Epidemiology of fungal infection in COVID 19 in Spain during 2020 and 2021: a nationwide study.

We realize a nationwide population-based retrospective study to analyze the characteristics and risk factors of fungal co-infections in COVID-19 hospitalized patients as well as describe their causative agents in the Spanish population in 2020 and 2021. Data were obtained from records in the Minimum Basic Data Set of the National Surveillance System for Hospital Data in Spain, provided by the Ministry of Health, and annually published with two years lag. The assessment of the risk associated with the development of healthcare-associated fungal co-infections was assessed using an adjusted logistic regression model. The incidence of fungal co-infection in COVID-19 hospitalized patients was 1.41%. The main risk factors associated were surgery, sepsis, age, male gender, obesity, and COPD. Co-infection was associated with worse outcomes including higher in-hospital and in ICU mortality, and higher length of stay. Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. were the microorganisms more frequent. This is the first study analyzing fungal coinfection at a national level in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Spanish population and one of the few studies available that demonstrate that surgery was an independent risk factor of Aspergillosis coinfection in COVID-19 patients.

Epidemiology of bacterial co-infections and risk factors in COVID-19-hospitalized patients in Spain: a nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: We performed a nationwide population-based retrospective study to describe the epidemiology of bacterial co-infections in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-hospitalized patients in Spain in 2020. We also analyzed the risk factors for co-infection, the etiology and the impact in the outcome. METHODS: Data were obtained from records in the Minimum Basic Data Set (MBDS) of the National Surveillance System for Hospital Data in Spain, provided by the Ministry of Health and annually published with 2 years lag. COVID-19 circulated in two waves in 2020: from its introduction to 31st June and from 1st July to 31st December. The risk of developing a healthcare-associated bacterial co-infection and the risk for in-hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in co-infected patients was assessed using an adjusted logistic regression model. RESULTS: The incidence of bacterial co-infection in COVID-19 hospitalized patients was 2.3%. The main risk factors associated with bacterial co-infection were organ failure, obesity and male sex. Co-infection was associated with worse outcomes including higher in-hospital, in-ICU mortality and higher length of stay. Gram-negative bacteria caused most infections. Causative agents were similar between waves, although higher co-infections with Pseudomonas spp. were detected in the first wave and with Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae in the second. CONCLUSIONS: Co-infections are not as common as those found in other viral respiratory infections; therefore, antibiotics should be used carefully. Screening for actual co-infection to prescribe antibiotic therapy when required should be performed.

Epidural analgesia in a patient with factor XI deficit.

FXI deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder characterised by a decreased level or activity of factor. Pregnant women are at increased risk of uterine bleeding during childbirth. Neuroaxial analgesia may increase the risk of epidural hematoma in these patients. However, there is no consensus on the anaesthetic management. We present the clinical case of a 36-year-old woman with a personal history of factor XI deficiency, pregnant with 38 weeks gestation who is scheduled to perform birth induction. Pre-induction factor levels were measured. They were less than 40%, so it was decided to transfuse 20 ml/kg of fresh frozen plasma. After the transfusion it had levels greater than 40%, so epidural analgesia was performed without incident. The patient had no complications secondary to epidural analgesia or transfusion of a high volume of plasma.

Analgesia epidural en paciente con déficit de factor XI / Epidural analgesia in a patient with factor XI deficit

El déficit de factorXI es una enfermedad hemorrágica rara que se caracteriza por presentar disminución del nivel o de la actividad del factor. Las mujeres embarazadas con esta patología presentan mayor riesgo de sangrado uterino durante el parto. El uso de analgesia neuroaxial en estas pacientes puede aumentar el riesgo de producir hematoma epidural. Es necesario realizar un seguimiento multidisciplinar en el que participen activamente anestesiólogos, hematólogos y ginecólogos. Actualmente disponemos de escasa bibliografía sobre el manejo anestésico de este tipo de patología. Presentamos el caso clínico de una mujer de 36años con antecedentes personales de déficit de factorXI, embarazada de 38 semanas de gestación que es programada para realización de inducción del parto. Previamente a la inducción se midieron los niveles del factor, y al ser inferiores al 40% se decidió transfundir 20ml/kg de plasma fresco congelado. Tras la transfusión presentó niveles superiores al 40%, por lo que se realizó analgesia epidural sin incidencias. La paciente no presentó complicaciones secundarias a la analgesia epidural ni a la transfusión de un volumen elevado de plasma.(AU)

