Post-antibiotic era in hemodialysis? Two case reports of simultaneous colonization and bacteremia by multidrug-resistant bacteria / Era pós-antibiótica em hemodiálise? Relato de dois casos de colonização simultânea e bacteremia por bactérias multirresistentes

ABSTRACT The emergence of resistance mechanisms not only limits the therapeutic options for common bacterial infections but also worsens the prognosis in patients who have conditions that increase the risk of bacterial infections. Thus, the effectiveness of important medical advances that seek to improve the quality of life of patients with chronic diseases is threatened. We report the simultaneous colonization and bacteremia by multidrug-resistant bacteria in two hemodialysis patients. The first patient was colonized by carbapenem- and colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The patient had a bacteremia by MRSA, and molecular typing methods confirmed the colonizing isolate was the same strain that caused infection. The second case is of a patient colonized by extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. During the follow-up period, the patient presented three episodes of bacteremia, one of these caused by ESBL-producing E. coli. Molecular methods confirmed colonization by the same clone of ESBL-producing E. coli at two time points, but with a different genetic pattern to the strain isolated from the blood culture. Colonization by multidrug-resistant bacteria allows not only the spread of these microorganisms, but also increases the subsequent risk of infections with limited treatments options. In addition to infection control measures, it is important to establish policies for the prudent use of antibiotics in dialysis units.

RESUMO O surgimento de mecanismos de resistência não apenas limita as opções terapêuticas para infecções bacterianas comuns, mas também piora o prognóstico em indivíduos com condições que aumentam o risco de infecções bacterianas. Assim, a eficácia de importantes avanços médicos que buscam melhorar a qualidade de vida de pacientes com doenças crônicas está ameaçada. Relatamos a colonização e bacteremia simultâneas por bactérias multirresistentes em dois pacientes em hemodiálise. O primeiro paciente foi colonizado por Klebsiella pneumoniae resistente a carbapenem e colistina, Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistente a carbapenem e Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina (MRSA). O paciente apresentou bacteremia por MRSA, e os métodos de tipagem molecular confirmaram que o isolado colonizador era a mesma cepa que estava causando infecção. O segundo caso é de um paciente colonizado por Escherichia coli produtora de beta-lactamases de espectro estendido (ESBL) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistente ao carbapenem. Durante o período de seguimento, o paciente apresentou três episódios de bacteremia, um deles causado por E. coli produtora de ESBL. Os métodos moleculares confirmaram a colonização pelo mesmo clone de E. coli produtora de ESBL em dois momentos, mas com um padrão genético diferente da cepa isolada da hemocultura. A colonização por bactérias multirresistentes aumenta o potencial não apenas da disseminação desses microrganismos, mas também do risco subsequente de infecções com opções limitadas de tratamentos. Além das medidas de controle de infecção, é importante estabelecer políticas para o uso prudente de antibióticos nas unidades de diálise.

Post-COVID-19 Necrotizing Pneumonia in Patients on Invasive Mechanical Ventilation.

(1) Background: Few reports of necrotizing pneumonia in patients with COVID-19 have been published. We have observed an elevated incidence at two hospitals in our city, suggesting this complication is not uncommon, and may have been overlooked. (2) Methods: This article presents a retrospective, descriptive cohort study that was undertaken from 22 March 2020 to 15 June 2021 in two tertiary care hospitals in Medellín, Colombia. All adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for respiratory failure related to confirmed COVID-19, on invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), with imaging or surgical findings documenting necrotizing pneumonia (NP) were included. (3) Results: Of 936 patients with COVID-19 that required IMV, 42 (4.5%) developed NP. Overall mortality was 57% and in-hospital mortality was 71%, occurring 15-79 days after COVID-19 diagnosis. NP was diagnosed at a median of 27 days after COVID-19 symptom onset and 15.5 days after initiation of IMV. Infections were polymicrobial in 52.4% of patients. Klebsiella pneumoniae (57%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (33%) were the most common etiologic agents. Pulmonary embolism (PE) was documented in 13 patients overall (31%), and in 50% of patients who underwent an angioCT. Drainage and/or surgical procedures were performed on 19 patients (45.2%) with a 75% mortality rate. (4) Conclusions: In our experience, NP is a relatively common, albeit neglected, complication in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients, possibly originating in poorly vascularized areas of lung parenchyma. Associated mortality is high. Although drainage procedures did not seem to favorably impact patient outcomes, diagnosis and treatment were late events in the overall disease course, suggesting that early recognition and timely treatment could have a positive impact on prognosis.

