Pre-transplant multidrug-resistant infections in liver transplant recipients-epidemiology and impact on transplantation outcome.

BACKGROUND: Cirrhotic patients are highly exposed to healthcare services and antibiotics. Although pre-liver transplantation (LT) infections are directly related to the worsening of liver function, the impact of these infections on LT outcomes is still unclear. This study aimed to identify the effect of multidrug-resistant microorganism (MDRO) infections before LT on survival after LT. METHODS: Retrospective study that included patients who underwent LT between 2010 and 2019. Variables analyzed were related to patients' comorbidities, underlying diseases, time on the waiting list, antibiotic use, LT surgery, and occurrences post-LT. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression, and Cox regression for survival analysis. RESULTS: A total of 865 patients were included; 351 infections were identified in 259 (30%) patients, of whom 75 (29%) had ≥1 pre-LT MDRO infection. The most common infection was spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (34%). The agent was identified in 249(71%), 53(15%) were polymicrobial. The most common microorganism was Klebsiella pneumoniae (18%); the most common MDRO was ESBL-producing Enterobacterales (16%), and carbapenem-resistant (CR) Enterobacterales (10%). Factors associated with MDRO infections before LT were previous use of therapeutic cephalosporin (p = .001) and fluoroquinolone (p = .001), SBP prophylaxis (p = .03), ACLF before LT (p = .03), and days of hospital stay pre-LT (p < .001); HCC diagnosis was protective (p = .01). Factors associated with 90-day mortality after LT were higher MELD on inclusion to the waiting list (p = .02), pre-LT MDRO infection (p = .04), dialysis after LT (p < .001), prolonged duration of LT surgery (p < .001), post-LT CR-Gram-negative bacteria infection (p < .001), and early retransplantation (p = .004). CONCLUSION: MDRO infections before LT have an important impact on survival after LT.

Infecciones bacterianas durante el primer mes post trasplante hepático. Experiencia de 12 años en un único centro. Montevideo-Uruguay / Bacterial infections during the first month after liver transplantation. 12 years experience in a single center. Montevideo-Uruguay

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las infecciones bacterianas en trasplante hepático (TH) son una de las principales causas de morbimortalidad. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar las complicaciones infecciosas bacterianas en el primer mes postrasplante. Pacientes y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo entre los años 2009-2020. RESULTADOS: 225 pacientes recibieron un TH. 80 (35,5%) desarrollaron al menos un episodio de infección bacteriana en el primer mes postrasplante hepático. Hubo 105 episodios de infección bacteriana con una incidencia de 46,6%. El foco más frecuente fue el abdominal (48,6%) y el microorganismo predominante fue Klebsiella spp. De los 104 aislamientos, el 57,6% presentaron un perfil MDR/XDR. Los pacientes que desarrollaron una complicación infecciosa presentaron menor sobrevida al alta hospitalaria en comparación con los que no la presentaron 87,5 versus 94,5% [OR 4,18 (IC 95%: 1,5-11,6)]. En el análisis multivariado la reintervención quirúrgica precoz [OR 4,286 (IC 95%: 1,911-9,61)], mostró un riesgo significativo de desarrollar una complicación infecciosa bacteriana en el primer mes postrasplante. CONCLUSIONES: Tres de cada 10 pacientes presentaron una infección bacteriana en el primer mes postrasplante con una alta incidencia de bacilos gramnegativos MDR/XDR. Los pacientes que desarrollaron una complicación infecciosa presentaron una menor sobrevida al alta. La reintervención quirúrgica precoz se identificó como un factor predisponente de infección temprana.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial infections are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in liver transplant recipients (LT). Aim: To characterize bacterial infectious complications in the first month an after a liver transplant. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a cohort of liver transplant recipients who presented at least one bacterial infectious complication in the first month after transplant between 2009 and 2020. RESULTS: 225 patients were analyzed. 80 (35.5%) had a least one documented bacterial infection during the first month after transplant. 105 bacterial infections were documented, with an incidence of 46.6%. The most frequent origin was intra-abdominal (48.6%) and the predominant isolated microorganism was Klebsiella spp. Among 104 isolated microorganisms 57.6% showed MDR/XDR profile. Patients who developed a bacterial infectious complication had a shorter overall survival (OS) after discharge from hospital (87.5% vs 94.5%) [OR 4.18 (IC 95%: 1.5-11,6)]. When multivariate analysis of predisposing factors was performed early surgical reoperation was the only variable associated with an increased risk of developing a bacterial complication in the first month [OR 4.286 (IC 95%: 1.911-9.61)]. CONCLUSIONS: Three out of 10 patients developed a bacterial infectious complication during the first month after liver transplant with a high incidence of gram-negative bacillus MDR/XDR. Patients who presented infectious complications had a shorter OS after discharge, and early reoperation was identified as a predisposing factor of early infectious complications.

