Recurrent acquired ocular toxoplasmosis associated with Kyrieleis plaques and documented allergy to sulfonamide-A treatment proposal for two rare conditions.

The aim of this study was to describe a case of a patient with ocular toxoplasmosis, which has resulted in Kyrieleis plaques formation (segmental periarteritis associated with severe inflammation) and later follow-up and alternative treatment due to documented allergy to sulfonamide. A 33-year-old Brazilian woman diagnosed with acute toxoplasmosis, initially treated with sulfonamide, developed a critical cutaneous rash. Cotrimoxazole was changed to clindamycin and pyrimethamine, and prednisone was started. The medication was maintained for 45 days. Four months later, she developed retinal lesions suggestive of toxoplasmosis with Kyrieleis plaques in the upper temporal vessels. Pyrimethamine, clindamycin, and prednisone were initiated until healing. She presented reactivation months later, and a suppressive treatment with pyrimethamine was instituted for one year. This is the first report to use the combination of clindamycin with pyrimethamine in the treatment and recurrence prophylaxis for OT in a documented allergy to sulfonamide.

Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole-associated early neutropenia in Mexican adults living with HIV: A cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) is the antimicrobial of first choice in the treatment and prophylaxis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) in immunocompromised patients, particularly in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). TMP/SMX use entails different adverse effects, and its association with early neutropenia is minimally documented. This study aimed to identify the risk of early neutropenia associated with TMP/SMX use in adults living with HIV in Mexico. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in TMP/SMX-naïve adults living with HIV admitted to a third-level hospital between August 2019 and March 2020. Socio-demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. According to patients' diagnostic, if they required treatment or prophylaxis against PCP, medical staff decided to prescribe TMP/SMX, as it is the first-line treatment. The risk of TMP/SMX induced early neutropenia, as well as associated factors were analyzed through a bivariate model and a multivariate Poisson regression model. The strength of association was measured by incidence rate ratio (IRR) with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: 57 patients were enrolled in the study, of whom 40 patients were in the TMP/SMX treatment-group for treatment or prophylaxis of PCP (204.8 person-years of observation, median 26.5 days) and 17 patients were in the non-treatment group because they did not need the drug for treatment or prophylaxis of PCP (87.0 person-years of observation, median 21 days). The incidence rate of early neutropenia in the TMP/SMX-treatment group versus non-treatment group was 7.81 and 1.15 cases per 100 person-years, respectively. After adjusting for stage 3 of HIV infection and neutrophil count <1,500 cells/mm3 at hospital admission, the current use of TMP/SMX was not associated with an increase in the incidence rate ratio of early neutropenia (adjusted IRR: 3.46; 95% CI: 0.25-47.55; p = 0.352). CONCLUSIONS: The current use of TMP/SMX in Mexican adults living with HIV was not associated with an increase in the incidence rate ratio of early neutropenia.

Síndrome de intolerancia a múltiples medicamentos / Syndrome of intolerance to multiple medicines

El síndrome de intolerancia a múltiples medicamentos (MDIS, por sus siglas en inglés) se caracteriza por la intolerancia a dos o más medicamentos no relacionados. Tiene una prevalencia baja y es común en pacientes con polifarmacia. A pesar de que las reacciones adversas a los medicamentos son muy frecuentes, es raro que los pacientes debuten con este síndrome, el cual tiene implicaciones clínicas de leves a graves que afectan su vida; de acuerdo con esto varían el abordaje y su manejo. La sintomatología presentada varía desde síntomas gastrointestinales como reflujo gastroesofágico, dolores musculares y cefalea, hasta síntomas cutáneos; estos son los más frecuentes, tales como urticaria y erupciones maculopapulares o presentaciones menos comunes como el síndrome de Stevens-Johnson. El MDIS es causado por una amplia variedad de fármacos; por ello el conocimiento del síndrome, así como un adecuado interrogatorio de los antecedentes del paciente, es necesario para realizar un diagnóstico oportuno e instaurar un manejo adecuado y preventivo, evitando reacciones adversas que pongan en riesgo su vida. Con los hallazgos del cuadro clínico en la paciente, y basados en los antecedentes alérgicos presentados anteriormente a diferentes medicamentos no relacionados entre ellos, más la presentación de un rash maculopapular generalizado posterior a la administración de trimetoprim/sulfametoxazol se realiza el diagnóstico de MDIS. Se decide cambiar de medicamento por fosfomicina, con una consecuente evolución favorable. (AU)

