Prevalencia preoperatoria de portadores asintomáticos de COVID-19 en hospitales de Cataluña durante la primera ola tras el reinicio de la actividad quirúrgica / Pre-operative prevalence of asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 in hospitals in Catalonia during the first wave after the resumption of surgical activity

Introducción La pandemia producida por COVID-19 ocasionó la cancelación de los procedimientos quirúrgicos no esenciales en marzo de 2020. Con el reinicio de la actividad quirúrgica, los pacientes que se sometían a una cirugía fueron uno de los primeros grupos poblacionales a los que se realizó test PCR de forma sistemática. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de portadores asintomáticos de SARS-CoV-2 tras el reinicio de la actividad quirúrgica no esencial. Métodos Estudio observacional multicéntrico retrospectivo de los pacientes programados para cirugía o que se sometieron a cirugía urgente en Cataluña entre el 20 de abril y el 31 de mayo de 2020. Se revisaron los resultados microbiológicos de los test PCR preoperatorios, las historias clínicas y se realizó una encuesta epidemiológica a los pacientes con PCR positiva para SARS-CoV-2. Resultados Un total de 10.838 pacientes programados para una intervención quirúrgica o a los que se realizó una cirugía urgente fueron sometidos a cribado para COVID-19. Ciento dieciocho pacientes (1,09%) fueron positivos para SARS-CoV-2 en las 72h previas a la cirugía. La prevalencia de portadores asintomáticos fue del 0,7% (IC95%: 0,6-0,9%). La primera semana del estudio presentó la prevalencia más alta de portadores asintomáticos [1,9% (IC95%: 1,1-3,2%)]. Conclusiones Los bajos niveles de portadores asintomáticos de infección por COVID-19 obtenidos en la población quirúrgica de los hospitales de Cataluña tras el reinicio de la actividad quirúrgica muestran que la mayoría de pacientes se pudieron someter a procedimientos quirúrgicos sin los riesgos de las complicaciones asociadas al COVID-19 en el periodo perioperatorio (AU)

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of non-essential surgical procedures in March 2020. With the resumption of surgical activity, patients undergoing surgery were one of the first population groups to be systematically tested for PCR. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 carriers after the resumption of non-essential surgical activity. Methods Retrospective multicenter observational study of patients scheduled for surgery or undergoing emergency surgery in Catalonia between 20 April and 31 May 2020. The microbiological results of preoperative PCR tests and clinical records were reviewed, and an epidemiological survey was conducted on patients with positive PCR for SARS-CoV-2. Results A total of 10,838 patients scheduled for surgery or who underwent emergency surgery were screened for COVID-19. One hundred and eighteen patients (1.09%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the 72hours prior to surgery. The prevalence of asymptomatic carriers was 0.7% (95%CI: 0.6% - 0.9%). The first week of the study presented the highest prevalence of asymptomatic carriers [1.9% (95%CI: 1.1%-3.2%)]. Conclusions The low levels of asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 infection obtained in the surgical population of hospitals in Catalonia after the resumption of surgical activity, shows that most patients were able to undergo surgical procedures without the risks of COVID-19 associated complications in the perioperative period (AU)

Viajeros atendidos en un centro de vacunación internacional. ¿Está aumentando el riesgo en el viajero pediátrico? / Travelers attending an international vaccine center. Is the risk for the pediatric traveler increasing?

