[Evaluation dosing intravenous voriconazole three times a day vs twice daily for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised children: therapeutic drugs monitoring and safety]. / Evaluación de la dosificación de voriconazol intravenoso tres veces al día vs dos veces al día para el tratamiento de aspergilosis invasora en niños inmunocomprometidos: monitorización terapéutica y seguridad.

BACKGROUND: Voriconazole is the antifungal of choice for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA). Plasma concentrations (PCs) > 1 µg / mL llave been associated with better therapeutic results which have not always been achieved during treatment in immunocompromised children. In the necessity to initiate early and effective therapy for the infection, it is relevant to establish the voriconazole administration regimen that is associated with optimal PCs in this population. AIM: To compare the PC and safety of intravenous (IV) voriconazole, dosed BID and TID in immunocompromised children with indication of antifungal treatment. METHOD: Retrospective observational study since January 2015 until July 2018 in a highly complex pediatric hospital in Santiago of Chile, in patients aged 0 to 17 years who received treatment with IV voriconazole. Those with renal replacement therapy, liver failure and / or renal failure were excluded. Trough PCs were compared between a group with BID dosing regimen versus another group with TID administration. Adverse reactions were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: 137 trough PCs were obtained in 76 children, with a median age of 9 years (0-17 years) in the BID group and 9 years (0-16) in the TID group with a median weight of 27 kg (6-83 kg) and 28 kg (9.3-60 kg), respectively. Patients < 12 years old exposed to TID dosages are 4.65 times (OR: 4.65, 95% CI 1.93-11.2) more likely to have PC > 1 gg/mL compared to BID administration (p = 0.001). Eight adverse reactions were reported, mainly photophobia, with no significant difference found between the BID and TID groups. CONCLUSION: TID dosages are associated with a greater probability of obtaining adequate exposure to voriconazole in patients < 12 years old compared to BID dosages, with a low frequency of adverse reactions.

Evaluación de la dosificación de voriconazol intravenoso tres veces al día vs dos veces al día para el tratamiento de aspergilosis invasora en niños inmunocomprometidos: monitorización terapéutica y seguridad / Evaluation dosing intravenous voriconazole three times a day vs twice daily for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised children: therapeutic drugs monitoring and safety

INTRODUCCIÓN: Voriconazol es el antifúngico de elección para el tratamiento de la aspergilosis invasora (AI). Concentraciones plasmáticas (CPs) > 1 μg/mL se han asociado a mejores resultados terapéuticos, las que no siempre se alcanzan durante el tratamiento en niños inmunocomprometidos. Dada la necesidad de iniciar una terapia precoz y efectiva de la infección, es relevante establecer el régimen de administración de voriconazol que se asocie con CPs óptimas en esta población. OBJETIVO: Comparar las CPs y seguridad de voriconazol intravenoso (IV), dosificado BID y TID en niños inmunocomprometidos con indicación de tratamiento antifúngico. MÉTODO: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de enero de 2015 a julio de 2018 en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad de Santiago de Chile, en pacientes de 0 a 17 años que recibieron tratamiento con voriconazol IV. Se excluyeron aquellos con terapia de reemplazo renal, falla hepática y/o falla renal. Se compararon las CPs valles entre un grupo con régimen de dosificación BID y otro grupo con administración TID. Se evaluaron las reacciones adversas en ambos grupos. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron 137 CPs valles en 76 niños, con una mediana de edad de 9 años (0-17 años) en el grupo BID y 9 años (0-16 años) en el grupo TID, con una mediana de peso de 27 kg (6-83 kg) y 28 kg (9,3-60 kg), respectivamente. Resultados: Pacientes 1 gg/mL en comparación con la administración BID (p = 0,001). Se reportaron ocho reacciones adversas, principalmente fotofobia, sin encontrarse diferencias significativas entre grupo BID y TID. CONCLUSIÓN: Dosificaciones TID están asociadas a una mayor probabilidad de obtener una adecuada exposición a voriconazol en pacientes < 12 años en comparación a dosificaciones BID, con baja frecuencia de reacciones adversas.

