Análise de impacto orçamentário de dispositivos contraceptivos na saúde suplementar brasileira / Budget impact analysis of contraceptive devices on Brazilian supplementary health

Objetivo: Analisar o impacto orçamentário da adoção de dispositivos contraceptivos reversíveis de longa duração em uma operadora de plano de saúde localizada no Sul do Brasil. Especificamente, analisamos a incorporação do implante subdérmico de etonogestrel (Implanon®) como alternativa ao sistema intrauterino de levonorgestrel (DIU Mirena® ou DIU Kyleena®), ao longo de um período de 15 anos. Métodos: Realizamos uma análise do impacto orçamentário incremental, considerando a inclusão gradual do implante subdérmico de etonogestrel. Foram considerados dados de uma operadora de planos de saúde com mais de 600.000 beneficiários. O horizonte temporal de 15 anos permitiu uma avaliação abrangente dos efeitos financeiros. Resultados: Identificamos 5.345 pacientes elegíveis para a utilização de contraceptivos reversíveis de longa duração. No cenário em que somente o sistema intrauterino de levonorgestrel era adotado, projetou-se um impacto orçamentário total de R$ 746.379.857,80 ao longo de 15 anos. No cenário alternativo, com a incorporação gradual do implante subdérmico, o impacto orçamentário total foi calculado em R$ 689.800.196,83. Isso resultou em um impacto orçamentário incremental negativo de -R$ 56.579.660,97 ao longo do período. Conclusão: A análise de impacto orçamentário realizada indica um potencial benefício financeiro ao adotar o implante subdérmico de etonogestrel como alternativa ao sistema intrauterino de levonorgestrel para contracepção. Esse achado sugere possíveis reduções de custos na área de saúde suplementar no Brasil, reforçando a importância de avaliar opções economicamente viáveis.

Objective: To analyze the budgetary impact of the adoption of long-acting reversible contraceptive devices in a health plan operator located in southern Brazil. Specifically, we analyzed the incorporation of the etonogestrel subdermal implant (Implanon®) as an alternative to the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (Mirena® IUD or Kyleena® IUD), over a period of 15 years. Methods: We performed an analysis of the incremental budgetary impact, considering the gradual inclusion of the etonogestrel subdermal implant. Data from a health plan operator with more than 600,000 beneficiaries were considered. The 15-year time horizon allowed for a comprehensive assessment of the financial effects. Results: We identified 5,345 patients eligible for the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives. In the scenario where only the levonorgestrel intrauterine system was adopted, a total budget impact of BRL 746,379,857.80 was projected over 15 years. In the alternative scenario, with the gradual incorporation of the subdermal implant, the total budgetary impact was calculated at BRL 689,800,196.83. This resulted in a negative incremental budgetary impact of -R$56,579,660.97 over the period. Conclusion: The budget impact analysis carried out indicates a potential financial benefit in adopting the etonogestrel subdermal implant as an alternative to the levonorgestrel intrauterine system for contraception. This finding suggests possible cost reductions in the supplementary healthcare area in Brazil, reinforcing the importance of evaluating economically viable options.

COVID-19 in real world: Survival and medical costs of hospitalized patients in Brazil´s first wave.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate survival and direct medical costs of patients admitted in private hospitals with COVID-19 during the first wave. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study analyzing survival and the economic data retrieved on hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Data from March 2020 to December 2020. The direct cost of hospitalization was estimated using the microcosting method with each individual hospitalization. RESULTS: 342 cases were evaluated. Median age of 61.0 (95% CI 57.0‒65.0). 194 (56.7%) were men. The mortality rate was higher in the female sex (p = 0.0037), ICU (p < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (p<0.001) and elderly groups. 143 (41.8%) patients were admitted to the ICU (95% CI 36.6%-47.1%), of which 60 (41.9%) required MV (95% CI 34.0%-50.0%). Global LOS presented median of 6.7 days (95% CI 6.0-7.2). Mean costs were US$ 7,060,00 (95% CI 5,300.94-8,819,00) for each patient. Mean cost for patients discharged alive and patients deceased was US$ 5,475.53 (95% CI 3,692.91-7,258.14) and US$ 12,955.19 (95% CI 8,106.61-17,803.76), respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients admitted with COVID-19 in these private hospitals point to great economic impact, mainly in the elderly and high-risk patients. It is key to better understand such costs in order to be prepared to make wise decisions during the current and future global health emergencies.