Introducción: Existe la percepción de que están aumentando los viajeros pediátricos, fundamentalmente a expensas del grupo de viajeros conocidos como visiting friends and relatives (VFR). Las características demográficas y de los viajes en este grupo de viajeros confieren un mayor riesgo y condicionan una mayor complejidad en las recomendaciones vacunales y profilácticas. Objetivo: Analizar la evolución en el tiempo de los diferentes grupos de viajeros pediátricos. Describir las características demográficas y del viaje en la población pediátrica y analizar si los VFR difieren de los no VFR en cuanto a los factores que puedan conferir un mayor riesgo. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo transversal de las características de los niños viajeros atendidos en la Unidad de Vacunación Internacional del Hospital Universitario Vall d’Hebron entre julio de 2002 y febrero de 2009. Resultados: Se atendieron 692 niños, con una edad media de 8 años (DE 5,4). Se observó un aumento en el número de viajeros pediátricos y una tendencia al incremento de niños VFR en los primeros años que posteriormente se mantuvo estable. En los viajeros VFR la edad media fue menor, confirmándose una menor previsión antes del viaje y una mayor duración del mismo en este grupo de viajeros. Se actualizó el calendario vacunal al 29,2% y se recomendó profilaxis antipalúdica al 52% de los viajeros. Conclusión: A pesar del aumento progresivo de viajes internacionales y del aumento inicial de los viajeros VFR, el porcentaje de este grupo de viajeros se mantuvo estable en los últimos años. La escasa percepción del riesgo entre la población inmigrante señala la necesidad de promover una adecuada consulta previa al viaje en este colectivo (AU)

Introduction: There is a perception that the number of pediatric travelers is increasing, mainly due to the so-called visiting friends and relatives (VFRs) group. Both the demographic and trips characteristics in this group may lead to an increased risk and a greater complexity in vaccinations and other preventive recommendations. Objective: To analyze the outcomes of different groups of pediatric travelers. To describe the demographic and travel characteristics within the pediatric population, and to analyze whether the VFRs differ from non-VFRs with regards to the factors that may contribute to a greater risk. Methodology: A cross sectional descriptive study of the characteristics of pediatric travelers treated in the International Pre-travel Consultation Unit of the University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, from July 2002 to January 2009. Results: Of the 692 children analyzed, with a mean age of 8 years (SD 5.4), an increase in the overall number of travelers was identified, along with an initial increase in the number of VFR children in the early years of the study, although later on, the numbers of this group stabilized. The mean age of the VFR travelers was also found to be lower. A lack of planning prior to the start of the travel was also noted in the VFRs group, as well as longer trip durations. A routine vaccine was administered to 29.2% of children, and malaria prophylaxis was recommended for 52% of travelers. Conclusion: Despite the progressive increase in international travel and the initial increase in VFR travelers, the percentage of this group has remained stable in recent years. However, the perception of a low risk among the immigrant population suggests the need to encourage an adequate pre-travel consultation within this group (AU)

Encuesta nacional sobre profilaxis antibiótica de infección de herida quirúrgica en cirugía cardíaca / Antibiotic prophylaxis for surgical wound infection in cardiac surgery: Results of a Spanish survey

Introducción: En España no se dispone de una guía de profilaxis antibiótica en cirugía cardíaca pediátrica. El objetivo del estudio es conocer la variabilidad en las pautas existentes en nuestro país. Material y métodos: Se elaboró un cuestionario que se envió a los integrantes del Grupo de Cardiología de la Sociedad Española de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos, con participación de 15 centros. Resultados: Trece centros utilizan ocasionalmente cierre esternal diferido. Ocho mantienen la misma pauta antibiótica que en cierre de esternotomía en quirófano. La profilaxis se mantiene durante 12-72 h en 6 centros y hasta el cierre del tórax en el resto. De los 10 hospitales que realizan asistencia con oxigenación con membrana extracorpórea (ECMO), 5 aplican el mismo protocolo que para cirugía sin ECMO. En el post-operatorio con tórax cerrado existe unanimidad en pacientes pediátricos en emplear una cefalosporina de primera o segunda generación, mientras que en neonatos 3 centros amplían la cobertura antibiótica. Once hospitales realizan profilaxis durante 12-72 h y 4 la prolongan hasta retirar los drenajes. Conclusiones: Se observa una amplia variabilidad de pautas en los pacientes de mayor riesgo. Es necesario homogeneizar los protocolos existentes (AU)