BACKGROUND: Voriconazole is the antifungal of choice for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis (IA). Plasma concentrations (PCs) > 1 μg / mL llave been associated with better therapeutic results which have not always been achieved during treatment in immunocompromised children. In the necessity to initiate early and effective therapy for the infection, it is relevant to establish the voriconazole administration regimen that is associated with optimal PCs in this population. AIM: To compare the PC and safety of intravenous (IV) voriconazole, dosed BID and TID in immunocompromised children with indication of antifungal treatment. METHOD: Retrospective observational study since January 2015 until July 2018 in a highly complex pediatric hospital in Santiago of Chile, in patients aged 0 to 17 years who received treatment with IV voriconazole. Those with renal replacement therapy, liver failure and / or renal failure were excluded. Trough PCs were compared between a group with BID dosing regimen versus another group with TID administration. Adverse reactions were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: 137 trough PCs were obtained in 76 children, with a median age of 9 years (0-17 years) in the BID group and 9 years (0-16) in the TID group with a median weight of 27 kg (6-83 kg) and 28 kg (9.3-60 kg), respectively. Patients 1 gg/mL compared to BID administration (p = 0.001). Eight adverse reactions were reported, mainly photophobia, with no significant difference found between the BID and TID groups. CONCLUSION: TID dosages are associated with a greater probability of obtaining adequate exposure to voriconazole in patients < 12 years old compared to BID dosages, with a low frequency of adverse reactions.

[Serratia marcescens multifocal osteomyelitis in a child with chronic granulomatous disease]. / Osteomielitis multifocal por Serratia marcescens en un niño con enfermedad granulomatosa crónica.

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare primary immuno-deficiency. It is characterized by an alteration in the function of phagocytes causing recurrent bacterial and fungal infections. This is a case report of a child with multifocal osteomyelitis by Serratia marcescens, an infrequent as a cause of bone infections, although associated with CGD. The study of infections with clinical presentation and unusual agents should lead to suspicion of CGD. The diagnosis early in life, as well as timely antimicrobial treatment and the subsequent antimicrobial prophylaxis will avoid infectious recurrences and sequelae.

Osteomielitis multifocal por Serratia marcescens en un niño con enfermedad granulomatosa crónica / Serratia marcescens multifocal osteomyelitis in a child with chronic granulomatous disease

Resumen La enfermedad granulomatosa crónica (EGC) es una inmunode-ficiencia primaria poco frecuente. Se caracteriza por una alteración en la función de los fagocitos, causando infecciones recurrentes bacterianas y fúngicas. Presentamos el caso clínico de un niño con una osteomielitis multifocal por Serratia marcescens , microorganismo infrecuente como causa de infecciones óseas en niños, aunque asociado a la EGC. El estudio de infecciones con presentación clínica y agentes inhabituales deben hacer sospechar una EGC. Su diagnóstico precoz en la vida, así como el tratamiento antimicrobiano oportuno y el uso posterior de una profilaxis antimicrobiana adecuada logrará evitar recurrencias infecciosas y secuelas.

Abstract Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare primary immuno-deficiency. It is characterized by an alteration in the function of phagocytes causing recurrent bacterial and fungal infections. This is a case report of a child with multifocal osteomyelitis by Serratia marcescens, an infrequent as a cause of bone infections, although associated with CGD. The study of infections with clinical presentation and unusual agents should lead to suspicion of CGD. The diagnosis early in life, as well as timely antimicrobial treatment and the subsequent antimicrobial prophylaxis will avoid infectious recurrences and sequelae.

[Molecular detection of gastrointestinal pathogens among children under 5 years old with diarrhea in a hospital center for rotavirus sentinel surveillance in Chile]. / Detección molecular de patógenos entéricos en niños con diarrea en un hospital centinela de vigilancia de rotavirus en Chile.