Síndrome de DRESS en una paciente con fibrosis quística: reporte de un caso pediátrico / DRESS syndrome in a patient with cystic fibrosis: a pediatric case report

El síndrome de sensibilidad a fármacos con eosinofilia y síntomas sistémicos o síndrome de DRESS según sus siglas en inglés (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) se encuentra entre las reacciones medicamentosas cutáneas graves. Este consiste en una tríada clínica que incluye fiebre, exantema y compromiso sistémico, acompañado de eosinofilia y/o linfocitos atípicos.Se presenta el caso de una paciente de sexo femenino con fibrosis quística, de 18 meses de edad, quien desarrolló esta patología durante un tratamiento con trimetoprima-sulfametoxazol para erradicar Staphylococcus aureus meticilino resistente en esputo. Los pacientes con fibrosis quística reciben múltiples esquemas antibióticos según bacteriología en secreciones respiratorias para evitar el deterioro de la función pulmonar y colonización por gérmenes resistentes. Es menester conocer y sospechar este síndrome, debido al riesgo incrementado de hipersensibilidad a drogas en fibrosis quística, pronóstico ominoso y su elevada morbimortalidad

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms or DRESS syndrome is among severe cutaneous drug reactions. This constitutes a clinical triad that includes fever, skin rash and systemic compromise, accompanied by eosinophilia and/or atypical lymphocytes.We present the case of an 18-month-old female patient with cystic fibrosis, who develops this pathology during a trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole cycle as an eradicating treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in bronchial secretions. Cystic fibrosis patients receive multiple antibiotic regimens according to bacteriology in sputum, to avoid impairment in their lung function and colonization by resistant germs. Due to the increased risk of drug hypersensitivity in cystic fibrosis, an ominous prognosis and high morbidity and mortality, knowledge and a high index of suspicion of this syndrome are necessary

[The frequency of adverse reactions to sulfamethoxazole with trimethoprim and risk factors in HIV patients]. / Frecuencia de reacciones adversas a sulfametoxazol con trimetoprima y factores de riesgo en pacientes con VIH.

BACKGROUND: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) is the long-term use antimicrobial of choice in the prevention and treatment of opportunistic germs in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in whom the frequency of ADR (adverse drug reactions) is of 30% to 50 %. OBJECTIVE: To determine the adverse reactions to TMP-SMZ and their risk factors in AIDS patients. METHODS: The patients included in the study were older than 18 years of age, admitted from January 2018 to May 2019 with a confirmed diagnosis of HIV, and had had adverse drug reactions; 319 files were reviewed. RESULTS: A frequency of 13.16 % in adverse reactions was reported; out of 42 patients with ADR, 23 had had ADR to TMP-SMZ (54.76 %). The highest rate of adverse reactions was represented by a rash, with 56.5 %, followed by angioedema, with 21.73 %, and nettle rash, with 17.39 %. The risk factors were: infectious comorbidity (OR = 2.6) and CD4 count < 100 (OR = 6.9), without statistical significance. The dose of TMP/SMZ was a risk factor (OR = 12.7) with p = 0.017. CONCLUSIONS: TMP-SMZ used in AIDS patients reached 54 % of the adverse drug reactions, and the dose of this medication was a risk factor.