COVID-19 in real world: Survival and medical costs of hospitalized patients in Brazils first wave

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate survival and direct medical costs of patients admitted in private hospitals with COVID-19 during the first wave. Methods: A retrospective, observational study analyzing survival and the economic data retrieved on hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Data from March 2020 to December 2020. The direct cost of hospitalization was estimated using the microcosting method with each individual hospitalization. Results: 342 cases were evaluated. Median age of 61.0 (95% CI 57.0-65.0). 194 (56.7%) were men. The mortality rate was higher in the female sex (p = 0.0037), ICU (p < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (p<0.001) and elderly groups. 143 (41.8%) patients were admitted to the ICU (95% CI 36.6%-47.1%), of which 60 (41.9%) required MV (95% CI 34.0%-50.0%). Global LOS presented median of 6.7 days (95% CI 6.0-7.2). Mean costs were US$ 7,060,00 (95% CI 5,300.94-8,819,00) for each patient. Mean cost for patients discharged alive and patients deceased was US$ 5,475.53 (95% CI 3,692.91-7,258.14) and US$ 12,955.19 (95% CI 8,106.61 -17,803.76), respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients admitted with COVID-19 in these private hospitals point to great economic impact, mainly in the elderly and high-risk patients. It is key to better understand such costs in order to be prepared to make wise decisions during the current and future global health emergencies.

Uma revisão integrativa das sequelas da COVID-19 / An integrative review of sequelae of COVID-19 / Una revisión integradora de las secuelas del COVID-19

Objetivo: Identificar na literatura disponível as sequelas de saúde desenvolvidas pela população adoecida pela COVID-19. Métodos: Revisão integrativa com publicações recuperadas a partir do acesso ao Medline via PubMed e ao Portal Regional da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) em abril de 2021 que responderam à questão norteadora: Quais as principais sequelas de saúde desenvolvidas pela população adoecida pela COVID-19?. A estratégia de busca incluiu os descritores: Coronavirus Infections, COVID-19, SARS-COV-2, Complications, Disease, Adult, Long COVID. Identificaram-se 348 publicações, 196 da BVS e 152 no PubMed. Após análise dos critérios de inclusão/exclusão, permaneceram 66 publicações para leitura na íntegra, restando 27 artigos que compuseram a amostra. Resultados: As evidências selecionadas dos 27 artigos permitiram identificação das principais sequelas: neurológicas, saúde mental, cardíacas, no olfato e paladar, vasculares, cutâneas, respiratórias e gastrointestinais. A maior prevalência de sequelas neurológicas ocorreu em mulheres, bem como as cardíacas nos homens; não havendo distinção da prevalência de sintomas de saúde mental entre homens e mulheres. Conclusão: Com base nesses achados, evidenciou-se a importância do acompanhamento em longo prazo das pessoas que tiveram COVID-19, uma vez que os sintomas desenvolvidos como sequelas não são exclusivos dessa doença e podem impactar na qualidade de vida.

