Within patient genetic diversity of blaKPC harboring Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Colombian hospital and identification of a new NTEKPC platform.

Resistance to carbapenems in Klebsiella pneumoniae has been mostly related with the worldwide dissemination of KPC, largely due to the pandemic clones belonging to the complex clonal (CC) 258. To unravel blaKPC post-endemic clinical impact, here we describe clinical characteristics of 68 patients from a high complexity hospital, and the molecular and genetic characteristics of their 139 blaKPC-K. pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) isolates. Of the 26 patients that presented relapses or reinfections, 16 had changes in the resistance profiles of the isolates recovered from the recurrent episodes. In respect to the genetic diversity of KPC-Kp isolates, PFGE revealed 45 different clonal complexes (CC). MLST for 12 representative clones showed ST258 was present in the most frequent CC (23.0%), however, remaining 11 representative clones belonged to non-CC258 STs (77.0%). Interestingly, 16 patients presented within-patient genetic diversity of KPC-Kp clones. In one of these, three unrelated KPC-Kp clones (ST258, ST504, and ST846) and a blaKPC-K. variicola isolate (ST182) were identified. For this patient, complete genome sequence of one representative isolate of each clone was determined. In K. pneumoniae isolates blaKPC was mobilized by two Tn3-like unrelated platforms: Tn4401b (ST258) and Tn6454 (ST504 and ST846), a new NTEKPC-IIe transposon for first time characterized also determined in the K. variicola isolate of this study. Genome analysis showed these transposons were harbored in different unrelated but previously reported plasmids and in the chromosome of a K. pneumoniae (for Tn4401b). In conclusion, in the blaKPC post-endemic dissemination in Colombia, different KPC-Kp clones (mostly non-CC258) have emerged due to integration of the single blaKPC gene in new genetic platforms. This work also shows the intra-patient resistant and genetic diversity of KPC-Kp isolates. This circulation dynamic could impact the effectiveness of long-term treatments.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Cefepime in Adults with Hematological Malignancies and Febrile Neutropenia after Chemotherapy.

Patients with chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia (CIFN) may have changes in the pharmacokinetics (PK) compared to patients without malignancies or neutropenia. Those changes in antibiotic PK could lead to negative outcomes for patients if the therapy is not adequately adjusted to this. In this, open-label, non-randomized, prospective, observational, and descriptive study, a PK model of cefepime was developed for patients with hematological neoplasms and post-chemotherapy febrile neutropenia. This study was conducted at a cancer referral center, and study participants were receiving 2 g IV doses of cefepime every 8 h as 30-min infusions. Cefepime PK was well described by a two compartment model with a clearance dependent on a serum creatinine level. Using Monte Carlo simulations, it was shown that continuous infusions of 6g q24h could have a good achievement of PK/PD targets for MIC levels below the resistance cut-off point of Enterobacteriaceae. According to the simulations, it is unnecessary to increase the daily dose of cefepime (above 6 g daily) to increase the probability of target attainment (PTA). Cumulative fraction of response (CFR) using interment dosing was suboptimal for empirical therapy regimens against K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa, and continuous infusions could be used in this setting to maximize exposure. Patients with high serum creatinine levels were more likely to achieve predefined PK/PD targets than patients with low levels.

SARS-CoV2/COVID-19 Infection in Transplant Recipients and in Patients on the Organ Transplant Waiting List in Colombia.

To assess our determination to continue transplant activity in Colombia during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, this study seeks to describe the risk of infection and mortality of transplanted patients vs those on the waiting list. Therefore, a descriptive study of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2)/COVID-19 infection in transplant recipients and patients on the waiting list was conducted. The data sources were the information systems of the Instituto Nacional de Salud of Colombia: National Donation and Transplant Information System, the National Public Health Surveillance System, and the National COVID-19 Data Repository. Characteristics of the patients who tested positive were analyzed, and the mortality rate was determined. An Real Time-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 was performed in 7% of the transplant recipients included in this study, and 14.8% of those recipients tested positive. Among patients on the waiting list, 15.2% were tested, and 16.7% showed positive results. Overall, 1% (84/8108) of the transplant recipients and 2.5% (74/2926) of patients on the waiting list were infected with SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. There were no differences in mortality between these groups (P = .8748). In conclusion, with the data obtained so far, the hospital availability, and the adoption of safety protocols in the institutions, our findings can support the continuity of the transplant activities in this country.

