Pneumococcal infective endocarditis in Brazil: a multicenter study on a severe condition.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia may result in Infective Endocarditis (IE). In the pre-antibiotic era, it caused 10 %‒15 % of IE, decreasing to < 3 % after penicillin availability. Although infrequent, it causes aggressive disease. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of endocarditis databases, prospectively implemented in 4 Brazilian institutions, 2005‒2023. RESULTS: From the prospective cohorts comprising 2321 adult patients with IE, we identified 11 (0.47%) with pneumococcal IE. Males represented 7/11 and mean age was 54 years (22‒77). All had native valve involvement; perivalvular abscess was present in 6/11. Only one patient had concurrent meningitis. Beta-lactams were the antibiotics used in 10/11. All had surgical indication, but only 6 had it, as the others were seriously ill. Overall, in hospital mortality was 6/11, but only 1/6 of those who underwent surgery died, compared to 5/5 of those who had an indication for surgery and did not have it. CONCLUSIONS: The high mortality rates and need for surgical intervention emphasize the need to promptly identify and manage pneumococcal endocarditis. Physicians ought to recommend vaccination to all patients at risk for severe pneumococcal disease.

Splenic Embolism in Infective Endocarditis: A Systematic Review of the Literature with an Emphasis on Radiological and Histopathological Diagnoses.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is characterised by fever, heart murmurs, and emboli. Splenic emboli are frequent in left-sided IE. A systematic review of the literature published on splenic embolism (SE) between 2000 and 2023 was conducted. Search strategies in electronic databases identified 2751 studies published between 1 January 2000 and 4 October 2023, of which 29 were finally included. The results showed that the imaging tests predominantly used to detect embolisms were computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography (PET)/CT, single-photon emission computed tomography/CT, ultrasound, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound. More recent studies typically used 18F-FDG PET-CT. The proportion of SE ranged from 1.4% to 71.7%. Only seven studies performed systematic conventional CT screening for intra-abdominal emboli, and the weighted mean frequency of SE was 22% (range: 8-34.8%). 18F-FDG PET-CT was performed systematically in seven studies, and splenic uptake was found in a weighted mean of 4.5%. There was a lack of uniformity in the published literature regarding the frequency and management of splenic embolisation. CT scans were the most frequently used method, until recently, when 18F-FDG PET-CT scans began to predominate. More data are necessary regarding the frequency of SE, especially focusing on their impact on IE management and prognosis.

Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in People Living with HIV: A Retrospective Case-Control Study in Brazil.

HIV-infected patients are at particular risk for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). We describe cases of IPD in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and find associated risk factors for infection and death. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study, nested in a cohort, including PLWHA with and without IPD, conducted in Brazil, 2005-2020. Controls were of the same gender/age and seen at the same time/place as cases. RESULTS: We identified 55 episodes of IPD (cases) in 45 patients and 108 controls. The incidence of IPD was 964/100,000 person-years. A total of 42 of 55 (76.4%) IPD episodes presented with pneumonia and 11 (20%) with bacteremia without a focus and 38/45 (84.4%) were hospitalized. Blood cultures were positive in 54/55 (98.2%). Liver cirrhosis and COPD were the only factors associated with IPD in PLWHA in univariate analysis, although no associated factors were found in multivariate analysis. Penicillin resistance was found in 4/45 (8.9%). Regarding antiretroviral therapy (ART), 40/45 (88.9%) cases vs. 80/102 controls (74.1%) were in use (p = 0.07). Patients with HIV and IPD had a higher CD4 count of 267 cells/mm3 compared with the control group, in which it was 140 cells/mm3 (p = 0.027). Pneumococcal vaccination was documented in 19%. Alcoholism (p = 0.018), hepatic cirrhosis (p = 0.003), and lower nadir CD4 count (p = 0.033) were associated with the risk of death in patients with IPD. In-hospital mortality among PLWHA and IPD was 21.1%, and it was associated with thrombocytopenia and hypoalbuminemia, elevated band forms, creatinine, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of IPD in PLWHA remained high despite ART. The vaccination rate was low. Liver cirrhosis was associated with IPD and death.