Antecedentes: Trimetoprima-sulfametoxazol (TMP-SMZ) es el antimicrobiano de elección y de uso prolongado en la prevención y tratamiento de infecciones por gérmenes oportunistas en los pacientes con síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (sida), en quienes la frecuencia de reacciones adversas a medicamentos es de 30 a 50 %. Objetivo: Determinar las reacciones adversas a TMP-SMZ y sus factores de riesgo en pacientes con sida. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años con diagnóstico confirmado de infección por VIH y que presentaron reacción adversa a fármacos, de enero de 2018 a mayo de 2019. Se revisaron 319 expedientes. Resultados: Se reportó 13.16 % de reacciones adversas; de 42 pacientes con reacciones adversas a medicamentos, 23 fueron a TMP-SMZ (54.76 %). El rash representó 56.5 % de las reacciones adversas, el angioedema 21.73 % y la urticaria 17.39 %. Los factores de riesgo fueron la comorbilidad infecciosa (RM = 2.6) y la cuenta de CD4 < 100 (RM = 6.9), sin significación estadística; la dosis de TMP-SMZ fue un factor de riesgo (RM = 12.7), con p = 0.017. Conclusiones: El TMP-SMZ en los pacientes con sida ocasionó 54 % de las reacciones adversas a medicamentos y la dosis fue un factor de riesgo.

Loss of tolerance 5 days after discontinuing sulphonamide introduced via desensitization in delayed reaction.

The fixed drug eruption is a non-immediate hypersensitivity reaction to drug, characterized by recurrent erythematous or violaceous, rounded, well-defined border plaques, which always appear in the same location every time the culprit drug is administered. The usual practice is to avoid the drug involved and to use a structurally different drug. However, there are situations in which there is no safe and effective therapy. In such situations, desensitization is the only option. We describe the case of a patient who presented fixed eruption due to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, who underwent successful desensitization, but required a repeat procedure twice due to relapse after inadvertent full-dose reintroduction. In non-immediate hypersensitivity reaction to drug, the indication is controversial and there is no technical standardization. Furthermore, the time at which such tolerance is lost after discontinuing the drug involved is unknown. In severe non-immediate reactions of types II and III, desensitization is contraindicated. The patient underwent desensitisation to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim three times - the first with recurrence of lesions and the second and third without manifestations, all concluded successfully and with no premedication.

[The efficacy and safety of two schemes of desensitization to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in HIV-positive patients]. / Eficacia y seguridad de dos esquemas de desensibilización a trimetoprima con sulfametoxazol en pacientes positivos a VIH.

BACKGROUND: Trimethoprim with sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the drug of choice for the prophylaxis of AIDS-associated comorbidities. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of two schemes of desensitization to TMP-SMX in HIV-positive patients. METHODS: A study was conducted from March 2018 to October 2019; it included HIV-positive patients who presented an adverse skin reaction to TMP-SMX; fifteen of them received desensitization scheme 1, which lasted ten days, and five patients received scheme 2, which lasted six hours. RESULTS: The average age of the patients who received scheme 1 was of 27.4 ± 5.7 years, while the average age of patients who received scheme 2 was of 33.6 ± 8 years. At baseline, the demographic, clinical, and immunological variables did not show significant differences between both groups (p> 0.05). In both groups, an efficacy of 100% was obtained and, in terms of safety, only three patients in group 1 presented rash and pruritus, however, the procedure was not suspended; the previous tolerated dose was resumed and, subsequently, the desensitization procedure continued. CONCLUSIONS: Both schemes of desensitization to TMP-SMX showed efficacy and safety in HIV-positive patients, who frequently present adverse reactions to these medications.

Antecedentes: La trimetoprima con sulfametoxazol (TMP-SMX) es el fármaco de elección para la profilaxis de comorbilidades asociadas al síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida. Objetivo: Comparar la eficacia y seguridad de dos esquemas de desensibilización a TMP-SMX en pacientes positivos al virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). Métodos: Estudio de marzo de 2018 a octubre de 2019. Se incluyeron pacientes VIH-positivos con alguna reacción cutánea adversa debida a TMT-SMX; 15 recibieron el esquema 1 de desensibilización de 10 días de duración y cinco, el esquema 2 de seis horas de duración. Resultados: El promedio de edad fue de 27.4 ± 5.7 y 33.6 ± 8 años en los pacientes que recibieron los esquemas 1 y 2, respectivamente. En estado basal, las variables demográficas, clínicas e inmunológicas no mostraron diferencias significativas entre los grupos (p > 0.05). Con ambos esquemas se obtuvo una eficacia de 100 %. Solo tres pacientes que recibieron el esquema 1 presentaron rash y prurito, pero no se suspendió el procedimiento; se regresó a la dosis previa tolerada y posteriormente se continuó la desensibilización. Conclusiones: Los dos esquemas de desensibilización a TMP-SMX mostraron eficacia y seguridad en los pacientes VIH-positivos, en quienes son frecuentes las reacciones adversas a esos medicamentos.