[Azoles of then and now: a review]. / Azoles de antes y ahora: una revisión.

The azoles are drugs that inhibit the 14α-sterol-demethylase enzyme preventing the binding of ergosterol, altering the functionality and structure of the fungal cell wall. Especially the group of triazoles: fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole and isavuconazole, are a pharmacological alternative for the treatment of the invasive fungal disease, caused by Aspergillus spp, Candida spp, Cryptococcus spp, by emerging pathogens for example, the Mucoral and finally of endemic mycosis as those caused by Histoplasma spp. and Coccidioides spp. The adverse effects of the triazoles are less frequent compared to those caused by amphotericin B, the main ones being hepatics, gastrointestinals and cardiovasculars, such as the prolongation of the QT interval. The pharmacological interactions are common and occur with molecules that use the substrates of the CYP3A4 cytochrome, for example: antiretroviral, anti-tuberculous and immunomodulators. The history, pharmacological characteristics and clinical trials are reviewed.

Decontamination and reuse of N95 filtering facemask respirators: A systematic review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: As has happened in other emerging respiratory pandemics, demand for N95 filtering facemask respirators (FFRs) has far exceeded their manufacturing production and availability in the context of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. One of the proposed strategies for mitigating the massive demand for N95 FFRs is their reuse after a process of decontamination that allows the inactivation of any potentially infectious material on their surfaces. This article aims to summarize all of the available evidence on the different decontamination methods that might allow disposable N95 FFRs to be reused, with emphasis on decontamination from SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the literature in order to identify studies reporting outcomes of at least 1 decontamination method for inactivating or removing any potentially infectious material from the surface of N95 FFRs, specifically addressing issues related to reduction of the microbial threat (including SARS-CoV-2 when available), maintaining the function of N95 FFRs and a lack of residual toxicity. RESULTS: We identified a total of 15 studies reporting on the different decontamination methods that might allow disposable N95 FFRs to be reused, including small-scale energetic methods and disinfecting solutions/spray/wipes. Among these decontamination methods, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation and vaporized hydrogen peroxide seem to be the most promising decontamination methods for N95 FFRs, based on their biocidal efficacy, filtration performance, fitting characteristics, and residual chemical toxicity, as well as other practical aspects such as the equipment required for their implementation and the maximum number of decontamination cycles. CONCLUSIONS: Although all the methods for the decontamination and reuse of N95 FFRs have advantages and disadvantages, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation and vaporized hydrogen peroxide seem to be the most promising methods.

Azoles de antes y ahora: una revisión / Azoles of then and now: a review

Resumen Los azoles son fármacos que inhiben la enzima 14α-esteroldemetilasa, impidiendo la unión de ergosterol; esto altera la estructura y función de la pared celular fúngica. Especialmente el grupo de los triazoles: fluconazol, itraconazol, voriconazol, posaconazol e isavuconazol, son una alternativa farmacológica para el tratamiento de la enfermedad fúngica invasora causada por Aspergillus spp, Candida spp, Cryptococcus spp, patógenos emergentes como los Mucorales, y de micosis endémicas como las ocasionadas por Histoplasma spp y Coccidioides spp. Los efectos adversos de los triazoles son menos frecuentes comparados con los ocasionados por anfotericina B, un antifúngico de uso común para estas micosis. Los principales efectos adversos de los triazoles son hepáticos, gastrointestinales y cardiovasculares como la prolongación del intervalo QT. Las interacciones farmacológicas son usuales y se presentan con moléculas que usan sustratos del citocromo CYP3A4, lo que incluye anti-retrovirales, anti-tuberculosos e inmunomoduladores. En este trabajo se revisan la historia, características farmacológicas y los ensayos clínicos que evidencian su eficacia clínica en los diferentes escenarios clínicos.