Objective: To identify, in the literature available, the health sequelae developed by the population affected by COVID-19. Methods: This is an integrative review of publications retrieved from Medline via PubMed and the Regional Portal of the Virtual Health Library (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde ­ BVS) in April 2021 that answered the research question: What are the main health sequelae developed by the population affected by COVID-19? The search strategy included the descriptors: Coronavirus Infections, COVID-19, SARS-COV-2, Complications, Disease, Adult, Long COVID. 348 publications were identified: 196 on BVS and 152 on PubMed. After analyzing the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 66 publications remained for full reading, with a final 27 articles included in the sample. Results: The selected evidence from the 27 articles allowed the identification of the main sequelae: neurological, mental health, cardiac, smell and taste, vascular, cutaneous, respiratory and gastrointestinal sequelae. The highest prevalence of neurological sequelae was found in women, whereas cardiac sequelae were found mostly in men; there was no difference in the prevalence of mental health symptoms between men and women. Conclusion: Based on these findings, the importance of long-term follow-up of people who had COVID-19 was highlighted since the symptoms developed as sequelae are not exclusive to this disease and can impact quality of life.

Objetivo: Identificar en la literatura disponible las secuelas de salud desarrolladas por la población enfermada por COVID-19. Métodos: Revisión integradora con publicaciones recuperadas a partir del acceso al Medline por PubMed y al Portal Regional dela Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS) en abril de 2021 que contestaron a la cuestión norteadora: ¿Cuáles las principales secuelas de salud desarrolladas por la población enfermada por COVID-19?. La estrategia de búsqueda incluyó los descriptores: Coronavirus Infections, COVID-19, SAR-COV-2, Complications, Desease, Adult, Long COVID. Fueron identificadas 348 publicaciones, 196 de la BVS Y 152 en PubMed. Después del análisis de los criterios de inclusión/exclusión, permanecieron 66 publicaciones para lectura completa, restando 27 artículos que compusieron la muestra. Resultados: Las evidencias seleccionadas de los 27 artículos permitieron la identificación de las principales secuelas: neurológicas, salud mental, cardíacas, en el olfato y paladar, vasculares, cutáneas, respiratorias y gastrointestinales. La mayor prevalencia de secuelas neurológicas ocurrió en mujeres, y las cardíacas en los hombres; no habiendo distinción de la prevalencia de síntomas de salud mental entre hombres y mujeres. Conclusión: Con base en estos hallazgos, se evidenció la importancia del acompañamiento a largo plazo de las personas que tuvieron COVID-19, ya que los síntomas desarrollados como secuelas no son exclusivos de esta enfermedad y pueden impactar en la calidad de vida.

Análise de custo-efetividade de um painel genético no câncer de mama precoce na saúde suplementar brasileira / Cost-effectiveness analysis of a genetic panel in early breast cancer in Brazilian supplementary health

Objetivo: Avaliar o custo-efetividade do uso de um painel genético de 21 genes em pacientes adultas diagnosticadas com câncer de mama em estádio inicial em uma operadora de saúde com mais de 500.000 vidas. Métodos: Foi utilizada uma coorte prospectiva seguida de um estudo de custo-efetividade entre os pacientes que utilizaram Oncotype DX® em 2020. Calcularam-se as despesas totais de cada esquema de quimioterapia (QT), somando-se os custos dos produtos e taxas de infusão. Resultados: Das 35 pacientes que utilizaram o teste de 21 genes no período avaliado, 60% (n = 21) não necessitaram de QT. Quando aplicadas simulações, houve custo evitado de R$ -1.945.448,88 (custos incrementais potenciais de R$ -6.488.207,56 até R$ 443.485,26, dependendo do esquema de QT escolhido). Conclusão: A inserção do teste de 21 genes na jornada do tratamento de câncer de mama na saúde suplementar evidenciou significativa relevância, pois contribuiu com o uso adequado da terapêutica, garantindo a sustentabilidade do sistema de saúde. Apresentando-se como uma opção custo-efetiva para a maioria dos esquemas de QT em comparação com a sua não utilização no tratamento, para a saúde suplementar brasileira

Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the use of a genetic panel of 21 genes in adult patients diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in a healthcare provider with more than 500,000 lives. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted, followed by cost-effectiveness, among patients who used Oncotype DX® , in 2020. The total costs of each chemotherapy scheme (QT) were calculated, adding the costs of the products and infusion fees. Results: Of the 35 patients who used 21 gene tests in the evaluation period, 60% (n = 21) did not require QT. When simulations were applied, there was an avoided cost of R$ -1.945.448,88 (Potentials incremental costs from -R$ 6.488.207,56 to +R$ 443.485,26, depending on the chosen QT scheme). Conclusion: The insertion of 21-Gene recurrence score in the breast cancer treatment journey in supplementary health showed significant relevance, as it contributes to the appropriate use of therapy, guaranteeing the sustainability of the health system. Presenting itself as a cost-effective option for most QT schemes compared to not being used in treatment, for Brazilian supplementary health System

Elective surgeries in the "new normal" post-COVID-19 pandemic: to test or do not test?

