Ampicillin Plus Ceftriaxone Combined Therapy for Enterococcus faecalis Infective Endocarditis in OPAT.

Ampicillin plus ceftriaxone (AC) is a well-recognized inpatient regimen for Enterococcus faecalis infective endocarditis (IE). In this regimen, ceftriaxone is usually administered 2 g every 2 h (AC12). The administration of AC in outpatient parenteral antibiotic treatment (OPAT) programs is challenging because multiple daily doses are required. AC regimens useful for OPAT programs include once-daily high-dose administration of ceftriaxone (AC24) or AC co-diluted and jointly administered in bolus every 4 h (ACjoined). In this retrospective analysis of prospectively collected cases, we aimed to assess the clinical effectivity and safety of three AC regimens for the treatment of E. faecalis IE. Fifty-nine patients were treated with AC combinations (AC12 n = 32, AC24 n = 17, and ACjoined n = 10). Six relapses occurred in the whole cohort: five (29.4%) treated with AC24 regimen and one (10.0%) with ACjoined. Patients were cured in 30 (93.3%), 16 (94.1%), and eight (80.0%) cases in the AC12, AC24 and ACjoined groups, respectively. Unplanned readmission occurred in eight (25.0%), six (35.3%), and two (20.0%) patients in the AC12, AC24 and ACjoined groups, respectively. The outcome of patients with E. faecalis IE treated with AC in OPAT programs relies on an optimization of the delivery of the combination. AC24 exhibit an unexpected rate of failures, however, ACjoined might be an effective alternative which clinical results should corroborate in further studies.

Left-sided infective endocarditis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae: rare and serious.

A comparative study of the behaviour of left-sided infective endocarditis (left-sided IE) due to Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) with left-sided IE caused by Staphylococcus aureus (SA). A prospective, multicentre cohort study in eight public hospitals in Spain, from January 1984 to December 2015; comparative analysis and factors associated with mortality. In total, there were 1754 episodes of left-sided IE; 41 (2.3%) caused by GBS vs. 344 (19.6%) due to SA, definitive IE 39 vs. 324 cases, males, 25 vs. 213, respectively. There were no differences in age or comorbidity, and healthcare-associated acquirement was 10% vs. 43%, p 0.001. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) was performed in 95% vs. 96.8% and a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) in 61% vs. 56%. Vegetations were detected in 80% and measured > 1 cm in a similar proportion. It affected native valves in 85.4% vs. 82.6% and late prosthetic valve in 14.6% vs. 9.6%. The course was acute in both groups. There were more skin manifestations in SA left-sided IE, 7.3% vs. 32%, p 0.001. Both groups had similar complications, but in SA, there was more renal failure, 24% vs. 45%, p 0.010. Surgical risk and operated patients were similar. Mortality was proportionally higher in the SA group, without significance 29% vs. 43% (150), p 0.09. Heart failure, septic shock and neurological deterioration conditioned mortality: HR 1.96, 1.69 and 1.37 (CI 95% 1.40-2.73; 1.19-2.39 and 0.99-1.88 respectively) and to a lesser degree SA as aetiology agent and age. Left-sided IE caused by GBS is similar in severity to left-sided IE caused by SA.

Endocarditis infecciosa sobre válvula aórtica bicúspide: características clínicas, complicaciones y pronóstico / Infective endocarditis in patients with bicuspid aortic valve: Clinical characteristics, complications, and prognosis

