Predictive value of lactate dehydrogenase for Mycoplasma pneumoniae necrotizing pneumonia in children based on decision curve analysis and dose-response analysis.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae necrotizing pneumonia (MPNP) has a long and severe disease course, which seriously threatens to jeopardize patients' lives and health. Early prediction is essential for good recovery and prognosis. In the present study, we retrospect 128 children with MPNP and 118 children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia combined with pulmonary consolidation to explore the predictive value of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in children with MPNP by propensity score matching method, multiple logistic regression analysis, dose-response analysis and decision curve analysis. The WBC count, PLT count and percentage of neutrophils were significantly higher in necrosis group than consolidation group. The serum CRP, PCT, ESR, D-D, FIB, ALT, LDH, IgG and IgM were significantly higher in necrosis group. Compared to consolidation group, necrosis group is more severe in chest pain and dyspnea. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that duration of LDH levels, high fever, D-dimer, and fibrinogen were independent predictive factors for the incidence of MPNP. Restricted cubic spline analysis showed that a non-linear dose-response relationship between the continuous changes of LDH level and the incidence of MPNP. Decision curve analysis revealed that LDH had an important clinical value in predicting MPNP. This study provides a potential serologic indicator for early diagnosis of MPNP.

[Rare cause of necrotizing pneumonia : A case report]. / Seltene Ursache einer einschmelzenden Pneumonie : Ein Fallbericht.

A 29-year-old Indian patient was admitted to the authors' pulmonary clinic with cough and fever. Community-acquired pneumonia was initially suspected. Various antibiotic therapies were administered, which did not lead to any clinical improvement. Despite detailed diagnostics, no pathogen was found. Computed tomography showed rapidly progressive pneumonia in the left upper lobe. Since the infection could not be managed conservatively, upper lobe resection was performed. Histologically, an amoebic abscess was found to be the cause of the infection. Since cerebral and hepatic abscesses were also found, hematogenous dissemination may be assumed.

Necrotizing pneumonia due to Aspergillus and Salmonella after immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment: An unusual case and review of the literature / Neumonía necrotizante por Aspergillus y Salmonella tras tratamiento con un inhibidor de puntos de control inmunitario: un caso inusual y revisión de la literatura

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a promising new treatment for different types of cancer. The infectious complications in patients taking ICIs are rare. Case report: A 58-year-old male who received chemotherapy consisting of pembrolizumab (PD-1 inhibitor) for esophagus squamous cell carcinoma one month before was admitted to the emergency room with shortness of breath soon after fiberoptic bronchoscopy, which was done for the inspection of the lower airway. A computed tomography of the chest revealed a progressive consolidation on the right upper lobe. Salmonella group D was isolated from the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid culture. The fungal culture of the same clinical sample yielded Aspergillus niger; furthermore, a high titer (above the cut-off values) of Aspergillus antigen was found both in the BAL fluid and serum of the patient. Despite the effective spectrum and appropriate dose of antimicrobial treatment, the patient died due to disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. Conclusions: Awareness of unusual pathogens in the etiology of pneumonia after ICI treatment may help to avoid underdiagnosis.(AU)

Antecedentes: Los fármacos inhibidores de puntos de control inmunitario (ICI) son una nueva y prometedora opción de tratamiento para diferentes tipos de cáncer. Las complicaciones infecciosas en pacientes que toman ICI son poco frecuentes. Caso clínico: Un varón de 58 años que recibió quimioterapia con pembrolizumab (inhibidor de PD-1) para un carcinoma de células escamosas de esófago hacía un año, ingresó en Urgencias por dificultad respiratoria poco después de realizarse una broncoscopia de fibra óptica para una inspección de las vías aéreas inferiores. La tomografía computarizada de tórax reveló una consolidación progresiva en el lóbulo superior derecho. Se aisló Salmonella grupo D en el cultivo del líquido de lavado broncoalveolar (LBA). En el cultivo de hongos de la misma muestra creció Aspergillus niger; además, se detectó antígeno (por encima de los valores de corte) de Aspergillus tanto en la muestra del LBA como en el suero del paciente. A pesar del espectro eficaz y la dosis adecuada del antifúngico utilizado, el paciente falleció debido a una coagulopatía intravascular diseminada. Conclusiones: El conocimiento de patógenos inusuales en la etiología de la neumonía tras el tratamiento con ICI puede ayudar a evitar el infradiagnóstico.(AU)

