Fungal keratitis management in a referral cornea center in Brazil / Manejo de ceratites fúngicas em centro de referência no Brasil

Abstract Purpose: To report etiological diagnosis, predisposing risk factors, therapeutic strategies and visual outcome of patients treated at the Department of Ophthalmology of Federal University of São Paulo. Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive, and observational study from medical and laboratory records of the Department of Ophthalmology of Federal University of São Paulo, including all patients with culture proven fungal keratitis in 5 years, from October 2012 through October 2017. Results: There were 2260 fungi microbiologic test requests. Of these, 140 samples had positive cultures for fungi and sixty-six patients were followed at our clinic. Forty-five patients (68.2%) were men, and the mean age was 48.06 (±17.39) years. Fusarium spp. was the most frequently isolated fungus (32 cases; 48.5%), followed by Candida parapsilosis (12 cases; 18.2%). Thirty-four patients (51.5%) underwent intracameral injection of amphotericin B (5 µg per 0.1 ml). In 11 patients (32.3%), infection was eradicated after intracameral amphotericin B associated to topical antifungal treatment and, in 23 patients (67.7%), therapeutic keratoplasty was needed. No complication related to intracameral amphotericin B injection was observed in this series. Forty-three patients (65.1%) ended up with therapeutic keratoplasty. Three patients (4.5%) evolved to evisceration or enucleation. At the last follow-up visit, 53 patients (80.3%) had visual acuity worse than 20/200. Conclusion: Despite current antifungals drugs and distinct administration strategies, fungal keratitis remains challenging. Delayed antifungal therapy may explain poor clinical outcomes. Intracameral amphotericin B associated to topical antfungal treatment seems to be a safe and helpful alternative for non-responsive fungal keratitis. But it is important to formulate other treatment strategies, hence to improve patients' outcomes, since most patients ended-up with significant visual impairment even after current treatment.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever diagnósticos etiológicos, fatores de risco, estratégias terapêuticas e resultados visuais de pacientes com ceratite fúngica tratados no Departamento de Oftalmologia da Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo, descritivo e observacional, a partir da análise de prontuários médicos e laboratoriais do Departamento de Oftalmologia da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, incluindo todos os pacientes com ceratite fúngica comprovada por cultura no período de outubro de 2012 a outubro de 2017. Resultados: Foram realizadas 2260 solicitações de testes microbiológicos. Destas, 140 amostras apresentaram culturas positivas para fungos, e 66 pacientes foram acompanhados em nosso serviço. Quarenta e cinco pacientes (68,2%) eram do sexo masculino, e a média de idade foi de 48,06 (± 17,39) anos. Fusarium spp. foi o fungo mais freqüentemente isolado (32 casos; 48,5%), seguido por Candida parapsilosis (12 casos; 18,2%). Trinta e quatro pacientes (51,5%) foram submetidos à injeção intracameral de anfotericina B (5 µg por 0,1 ml). Destes, 11 pacientes (32,3%) tiveram a infecção erradicada. Nos outros 23 pacientes (67,7%), o transplante terapêutico foi necessário. Nenhuma complicação relacionada à injeção intracameral de anfotericina B foi observada neste estudo. No total, 43 pacientes (65,1%) evoluíram para transplante terapêutico, e 3 pacientes (4,5%) foram submetidos à evisceração ou enucleação. Cinquenta e três pacientes (80,3%) apresentaram acuidade visual final pior que 20/200. Conclusões: Apesar dos diversos medicamentos antifúngicos atuais e vias de administração, o tratamento das ceratites fúngicas permanece desafiador. O atraso no início do tratamento adequado pode justificar o desfecho clínico desfavorável de grande parte dos pacientes. A injeção intracameral de anfotericina B mostrou-se uma alternativa terapêutica segura para ceratites fúngicas refratárias. Mas outras estratégias de tratamento devem ser formuladas, visando melhorar os resultados visuais dos pacientes.

American tegumentary leishmaniasis: severe side effects of pentavalent antimonial in a patient with chronic renal failure

Abstract: Pentavalent antimonials are the first-line drug treatment for American tegumentary leishmaniasis. We report on a patient with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis who presented with cutaneous lesions of leishmaniasis for four months. The patient was treated with intravenous meglumine under strict nephrological surveillance, but cardiotoxicity, acute pancreatitis, pancytopenia, and cardiogenic shock developed rapidly. Deficient renal clearance of meglumine antimoniate can result in severe toxicity, as observed in this case. These side effects are related to cumulative plasma levels of the drug. Therefore, second-line drugs like amphotericin B are a better choice for patients on dialysis.