Abstract The azoles are drugs that inhibit the 14α-sterol-demethylase enzyme preventing the binding of ergosterol, altering the functionality and structure of the fungal cell wall. Especially the group of triazoles: fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole and isavuconazole, are a pharmacological alternative for the treatment of the invasive fungal disease, caused by Aspergillus spp, Candida spp, Cryptococcus spp, by emerging pathogens for example, the Mucoral and finally of endemic mycosis as those caused by Histoplasma spp. and Coccidioides spp. The adverse effects of the triazoles are less frequent compared to those caused by amphotericin B, the main ones being hepatics, gastrointestinals and cardiovasculars, such as the prolongation of the QT interval. The pharmacological interactions are common and occur with molecules that use the substrates of the CYP3A4 cytochrome, for example: antiretroviral, anti-tuberculous and immunomodulators. The history, pharmacological characteristics and clinical trials are reviewed.

Melioidosis in Colombia, description of a clinical case and epidemiological considerations / Melioidosis en Colombia, descripción de un caso clínico y consideraciones epidemiológicas

Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei whose clinical diagnosis can be difficult due not only to its varied clinical presentation but also to the difficulties in the microbiological diagnosis.Thus, it may be necessary to use molecular techniques for its proper identification once it is suspected. There are few antibiotics available for the treatment of this disease, which must be used over a long period of time. Although it is known to be endemic in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Australia, in Colombia there are few reported cases. We describe a case of melioidosis in the northern region of Colombia. Additionally, we review its clinical characteristics and treatment and we describe the local epidemiology of this disease.

La melioidosis es una enfermedad infecciosa causada por Burkholderia pseudomallei cuyo diagnóstico clínico puede ser difícil debido a su variada presentación clínica y a las dificultades del diagnóstico microbiológico, por lo cual pueden requerirse técnicas moleculares para su adecuada identificación una vez se sospecha su presencia. Son pocos los antibióticos disponibles para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad y, además, deben usarse durante un tiempo prolongado. Aunque se conoce por ser endémica en Tailandia, Malasia, Singapur, Vietnam y Australia, en Colombia se han reportado algunos pocos casos. Se presenta un caso de melioidosis en la región norte de Colombia, se hace una revisión de las características clínicas y el tratamiento, y se describe la epidemiología local de esta enfermedad.

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.

Approach to ocular toxoplasmosis including pregnant women.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss available information on the effectiveness of anti-toxoplasma therapy for ocular toxoplasmosis and to provide clinicians with a practical approach to the disease. RECENT FINDINGS: Only eleven randomized studies were identified. In the three studies for acute retinitis, there was a clear trend in favor of treatment. In the two studies for the prevention of recurrences, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis was superior to placebo. In the six studies comparing different regimens, there was no statistically significant difference between the regimens. In the setting of acute posterior uveitis suspected to be caused by toxoplasma, serological testing should always be obtained, and anti-toxoplasma drug treatment, and corticosteroids should be instituted for at least 6 weeks. Toxoplasmic chorioretinitis during pregnancy represents a particular challenge. SUMMARY: Treatment with at least two drugs and corticosteroids should be offered to patients with active toxoplasmic chorioretinitis. Pregnant women with confirmed acute infection and concomitant acute retinitis should be treated for the ocular lesion(s) and to prevent vertical transmission. Pregnant women with chronic Toxoplasma infection acquired prior to gestation and concomitant retinitis by reactivation should be treated for the retinitis and monitored for vertical transmission.