The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has been wreaking havoc all over the planet. In a precautionary measure, populations have been forced and kept under quarantine to contain the outbreak of the COVID-19 disease. The quarantine primary goal is to avoid the overload to the hospitals, which should be available for the care of COVID-19 patients. However, the virus does not have a uniform spread throughout the planet, and Brazil is no different. Although all the world's attention is now on the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no similar pattern of spread, and other diseases are still a real problem. Given the risks of transmission between patients and healthcare providers, there is a great challenge for healthcare institutions who must balance resources to assure safe care to patients and professionals while they take care of other disease patients, and perform surgical procedures that need to be carried out. Under such circumstances, as COVID-19 can also present pre- or asymptomatic transmission, it can be challenging to identify patients who are carrying and spreading the virus. Studies and information on mandatory testing for who are candidates to undergo elective surgery are scarce. Thus, the authors have reviewed the literature, and discuss the need to test these patients under the current context.

Custo-minimização da troca entre imunoglobulinas de diferentes vias e marcas: sustentabilidade relacionada ao tratamento na saúde suplementar / Cost minimizing the switching between immunoglobulin of different routes and brands: of treatment-related in the supplementary health

Objetivo: Avaliar custo-minimização da troca entre as versões intravenosa (IVIg) e subcutânea (SCIg) das imunoglobulinas (Ig) em operadora de saúde com mais de 500.000 vidas. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo, transversal, descritivo, seguido de custo-minimização entre os pacientes que utilizaram IVIg, de 1º de outubro de 2018 a 30 de setembro de 2019. Simulou-se a troca entre as IVIg e SCIg, objetivando descrever a economia de uma hipotética substituição. Estabeleceram-se como critérios de exclusão: o não pagamento e a liberação com dose acima de 60.000 mg. Após exclusão, calcularam-se as despesas totais, somando-se os custos do produto e taxas de infusão. Resultados: Evidenciou-se que 133 pacientes, totalizando 1.175 liberações, utilizaram IVIg no período avaliado. Identificou-se a utilização de 34.797.500 mg de IVIg, por 10 especialidades, totalizando R$ 12.408.192,50 de despesas. Quando aplicada simulação, há uma potencial economia de recursos de até 29,83%, dependendo da SCIg escolhida. Conclusão: A análise econômica no tratamento com imunoglobulinas evidenciou significativa relevância, pois contribui com o uso adequado da terapêutica garantindo a sustentabilidade do sistema de saúde. Medicamentos subcutâneos apresentam-se como uma opção custo-minimizatória em comparação ao tratamento intravenoso para saúde suplementar brasileira.

Objective: Cost-minimization evaluation of the switch from intravenous (IVIg) to subcutaneous (SCIg) immunoglobulin (Ig) in a Brazilian Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), with more than 500.000 lives. Methods: This is a retrospective, transversal and descriptive study, followed by a cost-minimization analysis among patients using IVIg between 2018, October, 1st and 2019, September, 30th. The simulation was performed supposing the exchange from IVIg to SCIg, in order to calculate possible savings. Exclusion criteria: non-payment (gloss), and infusions with doses above 60.000 miligrams. After exclusion, total expenditures were calculated by summing product and infusion costs. Results: There were133 patients, with1,175 IVIg infusion events in the period evaluated. It was identified the use of 34,797,500 milligrams of IVIg, for 10 specialties, with R$ 12,408,192.50 of final expenditure. The simulation previews hypothetical reduction in the final cost of up to 29.83%, depending on the SCIg brand chosen. Conclusion: The economic analysis in the treatment with immunoglobulins showed significant relevance, as it contributes to the appropriate use of therapy ensuring the sustainability of the health system. Subcutaneous drugs are a cost-minimizing option compared to intravenous treatment for Brazilian HMOs.