Post-antibiotic era in hemodialysis? Two case reports of simultaneous colonization and bacteremia by multidrug-resistant bacteria.

The emergence of resistance mechanisms not only limits the therapeutic options for common bacterial infections but also worsens the prognosis in patients who have conditions that increase the risk of bacterial infections. Thus, the effectiveness of important medical advances that seek to improve the quality of life of patients with chronic diseases is threatened. We report the simultaneous colonization and bacteremia by multidrug-resistant bacteria in two hemodialysis patients. The first patient was colonized by carbapenem- and colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The patient had a bacteremia by MRSA, and molecular typing methods confirmed the colonizing isolate was the same strain that caused infection. The second case is of a patient colonized by extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. During the follow-up period, the patient presented three episodes of bacteremia, one of these caused by ESBL-producing E. coli. Molecular methods confirmed colonization by the same clone of ESBL-producing E. coli at two time points, but with a different genetic pattern to the strain isolated from the blood culture. Colonization by multidrug-resistant bacteria allows not only the spread of these microorganisms, but also increases the subsequent risk of infections with limited treatments options. In addition to infection control measures, it is important to establish policies for the prudent use of antibiotics in dialysis units.

Staphylococcus aureus colonization increases the risk of bacteremia in hemodialysis patients: a molecular epidemiology approach with time-dependent analysis.

BACKGROUND: Bacteremia is the second cause of death in hemodialysis patients and colonization may be a risk factor. We analyzed the association between Staphylococcus aureus or multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria colonization and bacteremia in hemodialysis patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted. Colonization status was determined at baseline, 2, and 6 months later. The time-to-first-bacteremia was analyzed using the baseline status and time-dependent nature of colonization. The recurrence of bacteremia given colonization status was evaluated using a Poisson regression model. The genetic relatedness between isolates that colonized and caused bacteremia were established by molecular typing methods. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients developed bacteremia over the course of follow-up, with the majority of cases being caused by S aureus (n = 28; 39.4%) and only three caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. S aureus colonization was associated with an increased risk of bacteremia in time-dependent analysis (HR:4.64; 95%CI: 1.72-12.53) and with recurrence of infection in Poisson model (IRR:5.90, 95%CI: 2.29-15.16). Molecular methods revealed that 77.8% of patients with S aureus bacteremia were colonized with the same strain that caused the infection. CONCLUSIONS: S aureus is a cause of endogenous infection in hemodialysis patients. Colonization is associated with both time-to-first-bacteremia and the recurrence of infection. The prompt identification of colonized patients and the evaluation of decolonization protocols are needed.

High frequency of colonization by diverse clones of beta-lactam-resistant Gram-negative bacilli in haemodialysis: different sources of transmission outside the renal unit?

Introduction. While colonization by Staphylococcus aureus in haemodialysis patients has been assessed, knowledge about colonization by beta-lactam-resistant Gram-negative bacilli is still limited.Aim. To describe clinical and molecular characteristics in haemodialysis patients colonized by S. aureus (MSSA-MRSA) and beta-lactam-resistant Gram-negative bacilli in an ambulatory renal unit.Methodology. The study included patients with central venous catheters in an outpatient haemodialysis facility in Medellín, Colombia (October 2017-October 2018). Swab specimens were collected from the nostrils and skin around vascular access to assess colonization by S. aureus (MSSA-MRSA). Stool samples were collected from each patient to evaluate beta-lactam-resistant Gram-negative bacilli colonization. Molecular typing included PFGE, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), spa typing and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-PCR (ERIC). Clinical information was obtained from medical records and personal interview.Results. A total of 210 patients were included in the study. S. aureus colonization was observed in 33.8 % (n=71) of the patients, 4.8 % (n=10) of which were colonized by methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Stool samples were collected from 165 patients and of these 41.2 % (n=68) and 11.5 % (n=19) were colonized by extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase-producing (ESBL) and carbapenem-resistant bacilli, respectively. Typing methods revealed high genetic diversity among S. aureus and ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacilli (ESBL-GNB). Antibiotic use and hospitalization in the previous 6 months were observed in more than half of the studied population.Conclusion. The high colonization by ESBL-GNB in haemodialysis patients shows evidence for the need for stronger surveillance, not only for S. aureus but also for multidrug-resistant bacilli in order to avoid their spread. Additionally, the high genetic diversity suggests other sources of transmission outside the renal unit instead of horizontal transmission between patients.

