literature review was performed to identify publications related to KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilms and antimicrobial TiO2 photocatalytic nanocomposite coatings. There are few reviews on the antibacterial and antibiofilm applications of TiO2 photocatalytic nanocomposite coatings. TiO2 nanoparticles demonstrated marked antibiofilm activity, but being nano in size, these nanoparticles can penetrate cell membranes and may initiate cellular toxicity and genotoxicity. Biogenic TiO2 nanoparticles obtained via green, ecological technology have less applicability but are actively investigated.
RESUMEN
Ventilator-associated pneumonia is one of the most severe complications of critically ill patients that need mechanical respiratory support, as it poses a significant risk of prolonging hospitalization, disability, and even death. This is why physicians worldwide target newer methods for prevention, early diagnosis, and early target treatment for this condition. There are few methods for a quick etiological diagnosis of pneumonia, especially point of care, and most are only readily available in some intensive care units. This is why a new, simple, and cheap method is needed for determining the bacteria that might be infectious in a particular patient. The manner in question is sonication. Method: In this prospective, observational, single-center study, endotracheal cannula specimens will be collected from at least 100 patients in our intensive care unit. This specimen will be submitted to a specific sonication protocol for bacteria to dislodge the biofilm inside the cannula. The resulting liquid will be seeded on growth media, and then a comparison will be made between the germs in the biofilm and the ones in the tracheal secretion of the patient. The primary purpose is to determine the bacteria before the appearance of a manifest infection.