A challenging high-risk surgery for necrotizing pneumonia in a right bilobed lung.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing pneumonia is rare in children and is one of the most serious complications of a lung infection caused by antibiotic failure. We present a 12-year-old leukopenic child with a long-lasting lung infection, presenting as having a lung hydatid cyst, but diagnosing with necrotizing pneumonia in the right bilobed lung. Failure to medical treatment and ongoing leukopenia justified surgical intervention with positive results. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was referred to our teaching hospital's pediatric surgery department. He had previously been diagnosed with intestinal tuberculosis (TB) and received anti-TB treatment. On referral to our hospital, the patient was suffering from restlessness, frequent coughing, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. Following the completion of the clinical work-up, a blood test revealed leukopenia (white blood cell count of 2100/microliter), a normal platelet count, and a lesion in the right lung. Computerized tomography scanning (CT-Scan) image reported a lung hydatid cyst. In the pediatrics ward, a broad-spectrum antibiotics regimen with triple-antibiotic therapy (linezolid, vancomycin, and metronidazole) was instituted and continued for a week with no response, but worsening of the condition. In the pediatric surgery ward, our decision for surgical intervention was due to the failure of medical treatment because of a pulmonary lesion. Our team performed right lung upper lobe anterior segment wedge resection due to necrotizing pneumonia and followed the patient 45 days post-operation with a reasonable result. CONCLUSION: Living in remote rural areas with low resources and inaccessibility to proper and specialized diagnostic and treatment centers will all contribute to an improper diagnosis and treatment of lung infection. In total, all of these will increase the morbidity and mortality due to lung necrosis in the pediatric population, regardless of their age. In low-resource facilities, high-risk patients can benefit from surgical intervention to control the ongoing infection process.

Resultados a largo plazo de la neumonía necrotizante / Long-term outcomes of necrotizing pneumonia

Introducción: La neumonía necrotizante (NN) es una complicación grave de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad caracterizada por la destrucción del parénquima pulmonar normal. Ningún estudio ha evaluado las consecuencias de este daño pulmonar en los años posteriores al episodio. El objetivo es investigar el impacto a largo plazo sobre la función pulmonar y los síntomas respiratorios en niños ingresados por NN.Métodos: Seguimiento de niños diagnosticados de NN desde enero-2003 hasta abril-2016. Se seleccionó a los mayores de 4años, capaces de realizar una función pulmonar, y un seguimiento durante más de 2años. Los pacientes recibieron un cuestionario respiratorio y completaron una prueba de función pulmonar.Resultados: Se incluyeron 24 pacientes (12 hombres). La edad mediana en el momento del diagnóstico fue de 26 meses, 15 días de hospitalización y 18 pacientes necesitaron drenaje pleural. Los pacientes fueron seguidos durante un promedio de 8,75años después de la NN. Durante la evaluación, ningún paciente tuvo asma, tos o sintomatología inducida por el ejercicio. Tres niños sufrieron una segunda neumonía, que no requirió hospitalización. Los resultados de la espirometría fueron (media±desviación estándar): Z-score FEV1 −0,47 ±0,65, Z-score FVC −0,56±0,73, Z-score FEV1/FVC 0,19±0,98. No hubo evidencia de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva o patrones restrictivos.Conclusiones: Los resultados a largo plazo de la NN pediátrica son buenos. Sin embargo, los pacientes tienen una función pulmonar ligeramente disminuida varios años después del episodio. Es aconsejable hacer un seguimiento de estos pacientes debido a la posible disminución de la función pulmonar en edad adulta. (AU)

