Avaliação da gravidade dos sinais e sintomas da COVID-19 em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica / Assessment of the severity of signs and symptoms of COVID-19 in patients undergoing bariatric surgery / Evaluación de la gravedad de los signos y sintomas de COVID-19 em pacientes sometidos a cirurgía bariátrica

Objetivo: Avaliar a gravidade e a incidência dos sinais e sintomas da COVID-19 em pacientes bariátricos, relacionando-os ao índice de massa corporal (IMC) e a outros fatores considerados de risco para a doença.Método: trata-se de um estudo transversal. Os pacientes responderam a um questionário eletrônico e a avaliação da gravidade dos sinais e sintomas da infecção por SARS-CoV-2 foi realizada seguindo o manual "Orientações para manejo de pacientes com covid-19", do Ministério de Saúde do Brasil. Resultados: um total de 60 pacientes foram incluídos. Dos participantes, 60% apresentaram sintomas graves e a fadiga foi o sintoma mais frequente (90%). A análise mostrou uma associação significativa entre a presença de tosse e a condição de sobrepeso/obesidade (OR=3,720; IC=1,060­13,050; p=0,034). Além disso, apenas 6,7% foram hospitalizados, sem casos de intubação, todos com sobrepeso/obesidade (OR=1,333; IC=1,114­1,554). Conclusão:apesar de uma alta taxa de pacientes categorizados com sinais e sintomas graves, verificou-se uma baixa necessidade de internação hospitalar e ventilação mecânica não invasiva. Isso sugere que a perda de peso e a melhora das comorbidades pós-cirurgia podem contribuir para um risco reduzido de hospitalização em casos de infecção por COVID-19

Objective: To assess the severity and incidence of COVID-19 signs and symptoms in bariatric patients, relating them to body mass index (BMI) and other risk factors for the disease. Method:This is a cross-sectional study. Patients completed an electronic questionnaire, and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection signs and symptoms was assessed following the "Guidelines for the management of COVID-19 patients" by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Results:A total of 60 patients were included. Among the participants, 60% presented with severe symptoms, with fatigue being the most frequent symptom (90%). The analysis showed a significant association between the presence of cough and the condition of overweight/obesity (OR=3.720; CI=1.060­13.050; p=0.034). Moreover, only 6.7% were hospitalized, with no cases requiring intubation, all within the overweight/obesity subgroup (OR=1.333; CI=1.114­1.554).Conclusion: Despite a high rate of patients categorized with severe signs and symptoms, there was a low need for hospital admission and non-invasive mechanical ventilation. This suggests that weight loss and improvement of comorbidities post-surgery may contribute to a reduced risk of hospitalization in COVID-19 infection case.

Objetivo: Evaluar la gravedad y la incidencia de los signos y síntomas de COVID-19 en pacientes bariátricos, relacionándolos con el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y otros factores de riesgo para la enfermedad. Metodo:Se trata de un estudio transversal. Los pacientescompletaron un cuestionario electrónico, y la gravedad de los signos y síntomas de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 se evaluó siguiendo las "Guías para el manejo de pacientes con COVID-19" del Ministerio de Salud de Brasil. Resultados:Se incluyó un total de 60 pacientes. Entre los participantes, el 60% presentó síntomas severos, siendo la fatiga el síntoma más frecuente (90%). El análisis mostró una asociación significativa entre la presencia de tos y la condición de sobrepeso/obesidad (OR=3.720; IC=1.060­13.050; p=0.034). Además, solo el 6.7% fueron hospitalizados, sin casos que requirieran intubación, todos dentro del subgrupo de sobrepeso/obesidad (OR=1.333; IC=1.114­1.554). Conclusión:A pesar de una alta tasa de pacientes clasificados con signos y síntomasseveros, hubo una baja necesidad de admisión hospitalaria y ventilación mecánica no invasiva. Esto sugiere que la pérdida de peso y la mejora de las comorbilidades postoperatorias pueden contribuir a un riesgo reducido de hospitalización en casos de infección por COVID-19

Manejo de los episodios de neutropenia febril en niños con cáncer: consenso de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Infectología Pediátrica 2021 / Management of episodes of febrile neutropenia in children with cancer: consensus of the Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases 2021