Introducción: La válvula aórtica bicúspide (VAB) es la malformación cardíaca congénita más frecuente. Se asocia a un mayor riesgo de complicaciones cardiovasculares, entre las que se incluye la endocarditis infecciosa (EI). Métodos: Estudio observacional, unicéntrico de cohorte, que incluye de forma prospectiva a todos los pacientes ingresados por EI entre 1996 y 2014. Se analizan datos epidemiológicos, clínicos, microbiológicos, ecocardiográficos, complicaciones durante la hospitalización, necesidad quirúrgica, mortalidad intrahospitalaria y seguimiento a un año. Se excluyen los casos con endocarditis sobre válvulas protésicas o en otras localizaciones, y aquellos de cuya válvula aórtica no se tienen datos certeros acerca de su morfología. Se ha realizado un análisis estadístico comparativo entre VAB y tricúspide (VAT). Resultados: De un total de 328 casos con EI, 118 (35,67%) fueron sobre válvula aórtica. Tenían VAB 18 (16,22%). Los casos con VAB eran más jóvenes que los portadores de VAT (51±19,06 vs. 60,83±15,73 años, p=0,021) y tenían menos comorbilidad (índice de Charlson 0,67±0,77 vs. 1,44±1,64, p=0,03). En el grupo con VAB observamos tendencia a EI causada por Staphylococcus spp. (38,9 vs. 21,5%, p=0,137). Con diferencia estadística, hubo más complicaciones perivalvulares entre los casos con VAB (55,6% vs. 16,1%, p=0,001) predominando los abscesos (38,9 vs. 16,1%, p=0,047). Ser portador de VAB fue el único factor predictor de las mismas (OR 7,87, IC del 95%, 2,38-26,64, p=0,001). Los pacientes con VAB se operaron más (83,3 vs. 44,1%, p=0,004) y la mortalidad durante el ingreso hospitalario fue menor, aunque no alcanzó significación estadística (5,6 vs. 25,8%, p=0,069). La supervivencia a un año fue significativamente superior en el grupo de VAB (93,8 vs 69,3%, p=0,048). Conclusiones:Los pacientes con EI sobre VAB son jóvenes, con poca comorbilidad asociada. Tienen frecuentemente complicaciones perivalvulares por lo que requieren cirugía precoz. La mortalidad intrahospitalaria comparada con EI sobre VAT es menor y la supervivencia a un año es significativamente mayor (AU)

Introduction: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most frequent congenital cardiac disease. It is associated to a higher risk of cardiovascular complications, including infective endocarditis (IE). Methods: Retrospective, observational and single centre study that included all patients with IE diagnosed between 1996 and 2014. An analysis was made of the epidemiological, clinical, microbiological and echocardiographic data, complications during hospital admission, need for surgery, in-hospital mortality, and 1-year follow-up. Cases with endocarditis on prosthetic valves or other locations were excluded, as well as those for which the aortic valve morphology had not been accurately defined. A comparative statistical analysis was performed between BAV and tricuspid (TAV). Results: Of a total of 328 cases with IE, 118 (35.67%) were on aortic valve, with 18 (16.22%) of them being BAV. The BAV cases were younger than TAV (51±19.06 vs. 60.83±15.73 years, P=.021) and they had less comorbidity (Charlson 0.67±0.77 vs. 1.44±1.64, P=.03).). There was a higher tendency of Staphylococcal origin (38.9 vs. 21.5%, P=.137), and 55.6% showed peri-valvular complications (TAV 16.1%, P=.001), in particular, abscesses (38.9 vs.16.1%, P=.047). BAV was the only predictive factor of peri-valvular complications (OR 7.87, 95% CI; 2.38-26.64, P=.001). Patients with BAV had more surgery during their admission (83.3 vs. 44.1%, P=.004), had less in-hospital mortality, with no statistical significance (5.6 vs. 25.8%, P=.069), and 1-year survival was significantly superior (93.8 vs 69.3%, P=.048). Conclusions: Patients with IE on BAV are young, with low comorbidity. They frequently present with peri-valvular complications and they often require early surgery. Compared to TAV cases, in-hospital mortality is lower and 1-year survival is significantly higher(AU)

Infective endocarditis in patients with bicuspid aortic valve: Clinical characteristics, complications, and prognosis. / Endocarditis infecciosa sobre válvula aórtica bicúspide: características clínicas, complicaciones y pronóstico.

INTRODUCTION: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most frequent congenital cardiac disease. It is associated to a higher risk of cardiovascular complications, including infective endocarditis (IE). METHODS: Retrospective, observational and single centre study that included all patients with IE diagnosed between 1996 and 2014. An analysis was made of the epidemiological, clinical, microbiological and echocardiographic data, complications during hospital admission, need for surgery, in-hospital mortality, and 1-year follow-up. Cases with endocarditis on prosthetic valves or other locations were excluded, as well as those for which the aortic valve morphology had not been accurately defined. A comparative statistical analysis was performed between BAV and tricuspid (TAV). RESULTS: Of a total of 328 cases with IE, 118 (35.67%) were on aortic valve, with 18 (16.22%) of them being BAV. The BAV cases were younger than TAV (51±19.06 vs. 60.83±15.73 years, P=.021) and they had less comorbidity (Charlson 0.67±0.77 vs. 1.44±1.64, P=.03).). There was a higher tendency of Staphylococcal origin (38.9 vs. 21.5%, P=.137), and 55.6% showed peri-valvular complications (TAV 16.1%, P=.001), in particular, abscesses (38.9 vs.16.1%, P=.047). BAV was the only predictive factor of peri-valvular complications (OR 7.87, 95% CI; 2.38-26.64, P=.001). Patients with BAV had more surgery during their admission (83.3 vs. 44.1%, P=.004), had less in-hospital mortality, with no statistical significance (5.6 vs. 25.8%, P=.069), and 1-year survival was significantly superior (93.8 vs 69.3%, P=.048). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IE on BAV are young, with low comorbidity. They frequently present with peri-valvular complications and they often require early surgery. Compared to TAV cases, in-hospital mortality is lower and 1-year survival is significantly higher.