Colombian consensus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Candida Spp. disease in children and adults, / Consenso Colombiano Para el Diagnóstico, Tratamiento y Prevención de la Enfermedad por Candida Spp. en Niños y Adultos

Invasive Candidiasis (IC) and candidemia (as its most frequent manifestation) have become the main cause of opportunistic mycosis at hospital settings. This study, made by members of the Colombian Association of Infectious Diseases (ACIN), was aimed at providing a set of recommendations for the management, follow-up and prevention of IC / candidemia and mucous membrane candida infection in adult, pediatric and neonatal patients in a hospital setting, including the hemato-oncological and critical care units. All the data obtained through an exhaustive search were reviewed and analyzed in a comprehensive manner by all the members of the group, and the recommendations issued are being made after a careful review of the scientific literature available and the consensus of all specialists involved; the emergence of Candida Spp. problem is highlighted and a correct orientation to health professionals regarding the management of patients with candidiasis is provided in a rational and practical way, emphasizing patient evaluation, diagnostic strategies, prophylaxis, empirical treatment, directed treatment and preventative therapy.

La Candidiasis Invasora (CI) y la candidemia, como su manifestación más frecuente, se ha convertido en la principal causa de micosis oportunista a nivel hospitalario. Este manuscrito realizado por miembros de la Asociación Colombiana de Infectología (ACIN), tuvo como objetivo proporcionar un conjunto de recomendaciones para manejo, seguimiento y prevención de la CI/candidemia y de la infección candidiásica de mucosas, en población adulta, pediátrica y neonatal, en un entorno hospitalario, incluyendo las unidades hemato-oncológicas y unidades de cuidado crítico. Todos los datos obtenidos mediante una búsqueda exhaustiva, fueron revisados y analizados de manera amplia por todos los miembros del grupo, y las recomendaciones emitidas se elaboraron luego de la evaluación de la literatura científica disponible, y el consenso de todos los especialistas involucrados, reconociendo el problema de la emergencia de las infecciones por Candida Spp. y brindando una correcta orientación a los profesionales de la salud sobre el manejo de pacientes con enfermedad candidiásica, de una forma racional y práctica, enfatizando en la evaluación del paciente, estrategias de diagnóstico, profilaxis, tratamiento empírico, tratamiento dirigido y terapia preventiva.

Caracterización de los procedimientos para la realización de hemocultivos en pacientes adultos, en instituciones hospitalarias del Área Metropolitana del Valle de Aburrá / Characterization of procedures for performing blood cultures in adult patients, in hospitals of the Metropolitan Area of Aburrá Valley

Objetivo: Caracterizar procedimientos para la toma, análisis, reporte y aseguramiento de la calidad en hemocultivos en pacientes adultos, en instituciones hospitalarias. Material Y método: Estudio descriptivo en 15 Hospitales de Medellín y alrededores. Se empleó un formulario semiestructurado para recolectarla información, se utilizó SPSS(r) para el análisis. Resultados: Todas las instituciones tienen protocolos basados en fuentes de autoridad reconocida; con diferencias importantes en procesos pre-analíticos y postanalíticos. Los Productos más empleados para la antisepsia fueron gluconato declorhexidina al 2-4%(66,7%) Y alcohol isopropílico o etílico al 70% (20,0%),Con discrepancias en los tiempos de acción. El 73,3% emplea guantes estériles y la misma proporción usa sistema abierto (jeringa) para la venopunción. En el 46,6% se toman dos botellas aerobias y una anaerobia por episodio y en 33,3% dos botellas aerobias. El 66,6% lleva un indicador de contaminación, 53,3% de positividad y 26,6% de volumen de sangre. La tasa promedio de hemocultivos contaminados durante el semestre de seguimiento fue 1,61%. Conclusión: Se observa heterogeneidad en los procedimientos, especialmente en fases pre-analítica y post-analítica. En La búsqueda de la excelencia y la seguridad del paciente son necesarios protocolos estandarizados e indicadores para medir y controlar el desempeño de los hemocultivos.