Evaluation of Five Non-Culture-Based Methods for the Diagnosis of Meningeal Sporotrichosis.

Sporotrichosis is the main subcutaneous mycosis worldwide. Several complications, including meningeal forms, can be observed in immunocompromised individuals. The sporotrichosis diagnosis is time-consuming due to the culture's limitations. The low fungal burden in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples is another important drawback in the diagnosis of meningeal sporotrichosis. Molecular and immunological tests can improve the detection of Sporothrix spp. in clinical specimens. Therefore, the following five non-culture-based methods were evaluated for the detection of Sporothrix spp. in 30 CSF samples: (i) species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR); (ii) nested PCR; (iii) quantitative PCR; (iv) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IgG detection; and (v) ELISA for IgM detection. The species-specific PCR was unsuccessful in the diagnosis of the meningeal sporotrichosis. The other four methods presented substantial levels of sensitivity (78.6% to 92.9%) and specificity (75% to 100%) for the indirect detection of Sporothrix spp. Both DNA-based methods presented similar accuracy (84.6%). Both ELISA methods were concomitantly positive only for patients with sporotrichosis and clinical signs of meningitis. We suggest that these methods should be implemented in clinical practice to detect Sporothrix spp. in CSF early, which may optimize treatment, augment the chances of a cure, and improve the prognosis of affected individuals.

Histoplasmosis at a Reference Center for Infectious Diseases in Southeast Brazil: Comparison between HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Individuals.

Objectives: Histoplasmosis is a systemic mycosis, present globally. We aimed to describe cases of histoplasmosis (Hc) and to establish a risk profile associated with Hc in HIV-infected patients (HIV+). Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients with a clinical laboratory diagnosis of Hc. Data were fed into REDCap, and statistical analysis was performed with R. Results: We included 99 records, 65 HIV+ and 34 HIV-. Average age was 39 years. Median time from onset to diagnosis was 8 weeks in HIV- and 22 weeks in HIV+. Disseminated histoplasmosis occurred in 79.4% of HIV+, vs. 36.4% of HIV- patients. Median CD4 count was 70. Co-infection with tuberculosis was present in 20% of HIV+ patients. Blood cultures were positive in 32.3% of HIV+ vs. 11.8% of HIV- (p = 0.025) patients; bone marrow culture was positive in 36.9% vs. 8.8% (p = 0.003). Most HIV+ patients (71.4%) were hospitalized. On univariate analysis, anemia, leukopenia, intensive care, use of vasopressors and mechanical ventilation were associated with death in HIV+ patients. Conclusions: Most of our patients with histoplasmosis were HIV+, presenting advanced AIDS. Diagnosis was late in HIV+ patients, and they frequently presented disseminated Hc, required hospitalization, and died. Early screening for Hc in HIV+ and drug-induced immunosuppressed patients is crucial.

Infective Endocarditis due to Non-HACEK Gram-Negative Bacilli: Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors from a Prospective Multicenter Brazilian Cohort.

Background: Non-HACEK Gram-negative bacilli (NGNB) infective endocarditis (IE) has a growing frequency. We aimed to describe cases of NGNB IE and find associated risk factors. Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study of consecutive patients with definitive IE according to the modified Duke criteria in four institutions in Brazil. Results: Of 1154 adult patients enrolled, 38 (3.29%) had IE due to NGNB. Median age was 57 years, males predominated, accounting for 25/38 (65.8%). Most common etiologies were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella spp. (8 episodes, 21% each). Worsening heart failure occurred in 18/38 (47.4%). Higher prevalence of embolic events was found (55,3%), mostly to the central nervous system 7/38 (18.4%). Vegetations were most commonly on aortic valves 17/38 (44.7%). Recent healthcare exposure was found in 52.6% and a central venous catheter (CVC) in 13/38 (34.2%). Overall mortality was 19/38 (50%). Indwelling CVC (OR 5.93; 95% CI, 1.29 to 27.3; p = 0.017), hemodialysis (OR 16.2; 95% CI, 1.78 to 147; p = 0.008) and chronic kidney disease (OR 4.8; 95% IC, 1.2 to 19.1, p = 0.049) were identified as risk factors for mortality. Conclusions: The rate of IE due to NGNB was similar to that in previous studies. Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa were the most common etiologies. NGNB IE was associated with central venous catheters, prosthetic valves, intracardiac devices and hemodialysis and had a high mortality rate.

