Enhanced Methodologies for Investigating the Electrophysiological Characteristics of Endogenous Pannexin 1 Intercellular Cell-Cell Channels.

Gap junctions, pivotal intercellular conduits, serve as communication channels between adjacent cells, playing a critical role in modulating membrane potential distribution across cellular networks. The family of Pannexin (Panx) proteins, in particular Pannexin1 (Panx1), are widely expressed in vertebrate cells and exhibit sequence homology with innexins, the invertebrate gap junction channel constituents. Despite being ubiquitously expressed, detailed functional and pharmacological properties of Panx1 intercellular cell-cell channels require further investigation. In this chapter, we introduce optimized cell culture methodologies and electrophysiology protocols to expedite the exploration of endogenous Panx1 cell-cell channels in TC620 cells, a human oligodendroglioma cell line that naturally expresses Panx1. We anticipate these refined protocols will significantly contribute to future characterizations of Panx1-based intercellular cell-cell channels across diverse cell types and offer valuable insights into both normal cellular physiology and pathophysiology.

Acyl-Carnitines Exert Positive Effects on Mitochondrial Activity under Oxidative Stress in Mouse Oocytes: A Potential Mechanism Underlying Carnitine Efficacy on PCOS.

Carnitines play a key physiological role in oocyte metabolism and redox homeostasis. In clinical and animal studies, carnitine administration alleviated metabolic and reproductive dysfunction associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Oxidative stress (OS) at systemic, intraovarian, and intrafollicular levels is one of the main factors involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS. We investigated the ability of different acyl-carnitines to act at the oocyte level by counteracting the effects of OS on carnitine shuttle system and mitochondrial activity in mouse oocytes. Germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes were exposed to hydrogen peroxide and propionyl-l-carnitine (PLC) alone or in association with l-carnitine (LC) and acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC) under different conditions. Expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (Cpt1) was monitored by RT-PCR. In in vitro matured oocytes, metaphase II (MII) apparatus was assessed by immunofluorescence. Oocyte mitochondrial respiration was evaluated by Seahorse Cell Mito Stress Test. We found that Cpt1a and Cpt1c isoforms increased under prooxidant conditions. PLC alone significantly improved meiosis completion and oocyte quality with a synergistic effect when combined with LC + ALC. Acyl-carnitines prevented Cpt1c increased expression, modifications of oocyte respiration, and ATP production observed upon OS. Specific effects of PLC on spare respiratory capacity were observed. Therefore, carnitine supplementation modulated the intramitochondrial transfer of fatty acids with positive effects on mitochondrial activity under OS. This knowledge contributes to defining molecular mechanism underlying carnitine efficacy on PCOS.

Modulating Morphological and Redox/Glycative Alterations in the PCOS Uterus: Effects of Carnitines in PCOS Mice.

(1) Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common and multifactorial disease affecting reproductive-age women. Although PCOS ovarian and metabolic features have received extensive research, uterine dysfunction has been poorly investigated. This research aims to investigate morphological and molecular alterations in the PCOS uterus and search for modulating effects of different carnitine formulations. (2) Methods: CD1 mice were administered or not with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, 6 mg/100 g body weight) for 20 days, alone or with 0.40 mg L-carnitine (LC) and 0.20 mg acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) in the presence or absence of 0.08 mg propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC). Uterine horns from the four groups were subjected to histology, immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting analyses to evaluate their morphology, collagen deposition, autophagy and steroidogenesis. Oxidative-/methylglyoxal (MG)-dependent damage was investigated along with the effects on the mitochondria, SIRT1, SOD2, RAGE and GLO1 proteins. (3) Results: The PCOS uterus suffers from tissue and oxidative alterations associated with MG-AGE accumulation. LC-ALC administration alleviated PCOS uterine tissue alterations and molecular damage. The presence of PLC prevented fibrosis and maintained mitochondria content. (4) Conclusions: The present results provide evidence for oxidative and glycative damage as the main factors contributing to PCOS uterine alterations and include the uterus in the spectrum of action of carnitines on the PCOS phenotype.

Safety of perioperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy with gemcitabine in patients with resected pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a pilot study of the clinical trial EudraCT 2016-004298-41.