Resumen El Comité de Infecciones en el Niño Inmunocomprometido de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Infectología Pediátrica, entrega este documento de Consenso, llamado "Manejo de los episodios de neutropenia febril en niños con cáncer. Consenso de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Infectología Pediátrica 2021". El documento contiene recomendaciones sobre aspectos de prevención, predicción, diagnóstico, tratamiento y pronóstico de los episodios de fiebre y neutropenia, incluyendo recomendaciones específicas sobre: Análisis de ingreso; evaluación, ajustes y duración de terapias antimicrobianas; diagnóstico y manejo de infección fúngica invasora; análisis de los principales focos clínicos de infección; condiciones ambientales necesarias para hospitales que atienden niños con cáncer y quimioprofilaxis. Se ha puesto especial énfasis en entregar las mejores recomendaciones para optimizar el manejo de los episodios de fiebre y neutropenia en niños con cáncer, buscando la equidad y la excelencia a través de todos los centros que atienden estos pacientes en América Latina.

Abstract The Committee for Infections in Immunocompromised Children of Sociedad Latinoamericana de Infectología Pediátrica, presents this Consensus document, titled "Management of episodes of febrile neutropenia in children with cancer. Consensus of the Sociedad Latinoamericana de Infectología Pediátrica 2021". The document includes recommendations on prevention, prediction, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of episodes of fever and neutropenia, including specific recommendations on: Analysis at admission; evaluation, adjustments and duration of antimicrobial therapies; diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infection; analysis of the main clinical source of infections; environmental conditions necessary for hospitals caring for children with cancer and chemoprophylaxis. Special emphasis has been placed on providing the best recommendations to optimize the management of episodes of fever and neutropenia in children with cancer, with equity and excellence through all the centers that treat these patients in Latin America.

[Management of episodes of febrile neutropenia in children with cancer. Consensus of the Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases 2021]. / Manejo de los episodios de neutropenia febril en niños con cáncer. Consenso de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Infectología Pediátrica 2021.

The Committee for Infections in Immunocompromised Children of Sociedad Latinoamericana de Infectología Pediátrica, presents this Consensus document, titled "Management of episodes of febrile neutropenia in children with cancer. Consensus of the Sociedad Latinoamericana de Infectología Pediátrica 2021". The document includes recommendations on prevention, prediction, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of episodes of fever and neutropenia, including specific recommendations on: Analysis at admission; evaluation, adjustments and duration of antimicrobial therapies; diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infection; analysis of the main clinical source of infections; environmental conditions necessary for hospitals caring for children with cancer and chemoprophylaxis. Special emphasis has been placed on providing the best recommendations to optimize the management of episodes of fever and neutropenia in children with cancer, with equity and excellence through all the centers that treat these patients in Latin America.

[Sinus infection caused by Exserohilum rostratum in a pediatric patient with acute myeloid leukemia]. / Infección rino-sinusal por Exserohilum rostratum en un niño con leucemia mieloide aguda.

The episodes of febrile neutropenia are severe cases that require an exhaustive etiological study and a quick start of antimicrobial agents. Within the possible microorganisms, fungal origins are also found, and depending on its tissue invasion, they can reach a high mortality rate. A case of a pediatric patient who suffered from acute myeloid leukemia is reported, and after his induction chemotherapy, the patient showed an episode of febrile neutropenia, which matches a rhinosinusal infection caused by Exserohilum rostratum, a filamentous fungi that is uncommonly associated with pathological cases. An antifungal therapy and an early surgical treatment were started, which lead to a positive response, without complications to the patient. After the monitoring and receiving secondary prophylaxis during the episodes of neutropenia, the patient hasn't presented new injuries nor rhinosinusal damage.

Usefulness of serum galactomannan in initiating and modifying antifungal therapy in children with cancer and persistent high-risk febrile neutropenia.

BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children with cancer and high-risk febrile neutropenia (HRFN). Repeated serum galactomannan (sGM) measurements have been described as an effective tool to guide therapy in adults under suspicion of invasive aspergillosis. However, the utility of this approach has not been reported in paediatric population. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the usefulness of sGM measurements in initiating and modifying antifungal therapy (AFT) in children with cancer and persistent HRFN. PATIENTS/METHODS: Nested case-control study in children with cancer and persistent HRFN episodes, between July 2013 and January 2019. Patients were classified as cases and controls depending on if they received AFT or not, respectively. Through odds ratio analysis, we assessed the role of sGM positivity in the AFT initiation decision. Then, we analysed the group of patients that initiated AFT, and compared those who had AFT modifications and those who did not, analysing different sGM kinetics thresholds. RESULTS: A total of 191 episodes from children with persistent HRFN were enrolled, of which 107 received AFT and 84 did not. The median age was 7 years (IQR 4-12), 52% were male and 89% had a haematologic malignancy as underlying disease. Positive sGM was not associated with AFT initiation (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.43-2.33, P = .99). A difference threshold in sGM Δ ≥ 0.3 sGM was significantly associated with AFT modification (OR 5.07, 95% CI 1.02- 25.70, P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the utility of serial sGM sampling during AFT in children with persistent HRFN.

Infección rino-sinusal por Exserohilum rostratum en un niño con leucemia mieloide aguda / Sinus infection caused by Exserohilum rostratum in a pediatric patient with acute myeloid leukemia

Resumen Los episodios de neutropenia febril son cuadros graves, que requieren un estudio etiológico exhaustivo y un inicio rápido de antimicrobianos. Dentro de los posibles microorganismos causales se encuentran los de origen fúngico, los que, dependiendo de su grado de invasión tisular, pueden llegar a presentar una alta mortalidad. Presentamos el caso de un niño con una leucemia mieloide aguda, que tras su quimioterapia de inducción, presentó un episodio de neutropenia febril, con una infección rino-sinusal por Exserohilum rostratum, hongo filamentoso que raramente se asocia a cuadros patológicos. Se inició rápidamente terapia antifúngica, lo cual, asociado a un aseo quirúrgico precoz, lograron una respuesta clínica favorable, sin complicaciones. Luego del seguimiento, y tras recibir profilaxis secundaria durante los episodios de neutropenia, no ha vuelto a presentar nuevas lesiones ni compromiso rino-sinusal.

Abstract The episodes of febrile neutropenia are severe cases that require an exhaustive etiological study and a quick start of antimicrobial agents. Within the possible microorganisms, fungal origins are also found, and depending on its tissue invasion, they can reach a high mortality rate. A case of a pediatric patient who suffered from acute myeloid leukemia is reported, and after his induction chemotherapy, the patient showed an episode of febrile neutropenia, which matches a rhinosinusal infection caused by Exserohilum rostratum, a filamentous fungi that is uncommonly associated with pathological cases. An antifungal therapy and an early surgical treatment were started, which lead to a positive response, without complications to the patient. After the monitoring and receiving secondary prophylaxis during the episodes of neutropenia, the patient hasn't presented new injuries nor rhinosinusal damage.

[Consensus of infectious complications in patients treated with selected biological therapies: first Part]. / Consenso sobre riesgo de complicaciones infecciosas en pacientes usuarios de medicamentos biológicos seleccionados. Parte I.

The use of biological therapies has meant a great improvement in the management of several conditions like autoimmune, neoplastic or others diseases. Although its use has implied significant improvements in the prognosis of these diseases, it is not exempt from complications: infectious diseases as one of them. The objective of this consensus was to evaluate, from an infectious viewpoint, the safeness of the most frequently used biological therapies and give recommendations for the prevention of infections in patients treated with these drugs. These recommendations were based on the highest quality evidence available for the selected biologics. The consensus counts of two manuscripts. This first part details the risks of developing infectious complications depending on the type of biological used for a certain pathology. This evaluation included a broad search in MEDLINE and Epistemonikos of systematic reviews and meta-analyzes of controlled clinical trials and casecontrol examining post-treatment infections with anti-TNF alpha, anti-CD20, anti-CD52, CTLA4-Ig and anti-integrins. The research was complemented by a review of: multicentre cohorts of biological users, the MMWR of the CDC, Atlanta, U.S.A., and national registers and scientific societies in which infectious complications derived from the use of biological therapies were mentioned.