Neuroparacoccidioidomicosis: para tener presente / Neuroparacoccidiodomycosis to keep in mind:

La paracoccidioidomicosis (PCM) es una micosis endémica de zonas tropicales y subtropicales, con mayor prevalencia en América Latina, producida por especies del género Para-coccidioides. Es una micosis profunda sistémica que en su forma crónica afecta principalmente a varones adultos. La afectación del sistema nervioso central (SNC) está descrita en un 10-27%. Nosotros presentamos dos casos con mani-festación neurológica al ingreso

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is an endemic mycosis, from tropical and subtropical zones, with a higher prevalence in Latin America, produced by species of the genus Paracoccidioides. It is a deep chronic systemic my-cosis, which mainly affects adult males. The involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) is described in 10-27%. We present two cases with neurological manifestation upon admission.

Histoplasmosis diseminada como manifestación inicial del linfoma linfocítico de células pequeñas / Disseminated histoplasmosis as a first clinical manifestation in a patient with small lymphocytic lymphoma: A case report

RESUMEN El linfoma linfocítico de células pequeñas es una neoplasia de células B maduras con un amplio espectro de presentaciones clínicas. Las infecciones por gérmenes oportunistas no asociadas con el tratamiento, incluso en estadios avanzados de la enfermedad, tienen baja incidencia. Se han reportado muy pocos casos de pacientes con linfoma linfocítico de células pequeñas asociado a histoplasmosis diseminada que no habían recibido quimioterapia en el momento del diagnóstico. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 82 años que fue hospitalizada por presentar tos seca intermitente, astenia y adinamia de un mes de evolución. Se le practicaron múltiples estudios para detectar infecciones o compromiso inmunológico o reumático, y se diagnosticó un síndrome adenopático extenso con compromiso cervical, torácico y retroperitoneal. En la citometría de flujo y en la biopsia de ganglio linfático cervical, se reportaron los fenotipos CD19+, CD20dim, CD5+, CD45+, CD23+, CD43neg y CD10neg, con restricción de la cadena ligera kappa, lo cual confirmó un linfoma linfocítico de células pequeñas. En la histopatología del ganglio, se observaron granulomas epitelioides sin necrosis, pero las coloraciones especiales no mostraron la presencia de microorganismos, en tanto que el cultivo del ganglio fue positivo para Histoplasma capsulatum. Se inició el tratamiento antifúngico con anfotericina B e itraconazol, y la paciente tuvo una adecuada evolución. Dado que no se cumplían los criterios para el tratamiento oncológico, se continuó con su observación mediante controles periódicos. Las infecciones oportunistas pueden ser la manifestación clínica inicial en pacientes con síndromes linfoproliferativos de bajo grado. Este caso demuestra que pueden desarrollarse, incluso, en ausencia de quimioterapia.

ABSTRACT The small lymphocytic lymphoma is a mature B cell neoplasm with a broad spectrum of clinical presentations. Opportunistic infections that are not related to the treatment, even in advanced stages, have a low incidence rate. There are few case reports in the medical literature of patients who have not received immunosuppressive therapy and present with small lymphocytic lymphoma associated with disseminated histoplasmosis at diagnosis. A female 82-year-old patient was admitted due to an intermittent dry cough, asthenia, and adynamia that had persisted for one month. Multiple studies to detect infections and immuno-rheumatic conditions were performed and an extensive cervical, thoracic and peritoneal adenopathic syndrome was diagnosed. A flow cytometry and a cervical lymph node biopsy were performed reporting CD19+, CD20dim, CD5+, CD45+, CD23+, CD43neg, and CD10neg phenotypes with restriction in the light kappa chain compatible with a small lymphocytic lymphoma. Epithelioid granulomas without necrosis were observed in the lymph node histopathology and special colorations showed no microorganisms. The culture from the lymph node was positive for Histoplasma capsulatum. We initiated treatment with amphotericin B and itraconazole with an adequate response. In the absence of compliance with oncology treatment criteria, the patient was managed on a "watch and wait" basis. Opportunistic infections could be the initial clinical manifestation in patients with low-grade lymphoproliferative syndromes. This case report shows that they can develop even in the absence of chemotherapy.

