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Bacteremia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer and episodes of high-risk febrile neutropenia (HRFN). OBJECTIVE: To identify the frequency of microorganisms isolated from blood cultures (BC) and their antimicrobial resistance (R) profile in children with HRFN, compared with the same data from previous studies of the same group. METHOD: Prospective, multicenter, epidemiological surveillance study of microorganisms isolated from BC in patients under 18 years of age, from 7 PINDA network hospitals, between 2016 and 2021. RESULTS: 284 episodes of HRFN with positive BC were analyzed out of 1091 enrolled episodes (26%). Median age 7.2 years [3.0-12.3]. The main isolates were gram-negative bacilli (GNB) 49.2%, gram-positive cocci (GPC) 43.8%, and fungi 3.6%. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were viridans group Streptococci (VGS) (25.8%), Escherichia coli (19.8%), Pseudomonas spp. (11.2%), Klebsiella spp. (10.9%), and coagulase negative Staphylococci (CoNS) (10.9%). There was an increase in R to third-generation cephalosporins (p = 0.011) in GNB and to oxacillin in CoNS (p = 0.00), as well as a decrease in R to amikacin in non-fermenting GNB (p = 0.02) and to penicillin in VGS (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: VGS is the main agent isolated in BC from pediatric patients with cancer and episodes of HRFN, followed by E. coli, Pseudomonas spp., and Klebsiella spp. Having epidemiological surveillance of microorganisms isolated from BC and their antimicrobial R profile is essential to favor the rational use of antimicrobials.
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Antibacterianos , Bacteriemia , Cultivo de Sangre , Neutropenia Febril , Neoplasias , Humanos , Niño , Neoplasias/microbiología , Estudios Prospectivos , Preescolar , Neutropenia Febril/microbiología , Neutropenia Febril/tratamiento farmacológico , Chile/epidemiología , Bacteriemia/microbiología , Bacteriemia/epidemiología , Bacteriemia/diagnóstico , Femenino , Masculino , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Adolescente , Bacterias Gramnegativas/aislamiento & purificación , Bacterias Gramnegativas/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To validate the efficacy and safety of withholding antimicrobial therapy in a new cohort of children with cancer and febrile neutropenia (FN) having a demonstrated viral respiratory tract infection. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, noninferiority, randomized study, approved by the ethical committee, in children presenting with FN at seven hospitals in Chile, evaluated at admission for diagnosis of bacterial and viral pathogens. Children who were positive for a respiratory virus, negative for a bacterial pathogen, and had a favourable evolution after 48-72 hours of antimicrobial therapy were randomized to either maintain or withhold antimicrobial therapy. The primary endpoint was the percentage of episodes with an uneventful resolution, whereas the secondary endpoints were days of fever, days of hospitalization, requirement of antimicrobial treatment readministration, sepsis, paediatric intensive care unit admission, and death. RESULTS: A total of 301 of 939 children with FN episodes recruited between March 2021 and December 2023 had a respiratory virus as a unique identified microorganism, of which 139 had a favourable evolution at 48-72 hours and were randomized, 70 to maintain and 69 to withdraw antimicrobial therapy. The median days of antimicrobial therapy was 5 (IQR 3-6) versus 3 (IQR 3-6) days (p < 0.001), with similar frequency of uneventful resolution 66/70 (94%) and 66/69 (96%); relative risk, 1.01; (95% CI, 0.93 to 1.09), absolute risk difference 0.01; (95% CI, -0.05 to 0.08) and similar number of days of fever and days of hospitalization. No cases of sepsis, paediatric intensive care unit admission, or death were reported. DISCUSSION: We validated the strategy of withdrawal antimicrobial therapy in children with FN and viral respiratory tract infection based on clinical and microbiological/molecular diagnostic criteria. This will enable advances in antimicrobial stewardship strategies with a possible future impact on antimicrobial resistance.