Melioidosis en Colombia, descripción de un caso clínico y consideraciones epidemiológicas / Melioidosis in Colombia, description of a clinical case and epidemiological considerations

Resumen La melioidosis es una enfermedad infecciosa causada por Burkholderia pseudomallei cuyo diagnóstico clínico puede ser difícil debido a su variada presentación clínica y a las dificultades del diagnóstico microbiológico, por lo cual pueden requerirse técnicas moleculares para su adecuada identificación una vez se sospecha su presencia. Son pocos los antibióticos disponibles para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad y, además, deben usarse durante un tiempo prolongado. Aunque se conoce por ser endémica en Tailandia, Malasia, Singapur, Vietnam y Australia, en Colombia se han reportado algunos pocos casos. Se presenta un caso de melioidosis en la región norte de Colombia, se hace una revisión de las características clínicas y el tratamiento, y se describe la epidemiología local de esta enfermedad.

Abstract Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei whose clinical diagnosis can be difficult due not only to its varied clinical presentation but also to the difficulties in the microbiological diagnosis.Thus, it may be necessary to use molecular techniques for its proper identification once it is suspected. There are few antibiotics available for the treatment of this disease, which must be used over a long period of time. Although it is known to be endemic in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Australia, in Colombia there are few reported cases. We describe a case of melioidosis in the northern region of Colombia. Additionally, we review its clinical characteristics and treatment and we describe the local epidemiology of this disease.

Respuesta a la carta de Faccini et al / Reply to Faccini et al

Sr. Editor, Agradecemos los aportes en relación con nuestra publicación. El objetivo del artículo "Enfoque clínico del síndrome febril agudo en Colombia" fue el de considerar los posibles diagnósticos etiológicos que se enmarquen dentro de la definición de la duración de la fiebre en el tiempo, definiendo como aguda aquella que tiene una duración de hasta 7 días. Sin embargo, el cuadro de Chagas agudo incluye en su definición de caso probable "Fiebre continua o prolongada mayor de 7 días, acompañado o no de alguno de los siguientes síntomas. . .". Este criterio ha sido utilizado en los estudios de brotes referenciados en Colombia. Por esta razón, no fue incluido como parte de la revisión

Mr. Editor, We appreciate the contributions in relation to our publication. The aim of the article "Clinical approach to acute febrile syndrome in Colombia" was to consider the possible etiological diagnoses that fall within the definition of the duration of fever over time, defining as acute that which has a duration of up to 7 days. However, acute Chagas disease includes in its probable case definition "Continuous or prolonged fever greater than 7 days, accompanied or not by any of the following symptoms . . .". This criterion has been used in outbreak studies referenced in Colombia. For this reason, it was not included as part of the review.

Colonización e infección en el neonato: ¿Hay un rol para el uso de la clorhexidina en la prevención de infecciones? / Colonization and infection in the newborn infant: Does chlorhexidine play a role in infection prevention?

Las infecciones asociadas al cuidado de la salud son un tema de gran importancia en los recién nacidos, teniendo en cuenta su alta carga de morbilidad, mortalidad y secuelas a largo plazo. En prematuros, se ha demostrado que la colonización de la piel y del tracto gastrointestinal sufre variaciones respecto a neonatos a término y sanos, con un riesgo de mayor exposición a microorganismos intrahospitalarios por la mayor probabilidad de ingresar a unidades de cuidado intensivo neonatal por aspectos inherentes a su prematurez. El presente documento revisa la colonización normal, los cambios que se observan con la hospitalización, la prematurez y el potencial papel de la clorhexidina en la prevención de la transmisión de microorganismos resistentes, así como sus efectos secundarios en los neonatos en Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal.

Healthcare-associated infections are a major problem in newborn infants, considering their high morbidity, mortality, and long-term sequelae. In preterm infants, it has been shown that skin and gastrointestinal tract colonization undergoes variations compared to healthy term infants, and that preterm infants are more exposed to nosocomial microorganisms given their higher probability of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit where they are cared for. This document reviews normal colonization, the changes observed during hospitalization, prematurity, and the potential role of chlorhexidine in the prevention of resistant microorganism transmission, as well as its side effects in newborn infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.