Mucosal leishmaniasis: the experience of a Brazilian referral center

Abstract INTRODUCTION Pentavalent antimonials (Sbv) are the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of mucosal leishmaniasis (ML), despite their high toxicity and only moderate efficacy. The aim of this study was to report therapeutic responses with different available options for ML. METHODS This study was based on a review of clinical records of 35 patients (24 men and 11 women) treated between 2009 and 2015. RESULTS The median age of patients was 63 years, and the median duration of the disease was 24 months. Seventeen patients received Sbv, while nine patients were treated with liposomal amphotericin B (AmB), and another nine patients were treated with fluconazole. Patients treated with AmB received a total median accumulated dose of 2550mg. The mean duration of azole use was 120 days, and the daily dose ranged from 450 to 900mg. At the three-month follow-up visit, the cure rate was 35%, 67%, and 22% for Sbv, AmB, and azole groups, respectively. At the six-month follow-up visit, the cure rates for Sbv, AmB, and azole groups were 71%, 78%, and 33%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS There is a scarcity of effective ML treatment alternatives, and based on our observations, fluconazole is not a valid treatment option.

Leishmaniasis mucocutánea asociada a infección diseminada por paracoccidioides brasiliensis / MUCOCUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS ASSOCIATED TO DISEMINATED INFECTION BY PARACOCCIDIOIDES BRASILIENSIS

Leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease produced by a protozoan of the genus Leishmania, is triggered by the bite of an infected sandfly. It is endemic in tropical and subtropical areas of the Americas, places of poor socioeconomic health conditions and malnutrition. These conditions favor the entry of other pathogens such as the dimorphic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, responsible for Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), deep mycosis of inhalatory entry that initially affects the lungs; then skin, mucous membranes, lymph nodes and adrenal glands. The association of reported cases of Leishmaniasis and Paracoccidiodoimicosis in the same patient is infrequent. We point out the importance of the multidisciplinary approach for the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Incidência de flebite e flebite pós-infusional em adultos hospitalizados / Incidencia de flebitis y flebitis después de la infusión en adultos hospitalizados / Incidence of phlebitis and post-infusion phlebitis in hospitalised adults

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a incidência de flebite durante o uso de cateter intravenoso periférico (CIP) e pós-infusional e analisar a associação com fatores de risco em pacientes hospitalizados. Método Estudo de coorte com 165 pacientes adultos internados em hospital universitário de Porto Alegre que totalizaram 447 acessos no período de dezembro 2014 a fevereiro 2015. A coleta dos dados foi diária, e a análise dos dados ocorreu pela estatística descritiva e analítica. Resultados A incidência de flebite durante o uso do CIP foi de 7,15% e de flebite pós-infusional, 22,9%. A flebite durante o uso do cateter associou-se com a Amoxicilina + Ácido Clavulânico. A flebite pós-infusional apresentou associação do grau de gravidade com a idade e com o uso de Amoxacilina + Ácido Clavulânico, Cloridrato de Tramadol e Anfotericina. Conclusão A incidência de flebite pós-infusional mostrou-se um indicador importante para a análise do cenário da qualidade da assistência em saúde.

RESUMEN Objetivo Evaluar la incidencia de flebitis en el uso de catéter periférico intravenoso (CIP) y posinfusional y analizar la asociación con los factores de riesgo en pacientes hospitalizados. Método Estudio de cohorte con 165 pacientes adultos ingresados en un hospital universitario de Porto Alegre, que ascendió a 447 accesos de diciembre 2014 a febrero de 2015. La recolección de datos fue diaria y el análisis de datos fue mediante estadística descriptiva y analítica. Resultados La incidencia de flebitis durante el uso de catéter periférico intravenoso fue del 7,15% y de la flebitis posinfusional fue del 22,9%. La flebitis durante el uso del catéter se asoció con el uso de Amoxicilina + Ácido clavulánico. La flebitis posinfusional presentó una asociación del grado de gravedad con la edad, y con el uso de Amoxicilina + Ácido clavulánico, Clorhidrato de tramadol y Anfotericina. Conclusión La incidencia de flebitis posinfuncional mostró ser un indicador importante para el análisis del escenario de la calidad de atención en salud.