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Neoplasias , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio , Virosis , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones del Sistema Respiratorio/virología , Niño , Preescolar , Estudios Prospectivos , Virosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias/complicaciones , Chile , Neutropenia Febril/tratamiento farmacológico , Lactante , Privación de Tratamiento , Fiebre/tratamiento farmacológico , Resultado del Tratamiento , Antiinfecciosos/uso terapéutico , Antiinfecciosos/administración & dosificación , Antiinfecciosos/efectos adversos , Antibacterianos/uso terapéutico , Antibacterianos/administración & dosificación , Antibacterianos/efectos adversos , Hospitalización , AdolescenteRESUMEN
INTRODUCCIÓN: La infección fúngica invasora (IFI) es una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad en pacientes oncológicos pediátricos y portadores de aplasia medular (AM) severa. OBJETIVO: Describir la epidemiología de la IFI desde el año 2016 al 2020 en niños con cáncer y AM para evaluar la necesidad de profilaxis antifúngica. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, multicéntrico, en pacientes pediátricos con cáncer y AM severa. Se incluyeron IFI probables y probadas. RESULTADOS: Se diagnosticaron 57 casos de IFI, mediana de edad 9 años, 70% probadas y 30% probables. Hubo 42% de infecciones por levaduras y 56% por hongos filamentosos. Los sitios de infección más frecuentes fueron pulmón 38%, sangre 36% y rinosinusal 21%. La frecuencia global fue 5,4%; de ellas 21% en AM severa, 10% en leucemia mieloide aguda (LMA), 6,9% en recaída de LMA, 5,4% en recaída de leucemia linfática aguda (LLA), 3,8% en LLA. Las infecciones por hongos filamentosos predominaron en LMA, recaída de LMA. y AM severa. La mortalidad en pacientes con IFI fue de 11%. CONCLUSIÓN: La frecuencia de IFI concuerda con la literatura médica. Recomendamos profilaxis antifúngica contra hongos filamentosos en pacientes con AM severa, LMA y recaída de LMA. Considerar en recaída de LLA de alto riesgo en etapa de inducción.
BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric oncology patients and severe aplastic anemia (SAA). AIM: To describe the epidemiology of IFI from 2016 to 2020 in children with cancer and SAA to assess the indication of antifungal prophylaxis. METHODS: Multicenter, retrospective study of IFIs in pediatric oncology patients and SAA. Probable and proven IFIs were included. RESULTS: Over the 5-year period, 57 IFIs were found, median age 9 years, 70% were proven and 30% were probable. Yeast infections were 42% and mold infections 56%. The most frequent infection sites were lung 38%, blood 36% and rhinosinusal 21%. The total IFI frequency was 5.4%, 21% in SAA, 10% in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 6.9% in relapsed AML, 5.4% in relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 3.8% in ALL. Mold infections were predominant in AML, relapsed AML, and SAA. IFIs mortality was 11%. CONCLUSION: Frequency of IFI was consistent with the literature. We strongly recommend antifungal prophylaxis against mold infections in patients with SAA, AML, and relapsed AML. Would consider in high risk ALL relapse in induction chemotherapy.
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Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Preescolar , Niño , Adolescente , Infecciones Fúngicas Invasoras/epidemiología , Neoplasias/complicaciones , Chile/epidemiología , Estudios Retrospectivos , Estudio Multicéntrico , Quimioprevención/métodos , Neutropenia Febril/epidemiología , Infecciones Fúngicas Invasoras/prevención & control , Hongos/aislamiento & purificación , Hospitales Públicos/estadística & datos numéricos , Anemia Aplásica/epidemiología , Antifúngicos/administración & dosificaciónRESUMEN