Colonization and infection in the newborn infant: Does chlorhexidine play a role in infection prevention? / Colonización e infección en el neonato. ¿Hay un rol para el uso de la clorhexidina en la prevención de infecciones?

Healthcare-associated infections are a major problem in newborn infants, considering their high morbidity, mortality, and long-term sequelae. In preterm infants, it has been shown that skin and gastrointestinal tract colonization undergoes variations compared to healthy term infants, and that preterm infants are more exposed to nosocomial microorganisms given their higher probability of being admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit where they are cared for. This document reviews normal colonization, the changes observed during hospitalization, prematurity, and the potential role of chlorhexidine in the prevention of resistant microorganism transmission, as well as its side effects in newborn infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.

Las infecciones asociadas al cuidado de la salud son un tema de gran importancia en los recién nacidos, teniendo en cuenta su alta carga de morbilidad, mortalidad y secuelas a largo plazo. En prematuros, se ha demostrado que la colonización de la piel y del tracto gastrointestinal sufre variaciones respecto a neonatos a término y sanos, con un riesgo de mayor exposición a microorganismos intrahospitalarios por la mayor probabilidad de ingresar a unidades de cuidado intensivo neonatal por aspectos inherentes a su prematurez. El presente documento revisa la colonización normal, los cambios que se observan con la hospitalización, la prematurez y el potencial papel de la clorhexidina en la prevención de la transmisión de microorganismos resistentes, así como sus efectos secundarios en los neonatos en Cuidado Intensivo Neonatal.

[Duration of treatment and oral administrad on of antibiotics in community acquired pneumonia]. / Duración del tratamiento y administración oral de antimicrobianos en neumonía adquirida en la comunidad.

Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality around the world, with high treatment costs due to hospitalization and complications (adverse events due to medications, antibiotic resistance, healthcare associated infections, etc.). It has been proposed administration of short courses and early switch of intravenous administration to oral therapy to avoid costs and complications. There are recommendations about these topics in national and intemational guidelines, based on clinical trials which do not demónstrate diffe-rences in mortality and complications when there is an early change from intravenous administration to the oral route. There are no statistically significant differences in safety and resolution of the disease when short and long treatment schemes were compared. In this review we present the most important guidelines and clinical studies, taking into account the pharmacological differences between different medications. It is considered that early switch from intravenous to oral administration route and use of short cycles in CAP is safe and brings benefits to patients and institutions.

Duración del tratamiento y administración oral de antimicrobianos en neumonía adquirida en la comunidad / Duration of treatment and oral administrad on of antibiotics in community acquired pneumonia

Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality around the world, with high treatment costs due to hospitalization and complications (adverse events due to medications, antibiotic resistance, healthcare associated infections, etc.). It has been proposed administration of short courses and early switch of intravenous administration to oral therapy to avoid costs and complications. There are recommendations about these topics in national and intemational guidelines, based on clinical trials which do not demónstrate diffe-rences in mortality and complications when there is an early change from intravenous administration to the oral route. There are no statistically significant differences in safety and resolution of the disease when short and long treatment schemes were compared. In this review we present the most important guidelines and clinical studies, taking into account the pharmacological differences between different medications. It is considered that early switch from intravenous to oral administration route and use of short cycles in CAP is safe and brings benefits to patients and institutions.

