Short- versus long-course therapy in gram-negative bacilli bloodstream infections.

Bacteremia due to gram-negative bacilli (GNB) is one of the most frequent causes of admission and prolongation of hospital stay. Nevertheless, optimal duration of antibiotic treatment is not clearly established. We designed an observational, prospective study of a cohort of adult patients with uncomplicated GNB bacteremia. They were classified according to the duration of treatment in short (7-10 days) or long (> 10 days) course. Mortality and bacteremia recurrence rate were evaluated, and propensity score for receiving short-course treatment was calculated. A total of 395 patients met eligibility criteria including 232 and 163 who received long- and short-course therapy, respectively. Median age was 71 years, 215 (54.4% male) and 51% had a urinary source. Thirty-day mortality was 12%. In multivariate analysis by logistic regression stratified according to propensity score quartile for receiving short-course therapy showed no association of duration of treatment with 30-day mortality or 90-day recurrence rate. Based on the results observed in our cohort, short-course therapy could be as safe and effective as longer courses.

A Confounder in the Study of a Patient With Infective Endocarditis.

Positron emission tomography (18FDG PET-CT) is a widely used method to help in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE). Lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum (LHIS) is an uncommon fat deposition in the region of the interatrial septum. PET-CT images of LHIS may be indistinguishable from changes associated with IE.

Clinical characteristics, aetiology and mortality/recurrence risk factors of acute cholangitis in patients with and without biliary stent.

OBJECTIVES: Acute cholangitis is one of the most frequent complications in patients carrying biliary stents. The aim of our study is to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the microbiological profile and evolution of patients with acute bacteremic cholangitis, comparing them based upon they were or not biliary stent carriers. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients over 18 years-old with a stent placement in our center between 2008 and 2017 were included. We compared them with our prospective cohort of patients with a diagnosis of acute bacteremic cholangitis. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcome was clinical cure at day 7, 14-day mortality and 90-day recurrence. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-three patients were analyzed, including 156 in the stent-related (SR) and 117 in the stent not-related (SNR) group, respectively. Stent-related colangitis patients were younger, with more comorbidities and with a greater severity of infection. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia were the most frequent isolation. Enterococcus spp. was the third most frequent isolation in SR group but were uncommon in SNR patients; where E. coli was the most prevalent microorganism. Septic shock (HR 3.44, 95% [CI 1.18-8.77]), inadequate empirical treatment (HR 2.65, 95% CI [1.38-.7.98]) and advanced neoplasia (HR 2.41, 95% CI [1.55-6.44]) were independent 30-day mortality risk factors. The 90-day recurrence rate significantly higher in those patients with stent-related cholangitis (29% vs. 13%, p=0.016) and stent replacement was associated with lower recurrence rate (HR 0.38, 95% CI [0.11-0.77]). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and microbiological profile, as well as outcome of patients with SR and SNR cholangitis were different. In SR group, recurrence rate was high and stent replacement was associated with a lower risk.

The benefits and safety of oral sequential antibiotic therapy in non-complicated and complicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia.

BACKGROUND: Treatment optimization for serious infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB), is a challenge for antimicrobial stewardship teams. Currently, SAB guidelines recommend a completely intravenous therapy (CIT). OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to analyze the usefulness and safety of oral sequential therapy (OST) in SAB. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, observational study in a tertiary teaching hospital in Spain. The inclusion criteria were complicated and non-complicated monomicrobial SAB and an adequate duration of therapy, with patients classified into OST or CIT. The primary endpoint was the 90-day recurrence of S. aureus infection. We also analyzed the mortality, the length of the hospital stay, and the duration of the intravenous antibiotic administration. RESULTS: Of a total of 201 patients with SAB, 125 (62%) underwent OST. The most commonly administered oral antibiotic was trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (66% of patients). Of those administered OST, 43% had complicated bacteremia (most with an osteoarticular source of infection), and 6% had an intravascular device. The 90-day recurrence rate was 4%, with no differences between the two groups. The duration of the therapy (22 [16-28] vs. 13 days [8-17] for CIT and OST, respectively; p < 0.001) and the hospital stay (36 [27-71] vs. 18 days [13-29] for CIT and OST, respectively; p < 0.001) were shorter for OST. MRSA was related with mortality (OR 4.4, 95% CI [1.67-11.37]; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: OST for properly selected patients with SAB could be a safe therapeutic option and can reduce their use of CIT and their hospital stay.

[Asymptomatic osteonecrosis of the hip in HIV-infected patients]. / Osteonecrosis asintomática de la cadera en los pacientes infectados por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana.