Introduction: No Spanish guidelines for the prevention of surgical wound infection in paediatric cardiac surgery are currently available. The aim of this study was to analyse the nationwide variability in antibiotic prophylaxis use. Material and methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to all members of the Cardiology Group of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Intensive Care. Fifteen centres participated in the study. Results: In heart surgery with no delayed sternal closure, all 15 centres used a 1st or 2nd generation cephalosporin in paediatric patients, while 3 hospitals used a broader-spectrum antibiotic therapy in neonates. Prophylaxis was maintained for 12-72 h in 11 centres and until drainage removal in four. Thirteen centres used delayed sternal closure, eight of which followed the same protocol for these patients as for standard procedures. Prophylaxis was maintained for 12-72 h in 6 centres, and until sternal closure at the rest. Five out of 10 centres performing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) maintained the same antibiotic protocol as in standard surgery. Conclusions: A wide variability was observed in antibiotic prophylaxis use in high-risk patients. Thus, national protocols need to be standardised (AU)

[Travelers attending an international vaccine center. Is the risk for the pediatric traveler increasing?]. / Viajeros atendidos en un centro de vacunación internacional. ¿Está aumentando el riesgo en el viajero pediátrico?

INTRODUCTION: There is a perception that the number of pediatric travelers is increasing, mainly due to the so-called visiting friends and relatives (VFRs) group. Both the demographic and trips characteristics in this group may lead to an increased risk and a greater complexity in vaccinations and other preventive recommendations. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcomes of different groups of pediatric travelers. To describe the demographic and travel characteristics within the pediatric population, and to analyze whether the VFRs differ from non-VFRs with regards to the factors that may contribute to a greater risk. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional descriptive study of the characteristics of pediatric travelers treated in the International Pre-travel Consultation Unit of the University Hospital Vall d'Hebron, from July 2002 to January 2009. RESULTS: Of the 692 children analyzed, with a mean age of 8 years (SD 5.4), an increase in the overall number of travelers was identified, along with an initial increase in the number of VFR children in the early years of the study, although later on, the numbers of this group stabilized. The mean age of the VFR travelers was also found to be lower. A lack of planning prior to the start of the travel was also noted in the VFRs group, as well as longer trip durations. A routine vaccine was administered to 29.2% of children, and malaria prophylaxis was recommended for 52% of travelers. CONCLUSION: Despite the progressive increase in international travel and the initial increase in VFR travelers, the percentage of this group has remained stable in recent years. However, the perception of a low risk among the immigrant population suggests the need to encourage an adequate pre-travel consultation within this group.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis for surgical wound infection in cardiac surgery: results of a Spanish survey]. / Encuesta nacional sobre profilaxis antibiótica de infección de herida quirúrgica en cirugía cardíaca.

INTRODUCTION: No Spanish guidelines for the prevention of surgical wound infection in paediatric cardiac surgery are currently available. The aim of this study was to analyse the nationwide variability in antibiotic prophylaxis use. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online questionnaire was distributed to all members of the Cardiology Group of the Spanish Society of Paediatric Intensive Care. Fifteen centres participated in the study. RESULTS: In heart surgery with no delayed sternal closure, all 15 centres used a 1st or 2nd generation cephalosporin in paediatric patients, while 3 hospitals used a broader-spectrum antibiotic therapy in neonates. Prophylaxis was maintained for 12-72h in 11 centres and until drainage removal in four. Thirteen centres used delayed sternal closure, eight of which followed the same protocol for these patients as for standard procedures. Prophylaxis was maintained for 12-72h in 6 centres, and until sternal closure at the rest. Five out of 10 centres performing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) maintained the same antibiotic protocol as in standard surgery. CONCLUSIONS: A wide variability was observed in antibiotic prophylaxis use in high-risk patients. Thus, national protocols need to be standardised.