ABSTRACT Objective to determine the incidence of phlebitis during and after the use of peripheral intravenous catheter (PIC), and analyse the association of this complication with risk factors. Methods cohort study with 165 adult patients admitted to a university hospital in Porto Alegre, totalling 447 accesses, from December 2014 to February 2015. Data were collected on a daily basis and analysed by means of descriptive and analytical statistics. Results The incidence of phlebitis during PIC was 7.15% and the incidence of post-infusion phlebitis was 22.9%. Phlebitis during catheter use was associated with the use of Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid. The grade of post-infusion phlebitis was associated with age and use of Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid, Tramadol Hydrochloride, and Amphotericin. Conclusion The incidence of post-infusion phlebitis proved to be an important indicator to analyse the quality of the healthcare setting.

Criptococoma cerebral e pulmonar em paciente imunocompetente: relato de caso / Cerebral and Pulmonary Cryptococcoma in an Immunocompetent Pacient: Case Report

Neurocriptococose é uma infecção fúngica do sistema nervoso central e sua principal apresentação clínica é a meningoencefalite. Lesões sólidas com aspecto tumoral, denominadas criptococoma, podem manifestar-se principalmente em imunodeprimidos. É relatado caso de paciente jovem, imunocompetente, com lesão tumoral frontal direita com grande efeito de massa e lesão menor em lobo occipital esquerdo, assim como lesão tumoral em pulmão direito. A paciente e seus cuidadores concordaram e autorizaram a publicação do caso. Foi feita revisão da literatura quanto à epidemiologia, tratamento e prognóstico. A paciente foi tratada comanfotericina B lipossomal e submetida à ressecção cirúrgica das lesões cerebrais e pulmonar, em tempos distintos, com bom desfecho clínico. A criptococose é infecção comum que pode acometer indivíduos tanto imunocomprometidos quanto imunocompetentes. Embora a meningoencefalite seja a forma mais comum de acometimento do SNC, existem outras formas mais raras como criptococoma cerebral. Há evidência de que a abordagem cirúrgica das lesões expansivas é benéfica e recomendada.

Neurocryptococcosis is a fungal infection of the central nervous system and its major clinical manifestation is meningoencephalitis. Solid tumor-like lesions, referred as cryptococcoma, usually occurs in immunocompromised patients. This paper reports a young immunocompetent female with a tumor-like lesion on the right frontal region and another one on the left occipital lobe, as well as a tumor lesion on her right lung. The patient and her caregivers have agreed and authorized the publishing of the case. Literature review wasmade regarding the epidemiology, treatment and prognosis. The patient was treated with anfotericine B and underwent surgical resection of the brain and lung lesions, at different times, with good clinical outcome. C. neoformans is a common fungal infection that can affect both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. Although meningoencephalitis is themost common presentation of CNS involvement, there are other rarer forms such as cerebral cryptococcoma. There is evidence that the surgical treatment of mass lesions is beneficial and recommended.

Paracoccidioidomycosis treatment / Tratamento da paracoccidioidomicose

SUMMARYConsidered to be an emerging endemic mycosis in Latin America, paracoccidioidomycosis is characterized by a chronic course and involvement of multiple organs in immunocompromised hosts. Infection sequelae are mainly related to pulmonary and adrenal insufficiency. The host-parasite interaction results in different expressions of the immune response depending on parasite pathogenicity, fungal load and genetic characteristics of the host. A few controlled and case series reports have shown that azoles and fast-acting sulfa derivatives are useful treatment alternatives in milder forms of the disease. For moderate/severe cases, more prolonged treatments or even parenteral routes are required especially when there is involvement of the digestive tract mucosa, resulting in poor drug absorption. Although comparative studies have reported that shorter treatment regimens with itraconazole are able to induce cure in chronically-infected patients, there are still treatment challenges such as the need for more controlled studies involving acute cases, the search for new drugs and combinations, and the search for compounds capable of modulating the immune response in severe cases as well as the paradoxical reactions.