[Consensus of infectious complications in patients treated with selected biological therapies.Screening of hepatitis B in high risk Chilean and immigrant pregnant women: Management of mother to child transmission Second part: Chilean Guidelines for Prevention of Infections associated to use of Biological Therapies (PREVITEB)]. / Consenso sobre riesgo de complicaciones infecciosas en pacientes usuarios de medicamentos biológicos seleccionados.Parte II: Guía clínica chilena de Prevención de Infecciones Asociadas al Uso de Terapias Biológicas (PREVITEB).

The use of biological therapies has meant a great improvement in the management of several conditions like autoimmune, neoplastic or others diseases. Although its use has implied significant improvements in the prognosis of these diseases, it is not exempt from complications: infectious diseases as one of them. The objective of this consensus was to evaluate, from an infectious viewpoint, the safeness of the most frequently used biological therapies and give recommendations for the prevention of infections in patients treated with these drugs. These recommendations were based on the highest quality evidence available for the selected biologics. The consensus counts of 2 manuscripts. This second part is a guideline that details these recommendations through screening strategies, prophylactic therapies and vaccines indications for bacterial, mycobacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections, both for adults and children.

Consenso sobre riesgo de complicaciones infecciosas en pacientes usuarios de medicamentos biológicos seleccionados. Parte I / Consensus of infectious complications in patients treated with selected biological therapies: first Part

Resumen La incorporación de terapias biológicas ha significado un gran avance en el manejo de diversas patologías de origen autoinmune, neoplásico u otros. Si bien su uso ha implicado mejoras significativas en el pronóstico de estas enfermedades, no está exento de complicaciones, entre estas, las infecciosas. El objetivo de este consenso fue evaluar el perfil de seguridad, desde la mirada infectológica, de las terapias biológicas de uso más frecuente y dar recomendaciones para la prevención de infecciones en pacientes tratados con ellas, basándose en la evidencia de mayor calidad disponible para los biológicos seleccionados. El consenso cuenta de dos manuscritos. Esta primera parte detalla los riesgos de desarrollar complicaciones infecciosas dependiendo del tipo de biológico utilizado para determinada patología. La revisión incluyó búsqueda amplia en MEDLINE y Epistemonikos de revisiones sistemáticas y meta-análisis de estudios clínicos controlados y caso/control que examinaban infecciones posteriores al tratamiento con anti-TNF alfa, anti-CD20, anti-CD52, CTLA4-Ig y anti-integrinas. Esta búsqueda se complementó con revisión de cohortes multicéntricas de usuarios de biológicos, del MMWR del CDC, Atlanta, E.U.A. y de registros nacionales y/o de sociedades científicas en la que se hiciera mención a complicaciones infecciosas derivadas del uso de biológicos.

The use of biological therapies has meant a great improvement in the management of several conditions like autoimmune, neoplastic or others diseases. Although its use has implied significant improvements in the prognosis of these diseases, it is not exempt from complications: infectious diseases as one of them. The objective of this consensus was to evaluate, from an infectious viewpoint, the safeness of the most frequently used biological therapies and give recommendations for the prevention of infections in patients treated with these drugs. These recommendations were based on the highest quality evidence available for the selected biologics. The consensus counts of two manuscripts. This first part details the risks of developing infectious complications depending on the type of biological used for a certain pathology. This evaluation included a broad search in MEDLINE and Epistemonikos of systematic reviews and meta-analyzes of controlled clinical trials and casecontrol examining post-treatment infections with anti-TNF alpha, anti-CD20, anti-CD52, CTLA4-Ig and anti-integrins. The research was complemented by a review of: multicentre cohorts of biological users, the MMWR of the CDC, Atlanta, U.S.A., and national registers and scientific societies in which infectious complications derived from the use of biological therapies were mentioned.