INTRODUCCIÓN: La varicela es una infección relevante en la salud pública de Chile, pudiendo causar en algunas ocasiones complicaciones graves e incluso la muerte, lo que se asocia a un significativo gasto en salud. En Chile sólo se realiza vigilancia centinela a nivel ambulatorio, sin conocerse el impacto de la varicela en casos más graves que determinan hospitalización. OBJETIVOS: Realizar una descripción clínica y de los costos asociados a la atención de niños hospitalizados con diagnóstico de varicela, en años previos a la introducción de la vacuna en el Programa Nacional de Inmunización en Chile. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio multicéntrico, observacional y retrospectivo, en todos los casos de niños hospitalizados (0-15 años) con diagnóstico de varicela, entre enero de 2011 y diciembre de 2015 en cinco hospitales de Chile. Se realizó revisión de fichas para evaluar características clínicas de la enfermedad y los costos asociados a la hospitalización por varicela. RESULTADOS: Un total de 685 hospitalizaciones por varicela fueron incluidas en el estudio. La mediana de edad fue de 3 años (RIC:1-5), siendo la mayoría de los niños con edades comprendidas entre los 1 y 4 años (52% del total de casos). El 56% fueron hombres y sólo 7 niño s (1%) tuvieron antecedente de vacuna varicela. La mediana de días de hospitalización fue de 3 días en cada episodio (RIC: 2-5). El 13% de los casos requirió hospitalización en unidades de mayor complejidad, 7% de los niños ingresó a Unidad de Tratamiento Intensivo y 6% ingresó a Intermedio, ambos con una mediana de 3 días de hospitalización. Las principales complicaciones fueron: infección de piel y tejidos blandos (42%), alteraciones neurológicas (8%) y shock séptico/tóxico (4%). La letalidad fue de 0,4%. El costo de un caso de varicela considerando los costos directos fue de US$417, el costo indirecto fue de US$224 y los costos proporcionales de una muerte de US$3.575. Se estima que el costo total de un caso de varicela hospitalizado en Chile, considerando todos los factores anteriores, fue de US$4.216. CONCLUSIONES: La varicela es una enfermedad inmunoprevenible frecuente. Se observaron casos con una mediana de 3 días de hospitalización por complicaciones, con 13% de los casos requiriendo hospitalización en unidades de mayor complejidad, con un alto costo asociado, que se estima podría disminuir significativamente con la reciente incorporación de la vacuna al Programa Nacional de Inmunizaciones.
BACKGROUND: Varicella is a relevant infection in Chile and may cause serious complications and death, which could be associated with significant health care resource utilization and associated costs. In Chile, sentinel surveillance is carried out only on an outpatient basis, without knowing the impact of varicella in serious cases who need to be hospitalized. AIM: To describe the clinical characteristics and the costs associated with hospitalized children with diagnosis of varicella prior to the vaccine introduction in the National Immunization Program in Chile. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter, observational, and retrospective study in hospitalized children (0-15 years) with a diagnosis of varicella, were conducted in five hospitals in Chile between January 2011 and December 2015. A review of the clinical records was performed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of the disease and costs associated with hospitalization episodes for varicella. RESULTS: A total of 685 hospitalized children for varicella were included in this study. The median age was 3 years (IQR: 1-5), most children were between 1 and 4 years of age (52% of total cases). 56% were male, and only 7 patients (1%) had a history of previous varicella vaccination. The median lenght of days of hospitalization was 3 days (IQR: 2-5). 13% of the cases required hospitalization in a more complex care unit, 6% in the intermediate unit and 7% in the pediatric intensive treatment unit, both with a median stay of 3 days. The main complications were: skin and soft tissue infections (42%), neurologic (8%) and septic or toxic shock (4%). There were 3 cases of death (0.4%). The direct cost of a varicella case was US $ 417, the indirect cost was US $ 224 and the proportional cost of a case of death was US $ 3,575. It is estimated that the total cost of a hospitalized varicella case in Chile was US $ 4,216. CONCLUSIONS: Varicella is associated with a significant burden of disease in Chile. The median hospital stay was three days with 13% of cases requiring medical care in a complex unit, with high associated costs which could be significantly reduced with the recently incorporation of the varicella vaccine into the National Immunization Program.