BACKGROUND: Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with gemcitabine, after cytoreductive surgery, may reduce the tumor progression of pancreatic cancer through the reduction of the neoplastic volume and the subpopulation of residual pancreatic cancer stem cells, improving the survival of patients with pancreatic cancer and decreasing the recurrence of the disease. METHODS: A pilot study is performed with the first ten patients in the experimental group. A randomized study (phase II-III clinical trial) that requires a population of 42 patients, with 21 patients in each group. All patients have a diagnosis of ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas, which will be surgically resected with curative intention. (I) Group I: after an R0 resection, patients receive individualized adjuvant treatments. (II) Group II: after an R0 resection, HIPEC is performed with gemcitabine (120 mg/m2 for 30 min), and they also receive individualized adjuvant treatments. To analyze the safety of the procedure, the main variables measured were as follows: grades of complications by means of the Clavien-Dindo system: pancreas surgery complications (e.g., pancreatic fistula, perioperative hemorrhage, delayed gastric emptying, biliary fistula), operative mortality, and laboratory parameters to control system functions. Values were measured three times: preoperatively, twenty-four hours after surgery, and on the 7th postoperative day. RESULTS: From 2018 to 2019, 31 patients were recruited for our clinical trial. Fifteen patients were excluded because of intraoperative unresectability or a different intraoperative histologic diagnosis. Ten patients were included in the experimental group (resection plus HIPEC gemcitabine). The mean age was 65±7 years, and six patients were female (60%). We confirmed the histologic diagnosis of ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma in all patients prior to HIPEC. Total pancreatectomy was performed in five patients. The surgical median time was 360 min, and the hospital stay was 11 days. Four patients showed complications classified as Clavien-Dindo type II and one showing type I. Six patients were classified as having stage III tumors. To date, no hospital mortality, locoregional recurrence, or differences between the two groups in terms of perioperative complications, biochemical and gasometric values, or Clavien-Dindo complication grades were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our clinical pilot study demonstrated a similar perioperative outcome that allows the trial until main objectives are achieved.

Factores de riesgo para infección del tracto urinario asociado al uso de catéter urinario permanente en pacientes adultos hospitalizados / Risk factors for urinary tract infection associated with the use of urinary catheters in hospitalized adult

Resumen La infección del tracto urinario asociada al catéter urinario permanente (ITU/CUP) es un problema relevante en los centros de salud por su alta frecuencia. Objetivo: Identificar factores de riesgo de ITU en pacientes adultos con CUP. Material y Método: Estudio caso control efectuado entre los años 2010-2016 en el Hospital Militar de Santiago. Se realizó un análisis estadístico univariado y multivariado por medio del modelo de regresión logística binaria, con variables como edad, duración e indicación del dispositivo, algunas comorbilidades y la instalación del dispositivo luego de 15 días hospitalización. Resultado: Se obtuvo un total de 63 casos y 123 controles. Fueron variables predictoras de ITU/CUP la duración del CUP desde el séptimo día en adelante (OR 2,6 IC 1,4-4,9, p = 0,004) y la instalación del CUP con una estadía de hospitalización previa de 15 días y más (OR 7,8 IC 2,920,9 p = 0,000). No se encontró asociación con la edad mayor de 80 años, comorbilidades como diabetes y vejiga neurogénica e indicación de instalación. Conclusiones: Los resultados permiten focalizar las intervenciones, evaluando la necesidad real de indicación de CUP en pacientes con estadía hospitalaria previa de dos semanas y fomentar el retiro de CUP antes del séptimo día de uso.

Abstract Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is a relevant problem in health centers because of its high frequency. Objective: To identify UTI risk factors in adult patients with urinary catheter. Material and Method: Control case study carried out between the years 2010-2016 at the Military Hospital of Santiago, Chile. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were performed using the binary logistic regression model, variables such as age, duration and indication of the device, some comorbidities and the installation of the device after 15 days of hospitalization. Result: A total of 63 cases and 123 controls were obtained. Predictive variables of CAUTI for the duration of the urinary catheter from the 7th day onwards (OR 2.6 IC 1.4-4.9, p = 0.004) and the installation of the urinary catheter with a previous hospital stay of 15 days and more (OR 7.8 CI 2.9-20.9 p = 0.000). No association was found in age over 80 years, comorbidities such as diabetes and neurogenic bladder and indication. Conclusions: The results permitted to focus the interventions, evaluating the real need for indication of CUP in patients with previous hospital statistics of 2 weeks and encouraging the withdrawal of CUP before the 7th day of use.

[Impact of the use of rings and nail polish on hand hygiene quality in healthcare workers]. / Impacto del uso de anillos y uñas esmaltadas en la calidad de la higiene de manos en el personal de salud.

BACKGROUND: Health-care-associated infections are a frequent problem in hospital environments. Hand hygiene is the most effective measure to prevent outbreaks. The use of certain accessories could decrease its effectiveness, facilitating horizontal transmission of pathogens. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the evidence that assess the impact of the use of rings and nail polish on hand hygiene quality in healthcare workers. METHODS: Non-systematic search in PUBMED/MEDLINE database (1978-2018) of studies in which the quality of hand hygiene or surgical washing is measured, using quantitative cultures or fluorescent stains. RESULTS: Wearing rings: 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven were carried out in general wards. In all of them the use of rings was associated with lower quality of hand hygiene (the majority of low quality). Contrarily, in 3 of 4 primary studies carried out in the operating rooms (of low quality), their use did not affect the quality of surgical washing. Similarly, two systematic reviews obtained similar conclusions. Nail polish: 7 of 54 studies met the inclusion criteria. In four of them there were discordant results (the majority of low quality). One RCT showed a reduction in the quality of surgical washing only when the nail polish was damaged. Gel nail polish was associated with lower quality in two experimental studies. CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to associate the use of these accessories with the reduction in the quality of hand hygiene. Its safety was not proven neither. Based on the available evidence (the majority of low quality), a negative impact of the use of rings in clinical units and also of damaged nail polish in operating rooms was observed. Better quality studies are required to address these relevant issues.