Loss of tolerance 5 days after discontinuing sulphonamide introduced via desensitization in delayed reaction / Perda da tolerância 5 dias após suspensão de sulfonamida introduzida através de dessensibilização por reação tardia

ABSTRACT The fixed drug eruption is a non-immediate hypersensitivity reaction to drug, characterized by recurrent erythematous or violaceous, rounded, well-defined border plaques, which always appear in the same location every time the culprit drug is administered. The usual practice is to avoid the drug involved and to use a structurally different drug. However, there are situations in which there is no safe and effective therapy. In such situations, desensitization is the only option. We describe the case of a patient who presented fixed eruption due to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, who underwent successful desensitization, but required a repeat procedure twice due to relapse after inadvertent full-dose reintroduction. In non-immediate hypersensitivity reaction to drug, the indication is controversial and there is no technical standardization. Furthermore, the time at which such tolerance is lost after discontinuing the drug involved is unknown. In severe non-immediate reactions of types II and III, desensitization is contraindicated. The patient underwent desensitisation to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim three times − the first with recurrence of lesions and the second and third without manifestations, all concluded successfully and with no premedication.

RESUMO A erupção fixa por drogas é uma reação de hipersensibilidade a medicamento não imediata, caracterizada por placas eritematosas ou violáceas, arredondadas, recorrentes, de bordas bem definidas e que aparecem sempre na mesma localização cada vez que o medicamento culpado é administrado. A prática habitual é evitar a droga envolvida e utilizar um medicamento estruturalmente diferente. Contudo, há situações em que não há terapêutica segura e eficaz. Em tais situações, a dessensibilização é a única opção. Descrevemos o caso de um paciente que apresentou erupção fixa por drogas por sulfametoxazol-trimetoprim, tendo sido submetido à dessensibilização com sucesso, mas necessitou repetição do procedimento duas vezes, por recidiva da reação após reintrodução inadvertida em dose plena. Em reação de hipersensibilidade a medicamento não imediata, a indicação é controversa e não há padronização técnica. Além disso, não se conhece o tempo durante o qual essa tolerância é perdida após a suspensão da droga envolvida. Nas reações não imediatas graves e dos tipos II e III, a dessensibilização está contraindicada. O paciente foi submetido a dessensibilização ao sulfametoxazol-trimetoprim por três vezes − a primeira com recorrência de lesões, e a segunda e terceira sem manifestações, sendo todas concluídas com sucesso e sem uso de pré-medicação.

[Severe hypoxemic respiratory failure caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii in a late kidney transplant recipient].

Pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii is an uncommon infection in kidney transplant patients that can have an acute and rapid progression to respiratory failure and death. The period of greatest risk occurs in the first six months after the transplant, and it relates to the high doses of immunosuppression drugs required by patients. However, it may occur late, associated with the suspension of prophylaxis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.We present two cases of renal transplant patients who had severe hypoxemic respiratory failure due to P. jirovecii six years after transplantation. In addition to steroids, they received treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. One patient died, while the other had clinical recovery, with preservation of the renal graft function.