Characteristics of Snakebite-Related Infection in French Guiana.

Wound infection is frequently reported following snakebite (SB). This study is retrospective. It was conducted in the emergency department and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Cayenne General Hospital between 1 January 2016 and 31 July 2021. We included 172 consecutive patients hospitalized for SB envenoming. All patients were monitored for wound infection. Sixty-three patients received antibiotics at admission (36.6%). The main antibiotic used was amoxicillin-clavulanate (92.1%). Wound infection was recorded in 55 cases (32%). It was 19% in grade 1, 35% in grade 2, and 53% in grade 3. It included abscess (69.1%), necrotizing fasciitis (16.4%), and cellulitis (21.8%). The time from SB to wound infection was 6 days (IQR: 3-8). The main isolated microorganisms were A. hydrophila and M. morganii (37.5% and 18.8% of isolated organisms). Surgery was required in 48 patients (28.1%), and a necrosectomy was performed on 16 of them (33.3%). The independent factors associated with snakebite-associated infection were necrosis (p < 0.001, OR 13.15, 95% CI: 4.04-42.84), thrombocytopenia (p = 0.002, OR: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.59-7.16), and rhabdomyolysis (p = 0.046, OR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.02-5.19). In conclusion, wound infection following SB is frequent, mainly in grade 2 and 3 envenomed patients, especially those with necrosis, thrombocytopenia, and rhabdomyolysis. The main involved bacteria are A. hydrophila and M. morganii.

Mortality and overall and specific infection complication rates in patients who receive parenteral nutrition: systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.

BACKGROUND: Parenteral nutrition (PN) is an available option for nutritional therapy and is often required in the hospital setting to overcome malnutrition. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess whether PN is associated with an increased risk of mortality or infectious complications in all groups of hospitalized patients compared with those receiving other nutritional support strategies. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, Scopus, clinicaltrials.gov, and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies with parallel groups that explored the effect of PN on mortality and infectious complications, published until March 2021. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias. Fixed-effects meta-analysis was performed to compare the groups from RCTs. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was used to identify whether the results were sufficient to reach definitive conclusions. RESULTS: Of the 83 included studies that compared patients receiving PN with those receiving other strategies, 67 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. PN was not associated with a higher risk of mortality (RR: 1.01; 95% CI: 0.95, 1.07). On the other hand, PN was associated with a higher risk of infectious events (RR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.36). PN was specifically associated with abdominal infection and catheter infection. The TSA showed that there were sufficient data to make numerical conclusions about mortality, any infectious event, and abdominal infectious complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that although PN is not associated with greater mortality in hospitalized patients, it is associated with infectious complications. Through TSA, definite conclusions about survival and infection rates could be made.This review was registered at www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ as CRD42018075599.

Susceptibility for Some Infectious Diseases in Patients With Diabetes: The Key Role of Glycemia.