Factor XI deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder characterized by a decreased level or activity of factor. Pregnant women are at increased risk of uterine bleeding during childbirth. Neuroaxial analgesia may increase the risk of epidural hematoma in these patients. However, there is no consensus on the anesthetic management. We present the clinical case of a 36-year-old woman with a personal history of factorXI deficiency, pregnant with 38weeks gestation who is scheduled to perform birth induction. Pre-induction factor levels were measured. They were less than 40%, so it was decided to transfuse 20mL/kg of fresh frozen plasma. After the transfusion it had levels greater than 40%, so epidural analgesia was performed without incident. The patient had no complications secondary to epidural analgesia or transfusion of a high volume of plasma.(AU)

Beneficios de los bloqueos analgésicos, PENG (PEricapsular Nerve Group), en la recuperación precoz tras la cirugía de cadera / Benefits of analgesic blocks, PENG block (PEricapsular Nerve Group), in fast recovery after hip surgery

Introducción: La fractura de cadera es una emergencia ortopédica frecuente que asocia elevada morbimortalidad y dolor intenso. Las técnicas analgo-anestésicas locorregionales, tanto centrales como periféricas, ocupan un lugar preferente dentro del arsenal terapéutico multimodal. A los bloqueos clásicos se ha sumado recientemente el bloqueo pericapsular, o PENG (PEricapsular Nerve Group). El objetivo es evaluar en pacientes con fractura de cadera la eficacia antinociceptiva del bloqueo PENG preoperatorio, el bloqueo motor residual y el tiempo necesario para la recuperación funcional postoperatoria. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo prospectivo en pacientes programados para artroplastia total de cadera. El bloqueo PENG se realizó previo a la cirugía. Se evaluó el dolor con escala visual numérica (EVN) antes de la realización del bloqueo, 30minutos después, en el postoperatorio inmediato y a las 24horas de la intervención, el grado de bloqueo motor según la escala de Bromage y el tiempo necesario para la deambulación asistida. Resultados: En todos los pacientes el bloqueo PENG proporcionó analgesia eficaz. Logró disminuir 3 o más puntos la EVN en todos los momentos evaluados. La diferencia media entre el dolor previo y posterior al bloqueo fue de 7,5 puntos en la EVN, lo que permitió el traslado y la colocación del paciente sin alteración hemodinámica, exacerbación del dolor, ni otras complicaciones. Conclusiones: El bloqueo PENG es una técnica analgésica regional efectiva y segura para pacientes con fractura de cadera; facilita la movilización y la colocación previa a la cirugía sin exacerbación del dolor, y favorece una temprana movilidad y rehabilitación.

Introduction: Hip fracture is a frequent orthopedic emergency which associates high morbidity and mortality and intense pain. Locoregional analgo-anesthetic techniques, both central and peripheral, occupy a preferential place in the multimodal therapeutic arsenal. Recently, a new regional blockade has emerged, the pericapsular block or PENG block (PEricapsular Nerve Group). The objective is to evaluate in patients with hip fracture, the antinociceptive efficacy of the preoperative PENG block, residual motor block and time for postoperative functional recovery. Method and materials: Prospective descriptive observational study with patients going to have total hip arthroplasty. PENG block was performed before surgery. Pain was assessed with the Visual Numerical Scale (VNS) before the blockade, 30min later, in the immediate postoperative period and 24h after the intervention. Motor block according to the Bromage scale and time needed for assisted walking were also evaluated. Results: PENG block provided effective analgesia in all patients, with a decrease in at least 3 points on the VNS at every step in which it was evaluated. The average difference between pain before and after the block was 7.5 points on the VNS. It allowed the transfer and placement of the patient without hemodynamic alteration, exacerbation of pain or other complications. Conclusions: PENG block is an effective and safe regional analgesic technique for patients with hip fracture. It allows mobilization and placement before surgery without pain exacerbation, promoting early mobility and rehabilitation.(AU)