Consenso sobre riesgo de complicaciones infecciosas en pacientes usuarios de medicamentos biológicos seleccionados. Parte II: Guía clínica chilena de Prevención de Infecciones Asociadas al Uso de Terapias Biológicas (PREVITEB) / Consensus of infectious complications in patients treated with selected biological therapies. Screening of hepatitis B in high risk Chilean and immigrant pregnant women: Management of mother to child transmission Second part: Chilean Guidelines for Prevention of Infections associated to use of Biological Therapies (PREVITEB)

Resumen La incorporación de terapias biológicas ha significado un gran avance en el manejo de diversas patologías de origen autoinmune, neoplásico u otros. Si bien su uso ha implicado mejoras significativas en el pronóstico de estas enfermedades, no está exento de complicaciones, entre éstas, las infecciosas. El objetivo de este consenso fue evaluar el perfil de seguridad, desde la mirada infectológica, de las terapias biológicas de uso más frecuente y dar recomendaciones para la prevención de infecciones en pacientes tratados con ellas, basándose en la evidencia de mayor calidad disponible para los biológicos seleccionados. El consenso cuenta de dos manuscritos. Esta segunda parte corresponde a la guía clínica que detalla estas recomendaciones mediante estrategias de cribado, terapias profilácticas e indicación de vacunas, según corresponde, para infecciones bacterianas, y por micobacterias en particular, virus, hongos y parásitos, tanto para adultos como para niños.

The use of biological therapies has meant a great improvement in the management of several conditions like autoimmune, neoplastic or others diseases. Although its use has implied significant improvements in the prognosis of these diseases, it is not exempt from complications: infectious diseases as one of them. The objective of this consensus was to evaluate, from an infectious viewpoint, the safeness of the most frequently used biological therapies and give recommendations for the prevention of infections in patients treated with these drugs. These recommendations were based on the highest quality evidence available for the selected biologics. The consensus counts of 2 manuscripts. This second part is a guideline that details these recommendations through screening strategies, prophylactic therapies and vaccines indications for bacterial, mycobacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections, both for adults and children.

[Basic requirements of facilities for hospitals that treat hemato-oncological patients: hospital environment, diagnostic protocols and therapeutic arsenal]. / Parte I. Requerimientos básicos de infectología para hospitales que atienden pacientes hemato-oncológicos: ambiente hospitalario, protocolos diagnósticos y arsenal terapéutico. Fundamentación.

The care of cancer patients, including recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, has numerous challenges for hospitals that must provide safe environments in which exposure to pathogens that generate morbidity and mortality is reduced at maximum. At the same time, they must have established protocols that allow a rational study of the possible infectious etiologies and the existence of an adequate therapeutic arsenal together with timely treatment algorithms, updated according to consensus guidelines and effective according to the suspected or confirmed infection. This article introduces some of the arguments that support these requirements, then that are developed in three successive articles dedicated to the hospital environment, diagnostic protocols and therapeutic arsenal.

[Hospital environment variables that affect the risk of infections of cancer patients and recipients of hematopoietic precursor transplants: Design, care processes, microbiological quality of air and water]. / Parte II. Variables del ambiente hospitalario que inciden en el riesgo de infecciones de pacientes con cáncer y receptores de trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos: Diseño, procesos asistenciales, calidad microbiológica del aire y agua.

The hospital environment is a potential source of exposure to pathogens such as bacteria, fungi and parasites that can cause infections in patients with cancer including transplanted hematopoietic precursors. To mitigate this risk, the design, construction and location elements of the patient care area must be taken into account. Recommendations are given to provide safe environments, including aspects related to characteristics and use of a protected environment, the definition of critical processes, clinical teams dedicated to the care of patients, suggestions of areas to be monitored, the microbiological quality of air and water.

Parte I. Requerimientos básicos de infectología para hospitales que atienden pacientes hemato-oncológicos: ambiente hospitalario, protocolos diagnósticos y arsenal terapéutico. Fundamentación / Basic requirements of facilities for hospitals that treat hemato-oncological patients: hospital environment, diagnostic protocols and therapeutic arsenal

Resumen La atención de pacientes con cáncer, incluyendo los receptores de trasplantes de precursores hematopoyéticos, plantea numerosos desafíos para los hospitales que deben proveer ambientes seguros, en que se logre aminorar al máximo posible la exposición a patógenos que generan morbilidad y mortalidad. Al mismo tiempo deben contar con protocolos establecidos que permitan realizar un estudio racional de las posibles etiologías infecciosas que pueden presentar estos pacientes. A su vez, deben asegurar la existencia de un arsenal terapéutico adecuado, junto a algoritmos de tratamiento oportuno, actualizado según guías consensuadas y efectivo según la infección sospechada o confirmada. En este artículo se introducen algunos de los argumentos que sustentan estos requerimientos que luego se desarrollan en tres artículos sucesivos dedicados al ambiente hospitalario, protocolos diagnósticos y arsenal terapéutico.