Objective: To characterize the procedures that are performed for the collection, analysis, reporting and quality assurance of blood cultures in adult patients in hospital institutions. Material and Methods: Descriptive study in 15 hospitals of Medellin and its surroundings. A semi-structured collection instrument was used to collect the information provided by each hospital; SPSS(r) was used for the analysis. Results: All Institutions have protocols based o nauthorized sources; there were important differences in the pre-analytic and post-analytic processes. The Products employed for skin antisepsis were2-4% Chlorhexidine gluconate (66.7%)And70% Isopropyl or ethyl alcohol(20.0%), with discrepancies in product action times. 73.3% use sterile gloves and an equal proportion uses an open system (syringe) for venipuncture. Two aerobic and one anaerobic bottles are taken per episode in adult patients in 46.6% of institutions and only two aerobic bottles in 33.3% of them. Indicators of contamination were used by 66.6 % of institutions, of positivity in 53.3% and of blood volume in 26.6%. The average rate of contaminated blood cultures during the follow-up period was 1.61%. Conclusion: Heterogeneity in the procedures was observed especially in the pre-analytic and post-analytical phases. In the pursuit of excellence and patient safety, standardized protocols and the use of indicators to measure and control the performance of blood cultures are needed.

Tigeciclina en infecciones intraabdominales complicadas / Tigecycline in complicated intra-abdominal infections

Objetivo: evaluar la mejor evidencia actual disponible para generar recomendaciones, con respecto a la efectividad y seguridad del uso de tigeciclina en adultos con infección intraabdominal complicada. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura, seleccionando los metaanálisis y experimentos clínicos controlados, los cuales se valora- ron utilizando la herramienta SIGN, con el fin de generar tablas de evidencia según GRADE de los estudios de tigeciclina en la indicación infección intraabdominal complicada, para posteriormente utilizar un proceso Delphi modificado para calificar las diferentes recomendaciones con el fin de generar un consenso. Resultados: se analizaron los resultados basados en la revisión sistemática de la literatura en la que se incluyeron 5 metaanálisis que cumplieron los criterios de selección comparando tigeciclina con otros tratamientos antibióticos en infección intraabdominal complicada; de los cuales, 2711 pacientes recibieron al menos una dosis del antibiótico (1382 tigeciclina y 1389 el comparador) y en los que no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los desenlaces evaluados al comparar tigeciclina con otros antibióticos. Conclusión: en pacientes adultos con infección intraabdominal complicada, se considera que el uso de tigeciclina en monoterapia es equivalente en eficacia y seguridad a otras opciones terapéuticas antimicrobianas y no representa un exceso de mortalidad en comparación a otros antibióticos

Objective: To assess current best evidence available to generate recommendations regarding the effectiveness and safety of tigecycline use in adults with complicated intra-abdominal infection (cIAIs). Materials and methods: We conducted a systematic review of published meta-analysis that evaluated tigecycline compared to other antimicrobials and included the indication of cIAI. Quality of the evidence was evaluated by using the SIGN tool (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) according to GRADE, and final recommendations were assessed by a modified Delphi Method in order to develop a consensus. Results: Five meta-analyzes met the selection criteria comparing tigecycline with other antibiotic treatments in complicated intra-abdominal infection. Five randomized clinical trials comprised in these meta-analysis included 2711 patients that received at least one dose of antibiotic (1382 tigecycline and 1389 the comparator regimen), We found no statistically significant differences in the evaluated outcomes by comparing tigecycline with other antibiotics, including clinical and microbiologic efficacy, safety and drug related mortality Conclusion: In adult patients with cIAIs, the use of tigecycline as monotherapy is equivalent in effectiveness to other antimicrobial therapeutic options and does not represent an increase in mortality compared to other antibiotics.

A Two-Year Surveillance in Five Colombian Tertiary Care Hospitals Reveals High Frequency of Non-CG258 Clones of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae with Distinct Clinical Characteristics.

The global spread of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-Kp) has been largely associated with sequence type 258 (ST258) and its related variants (clonal group 258 [CG258]). Here we describe the molecular epidemiology of CR-Kp from five tertiary care hospitals in Medellín, the second largest city in Colombia. All CR-Kp-infected patients admitted from June 2012 to June 2014 were included (n = 193). Patients' clinical information was obtained from medical records. Carbapenemase KPC, VIM, IMP, NDM, and OXA-48 genes were detected by PCR. A CG258-tonB79 cluster-specific real-time PCR (targeting the multilocus sequence type [MLST] tonB79 allele), pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and MLST analysis were performed for typing. Remarkably, 62.2% (n = 120) of isolates were from STs unrelated to CG258 (non-CG258). KPC-3 predominated in CG258 isolates (86.3%), while KPC-2 prevailed in non-CG258 isolates (75.5%) (P < 0.001). Multidrug resistance (MDR) frequency was significantly higher in CG258 strains (91.4% versus 56.1%; P < 0.001). ST512 (a single-locus variant of ST258) is the main ST in CG258 (96.3%), and isolates in this group showed closely related pulsotype and similar resistance gene profiles, suggesting the clonal spread of this strain. In contrast, high heterogeneity of STs (34/54), including eight novel STs, was found in non-CG258 isolates. Among non-CG258 isolates, ST14 (13.3%; n = 16) and ST307 (14.2%; n = 17) were the most frequent, and they showed distinct molecular and clinical characteristics in comparison to CG258 isolates. Our results suggest that the dissemination of carbapenem resistance in Medellín is due to heterogeneous K. pneumoniae clones, likely the result of horizontal transmission of KPC in different unrelated lineages, further highlighting the challenge in CR-Kp infection control and the need for a multifocal intervention.