Documento de consenso para la vacunación en inmunodeprimidos: algunas consideraciones / Consensus document on vaccination in the immunocompromised: some considerations

No disponible

Incidencia de bacteriemia asociada a catéter venoso central en una unidad de cuidados intensivos / Incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infection in an intensive care unit

Introducción: La bacteriemia asociada a catéter venoso central (BACVC) es una infección nosocomial frecuente. Su incidencia es mayor en los pacientes pediátricos que en los adultos y en aquellos ingresados en unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI). La morbimortalidad asociada a esta entidad hace de la BACVC un problema de salud importante frente al que es imprescindible desarrollar estrategias de prevención. Pacientes y métodos: Se ha realizado un estudio de intervención en una UCI pediátrica (UCIP) para valorar el impacto de la implantación, en diciembre de 2007, del programa «Bacteriemiazero», que tiene como objetivo la prevención de la BACVC. Se han recogido datos demográficos y variables relacionadas con la hospitalización y la infección de los pacientes desde enero a diciembre de 2007 (antes de la intervención) y desde enero a diciembre de 2008 (después de la intervención), estudiándose 497 pacientes en el primer periodo y 495 en el segundo, y se han comparado los resultados entre ambos periodos. Resultados: Se ha observado una reducción del 30,4% en la tasa de incidencia de BACVC (p = 0,49) en el segundo año de estudio (de 5,5 a 3,8 episodios por 1.000 catéter-días). La ratio de utilización de CVC ha sido de 0,59 y de 0,64, respectivamente. El microorganismo más frecuentemente aislado ha sido Staphylococcus spp. coagulasa negativo. Conclusiones: La implantación de un programa de «bacteriemia 0» que implica tanto a los profesionales de la UCIP como a los de control de la infección nosocomial consigue reducir la incidencia de BACV (AU)

Background: Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is one of the most common nosocomial infections. The incidence is higher in paediatric patients than in adults, especially in those admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICU). CLABSI-related morbidity makes it a majo rhealth problem; therefore it is necessary to develop prevention strategies against it. Patients and methods: An intervention study in a paediatric ICU (PICU) was performed, in order to assess the impact of the introduction of the program «Bacteraemia zero» in December 2007. This program aims to prevent CLABSI. Demographic data and variables related to hospitalization and infection were collected from January to December 2007 (before the intervention) and from January to December 2008 (after the intervention), and were compared. In the first period, 497patients were studied, and 495 in the second. Results: A reduction of 30.4% in the incidence of CLABSI (P = 0.49) in the second year was observed (5.5 to 3.8 episodes per 1000 catheter-days). The CVC use ratio was 0.59 and 0.64, respectively. The most frequently isolated organism was coagulase-negative Staphylococcusspp. Conclusions: The implementation of a «no bacteraemia» program, involving all staff in the PICU as well as the professionals in infection control, reduces the incidence of CLABSI (AU)

[Incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infection in an intensive care unit]. / Incidencia de bacteriemia asociada a catéter venoso central en una unidad de cuidados intensivos.

BACKGROUND: Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is one of the most common nosocomial infections. The incidence is higher in paediatric patients than in adults, especially in those admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICU). CLABSI-related morbidity makes it a major health problem; therefore it is necessary to develop prevention strategies against it. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An intervention study in a paediatric ICU (PICU) was performed, in order to assess the impact of the introduction of the program «Bacteraemia zero¼ in December 2007. This program aims to prevent CLABSI. Demographic data and variables related to hospitalisation and infection were collected from January to December 2007 (before the intervention) and from January to December 2008 (after the intervention), and were compared. In the first period, 497 patients were studied, and 495 in the second. RESULTS: A reduction of 30.4% in the incidence of CLABSI (P=0.49) in the second year was observed (5.5 to 3.8 episodes per 1000 catheter-days). The CVC use ratio was 0.59 and 0.64, respectively. The most frequently isolated organism was coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a «no bacteraemia¼ program, involving all staff in the PICU as well as the professionals in infection control, reduces the incidence of CLABSI.

