Antimicrobial peptide for bacterial infection imaging: first case reported in Brazil.

Molecular imaging markers can be used to differentiate between infection and aseptic inflammation, determine the severity of infection, and monitor treatment responses. One of these markers is ubiquicidin(29-41) (UBI), a cationic peptide fragment that binds to the bacterial membrane wall and is labeled with gallium-68 (68Ga), a positron emitter radioisotope. The use of UBI in positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) for improved detection of lesions has been receiving considerable attention recently. Herein, we report the first case of 68Ga-UBI PET/CT performed in Brazil. The patient was a 39-year-old woman referred for a scan to confirm a clinical suspicion of chronic osteomyelitis of her fractured left tibia. PET images revealed radiotracer uptake near the posterior contour of the tibial fracture focus and the fixation plate, in the soft tissue around the distal half of the tibia, and in the non-consolidated fracture of the left distal fibula. Surgery for local cleaning was performed, and culture of a specimen collected from the surgical site confirmed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus. In the present case, 68Ga-UBI PET/CT, a non-invasive imaging modality, identified the infection foci in vivo, indicating its potential for clinical use.

Outcome and Predictors of Treatment Failure in Chronic Osteomyelitis Using Bioactive Glass Granules and Putty Formulations.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of patients with cavitary chronic osteomyelitis undergoing adjuvant treatment with bioactive glass (BAG) S53P4 and identify the independent risk factors (RFs) for recurrence in 6- and 12-month patient follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective, multicentre observational study conducted in tertiary specialised hospitals among patients undergoing the surgical treatment of chronic cavitary osteomyelitis using BAG-S53P4 in a granule and/or putty formulation to assess the clinical outcome and RFs for failure in 6- and 12-month patient follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 92 and 78 patients with 6-month and 12-month follow-ups, infection was eradicated in 85.9% and 87.2%, respectively. In the 6-month follow-up, BAG-S53P4 in the granule formulation presented a greater risk of recurrence compared to the bioactive glass putty formulation or combined granules and putty (prevalence ratio (PR) = 3.04; confidence interval 95% [CI95%]: 1.13-10.52) and neoplasia (PR = 5.26; CI95%: 1.17-15.52). In the 12-month follow-up cohort of 78 patients, smoking (PR = 4.0; 95% CI: 1.03-15.52) and nonfermenting GNB infection (PR = 3.87; CI95%: 1.09-13.73) presented a greater risk of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: BAG-S53P4 is a viable option for bone-void filling and the treatment of chronic cavitary osteomyelitis. Formulations of BAG with putty or in combination with granules showed better results.

Could 68 Ga-DOTA-UBI-29-41 Help Identify Chronic Osteomyelitis on PET/CT Images? A Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT: This pilot study aimed to confirm the presence of infectious agents in infection foci using PET/CT imaging with 68 Ga-DOTA-UBI (29-41) in 7 patients with chronic osteomyelitis and with indications for surgical cleaning at the site of the infection focus. The whole-body PET/CT was performed on Biograph mCT 40 PET/CT scanner (Siemens Healthineers); the image began 45-60 minutes postinjection of the radiotracer (148-260 MBq). This study demonstrated that, in 6 patients in whom the PET/CT was classified as positive for identified infectious foci, confirmed by culture of the secretion sample collected during surgery, only 1 patient in antibiotic therapy was negative.

Predictors of alcohol and substance use among people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): findings from the NESARC-III study.