The care of cancer patients, including recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, has numerous challenges for hospitals that must provide safe environments in which exposure to pathogens that generate morbidity and mortality is reduced at maximum. At the same time, they must have established protocols that allow a rational study of the possible infectious etiologies and the existence of an adequate therapeutic arsenal together with timely treatment algorithms, updated according to consensus guidelines and effective according to the suspected or confirmed infection. This article introduces some of the arguments that support these requirements, then that are developed in three successive articles dedicated to the hospital environment, diagnostic protocols and therapeutic arsenal.

Parte II. Variables del ambiente hospitalario que inciden en el riesgo de infecciones de pacientes con cáncer y receptores de trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos: Diseño, procesos asistenciales, calidad microbiológica del aire y agua / Hospital environment variables that affect the risk of infections of cancer patients and recipients of hematopoietic precursor transplants: Design, care processes, microbiological quality of air and water

Resumen El ambiente hospitalario es una fuente potencial de exposición a patógenos como bacterias, hongos y parásitos, que pueden provocar infecciones en pacientes con cáncer incluyendo receptores de trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos. Para aminorar este riesgo, se deben tener en cuenta los elementos de diseño, construcción y emplazamiento del área de atención de pacientes. Se entregan recomendaciones para proveer ambientes seguros, incluyendo características y uso de ambiente protegido, la definición de procesos críticos, equipos clínicos destinados a la atención de pacientes, sugerencias de ámbitos a supervisar y aspectos relativos a la calidad microbiológica del aire y agua.

The hospital environment is a potential source of exposure to pathogens such as bacteria, fungi and parasites that can cause infections in patients with cancer including transplanted hematopoietic precursors. To mitigate this risk, the design, construction and location elements of the patient care area must be taken into account. Recommendations are given to provide safe environments, including aspects related to characteristics and use of a protected environment, the definition of critical processes, clinical teams dedicated to the care of patients, suggestions of areas to be monitored, the microbiological quality of air and water.

A prospective, multi-center study of Candida bloodstream infections in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Active surveillance is necessary for improving the management and outcome of patients with candidemia. The aim of this study was to describe epidemiologic and clinical features of candidemia in children and adults in tertiary level hospitals in Chile. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, multicenter, laboratory-based survey study of candidemia in 26 tertiary care hospitals in Chile, from January 2013 to October 2017. RESULTS: A total of 780 episodes of candidemia were included, with a median incidence of 0.47/1,000 admissions. Demographic, clinical and microbiological information of 384 cases of candidemia, from 18 hospitals (7,416 beds), was included in this report. One hundred and thirty-four episodes (35%) occurred in pediatric patients and 250 (65%) in adult population. Candida albicans (39%), Candida parapsilosis (30%) and Candida glabrata (10%) were the leading species, with a significant difference in the distribution of species between ages. The use of central venous catheter and antibiotics were the most frequent risk factors in all age groups (> 70%). Three hundred and fifteen strains were studied for antifungal susceptibility; 21 strains (6.6%) were resistant to fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, anidulafungin or micafungin. The most commonly used antifungal therapies were fluconazole (39%) and echinocandins (36%). The overall 30-day survival was 74.2%, significantly higher in infants (82%) and children (86%) compared with neonates (72%), adults (71%) and elderly (70%). CONCLUSIONS: Our prospective, multicenter surveillance study showed a low incidence of candidemia in Chile, with high 30-day survival, a large proportion of elderly patients, C. glabrata as the third most commonly identified strain, a 6.6% resistance to antifungal agents and a frequent use of echinocandins.

Persistent and transient Helicobacter pylori infections in early childhood.