Introduction: Necrotizing pneumonia (NP) is a serious complication of community-acquired pneumonia characterised by the destruction of normal lung parenchyma. No study has evaluated the repercussions of the lung damage in the years following the episode. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term impact on lung function and respiratory symptoms in children hospitalised due to NP.Methods: We analysed outcomes in children given a diagnosis of NP between January 2003 and April 2016. We selected patients aged more than 4 years capable of undergoing a lung function test, that had been followed up for at least 2 years. The patients completed a respiratory questionnaire and underwent a lung function test.Results: We included a total of 24 patients (12 male). The median age at the time of diagnosis was 28 months, the median length of stay was 15 days, and 18 patients required pleural drainage. The mean duration of follow-up after NP was 8.75 years. During the evaluation, none of the patients exhibited asthma, cough, or exercise-induced symptoms. Three children had a second episode of pneumonia that did not require hospital admission. The spirometry results were the following (given as mean ± standard deviation): FEV1 z-score, −0.47±0.65; FVC z-score, −0.56±0.73; and FEV1/FVC z-score, 0.19±0.98. We found no evidence of obstructive pulmonary disease or restrictive patterns.Conclusions: The long-term outcomes of paediatric NP are good. However, patients exhibited mildly impaired lung function several years after the episode. We recommend follow-up of these patients due to potential impairments in lung function in adulthood. (AU)

Neumonía necrotizante: experiencia en el Hospital Roberto del Río período 2014 a 2020 / Necrotizing pneumonia: experience at the Roberto del Río Hospital from 2014 to 2020

La neumonía necrotizante se refiere a la necrosis del parénquima pulmonar producto de una infección. Existe escasa literatura nacional sobre esta complicación. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar a los pacientes que cursaron con neumonía necrotizante en el Hospital Roberto del Río entre los años 2014 y 2020. MÉTODO: Revisión retrospectiva y descriptiva. RESULTADOS: 22 pacientes. Promedio de edad 4 años 7 meses, 68% masculino, esta complicación correspondió a 1,3% de todos los casos de neumonía hospitalizados en ese periodo. Un 95,5% presentó fiebre y un 59% dificultad respiratoria y tos. La duración promedio de la hospitalización fue de 31 días y del tratamiento antibiótico de 30,3 días. El 63% de los pacientes requirió cirugía. En el laboratorio destaca la leucocitosis y proteína C reactiva elevados con 71,4% > a 90 mg/L (promedio: 211 mg/L) y 52,3% leucocitosis > 15.000 (promedio: 18.127). La ecografía torácica fue la imagen más frecuentemente utilizada (95,5%). Agentes identificados Streptococcus pneumoniae (40%) y Staphylococcus aureus (40%). Un 63,6% ingresó a UCI, 35,7% requirió ventilación mecánica invasiva, 35,7% recibió drogas vasoactivas, 9% requirió de soporte ECMO (Oxigenación por Membrana Extracorpórea) y 1 paciente falleció (4,5%). DISCUSIÓN: en nuestro estudio encontramos una baja incidencia de esta patología, un alto índice de gravedad y una evolución favorable en la gran mayoría de los casos.

Necrotizing pneumonia refers to necrosis of lung parenchyma resulting from an infection. There is little national literature on this complication. OBJECTIVE: To characterize patients with necrotizing pneumonia at the Roberto del Río Children´s Hospital between 2014 to 2020. METHOD: Retrospective and descriptive review. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients, average age 4 years 7 months, male (68%). Average incidence 1.3% in 7 years; 95.5% had fever 59% had respiratory distress and cough. Average duration of hospitalization was 31 days and antibiotic treatment 30.3 days. A 63% of the patients had surgery. Leukocytosis and C-reactive protein (CRP) were elevated, 71.4% CRP > 90 mg /L (average: 211 mg /L) and 52.3% leukocytosis > 15.000 (average: 18.127). Chest ultrasound was used in 95.5%. Main agents identified were Streptococcus pneumoniae (40%) and Staphylococcus aureus (40%). A 63.6% of patients were admitted to ICU, 35.7% required invasive mechanical ventilation, 35.7% received vasoactive drugs, 9% required ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), and one patient died (4,5%). DISCUSSION: In our study we found a low incidence of this pathology, a high severity index an a favorable evolution in most cases.

Disseminated coccidioidomycosis in a patient with juvenile idiopathic arthritis receiving infliximab.