PURPOSE: The self-medication hypothesis suggests people may develop Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) or Non-Alcohol Substance Use Disorder (NA-SUD) following PTSD as a maladaptive way of coping with PTSD symptoms. Given that an accumulation of trauma experiences and interpersonal trauma increase the likelihood and severity of PTSD, we sought to determine whether the number and type of traumas additionally predict AUD and NA-SUD following PTSD. METHODS: We analysed data from 36,309 adult participants in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (NESARC-III) study (M = 45.63 years, SD = 17.53, 56.3% female) who were administered semi-structured diagnostic interviews of trauma exposure and PTSD, AUD and NA-SUD symptoms. RESULTS: Individuals with PTSD were more likely to have an AUD or NA-SUD than those without PTSD. Endorsement of a greater number of traumas was associated with greater odds of having PTSD, AUD, or NA-SUD. Experience of interpersonal trauma was related to greater odds of having PTSD and subsequent AUD or NA-SUD than not experiencing interpersonal trauma. Multiple experiences of interpersonal trauma compared to one interpersonal trauma exposure also increased the odds of having PTSD followed by AUD or NA-SUD. CONCLUSIONS: Interpersonal trauma and multiple experiences of interpersonal trauma may result in individuals turning to alcohol and substances as a way to alleviate intolerable PTSD symptomology, aligning with the self-medication hypothesis. Our findings highlight the importance of ensuring services and support for interpersonal trauma survivors and for those who have experienced multiple traumas given their increased for unfavourable outcomes.

S53P4 BIOACTIVE GLASS PUTTY IN THE LOCAL TREATMENT OF CAVITARY CHRONIC OSTEOMYELITIS.

Objective: Evaluating the clinical results of bioactive glass S53P4 putty for the treatment of cavitary chronic osteomyelitis. Methods: Retrospective observational study, including patients of any age with clinical and radiological diagnosis of chronic osteomyelitis, who underwent surgical debridement and implantation of bioactive glass S53P4 putty (BonAlive® Putty, Turku, Finland). Patients who underwent any plastic surgery on the soft tissues of the affected site or had segmental bone lesions or septic arthritis were excluded. Statistical analysis was performed using Excel®. Demographic data, as well as data on the lesion, treatment, and follow-up, were collected. Outcomes were classified as "disease-free survival," "failure," or "indefinite." Results: This study included 31 patients, of which 71% were men and had with a mean age of 53.6 years (SD ± 24.2). In total, 84% were followed-up for at least 12 months and 67.7% had comorbidities. We prescribed combination antibiotic therapy for 64.5% of patients. In 47.1%, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated. Finally, we classified 90.3% of cases as "disease-free survival" and 9.7% as "indefinite." Conclusion: Bioactive glass S53P4 putty is safe and effective to treat cavitary chronic osteomyelitis, including infections by resistant pathogens, such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Objetivo: Avaliar a atividade do vidro bioativo S53P4 em pasta no tratamento de osteomielite crônica. Métodos: Estudo observacional retrospectivo, com inclusão de indivíduos de qualquer idade com diagnóstico clínico e radiológico de osteomielite que realizaram tratamento cirúrgico com limpeza e desbridamento, seguido do preenchimento da cavidade com biovidro S53P4 em pasta (BonAlive ® Putty, Turku, Finland). Foram excluídos pacientes submetidos a procedimentos de cirurgia plástica nos tecidos moles do local afetado, com lesões ósseas segmentares e com presença de artrite séptica. A análise estatística foi realizada em Excel ® . Foram coletados dados demográficos, sobre a lesão, o tratamento e o acompanhamento. O desfecho foi classificado em "sobrevida livre de doença", "falha" ou "indeterminado". Resultados: Dos 31 pacientes analisados, 71% eram homens, com idade média de 53,6 anos (DP ± 24,26). Do total, 84% foram acompanhados por no mínimo 12 meses, e 67,7% apresentaram comorbidades. A terapia antibiótica combinada foi realizada em 64,5% dos pacientes, sendo o patógeno mais frequente o Staphylococcus aureus (47,1%). Ao final, 90,3% dos pacientes obtiveram "sobrevida livre de doenças" e 9,7% foram considerados "indeterminados". Conclusão: O vidro bioativo S53P4 em pasta é seguro e eficaz no tratamento da osteomielite cavitária e de infecções por patógenos resistentes, incluindo o S. aureus multirresistente. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

Type of antibiotic but not the duration of prophylaxis correlates with rates of fracture-related infection.