Impacto del uso de anillos y uñas esmaltadas en la calidad de la higiene de manos en el personal de salud / Impact of the use of rings and nail polish on hand hygiene quality in healthcare workers

Resumen Introducción: Las infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud son un problema frecuente en el ambiente hospitalario. La higiene de manos es la medida más efectiva para su prevención. El uso de ciertos accesorios en las manos podría disminuir su efectividad y favorecer la transmisión horizontal de agentes infecciosos. Objetivo: Revisar los estudios publicados que evalúan el impacto del uso de anillos y uñas esmaltadas en la calidad de la higiene de manos en trabajadores de la salud. Métodos: Búsqueda no sistemática en base de datos PUBMED/MEDLINE (1978-2018) de estudios en los cuales se mide la calidad de la higiene de manos o lavado quirúrgico, mediante cultivos cuantitativos o tinciones fluorescentes. Resultados: Uso de anillos: Trece de 51 artículos cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Siete fueron realizados en unidades clínicas, y en todos ellos éste se asoció a menor calidad de la higiene de manos (la mayoría de baja calidad). Contrariamente, en tres de cuatro estudios primarios realizados en pabellón (de baja calidad), su uso no impactó en la calidad del lavado quirúrgico. Igualmente, dos revisiones sistemáticas obtuvieron similares conclusiones. Uñas esmaltadas: siete de 54 artículos fueron incluidos. En cuatro hubo resultados discordantes (la mayoría de baja calidad). En un estudio controlado se observó reducción en la calidad del lavado quirúrgico sólo cuando el esmalte estaba dañado. El esmalte gel se asoció a menor calidad de la higiene de manos en dos estudios experimentales. Conclusiones: No existe evidencia de calidad suficiente para asociar el uso de estos accesorios con reducción en la calidad de la higiene de manos. Tampoco queda demostrada su inocuidad. En base a la evidencia disponible (la mayoría de baja calidad), se observó un impacto negativo del uso de anillos en unidades clínicas y también de uñas con esmalte dañado en pabellones quirúrgicos. Se requieren estudios de mejor calidad para abordar estos relevantes tópicos.

Abstract Background: Health-care-associated infections are a frequent problem in hospital environments. Hand hygiene is the most effective measure to prevent outbreaks. The use of certain accessories could decrease its effectiveness, facilitating horizontal transmission of pathogens. Objective: Analyze the evidence that assess the impact of the use of rings and nail polish on hand hygiene quality in healthcare workers. Methods: Non-systematic search in PUBMED/MEDLINE database (1978-2018) of studies in which the quality of hand hygiene or surgical washing is measured, using quantitative cultures or fluorescent stains. Results: Wearing rings: 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven were carried out in general wards. In all of them the use of rings was associated with lower quality of hand hygiene (the majority of low quality). Contrarily, in 3 of 4 primary studies carried out in the operating rooms (of low quality), their use did not affect the quality of surgical washing. Similarly, two systematic reviews obtained similar conclusions. Nail polish: 7 of 54 studies met the inclusion criteria. In four of them there were discordant results (the majority of low quality). One RCT showed a reduction in the quality of surgical washing only when the nail polish was damaged. Gel nail polish was associated with lower quality in two experimental studies. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence to associate the use of these accessories with the reduction in the quality of hand hygiene. Its safety was not proven neither. Based on the available evidence (the majority of low quality), a negative impact of the use of rings in clinical units and also of damaged nail polish in operating rooms was observed. Better quality studies are required to address these relevant issues.

[Risk factors for urinary tract infection associated with the use of urinary catheters in hospitalized adult]. / Factores de riesgo para infección del tracto urinario asociado al uso de catéter urinario permanente en pacientes adultos hospitalizados.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is a relevant problem in health centers because of its high frequency. OBJECTIVE: To identify UTI risk factors in adult patients with urinary catheter. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Control case study carried out between the years 2010-2016 at the Military Hospital of Santiago, Chile. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were performed using the binary logistic regression model, variables such as age, duration and indication of the device, some comorbidities and the installation of the device after 15 days of hospitalization. RESULT: A total of 63 cases and 123 controls were obtained. Predictive variables of CAUTI for the duration of the urinary catheter from the 7th day onwards (OR 2.6 IC 1.4-4.9, p = 0.004) and the installation of the urinary catheter with a previous hospital stay of 15 days and more (OR 7.8 CI 2.9-20.9 p = 0.000). No association was found in age over 80 years, comorbidities such as diabetes and neurogenic bladder and indication. CONCLUSIONS: The results permitted to focus the interventions, evaluating the real need for indication of CUP in patients with previous hospital statistics of 2 weeks and encouraging the withdrawal of CUP before the 7th day of use.