La crisis económica, el mercado en la salud, la educación y la formación de las enfermeras / The economic crisis, the market on health, education and training of nurses

Las relaciones de mercado han adquirido un protagonismo creciente en los servicios públicos clásicos como la salud y la enseñanza, siendo la discusión acerca de la oportunidad de aplicar sus principios a estas áreas un tema relevante en la mayoría de las naciones del entorno español, ligado además a la crisis económica que azota severamente a muchas de estas naciones. Dado que las enfermeras pueden ser garantes de los derechos de los ciudadanos ante esta situación conflictiva, su formación debe contener una serie de conocimientos y herramientas que les capaciten para cumplir con la responsabilidad social que tienen atribuida. Por tanto, se le han de proporcionar desde la universidad la adquisición de las competencias necesarias para trabajar desde el cuidado como valor y como derecho social, aportando desde esta visión las soluciones y estrategias que sean de su ámbito disciplinar profesional. El presente trabajo pretende abordar los puntos que definen la situación actual en el mercado de la salud y la educación y proporcionar algunos elementos de reflexión acerca de su aplicación al campo de la Enfermería y su formación (AU) - es Market relationships have acquired an increasing central role in traditional public services such as health and education; the discussion about the opportunity of applying their principles to these areas is a relevant topic in the majority of the nations around Spain, also linked to the economic crisis which has affected many of these nations to a great extent. Given that nurses can guarantee citizen rights within this difficult situation, their education must include a set of knowledge and tools that enable them to meet the social responsibility assigned. Therefore, the university must provide them with the competence required to work in patient care as a value and a social right, thus offering the solutions and strategies within their disciplinary professional setting. This article intends to address the points that define the current market situation regarding health and education, and to provide some elements to reflect upon their implementation in the area of nurses and their training

Market relationships have acquired an increasing central role in traditional public services such as health and education; the discussion about the opportunity of applying their principles to these areas is a relevant topic in the majority of the nations around Spain, also linked to the economic crisis which has affected many of these nations to a great extent. Given that nurses can guarantee citizen rights within this difficult situation, their education must include a set of knowledge and tools that enable them to meet the social responsibility assigned. Therefore, the university must provide them with the competence required to work in patient care as a value and a social right, thus offering the solutions and strategies within their disciplinary professional setting. This article intends to address the points that define the current market situation regarding health and education, and to provide some elements to reflect upon their implementation in the area of nurses and their training

Relación entre fragilidad y fractura de cadera en el anciano / The connection between frailty and hip fracture in elderly patients

OBJETIVO: conocer qué indicadores de fragilidad son susceptibles de tratamiento enfermero en ancianos intervenidos de fractura de cadera y cómo es su evolución. MÉTODO: estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo de los pacientes ingresados en el Hospital Geriátrico Virgen del Valle (HVV), para rehabilitarse funcionalmente tras una intervención por fractura de cadera durante el año 2011.Se identificaron indicadores de fragilidad descritos en la bibliografía y posteriormente, se extrajeron los datos de los enfermos de la Escala de Valoración Enfermera (EVE), utilizada como parte de la valoración integral del anciano, seleccionando 19 variables como indicadores de fragilidad correspondientes a la situación previa a la fractura, al ingreso en la unidad de media estancia (UME) y al alta del paciente. RESULTADOS: se obtuvo una muestra de 62 enfermos con una media de edad de 83,2 años. Previamente a la fractura de cadera, ya existían indicadores de fragilidad como trastorno de la movilidad (19,4%), del estado cognitivo (37,1%) y la disminución sensorial (51,6%). Tras la intervención quirúrgica, todos los indicadores aumentaron, especialmente la dependencia en las actividades básicas de la vida diaria (ABVD) y la movilidad, experimentando una mejora tras la estancia en la unidad de rehabilitación funcional, pero sin llegar a alcanzar los valores previos a la fractura. El estado cognitivo del paciente empeora al alta con respecto al ingreso en la UME, llegando a afectar a un 66,1% de enfermos con respecto al 56,5% del ingreso y el 37,1% previo a la fractura. CONCLUSIÓN: la información obtenida apoya el hecho de que la fragilidad sea a la vez causa y consecuencia de la fractura de cadera. El tratamiento enfermero debe orientarse a evitar el deterioro de los trastornos de movilidad, el estado cognitivo, las ABVD, la incontinencia y las úlceras por presión, ya que son los predoctores de fragilidad más afectados tras la fractura y los que más distan de la situación basal tras el proceso de rehabilitación funcional