Uncontrolled diabetes results in several metabolic alterations including hyperglycemia. Indeed, several preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that this condition may induce susceptibility and the development of more aggressive infectious diseases, especially those caused by some bacteria (including Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, among others) and viruses [such as coronavirus 2 (CoV2), Influenza A virus, Hepatitis B, etc.]. Although the precise mechanisms that link glycemia to the exacerbated infections remain elusive, hyperglycemia is known to induce a wide array of changes in the immune system activity, including alterations in: (i) the microenvironment of immune cells (e.g., pH, blood viscosity and other biochemical parameters); (ii) the supply of energy to infectious bacteria; (iii) the inflammatory response; and (iv) oxidative stress as a result of bacterial proliferative metabolism. Consistent with this evidence, some bacterial infections are typical (and/or have a worse prognosis) in patients with hypercaloric diets and a stressful lifestyle (conditions that promote hyperglycemic episodes). On this basis, the present review is particularly focused on: (i) the role of diabetes in the development of some bacterial and viral infections by analyzing preclinical and clinical findings; (ii) discussing the possible mechanisms by which hyperglycemia may increase the susceptibility for developing infections; and (iii) further understanding the impact of hyperglycemia on the immune system.

Caracterización de las infecciones en niños portadores de cánula de traqueotomía: revisión sistemática de la literatura / Characterization of infections in children with Tracheostomy Tube: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Resumen Introducción: actualmente los profesionales de la salud se enfrentan al manejo de las vías aéreas artificiales en grupos pediátricos, esto requiere de cuidados delicados y mucha atención para detectar, establecer y manejar situaciones apremiantes; por esta razón, existe un mayor riesgo de aparición de infecciones bacterianas traqueopulmonares. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la caracterización de las infecciones en pacientes pediátricos portadores de cánula de traqueotomía en las diferentes publicaciones científicas. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una revisión sistemática mediante la búsqueda de la literatura existente entre los años 2015-2020 en las bases de datos Elsevier, PubMed, Google Académico y SciELO, teniendo en cuenta los criterios de inclusión artículos en idioma inglés, español y población de edad entre los 0-15 años con infección de cánula de traqueotomía en los años 2015-2020. Resultados: de 258 artículos distribuidos en las bases de datos, se seleccionaron 21 artículos que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión. Conclusiones: a pesar de que en la actualidad existan criterios clínicos, factores de riesgo y pruebas de laboratorio asociados a infecciones de la cánula postraqueotomía en pacientes pediátricos, se requiere mayor investigación para definir las guías clínicas de manejo en la toma de decisiones médicas. Asimismo, se consideró como limitación importante la cantidad de literatura existente con respecto al tema.

Abstract Introduction: Currently, health professionals face the management of artificial airways in pediatric groups, this requires delicate care and a lot of attention to detect, establish and manage pressing situations, which is why there is a greater risk of tracheo-pulmonary bacterial infections. The objective was to analyze the characterization of infections in pediatric patients with tracheostomy tubes in the different scientific publications. Method: A systematic review of the literature was carried out between the years 2015-2020 in Elsevier, PubMed, Google Academic and SciELO databases, taking into account the inclusion criteria of the population aged 0-15 years in the years 2015-2020. The amount of existing literature on the subject was considered an important limitation. Results: From 258 articles distributed in the databases, 21 articles were selected that met the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: Although there are currently clinical criteria, risk factors and laboratory tests associated with infections of the post-tracheotomy tube in pediatric patients, further research is required to define clinical guidelines for management in medical decision-making.

Factores de riesgo para infección del tracto urinario por microorganismos productores de betalactamasas de espectro extendido en niños en Huancayo, Perú / Risk factors for urinary tract infection by microorganisms producing extended spectrum beta-lactamase in children of Huancayo, Peru