Clinical Features and Survival Analysis of Patients after Mechanical Heart Valve Replacement, with an Emphasis on Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis. / Aspectos Clínicos e de Sobrevida de Pacientes pós Implante de Valva Mecânica, com Ênfase em Trombose de Prótese Valvar.

BACKGROUND: Valvular heart diseases are highly prevalent in the world, and surgical valve replacement has improved patients' survival. OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical and laboratory data of patients undergoing mechanical valve replacement, and to determine the incidence of prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with a follow-up of up to nine years. The study variables were collected from conventional and electronic medical charts. Statistical calculations were performed using the Jamovi software version 1.2.2.; a p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Kaplan Meier curves were constructed, and Cox regression analysis was performed for analysis of factors related to mortality. RESULTS: A total of 473 patients were included, mean age of 46.9 ±11.3 years. Rheumatic disease was the most common etiology. In a mean follow-up period of 4.43 years, mortality rate was 16.1%. Patients with aortic prosthesis showed higher survival than patients with double implant (mitral and aortic) (p=0.026). Of the factors adjusted for mortality, only functional class and chronic renal failure showed statistically significant association. The incidence of PVT was 0.24/100 patients/year, and the first event occurred more than 1000 days after the implant. Smoking and pannus formation were significantly associated with PVT. No differences were found in INR variability between patients with and without thrombosis by prosthetic position, but significant differences were found in INR before thrombosis as compared with patients without thrombosis (INR= 2.20 [1.80-2.20] vs. 2.80 [2.20-3.40]; p= 0.040). The incidence of stroke and bleeding was 4.4% and 5.2% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The study population was young, and rheumatic valve disease was common in this group. The prevalence of PVT was similar to that described in the literature, despite the low income and low educational level of our sample.

FUNDAMENTO: As doenças oro-valvares têm prevalência mundial expressiva, e a cirurgia de troca valvar melhorou a sobrevida dos pacientes. OBJETIVOS: Descrever aspectos clínico-laboratoriais dos pacientes submetidos a implante valvar mecânico e determinar a incidência de trombose de próteses valvares (TPV). MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com seguimento até nove anos; as variáveis de estudo foram buscadas em prontuários físicos e eletrônicos. Os cálculos foram realizados pelo programa Jamovi 1.2.2.; p<0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significante. Foram construídas curvas de Kaplan Meier, e realizada análise de regressão de Cox para fatores relacionados à mortalidade. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 473 pacientes com média de idade de 46,9 ±11,3 anos. A doença reumática foi a principal etiologia. Em média de acompanhamento de 4,43 anos, a mortalidade foi de 16,1%. Pacientes com implantes de próteses na posição aórtica tiveram sobrevida melhor que os portadores em posição mitro-aórtica (p=0,026). Entre os fatores ajustados para mortalidade, apenas classe funcional e insuficiência renal crônica apresentaram significância estatística. A incidência de TPV foi de 0,24/100 pacientes/ano, com primeiro evento após 1000 dias da cirurgia. Tabagismo e pannus foram estatisticamente associados a TPV. Não houve diferenças na variabilidade de INR entre pacientes com e sem trombose por posição protética, mas houve diferença estatística no INR pré-evento trombótico comparado aos que não apresentaram trombose (INR= 2,20[1,80-2,20] vs 2,80[2,20-3,40]; p= 0,040). Identificamos 4,4% de acidentes vasculares cerebrais e 5,2% de sangramentos. CONCLUSÕES: A população mostrou-se jovem e valvopatia reumática foi frequente. A frequência de TPV foi semelhante à descrita na literatura, apesar da baixa renda e escolaridade da amostra.