Elective surgeries in the new normal post-COVID-19 pandemic: to test or do not test? / Cirurgias eletivas no novo normal pós-pandemia da COVID-19: testar ou não testar?

ABSTRACT The new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has been wreaking havoc all over the planet. In a precautionary measure, populations have been forced and kept under quarantine to contain the outbreak of the COVID-19 disease. The quarantine primary goal is to avoid the overload to the hospitals, which should be available for the care of COVID-19 patients. However, the virus does not have a uniform spread throughout the planet, and Brazil is no different. Although all the world's attention is now on the COVID-19 pandemic, there is no similar pattern of spread, and other diseases are still a real problem. Given the risks of transmission between patients and healthcare providers, there is a great challenge for healthcare institutions who must balance resources to assure safe care to patients and professionals while they take care of other disease patients, and perform surgical procedures that need to be carried out. Under such circumstances, as COVID-19 can also present pre- or asymptomatic transmission, it can be challenging to identify patients who are carrying and spreading the virus. Studies and information on mandatory testing for who are candidates to undergo elective surgery are scarce. Thus, the authors have reviewed the literature, and discuss the need to test these patients under the current context.

RESUMO A pandemia do novo coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2) vem causando estragos em todo o planeta. As populações estão sendo forçadas a quarentena - e assim mantidas - como medida de precaução para conter o surto da doença COVID-19. O principal objetivo da quarentena é evitar a sobrecarga dos hospitais, o que pode ser determinante para o atendimento aos pacientes COVID-19. O vírus não tem propagação uniforme pelo planeta, e no Brasil não é diferente. Contudo, as pessoas continuam a adoecer por outras causas não relacionadas ao SARS-CoV-2, demandando atendimento médico-hospitalar. Assim, os governos estão avaliando e liberando regiões para a realização de cirurgias eletivas em Estados e Municípios onde a COVID-19 está sob controle. Nesse contexto, há preocupação inerente à transmissão SARS-CoV-2 entre pacientes e prestadores de serviços de saúde, uma vez que há poucas informações sobre testes obrigatórios a serem realizados em pacientes com indicação cirúrgica. Esse problema é causado principalmente porque todos os pacientes durante o período de incubação são assintomáticos e, portanto, difíceis de serem avaliados. Assim sendo, os autores avaliam a literatura pertinente à microbiologia do SARS-CoV-2 e discutem a necessidade de testar esses pacientes com testes mais utilizados até o momento.

Cost-effectiveness of posaconazole in private and public Brazilian hospitals / Rentabilidad del uso de posaconazol en hospitales públicos y privados de Brasil

Background: Posaconazole is used for the prophylaxis of invasive fungal disease (IFD). Previous studies have shown it to be cost-effective compared to fluconazole/itraconazole. However, posaconazole has never been economically evaluated in developing countries. Aims: The aim of the present study was to perform a cost-effectiveness analysis of posaconazole compared to fluconazole in public (SUS) and private hospitals (PHS) in Brazil. Methods: A cost-effectiveness simulation was conducted on the basis of a pivotal study on the use of posaconazole in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, adjusting the costs to Brazilian data. Results: A pharmacoeconomic analysis was performed on a hypothetical sample of 100 patients in each drug group. The total cost of posaconazole use alone was USD$ 220,656.31, whereas that for fluconazole was USD$ 83,875.00. Our results showed that patients with IFD remain hospitalized for an additional 12 days, at an average cost of USD$ 850.85 per patient per day. The total money spent by PHS for 100 patients for 100 days was USD$ 342,318.00 for the posaconazole group and USD$ 302,039.00 for the fluconazole group. An analysis of sensitivity (10%) revealed no intergroup difference. Conclusions: In Brazil posaconazole is cost-effective, and should be considered for the prophylaxis of patients with AMD/myelodysplasia (AML/MDS) undergoing chemotherapy