La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC) es una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad en el mundo, con costos elevados por cuenta de las hospitalizaciones y las complicaciones (infección asociada al cuidado de la salud, efectos adversos de medicamentos, resistencia antimicrobiana, etc.). Ante este panorama se ha propuesto administrar ciclos cortos y el cambio temprano de la vía administración de antimicrobianos de endovenosa a oral. Existen recomendaciones acerca de los puntos anteriores en guías locales e internacionales, así como ensayos clínicos que no demuestran diferencias en cuanto a mortalidad y complicaciones cuando se realiza un cambio temprano de vía de administración de endovenosa a oral en NAC. Tampoco hay diferencias estadísticamente significativas en seguridad y resolución de enfermedad cuando se compararon esquemas cortos y prolongados. En esta revisión se presentan las guías y estudios más importantes, considerando las diferencias farmacológicas de los diferentes medicamentos. Se considera que el cambio temprano de vía de administración y el uso de ciclos cortos en NAC es seguro y presenta beneficios para pacientes e instituciones.

[Economic burden of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in critical care patients in hospitals in Bogotá]. / Impacto económico de la resistencia a la meticilina en pacientes con bacteriemia por Staphylococcus aureus en hospitales de Bogotá

INTRODUCTION: Resistant infections, especially those involving the bloodstream, are associated with a greater use of resources. Their estimates are variable and depend on the methodology used. Staphylococcus aureus is the main pathogen isolated in blood in our hospitals. There is no consolidated data about economic implications of methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection. OBJECTIVE: To describe the cost of care of methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteremia in a reference population from nine hospitals in Bogotá. Materials y methods: A multicenter cohort study included 204 patients in a 1:1 ratio according to resistance. Direct medical costs were calculated from hospitalization bills, while the bacteremia period was calculated by applying microcosting based on standard fares. RESULTS: We found no significant differences between groups in demographic and clinical characteristics, except for resistance risk factors. Fifty-three percent of patients died during hospitalization. Hospital stay and total invoiced value during hospitalization were significantly higher in the group with methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteremia. For this group, higher costs in ICU stay, antibiotics use, intravenous fluids, laboratory tests and respiratory support were recorded. A crude increase of 31% and an adjusted increase of 70% in care costs associated with methicillin resistance were registered. CONCLUSION: Our study supports decision makers in finding and funding infection prevention programs, especially those infections caused by resistant organisms.

[Lipid formulations of amphotericin]. / Formas lipídicas de anfotericina.

Amphotericin B deoxycholate use has increased during the past years in parallel with the increase in the number of immunosuppressed patients suffering invasive fungal infections. This drug is associated with a high rate of side effects, especially renal toxicity. Lipid formulations (liposomal, lipid complex, colloidal suspension and the Indian liposomal formulation) have been developed, which share the same antifungal spectrum but differ in efficacy and toxicity. A review of amphotericin lipid formulations is presented, focusing on differences in efficacy and, especially renal toxicity. The main problem for use of these formulations in Latin America is their highcost.

Formas lipídicas de anfotericina / Lipid formulations of amphotericin

Amphotericin B deoxycholate use has increased during the past years in parallel with the increase in the number of immunosuppressed patients suffering invasive fungal infections. This drug is associated with a high rate of side effects, especially renal toxicity. Lipid formulations (liposomal, lipid complex, colloidal suspension and the Indian liposomal formulation) have been developed, which share the same antifungal spectrum but differ in efficacy and toxicity. A review of amphotericin lipid formulations is presented, focusing on differences in efficacy and, especially renal toxicity. The main problem for use of these formulations in Latin America is their highcost.

Dado el aumento en el número de pacientes inmunosuprimidos en los últimos años, el uso de anfotericina B desoxicolato también se incrementó debido a una mayor incidencia de las infecciones fúngicas invasoras en esta población. Este medicamento tiene una alta frecuencia de efectos adversos, especialmente nefrotoxicidad. Se han desarrollado modificaciones de la presentación de anfotericina B con el desarrollo de formas lipídicas (liposomal, complejo lipídico, suspensión coloidal y fórmula liposomal procedente de la India) que tienen el mismo espectro y con variaciones en su efectividad y toxicidad. Se presenta una revisión de las formas lipídicas de anfotericina, sus diferencias en efectividad y, especialmente, nefrotoxicidad. El principal problema para su implementación en América Latina es el alto costo de estas presentaciones.