RESUMOConsiderada micose endêmica emergente na América Latina, a paracoccidioidomicose é caracterizada por uma evolução crônica e envolvimento de múltiplos órgãos em pacientes com comprometimento imunológico. Sequelas da infecção estão relacionadas principalmente à insuficiência pulmonar e adrenal. A interação hospedeiro-parasito resulta em diferentes expressões da resposta imune dependendo da patogenicidade do parasito, carga fúngica e características genéticas do hospedeiro. Alguns estudos controlados e séries de casos têm demonstrado que azóis de ação rápida e derivados de sulfa constituem alternativas terapêuticas úteis nas formas mais leves da doença. Para casos moderados/graves, tratamentos mais prolongados ou mesmo por via parenteral são necessários especialmente quando há envolvimento de mucosa do trato digestivo, resultando em absorção deficiente de drogas. Embora estudos comparativos tenham relatado que esquemas terapêuticos mais curtos com itraconazol sejam capazes de induzir cura em pacientes cronicamente infectados, ainda existem desafios no tratamento, tais como a necessidade de maior número de estudos controlados envolvendo casos agudos, busca por novas drogas e combinações, compostos capazes de modular a resposta imune nos casos graves, e reações paradoxais.

Historical seriss of patients with visceral leihmaniasis treated with megluminne antimoniate in a hospital for tropical diseases, Maceió-AL, Brazil / Série histórica dos pacientes com leishmaniose visceral tratados com antimoniato de meglumina em hospital de Doenças Tropicais, Maceió-AL, Brasil

Introduction: Visceral leishmaniasis is an endemic protozoan found in Brazil. It is characterized by fever, pallor, hepatosplenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and progressive weakness in the patient. It may lead to death if untreated. The drug of choice for treatment is meglumine antimoniate (Glucantime®). The aim of this study was to evaluate patients with visceral leishmaniasis according to criteria used for diagnosis, possible reactions to Glucantime® and blood pressure measured before and after treatment. Methods: 89 patients admitted to the Teaching Hospital Dr. Hélvio Auto (HEHA) in Maceió-AL, in the period from May 2006 to December 2009 were evaluated. Data were collected on age, sex, origin, method of diagnosis, adverse effects of drugs, duration of hospitalization, duration of treatment and dosage up to the onset of adverse effects. Results: There was a predominance of child male patients, aged between one and five years old, from the interior of the State of Alagoas. Parasitological diagnosis was made by bone marrow aspirate; three (3.37%) patients died, 12 (13.48%) had adverse reactions and treatment was changed to amphotericin B, and 74 (83.14%) were cured. Changes that led to replacing Glucantime® were persistent fever, jaundice, rash, bleeding and cyanosis. Conclusion: During the study, 89 patients hospitalized for VL were analyzed: 74 were healed, 12 were replaced by amphotericin B treatment and three died. Most of them were under five years old, male and came from the interior. The dosage and duration of treatment with Glucantime® were consistent with that advocated by the Ministry of Health. Persistence of fever, jaundice, rash, cyanosis and bleeding were the reactions that led the physician to modify treatment. No change was observed in blood pressure before and after treatment. This study demonstrated the work of a hospital, a reference in the treatment of leishmaniasis, which has many patients demanding its services in this area. It demonstrates that this disease is still important today, and needs to be addressed properly to prevent injury and death due to the disease.