BACKGROUND: Infectious diarrhea is still a major problem in public health, especially in children under 5 years of age. The identification of the etiologic agent is important for the clinical management of the diarrhea episode and, from the epidemiological point of view, to implement control measures. AIM: To determine the presence of gastrointestinal pathogens in children under five years of age with diarrhea in a Chilean rotavirus surveillance center. METHODS: Observational study in children under five years of age who were hospitalized for diarrhea at the Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital from December 2015 to December 2019. Molecular detection was performed using the FilmArray gastrointestinal (FilmArray GI®) panel. RESULTS: We analyzed 493 diarrheal stool samples of children, 427 samples (87%) were positive and 66 samples (13%) were negative. Of positive samples, 174 samples (41%) and 253 samples (59%) were positive for one or more pathogen, respectively. In children under one year and the group between one and four years there was a predominance of infections caused by enteric virus. Rotavirus and norovirus were the most common virus in both age groups. The most frequent bacteria were EPEC (27%), C. difficile (17%), EAEC (14%) and Campylobacter (9%). In parasites, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium were identified, in 3% and 1% of the total samples, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The molecular detection system used allowed an increase in the detection of enteropathogens in children under five years of age. The information generated by this type of surveillance could help to characterize the episodes of diarrhea in the population and might be a tool to technically advise the authorities in the decision-making process for the implementation of control measures.

Detección molecular de patógenos entéricos en niños con diarrea en un hospital centinela de vigilancia de rotavirus en Chile / Molecular detection of gastrointestinal pathogens among children under 5 years old with diarrhea in a hospital center for rotavirus sentinel surveillance in Chile

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las diarreas de causa infecciosa son un problema de salud pública, especialmente en niños bajo los cinco años. La identificación de los agentes etiológicos puede ser relevante para el manejo del cuadro clínico y, desde el punto de vista epidemiológico, para la implementación de medidas de control. OBJETIVO: Determinar la presencia de patógenos entéricos en niños bajo los cinco años que se hospitalizaron por diarrea aguda en uno de los centros centinelas de la red de vigilancia de rotavirus en Chile. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional en niños menores de cinco años que se internaron por cuadros de diarrea en el Hospital Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna, durante diciembre del 2015 a diciembre del 2019, el que forma parte de la red de vigilancia de rotavirus del Ministerio de Salud de Chile. Las muestras fecales se analizaron mediante un test molecular, FilmArray GI® panel, que permite la detección de 22 patógenos entéricos virales, bacterianos y parasitarios. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 493 muestras fecales de niños con episodios de diarrea infecciosa, detectando al menos un patógeno en 427 muestras (87%). De estas muestras positivas, se detectó solo un patógeno en 174 muestras (41%) y dos o más patógenos en 253 muestras (59%). En el grupo de niños bajo un año y el grupo entre uno y cuatro años hubo un predominio de infecciones causadas por virus gastroentéricos, siendo rotavirus y norovirus los virus más detectados en ambos grupos de edad. Las bacterias más frecuentes fueron EPEC (27%), C. difficile (17%), EAEC (14%) y Campylobacter (9%). Respecto a los parásitos, se identificó Giardia lamblia y Cryptosporidium, en el 3 y 1% del total de las muestras, respectivamente. CONCLUSIÓN: La detección molecular utilizada permitió detectar un alto número de enteropatógenos en niños bajo los cinco años. La información generada por este tipo de vigilancia, podría ayudar a caracterizar en la población los episodios de diarrea causados por los principales patógenos entéricos y podría ser una herramienta para asesorar técnicamente a las autoridades en la toma de decisión para la implementación de medidas de control contra estos patógenos.

BACKGROUND: Infectious diarrhea is still a major problem in public health, especially in children under 5 years of age. The identification of the etiologic agent is important for the clinical management of the diarrhea episode and, from the epidemiological point of view, to implement control measures. AIM: To determine the presence of gastrointestinal pathogens in children under five years of age with diarrhea in a Chilean rotavirus surveillance center. METHODS: Observational study in children under five years of age who were hospitalized for diarrhea at the Dr. Luis Calvo Mackenna Hospital from December 2015 to December 2019. Molecular detection was performed using the FilmArray gastrointestinal (FilmArray GI®) panel. RESULTS: We analyzed 493 diarrheal stool samples of children, 427 samples (87%) were positive and 66 samples (13%) were negative. Of positive samples, 174 samples (41%) and 253 samples (59%) were positive for one or more pathogen, respectively. In children under one year and the group between one and four years there was a predominance of infections caused by enteric virus. Rotavirus and norovirus were the most common virus in both age groups. The most frequent bacteria were EPEC (27%), C. difficile (17%), EAEC (14%) and Campylobacter (9%). In parasites, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium were identified, in 3% and 1% of the total samples, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The molecular detection system used allowed an increase in the detection of enteropathogens in children under five years of age. The information generated by this type of surveillance could help to characterize the episodes of diarrhea in the population and might be a tool to technically advise the authorities in the decision-making process for the implementation of control measures.