OBJECTIVE: To learn which frailty indicators are adequate for treatment by nurses in elderly patients who have undergone hip fracture surgery, and how their evolution is. METHOD: Descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study of patients hospitalized in the Hospital Geriátrico Virgen del Valle (HVV), for functional rehabilitation after hip fracture surgery during 2011.Frailty indicators as described in bibliography were identified, and subsequently patient data were collected through the Nursing Assessment Score (NAS), used as part of the comprehensive evaluation of elderly people; 19 variables were selected as frailty indicators, corresponding to their situation before the fracture, their admission to the Medium Stay Unit (MSU), and at patient discharge. RESULTS: A sample of 62 patients was obtained, with an average age of83.2 years. Previous to hip fracture, there were frailty indicators such as mobility disorder (19.4%), cognitive impairment (37.1%) and sensory reduction (51.6%). After the surgical procedure, all indicators increased, particularly dependence for basic everyday activities (BEDAs) and mobility, and an improvement was experienced after staying at the Functional Rehabilitation Unit, but without reaching the values previous to the fracture. The cognitive status of the patient gets worse at discharge, compared with admission at MSU; this affects 66.1% of patients vs. 56.5% at admission and 37.1% previous to fracture. CONCLUSION: The information obtained supports the fact that frailty maybe at the same time the cause and a consequence of hip fracture. Nursing care must be directed to prevent deterioration in mobility disorders, cognitive function, BEDAs, incontinence and pressure ulcers, as these arethe frailty predictors more affected after the fracture, and the ones which differ more from the baseline situation after the functional rehabilitation process

Análisis descriptivo de las enfermedades asociadas a bacteriemia por Streptococcus bovis / Descriptive analysis of diseases associated with Streptococcus bovis bacteremia

Fundamento y objetivo: Aunque se conoce la relación entre la bacteriemia por Streptococcus bovis (S. bovis) y el cáncer de colon, cirrosis hepática u otras neoplasias, no se ha establecido un protocolo de estudio para descartar estas enfermedades subyacentes a la bacteriemia. Nuestro objetivo fue describir la bacteriemia por S. bovis y las enfermedades asociadas.Pacientes y método: Estudio multicéntrico, retrospectivo de cohortes. Se incluyeron las bacteriemias por S. bovis entre 2001 y 2009. Las variables principales fueron: neoplasia colónica, neoplasias en otras localizaciones o cirrosis hepática. Se recogieron variables epidemiológicas, relacionadas con la bacteriemia, antecedentes personales, familiares, datos clínicos y analíticos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 93 pacientes. Un 25% de los individuos tuvo neoplasia de colon. Un 57% de ellos fueron casos concomitantes con la bacteriemia y 6 fueron diagnósticos posteriores a ella (mediana [Q1-Q3] de tiempo bacteriemia-diagnóstico neoplasia de 2,6 meses [1-11]), con un máximo de 15,4 meses. Catorce (15%) pacientes padecían alguna neoplasia no colónica (mayoritariamente biliopancreática [6 casos] y esofagogástrica [3 casos]). Hubo 3 (21%) casos concomitantes con la bacteriemia y 2 posteriores a ella (a 1,2 y 10,4 meses). Veintiún (23%) enfermos tenían cirrosis hepática.Conclusiones: A los pacientes con bacteriemia por S. bovis es necesario realizarles un estudio encaminado a descartar enfermedades subyacentes. Sugerimos que se incluyan, al menos: una prueba de imagen colónica, preferentemente colonoscopia; un estudio hepático mediante analítica, ecografía abdominal o un método de medición de fibrosis hepática; una endoscopia digestiva alta; y una prueba de imagen del área biliopancreática como la colangiorresonancia magnética