Acinetobacter baumannii resistente a carbapenémicos causante de osteomielitis e infecciones de la piel y los tejidos blandos en hospitales de Medellín, Colombia / Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii causing osteomyelitis and infections of skin and soft tissues in hospitals of Medellín, Colombia

Introducción. Acinetobacter baumannii es una bacteria oportunista que infecta a pacientes gravemente enfermos, principalmente con neumonía asociada al uso del respirador y bacteriemia. La aparición de resistencia a los carbapenémicos limita las opciones terapéuticas para el manejo de las infecciones ocasionadas por esta bacteria. Objetivo. Describir las características clínicas y moleculares de las infecciones ocasionadas por A. baumannii resistente a carbapenémicos en hospitales de Medellín. Materiales y métodos. Durante dos años se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en cinco hospitales de Medellín. La información clínica provenía de las historias clínicas. La presencia de carbapenemasas se evaluó mediante el test tridimensional y la técnica de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. La tipificación molecular se hizo con electroforesis en gel de campo pulsado y tipificación de secuencias de múltiples locus. Resultados. Se incluyeron 32 pacientes, 13 de los cuales presentaban infecciones de la piel y los tejidos blandos (n=7, 21,9 %), y osteomielitis (n=6, 18,7 %). Los porcentajes de resistencia fueron superiores a 80 % para todos los antibióticos evaluados, excepto para la colistina y la tigecilina. Las carbapenemasas OXA-23 y OXA-51, así como la secuencia de inserción IS Aba1 , se detectaron en todos los aislamientos. La electroforesis en gel de campo pulsado reveló una gran diversidad genética en los aislamientos, y la tipificación de secuencias de múltiples locus evidenció la circulación de los clones ST229 y ST758 en la ciudad. Conclusión. Contrario a lo reportado previamente, los resultados del estudio revelaron que la osteomielitis y las infecciones de la piel y los tejidos blandos eran los principales cuadros clínicos causados por A. baumannii resistente a carbapenémicos en instituciones de Medellín, y resaltan su importancia como agente etiológico de este tipo de infecciones.

Introduction: Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic bacterium which infects seriously ill patients, particularly those with ventilator-associated pneumonia and bacteremia. The emergence of resistance to carbapenem limits the options for the treatment of infections caused by this bacterium. Objective: To describe the clinical and molecular characteristics of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii in Medellín hospitals. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in five Medellín hospitals over a 2-year period. Clinical information was obtained from medical histories of patients. The presence of carbapenemases was evaluated by three-dimensional test and PCR. Molecular typing was performed using PFGE and MLST. Results: The study included 32 patients, 13 of whom presented skin and soft tissue infections (n=7, 21.9%) or osteomyelitis (n=6, 18.7%). Resistance rates of the isolates exceeded 80% for all the antibiotics evaluated except colistin and tigecycline. Carbapenemases OXA-23 and OXA-51, as well as the insertion sequence IS Aba1 , were detected in all the isolates. PFGE revealed high genetic diversity in the isolates and MLST showed clones ST229 and ST758 are circulating in the city. Conclusion: In contrast to previous reports, the results of the present study showed osteomyelitis and infections of skin and soft tissues to be the main infections caused by carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii in Medellín hospitals and revealed its importance as an etiological agent for this type of infections.

[Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii causing osteomyelitis and infections of skin and soft tissues in hospitals of Medellín, Colombia]. / Acinetobacter baumannii resistente a carbapenémicos causante de osteomielitis e infecciones de la piel y los tejidos blandos en hospitales de Medellín, Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic bacterium which infects seriously ill patients, particularly those with ventilator-associated pneumonia and bacteremia. The emergence of resistance to carbapenem limits the options for the treatment of infections caused by this bacterium. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and molecular characteristics of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii in Medellín hospitals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in five Medellín hospitals over a 2-year period. Clinical information was obtained from medical histories of patients. The presence of carbapenemases was evaluated by three-dimensional test and PCR. Molecular typing was performed using PFGE and MLST. RESULTS: The study included 32 patients, 13 of whom presented skin and soft tissue infections (n=7, 21.9%) or osteomyelitis (n=6, 18.7%). Resistance rates of the isolates exceeded 80% for all the antibiotics evaluated except colistin and tigecycline. Carbapenemases OXA-23 and OXA-51, as well as the insertion sequence IS Aba1 , were detected in all the isolates. PFGE revealed high genetic diversity in the isolates and MLST showed clones ST229 and ST758 are circulating in the city. CONCLUSION: In contrast to previous reports, the results of the present study showed osteomyelitis and infections of skin and soft tissues to be the main infections caused by carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii in Medellín hospitals and revealed its importance as an etiological agent for this type of infections.

Similar frequencies of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates producing KPC and VIM carbapenemases in diverse genetic clones at tertiary-care hospitals in Medellín, Colombia.

Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa has become a serious health threat worldwide due to the limited options available for its treatment. Understanding its epidemiology contributes to the control of antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and molecular characteristics of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa isolates in five tertiary-care hospitals in Medellín, Colombia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in five tertiary-care hospitals from June 2012 to March 2014. All hospitalized patients infected by carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa were included. Clinical information was obtained from medical records. Molecular analyses included PCR for detection of bla(VIM), bla(IMP), bla(NDM), bla(OXA-48), and bla(KPC) genes plus pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) for molecular typing. A total of 235 patients were enrolled: 91.1% of them were adults (n = 214), 88.1% (n = 207) had prior antibiotic use, and 14.9% (n = 35) had urinary tract infections. The bla(VIM-2) and bla(KPC-2) genes were detected in 13.6% (n = 32) and 11.5% (n = 27), respectively, of all isolates. Two isolates harbored both genes simultaneously. For KPC-producing isolates, PFGE revealed closely related strains within each hospital, and sequence types (STs) ST362 and ST235 and two new STs were found by MLST. With PFGE, VIM-producing isolates appeared highly diverse, and MLST revealed ST111 in four hospitals and five new STs. These results show that KPC-producing P. aeruginosa is currently disseminating rapidly and occurring at a frequency similar to that of VIM-producing P. aeruginosa isolates (approximately 1:1 ratio) in Medellín, Colombia. Diverse genetic backgrounds among resistant strains suggest an excessive antibiotic pressure resulting in the selection of resistant strains.

Association of clinical and demographic factors in invasive candidiasis caused by fluconazole-resistant Candida species: a study in 15 hospitals, Medellín, Colombia 2010-2011.

Candida is the most important agent of fungal infections. Several risk factors have been described associated with invasive infection by fluconazole-resistant Candida spp. A prospective cross-sectional study with case-control analysis was conducted. Case group patients with fluconazole-resistant Candida isolate were included; control group were patients with fluconazole-susceptible Candida spp. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed. Three hundred isolates of Candida spp. were analyzed. Most frequent species were Candida albicans/Candida dubliniensis (48.3%) and Candida tropicalis (22.3%). Posaconazole susceptibility was 93.7%; voriconazole, 84%; and fluconazole, 78.7%. Susceptibility to anidulafungin and caspofungin was 92.7% and 92.3%, respectively. Neutropenia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-43.1), antifungal exposure (aOR 5.1, 95% CI 2.3-11.2), and antituberculosis therapy (aOR 7.7, 95% CI 1.4-43.2) were associated to fluconazole resistance. Susceptibility results are useful to guide the selection of empiric antifungal treatment and the design of local therapeutic guidelines. Previous antifungal exposure suggests possible resistance to fluconazole, pointing towards the selection of a different class of antifungal agents.

Manifestaciones cardiacas del dengue: Reporte de una serie de casos durante la epidemia colombiana de 2010 / Cardiac manifestations of dengue: Report of a series of cases during the dengue epidemic of 2010 in Colombia