Antecedentes: El posaconazol se utiliza para la profilaxis de la enfermedad fúngica invasora (EFI). Algunos estudios han demostrado su rentabilidad en comparación con el fluconazol o el itraconazol. Sin embargo, el posaconazol nunca se había evaluado económicamente en el contexto de los países en vías de desarrollo. Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar un análisis de rentabilidad del posaconazol en comparación con el fluconazol en hospitales públicos (SUS) y hospitales privados (PHS) de Brasil. Métodos: Se realizó una simulación de rentabilidad basada en un estudio fundamental para el uso de posaconazol en pacientes con leucemia mieloide aguda (LMA) que adaptaba los costes a los datos brasileños. Resultados: Se realizó un análisis farmacoeconómico de 100 pacientes con cada grupo tratado. El gasto total de 100 días para los antifúngicos evaluados fue 220.656,31 $ para el posaconazol y de 83.875,00 $ para el fluconazol. Los pacientes con EFI permanecen en el hospital una media de 12 días más a un coste medio de 850,85 $ por día y paciente. El gasto total en PHS de 100 pacientes fue 342.318,00 $ para el grupo del posaconazol y 302.039,00 $ para el del fluconazol. No hubo diferencias entre los grupos al realizar un análisis de sensibilidad al 10%. Conclusiones: En Brasil, el posaconazol es rentable y debe tenerse en cuenta al elegir la profilaxis ideal para pacientes con LMA tratados con quimioterapia

Antimicrobial activity of plazomicin against Enterobacteriaceae-producing carbapenemases from 50 Brazilian medical centers.

Plazomicin is a next-generation aminoglycoside with activity against Enterobacteriaceae, including carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of plazomicin against CPE (Klebsiella spp., Escherichia coli, Serratia spp., Enterobacter spp., Citrobacter spp., Morganella spp., Proteus spp., Providencia spp.) from different Brazilian hospitals. A total of 4000 carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolates were collected from clinical samples in 50 Brazilian hospitals during 2013-2015. Of these, 499 carbapenem-resistant isolates (CLSI criteria) were selected for further evaluation via broth microdilution to assess for the activity of plazomicin, colistin, tigecycline, meropenem, amikacin, and gentamicin. Additionally, the isolates were assessed for the presence of carbapenemase genes (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaOXA-48-like, blaIMP, blaBKC, blaGES, and blaVIM) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). When PCR was positive to blaOXA-48-like, blaIMP, blaGES, and blaVIM, the carbapenemase genes were sequenced. blaKPC was the most prevalent carbapenemase gene found (n=397), followed by blaNDM (n=81), blaOXA-48 (n=12), and blaIMP-1 (n=3). Other genes were identified in only 1 isolate each: blaBKC-1, blaGES-16, blaGES-1, blaOXA-370, and blaVIM-1. One isolate had 2 carbapenemase genes (blaKPC and blaNDM). Thirty-three percent of the isolates were nonsusceptible to colistin, 24% to tigecycline, 97% to meropenem, 51% to amikacin, and 81% to gentamicin (via EUCAST criteria). The plazomicin MIC50/90 was 0.5/64mg/L, with 85% of MICs ≤2mg/L and 87% of MICs ≤4mg/L. Elevated MICs to plazomicin were not associated with a specific carbapenemase or bacterial species. The MICs of plazomicin against CPE were lower than those of other aminoglycosides. Plazomicin is a promising drug for the treatment of CPE infections.

Postsurgical pyoderma gangrenosum complicating reduction mammaplasty.