[Outbreak of fungemias by Sarocladium kiliense in eight public hospitals per intrinsic contamination of ondansetron intravenous]. / Brote de fungemias por Sarocladium kiliense en ocho hospitales públicos por contaminación intrínseca de ondansetrón intravenoso.

Sarocladium kiliense is a saprophyte fungus that can cause opportunistic infections associated to invasive procedures. We report a multi-hospital nosocomial outbreak of fungemias due to this agent. Patients with positive blood culture to this agent were studied after six bloodstream infections identified in three Chilean hospitals in July 2013 were reported to Ministry of Health National Infection and Prevention Control Program. In general, there were mild clinical manifestations, without deaths attributable to the infection. Epidemiological and micro-biological study identified 65 cases in 8 hospitals, mostly pediatric patients in chemotherapy. Initial studies of 94 different drugs and medical devices had negative results, until a second analysis of specific blisters and their pharmaceutical matrix selected by epidemiological criteria identified an intrinsic contamination of ondansetron blisters from a specific producer used in all the patients. A recall of contaminated ondansetron blisters was performed in all the country, after which the outbreak was contained. Surveillance and response of local and national infection prevention and control programs and laboratory support were key to control of a national multi-hospital common source outbreak due to contamination of a drug by an unusual fungus.

[Evaluation of the prescription, consumption and costs of antifungal drugs in a pediatric hospital in Chile]. / Evaluación de la indicación, consumo y costos de antifúngicos en un hospital pediátrico de Chile.

BACKGROUND: The increase of invasive fungal disease (IFD) in immunocompromised patients has led to the frequent prescription of highly active antifungal drugs but with a high economic cost. AIM: To characterize the use of antifungals drugs, evaluate its prescription and determine consumption and associated costs. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study from January 2015 to April 2016. Audit of prescriptions and review of clinical files. Each prescription was classified according to whether it corresponded to a possible, probable or proven invasive fungal disease (IFD). Consumptions and treatment costs were calculated. RESULTS: 152 antifungal prescriptions were audited in 79 patients. The total cost of antifungal medications was US $ 714,413. 52.1% of the expenditure (US $ 372,319) corresponded to indications in proven IFD, 10.7% (US $ 76,377) probable IFD, 0.8% (US $ 5,638) non-IFI, 12.2% (US $ 87,459) IFD possible and 1.5% (US $ 10,896) non-IFD and 22.6% (US $ 161,723) was prophylaxis. The highest consumption was in indications related to IFD tested with a proven DOT of 10.54 days, with liposomal amphotericin B and iv voriconazole the drugs with the highest consumption with a DOT probable_AnBL of 3.15 and DOT proven voriconazole iv of 3.01. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of antifungal drug medications generates high costs at 12% of the total pharmacy budget of our institution. The expense was associated mainly with the indications in IFI tested the voriconazole and amphotericin B liposomal with the highest consumption which added to its high cost and prolonged days of general therapy a big impact in the budget.

Evaluación de la indicación, consumo y costos de antifúngicos en un hospital pediátrico de Chile / Evaluation of the prescription, consumption and costs of antifungal drugs in a pediatric hospital in Chile