INTRODUCCIÓN: el dengue es la enfermedad viral transmitida por vectores de diseminación más frecuente en el mundo. Su espectro clínico incluye las manifestaciones atípicas, entre ellas el compromiso cardiaco, del cual sólo se han reportado pocas series de casos en la literatura. OBJETIVO: reportar las características clínicas de los pacientes atendidos por casos confirmados por serología de dengue con manifestaciones cardiovasculares en un centro de referencia cardiovascular colombiano durante la epidemia de 2010. METODOLOGÍA: estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo, en el que se incluyeron los pacientes que consultaron al servicio de urgencias, a quienes se les realizó un diagnóstico confirmado de dengue y tuvieron manifestaciones cardiovasculares de la enfermedad. RESULTADOS: se encontraron 7 pacientes; el 50% no tenía antecedentes previos de enfermedad cardiovascular. Los trastornos del ritmo fueron la manifestación cardiaca más frecuente (42,8%), entre ellos la fibrilación auricular de novo (14,2%), el bloqueo auriculoventricular completo y transitorio (14,2%), la bradicardia sinusal concomitante con derrame pericárdico (14,2%) y la disfunción ventricular leve (28,5%); un paciente presentó un síndrome coronario agudo con elevación de ST durante la infección y dos descompensación aguda de insuficiencia cardiaca. No se reportaron muertes. CONCLUSIÓN: la incidencia de las complicaciones cardiacas asociadas a la infección por dengue varía de una serie a otra y su fisiopatología no se conoce por completo. Durante la epidemia que se desató en Colombia en 2010 se encontraron pocos casos de manifestaciones cardiovasculares pero con una morbilidad importante que debe alertar respecto a su identificación temprana.

INTRODUCTION: dengue is the most common worldwide viral disease transmitted by dissemination vectors. Its clinical spectrum comprehends atypical manifestations including cardiac involvement, from which only few series of cases have been reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE: to report the clinical characteristics of patients treated for serologically confirmed cases of dengue with cardiovascular events in a Colombian cardiovascular referral center during the epidemic of 2010. METHODS: an observational, descriptive, prospective study, which included patients presenting to the emergency service and had a confirmed diagnosis of dengue with cardiovascular manifestations of the disease. RESULTS: 7 patients met the inclusion criteria. 50% had no prior history of cardiovascular disease. Rhythm disorders were the most common cardiac manifestation (42.8%), including de novo atrial fibrillation (14.2%), complete atrioventricular block and transient (14.2%), sinus bradycardia concomitant with pericardial effusion (14.2%) and mild ventricular dysfunction (28.5%). One patient had an acute coronary syndrome with ST elevation during infection and two had acute decompensated heart failure. No deaths were reported. CONCLUSION: the incidence of cardiac complications associated with dengue infection varies from one series to another and its pathophysiology is not completely understood. During the epidemic that occurred in Colombia in 2010 there were few cases with cardiovascular symptoms but with significant morbidity that should alert regarding its early identification.

The potential impact of admission insulin levels on patient outcome in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Blood levels of insulin in patients with critical illness at admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and its association with in-hospital mortality are not fully defined. Our objective was to determine this association in a cohort of patients with critical illness who attended in a mixed ICU. METHODS: Prospective cohort was nested in a randomized clinical trial conducted in a 12-bed mixed ICU in a tertiary hospital in Medellin (Colombia). One hundred sixty consecutively admitted patients, 15 years or older, were analyzed. Blood insulin and blood glucose levels were measured at admission to the ICU, as well as Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores. A logistic regression model was created with in-hospital mortality as the outcome. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality was 57 (35.6%) of 160. Survivors had lower Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (median, 13 vs. 17) and lower insulin levels (median, 6.5 vs. 9 µU/mL) than did nonsurvivors. More women than men died (27 [48.2%] of 56 vs. 30 [28.8%] of 104), and 39% of the deaths (n = 22) occurred in patients with sepsis. Patients with insulin levels greater than 15 µU/mL had a higher mortality rate compared with patients with values of 5 µU/mL to 15 µU/mL (odds ratio, 3.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-10.8). CONCLUSION: At admission to the ICU, patients with critical illness showed hyperglycemia and relatively decreased insulin levels. High levels of insulin were independently associated with in-hospital mortality in this study population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, level II.

Consenso de uso de antimicrobianos en pacientes críticamente enfermos con falla renal o en riesgo de padecerla / Consensus for antimicrobial use in critically ill patients with renal failure or at risk of suffering it

Un número creciente de pacientes críticamente enfermos son atendidos por sepsis secundaria a infecciones bacterianas o micóticas. En este grupo de pacientes la sepsis per se es un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de falla renal, la cual implica un mayor riesgo de mortalidad. Un panel de expertos en las áreas de infectología, cuidado crítico y nefrología prepararon un consenso basado en la información actual (“evidencia”) sobre el uso de antimicrobianos (antibióticos y antifúngicos) en pacientes críticamente enfermos con falla renal o en riesgo de padecerla. Se identificó la literatura científica relevante mediante un proceso de búsqueda sistemática y se generaron recomendaciones por medio del método presencial Delphi. Se propone que las recomendaciones de este consenso sean utilizadas por los trabajadores de la salud que manejen este grupo de pacientes,con el fin de identificar aquellos en mayor riesgo de progresión a falla renal y establecer las estrategias terapéuticas que tengan el mayor beneficio con la menor probabildad de efectos secundarios serios sobre la función renal. Se adicionó una estrategia para la implmentación de estas recomendaciones.