Aspectos Clínicos e de Sobrevida de Pacientes pós Implante de Valva Mecânica, com Ênfase em Trombose de Prótese Valvar / Clinical Features and Survival Analysis of Patients after Mechanical Heart Valve Replacement, with an Emphasis on Prosthetic Valve Thrombosis

Resumo Fundamento As doenças oro-valvares têm prevalência mundial expressiva, e a cirurgia de troca valvar melhorou a sobrevida dos pacientes. Objetivos Descrever aspectos clínico-laboratoriais dos pacientes submetidos a implante valvar mecânico e determinar a incidência de trombose de próteses valvares (TPV). Métodos Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com seguimento até nove anos; as variáveis de estudo foram buscadas em prontuários físicos e eletrônicos. Os cálculos foram realizados pelo programa Jamovi 1.2.2.; p<0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significante. Foram construídas curvas de Kaplan Meier, e realizada análise de regressão de Cox para fatores relacionados à mortalidade. Resultados Foram incluídos 473 pacientes com média de idade de 46,9 ±11,3 anos. A doença reumática foi a principal etiologia. Em média de acompanhamento de 4,43 anos, a mortalidade foi de 16,1%. Pacientes com implantes de próteses na posição aórtica tiveram sobrevida melhor que os portadores em posição mitro-aórtica (p=0,026). Entre os fatores ajustados para mortalidade, apenas classe funcional e insuficiência renal crônica apresentaram significância estatística. A incidência de TPV foi de 0,24/100 pacientes/ano, com primeiro evento após 1000 dias da cirurgia. Tabagismo e pannus foram estatisticamente associados a TPV. Não houve diferenças na variabilidade de INR entre pacientes com e sem trombose por posição protética, mas houve diferença estatística no INR pré-evento trombótico comparado aos que não apresentaram trombose (INR= 2,20[1,80-2,20] vs 2,80[2,20-3,40]; p= 0,040). Identificamos 4,4% de acidentes vasculares cerebrais e 5,2% de sangramentos. Conclusões A população mostrou-se jovem e valvopatia reumática foi frequente. A frequência de TPV foi semelhante à descrita na literatura, apesar da baixa renda e escolaridade da amostra.

Abstract Background Valvular heart diseases are highly prevalent in the world, and surgical valve replacement has improved patients' survival. Objectives To describe clinical and laboratory data of patients undergoing mechanical valve replacement, and to determine the incidence of prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT). Methods Retrospective cohort study with a follow-up of up to nine years. The study variables were collected from conventional and electronic medical charts. Statistical calculations were performed using the Jamovi software version 1.2.2.; a p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Kaplan Meier curves were constructed, and Cox regression analysis was performed for analysis of factors related to mortality. Results A total of 473 patients were included, mean age of 46.9 ±11.3 years. Rheumatic disease was the most common etiology. In a mean follow-up period of 4.43 years, mortality rate was 16.1%. Patients with aortic prosthesis showed higher survival than patients with double implant (mitral and aortic) (p=0.026). Of the factors adjusted for mortality, only functional class and chronic renal failure showed statistically significant association. The incidence of PVT was 0.24/100 patients/year, and the first event occurred more than 1000 days after the implant. Smoking and pannus formation were significantly associated with PVT. No differences were found in INR variability between patients with and without thrombosis by prosthetic position, but significant differences were found in INR before thrombosis as compared with patients without thrombosis (INR= 2.20 [1.80-2.20] vs. 2.80 [2.20-3.40]; p= 0.040). The incidence of stroke and bleeding was 4.4% and 5.2% respectively. Conclusions The study population was young, and rheumatic valve disease was common in this group. The prevalence of PVT was similar to that described in the literature, despite the low income and low educational level of our sample.