Guía para la elaboración de fórmulas infantiles en polvo en el medio hospitalario. Sistema de análisis de peligros y puntos de control crítico / Powdered infant formulae preparation guide for hospitals based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles

Esta guía para la elaboración de fórmulas infantiles en polvo es el resultado del trabajo conjunto de varios servicios hospitalarios; adapta la reglamentación nacional y europea vigente, así como las recomendaciones de sociedades científicas y reuniones de expertos internacionales. Está basada en el sistema de evaluación de peligros y puntos de control críticos propuesto por el Codex Alimentarius y pone énfasis en las medidas de comprobación, en los controles microbiológicos del proceso y especifica las medidas correctoras en caso de que no se cumplan los límites propuestos. Es una guía dinámica que cuenta con procedimientos de evaluación que le permiten una adaptación constante (AU)

This guide for the preparation of powdered infant formulae in hospital environments is a collaborative work between several hospital services and is based on national and European regulations, international experts meetings and the recommendations of scientific societies. This guide also uses the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point principles proposed by Codex Alimentarius and emphasises effective verifying measures, microbiological controls of the process and the corrective actions when monitoring indicates that a critical control point is not under control. It is a dynamic guide and specifies the evaluation procedures that allow it to be constantly adapte (AU)

[Powdered infant formulae preparation guide for hospitals based on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles]. / Guía para la elaboración de fórmulas infantiles en polvo en el medio hospitalario. Sistema de análisis de peligros y puntos de control crítico.

This guide for the preparation of powdered infant formulae in hospital environments is a collaborative work between several hospital services and is based on national and European regulations, international experts meetings and the recommendations of scientific societies. This guide also uses the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point principles proposed by Codex Alimentarius and emphasises effective verifying measures, microbiological controls of the process and the corrective actions when monitoring indicates that a critical control point is not under control. It is a dynamic guide and specifies the evaluation procedures that allow it to be constantly adapted.

[MMR vaccine and egg allergy. Experience in a hospital immunization unit]. / Vacuna triple vírica y alergia al huevo. Experiencia en una unidad de vacunación hospitalaria.

INTRODUCTION: We review the scientific evidence on the safety of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine (produced in chicken embryo cell culture) in children with egg allergy. Data on the reactogenicity observed with this vaccine in a large series of children with this type of allergy immunized in an hospital immunization unit are presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational prospective study was performed in the International Immunization Unit of the Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine Service of the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital from March 2004 to December 2005. Demographic variables, clinical history of allergy, and the adverse reactions observed 30 minutes after vaccine administration were analyzed. RESULT: A total of 140 patients (106 referred for the first MMR vaccine dose, and 34 for the second) were evaluated. Of these, 75.7 % showed clinical signs after egg ingestion (severe reactions were described in only seven patients: respiratory distress in six and systemic anaphylaxis in one). The MMR vaccine was administered to 121 children. No significant adverse reactions were observed (17.8 % of the vaccinated children developed mild local symptoms). CONCLUSIONS: According to current scientific evidence and the data obtained in this study, the MMR vaccine is safe in patients with egg allergy.

Vacuna triple vírica y alergia al huevo. Experiencia en una unidad de vacunación hospitalaria / MMR vaccine and egg allergy. Experience in a hospital immunization unit

Introducción En este estudio se revisan las evidencias científicas disponibles sobre la seguridad de la vacuna triple vírica convencional (cultivada en fibroblastos de embriones de pollo) en niños con alergia al huevo, y se evalúa la reactogenicidad vacunal en una serie amplia de niños con este tipo de alergia inmunizados con triple vírica en una unidad de vacunación hospitalaria. Material y métodos Estudio observacional prospectivo, realizado en la Unidad de Vacunación Internacional del Servicio de Medicina Preventiva y Epidemiología del Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, entre marzo de 2004 y diciembre de 2005. Se analizan variables demográficas, las relativas a los antecedentes de alergia y la reactogenicidad apreciada tras la observación directa del niño durante los 30 min posteriores a la vacunación. Resultados Se han incluido en el estudio 140 pacientes (106 en primera dosis de vacuna triple vírica y 34 en segunda). El 75,7 % había presentado manifestaciones clínicas tras la ingesta de huevo o de alimentos que lo contenían (sólo siete niños habían presentado manifestaciones graves, en forma de dificultad respiratoria en 6 casos y de anafilaxia en uno). Se administró la vacuna convencional a 121 niños, y no se observó ninguna reacción adversa importante (el 17,8 % de ellos presentó reacción local leve en el punto de inyección). Conclusiones Las evidencias científicas actuales, así como los datos del presente estudio, sustentan la seguridad de la vacuna triple vírica en personas con hipersensibilidad al huevo