PURPOSE: The issue of optimal prophylactic antibiotic administration for closed and open fracture surgeries remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of type and duration longer than 48 h of antibiotic prophylaxis on the rates of fracture-related infection (FRI). METHODS: This is a single-center, prospective observational cohort study carried out with patients undergoing surgery for implants insertion to fracture stability. Risk estimates were calculated on the variables associated with factors for FRI and reported as a prevalence ratio (PR) with respect to the 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Overall, 132 patients were analyzed. The global rate of FRI was 15.9% (21/132), with open and closed fractures accounting for 30.5% (11/36) and 10.4% (10/96), respectively. The FRI rates in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery for fracture stabilization who received prophylactic antibiotic for up to and longer than 48 h were 8.9% and 26.4%, respectively. This difference did not reach statistical significance (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.6, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.9-7.3. p = 0.063). CONCLUSIONS: Duration of antibiotic prophylaxis for surgical orthopedic fractures was not correlated with rates of FRI.

Prior use of antibiotics and immunosuppression are risk factors for fracture-related infection during the COVID-19 pandemic period: a Brazilian prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the role of COVID-19 pandemic period on the epidemiology of fracture-related infection (FRI). The present study summarizes the changes in the prevalence, microbiology, and risk factors of FRI during this period. METHODS: A prospective single-center cohort study assessed in the setting of COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021), clinical, microbiological aspects, and independent risk factors (RF) of FRI. RFs were estimated by bivariate and multivariable analyses using prevalence ratio (PR) with significance at P < 0.05. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to evaluate treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, 132 patients were analyzed, with patients with age over 65 years accounting 65.1%. FRI was diagnosed in 21(15.9%) patients. Independent RFs for FRI were recent and preoperative use of systemic antibiotics (PR: 7.0, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 2.2 - 22.4, p = 0.001) and cancer (PR: 9.8, 95% CI: 2.0 - 48.8, p = 0.005). Cultures yielded Gram-negative bacteria in 77.8%, 33.3% were MDR. CONCLUSIONS: We found higher rates of FRI, predominating in the elderly with closed femoral fractures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior use of antibiotics and immunosuppression conditions were independent factor for FRI. Our outcomes provide evidence to avoid the empirical use of antibiotics prior to surgery for fracture stabilization.

Microbiological diagnosis of intramedullary nailing infection: comparison of bacterial growth between tissue sampling and sonication fluid cultures.

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary nailing (IMN) has been frequently indicated to treat long bone open and closed fractures, but IMN infection (IMNI) may have devastating consequences. Sonication has been regarded as an important add-on for microbial identification on a variety of orthopaedic implant-associated infections, but its role in the IMNI is poorly studied. We aim at evaluating the accuracy obtained by conventional peri-implant tissue culture (TC) samples with sonication fluid cultures (SCs) of IMNI. METHODS: Longitudinal prospective cohort study ongoing since June 2014, which included patients with indication for IMN removal due to any reason. Clinical diagnosis of INMI was defined according to publication addressing fracture-related infections. Minimal of two samples from TC were cultured. SCs followed the protocol previously published. Statistical analysis was performed using McNemar's test for related proportions. RESULTS: We included 54 patients submitted to IMN retrieval, of whom 47 presenting clinical signs of IMNI. Sensitivity for detecting microorganisms using TC and SC was 89.4% (42/47) and 97.6% (40/41), and specificity was 71.4% (5/7) for both TC and SC (p = 1.00). Positive and negative predictive values for TC and SC were 95.5% (42/44), 95.2% (40/42), 50% (5/10), and 83.3% (5/6), respectively. The most frequent organisms isolated in both TC and SC were Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, and Enterococcus sp. Polymicrobial infection was diagnosed in 14.8% (8/54) and 25% (12/48) by TC and SC, respectively (p = 0.19). CONCLUSION: Sonication fluid and tissue samples presented similar accuracy on the diagnosis of IMNI, but SC was advantageous of detecting polymicrobial infection.

Intramedullary reaming modality for management of postoperative long bone infection: a prospective randomized controlled trial in 44 patients.