Resumen Introducción: El incremento de la enfermedad fúngica invasora (EFI) en pacientes inmunocomprometidos ha conducido a la frecuente prescripción de fármacos altamente activos pero de elevado costo económico. Objetivo: Caracterizar el uso de antifúngicos, evaluar su indicación y determinar consumo y costos asociados. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, desde enero de 2015 a abril de 2016. Auditoría de prescripciones y revisión de fichas clínicas; cada prescripción se clasificó de acuerdo a si correspondía a una EFI posible, probable o probada. Se calcularon consumos y costos de tratamientos. Resultados: Se auditaron 152 prescripciones de antifúngicos en 79 pacientes. El costo total de los medicamentos antifúngicos fue de US$ 714.413. El 52,1% del gasto (US $ 372.319) correspondió a indicaciones en EFI probada, 10,7% (US $ 76.377) EFI probable, 0.8% (US $ 5.638) no-EFI, 12,2% (US $ 87.459) EFI posibles y 1,5% (US $ 10.896) EFI descartada y 22,6% (US$ 161.723) fue profilaxis. El mayor consumo fue en indicaciones relacionadas a EFI probada con un DOT probada de 10,54 días, siendo anfotericina B liposomal y voriconazol iv los fármacos con mayor consumo con un DOTprobada AnBL de 3,15 y DOT probada voriconazol iv de 3,01. Conclusiones: El consumo de medicamentos antifúngicos genera altos costos correspondiente al 12% del presupuesto total de farmacia de nuestra institución. El gasto se asoció principalmente a indicaciones en EFI probadas, voriconazol y anfotericina B liposomal los con mayor consumo, lo que sumado a su alto costo y días prolongados de terapia generan un gran impacto en el presupuesto.

Background: The increase of invasive fungal disease (IFD) in immunocompromised patients has led to the frequent prescription of highly active antifungal drugs but with a high economic cost. Aim: To characterize the use of antifungals drugs, evaluate its prescription and determine consumption and associated costs. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study from January 2015 to April 2016. Audit of prescriptions and review of clinical files. Each prescription was classified according to whether it corresponded to a possible, probable or proven invasive fungal disease (IFD). Consumptions and treatment costs were calculated. Results: 152 antifungal prescriptions were audited in 79 patients. The total cost of antifungal medications was US $ 714,413. 52.1% of the expenditure (US $ 372,319) corresponded to indications in proven IFD, 10.7% (US $ 76,377) probable IFD, 0.8% (US $ 5,638) non-IFI, 12.2% (US $ 87,459) IFD possible and 1.5% (US $ 10,896) non-IFD and 22.6% (US $ 161,723) was prophylaxis. The highest consumption was in indications related to IFD tested with a proven DOT of 10.54 days, with liposomal amphotericin B and iv voriconazole the drugs with the highest consumption with a DOT probable_AnBL of 3.15 and DOT proven voriconazole iv of 3.01. Conclusions: The consumption of antifungal drug medications generates high costs at 12% of the total pharmacy budget of our institution. The expense was associated mainly with the indications in IFI tested the voriconazole and amphotericin B liposomal with the highest consumption which added to its high cost and prolonged days of general therapy a big impact in the budget.

Brote de fungemias por Sarocladium kiliense en ocho hospitales públicos por contaminación intrínseca de ondansetrón intravenoso / Outbreak of fungemias by Sarocladium kiliense in eight public hospitals per intrinsic contamination of ondansetron intravenous

Resumen Introducción: Sarocladium kiliense es un hongo saprófito que puede generar infecciones oportunistas asociadas a procedimientos invasores. Se informa un brote multicéntrico nosocomial de fungemias de fuente común por este agente. Luego del reporte de cinco casos en pacientes en tres hospitales al Programa de Control de Infecciones del Ministerio de Salud de Chile en julio de 2013, se estudiaron a nivel nacional todos los pacientes con hemocultivo positivo para este agente. Se trató de cuadros clínicos leves a moderados, sin muertes atribuibles. El estudio identificó 65 casos en 8 hospitales, en su mayoría pacientes pediátricos en quimioterapia. Estudios iniciales de 94 muestras de cuatro fármacos y dispositivos usados en todos los casos resultaron negativas hasta que, en un segundo análisis de lotes seleccionados por criterios epidemiológicos y su matriz farmacéutica, se identificó la contaminación intrínseca de ampollas de ondansetrón de un productor específico, que se usó en todos los casos. Se realizó un retiro nacional de las ampollas de los tres lotes contaminados del fármaco, después de lo cual se contuvo el brote. La vigilancia de infecciones en los hospitales y el programa nacional coordinado con los laboratorios de microbiología fueron claves para identificar un brote multicéntrico de fuente común por contaminación de un fármaco por un hongo inusual.