UNLABELLED: Reduction mammaplasty is one of the most common surgeries performed by plastic surgeons. It relieves back and neck pain and improves the aesthetic contour of the ptotic breast. Postsurgical pyoderma gangrenosum (PSPG) is an unusual inflammatory disorder leading to rapidly progressive skin necrosis that can occur after any surgical procedure. The skin lesions have the characteristic appearance of ulcers with a purple-colored border and erythematous halo. Clinically, the patient has a low fever and severe local pain. In the majority of cases this disease is misdiagnosed as severe infection leading to improper debridement, exacerbating the problem. The mainstay of therapy for PSPG is still nonoperative and focuses on immunosuppressive medications and local wound care, which allows healing in the majority of the cases. It is important for plastic surgeons and infectologists to be cognizant of this entity, as a delay in diagnosis and management can be life-threatening and lead to considerable tissue loss and disfigurement of the breast. The authors report a case of reduction mammaplasty complicated with PSPG and its treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Maltreatment of Strongyloides infection: case series and worldwide physicians-in-training survey.

BACKGROUND: Strongyloidiasis infects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is an important cause of mortality from intestinal helminth infection in developed countries. The persistence of infection, increasing international travel, lack of familiarity by health care providers, and potential for iatrogenic hyperinfection all make strongyloidiasis an important emerging infection. METHODS: Two studies were performed. A retrospective chart review of Strongyloides stercoralis cases identified through microbiology laboratory records from 1993-2002 was conducted. Subsequently, 363 resident physicians in 15 training programs worldwide were queried with a case scenario of strongyloidiasis, presenting an immigrant with wheezing and eosinophilia. The evaluation focused on resident recognition and diagnostic recommendations. RESULTS: In 151 strongyloidiasis cases, stool ova and parasite sensitivity is poor (51%), and eosinophilia (>5% or >400 cells/microL) commonly present (84%). Diagnosis averaged 56 months (intra-quartile range: 4-72 months) after immigration. Presenting complaints were nonspecific, although 10% presented with wheezing. Hyperinfection occurred in 5 patients prescribed corticosteroids, with 2 deaths. Treatment errors occurred more often among providers unfamiliar with immigrant health (relative risk of error: 8.4; 95% confidence interval, 3.4-21.0; P <.001). When presented with a hypothetical case scenario, US physicians-in-training had poor recognition (9%) of the need for parasite screening and frequently advocated empiric corticosteroids (23%). International trainees had superior recognition at 56% (P <.001). Among US trainees, 41% were unable to choose any parasite causing pulmonary symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Strongyloidiasis is present in US patients. Diagnostic consideration should occur with appropriate exposure, nonspecific symptoms including wheezing, or eosinophilia (>5% relative or >400 eosinophils/microL). US residents' helminth knowledge is limited and places immigrants in iatrogenic danger. Information about Strongyloides should be included in US training and continuing medical education programs.

Uncommon vancomycin-induced side effects.

Vancomycin has been used with increased frequency during the past 15 years and the most common toxicity with this drug is the red man syndrome . Other adverse effects include neutropenia, fever, phlebitis, nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, thrombocytopenia, interstitial nephritis, lacrimation, linear IgA bullous dermatosis, necrotizing cutaneous vasculitis and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Only two cases of vancomycin-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome and one case of pancytopenia have been reported in the medical literature. The treatment for both situations is based on cessation of the vancomycin therapy; in cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, antihistamine and/or steroid agents can be used. This article reports a case of pancytopenia and a case of erythema major associated with neutropenia.

Uncommon vancomycin-induced side effects

Vancomycin has been used with increased frequency during the past 15 years and the most common toxicity with this drug is the red man syndrome . Other adverse effects include neutropenia, fever, phlebitis, nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, thrombocytopenia, interstitial nephritis, lacrimation, linear IgA bullous dermatosis, necrotizing cutaneous vasculitis and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Only two cases of vancomycin-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome and one case of pancytopenia have been reported in the medical literature. The treatment for both situations is based on cessation of the vancomycin therapy; in cases of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, antihistamine and/or steroid agents can be used. This article reports a case of pancytopenia and a case of erythema major associated with neutropenia.