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Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Lactante , Preescolar , Niño , Varicela/economía , Hospitalización/economía , Varicela/complicaciones , Varicela/prevención & control , Varicela/terapia , Chile , Estudios Retrospectivos , Costos de la Atención en Salud , Costo de Enfermedad , Vacuna contra la VaricelaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Varicella is a relevant infection in Chile and may cause serious complications and death, which could be associated with significant health care resource utilization and associated costs. In Chile, sentinel surveillance is carried out only on an outpatient basis, without knowing the impact of varicella in serious cases who need to be hospitalized. AIM: To describe the clinical characteristics and the costs associated with hospitalized children with diagnosis of varicella prior to the vaccine introduction in the National Immunization Program in Chile. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter, observational, and retrospective study in hospitalized children (0-15 years) with a diagnosis of varicella, were conducted in five hospitals in Chile between January 2011 and December 2015. A review of the clinical records was performed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of the disease and costs associated with hospitalization episodes for varicella. RESULTS: A total of 685 hospitalized children for varicella were included in this study. The median age was 3 years (IQR: 1-5), most children were between 1 and 4 years of age (52% of total cases). 56% were male, and only 7 patients (1%) had a history of previous varicella vaccination. The median lenght of days of hospitalization was 3 days (IQR: 2-5). 13% of the cases required hospitalization in a more complex care unit, 6% in the intermediate unit and 7% in the pediatric intensive treatment unit, both with a median stay of 3 days. The main complications were: skin and soft tissue infections (42%), neurologic (8%) and septic or toxic shock (4%). There were 3 cases of death (0.4%). The direct cost of a varicella case was US $ 417, the indirect cost was US $ 224 and the proportional cost of a case of death was US $ 3,575. It is estimated that the total cost of a hospitalized varicella case in Chile was US $ 4,216. CONCLUSIONS: Varicella is associated with a significant burden of disease in Chile. The median hospital stay was three days with 13% of cases requiring medical care in a complex unit, with high associated costs which could be significantly reduced with the recently incorporation of the varicella vaccine into the National Immunization Program.
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Varicela , Varicela/complicaciones , Varicela/epidemiología , Varicela/prevención & control , Vacuna contra la Varicela , Niño , Preescolar , Chile/epidemiología , Femenino , Hospitalización , Humanos , Lactante , Masculino , Estudios Multicéntricos como Asunto , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
La enfermedad de Kawasaki es una vasculitis sistémica de etiología aún desconocida.Afecta principalmente a niñosmenores de 5 años y se considera una enfermedad rara, sin tener una prueba diagnóstica específica, siendo diagnosticada con el cumplimiento de una serie de criterios establecidos por la SociedadAmericana de Cardiología. Por otra parte, existe también la presentación atípica de esta enfermedad dificultando aún más su diagnóstico. A continuación, se presenta el caso de una paciente de 8 años que debutó de forma abrupta con fiebre intermitente asociado a impotencia funcional cervical sin otros hallazgos al examen físico, destacando en imágenes compromiso flegmonoso cervical, evolucionando tórpidamente con fiebre prolongada e intermitente y disminución de la lesión flegmonosa asociada a una serie de signos y síntomas, que finalmente pudieron ser agrupados diagnosticándose una enfermedad de Kawasaki. Lo anterior confirma la gran variabilidad en la manifestación de esta enfermedad y refuerza la idea de la dificultad diagnóstica que enfrenta elmédico ante estos casos, a la vez que invita a tenerpresentela sospechadiagnósticaen pacientescon aparentescuadrosinfecciososde evoluciónatípica.
Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology. It affectsmainly the under-fives, is considered rare and has no specific diagnostic test but rather is diagnosed through fulfilling diagnostic criteria set down by the American Cardiology Society. Atypical presentations of the disease further complicate its diagnosis. Wepresent the case of an eight year old presenting with sudden intermittent fever and functional impairment of the neck with no other physical signs. Images showed a cervical phlegmon. The patient responded poorly with prolonged intermittent fever. As the phlegmon slowly reduced in size a number of signs and symptoms appeared which finally fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for Kawasaki´s disease. This confirms the great variability in the manifestation of this disease, reinforcing the diagnostic difficulty facing the clinician in these cases and at the same time underlines the importance of keeping the disease in mind when faced by apparent infectionswith poor response to treatment.
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INTRODUCTION: Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) by filamentous fungi are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, especially those with myeloid leukemia. In 2011 a protocol for the rapid diagnosis of IFD by filamentous fungi was implemented in Valparaiso Region. OBJECTIVES: To describe cases of IFD by filamentous fungi of the Valparaíso Region, since the implementation of rapid diagnosis and to compare results with the period 2004-2009. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Descriptive and prospective study conducted in two public hospitals: Carlos van Buren at Valparaiso and Gustavo Fricke at Viña del Mar. We selected patients with a diagnosis of filamentous fungal diseases considering the EORTC/MSG criteria. Demographics, underlying diseases, risk factors for EFI, galactomannan (GM) results in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage, cultures and biopsies, treatment and overall lethality rates at 30 days were registered. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were detected, 6 with proven and 12 probable IFD. Nine were diagnosed by GM, 8 by culture and two with both methods. In cases which the agent (9/18) was isolated from Rhizopus oryzae was the most frequent. When comparing overall lethality with the period 2004-2009, there was a reduction of 47.8%, which was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to data previously published in the region, demographic and comorbidities of patients with IFD caused by filamentous fungi are similar, however the currently rapid diagnosis protocol has improved survival of patients and lethality experienced overall decrease.