Insuficiencia respiratoria hipoxémica grave por Pneumocystis jirovecii después de trasplante renal / Severe hypoxemic respiratory failure caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii in a late kidney transplant recipient

Resumen La neumonitis por Pneumocystis jirovecii es una infección infrecuente en pacientes con trasplante de riñón, que se presenta de forma aguda y puede progresar rápidamente hasta la insuficiencia respiratoria y la muerte. El período de mayor riesgo es el de los primeros seis meses después del trasplante, y se asocia con las altas dosis de medicamentos inmunosupresores que reciben los pacientes. La condición también puede presentarse de manera tardía, asociada con la suspensión de la profilaxis con trimetoprim-sulfametoxazol. Se reportan dos casos de pacientes con trasplante renal que presentaron insuficiencia respiratoria hipoxémica grave por P. jirovecii pasados seis años del trasplante, y que fueron tratados con trimetoprim-sulfametoxazol y esteroides. Uno de los pacientes murió y el otro se recuperó sin que hubiera efectos en la función del injerto renal.

Abstract Pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii is an uncommon infection in kidney transplant patients that can have an acute and rapid progression to respiratory failure and death. The period of greatest risk occurs in the first six months after the transplant, and it relates to the high doses of immunosuppression drugs required by patients. However, it may occur late, associated with the suspension of prophylaxis with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. We present two cases of renal transplant patients who had severe hypoxemic respiratory failure due to P. jirovecii six years after transplantation. In addition to steroids, they received treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. One patient died, while the other had clinical recovery, with preservation of the renal graft function.

Evaluation of the hepatobiliary system in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis treated with cotrimoxazole or itraconazole.

A prospective study was performed in 200 paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) patients, 51 presenting the acute/subacute form (AF) and 149 the chronic form (CF), submitted to the evaluation of the hepatobiliary system at admission and during the follow-up treatment with cotrimoxazole (CMX) or itraconazole (ITC). This study aimed to better evaluate the involvement of the hepatobiliary system in PCM and the effect of these antifungal compounds on this system. Serum levels of direct bilirubin (DB), total bilirubin (TB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were evaluated. At admission, all the variables showed changes with elevated values ranging from 6.2% for TB to 32.6% for GGT. After treatment, the incidence of elevated serum levels ranged from 3.6% for DB to 27.5% for ALT. The course of the alterations during the treatment showed regression to normal values in CMX-treated patients and persistence in ITC-treated patients but without the need to discontinue the therapy. Our findings contribute to the knowledge of the hepatobiliary involvement by Paracoccidioides sp. and to a safe follow-up of PCM patients under treatment.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the relative efficacy and safety of treatment regimens for HIV-associated cerebral toxoplasmosis: is trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole a real option?

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to evaluate the efficacy and safety of therapies for cerebral toxoplasmosis in HIV-infected adults. The pyrimethamine plus sulfadiazine (P-S) combination is considered the mainstay therapy for cerebral toxoplasmosis and pyrimethamine plus clindamycin (P-C) is the most common alternative treatment. Although trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) has potential advantages, its use is infrequent. METHODS: We searched PubMed and four other databases to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies. Two independent reviewers searched the databases, identified studies and extracted data. Risk ratios (RRs) were pooled across studies using random-effects models. RESULTS: Nine studies were included (five RCTs, three retrospective cohort studies and one prospective cohort study). In comparison to P-S, treatment with P-C or TMP-SMX was associated with similar rates of partial or complete clinical response [P-C: RR 0.87; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-1.08; TMP-SMX: RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.78-1.21], radiological response (P-C: RR 0.92; 95% CI 0.82-1.03), skin rash (P-C: RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.56-1.17; TMP-SMX: RR 0.17; 95% CI 0.02-1.29), gastrointestinal impairment (P-C: RR 5.16; 95% CI 0.66-40.11), and drug discontinuation because of adverse events (P-C: RR 0.32; 95% CI 0.07-1.47). Liver impairment was more frequent with P-S than P-C (P-C vs. P-S: RR 0.48; 95% CI 0.24-0.97). CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence fails to identify a superior regimen in terms of relative efficacy or safety for the treatment of HIV-associated cerebral toxoplasmosis. Use of TMP-SMX as preferred treatment may be consistent with the available evidence and other real-world considerations. Larger comparative studies are needed.