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori, the main cause of peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer in adult populations, is generally acquired during the first years of life. Infection can be persistent or transient and bacterial and host factors determining persistence are largely unknown and may prove relevant for future disease. METHODS: Two cohorts of healthy Chilean infants (313 total) were evaluated every 3 months for 18-57 months to determine pathogen- and host-factors associated with persistent and transient infection. RESULTS: One-third had at least one positive stool ELISA by age 3, with 20% overall persistence. Persistent infections were acquired at an earlier age, associated with more household members, decreased duration of breastfeeding, and nonsecretor status compared to transient infections. The cagA positive strains were more common in persistent stools, and nearly 60% of fully characterized persistent stool samples amplified cagA/vacAs1m1. Persistent children were more likely to elicit a serologic immune response, and both infection groups had differential gene expression profiles, including genes associated with cancer suppression when compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that persistent H. pylori infections acquired early in life are associated with specific host and/or strain profiles possibly associated with future disease occurrence.

[Fever of unknown origin: a challenge for the pediatric infectious diseases specialist]. / Síndrome febril prolongado: un desafío para el infectólogo pediatra.

INTRODUCTION: Prolonged febrile syndrome (PFS) is defined as fever 7-10 days, with initial study does not allow etiologic diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To describe the main causes of the PFS and its temporal behavior in Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit Outpatient Care of Complejo Asistencial Dr. Sótero del Río (CASR). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A descriptive, prospective study between january 2007-december 2012, about 153 patients from 6 weeks to 14 years 11 months old, diagnosed with PFS, tab completing clinical and laboratory monitoring. RESULTS: etiology was obtained in 67.9%, the causes were infection (88.4%), neoplasms (4.8%), rheumatological (4.8%) and Kawasaki disease (2.8%). The most important infectious causes were enteric fevers (typhoid and paratyphoid) (18.4%), urinary tract infection (11.9%), Bartonella henselae infections and adenovirus (8.7%) each one and Epstein Barr virus (7.6%). Ninety eight percent of patients had complete resolution, 60.7% did not require hospitalization and mortality was 0%. DISCUSSION: As in previous pediatric clinical series the infections were the most frequent causes. Enteric fever persists as principal cause, however, the epidemiological evidence is oscillating in time endorsing the local statistics can count over the years to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Síndrome febril prolongado: un desafío para el infectólogo pediatra / Fever of unknown origin: a challenge for the pediatric infectious diseases specialist

Introduction: Prolonged febrile syndrome (PFS) is defined as fever 7-10 days, with initial study does not allow etiologic diagnosis. Objective: To describe the main causes of the PFS and its temporal behavior in Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit Outpatient Care of Complejo Asistencial Dr. Sótero del Río (CASR). Patients and Methods: A descriptive, prospective study between january 2007-december 2012, about 153 patients from 6 weeks to 14 years 11 months old, diagnosed with PFS, tab completing clinical and laboratory monitoring. Results: etiology was obtained in 67.9%, the causes were infection (88.4%), neoplasms (4.8%), rheumatological (4.8%) and Kawasaki disease (2.8%). The most important infectious causes were enteric fevers (typhoid and paratyphoid) (18.4%), urinary tract infection (11.9%), Bartonella henselae infections and adenovirus (8.7%) each one and Epstein Barr virus (7.6%). Ninety eight percent of patients had complete resolution, 60.7% did not require hospitalization and mortality was 0%. Discussion: As in previous pediatric clinical series the infections were the most frequent causes. Enteric fever persists as principal cause, however, the epidemiological evidence is oscillating in time endorsing the local statistics can count over the years to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

Introducción: El síndrome febril prolongado (SFP) se define como fiebre entre 7-10 días, con estudio inicial que no permite un diagnóstico etiológico. Objetivo: Describir las principales etiologías del SFP y su comportamiento temporal en la unidad de infectología pediátrica ambulatoria del Complejo Asistencial Dr. Sótero del Río (CASR). Pacientes y Método: Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, entre enero de 2007-diciembre de 2012. Análisis de 153 pacientes entre 6 semanas y 14 años 11 meses de edad, con diagnóstico de SFP, que completaron ficha de seguimiento clínico-laboratorial. Resultados: Se obtuvo diagnóstico etiológico en 67,9%, las causas fueron: infecciones (88,4%), neoplasias (4,8%), reumatológicas (4,8%) y enfermedad de Kawasaki (2,8%). Las causas infecciosas más importantes fueron: fiebres entéricas (tifoidea y paratifoidea) (18,4%), infección del tracto urinario (11,9%), enfermedades por Bartonella henselae y adenovirus (8,7%) cada uno y virus de Epstein Barr (7,6%). El 98% de los pacientes tuvo resolución completa, 60,7% no requirió hospitalización y no se registraron decesos. Discusión: Como en las series clínicas antes publicadas, las infecciones fueron la causa más frecuente de SFP. La fiebre entérica persiste como causa principal; sin embargo, se evidencia una situación epidemiológica oscilante en el tiempo justificando la necesidad de contar con estadísticas locales a lo largo de los años para mejorar el enfoque diagnóstico y terapéutico.