BACKGROUND: Studies addressing the management of intramedullary infection are mainly retrospective and with a limited number of cases. Reaming can be performed using either conventional reaming or using the reamer/irrigator/aspirator (RIA) system. Until now there have been no comparative prospective studies between these two methods. We aimed to compare the efficacy of RIA with conventional reaming followed by insertion of antibiotic-loaded cement, for the treatment of intramedullary nail infection of long bones. We assessed the rate of remission between groups after two-year follow-up and identified microorganisms using tissue cultures and sonication of explanted intramedullary nail (IMN). METHODS: A noninferiority, randomized clinical trial was carried out between August 2013 and August 2015 involving 44 patients of whom a locked IMN implant of the femur and/or tibia was retrieved and who all met the clinical and radiological criteria for IMN-associated osteomyelitis. Patients were randomized into two groups: RIA alone versus conventional reaming followed by antibiotic-loaded cement insertion. Both groups also underwent six-weeks of antibiotic treatment according to the results of the antibiogram. Patients were evaluated after 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months for radiological and clinical follow-up. RESULTS: After 24 months, the rate of infection remission was similar between the two groups, 87% in the RIA group and 95.5% in the conventional reaming group (p = 0.60). Among four patients who had recurrence of infection, the time to reappearance of symptoms varied from 20 days to twenty-two months. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococci were isolated in 23 (40.4%) and 13 (22.9%) patients, respectively. Interestingly, we identified 20% (9/45) of polymicrobial infection. CONCLUSION: This study concludes that the RIA system alone, is noninferior to conventional reaming followed by antibiotic cement spacer in the treatment of IMN infection. However, RIA shows greater efficacy in the collection of infected medullary bone tissue, mainly in cases of infected retrograde nail of the femur. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN82233198. Retroactively registered on July 29, 2019.

Case Report - Infection of Total Knee Arthroplasty Treated with One-Stage Surgery and Linezolid.

Staphylococcus spp meticillin resistant infection can be treated with Linezolid. This is a case report of an orthopaedic implant infection in a 60 year-old male treated orally with Linezolid and Rifampicin for three months after one-stage arthroplasty. This is possible provided that platelet count is closely monitored throughout the course of treatment.

Paracoccidioidomycosis in the spine: case report and review of the literature.

CONTEXT:: Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic form of mycosis that spreads hematogenously, secondarily to reactivation of lung infection or infection at another site or to new exposure to the causative agent. Few cases of bone involvement have been reported in the literature and involvement of the spine is extremely rare. CASE REPORT:: We describe a case of a 68-year-old male patient with spondylodiscitis at the levels L4-L5 caused by presence of the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, which was diagnosed through percutaneous biopsy. The patient was treated with sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim for 36 months, with complete resolution of the symptoms. CONCLUSION:: Spondylodiscitis caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is uncommon. However, in patients with chronic low-back pain who live or used to live in endemic regions, this infection should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis.

Paracoccidioidomycosis in the spine: case report and review of the literature / Paracoccidioidomicose na coluna vertebral: relato de caso e revisão da literatura

ABSTRACT: CONTEXT: Paracoccidioidomycosis is a systemic form of mycosis that spreads hematogenously, secondarily to reactivation of lung infection or infection at another site or to new exposure to the causative agent. Few cases of bone involvement have been reported in the literature and involvement of the spine is extremely rare. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of a 68-year-old male patient with spondylodiscitis at the levels L4-L5 caused by presence of the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, which was diagnosed through percutaneous biopsy. The patient was treated with sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim for 36 months, with complete resolution of the symptoms. CONCLUSION: Spondylodiscitis caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is uncommon. However, in patients with chronic low-back pain who live or used to live in endemic regions, this infection should be considered as a possible differential diagnosis.