A Leishmaniose visceral é doença infecciosa causada por protozoários das espécies chagasi e donovani sendo transmitida pela picada de insetos fêmea dos gêneros Lutzomyia e Phlebotomos. Constitui doença febril, determinando amplo aspecto de manifestações clínicas e prognóstico variável, que pode levar à morte se não for tratada. É doença endêmica encontrada no Brasil e nos últimos anos verificou-se intenso processo de urbanização da endemia e aumento da letalidade por leishmaniose visceral. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar pacientes com leishmaniose visceral de acordo com os critérios utilizados para o diagnóstico, possíveis reações ao Glucantime® e pressão arterial, medidos antes e após o tratamento. Métodos: Foram avaliados 89 pacientes internados no Hospital Universitário Dr. Hélvio Auto (HEHA), em Maceió-AL, no período de maio de 2006 a dezembro de 2009. Foram coletados dados sobre idade, sexo, origem, método de diagnóstico, efeitos adversos da droga, duração da hospitalização, duração do tratamento e dose até o aparecimento de efeitos adversos. Resultados: Houve predomínio de crianças do sexo masculino, com idade entre um e cinco anos, a partir do interior do Estado de Alagoas. O diagnóstico parasitológico foi feito pelo aspirado de medula óssea, três (3,37%) pacientes morreram, 12 (13,48 %) apresentaram reações adversas e o tratamento foi alterado para anfotericina B, e 74 (83,14 %) foram curados. As alterações que levaram à substituição de Glucantime® foi febre persistente. A dosagem e duração do tratamento com Glucantime® foi seguido como preconizado pelo Ministério da Saúde. A persistência de febre, icterícia, prurido, cianose e sangramento foram as reações que levaram o médico a modificar o tratamento. Nenhuma mudança foi observada na pressão arterial antes e após o tratamento. O estudo realizado demonstrou o perfil de um Hospital, que recebe grande demanda de casos de leishmaniose visceral. Isso demonstra que essa doença continua sendo importante na atualidade, precisando ser abordada de maneira adequada, evitando assim agravos e mortes pela doença.

Cryptococcosis in Colombia: Results of the national surveillance program for the years 2006-2010 / Criptococosis en Colombia: resultados de la encuesta nacional, 2006-2010

Introduction: A survey on cryptococcosis is being conducted regularly in Colombia since 1997. We present hereby the results corresponding to patients diagnosed from 2006 to 2010. Objective: To analyze the data obtained during this period. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of the corresponding surveys. Results: A total of 526 surveys originating from 72% of the Colombian political divisions were received during the 5-year period. Most patients (76.6%) were males and 74.9% were 21-50 years old. The most prevalent risk factor was HIV infection (83.5%) with cryptococcosis defining AIDS in 23% of the cases. In the general population the estimated mean annual incidence rate for cryptococcosis was 2.4 x 106 inhabitants while in AIDS patients this rate rose to 3.3 x 103. In 474 surveys stating clinical features, most frequent complaints were headache 84.5%, fever 63.4%, nausea and vomiting 57.5%, mental alterations 46.3%, meningeal signs 33.0%, cough 26.4% and visual alterations 24.5%. Neurocryptococcosis was recorded in 81.8% of the cases. Laboratory diagnosis was based on direct examination, culture and latex in 29.3% cases. From 413 Cryptococcus isolates analyzed, 95.6% were identified as C. neoformans var. grubii, 1% C. neoformans var. neoformans, and 3.4% C. gattii. Treatment was reported for 71.6% of the cases with amphotericin B alone or in combination with fluconazole prescribed in 28%. Conclusions: Surveys done through passive surveillance continue to be sentinel markers for HIV infection and represent a systematic approach to the study of opportunistic problems regularly afflicting AIDS patients since cryptococcosis requires no compulsory notification in Colombia.

Introducción. Desde 1997 se viene realizando un programa nacional de vigilancia sobre la criptococosis en Colombia. Se presentan los resultados correspondientes a los pacientes diagnosticados entre el 2006 y el 2010. Objetivo. Analizar los datos obtenidos durante este periodo. Materiales y métodos. Análisis retrospectivo de las encuestas. Resultados. Durante los cinco años mencionados se recibieron 526 encuestas representativas del 72 % de la división política colombiana. La mayoría de pacientes (76,6 %) eran hombres y 74,9 % estaban entre los 21 y los 50 años. El factor de riesgo prevalente fue la infección por VIH (83,5 %), y la criptococosis definió el sida en 23 % de los casos. La incidencia anual promedio en la población general fue de 2,4 por un millón de habitantes mientras que, en pacientes con sida, aumentó a 3,3 por 1.000. En 474 encuestas se informaron manifestaciones clínicas; las más frecuentes fueron: cefalea (84,5 %), fiebre (63,4 %), náuseas y vómito (57,5 %), alteraciones mentales (46,3 %), signos meníngeos (33 %), tos (26,4 %) y alteraciones visuales (24,5 %). La neurocriptococosis se reportó en 81,8 % de los casos. El diagnóstico se hizo por examen directo, cultivo y antigenemia en 29,3 % de los casos. De 413 aislamientos recuperados, 95,6 % fueron C. neoformans var. grubii, 1 % C. neoformans var. neoformans, y 3,4 % C. gattii. En 71,6 % de los casos para el tratamiento se administró anfotericina B y en 28 % se combinó con fluconazol. Conclusiones. La vigilancia pasiva continúa siendo un marcador centinela para la infección por VIH, y constituye una aproximación sistemática al estudio de infecciones oportunistas en pacientes con sida, debido a que la criptococosis no es de notificación obligatoria en Colombia.