Long-term impact of competitive biddings and an antimicrobial stewardship program in a general hospital in Chile / Impacto de un programa de control de antimicrobianos (PCA) y licitaciones públicas sobre el consumo de estos medicamentos

ABSTRACT Background: The long-term effect of an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) and its integrated impact with competitive biddings have been seldom reported. Aim: To evaluate the long-term effect of an ASP on antimicrobial consumption, expenditure, antimicrobial resistance and hospital mortality. To estimate the contribution of competitive biddings on cost-savings. Material and Methods: A comparison of periods prior (2005-2008) and posterior to ASP initiation (2009 and 2015) was done. An estimation of cost savings attributable to ASP and to competitive biddings was also performed. Results: Basal median antimicrobial consumption decreased from 221.3 to 170 daily defined doses/100 beds after the start of the ASP. At the last year, global antimicrobial consumption declined by 28%. Median antimicrobial expenditure per bed (initially US$ 13) declined to US$ 10 at the first year (-28%) and to US$ 6 the last year (-57%). As the reduction in consumption was lower than the reduction in expenditure during the last year, we assumed that only 48.4% of savings were attributable to the ASP. According to antimicrobial charges per bed from prior and after ASP implementation, we estimated global savings of US$ 393072 and US$ 190000 directly attributable to the ASP, difference explained by parallel competitive biddings. Drug resistance among nosocomial bacterial isolates did not show significant changes. Global and infectious disease-associated mortality per 1000 discharges significantly decreased during the study period (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The ASP had a favorable impact on antimicrobial consumption, savings and mortality rates but did not have effect on antimicrobial resistance in selected bacterial strains.

Antecedentes: Existe poca información sobre el impacto a largo plazo de un programa de control de antimicrobianos (PCA) y su efecto combinado con licitaciones públicas de fármacos. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de un PCA sobre el consumo, gasto, mortalidad y estimar la contribución de las licitaciones. Material y Métodos: Comparación antes (2005-2008) - después (2009-2015) del PCA y estimación porcentual del ahorro atribuible al PCA y licitaciones. Resultados: El consumo bajó de 221,3 a 170 dosis diarias definidas por 100 días camas (medianas) al primer año. En el último año el consumo declinó un 27,6%. La mediana del gasto por cama ocupada se redujo de 13 a 10 US$ el primer año y a 6 US$ el último año (-57%). Debido a que el gasto bajó más que el consumo, estimamos que solo el 48,4% del ahorro fue debido al PCA (cuociente de ambas reducciones: −27,6%/-57%). De acuerdo con el gasto en antimicrobianos por cama entre ambos períodos, se calculó un ahorro global de 393.000 US$ y de 190.000 US$ directamente atribuible al PCA, siendo la diferencia explicada por licitaciones. Los porcentajes de resistencia en cepas de infecciones nosocomiales no mostraron incrementos o reducciones significativas en el tiempo y la mortalidad por egresos asociada a enfermedades infecciosas (Códigos CIE 10) se redujo significativamente (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: El PCA se asoció a largo plazo a un impacto favorable sobre el consumo de antimicrobianos, gasto por antimicrobianos y egresos por enfermedades infecciosas sin un impacto en la resistencia antimicrobiana. Las licitaciones tuvieron un efecto aditivo en el ahorro.

[Importance of cleaning and disinfection of critical surfaces in dental health services. Impact of an intervention program]. / Importancia del proceso de limpieza y desinfección de superficies críticas en un servicio dental. Impacto de un programa de intervención.

Introduction Dental care has become a challenge for healthcare associated infection prevention programs, since the environment, within other factors, plays an important role in the transmission chain. Materials and Methods An intervention program was designed for the Dental Unit of Hospital Militar de Santiago, between years 2014 and 2015. The program contemplated 3 stages: diagnostic, intervention and evaluation stage. Objective To improve the safety of critical surfaces involved in dental healthcare. Results During the diagnostic stage, the cleaning and disinfection process was found to be deficient. The most contaminated critical surface was the instrument holder unit, then the clean area and lamp handle. The surfaces that significantly reduced their contamination, after the intervention, were the clean area and the instrument carrier unit. Conclusion Training in the processes of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and dental equipment is one of the cost-effective strategies in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HCAI), with simple and easy-to-apply methods.

[Exposure to risk fluids in health personnel. Evaluation of direct costs in their management]. / Exposiciones a fluidos de riesgo en el personal de salud. Evaluación de gastos directos en su manejo.