Sarocladium kiliense is a saprophyte fungus that can cause opportunistic infections associated to invasive procedures. We report a multi-hospital nosocomial outbreak of fungemias due to this agent. Patients with positive blood culture to this agent were studied after six bloodstream infections identified in three Chilean hospitals in July 2013 were reported to Ministry of Health National Infection and Prevention Control Program. In general, there were mild clinical manifestations, without deaths attributable to the infection. Epidemiological and micro-biological study identified 65 cases in 8 hospitals, mostly pediatric patients in chemotherapy. Initial studies of 94 different drugs and medical devices had negative results, until a second analysis of specific blisters and their pharmaceutical matrix selected by epidemiological criteria identified an intrinsic contamination of ondansetron blisters from a specific producer used in all the patients. A recall of contaminated ondansetron blisters was performed in all the country, after which the outbreak was contained. Surveillance and response of local and national infection prevention and control programs and laboratory support were key to control of a national multi-hospital common source outbreak due to contamination of a drug by an unusual fungus.

[Peritoneal dialysis-related infections in pediatric patients: diagnosis and treatment review]. / Infecciones asociadas a diálisis peritoneal en el paciente pediátrico: diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Peritoneal dialysis-related infections are the main complication in pediatric patients undergoing this renal replacement therapy, associating a high rate of morbidity, generating also a decreasing survival of the peritoneal membrane and worsening the patient outcome. We describe the recommended diagnostic and therapeutic modalities to treat dialysis-related in children.

Infecciones asociadas a diálisis peritoneal en el paciente pediátrico: diagnóstico y tratamiento / Peritoneal dialysis-related infections in pediatric patients: diagnosis and treatment review

Resumen Las infecciones asociadas a diálisis peritoneal (DP), corresponden a la principal complicación de los pacientes pediátricos en esta terapia de reemplazo renal, disminuyendo la sobrevida de la membrana peritoneal y empeorando el pronóstico del paciente. El reconocimiento precoz y un tratamiento oportuno de éstas son fundamentales para preservar esta modalidad dialítica. Se presenta una revisión actualizada de la literatura científica, con el fin de entregar recomendaciones reproducibles en los distintos centros pediátricos que realizan diálisis peritoneal crónica en niños.

Peritoneal dialysis-related infections are the main complication in pediatric patients undergoing this renal replacement therapy, associating a high rate of morbidity, generating also a decreasing survival of the peritoneal membrane and worsening the patient outcome. We describe the recommended diagnostic and therapeutic modalities to treat dialysis-related in children.

[The water supply of a pediatric hospital as a possible source of an outbreak of diarrhea due to Microsporidium spp. in immunocompromised patients]. / Agua potable como posible fuente de brote de diarrea por Microsporidium spp. en pacientes inmunocomprometidos en un hospital pediátrico.

INTRODUCTION: The hospital water supply is a reservoir of a variety of potentially pathogenic microorganisms that can particularly affect children and immunocompromised patients. Potentially pathogenic Microsporidium spp. have been identified in water. Microsporidiosis is an emerging parasitic and opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. OBJECTIVE AND METHOD: to describe an outbreak of nosocomial diarrhea due to Microsporidium, species Encephalitozoon intestinalis. RESULTS: Seven cases of E. intestinalis associated diarrhea were reported between november 2012 and february 2013, in a unit of immunocompromised patients in L. Calvo Mackenna Children's Hospital. Microsporidium spp. was found in the hospital water supply and water reservoir tank. Secondary cases were transmitted by contact. Control measures included contact precautions, not to use faucet water for hand washing, bottled water for drinking and water reservoir tank sanitation. CONCLUSIONS: This research is about a nosocomial outbreak associated with water supply. Water quality in Chilean hospitals is an unresolved issue, especially in immunocompromised patient areas. Compliance of cleaning and disinfection of water supply systems in hospitals must be ensured.