Introducción: La infección del tracto urinario en los niños es una de las infecciones bacterianas más frecuentes con una alta tasa de recurrencia. Objetivo: Determinar los factores de riesgo para infección del tracto urinario adquirida en la comunidad por microorganismos productores de betalactamasas de espectro extendido en niños en Huancayo, Perú. Métodos: Estudio de tipo analítico con diseño de casos y controles. Se estudiaron 220 niños entre el mes de nacido hasta 13 años de edad, ingresados en el hospital nacional Ramiro Priale Priale con el diagnóstico de infección del tracto urinario durante el año 2019. Se distribuyeron en dos grupos (40 casos y 80 controles). Para cada paciente se llenó un cuestionario con las variables de interés y se realizó la comparación entre los grupos. Se realizó el análisis multivariado considerando significativo un valor de p< 0,05. Resultados: La frecuencia de infección del tracto urinario causada por microorganismos productores de betalactamasas de espectro extendido es de 18,18 por ciento. En los casos la edad predominante está entre 1 y 3 años con 42,5 por ciento, sexo femenino con 62,5 por ciento, la bacteria predominante es: Escherichia coli en 85,0 por ciento. Durante el análisis multivariado la presencia de infección del tracto urinario complicada tuvo OR 18,62 y p= 0,000 y la recurrente OR 12,98 y p= 0,004, ambas estadísticamente significativas para el desenlace de esta infección en los niños. Conclusión: Los factores de riesgo para infección del tracto urinario adquirida en la comunidad por microorganismos productores de betalactamasas de espectro extendido en niños son: infección del tracto urinario complicada y la recurrente(AU)

Introduction: Urinary tract infection in children is one of the most frequent bacterial infections with a high rate of recurrence. Objective: Determine the risk factors for community-acquired urinary tract infection by microorganisms producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in children of Huancayo, Peru. Methods: Analytical study with case-control design. 220 children from one month to 13 years of age were studied, whom were admitted to Ramiro Priale Priale National Hospital with the diagnosis of urinary tract infection during the year 2019. They were distributed in two groups (40 cases and 80 controls). For each patient, a questionnaire was completed with the variables of interest, and the comparison between the groups was made. The multivariate analysis was performed considering significant a value of p< 0.05. Results: The frequency of urinary tract infection caused by microorganisms producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases is 18.18 percent. In the cases, the predominant age is between 1 and 3 years with 42.5 percent, female sex with 62.5 percent, the predominant bacterium is: Escherichia coli in 85.0 percent. During the multivariate analysis, the presence of complicated urinary tract infection had OR 18.62 and p= 0.000 and recurrent OR 12.98 and p= 0.004, both statistically significant for the outcome of this infection in children. Conclusion: The risk factors for community-acquired urinary tract infection by microorganisms producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in children are complicated and recurrent urinary tract infections(AU)

Hallazgos microbiológicos y susceptibilidad antimicrobiana en cirugía abdominal de urgencia / Microbiological findings and antimicrobial susceptibility in emergency abdominal surgery

Resumen Introducción: Es importante mantener programas de vigilancia bacteriana para disminuir resistencia y definir esquemas farmacológicos adecuados. Los pacientes con abdomen agudo representan un grupo microbiológico especial. Objetivos: Hacer una revisión de agentes patógenos en pacientes adultos operados en nuestro Servicio de Urgencia por patología abdominal con líquido libre y analizar los resultados obtenidos de cultivos respecto a las cepas y la susceptibilidad a los antibióticos. Materiales y Método: Estudio de cohorte prospectiva con estadística descriptiva. Se incluyen pacientes consecutivos, mayores de 18 años, operados por abdomen agudo que presentan líquido libre intraperitoneal entre noviembre de 2017 y abril de 2018. Se excluyen casos con terapia antimicrobiana, hospitalización y/o cirugía en los 3 meses previos. Se registran los cultivos positivos, cepas aisladas, susceptibilidad antimicrobiana, datos demográficos y evolución clínica. Resultados: De 63 pacientes 55% fueron hombres, edad promedio 52,2 años. Las patologías más frecuentes fueron de origen apendicular (62%) y de causa entérica (30%). En un 44% el cultivo fue positivo y en 36% con más de un germen. Escherichia coli fue el patógeno más frecuente (64,2%) seguidos de Enterococcus faecium y Streptococcus anginosus (7,1%). De los otros patógenos cultivados sólo se observó resistencia múltiple en un caso aislado de Morganella Morganii. Conclusiones: Estos datos constituyen la realidad microbiológica local en abdomen agudo. La Escherichia Coli sigue siendo el germen más frecuente, debe enfrentarse con profilaxis y tratamiento antibiótico adecuado. Es necesario mantener vigilancia microbiología local para un manejo acorde.