Dynamics of Helicobacter pylori detection in stools during the first 5 years of life in Chile, a rapidly developing country.

BACKGROUND: : Helicobacter pylori colonization/infection can be transitory or persistent, conditions that have not been thoroughly evaluated in young children. We aimed to characterize the dynamics of H. pylori stool detection and to determine host and environmental factors and symptoms associated with persistence. METHOD: : In a 5-year cohort study, we followed-up infants from birth with clinic visits every 3 months. Symptoms and environmental risk factor survey and a stool sample for H. pylori antigen detection were requested in every visit. Secretor/ABH histo-blood group phenotype was determined in saliva. RESULTS: : Overall, 218 of 1456 (15%) stool samples were positive for H. pylori and 39 of 96 (41%) children had at least 1 positive sample. Stool detection was transitory in 16 of 39 (41%), persistent in 19 (49%) and undetermined in 4 (10%) children. Persistence was acquired largely during the first 24 months (17/19 cases) and was associated with nonsecretor phenotype (32% versus 0% for transitory infection; P = 0.02) and daycare attendance (67% versus 26% for never infected; P = 0.019). Symptoms possibly associated with persistence were referred in only 1 child. CONCLUSIONS: : Nearly 20% of this Chilean cohort had persistent H. pylori stool sample detections during the first 5 years of life, acquired mostly during the first 24 months. Persistence was significantly associated with nonsecretor phenotype and daycare attendance, and possibly associated gastrointestinal symptoms were rare. This relatively common group of young children with persistent H. pylori colonization/infection will require further study.

Symptomatic and asymptomatic rotavirus and norovirus infections during infancy in a Chilean birth cohort.

BACKGROUND: Rotavirus and more recently norovirus have been recognized as 2 of the most common causes of acute diarrhea in children. Comparative analysis of these infections in a birth cohort has not been performed and can provide relevant insight on clinical and viral behaviors. METHODS: Mother-infant pairs from middle-low socioeconomic background living in the Metropolitan Region of Chile are being followed for 18 months in 2 outpatient clinics. Infants are evaluated monthly for asymptomatic excretion of rotavirus and norovirus and during acute diarrhea episodes (ADE) for rotavirus, norovirus, and bacterial enteropathogens. Severity of ADE is evaluated using the Vesikari score. RESULTS: Between July 1, 2006 and September 1, 2008 a total of 198 children were followed for a mean of 15.7 months. Asymptomatic rotavirus and norovirus infections were detected in 1.3% and 8% of 2278 stool samples compromising 14% and 57% of infants, respectively. Incidence of ADE was approximately 0.8 for the first year of life and approximately 0.6 for the 13 to 18 month age group. Rotavirus and norovirus were detected in 15% and 18% of 145 ADE evaluated. Mean Vesikari score was 10.4 and 7.4 for rotavirus and norovirus respectively (P = 0.01) and severity was not associated with age of patients for either virus. Reinfections were more common for norovirus asymptomatic episodes: 44% versus 19% (P = 0.01) and borderline for symptomatic episodes: 40% versus 11% (P = 0.08). Rotavirus genotype G9P8 and norovirus genogroup II (GII) predominated although most asymptomatic episodes for both viruses were nontypable. None of 19 symptomatic GII norovirus infections had a previous documented GII infection compared with 10 of 31 asymptomatic GII infections (OR = 0. 95% CL = 0, 0.59; P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Children had suffered a mean of approximately 1.4 ADE by 18 months of age of which 15% and 18% were caused by rotavirus and norovirus, respectively. In general rotavirus infections were more severe than norovirus infections and for both viruses severity was not related to age. Norovirus reinfections were significantly more common than rotavirus reinfections but for GII norovirus a primary infection seems to confer protection against clinically significant reinfections.