BACKGROUND: Osteonecrosis (ON) of the hip in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients has been related to corticosteroid use, dyslipidemia, alcoholism, lipodystrophy, antiretroviral drug use, and HIV infection, itself. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of silent ON of the hip in HIV-infected patients and its association with several risk factors. METHODS: From a total of 1200 patients followed up at the HIV clinic of Xeral-Cies Hospital in Vigo (Spain), we selected those diagnosed with HIV infection before January 2006, aged 20-70 years, who came to the clinic during the period of March to May 2008. Patients with a diagnosis of ON of the hip and those with current symptoms were excluded. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of the hips was performed. RESULTS: Ninety-seven Caucasian patients (68 men) with a median age of 44 years were included. ON of the hip was detected in 4 patients (4.1%), with bilateral involvement in 2 patients. All 4 patients were men, with a median age of 44.5 years. Several risk factors for ON of the hip were recorded in each patient. CD4 lymphocyte nadir (P=0.034), percentage of patients with CDC stage C (P=0.039), and number of patients with previous corticosteroid treatment (P=0.042) were significantly different between patients with ON of the hip and those with normal MRI findings. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of asymptomatic ON of the hip in HIV-infected patients was 4.1%. The most important risk factors for developing this condition were corticosteroid treatment, lower CD4 lymphocyte nadir, and AIDS-defining disease. Antiretroviral treatment was not associated with osteonecrosis.

Clinical characteristics, aetiology and mortality/recurrence risk factors of acute cholangitis in patients with and without biliary stent.

OBJECTIVES: Acute cholangitis is one of the most frequent complications in patients carrying biliary stents. The aim of our study is to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the microbiological profile and evolution of patients with acute bacteremic cholangitis, comparing them based upon they were or not biliary stent carriers. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients over 18 years-old with a stent placement in our center between 2008 and 2017 were included. We compared them with our prospective cohort of patients with a diagnosis of acute bacteremic cholangitis. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcome was clinical cure at day 7, 14-day mortality and 90-day recurrence. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-three patients were analyzed, including 156 in the stent-related (SR) and 117 in the stent not-related (SNR) group, respectively. Stent-related colangitis patients were younger, with more comorbidities and with a greater severity of infection. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia were the most frequent isolation. Enterococcus spp. was the third most frequent isolation in SR group but were uncommon in SNR patients; where E. coli was the most prevalent microorganism. Septic shock (HR 3.44, 95% [CI 1.18-8.77]), inadequate empirical treatment (HR 2.65, 95% CI [1.38-.7.98]) and advanced neoplasia (HR 2.41, 95% CI [1.55-6.44]) were independent 30-day mortality risk factors. The 90-day recurrence rate significantly higher in those patients with stent-related cholangitis (29% vs. 13%, p=0.016) and stent replacement was associated with lower recurrence rate (HR 0.38, 95% CI [0.11-0.77]). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and microbiological profile, as well as outcome of patients with SR and SNR cholangitis were different. In SR group, recurrence rate was high and stent replacement was associated with a lower risk.

Clinical characteristics, aetiology and mortality/recurrence risk factors of acute cholangitis in patients with and without biliary stent / Características clínicas, etiología y factores de riesgo de mortalidad/recidiva de la colangitis bacteriana aguda en pacientes con y sin stent biliar

Objectives: Acute cholangitis is one of the most frequent complications in patients carrying biliary stents. The aim of our study is to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the microbiological profile and evolution of patients with acute bacteremic cholangitis, comparing them based upon they were or not biliary stent carriers. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients over 18 years-old with a stent placement in our center between 2008 and 2017 were included. We compared them with our prospective cohort of patients with a diagnosis of acute bacteremic cholangitis. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcome was clinical cure at day 7, 14-day mortality and 90-day recurrence. Results: Two hundred and seventy-three patients were analyzed, including 156 in the stent-related (SR) and 117 in the stent not-related (SNR) group, respectively. Stent-related colangitis patients were younger, with more comorbidities and with a greater severity of infection. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia were the most frequent isolation. Enterococcus spp. was the third most frequent isolation in SR group but were uncommon in SNR patients; where E. coli was the most prevalent microorganism. Septic shock (HR 3.44, 95% [CI 1.18–8.77]), inadequate empirical treatment (HR 2.65, 95% CI [1.38–.7.98]) and advanced neoplasia (HR 2.41, 95% CI [1.55–6.44]) were independent 30-day mortality risk factors. The 90-day recurrence rate significantly higher in those patients with stent-related cholangitis (29% vs. 13%, p=0.016) and stent replacement was associated with lower recurrence rate (HR 0.38, 95% CI [0.11–0.77]). Conclusions: Clinical and microbiological profile, as well as outcome of patients with SR and SNR cholangitis were different. In SR group, recurrence rate was high and stent replacement was associated with a lower risk.(AU)