Introduction: It is important to maintain bacterial surveillance programs to decrease resistance and define adequate pharmacological schemes. Patients with abdomen represent a special microbiological group. Objetives: Make a review of pathogens in adult patients operated in our Emergency Service for abdominal pathology with free fluid and analyze the results obtained from cultures with respect to the strains and susceptibility to antibiotics. Materials and Method: Prospective cohort study with descriptive statistics. We include consecutive patients, older than 18 years old, operated on by abdomen who present free intraperitoneal fluid between November 2017 and April 2018. Cases with antimicrobial therapy, hospitalization and/or surgery 3 months prior are excluded. Positive cultures, isolated strains, antimicrobial susceptibility, demographic data and clinical evolution are recorded. Results: Of 63 patients, 55% were men and the average age was 52.2 years. The most frequent pathologies were of appendicular origin (62%) and of enteric origin (30%). In 44% the crop was positive and in 36% with more than one germ. Escherichia coli was the most frequent pathogen (64.2%) followed by Enterococcus faecium and Streptococcus anginosus (7.1%). Of the others, cultivated pathogens have only observed multiple resistance in an isolated case of Morganella Morganii. Conclusions: These data include the local microbiological reality in acute abdomen. Escherichia coli is still the most frequent germ that must be faced with the profile and the appropriate treatment. It is necessary to maintain local microbiology surveillance for a proper management.

Manejo multidisciplinario de rinosinusitis bacteriana aguda posterior a elevación de seno maxilar: reporte de caso rehabilitado a tres años de seguimiento / Multidisciplinary management of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis after maxillary sinus lift: three years follow-up: case report

La cirugía de elevación de seno maxilar se considera como la técnica de aumento óseo más predecible. Sin embargo, no está exenta de complicaciones las cuales deben ser manejadas adecuadamente. Se presenta un caso clínico rehabilitado, con un seguimiento de 3 años, en el cual se realizó un manejo multidisciplinario y resolutivo de complicaciones asociadas a la técnica quirúrgica de elevación de membrana sinusal vía ventana lateral. Frente a una infección postoperatoria, como la presentada en el caso, hay que considerar iniciar un tratamiento antibiótico en el momento adecuado para impedir el agravamiento del cuadro clínico o un cambio de esquema en caso de resistencia antimicrobiana.

Maxillary sinus lift surgery is considered the most predictable bone augmentation technique. However, this procedure is not without complications, which must be handled properly. We present a rehabilitated clinical case, with a 3-year follow-up, in which a multidisciplinary and resolutive management of complications associated with the surgical technique of sinus lift procedure, using lateral window approach, was performed. In case of postoperative infection, such as the one presented in this report, it is necessary to consider starting an antibiotic treatment at the adequate moment to prevent the aggravation of the illness or change the pharmacological treatment in case of antimicrobial resistance.