[Translated article] Benefits of analgesic blocks, PENG block (PEricapsular Nerve Group), in fast recovery after hip surgery / Beneficios de los bloqueos analgésicos, PENG (PEricapsular Nerve Group), en la recuperación precoz tras la cirugía de cadera

Introduction: Hip fracture is a frequent orthopedic emergency which associates high morbidity and mortality and intense pain. Locoregional analgo-anesthetic techniques, both central and peripheral, occupy a preferential place in the multimodal therapeutic arsenal. Recently, a new regional blockade has emerged, the pericapsular block or PENG block (PEricapsular Nerve Group). The objective is to evaluate in patients with hip fracture, the antinociceptive efficacy of the preoperative PENG block, residual motor block and time for postoperative functional recovery. Method and materials: Prospective descriptive observational study with patients going to have total hip arthroplasty. PENG block was performed before surgery. Pain was assessed with the Visual Numerical Scale (VNS) before the blockade, 30min later, in the immediate postoperative period and 24h after the intervention. Motor block according to the Bromage scale and time needed for assisted walking were also evaluated. Results: PENG block provided effective analgesia in all patients, with a decrease in at least 3 points on the VNS at every step in which it was evaluated. The average difference between pain before and after the block was 7.5 points on the VNS. It allowed the transfer and placement of the patient without hemodynamic alteration, exacerbation of pain or other complications. Conclusions: PENG block is an effective and safe regional analgesic technique for patients with hip fracture. It allows mobilization and placement before surgery without pain exacerbation, promoting early mobility and rehabilitation.(AU)

Introducción: La fractura de cadera es una emergencia ortopédica frecuente que asocia elevada morbimortalidad y dolor intenso. Las técnicas analgo-anestésicas locorregionales, tanto centrales como periféricas, ocupan un lugar preferente dentro del arsenal terapéutico multimodal. A los bloqueos clásicos se ha sumado recientemente el bloqueo pericapsular, o PENG (PEricapsular Nerve Group). El objetivo es evaluar en pacientes con fractura de cadera la eficacia antinociceptiva del bloqueo PENG preoperatorio, el bloqueo motor residual y el tiempo necesario para la recuperación funcional postoperatoria. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo prospectivo en pacientes programados para artroplastia total de cadera. El bloqueo PENG se realizó previo a la cirugía. Se evaluó el dolor con escala visual numérica (EVN) antes de la realización del bloqueo, 30minutos después, en el postoperatorio inmediato y a las 24horas de la intervención, el grado de bloqueo motor según la escala de Bromage y el tiempo necesario para la deambulación asistida. Resultados: En todos los pacientes el bloqueo PENG proporcionó analgesia eficaz. Logró disminuir 3 o más puntos la EVN en todos los momentos evaluados. La diferencia media entre el dolor previo y posterior al bloqueo fue de 7,5 puntos en la EVN, lo que permitió el traslado y la colocación del paciente sin alteración hemodinámica, exacerbación del dolor, ni otras complicaciones. Conclusiones: El bloqueo PENG es una técnica analgésica regional efectiva y segura para pacientes con fractura de cadera; facilita la movilización y la colocación previa a la cirugía sin exacerbación del dolor, y favorece una temprana movilidad y rehabilitación.