BACKGROUND: Health personnel are exposed to accidents with blood and other potentially infectious biological fluids in their clinical practice. Management of these events has high costs that are likely to be reduced. AIM: To give a general description of work accidents and their associated costs. MATERIAL AND METHOD: All healthcare workers reports of exposure to blood or risk fluids between 2010 and 2015, were included. Health care costs were calculated. Records were analyzed in a retrospective manner. RESULTS: 189 exposures to risk fluids were reported during the study period with an average of 31 accidents per year. 83.5% of the studied sources were negative for HIV, HBV and HCV, 12.6% was with unknown source and only 3.7% was positive for any of them. The costs associated with management of risk exposures was $ 2,765,890 Chilean pesos/year (4,274 USD). The average cost per event was $ 73,171 Chilean pesos (113 USD). Approximately 80% of this figure corresponds to basic management protocol. CONCLUSION: Exposure to risk fluids in health personnel is frequent and has a high cost. This cost can be reduced by the application of prevention measures to give the healthcare workers a safer environment for their daily practice.

Long-term impact of competitive biddings and an antimicrobial stewardship program in a general hospital in Chile.

BACKGROUND: The long-term effect of an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) and its integrated impact with competitive biddings have been seldom reported. AIM: To evaluate the long-term effect of an ASP on antimicrobial consumption, expenditure, antimicrobial resistance and hospital mortality. To estimate the contribution of competitive biddings on cost-savings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comparison of periods prior (2005-2008) and posterior to ASP initiation (2009 and 2015) was done. An estimation of cost savings attributable to ASP and to competitive biddings was also performed. RESULTS: Basal median antimicrobial consumption decreased from 221.3 to 170 daily defined doses/100 beds after the start of the ASP. At the last year, global antimicrobial consumption declined by 28%. Median antimicrobial expenditure per bed (initially US$ 13) declined to US$ 10 at the first year (-28%) and to US$ 6 the last year (-57%). As the reduction in consumption was lower than the reduction in expenditure during the last year, we assumed that only 48.4% of savings were attributable to the ASP. According to antimicrobial charges per bed from prior and after ASP implementation, we estimated global savings of US$ 393072 and US$ 190000 directly attributable to the ASP, difference explained by parallel competitive biddings. Drug resistance among nosocomial bacterial isolates did not show significant changes. Global and infectious disease-associated mortality per 1000 discharges significantly decreased during the study period (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The ASP had a favorable impact on antimicrobial consumption, savings and mortality rates but did not have effect on antimicrobial resistance in selected bacterial strains.

Exposiciones a fluidos de riesgo en el personal de salud. Evaluación de gastos directos en su manejo / Exposure to risk fluids in health personnel. Evaluation of direct costs in their management

Resumen Introducción: El personal de salud está expuesto a experimentar accidentes con sangre y otros fluidos biológicos potencialmente infectantes en su práctica clínica; la atención de estos eventos implica costos importantes, los que son susceptibles de reducir. Objetivo: Describir aspectos generales de los accidentes laborales y los costos asociados al manejo. Material y Método: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo. Se tomaron las notificaciones de exposición a fluidos en el personal de salud entre los años 2010 y 2015 y se calcularon los costos por concepto de atención de los afectados. Resultados: Se reportaron 189 exposiciones a fluido de riesgo durante el período estudiado con un promedio de 31 accidentes anuales. El 83,5% de las fuentes estudiadas fueron negativas para VIH, VHB y VHC, 12,6% fue accidente con fuente desconocida y sólo 3,7% fue positivo a alguno de estos virus. Los costos asociados al manejo de las exposiciones de riesgo fueron de $2.765.890 anuales (4,274 USD) y un costo medio de $ 73.171 por evento manejado (113 USD); cerca de 80% de esta cifra corresponde al protocolo de manejo básico. Conclusión: Las exposiciones a fluidos de riesgo en el personal de salud son frecuentes, y la atención de los afectados tiene un costo importante. Estas cifras son susceptibles de reducir en la medida que se previenen las exposiciones a fluidos, a través de las distintas estrategias validadas y al otorgar al trabajador de la salud un escenario seguro para su práctica diaria.

Background: Health personnel are exposed to accidents with blood and other potentially infectious biological fluids in their clinical practice. Management of these events has high costs that are likely to be reduced. Aim: To give a general description of work accidents and their associated costs. Material and Method: All healthcare workers reports of exposure to blood or risk fluids between 2010 and 2015, were included. Health care costs were calculated. Records were analyzed in a retrospective manner. Results: 189 exposures to risk fluids were reported during the study period with an average of 31 accidents per year. 83.5% of the studied sources were negative for HIV, HBV and HCV, 12.6% was with unknown source and only 3.7% was positive for any of them. The costs associated with management of risk exposures was $ 2,765,890 Chilean pesos/year (4,274 USD). The average cost per event was $ 73,171 Chilean pesos (113 USD). Approximately 80% of this figure corresponds to basic management protocol. Conclusion: Exposure to risk fluids in health personnel is frequent and has a high cost. This cost can be reduced by the application of prevention measures to give the healthcare workers a safer environment for their daily practice.