Introduction We review the scientific evidence on the safety of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine (produced in chicken embryo cell culture) in children with egg allergy. Data on the reactogenicity observed with this vaccine in a large series of children with this type of allergy immunized in an hospital immunization unit are presented. Material and methods An observational prospective study was performed in the International Immunization Unit of the Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine Service of the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital from March 2004 to December 2005. Demographic variables, clinical history of allergy, and the adverse reactions observed 30 minutes after vaccine administration were analyzed. Result A total of 140 patients (106 referred for the first MMR vaccine dose, and 34 for the second) were evaluated. Of these, 75.7 % showed clinical signs after egg ingestion (severe reactions were described in only seven patients: respiratory distress in six and systemic anaphylaxis in one). The MMR vaccine was administered to 121 children. No significant adverse reactions were observed (17.8 % of the vaccinated children developed mild local symptoms). Conclusions According to current scientific evidence and the data obtained in this study, the MMR vaccine is safe in patients with egg allergy

[Influenza vaccination in patients admitted to a tertiary hospital. Factors associated with coverage]. / Vacunación antigripal en niños ingresados en un hospital de tercer nivel. Factores asociados a las coberturas.

INTRODUCTION: Children aged less than 2 years old and those with chronic diseases have a high risk of complications and hospitalization due to influenza. Despite the broad consensus in the literature on the indication for annual immunization of these patients, less than 30 % of the children with high-risk underlying conditions are immunized each year. The aim of this study is to determine the influenza vaccine coverage in children with high-risk underlying conditions admitted to a university hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of patients aged from 6 months to 18 years old with high-risk medical conditions and who had been hospitalized between January and May, 2005 in the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona). Influenza vaccine coverage, factors associated with immunization, and the reasons for nonvaccination were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall vaccine coverage was 23.5 %. The highest vaccination coverage was found in patients with congenital heart disease, chronic respiratory disease, and asthma (43.2 %, 42.9 % and 28.6 %, respectively). The factors most frequently associated with influenza vaccination were the type of underlying disease, having been immunized against influenza in the previous season, having received the pneumococcal vaccine, and age younger than 5 years. The main reason for nonvaccination was the lack of influenza vaccine recommendation by health professionals (95.3 %). CONCLUSIONS: Influenza vaccine coverage in children with high-risk conditions is low. Strategies to increase awareness among health professionals on the importance of recommending influenza immunization are required.

Actitud ante los profesionales infectados por VHB o VHC / Approach to health professionals with HBV or HCV infection

No disponible

No disponible

Vacunación antigripal en niños ingresados en un hospital de tercer nivel. Factores asociados a las coberturas / Influenza vaccination in patients admitted to a tertiary hospital. Factors associated with coverage