Fresh frozen plasma transfusion in patients with cirrhosis and coagulopathy: Effect on conventional coagulation tests and thrombomodulin-modified thrombin generation.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The efficacy of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion in enhancing thrombin generation in patients with cirrhosis and impaired conventional coagulation tests has not been sufficiently explored. Thus, we aimed to assess the effect of FFP transfusion on thrombin generation in these patients. METHODS: Fifty-three consecutive patients receiving a standard dose of FFP to treat bleeding and/or before invasive procedures - if international normalized ratio (INR)/prothrombin time (PT) ratio were ≥1.5 - were prospectively enrolled. The primary endpoint was the amelioration of endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) with thrombomodulin (ETP-TM) after transfusion, which corresponds to the total amount of generated thrombin. INR/PT ratio and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were also assessed before and after transfusion. RESULTS: FFP enhanced ETP-TM by 5.7%, from 973 (731-1,258) to 1,028 (885-1,343 nM × min; p = 0.019). Before transfusion, evidence of normal or high ETP-TM was found in 94% of patients, even in those with bacterial infections. Only 1 (1.9%) patient had ETP-TM values reverting to the normal range after transfusion. Notably, no patients with low ETP-TM had bleeding. The median decrease in ETP-TM was 8.3% and the mean was 12.8% in 18 (34%) patients after transfusion (from 1,225 [1,071-1,537] to 1,124 [812-1,370] nM × min; p ≤0.0001). Similar responses to FFP transfusion were observed in patients with compensated and acute decompensated cirrhosis, acute-on-chronic liver failure, infection or shock. FFP significantly ameliorated INR and aPTT values (p <0.0001), but in a minority of patients the values were reduced to less than the cut-off point of 1.5. CONCLUSIONS: FFP transfusion enhanced thrombin generation and ameliorated conventional coagulation tests to normal values in a limited number of patients, and slightly decreased thrombin generation in 34% of cases. LAY SUMMARY: Transfusion of fresh frozen plasma in patients with cirrhosis only slightly improves coagulation test values in a limited number of patients and even appears to worsen them in a third of cases. Transfusion for the purpose of preventing or treating bleeding events could cause inherent risks and costs without clear benefits.

Infectious Complications Following Snakebite by Bothrops lanceolatus in Martinique: A Case Series.

Infections secondary to snakebite occur in a number of patients and are potentially life-threatening. Bothrops lanceolatus bites in Martinique average 30 cases per year and may result in severe thrombotic and infectious complications. We aimed to investigate the infectious complications related to B. lanceolatus bite. A retrospective single-center observational study over 7 years (2011-2018) was carried out, including all patients admitted to the hospital because of B. lanceolatus bite. One hundred seventy snake-bitten patients (121 males and 49 females) were included. Thirty-nine patients (23%) presented grade 3 or 4 envenoming. Twenty patients (12%) developed wound infections. The isolated bacteria were Aeromonas hydrophila (3 cases), Morganella morganii (two cases), group A Streptococcus, and group B Streptococcus (one case each). Patients were treated empirically with third-generation cephalosporin (or amoxicillin-clavulanate), aminoglycoside, and metronidazole combinations. Outcome was favorable in all patients. The main factor significantly associated with the occurrence of infection following snakebite was the severity of envenoming (P < 0.05). Our findings clearly point toward the frequent onset of infectious complications in B. lanceolatus-bitten patients presenting with grade 3 and 4 envenoming. Thus, based on the bacteria identified in the wounds, we suggest that empiric antibiotic therapy including third-generation cephalosporin should be administered to those patients on hospital admission.

Evaluation of prophylactic antibiotic regimens on recurrence and mortality in spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Limited data describe current SBP epidemiology and specific secondary SBP prophylactic regimens, leading to variable prescribing practices. This work aims to compare 90-day and one-year SBP recurrence and mortality based on secondary SBP antibiotic prophylaxis regimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort of patients >18 years with an SBP diagnosis from 2010 to 2015 at two academic institutions. Eligible patients had ascitic PMN counts ≥250cells/mm3 or a positive ascitic culture. Patients were compared based on secondary SBP prophylaxis regimens (i.e., daily, intermittent, or no prophylaxis). RESULTS: Of 791 patients with ascitic fluid samples, 86 patients were included. Antibiotic prophylaxis included daily (n=34), intermittent (n=36), or no prophylaxis (n=16). Nearly half of SBP episodes had a positive ascitic fluid culture; 50% were gram-negative pathogens, and 50% were gram-positive pathogens. Daily and intermittent regimens had similar rates of recurrence at 90-days (19.4% vs. 14.7%, p=0.60) and one-year (33.3% vs. 26.5%, p=0.53). Similarly, mortality did not differ among daily and intermittent regimens at 90-days (32.4% vs. 30.6%, p=0.87) or one-year (67.6% vs. 63.9%, p=0.74). When comparing any prophylaxis vs. no prophylaxis, there were no differences in 90-day or one-year recurrence or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a history of SBP, our data indicate similar outcomes with daily, intermittent, or no secondary antibiotic prophylaxis. With available data, including ours, demonstrating a changing epidemiology for SBP pathogens, further data is required to determine if traditional approaches to secondary SBP prophylaxis remain appropriate.