Importancia del proceso de limpieza y desinfección de superficies críticas en un servicio dental: impacto de un programa de intervención / Importance of cleaning and disinfection of critical surfaces in dental health services: impact of an intervention program

Resumen Introducción La atención odontológica se ha transformado en un desafío para los programas de prevención y control de infecciones asociadas a la atención de salud (IAAS), dado que el ambiente, entre otros factores, juega un rol importante en la cadena de transmisión. Método Se realizó un programa de intervención en el Servicio de Dental del Hospital Militar de Santiago, entre los años 2014-2015, que contempló tres etapas: etapa diagnóstica, de intervención y de evaluación. Objetivo Mejorar la seguridad de las superficies críticas involucradas en la atención dental. Resultados Durante la etapa diagnóstica se constató que el proceso de limpieza y desinfección era deficiente. La superficie crítica más contaminada fue la unidad porta-instrumental, luego el área limpia y la manilla de la lámpara. Las superficies que redujeron significativamente su contaminación, posterior a la intervención, fueron el área limpia y la unidad porta-instrumental. Conclusiones La capacitación en relación a los procesos de limpieza y desinfección de superficies y del equipamiento dental es una de las estrategias costo-eficientes en la prevención de las IAAS, sencilla y fácil de aplicar.

Introduction Dental care has become a challenge for healthcare associated infection prevention programs, since the environment, within other factors, plays an important role in the transmission chain. Materials and Methods An intervention program was designed for the Dental Unit of Hospital Militar de Santiago, between years 2014 and 2015. The program contemplated 3 stages: diagnostic, intervention and evaluation stage. Objective To improve the safety of critical surfaces involved in dental healthcare. Results During the diagnostic stage, the cleaning and disinfection process was found to be deficient. The most contaminated critical surface was the instrument holder unit, then the clean area and lamp handle. The surfaces that significantly reduced their contamination, after the intervention, were the clean area and the instrument carrier unit. Conclusion Training in the processes of cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and dental equipment is one of the cost-effective strategies in preventing healthcare-associated infections (HCAI), with simple and easy-to-apply methods.

[Infectious or noninfectious phlebitis: lessons from a an interventional programm on phlebitis associated to peripheral venous catheter]. / Flebitis infecciosa o no infecciosa: lecciones de un programa intervencional sobre flebitis asociada a catéter venoso periférico.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus definition to distinguish infectious from non-infectious phlebitis associated to peripheral venous catheter. AIMS: To evaluate the impact of an intervention program on the rate of infectious (those associated to bacteremia or local purulent discharge) and non-infectious phlebitis (the rest) and identify differential features. METHODS: Interventional study developed in three stages: basal measurement, intervention, and evaluation. RESULTS: Ten infectious and 186 non-infectious phlebitis were registered. Infectious phlebitis diminished after intervention (0.2 to 0.04 events per 1,000 bed-days; p = 0.02) but not the rest (2.3 per 1,000 bed-days before and after). Five of 10 patients with infectious phlebitis had bacteremia, one with infectious endocarditis and valve replacement, and other with septic shock and a fatal outcome. None of the patients in the non-infectious group presented complications. Infectious phlebitis appeared later (mean 4.1 versus 2.4 days; p = 0.007) and were associated to fever (40% vs 5.9%, p = 0.004). Non-infectious phlebitis was associated to irritating compounds (OR 6.1; IC95 1.3-29, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention program demonstrated a favorable impact only on the rate of infectious phlebitis. Distinction appears to be relevant because those of infectious origin are associated with fever, complications or death, respond to an intervention program, and emerge lately.

Flebitis infecciosa o no infecciosa: lecciones de un programa intervencional sobre flebitis asociada a catéter venoso periférico / Infectious or noninfectious phlebitis: lessons from a an interventional programm on phlebitis associated to peripheral venous catheter

Resumen Introducción: No hay criterios establecidos para distinguir las flebitis de causa infecciosa de las no infecciosas. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de un programa de intervención en la tasa de flebitis de tipo infecciosa (asociada a bacteriemia sin otro foco o pus local) y no infecciosa (el resto). Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio intervencional en tres etapas: diagnóstico de situación basal, intervención y evaluación. Resultados: Se detectaron 10 casos de flebitis infecciosa y 186 no infecciosas. Las flebitis infecciosas disminuyeron con la intervención (0,2 a 0,04 eventos por 1.000 días camas; p = 0,02) pero no las no infecciosas (2,3 a 2,3 por 1.000 días camas). Cinco casos con flebitis infecciosa tuvieron bacteriemia, uno de ellos con endocarditis y reemplazo valvular y otro con shock séptico y desenlace fatal. Ninguno de los casos en el grupo no infeccioso se complicó o falleció. Las flebitis infecciosas se presentaron más tarde que las otras (4,1 versus 2,4 días; p = 0,007) y se asociaron a fiebre (40% vs 5,9%, p = 0,004). Las flebitis no infecciosas se asociaron al uso de compuestos irritantes (OR 6,1; IC95 1,3-29, p < 0,05). Conclusiones: El programa demostró un impacto favorable para disminuir sólo las flebitis de tipo infecciosa. La distinción parece ser relevante porque las infecciosas se asocian a fiebre, complicaciones o letalidad, parecen responder a programas de prevención y son más tardías.