RESUMO: CONTEXTO: Paracoccidioidomicose é uma micose sistêmica de disseminação hematogênica, secundária a reativação de uma infecção pulmonar ou de outro sítio, ou a uma nova exposição ao agente causador. Poucos casos de envolvimento ósseo são relatados na literatura, e o acometimento da coluna vertebral é extremamente raro. RELATO DE CASO: Descrevemos o caso de um paciente masculino de 68 anos, apresentando espondilodiscite no nível L4-L5, causada pela presença do fungo Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, diagnosticada após biópsia percutânea. O paciente foi tratado com sulfametoxazol e trimetoprim por 36 semanas, com resolução completa dos sintomas. CONCLUSÃO: A espondilodiscite causada pelo fungo Paracoccidioides brasiliensis é incomum, mas, em pacientes portadores de lombalgia crônica que viveram ou vivem em regiões endêmicas, deve ser considerada como um possível diagnóstico diferencial.

Perfil microbiológico da unidade de queimaduras da EPM/UNIFESP, São Paulo, Brasil / Microbiological surveillance of burn unit of EPM/UNIFESP in São Paulo, Brazil

Introdução: Apesar dos grandes avanços em seu tratamento, infecção de pele com queimadura continua a ser um grande desafio. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar os aspectos microbiológicos do primeiro ano de funcionamento de uma unidade de queimadura em um Hospital Universitário. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo. Dados microbiológicos foram coletados e analisados a partir de pacientes internados na Unidade de Queimadura (UTQ) do Hospital São Paulo, Hospital Universitário da Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM) da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), entre junho de 2009 e julho de 2010. Resultados: O tempo médio de permanência hospitalar foi de 13,8 dias, com uma taxa de mortalidade de 5,9%. A média da superfície corpórea queimada foi de 10,3%. Avaliou-se 159 culturas de 101 pacientes. Culturas de sangue foram as mais solicitadas (41%). Também foram acessadas 245 culturas de vigilância, coletadas de 75 pacientes. A análise microbiológica revelou um índice de positividade total de 34,5%. Os agentes mais prevalentes foram Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo - CoNS - (33%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (24%), Acinetobacter spp. (22%) e Klebsiella pneumoniae (5%). Conclusão: A avaliação microbiológica do primeiro ano de funcionamento da UTQ da EPM/ UNIFESP revelou que, embora o agente mais prevalente tenha sido a CoNS, bacilos Gram negativos ainda são muito prevalentes, como a Pseudomonas aeruginosa e a Acinetobacter baumannii. Apesar de pouco tempo de operação, observou-se um grande número de microrganismos multirresistentes, que pode ser explicado por longa exposição a agentes antimicrobianos e alta taxa de transferência de outros hospitais.

Introduction: Despite great advances in treatment, burned skin infection remains a major challenge. The aim of this study is to evaluate the microbiological aspects of the first year's operation of a Burn Unit in a University Hospital. Methods: Retrospective study. Microbiological data were collected and analyzed from patients admitted to the Burn Unit of São Paulo Hospital, a University Hospital of the Paulista Medical School (EPM) of the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) from June 2009 to July 2010. Results: The average length of stay was 13.8 days with a mortality rate of 5.9%, and median of TBSA was 10.3%. Evaluated 159 cultures from 101 patients. Blood cultures were the most requested (41%). It was also accessed 245 surveillance cultures collected from 75 patients. The microbiological analysis revealed a total positivity rate of 34,5%. The most prevalent agents were Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus - CoNS - (33%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (24%), Acinetobacter spp. (22%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (5%). Conclusion: The microbiological evaluation of the first year's activity of EPM/UNIFESP Burn Care Unit revealed that, although the most prevalent agent was CoNS, Gram negative bacilli are still very prevalent, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. Despite the short time of operation, was observed large number of multiresistant microorganisms which can be explained by long exposure to antimicrobials and high transfer rate from other hospitals.

Monitoramento das concentrações plasmáticas de vancomicina em paciente grande queimado / Monitoring plasma vancomycin concentrations in a burned patient

É apresentado um caso de monitoramento de vancomicina  por meio  de cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE-UV) e também modelagem farmacocinética em paciente grande queimado. Dados obtidos do pico e do vale indicam que o regime posológico e tipo de infusão endovenosa devem ser revistos, utilizando a farmacocinética como ferramenta importante.