Meningoencephalitis caused by a zygomycete fungus (Basidiobolus) associated with septic shock in an immunocompetent patient: 1-year follow-up after treatment

Zygomycosis is an infection caused by opportunistic fungi of the Zygomycetes class, specifically those from the Mucorales and Entomophthorales orders. It is an uncommon disease, mainly restricted to immunocompromised patients. We report a case of a 73-year-old male patient with a history of fever (39°C) lasting for 1 day, accompanied by shivering, trembling, and intense asthenia. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit with complex partial seizures, and submitted to orotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation under sedation with midazolam. The electroencephalogram showed evidence of non-convulsive status epilepticus. There is no fast specific laboratory test that permits confirmation of invasive fungal disease. Unless the physician suspects this condition, the disease may progress rapidly while the patient is treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Differential diagnosis between fungal and bacterial infection is often difficult. The clinical presentation is sometimes atypical, and etiological investigation is not always successful. In the present case, the histopathological examination of the biopsy obtained from the right temporal lobe indicated the presence of irregular, round, thick-walled fungi forming papillae and elongated structures of irregular diameter, with no septa, indicative of zygomycete (Basidiobolus). Treatment with liposomal amphotericin B and fluconazole was initiated after diagnosis of meningoencephalitis by zygomycete, with a successful outcome.

Leishmaniose visceral: estudo retrospectivo de fatores associados à letalidade / Visceral leishmaniasis: retrospective study on factors associated with lethality

INTRODUÇÃO: A leishmaniose visceral é um problema de saúde pública, com grau de letalidade alcançando 10 por cento. Para o tratamento medicamentoso, é recomendado o antimoniato de metilglucamina. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o uso de medicamento em casos de leishmaniose visceral atendidos no Serviço de Infectologia do Núcleo de Hospital Universitário de Campo Grande Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul. MÉTODOS: Para coleta de dados, foram pesquisados prontuários de 76 pacientes com diagnóstico de leishmaniose visceral atendidos pelo Serviço de Infectologia do Hospital Universitário de Campo Grande. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados prontuários de 76 (28,9 por cento) pacientes (56 homens e 20 mulheres) apresentavam comorbidades. Como droga de 1ª escolha, 88,2 por cento dos pacientes utilizaram o antimoniato-N-metil glucamina com evolução para óbito de 18,4 por cento. A análise de sobrevida mostrou diferença estatisticamente significativa em pacientes com e sem comorbidades (p< 0,0001) e com comorbidade que fizeram uso de Glucantime® (p <0,0009). A letalidade de 18,4 por cento sinaliza ineficiência das medidas de assistência a saúde adotadas. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem que o prognóstico da doença torna-se ruim quando associado à presença de comorbidades e que o tratamento deve ser criterioso, para minimizar a letalidade.

INTRODUCTION: Visceral leishmaniasis is a public health problem, with lethality reaching 10 percent. The recommended drug treatment is methylglucamine antimoniate. This study aimed to evaluate drug use for cases of visceral leishmaniasis treated at the Infectology Clinic of the Campo Grande University Hospital Center, State of Mato Grosso do Sul. METHODS: To collect data, we examined the medical records of 76 patients with a diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis treated at this Infectology Clinic. RESULTS: The medical files of 76 patients (56 men and 20 women; 28.9 percent) showed comorbidities. The first choice drug for 88.2 percent of the patients was N-methylglucamine antimoniate, with a fatal outcome for 18.4 percent. Survival analysis showed a statistically significant difference between patients with and without comorbidities (p <0.0001) and with comorbidities who used Glucantime® (p < 0.0009). The fatality rate of 18.4 percent indicates the low efficiency of the healthcare measures used. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the prognosis becomes poor when associated with the presence of comorbidities, and that the treatment needs to be carefully administered to minimize mortality.