Necrólisis tóxica epidérmica inducida por cotrimoxazol / Epidermic toxic necrolysis induced by co-trimoxazole

Se describe el caso clínico de una paciente de 60 años de edad con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial, por lo cual llevaba tratamiento con nifedipino, quien asistió al Cuerpo de Guardia del Hospital General Docente "Orlando Pantoja Tamayo" en el municipio de Contramaestre, Santiago de Cuba, por presentar deposiciones diarreicas, vómitos, hipertermia (38 0C) y lesiones generalizadas en la piel en forma de pústulas eritemato-costrosas con flictenas y dolor. La paciente refirió que solía automedicarse con cotrimoxazol por la reiteración de infecciones urinarias y que desde hacía 3 días estaba consumiendo dicho medicamento. El estudio histopatológico mostró una necrólisis tóxica epidérmica (síndrome de Lyell). A pesar de los cuidados médicos, evolucionó desfavorablemente y se complicó con una insuficiencia renal aguda, lo que le condujo a la muerte

The case report of a 60 years patient with a history of hypertension, reason why she had treatment with nifedipine, who went to the Emergency Room of "Orlando Pantoja Tamayo" Teaching General Hospital in Contramaestre, Santiago de Cuba, due to diarrheical stools, vomits, hyperthermia (38 0C) and generalized skin injuries in the type of erythemato-scabby pustules with flictenas and pain is described. The patient referred that she was accustomed to self-medication with co-trimoxazole due to repeated urinary infections and that she was consuming this medication for 3 days. The pathological study showed an epidermic toxic necrolysis (Lyell syndrome). In spite of the medical cares, she had an unfavorable clinical course and she complicated with an acute renal failure, leading to death

Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole-Induced Severe Lactic Acidosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Propylene glycol (PG) is used as a solvent in numerous medications, including trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) and lorazepam, and is metabolized in the liver to lactic acid. Cases of lactic acidosis related to PG toxicity have been described and always involved large doses of benzodiazepines and PG. We present the first case of severe lactic acidosis after a 3-day course of TMP/SMX alone, involving allegedly safe amounts of PG.A 31-year-old female with neurofibromatosis and pilocytic astrocytoma, receiving temozolomide and steroids, was admitted to the intensive care unit for pneumonia and acute respiratory failure requiring intubation. Her initial hemodynamic and acid-base statuses were normal. She was treated with intravenous TMP/SMX for possible Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and was successfully extubated on day 2. On day 3, she developed tachypnea and arterial blood gas analysis revealed a severe metabolic acidosis (pH 7.2, PCO2 19 mm Hg, bicarbonates 8 mEq/L) with anion gap of 25 mEq/L and lactate of 12.1 mmol/L. TMP/SMX was discontinued and the lactate decreased to 2.9 mmol/L within 24 hours while her plasma bicarbonates normalized, without additional intervention. The patient never developed hypotension or severe hypoxia, and her renal and liver functions were normal. No other cause for lactic acidosis was identified and it resolved after TMP/SMX cessation alone, suggesting PG toxicity.Although PG-related lactic acidosis is well recognized after large doses of lorazepam, clinicians should bear in mind that TMP/SMX contains PG as well and should suspect PG toxicity in patients developing unexplained metabolic acidosis while receiving TMP/SMX.

Cotrimoxazol en infecciones óseas: toxicidad e impacto clínico y económico / Cotrimoxazole in bone-related infections: toxicity and clinical and economic impact