Background: There is no consensus definition to distinguish infectious from non-infectious phlebitis associated to peripheral venous catheter. Aims: To evaluate the impact of an intervention program on the rate of infectious (those associated to bacteremia or local purulent discharge) and non-infectious phlebitis (the rest) and identify differential features. Methods: Interventional study developed in three stages: basal measurement, intervention, and evaluation. Results: Ten infectious and 186 non-infectious phlebitis were registered. Infectious phlebitis diminished after intervention (0.2 to 0.04 events per 1,000 bed-days; p = 0.02) but not the rest (2.3 per 1,000 bed-days before and after). Five of 10 patients with infectious phlebitis had bacteremia, one with infectious endocarditis and valve replacement, and other with septic shock and a fatal outcome. None of the patients in the non-infectious group presented complications. Infectious phlebitis appeared later (mean 4.1 versus 2.4 days; p = 0.007) and were associated to fever (40% vs 5.9%, p = 0.004). Non-infectious phlebitis was associated to irritating compounds (OR 6.1; IC95 1.3-29, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The intervention program demonstrated a favorable impact only on the rate of infectious phlebitis. Distinction appears to be relevant because those of infectious origin are associated with fever, complications or death, respond to an intervention program, and emerge lately.

Los días de exposición a nutrición parenteral aumentan el riesgo de bacteriemia asociada a catéter venoso central / Exposition to total parenteral nutrition increases the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection

Background: Infectious complications associated to central venous catheter (CVC) increase morbidity, mortality and costs. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is one of the risk factors described for catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI). The aim of this study was explore if TPN and time of exposition, are risk factors for CR-BSI among patient exposed to this therapy. Patients and Methods: Cohort study of patients with CVC exposed and not exposed to TPN with calculation of the relative risk (RR) for CR-BSI and percentage of CR-BSI according to different times of exposition to TPN. Study encompassed years 2010-2015 and only adult patients were included. Results: During the study period 51 events of CR-BSI were identified, with 27 occurring among those exposed to TPN and 24 among those not exposed. CR-BSI incidence rate was 6.3 in the group with TPN and 1.2 in those without this therapy (RR 5.4; IC 95 3.6-8.2). The percentage of patients with CR-BSI increased in parallel to exposition time (Pearson coefficient +0.91) and the OR increased for expositions ≥ 7 days (OR 2.8; IC 95 1.047.4; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Exposition to TPN increases the risk to CR-BSI in adult patients with CVC and this risk raise with exposition time.

Antecedentes: Las complicaciones infecciosas asociadas a dispositivos vasculares centrales tienen impacto en morbi-mortalidad y costos. Diferentes factores de riesgo han sido identificados en las ITS/CVC, incluyendo la nutrición parenteral total (NPT). Objetivo: Determinar si la NPT y el tiempo de exposición constituyen factores de riesgo para desarrollar ITS/CVC. Pacientes y Método: Estudio de cohortes de diseño prospectivo, de pacientes adultos con catéter venoso central (CVC) convencional, internados en el Hospital Militar entre los años 2010 y 2015 y que estuvieron expuestos o no expuestos a NPT, calculando el riesgo relativo (RR) y la distribución porcentual de las ITS/CVC a diferentes intervalos de exposición de NPT con análisis de coeficiente de correlación y cálculo de Odds Ratio (OR). Resultados: Durante el período de estudio se registraron 51 eventos de ITS/CVC en pacientes adultos con CVC, de los cuales 27 estuvieron expuestos a NPT y 24 no. Incidencia de 6,3 por 1.000 días en expuestos a NPT vs 1,2 en no expuestos (RR de 5,4; IC 95 3,6 a 8,2). La proporción de pacientes con ITS/CVC aumentó a medida que aumentaba la exposición a NPT (coeficiente correlación r = +0,91), siendo significativa para exposiciones ≥ 7 días (OR 2,8; IC 95 1,04-7,4; p < 0,05). Conclusiones: La exposición a NPT aumenta el riesgo de ITS/CVC en pacientes adultos hospitalizados respecto a aquellos pacientes que no reciben NPT, además este riesgo aumenta con el tiempo de exposición.