Infective endocarditis in pregnant women without intravenous drug use: a multicentre retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical features and outcomes of infective endocarditis (IE) in pregnant women who do not inject drugs. METHODS: A multinational retrospective study was performed at 14 hospitals. All definite IE episodes between January 2000 and April 2021 were included. The main outcomes were maternal mortality and pregnancy-related complications. RESULTS: Twenty-five episodes of IE were included. Median age at IE diagnosis was 33.2 years (IQR 28.3-36.6) and median gestational age was 30 weeks (IQR 16-32). Thirteen (52%) patients had no previously known heart disease. Sixteen (64%) were native IE, 7 (28%) prosthetic and 2 (8%) cardiac implantable electronic device IE. The most common aetiologies were streptococci (n = 10, 40%), staphylococci (n = 5, 20%), HACEK group (n = 3, 12%) and Enterococcus faecalis (n = 3, 12%). Twenty (80%) patients presented at least one IE complication; the most common were heart failure (n = 13, 52%) and symptomatic embolism other than stroke (n = 4, 16%). Twenty-one (84%) patients had surgery indication and surgery was performed when indicated in 19 (90%). There was one maternal death and 16 (64%) patients presented pregnancy-related complications (11 patients ≥1 complication): 3 pregnancy losses, 9 urgent Caesarean sections, 2 emergency Caesarean sections, 1 fetal death, and 11 preterm births. Two patients presented a relapse during a median follow-up of 3.1 years (IQR 0.6-7.4). CONCLUSIONS: Strict medical surveillance of pregnant women with IE is required and must involve a multidisciplinary team including obstetricians and neonatologists. Furthermore, the potential risk of IE during pregnancy should never be underestimated in women with previously known underlying heart disease.

Secondary infections in a cohort of patients with COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit: impact of gram-negative bacterial resistance.

Some studies have shown that secondary infections during the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the high mortality. Our objective was to identify the frequency, types and etiology of bacterial infections in patients with COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and to evaluate the results of ICU stay, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) and in-hospital mortality. It was a single-center study with a retrospective cohort of patients admitted consecutively to the ICU for more than 48 h between March and May 2020. Comparisons of groups with and without ICU- acquired infection were performed. A total of 191 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were included and 57 patients had 97 secondary infectious events. The most frequent agents were Acinetobacter baumannii (28.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22.7%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.4%); multi-drug resistance was present in 96% of A. baumannii and in 57% of K. pneumoniae. The most prevalent infection was ventilator-associated pneumonia in 57.9% of patients with bacterial infections, or 17.3% of all COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU, followed by tracheobronchitis (26.3%). Patients with secondary infections had a longer ICU stay (40.0 vs. 17 days; p < 0.001), as well as a longer duration of MV (24.0 vs 9.0 days; p= 0.003). There were 68 (35.6%) deaths overall, of which 27 (39.7%) patients had bacterial infections. Among the 123 survivors, 30 (24.4%) had a secondary infections (OR 2.041; 95% CI 1.080 - 3.859). A high incidence of secondary infections, mainly caused by gram-negative bacteria has been observed. Secondary infections were associated with longer ICU stay, MV use and higher mortality.

Meningeal Sporotrichosis Due to Sporothrix brasiliensis: A 21-Year Cohort Study from a Brazilian Reference Center.

Meningeal sporotrichosis is rare and occurs predominantly in immunosuppressed individuals. This retrospective study explored clinical and laboratory characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of patients with disseminated sporotrichosis who underwent lumbar puncture (LP) at a Brazilian reference center from 1999 to 2020. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression models were used to estimate overall survival and hazard ratios. Among 57 enrolled patients, 17 had meningitis. Fifteen (88.2%) had HIV infection, and in 6 of them, neurological manifestations occurred because of the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). The most frequent symptom was headache (88.2%). Meningeal symptoms at first LP were absent in 7/17 (41.2%) patients. Sporothrix was diagnosed in cerebrospinal fluid either by culture or by polymerase chain reaction in seven and four patients, respectively. All but one patient received prolonged courses of amphotericin B formulations, and seven received posaconazole, but relapses were frequent. Lethality among patients with meningitis was 64.7%, with a higher chance of death compared to those without meningitis (HR = 3.87; IC95% = 1.23;12.17). Meningeal sporotrichosis occurs mostly in people with HIV and can be associated with IRIS. Screening LP is indicated in patients with disseminated disease despite the absence of neurological complaints. Meningitis is associated with poor prognosis, and better treatment strategies are needed.