Background and objective: It is well-known the relationship between Streptococcus bovis (S. bovis) bacteremia and colon cancer, liver cirrhosis and others neoplasms. However, a study protocol to rule out these underlying diseases has not been carried out yet. Our objective was to describe S. bovis bacteremia and associated diseases. Patients and method: Multicenter, retrospective cohort study. S. bovis bacteremias episodes between 2001 and 2009 were included. Mean variables: colon neoplasm, non-colonic neoplasm or liver cirrhosis. Epidemiologist aspects, bacteremia related variables, personal and familiar history and clinical and analytical data were collected.Results: Ninety three patients were included. One out of four individuals had a colon neoplasm. Fifty seven per cent were concomitant cases with bacteremia and six cases were diagnosed after bacteremia (time bacteremia-diagnosis of neoplasm [months], median [Q1-Q3], 2.6 [1-11]). Fourteen (15%) patients were diagnosed with any non-colonic neoplasm (mainly biliary and pancreatic [6 cases] or esophagus-gastric [3 cases]). There were three patients (21%) with concomitant bacteremia non-colonic neoplasm and two after it (1.2 and 10.4 months). Twenty-one (23%) patients suffered from liver cirrhosis. Conclusions: Patients with S. bovis bacteremia must undergo a study designed to rule out underlying diseases. We suggest that this study should include: a colonic evaluation, ideally by colonoscopy, a liver evaluation by serum chemistry, an abdominal ultrasound scan or a method of liver fibrosis assessment, a gastroscopy and an evaluation of biliary and pancreatic areas by magnetic resonance imaging

[Descriptive analysis of diseases associated with Streptococcus bovis bacteremia]. / Análisis descriptivo de las enfermedades asociadas a bacteriemia por Streptococcus bovis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It is well-known the relationship between Streptococcus bovis (S. bovis) bacteremia and colon cancer, liver cirrhosis and others neoplasms. However, a study protocol to rule out these underlying diseases has not been carried out yet. Our objective was to describe S. bovis bacteremia and associated diseases. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Multicenter, retrospective cohort study. S. bovis bacteremias episodes between 2001 and 2009 were included. Mean variables: colon neoplasm, non-colonic neoplasm or liver cirrhosis. Epidemiologist aspects, bacteremia related variables, personal and familiar history and clinical and analytical data were collected. RESULTS: Ninety three patients were included. One out of four individuals had a colon neoplasm. Fifty seven per cent were concomitant cases with bacteremia and six cases were diagnosed after bacteremia (time bacteremia-diagnosis of neoplasm [months], median [Q1-Q3], 2.6 [1-11]). Fourteen (15%) patients were diagnosed with any non-colonic neoplasm (mainly biliary and pancreatic [6 cases] or esophagus-gastric [3 cases]). There were three patients (21%) with concomitant bacteremia non-colonic neoplasm and two after it (1.2 and 10.4 months). Twenty-one (23%) patients suffered from liver cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with S. bovis bacteremia must undergo a study designed to rule out underlying diseases. We suggest that this study should include: a colonic evaluation, ideally by colonoscopy, a liver evaluation by serum chemistry, an abdominal ultrasound scan or a method of liver fibrosis assessment, a gastroscopy and an evaluation of biliary and pancreatic areas by magnetic resonance imaging.

[Left-sided endocarditis due to gram-negative bacilli: epidemiology and clinical characteristics]. / Endocarditis sobre válvulas izquierdas por bacilos gran negativos: epidemiología y características clínicas.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological, clinical characteristics, and outcome of patients with left-side endocarditis caused by gram-negative bacteria. METHOD: Prospective multicenter study of left-sided infective endocarditis reported in the Andalusian Cohort for the Study of Cardiovascular Infections between 1984 and 2008. RESULTS: Among the 961 endocarditis, 24 (2.5%) were caused by gram-negative bacilli. The most common pathogens were Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica. Native valves (85.7%) were mainly affected, most of them with previous valve damage (57%). Comorbidity was greater (90% vs 39%; P=.05) than in endocarditis due to other microorganism, the most frequent being, diabetes, hepatic cirrhosis and neoplasm. A previous manipulation was found in 47.6% of the cases, and 37% were considered hospital-acquired. Renal failure (41%), central nervous system involvement (33%) and ventricular dysfunction (45%) were the most frequent complications. Five cases (21%) required cardiac surgery, mostly due to ventricular dysfunction. More than 50% of cases were treated with aminoglycosides, but this did not lead to a better outcome or prognosis. Mortality (10 patients) was higher than that reported with other microorganisms (41% vs 35%; P=.05). CONCLUSIONS: Left-sided endocarditis due to gram-negative bacilli is a rare disease, which affects patients with major morbidities and often with a previous history of hospital manipulations. Cardiac, neurological and renal complications are frequent and associated with a high mortality. The association of aminoglycosides in the antimicrobial treatment did not involve a better outcome or prognosis.