BACKGROUND: Coccidioides immitis is a dimorphic fungus endemic to the arid climates of the Southwest United States, Mexico and parts of Central and South America. Human infection occurs through inhalation of spores with less than half of exposures progressing to a symptomatic state that primarily consists of pulmonary manifestations. Disseminated coccidioidomycosis is exceedingly rare, occurring in fewer than 1 % of symptomatic infections. Through hematogenous spread, the fungus can infect most organ systems and may be fatal without systemic antifungal treatment. Individuals with impaired cell-mediated immunity either from primary immunodeficiency disorders or secondary to immunosuppression with medications such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors have increased risk of disseminated coccidioidomycosis and previous cases of coccidioidomycosis have been reported with biologic therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of disseminated coccidioidomycosis in a 16-year-old female with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) being treated with prednisone, methotrexate, and infliximab. The patient presented with symptoms of meningeal irritation, bilateral choroidal lesions, and necrotizing peripheral pneumonia. Her infection was thought to be a reactivation of coccidioidomycosis given her history of resolved pneumonia that occurred after traveling to Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso one year prior to presentation. Following diagnosis, she improved with discontinuation of her immunosuppressive medications and two weeks of intravenous amphotericin B and fluconazole with plans for lifetime treatment with fluconazole while immunosuppressed. Due to worsening arthritis, she will begin tofacitinib and continue close monitoring of chest x-rays and coccidioides antibody. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy for rheumatological conditions are at increased risk of disseminated coccidioidomycosis and should be evaluated with high suspicion when presenting with atypical symptoms and history of travel to endemic regions.

Rhodococcus equi infection as inaugural manifestation of idiopathic CD4+ lymphopenia: A rare entity and a therapeutic challenge.

We report a case of disseminated infection by Rhodococcus equi as the inaugural manifestation of idiopathic T-CD4+ lymphopenia. We aim to demonstrate our diagnostic and therapeutic approach and focus on the major dilemmas arising from the lack of scientific evidence regarding best clinical practice of this infection in humans.

Early prediction of necrotizing pneumonia from mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia with large pulmonary lesions in children.

To compare the different features of necrotizing pneumonia (NP) and non-NP (NNP) caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) with large pulmonary lesions, and explore the predictor for NP to differentiate from MPP. A retrospective study of MPP patients with large pulmonary lesions hospitalized from January 2008 to December 2019 was enrolled, and clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, radiological findings were analyzed. Of 135 MPP patients with large pulmonary lesions, 56 were in the NP group, 79 were in the NNP group. We found the median length of fever days were much longer in NP group than those in NNP group. Higher levels of WBC, CRP, LDH, IL-6 in NP group were observed. Furthermore, the incidence of pulmonary consolidation was much higher in NP patients than that in NNP patients, while the CT value of large pulmonary lesion was much lower in NP patients. In ROC curve analysis, the cut-off values for the CT value and IFN-γ were 36.43 and 7.25 pg/ml, respectively. NP caused by MPP might be easier to suffer from prolonged clinical course, severe laboratory and radiological findings. CT value of large pulmonary lesions and IFN-γ could be used as biomarkers to predict NP from MPP with large pulmonary lesions in children.

Getting the wind knocked out of him - Report of a broncho-cutaneous fistula caused by staphylococcal pneumonia, and review of literature.

A broncho-cutaneous fistula (BCF) refers to the formation of an abnormal fistulous connection between the tracheobronchial tree and the cutaneous surface of skin. A rare occurrence in and of itself, the disease entity may have varied etiologies, and may or may not be associated with a broncho-pleural fistula. We describe a case of a young patient who developed a BCF as a complication of a necrotizing pneumonic process, and his subsequent clinical course. In so doing, we review the clinical features of this peculiar disease entity, analyzing the available medical literature similarities in etiology and variations in management strategies described in the literature thus far.

A 21-Year-Old Immunocompetent Man With Hemoptysis and Rash.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 21-year-old man presented to the ED of The George Washington University Hospital complaining of chills, shortness of breath, hemoptysis, and a generalized rash. Three days before admission, he noticed a productive cough, severe sore throat, and subjective fever. He also experienced extreme fatigue, generalized sweating, and chest pain with coughing. On the day before admission, he experienced a nonpruritic rash on his neck, palms, and dorsal surfaces of his feet and sputum with streaks of blood. The patient had no significant medical or family history. He had no sick contacts, and his only recent travel was to an outdoor concert in a woody area of the northeastern United States about a month earlier. He did not report recent contact with birds or visits to caves. He is single, lives alone in an apartment, and consumes about 4 alcoholic beverages a week. Occasionally, he smokes cannabis and e-cigarettes. He is sexually active with men, and his last unprotected sexual encounter was a month earlier. He denied photophobia, rhinorrhea, ear pain, nasal congestion, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dysuria.