Secondary infections in a cohort of patients with COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit: impact of gram-negative bacterial resistance

ABSTRACT Some studies have shown that secondary infections during the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the high mortality. Our objective was to identify the frequency, types and etiology of bacterial infections in patients with COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and to evaluate the results of ICU stay, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) and in-hospital mortality. It was a single-center study with a retrospective cohort of patients admitted consecutively to the ICU for more than 48 h between March and May 2020. Comparisons of groups with and without ICU- acquired infection were performed. A total of 191 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were included and 57 patients had 97 secondary infectious events. The most frequent agents were Acinetobacter baumannii (28.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22.7%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.4%); multi-drug resistance was present in 96% of A. baumannii and in 57% of K. pneumoniae. The most prevalent infection was ventilator-associated pneumonia in 57.9% of patients with bacterial infections, or 17.3% of all COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU, followed by tracheobronchitis (26.3%). Patients with secondary infections had a longer ICU stay (40.0 vs. 17 days; p < 0.001), as well as a longer duration of MV (24.0 vs 9.0 days; p= 0.003). There were 68 (35.6%) deaths overall, of which 27 (39.7%) patients had bacterial infections. Among the 123 survivors, 30 (24.4%) had a secondary infections (OR 2.041; 95% CI 1.080 - 3.859). A high incidence of secondary infections, mainly caused by gram-negative bacteria has been observed. Secondary infections were associated with longer ICU stay, MV use and higher mortality.

COVID-19 in patients with cardiac disease: Impact and variables associated with mortality in a cardiology center in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is associated with severe COVID-19. Our aim was to describe clinical and laboratory features (including electrocardiographic and echocardiographic ones) and outcomes of patients with cardiac disease hospitalized with COVID-19. METHODS: This is an observational retrospective study of consecutive adult patients admitted, between March and September of 2020, with confirmed SARSCoV-2 infection. Data were collected as per the ISARIC case report form and complemented with variables related to heart disease. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-one patients were included. Mean age was 60 SD 15.2 years and 80/121(66.1%) were male. Two-thirds of the patients (80/121, 66.1%) had COVID-19 at the time of hospital admission and COVID-19 was the reason for hospitalization in 42 (34.7%). Other reasons for hospital admission were acute coronary syndrome (26%) and decompensated heart failure (14.8%). Chronic cardiac diseases were found in 106/121 (87.6%), mostly coronary artery disease (62%) or valve disease (33.9%). A transthoracic echocardiogram was performed in 93/121(76.8%) and enlarged cardiac chambers were found in 71% (66/93); admission ECG was done in 93 cases (93/121, 76.8%), and 89.2% (83/93) were abnormal. Hospital-acquisition of COVID-19 occurred in 20 (16.5%) of patients and their mortality was 50%. On bivariate analysis for mortality, BNP levels and troponin levels were NOT associated with mortality. On multivariate analysis, only C reactive protein levels and creatinine levels were significant. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 impacted the profile of hospital admissions in cardiac patients. BNP and troponin levels were not associated with mortality and may not be good prognostic discriminators in cardiac patients.

Prospective Cohort Study of Infective Endocarditis in People Who Inject Drugs.

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis (IE) in people who inject drugs (PWID) is an emergent public health problem. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate IE in PWID and compare it with IE in non-PWID patients. METHODS: Two prospective cohort studies (ICE-PCS and ICE-Plus databases, encompassing 8,112 IE episodes from 2000 to 2006 and 2008 to 2012, with 64 and 34 sites and 28 and 18 countries, respectively). Outcomes were compared between PWID and non-PWID patients with IE. Logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate risk factors for 6-month mortality and relapses amongst PWID. RESULTS: A total of 7,616 patients (591 PWID and 7,025 non-PWID) were included. PWID patients were significantly younger (median 37.0 years [interquartile range: 29.5 to 44.2 years] vs. 63.3 years [interquartile range: 49.3 to 74.0 years]; p < 0.001), male (72.5% vs. 67.4%; p = 0.007), and presented lower rates of comorbidities except for human immunodeficiency virus, liver disease, and higher rates of prior IE. Amongst IE cases in PWID, 313 (53%) episodes involved left-side valves and 204 (34.5%) were purely left-sided IE. PWID presented a larger proportion of native IE (90.2% vs. 64.4%; p < 0.001), whereas prosthetic-IE and cardiovascular implantable electronic device-IE were more frequent in non-PWID (9.3% vs. 27.0% and 0.5% vs. 8.6%; both p < 0.001). Staphylococcus aureus caused 65.9% and 26.8% of cases in PWID and non-PWID, respectively (p < 0.001). PWID presented higher rates of systemic emboli (51.1% vs. 22.5%; p < 0.001) and persistent bacteremia (14.7% vs. 9.3%; p < 0.001). Cardiac surgery was less frequently performed (39.5% vs. 47.8%; p < 0.001), and in-hospital and 6-month mortality were lower in PWID (10.8% vs. 18.2% and 14.4% vs. 22.2%; both p < 0.001), whereas relapses were more frequent in PWID (9.5% vs. 2.8%; p < 0.001). Prior IE, left-sided IE, polymicrobial etiology, intracardiac complications, and stroke were risk factors for 6-month mortality, whereas cardiac surgery was associated with lower mortality in the PWID population. CONCLUSIONS: A notable proportion of cases in PWID involve left-sided valves, prosthetic valves, or are caused by microorganisms other than S. aureus.