Agua potable como posible fuente de brote de diarrea por Microsporidium spp. en pacientes inmunocomprometidos en un hospital pediátrico / The water supply of a pediatric hospital as a possible source of an outbreak of diarrhea due to Microsporidium spp. in immunocompromised patients

Introduction: The hospital water supply is a reservoir of a variety of potentially pathogenic microorganisms that can particularly affect children and immunocompromised patients. Potentially pathogenic Microsporidium spp. have been identified in water. Microsporidiosis is an emerging parasitic and opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. Objective and Method: to describe an outbreak of nosocomial diarrhea due to Microsporidium, species Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Results: Seven cases of E. intestinalis associated diarrhea were reported between november 2012 and february 2013, in a unit of immunocompromised patients in L. Calvo Mackenna Children's Hospital. Microsporidium spp. was found in the hospital water supply and water reservoir tank. Secondary cases were transmitted by contact. Control measures included contact precautions, not to use faucet water for hand washing, bottled water for drinking and water reservoir tank sanitation. Conclusions: This research is about a nosocomial outbreak associated with water supply. Water quality in Chilean hospitals is an unresolved issue, especially in immunocompromised patient areas. Compliance of cleaning and disinfection of water supply systems in hospitals must be ensured.

Introducción: Los sistemas de suministro de agua potable de los hospitales constituyen un reservorio de una variedad de microorganismos potencialmente patógenos que pueden afectar especialmente a niños y pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Especies de Microsporidium spp. potencialmente patógenos para el hombre han sido identificadas en el agua potable. La microsporidiosis es una infección parasitaria oportunista en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Objetivos y Método: Describir un brote de diarrea nosocomial por Microsporidium de la especie Encephalitozoon intestinalis. Resultados: Se registraron siete casos de diarrea por E. intestinalis, entre noviembre de 2012 y febrero de 2013, en una unidad de pacientes inmunocomprometidos del Hospital de Niños Luis Calvo Mackenna, comprobándose la presencia de Microsporidium spp. abundante en el agua potable y estanques del hospital. Los casos secundarios pudieron transmitirse por contacto. Las medidas de control fueron precauciones de contacto, no usar agua de grifos para lavado de manos, ingesta de agua envasada y desinfección de estanques. Conclusiones: Esta investigación corresponde a un brote nosocomial transmitido por agua potable. La importancia de la calidad del agua en los hospitales de nuestro país es un tema no resuelto, especialmente en áreas que atienden pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Debe asegurarse el cumplimiento de limpieza y desinfección de los sistemas de suministro de agua en los hospitales.

[Evaluation of quantitative cultures of endotracheal aspirates for pediatric ventilator-associated pneumonia diagnosis: analytic, prospective study]. / Uso de cultivo cuantitativo de aspirado endotraqueal para el diagnóstico de neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica en pediatría: estudio prospectivo, analítico.

INTRODUCTION: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is dificult to diagnose because of the absence of a gold standard. AIM: To evaluate the use of quantitative cultures of endotracheal aspirates for diagnosis of pediatric VAP and to obtain acceptable sensitivity and specificity cutoff points. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, analytic study which included patients under 15 years, who were connected to mechanical ventilation at Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna's intensive care units. They were classified as cases or controls according to NNIS criteria. RESULTS: During a period of 21 months we recruited a total of 43 patients with a mean age of 16 months. We obtained endotracheal aspirated samples to perform quantitative cultures. Most frequently isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (34.5%) and non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli (24.1%). We obtained a sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 70%, PPV of 82%, and NPV of 79% for samples greater than 10(6) CFU. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative culture of endotracheal aspirates is a reliable method for diagnosing pediatric VAP when the value is greater than 10 CFU.

[Economical evaluation of the treatment of invasive aspergillosis in pediatric oncology patients. Santiago. Chile]. / Estudio de costo del tratamiento de la aspergilosis invasora en pacientes oncológicos pediátricos. Santiago. Chile.

INTRODUCTION: Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is a serious opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. Transplant recipients and patients with cancer represent the highest risk group. The antifungal treatment involves prolonged hospitalization and high economic resources. OBJECTIVE: to estimate costs represented by IA as an intercurrent complication of oncologic treatment. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective case-control study. Estimation of the cost of treatment in pediatric oncologic patients with IA in the Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna during the years 2007-2008 was done. A control for each case of IA paired by sex, age, number of diagnosis and clinical department was selected. RESULTS: There were 13 patients during the observation period. The attributable cost of treatment of aspergillosis was US $23,600 and the cost for each indicator was: hospital days US $16,500; antifungal therapy US $7,000; and serum galactomannan US $100. DISCUSSION: In this study, the cost of treating IA is mainly due to hospitalization and antifungal medications. Three patients acquired IA in spite of staying in a protected environment.