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Hongos/clasificación , Micosis/diagnóstico , Chile , Femenino , Humanos , Huésped Inmunocomprometido , Masculino , Micosis/microbiología , Micosis/mortalidad , Estudios Prospectivos , Juego de Reactivos para DiagnósticoRESUMEN
Introduction: Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) by filamentous fungi are a common cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, especially those with myeloid leukemia. In 2011 a protocol for the rapid diagnosis of IFD by filamentous fungi was implemented in Valparaiso Region. Objectives: To describe cases of IFD by filamentous fungi of the Valparaíso Region, since the implementation of rapid diagnosis and to compare results with the period 2004-2009. Materials and Method: Descriptive and prospective study conducted in two public hospitals: Carlos van Buren at Valparaiso and Gustavo Fricke at Viña del Mar. We selected patients with a diagnosis of filamentous fungal diseases considering the EORTC/MSG criteria. Demographics, underlying diseases, risk factors for EFI, galactomannan (GM) results in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage, cultures and biopsies, treatment and overall lethality rates at 30 days were registered. Results: Eighteen patients were detected, 6 with proven and 12 probable IFD. Nine were diagnosed by GM, 8 by culture and two with both methods. In cases which the agent (9/18) was isolated from Rhizopus oryzae was the most frequent. When comparing overall lethality with the period 2004-2009, there was a reduction of 47.8%, which was statistically significant. Conclusions: Compared to data previously published in the region, demographic and comorbidities of patients with IFD caused by filamentous fungi are similar, however the currently rapid diagnosis protocol has improved survival of patients and lethality experienced overall decrease.
Introducción: la enfermedad fúngica invasora (EFI) por hongos filamentosos es una causa frecuente de morbilidad y mortalidad en pacientes inmunocomprometidos, en especial en aquellos con leucemia mieloide. En el 2011 se implementó en la Región de Valparaíso un protocolo de diagnóstico rápido de la EFI por hongos filamentosos. Objetivos: describir los casos de EFI por hongos filamentosos de la Región de Valparaíso, desde la implementación del diagnóstico rápido y compararlos con el período 2004-2009. Materiales y Método: Estudio descriptivo y prospectivo realizado en los hospitales públicos Carlos van Buren de Valparaíso y Gustavo Fricke de Viña del Mar. Se seleccionaron aquellos pacientes con diagnóstico de EFI por hongos filamentosos considerando los criterios EORTC/MSG. Se obtuvieron datos demográficos, enfermedad de base, factores de riesgo para EFI, resultados de galactomanano (GM), cultivos y biopsias, tratamiento y letalidad global a 30 días. Resultados: Se identificaron 18 pacientes, seis con EFI probadas y 12 probables. Nueve fueron diagnosticados con galactomanano, ocho con cultivos y uno con los dos métodos. En los casos en que se aisló el agente (9/18), Rhizopus oryzae fue el más frecuente. Al comparar la letalidad global con la del período 2004-2009, hubo una reducción de 47,8%, la cual fue estadísticamente significativa. Conclusiones: En relación a lo publicado anteriormente en la región, se conservan las características demográficas y de co-morbilidad de los pacientes con EFI por hongos filamentosos; sin embargo, la introducción del nuevo protocolo de diagnóstico rápido se asoció a una disminución en la letalidad global.