Functional capacity and rehabilitation strategies in Covid-19 patients: current knowledge and challenges.

Covid-19 is a novel infectious disease whose spectrum of presentation ranges from absence of symptoms to widespread interstitial pneumonia associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), leading to significant mortality. Given the systemic pattern of Covid-19, there are many factors that can influence patient's functional capacity after acute infection and the identification of such factors can contribute to the development of specific rehabilitation strategies. Pulmonary impairment is the primary cause of hospitalization due to Covid-19, and can progress to SARS as well as increase length of hospitalization. Moreover, cardiac involvement is observed in approximately 30% of hospitalized patients, with an increased risk of acute myocarditis, myocardial injury, and heart failure, which may compromise functional capacity in the long-term. Thromboembolic complications have also been reported in some patients with Covid-19 and are associated with a poor prognosis. Musculoskeletal complications may result from long periods of hospitalization and immobility, and can include fatigue, muscle weakness and polyneuropathy. Studies that address the functional capacity of patients after Covid-19 infection are still scarce. However, based on knowledge from the multiple systemic complications associated with Covid-19, it is reasonable to suggest that most patients, especially those who underwent prolonged hospitalization, will need a multiprofessional rehabilitation program. Further studies are needed to evaluate the functional impact and the rehabilitation strategies for patients affected by Covid-19.

Systemic microvascular endothelial dysfunction and disease severity in COVID-19 patients: Evaluation by laser Doppler perfusion monitoring and cytokine/chemokine analysis.

BACKGROUND: Microvascular dysfunction, serum cytokines and chemokines may play important roles in pathophysiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially in severe cases. METHODS: Patients with COVID-19 underwent non-invasive evaluation of systemic endothelium-dependent microvascular reactivity - using laser Doppler perfusion monitoring in the skin of the forearm - coupled to local thermal hyperemia. Maximal microvascular vasodilatation (44 °C thermal plateau phase) was used as endpoint. A multiplex biometric immunoassay was used to assess a panel of 48 serum cytokines and chemokines. Severe COVID-19 (S-COVID) was defined according to WHO criteria, while all other cases of COVID-19 were considered mild to moderate (M-COVID). A group of healthy individuals who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 served as a control group and was also evaluated with LDPM. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with COVID-19 (25% S-COVID) and 14 controls were included. Basal microvascular flow was similar between M-COVID and controls (P = 0.69) but was higher in S-COVID than in controls (P = 0.005) and M-COVID patients (P = 0.01). The peak microvascular vasodilator response was markedly decreased in both patient groups (M-COVID, P = 0.001; S-COVID, P < 0.0001) compared to the healthy group. The percent increases in microvascular flow were markedly reduced in both patient groups (M-COVID, P < 0.0001; S-COVID, P < 0.0001) compared to controls. Patients with S-COVID had markedly higher concentrations of dissimilar proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, compared to patients with M-COVID. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with COVID-19, especially with S-COVID, endothelium-dependent microvascular vasodilator responses are reduced, while serum cytokines and chemokines involved in the regulation of vascular function and inflammation are increased.