[Exposition to total parenteral nutrition increases the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection]. / Los días de exposición a nutrición parenteral aumentan el riesgo de bacteriemia asociada a catéter venoso central.

BACKGROUND: Infectious complications associated to central venous catheter (CVC) increase morbidity, mortality and costs. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is one of the risk factors described for catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI). The aim of this study was explore if TPN and time of exposition, are risk factors for CR-BSI among patient exposed to this therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cohort study of patients with CVC exposed and not exposed to TPN with calculation of the relative risk (RR) for CR-BSI and percentage of CR-BSI according to different times of exposition to TPN. Study encompassed years 2010-2015 and only adult patients were included. RESULTS: During the study period 51 events of CR-BSI were identified, with 27 occurring among those exposed to TPN and 24 among those not exposed. CR-BSI incidence rate was 6.3 in the group with TPN and 1.2 in those without this therapy (RR 5.4; IC 95 3.6-8.2). The percentage of patients with CR-BSI increased in parallel to exposition time (Pearson coefficient +0.91) and the OR increased for expositions ≥ 7 days (OR 2.8; IC 95 1.047.4; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Exposition to TPN increases the risk to CR-BSI in adult patients with CVC and this risk raise with exposition time.

Estudio de costo de las infecciones del torrente sanguíneo asociadas a catéter vascular central en pacientes adultos en Chile / Cost evaluation of catheter-related bloodstream infections in adult patients in Chile

Background: Nosocomial infections are common adverse events associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and costs of patient care. Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI) are nosocomial infections associated with higher medical costs. Aims: To evaluate CR-BSI associated costs in the Hospital Militar of Santiago, Chile, during year 2013. Methods: Comparative study between cases (CR-BSI) and matched controls using the Pan American Health Organization protocol. Variables were excess in length of stay (LOS), antimicrobial use according to daily defined doses (DDD), and total number of microbial cultures per hospitalization which were compared with non-parametric tests. Results: We included 10 cases and 10 matched controls. Mean LOS among cases was 40 days vs. 20.3 among controls (excess 20.3 days per event; p < 0.05). Antimicrobial consumption was higher among cases (DDD 36 vs. 10.5; p < 0.05) and there was a trend to an increased number of bacterial cultures among cases (9 vs. 5; p = 0.057). The additional cost for the 10 subjects was 38 Chilean million pesos (USD 72,869) with a mean of 7,286 USD per event. Conclusions: During one year, CR-BSI generated an excess in LOS, antimicrobial consumption, and costs (7,286 USD per event of CR-BSI).

Antecedentes: Las infecciones asociadas a la atención en salud (IAAS) son eventos adversos frecuentes que determinan aumento de la morbi-mortalidad y de los costos hospitalarios. La infección del torrente sanguíneo asociado a catéter vascular central (ITS/CVC) es una de las localizaciones que causa mayores costos. Objetivo: Cuantificar el costo de las ITS/CVC en el Hospital Militar de Santiago en el año 2013. Material y Método: El estudio se realizó en un hospital de alta complejidad, utilizando la metodología comparativa del Protocolo OPS. Los casos se identificaron desde los registros de vigilancia epidemiológica y los controles desde pacientes hospitalizados durante el mismo período, pareados por servicio, edad y sexo. Los indicadores económicos seleccionados fueron el exceso de días de hospitalización, de consumo de antimicrobianos en dosis diaria definida (DDD) y de cultivos. Las comparaciones se hicieron mediante pruebas no paramétricas. Resultados: Se evaluaron 10 casos de ITS/CVC con sus respectivos controles. La estadía adicional promedio hospitalaria fue de 20,3 días por paciente (40 vs 20,3 días; p < 0,05), el consumo de antimicrobianos fue superior en los casos (mediana DDD 36 vs 10,5; p < 0,05) y hubo una tendencia a un mayor número de cultivos por paciente (9 vs 5; p: 0,057). El gasto adicional alcanzó los 38 millones de pesos chilenos (USD 72.869) para el grupo total y USD 7.286 por paciente. Conclusiones: Las ITS/CVC representaron para el año 2013 en nuestro hospital un exceso de días de hospitalización, consumo de antimicrobianos y gastos adicionales (USD 7.286 por evento).

A Novel Treatment of Denuded Areas in Newborns: A Report of 2 Successful Cases.

Covering denuded areas in the extremes of life is challenging for the plastic surgeon. In newborns, this becomes a greater challenge because of the immaturity of all of their systems, making any injury a potential risk for death. We present in this case report a successful treatment of 2 cases covered with cultured autologous keratinocytes. In this procedure, a small skin biopsy is taken from the retroauricular area and the keratinocytes are cultured. After 5 days, a membrane with the cells cultured is applied covering the denuded area. We find the autologous keratinocyte method a suitable option for the treatment of denuded areas in newborns, without causing any additional morbidity and in a very short period of time.