Stingray envenomation in a returning traveller: a complicated disease course.

We report the case of a returning traveller, a woman in her early 20s, who presents with chronic inflammation and infection of her left foot following a stingray strike. Surgery was performed to remove foreign material a remarkable 9 months after the initial injury. The case highlights the importance of the initial assessment and early management of stingray attacks and illustrates the potential need for exploration and debridement of problematic stingray wounds.

Bacterial Infections Associated with Viperidae Snakebites in Children: A 14-Year Experience at the Hospital Nacional de Niños de Costa Rica†.

Secondary bacterial infections following Viperidae snakebite envenomation in children are common. Among 75 patients admitted because of snakebites at the only pediatric hospital in Costa Rica, 16 (21.3%) had a culture-confirmed secondary bacterial infection. Morganella morganii (37.5%), Aeromonas hydrophila (31.2%), and Providencia rettgeri (18.7%) were the most common pathogens. Empiric prophylaxis is still recommended and should be based on local etiological agents and antimicrobial susceptibilities.

Derrame pleural: análisis de la eficacia diagnóstica / Diagnostic analysis of pleural effusion

Analizar las características epidemiológicas, clínicas y efectividad del diagnóstico de derrame pleural. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, retroprospectivo transversal, con una muestra constituida por pacientes atendidos en el período enero 2013 a junio 2018 en los que se demostrase compromiso pleural, parenquimatoso pulmonar o de otro órgano y cuyo motivo de ingreso fue el estudio de derrame pleural en el Servicio de Medicina interna en el Hospital General del Oeste "Dr. José Gregorio Hernández". Tratamiento estadístico: análisis estadístico descriptivo basado en medidas de tendencia central (media y desvia- ción estándar) para las variables cuantitativas y de proporción (moda, porcentaje) en la variables categóricas y/o cualitativas. Se midió el índice Kappa entre la sospecha diagnóstica y el diagnós- tico realizado, para la valoración del grado de concordancia diagnóstica. Resultados: de 261 pacientes con derrame pleural, el 64,2% se encontraba en edad productiva, predominó el sexo mas- culino, y el nivel socioeconómico Graffar IV. La causa más frecuente de derrame pleural fue la tuberculosis pleural. La concordancia diagnóstica promedio fue de 0,70. Conclusión:Se evidenció un incremento del tiempo diagnóstico, relacionado al tiempo de obtención de resultados en los estudios paraclínicos. El cálculo del índice de concordancia entre el diagnóstico presuntivo y el definitivo fue importante(AU)

Pleural effusion is a frequent cause of admission to internal medicine wards worldwide, and is frequently secondary to clinical entities that are among the leading causes of mortality. Objective: To analyze the epidemiological, clinical characteristics and effectiveness in the diagnosis of pleural effusion. Methods:descriptive, retroprospective, transversal study, with a sample of patients treated from the period January 2013 to June 2018 in which pleural, parenchymal or pulmonary involvement of another organ were demonstrated when the reason for admission was the study of pleural effusion in the Internal Medicine Department at the Hospital General del Oeste "Dr. José Gregorio Hernández". Statistical analysis: Consisted of a descriptive statistical analysis based on measures of central tendency for the quantitative variables and proportion in the categorical and/or qualitative variables. The Kappa index was measured between the diagnostic suspicion and the diagnosis made, for the assessment of the degree of diagnostic agreement. Results: Of 261 patients with pleural effusion, 64.2% were of productive age, the male sex predominated, and the Graffar IV socioeconomic level. Pleural tuberculosis was the most common cause of pleural effusion. The average diagnostic concordance was 0.70. Conclusion:There was an increase in the diagnostic time, related to the time of obtaining results in the complementary studies. The calculation of the concordance index between the presumptive and definitive diagnosis was important(AU)

No association between positive intraoperative allograft cultures and infection rates after reconstructive knee ligament surgery.