Introducción Los niños menores de 2 años y los afectos de patologías de base son los que presentan un mayor riesgo de complicaciones y hospitalizaciones a causa de la gripe. A pesar del amplio consenso en la literatura médica en la indicación de vacunación antigripal anual en estos pacientes, menos del 30 % de niños con condiciones de alto riesgo son inmunizados anualmente. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la cobertura vacunal antigripal en los niños ingresados en un hospital de tercer nivel con patologías de riesgo. Pacientes y métodos Estudio de prevalencia en pacientes de 6 meses a 18 años con patologías de riesgo ingresados entre enero y mayo de 2005 en el Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron de Barcelona. Se analizan las coberturas vacunales frente a la gripe, factores asociados a la inmunización, así como los motivos de no vacunación. Resultados La cobertura vacunal global observada ha sido del 23,5 %. Los pacientes afectados de cardiopatías, enfermedad respiratoria crónica y asma son los que presentan coberturas de vacunación más elevadas (43,2, 42,9 y 28,6 %, respectivamente). El tipo de patología de base, el antecedente de vacunación en la temporada anterior, estar vacunado frente al neumococo y ser menor de 5 años son las variables más asociadas a la vacunación antigripal en estos pacientes. El principal motivo de no vacunación ha sido la falta de recomendación por parte de los profesionales sanitarios que atienden a estos pacientes (95,3 %). Conclusiones La cobertura vacunal frente a la gripe en niños que tienen indicación es baja. Se requieren estrategias para aumentar la concienciación de los profesionales sanitarios sobre la importancia de recomendar esta vacunación

Introduction Children aged less than 2 years old and those with chronic diseases have a high risk of complications and hospitalization due to influenza. Despite the broad consensus in the literature on the indication for annual immunization of these patients, less than 30 % of the children with high-risk underlying conditions are immunized each year. The aim of this study is to determine the influenza vaccine coverage in children with high-risk underlying conditions admitted to a university hospital. Patients and methods We performed a cross-sectional study of patients aged from 6 months to 18 years old with high-risk medical conditions and who had been hospitalized between January and May, 2005 in the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona). Influenza vaccine coverage, factors associated with immunization, and the reasons for nonvaccination were analyzed. Results Overall vaccine coverage was 23.5 %. The highest vaccination coverage was found in patients with congenital heart disease, chronic respiratory disease, and asthma (43.2 %, 42.9 % and 28.6 %, respectively). The factors most frequently associated with influenza vaccination were the type of underlying disease, having been immunized against influenza in the previous season, having received the pneumococcal vaccine, and age younger than 5 years. The main reason for nonvaccination was the lack of influenza vaccine recommendation by health professionals (95.3 %). Conclusions Influenza vaccine coverage in children with high-risk conditions is low. Strategies to increase awareness among health professionals on the importance of recommending influenza immunization are required

La vacunación del personal sanitario. Recomendaciones y realidades / Vaccination of health-care personnel

No disponible

European recommendations for the management of healthcare workers occupationally exposed to hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus.

Exposure prevention is the primary strategy to reduce the risk of occupational bloodborne pathogen infections in healthcare workers (HCW). HCWs should be made aware of the medicolegal and clinical relevance of reporting an exposure, and have ready access to expert consultants to receive appropriate counselling, treatment and follow-up. Vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV), and demonstration of immunisation before employment are strongly recommended. HCWs with postvaccinal anti-HBs levels, 1-2 months after vaccine completion, >or=10 mIU/mL are considered as responders. Responders are protected against HBV infection: booster doses of vaccine or periodic antibody concentration testing are not recommended. Alternative strategies to overcome non-response should be adopted. Isolated anti-HBc positive HCWs should be tested for anti-HBc IgM and HBV-DNA: if negative, anti-HBs response to vaccination can distinguish between infection (anti-HBs >or=50 mUI/ml 30 days after 1st vaccination: anamnestic response) and false positive results(anti-HBs >or=10 mUI/ml 30 days after 3rd vaccination: primary response); true positive subjects have resistance to re-infection. and do not need vaccination The management of an occupational exposure to HBV differs according to the susceptibility of the exposed HCW and the serostatus of the source. When indicated, post-exposure prophylaxis with HBV vaccine, hepatitis B immunoglobulin or both must be started as soon as possible (within 1-7 days). In the absence of prophylaxis against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, follow-up management of HCV exposures depends on whether antiviral treatment during the acute phase is chosen. Test the HCW for HCV-Ab at baseline and after 6 months; up to 12 for HIV-HCV co-infected sources. If treatment is recommended, perform ALT (amino alanine transferase) activity at baseline and monthly for 4 months after exposure, and qualitative HCV-RNA when an increase is detected.