Background: Cotrimoxazole is a therapeutic option for bone-related infections but is associated to hyperkalemia and renal failure. Tolerance to this drug may reduce length of stay (LOS) and hospital charges. Aims: To evaluate renal, potassium toxicity, clinical outcome, and use of hospital resources in patients treated with cotrimoxazole for bone-related infections. Methods: Retrospective analysis of adult patients with bone-related infections confirmed by culture and treated with this drug. Serum potassium and creatinine levels were analyzed during follow-up and risk factors for hyperkalemia were searched. Length of stay (LOS) and hospital charges were compared. Clinical outcome was evaluated as a secondary endpoint. Results: From 2011 to 2014, 23 patients were identified (mean age 64.7 years). Diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, and previous amputations prevalence were high (82.6%, 47.8%, and 43.5%, respectively). Median serum potassium concentration increased significantly at first control (4.35 mEq/L to 4.9 mEq/L; p < 0.001), and also creatinine serum concentration (0.9 to 1.1 mg/dL; p < 0.05). Seven patients developed hyperkalemia. Cotrimoxazole was discontinued in 10 patients (43.5%), and in 6, discharge was postponed. Drugs active against the renin-angiotensin system (DAARAS) were associated with kyperkalemia (OR 10.8 IC95 1.37-85; p < 0.05). LOS was higher among patients with cotrimoxazole toxicity (median LOS 56 versus 30 days, p < 0.05). Patients with no cotrimoxazole interruption had less drug-related hospital charges (median values of 563 versus 2820 USD, respectively; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Cotrimoxazole use must be monitored in order to detect hyperkalemia or renal toxicity and suspend its prescription. Patients that use DAARAS have a higher risk of kyperkalemia. LOS and drug-related hospital charges are reduced when patients can tolerate cotrimoxazole.

Antecedentes: Cotrimoxazol es una alternativa en infecciones óseas pero se ha asociado al desarrollo de falla renal e hiperkalemia. Objetivo: Evaluar toxicidad renal, hiperkalemia, estadía y gastos hospitalarios y evolución clínica en un grupo de pacientes con infecciones óseas tratados con este compuesto. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo-descriptivo de pacientes adultos con infecciones óseas confirmadas con cultivos y tratados con este compuesto. Seguimiento de creatinina y kalemia y búsqueda de factores de riesgo para hiperkalemia, comparación de gastos y estadía hospitalaria y análisis de eficacia clínica. Resultados: Desde el año 2011 al 2014 se identificaron 23 pacientes (promedio de edad 64,7 años). La prevalencia de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (82,6%), enfermedad vascular periférica (47,8%) y amputaciones previas (43,5%) fue elevada. La mediana de la kalemia basal aumentó significativamente al primer control (4,35 a 4,9 mEq/L) al igual que la creatinina plasmática (0,9 a 1,1 mg/dL). Siete pacientes desarrollaron hiperkalemia (30,4%). Se suspendió cotrimoxazol en 10 casos (43,5%) y en 6 casos se postergó el alta. El uso de fármacos activos contra el sistema renina-angiotensina (FASRA) se asoció a hiperkalemia (OR 10,8 IC95 1,37-85; p < 0,05). La estadía hospitalaria fue mayor en el grupo con toxicidad a cotrimoxazol (mediana de 56 versus 30 días; p < 0,05) y los pacientes sin suspensión de terapia tuvieron menos gastos por fármacos (medianas de 563 vs 2.820 USD, p < 0,01). Conclusiones: El uso de cotrimoxazol debe ser monitorizado para detectar hiperkalemia o toxicidad renal y suspender su prescripción. Los pacientes que usan FASRA tienen mayor riesgo de hiperkalemia. La estadía y gastos hospitalarios por fármacos son menores en pacientes que toleran el cotrimoxazol.

First case of amebic liver abscess 22 years after the first occurrence.

A 72-year-old man consulted in November 2012 for abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant. The patient had a history of suspected hepatic amebiasis treated in Senegal in 1985 and has not traveled to endemic areas since 1990. Abdominal CT scan revealed a liver abscess. At first, no parasitological tests were performed and the patient was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Only after failure of this therapy, serology and PCR performed after liver abscess puncture established the diagnosis of hepatic amebiasis. The patient was treated with metronidazole and tiliquinol-tilbroquinol. Amebic liver abscess is the most frequent extra-intestinal manifestation. Hepatic amebiasis 22 years after the last visit to an endemic area is exceptional and raises questions on the mechanisms of latency and recurrence of these intestinal protozoan parasites.