A growing number of critically ill patients are being taken care with sepsis secondary to bacterial or mycotic infections. In this group of patients, sepsis per se is a risk factor for the development of renal failure, which has been related to an increased risk of hospital mortality. An expert panel in infectious diseases, critical care and renal diseases prepared an evidence based consensus over the use of antimicrobials (antibacterial and antifungal agents) in critically ill patients with renal failure or at risk of suffering it. A sytematic review of the scientific literature was performed and recommendations were established by means of a consensus using the Delphi method. Recommendations proposed by this consensus are intended to be use by healthcare workers who are in charge of this kind of patients with the aim to identify the group of patients with higher risk of developing renal failure and to establish the therapeutic measures theat have the best outcome and lower frequenc of severe side effects in renal function. An implementation strategy was added with the recommendations.

Ayudas desde la red para el control de la epidemia / Assistance from the Internet for epidermic control

Multitud de portales informáticos aparecen día a día, sobresaturando de información a la comunidad médica y no médica, y que no siempre es confiable y puede encubrir motivos comerciales y propaganda diseminada sin control alguno. Este maremágnum informático en épocas de pandemia puede ser muy peligroso, al llevar a las personas sin formación adecuada conceptos que, al ser mal interpretados o mal difundidos, pueden acabar en ansiedad y confusión. Afortunadamente, de este caos informático surgen aspectos positivos, como es el hecho de aprovechar las indagaciones que sobre síntomas o enfermedades –específicamente, influenza A (H1N1)– realiza la población, en los principales motores de búsqueda de internet (Google o Yahoo), para detectar tempranamente la emergencia de una epidemia local o global. Este método de localización de brotes parece ser de tanta utilidad que, incluso, ha dado origen a una nueva rama del conocimiento: la “infodemiología” que, a través de la “infovigilancia”, vigila los eventos en el instante mismo en que van ocurriendo, o incluso antes, mediante el análisis continuo y estructurado de la información disponible en internet. Otro aspecto por resaltar es la calidad y prontitud en la información dispuesta en las páginas web de las instituciones encargadas del control de infecciones en el mundo (Organización Mundial de la Salud) y en varios países de América, lo cual ha permitido seguir la emergencia de la pandemia y actuar para controlarla.

A huge number of web sites appear every day, overcrowding the existing body of medical and non-medical information in the net; sources are not always reliable and usually covers commercial and propaganda purposes. This may arise an special concern regarding the dissemination of mislead concepts and practices on the response to pandemic Flu. But not everything is negative on this specific matter. An example of this is the possibility of early detection of new cases of Flu, due to the easy access to information regarding clinical symptoms that search engines like Google or Yahoo, provide to the general population. A new online-based method of outbreak surveillance, appear to be a useful tool, an it's been denominated “infodemiology”. This method allows a real-time monitoring of cases and predicts the expansion of the disease, through continuous and structured analysis of information available on the internet. Another aspect to remark is the quality and promptness of information available on the web, provided by the institutions responsible for controlling infections in the world (e.g World Health Organization), improving the response to a pandemic threat.

[Assistance from the Internet for epidermic control]. / Ayudas desde la red para el control de la epidemia.

A huge number of web sites appear every day, overcrowding the existing body of medical and non-medical information in the net; Sources are not always reliable and usually covers commercial and propaganda purposes. This may arise an special concern regarding the dissemination of mislead concepts and practices on the response to pandemic Flu.But not everything is negative on this specific matter. An example of this is the possibility of early detection of new cases of Flu, due to the easy access to information regarding clinical symptoms that search engines like Google or Yahoo, provide to the general population. A new online-based method of outbreak surveillance, appear to be a useful tool, an it' been denominated "infodemiology". This method allows a real-time monitoring of cases and predicts the expansion of the disease, through continuous and structured analysis of information available on the internet.Another aspect to remark is the quality and promptness of information available on the web, provided by the institutions responsible for controlling infections in the world (e.g World Health Organization), improving the response to a pandemic threat.