Objetivos: La colangitis aguda es una de las complicaciones más frecuentes en los pacientes portadores de stents biliares. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es analizar las características demográficas y clínicas, así como el perfil microbiológico y la evolución de los pacientes con colangitis bacteriana aguda, comparándolos en función de si eran o no portadores de stents biliares. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de todos los pacientes consecutivos mayores de 18 años con un stent colocado en nuestro centro entre 2008 y 2017. Los comparamos con nuestra cohorte prospectiva de pacientes con diagnóstico de colangitis bacteriana aguda. El criterio principal de valoración fue la mortalidad a los 30 días. Los criterios secundarios de valoración fueron la curación clínica el día 7, la mortalidad a los 14 días y la recidiva a los 90 días. Resultados: Se analizaron 273 pacientes, incluyendo 156 en el grupo relacionado con el stent (RS) y 117 en el grupo no relacionado con el stent (NRS). Los pacientes con colangitis RS eran más jóvenes, con más enfermedades concomitantes y con una mayor intensidad de la infección. Las cepas aisladas más frecuentes fueron Escherichia coli y Klebsiellapneumoniae. Enterococcus spp. fue la tercera cepa aislada más frecuente en el grupo RS, pero no fue frecuente en los pacientes NRS, en los que E. coli fue el microorganismo más prevalente. El choque septicémico (HR: 3,44; IC del 95%: 1,18-8,77), el tratamiento empírico inadecuado (HR: 2,65; IC del 95%: 1,38-7,98) y la neoplasia avanzada (HR: 2,41; IC del 95%: 1,55-6,44) fueron factores de riesgo de mortalidad a los 30 días independientes. La tasa de recidiva a los 90 días fue significativamente más elevada en aquellos pacientes con colangitis RS (29 frente al 13%; p=0,016) y el reemplazo del stent se asoció a una menor tasa de recidiva (HR: 0,38; IC del 95%: 0,11-0,77).(AU)

Osteonecrosis asintomática de la cadera en los pacientes infectados por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana / Asymptomatic osteonecrosis of the hip in HIV-infected patients

Introducción La osteonecrosis de la cadera (OTNC) en los pacientes infectados por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) se ha relacionado con el uso de corticoides, dislipidemia, alcoholismo, lipodistrofia, el tratamiento antirretroviral (ARV) y con la propia infección por VIH. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de la OTNC asintomática en los pacientes infectados por VIH y su asociación con los distintos factores de riesgo. Métodos De un total de 1.200 pacientes de la consulta de VIH del Hospital Xeral-Cíes de Vigo, se seleccionaron aquéllos con diagnóstico de VIH previo a enero de 2006 y edad entre 20 y 70 años que acudieron a consulta entre los meses de marzo y mayo de 2008. Los pacientes diagnosticados de OTNC o con síntomas se excluyeron. Se efectuó una resonancia magnética (RM) de las caderas. Resultados Se incluyeron 97 pacientes de raza blanca, con una mediana de edad de 44 años, de los cuales 68 eran hombres. Se detectó OTNC en 4 enfermos (4,1%), 2 de éstas eran bilaterales. Los 4 pacientes eran varones, con una mediana de edad de 44,5 años. Se registraron múltiples factores de riesgo de OTNC en cada paciente. El nadir de linfocitos CD4 (p=0,034), la proporción de pacientes con estadio C (p=0,039) y el número de pacientes con tratamiento corticoideo previo (p=0,042) fueron significativamente diferentes entre los pacientes con OTNC y aquéllos con RM normal. Conclusiones La prevalencia de OTNC asintomática fue del 4,1%. Los factores de riesgo más importantes de OTNC fueron el tratamiento con corticoides, un nadir de linfocitos CD4 bajo y el diagnóstico de enfermedad definitoria de sida. El tratamiento con ARV no se asoció con osteonecrosis(AU)

Background Osteonecrosis (ON) of the hip in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients has been related to corticosteroid use, dyslipidemia, alcoholism, lipodystrophy, antiretroviral drug use, and HIV infection, itself. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of silent ON of the hip in HIV-infected patients and its association with several risk factors. Methods From a total of 1200 patients followed up at the HIV clinic of Xeral-Cies Hospital in Vigo (Spain), we selected those diagnosed with HIV infection before January 2006, aged 20–70 years, who came to the clinic during the period of March to May 2008. Patients with a diagnosis of ON of the hip and those with current symptoms were excluded. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of the hips was performed. ResultsNinety-seven Caucasian patients (68 men) with a median age of 44 years were included. ON of the hip was detected in 4 patients (4.1%), with bilateral involvement in 2 patients. All 4 patients were men, with a median age of 44.5 years. Several risk factors for ON of the hip were recorded in each patient. CD4 lymphocyte nadir (P=0.034), percentage of patients with CDC stage C (P=0.039), and number of patients with previous corticosteroid treatment (P=0.042) were significantly different between patients with ON of the hip and those with normal MRI findings. Conclusions The prevalence of asymptomatic ON of the hip in HIV-infected patients was 4.1%. The most important risk factors for developing this condition were corticosteroid treatment, lower CD4 lymphocyte nadir, and AIDS-defining disease. Antiretroviral treatment was not associated with osteonecrosis(AU)