BACKGROUND: Several reports of severe infections associated with allograft tissue in knee reconstructive surgery have led many surgeons to consider routine intraoperative culture of allograft tissue before implantation. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of positive soft tissue allograft cultures in reconstructive knee surgery, and evaluate its association with surgical site infection. METHODS: Retrospective study of 202 patients who underwent knee reconstructive ligament surgeries, including revisions, between January 2013 and July 2017. Intraoperative culture results were obtained and the report of a surgical site infection during follow-up was recorded. Patients without cultures were excluded. A priori power analysis was performed. The association between positive culture results and development of surgical site infection was evaluated using Fisher's Exact test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: A total of 300 allografts were implanted in 202 patients. Mean average follow-up was 32.9 ±â€¯12.5 (range 13 to 57.9) months. Sixteen patients had positive intraoperative allograft cultures (7.9%). The most frequently isolated organism was Bacillus species (six cultures); none of these patients presented with clinical signs of infection. Nine patients developed surgical site infections and were treated with oral antibiotics, and one patient developed septic arthritis that required surgical debridement of the implanted graft; all of these patients had a negative soft tissue allograft culture. No significant association was found between a positive culture and surgical site infection (P = 0.43). CONCLUSION: There was no apparent association between positive intraoperative irradiated soft tissue allograft cultures and surgical site infection in reconstructive knee surgery.

Delayed healthcare and secondary infections following freshwater stingray injuries: risk factors for a poorly understood health issue in the Amazon.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to describe the profile of freshwater stingray injuries in the State of Amazonas, Brazilian Amazon, and to identify the associated risk factors for secondary infections. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used surveillance data from 2007 to 2014 to identify factors associated with secondary infections from stingray injuries. RESULTS: A total of 476 freshwater stingray injuries were recorded, with an incidence rate of 1.7 cases/100,000 person/year. The majority of injuries were reported from rural areas (73.8%) and 26.1% were related to work activities. A total of 74.5% of patients received medical assistance within the first 3 hours of injury. Secondary infections and necrosis were observed in 8.9% and 3.8%, respectively. Work-related injuries [odds ratio (OR) 4.1, confidence interval (CI); 1.87-9.13] and >24 hours from a sting until receiving medical care (OR; 15.5, CI; 6.77-35.40) were independently associated with the risk of secondary bacterial infection. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, work-related injuries and >24 hours from being stung until receiving medical care were independently and significantly associated with the risk of secondary infection. The frequency of infection following sting injuries was 9%. The major factor associated with the risk of secondary bacterial infection was a time period of >24 hours from being stung until receiving medical care.

Delayed healthcare and secondary infections following freshwater stingray injuries: risk factors for a poorly understood health issue in the Amazon

Abstract INTRODUCTION This study aimed to describe the profile of freshwater stingray injuries in the State of Amazonas, Brazilian Amazon, and to identify the associated risk factors for secondary infections. METHODS This cross-sectional study used surveillance data from 2007 to 2014 to identify factors associated with secondary infections from stingray injuries. RESULTS A total of 476 freshwater stingray injuries were recorded, with an incidence rate of 1.7 cases/100,000 person/year. The majority of injuries were reported from rural areas (73.8%) and 26.1% were related to work activities. A total of 74.5% of patients received medical assistance within the first 3 hours of injury. Secondary infections and necrosis were observed in 8.9% and 3.8%, respectively. Work-related injuries [odds ratio (OR) 4.1, confidence interval (CI); 1.87-9.13] and >24 hours from a sting until receiving medical care (OR; 15.5, CI; 6.77-35.40) were independently associated with the risk of secondary bacterial infection. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, work-related injuries and >24 hours from being stung until receiving medical care were independently and significantly associated with the risk of secondary infection. The frequency of infection following sting injuries was 9%. The major factor associated with the risk of secondary bacterial infection was a time period of >24 hours from being stung until receiving medical care.