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Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Hongos/clasificación , Micosis/diagnóstico , Chile , Huésped Inmunocomprometido , Micosis/microbiología , Micosis/mortalidad , Estudios Prospectivos , Juego de Reactivos para DiagnósticoRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Leukemia is the most common cancer in Chilean children. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is more prevalent and longer survival compared to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AIMS: To describe episodes of febrile neutropenia (FN) in children with AML, determining frequency of infections as agent, focus and evolution, comparing children with ALL episodes. METHOD: A prospective multicenter study. Children presenting with FN at six hospitals in Santiago, Chile, were invited to participate in two consecutive FONDECYT projects, from April 2004 to June 2011. All patients were uniformly evaluated, recording epidemiological, clinical and laboratory variables. Information regarding FN episodes of children with LMA and LLA was used to this study. RESULTS: We evaluated 506 episodes of FN in children with leukemia: 173 children with AML and 333 in children with ALL. NF episodes in children with ALML showed significantly greater depth and duration of neutropenia, febrile remained a > period of time and had a worse clinical outcome, as evidenced by > hemodynamic instability, > sepsis, CRP > 90 mg/L for a longer time, more days of hospitalization, > frequency of hospitalization in ICU, > bacteremia, mainly by Streptococcus viridans group, > change of antimicrobial treatment, > use of antifungal therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that FN episodes in children with ALML further evolve unfavorably, compared with episodes of FN in children with ALL. FN episodes in children with ALML require a more aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic approach, related to its severity.
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Neutropenia Febril/etiología , Leucemia Mieloide Aguda/complicaciones , Leucemia-Linfoma Linfoblástico de Células Precursoras/complicaciones , Niño , Neutropenia Febril/tratamiento farmacológico , Humanos , Estudios Prospectivos , Índice de Severidad de la EnfermedadRESUMEN
Introduction: Leukemia is the most common cancer in Chilean children. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is more prevalent and longer survival compared to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Aims: To describe episodes of febrile neutropenia (FN) in children with AML, determining frequency of infections as agent, focus and evolution, comparing children with ALL episodes. Method: A prospective multicenter study. Children presenting with FN at six hospitals in Santiago, Chile, were invited to participate in two consecutive FONDECYT projects, from April 2004 to June 2011. All patients were uniformly evaluated, recording epidemiological, clinical and laboratory variables. Information regarding FN episodes of children with LMA and LLA was used to this study. Results: We evaluated 506 episodes of FN in children with leukemia: 173 children with AML and 333 in children with ALL. NF episodes in children with ALML showed significantly greater depth and duration of neutropenia, febrile remained a > period of time and had a worse clinical outcome, as evidenced by > hemodynamic instability, > sepsis, CRP > 90 mg/L for a longer time, more days of hospitalization, > frequency of hospitalization in ICU, > bacteremia, mainly by Streptococcus viridans group, > change of antimicrobial treatment, > use of antifungal therapy. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that FN episodes in children with ALML further evolve unfavorably, compared with episodes of FN in children with ALL. FN episodes in children with ALML require a more aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic approach, related to its severity.
Introducción: En Chile, la leucemia es el cáncer más frecuente en niños, siendo las dos principales leucemia linfoblástica aguda (LLA) y leucemia mieloide aguda (LMA). Objetivo: Describir los episodios de neutropenia febril (NF) observados en niños con LMA, determinando la frecuencia de infecciones según agente, foco y evolución, comparándolos con episodios de niños con LLA. Método: Estudio prospectivo, multicéntrico. Pacientes < de 18 años con NF que consultaron en uno de los seis hospitales del grupo PINDA de Santiago, Chile (abril de 2004-junio de 2011), enrolados en dos sucesivos proyectos FONDECYT. Se recogió de manera sistemática la información epidemiológica, clínica y de laboratorio relativa a cada episodio de NF; posteriormente se extrajo de la base de datos la información correspondiente a los pacientes con LMA y LLA. Resultados: Se evaluaron 506 episodios de NF en niños con leucemia: 173 en niños con LMA y 333 en niños con LLA. Los episodios de NF en niños con LMA presentaron significativamente mayor duración e intensidad de la neutropenia, se mantuvieron febriles por un mayor período de tiempo y presentaron una peor evolución clínica, evidenciada por mayor inestabilidad hemodinámica, mayor frecuencia de sepsis, PCR > 90 mg/L por un período más prolongado, más días de hospitalización, mayor frecuencia de hospitalización en UCI, mayor presencia de bacteriemia, principalmente por Streptococcus grupo viridans, mayor número de cambio de esquemas antimicrobianos y mayor uso de antifúngicos, particularmente de tipo empírico. Conclusiones: Este estudio demuestra que los episodios de NF en niños con LMA evolucionan en mayor medida en forma desfavorable, comparado con episodios de NF en niños con LLA. Los episodios de NF en niños con LMA requieren un enfoque diagnóstico y terapéutico más agresivo, relacionado a su gravedad.