Benefits of analgesic blocks, PENG block (PEricapsular Nerve Group), in fast recovery after hip surgery. / Beneficios de los bloqueos analgésicos, PENG (PEricapsular Nerve Group), en la recuperación precoz tras la cirugía de cadera.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fracture is a frequent orthopedic emergency which associates high morbidity and mortality and intense pain. Locoregional analgo-anesthetic techniques, both central and peripheral, occupy a preferential place in the multimodal therapeutic arsenal. Recently, a new regional blockade has emerged, the pericapsular block or PENG block (PEricapsular Nerve Group). The objective is to evaluate in patients with hip fracture, the antinociceptive efficacy of the preoperative PENG block, residual motor block and time for postoperative functional recovery. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Prospective descriptive observational study with patients going to have total hip arthroplasty. PENG block was performed before surgery. Pain was assessed with the Visual Numerical Scale (VNS) before the blockade, 30min later, in the immediate postoperative period and 24h after the intervention. Motor block according to the Bromage scale and time needed for assisted walking were also evaluated. RESULTS: PENG block provided effective analgesia in all patients, with a decrease in at least 3 points on the VNS at every step in which it was evaluated. The average difference between pain before and after the block was 7.5 points on the VNS. It allowed the transfer and placement of the patient without hemodynamic alteration, exacerbation of pain or other complications. CONCLUSIONS: PENG block is an effective and safe regional analgesic technique for patients with hip fracture. It allows mobilization and placement before surgery without pain exacerbation, promoting early mobility and rehabilitation.

[Translated article] Benefits of analgesic blocks, PENG block (PEricapsular Nerve Group), in fast recovery after hip surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fracture is a frequent orthopaedic emergency which associates high morbidity and mortality and intense pain. Locoregional analgo-anaesthetic techniques, both central and peripheral, occupy a preferential place in the multimodal therapeutic arsenal. Recently, a new regional blockade has emerged, the pericapsular block or PENG block (PEricapsular Nerve Group). The objective is to evaluate in patients with hip fracture, the antinociceptive efficacy of the preoperative PENG block, residual motor block and time for postoperative functional recovery. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Prospective descriptive observational study with patients going to have total hip arthroplasty. PENG block was performed before surgery. Pain was assessed with the Visual Numerical Scale (VNS) before the blockade, 30min later, in the immediate postoperative period and 24h after the intervention. Motor block according to the Bromage scale and time needed for assisted walking were also evaluated. RESULTS: PENG block provided effective analgesia in all patients, with a decrease in at least 3 points on the VNS at every step in which it was evaluated. The average difference between pain before and after the block was 7.5 points on the VNS. It allowed the transfer and placement of the patient without haemodynamic alteration, exacerbation of pain or other complications. CONCLUSIONS: PENG block is an effective and safe regional analgesic technique for patients with hip fracture. It allows mobilisation and placement before surgery without pain exacerbation, promoting early mobility and rehabilitation.

Anaesthetic management of a dopamine-secreting phaeochromocytoma.

Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that arise from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. Most adrenal pheochromocytomas secrete norepinephrine and epinephrine. Dopamine secreting pheochromocytomas are extremely rare and differs from classic pheochromocytomas in clinical features, posing a significant diagnostic challenge. A 41-year-old women presented to our emergency department because of acute flank colic pain and normotension. The screening abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a left adrenal mass. The laboratory test showed significantly increase in plasma dopamine and 24-h urine dopamine. During surgical removal the patient remained hypotensive requiring doses of norepinephrine. The patient presented significant hypertensive responde during direct laryngoscopy and intubation.

Manejo anestésico de feocromocitoma productor de dopamina / Anaesthetic management of a dopamine-secreting phaeochromocytoma

El feocromocitoma es un tumor neuroendocrino raro que se origina en las células cromafines de la cresta neural del sistema nervioso autónomo. La mayoría de las feocromocitomas se caracterizan por secretar adrenalina y noradrenalina. Los productores de dopamina son infrecuentes y no presentan la sintomatología clínica típica, por lo que el diagnóstico puede ser complicado. Actualmente disponemos de escasa bibliografía sobre el manejo anestésico de este tipo de tumores.Presentamos el caso clínico de una mujer de 41 años que acudió a nuestro centro por dolor lumbar de tipo cólico de un mes de evolución y normotensión. Se realizó una tomografía axial computarizada abdominal que reveló masa hipercaptante en glándula suprarrenal izquierda. Los niveles de dopamina en orina y en plasma estaban elevados, los niveles de adrenalina y noradrenalina eran normales. Durante la intervención quirúrgica la paciente se mantuvo hipotensa precisando dosis de noradrenalina. Solo presentó un único pico hipertensivo durante la laringoscopia y la intubación orotraqueal.(AU)

Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that arise from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. Most adrenal pheochromocytomas secrete norepinephrine and epinephrine. Dopamine secreting pheochromocytomas are extremely rare and differs from classic pheochromocytomas in clinical features, posing a significant diagnostic challenge.A 41-year-old women presented to our emergency department because of acute flank colic pain and normotension. The screening abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a left adrenal mass. The laboratory test showed significantly increase in plasma dopamine and 24-hour urine dopamine. During surgical removal the patient remained hypotensive requiring doses of norepinephrine. The patient presented significant hypertensive responde during direct laryngoscopy and intubation.(AU)

Anaesthetic management of a dopamine-secreting phaeochromocytoma. / Manejo anestésico de feocromocitoma productor de dopamina.

Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that arise from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. Most adrenal pheochromocytomas secrete norepinephrine and epinephrine. Dopamine secreting pheochromocytomas are extremely rare and differs from classic pheochromocytomas in clinical features, posing a significant diagnostic challenge. A 41-year-old women presented to our emergency department because of acute flank colic pain and normotension. The screening abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a left adrenal mass. The laboratory test showed significantly increase in plasma dopamine and 24-hour urine dopamine. During surgical removal the patient remained hypotensive requiring doses of norepinephrine. The patient presented significant hypertensive responde during direct laryngoscopy and intubation.

Endocarditis marántica / Marantic endocarditis

La endocarditis marántica se caracteriza por la presencia de vegetaciones estériles en las válvulas cardiacas. Se asocia a estados de hipercoagulabilidad (cáncer, enfermedades autoinmunes, VIH). El ictus, el tromboembolismo pulmonar, la isquemia intestinal aguda y los infartos esplénicos, renales y hepáticos son sus principales manifestaciones. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 57años, con antecedentes de neoplasia uterina intervenida 5años antes, que acudió al servicio de Urgencias por pérdida brusca de fuerza en hemicuerpo izquierdo. La tomografía axial computarizada mostró un ictus isquémico derecho y se sometió a reperfusión endovascular y trombectomía 3h después del inicio de la clínica. A los 4días sufrió insuficiencia respiratoria aguda, con angio-TAC compatible con tromboembolismo pulmonar. Después aparecieron fibrilación auricular paroxística e isquemia distal en el segundo dedo del pie izquierdo. Fue diagnosticada de endocarditis marántica por ecocardiograma transesofágico y falleció 72h después por fracaso multiorgánico. El diagnóstico y el tratamiento precoces con anticoagulación pueden disminuir la mortalidad de esta enfermedad, que suele ser infradiagnosticada, con un alto porcentaje de diagnóstico post mortem

Marantic endocarditis is characterized by the presence of sterile vegetations in the heart valves, and is associated with hypercoagulability states (cancer, autoimmune diseases, HIV). Its main complications are stroke, pulmonary thromboembolism, acute intestinal ischemia and splenic, renal and hepatic infarcts. We present the case of a 57-year-old patient with a history of uterine neoplasia. She went to the emergency department due to sudden loss of strength in the left side of the body. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed right ischemic stroke, and she underwent endovascular reperfusion and thrombectomy. Four days later, she suffered acute respiratory failure, with angio-CT showing pulmonary thromboembolism. Later, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and distal ischemia in the second toe of the left foot appeared. She was diagnosed with marantic endocarditis by means of transesophageal echocardiography, and died 72h later due to multiorgan failure. Early diagnosis and treatment with anticoagulation can reduce the mortality of this disease, since it is underdiagnosed, and often only comes to light during postmortem examination