Rapidly progressive necrotizing pneumonia: remember the Streptococcus anginosus group!

Acute necrotizing pneumonia in an immunocompetent host is uncommon and usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection. Streptococcus anginosus group (SAG) is a less recognized cause of rapidly destructive lung infection resulting in significant patient morbidity and mortality. Unlike many other bacterial infections, SAG can cross fascial planes and cause fulminant infections. Necrotizing pneumonia and lung abscesses due to SAG often fails conservative therapy with antimicrobials and requires definitive surgical intervention. Consideration of SAG as a potential etiology might help to institute definitive therapy earlier and prevent complications.

Severe Necrotizing Pneumonia in Children: A Challenge to Intensive Care Specialist.

OBJECTIVE: Necrotizing pneumonia (NP) is recently recognized as a complication of pneumonia. The data on NP are scant from developing world and we aimed to describe the characteristic features of NP in our children. STUDY DESIGN: Single center retrospective cohort analysis. PATIENT SELECTION: Institutional database of children treated for pneumonia between September 2014 and May 2018 was searched to identify children with NP. METHODS: The demographic characteristics, laboratory results, and clinical information were recorded for patients selected as NP and analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 10 patients (3.7%) of NP were identified out of 272 patients with pneumonia. Median age was 3 years (range: 3 months to 12years). All cases had severe respiratory distress and 70% required mechanical ventilation and inotropic support. The causative pathogens were identified in 6/10 children (60%) with Staphylococcus aureus being most common (4/10). Pleural effusion and pneumothorax were seen in six cases. Four cases had bilateral pleural effusion and three had bilateral pneumothorax. Intercostal drainage (ICD) was placed in 70% and bilateral ICD was placed in 40% cases. Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) developed in two cases and one had bilateral BPF. Median [inter quartile range] ICD days and hospital stay were 9 (6-14) and 13.5 (7.5-18.5) days, respectively. Mean (±SD) total antibiotic (in hospital plus outpatient) days were 28.8 ± 9.6 days. Four cases had airway hemorrhage and in three cases this was massive and fatal. CONCLUSION: NP is a relatively rare but severe complication of pneumonia distinct from pediatric acute respiratory distress, pleural effusion and empyema. Airway hemorrhage is the most fatal complication.

Retrospective Study in Children With Necrotizing Pneumonia: Nine Years of Intensive Care Experience.

BACKGROUND: Although necrotizing pneumonia (NN) is one of the most feared complications of community-acquired pneumonia, data in pediatric patients are scarce. The objective of this article is to describe children admitted to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) because of NN. METHODS: Retrospective-prospective observational study in children admitted with NN to PICU (from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2018). The data collected included information on disease epidemiology, PICU management, respiratory assistance and disease evolution. RESULTS: Fifty-one children were included, 42 of 51 had received 7-valent or 13-valent pneumococcal vaccine. Median age was 3.2 years (1.9-4.2), 15 of 51 had signs of sepsis at admission. Forty-nine patients presented pleural effusion with drainage in 46. The most common respiratory support modality was high-flow oxygen nasal cannula (17/51). Computed tomography was the gold standard for diagnosis. Etiologic diagnosis was obtained in 34 of 51, and pneumococcus was isolated in 29 of 34. In all of these cases, initial detection was made by capsular antigen in pleural fluid. Children with pneumococcal NN had fewer days of evolution prior to PICU admission (P = 0.041). Cefotaxime with clindamycin was used in 49 of 51. Surgery was necessary in 3 of 51 patients. After PICU discharge, only 5 of 51 were readmitted. There were deaths. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the NN was mainly observed in children around 3 years old. The main causal agent was pneumococcus. The evolution towards NN appeared to be faster than in case of other etiologies. Surgery management was unusual. All children required prolonged admissions but had a full clinical recovery.