Impacto económico de la resistencia a la meticilina en pacientes con bacteriemia por Staphylococcus aureus en hospitales de Bogotá / Economic burden of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in critical care patients in hospitals in Bogotá

Introducción. Las infecciones por microorganismos resistentes, especialmente las que involucran el torrente sanguíneo, se asocian a un mayor uso de recursos. Sus estimaciones son variables y dependen de la metodología utilizada. Staphylococcus aureus es el agente de sangre aislado con mayor frecuencia en nuestro medio. No existe información sobre el costo asociado con la atención de bacteriemias por S. aureus resistente a meticilina en nuestro país. Objetivo. Presentar una aproximación del costo de atención de las bacteriemias por S. aureus resistente a la meticilina en nueve hospitales de Bogotá. Materiales y métodos. Se incluyeron 204 pacientes en un estudio de cohortes multicéntrico en una razón de 1:1 según la resistencia. Se aproximaron los costos médicos directos con base en las facturas del período de hospitalización; en cuanto al período de la bacteriemia, los costos detallados se calcularon aplicando las tarifas estandarizadas. Resultados. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en las características clínicas y demográficas de los grupos, salvo en los antecedentes de la bacteriemia. El 53 % de los sujetos falleció durante la hospitalización. La estancia y el valor total facturado por la hospitalización fueron significativamente mayores en el grupo con bacteriemia por S. aureus resistente a la meticilina, así como los costos de la estancia en cuidados intensivos, de los antibióticos, los líquidos parenterales, los exámenes de laboratorio y la terapia respiratoria. El incremento crudo del costo de la atención asociado con la resistencia a meticilina fue de 31 % y, el ajustado, de 70 %. Conclusión. Este estudio constituye un respaldo a los tomadores de decisiones para la búsqueda y la financiación de programas de prevención de infecciones causadas por microorganismos resistentes.

Introduction: Resistant infections, especially those involving the bloodstream, are associated with a greater use of resources. Their estimates are variable and depend on the methodology used. Staphylococcus aureus is the main pathogen isolated in blood in our hospitals. There is no consolidated data about economic implications of methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection. Objective: To describe the cost of care of methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteremia in a reference population from nine hospitals in Bogotá. Materials y methods: A multicenter cohort study included 204 patients in a 1:1 ratio according to resistance. Direct medical costs were calculated from hospitalization bills, while the bacteremia period was calculated by applying microcosting based on standard fares. Results: We found no significant differences between groups in demographic and clinical characteristics, except for resistance risk factors. Fifty-three percent of patients died during hospitalization. Hospital stay and total invoiced value during hospitalization were significantly higher in the group with methicillin-resistant S. aureus bacteremia. For this group, higher costs in ICU stay, antibiotics use, intravenous fluids, laboratory tests and respiratory support were recorded. A crude increase of 31% and an adjusted increase of 70% in care costs associated with methicillin resistance were registered. Conclusion: Our study supports decision makers in finding and funding infection prevention programs, especially those infections caused by resistant organisms.

Antifungal prophylaxis following heart transplantation: systematic review.

Patients with heart transplantation have a high incidence of infectious complications, especially fungal infections. The aim of the systematic review was to determine the best pharmacological strategy to prevent fungal infections among patients with heart transplant. We searched the PubMed and Embase databases for studies reporting the effectivenesss of pharmacologic strategies to prevent fungal infections in adult patient with a heart transplant. Our search yielded five studies (1176 patients), four of them with historical controls. Two studies used inhaled amphotericin B deoxycholate, three used itraconazole and one used targeted echinocandin. All studies showed significant reduction in the prophylaxis arm. Different products, doses and outcomes were noted. There is a highly probable benefit of prophylaxis use, however, better studies with standardised doses and comparators should be performed.