Mortalidade por leishmaniose visceral: aspectos clínicos e laboratoriais / Mortality due to visceral leishmaniasis: clinical and laboratory characteristics

INTRODUÇÃO: A leishmaniose visceral é uma doença infecciosa sistêmica de ampla distribuição geográfica, caracterizada pelo alto potencial de letalidade. Visando contribuir com a redução da mortalidade, bem como auxiliar profissionais da saúde no manejo clínico dos pacientes portadores desse agravo, este trabalho teve como objetivo investigar as características clínicas e laboratoriais dos casos que evoluíram para o êxito letal em hospitais de Campo Grande, MS, nos anos de 2003 a 2008. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados 55 prontuários de pacientes que tiveram a leishmaniose visceral como causa de óbito. RESULTADOS: Dos 55 pacientes estudados, 37 eram procedentes do município de Campo Grande, sendo 41 (74,5 por cento) do sexo masculino, com predominância da faixa etária acima dos 40 anos. Quanto ao quadro clínico, a febre esteve presente em 89,1 por cento dos casos. A duração da doença desde o início dos sintomas até a hospitalização variou em média 78,2 dias. A leucopenia ocorreu em 85,5 por cento dos pacientes. Comorbidades estiveram presentes em 39 (70,9 por cento) pacientes, sendo a desnutrição e o etilismo as mais frequentes. A confirmação do diagnóstico ocorreu em média 6,7 dias após a internação. O antimoniato pentavalente foi a droga mais utilizada, com 87,5 por cento dos pacientes apresentando algum tipo de reação adversa. Infecções bacterianas ocorreram em 36 pacientes e, em 27 (49 por cento), foram uma das causas do óbito. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados indicam que a identificação precoce dessas características clínicas e laboratoriais no primeiro atendimento ao paciente é de fundamental importância para se reduzir a mortalidade por meio da instituição de medidas terapêuticas e profiláticas eficazes.

INTRODUCTION: Visceral leishmaniasis is a systemic infectious disease of broad geographical distribution, characterized by high potential for lethality. With the purpose of contributing towards reducing mortality and helping healthcare professionals in clinical management of patients with this disease, this paper aimed to investigate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of cases with a fatal outcome in hospitals in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, between 2003 and 2008. METHODS: Fifty-five medical files on patients who died due to visceral leishmaniasis were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 55 patients studied, 37 were from the municipality of Campo Grande; 41 (74.5 percent) were males; and age over 40 years predominated. The patients presented with fever in 89.1 percent of the cases. The duration of the illness from the onset of symptoms to hospitalization was 78.2 days on average. Leukopenia was seen in 85.5 percent of the patients. Comorbidities were present in 39 (70.9 percent) patients; malnutrition and alcoholism were the most frequent of these. Confirmation of the diagnosis occurred on average 6.7 days after admission. Pentavalent antimoniate was the drug most used, and 87.5 percent of the patients presented some type of adverse reaction. Bacterial infections occurred in 36 patients and were one of the causes of death in 27 (49 percent). CONCLUSIONS: The data showed that early identification of these clinical and laboratory characteristics, at the time when patients are first attended, is extremely important for reducing mortality through instituting efficient therapeutic and prophylactic measures.

Central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection and Cryptococcus neoformans

This is the first case reported of central venous catheter-related fungemia due to C. neoformans. A patient with chronic renal failure developed a fungemia during the treatment of a dialysis-associated bacteremia. Cryptococcus neoformans grew in the catheter tip and blood culture. We addressed questions about this catheter-related fungemia.

Chronic meningitis by histoplasmosis: report of a child with acute myeloid leukemia

Meningitis is a common evolution in progressive disseminated histoplasmosis in children, and is asymptomatic in many cases. In leukemia, the impaired of the T cells function can predispose to the disseminated form. The attributed mortality rate in this case is 20 percent-40 percent and the relapse rate is as high as 50 percent; therefore, prolonged treatment may be emphasized. We have described a child with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), that developed skin lesions and asymptomatic chronic meningitis, with a good evolution after prolonged treatment with amphotericin B deoxycholate followed by fluconazole.

Acometimento intestinal da paracoccidioidomicose: relato de caso / Intestinal involvement of paracoccidioidomycosis: case report

A paracoccidioidomicose é uma moléstia gra»nulomatosa crônica, causada pelo fungo Paracoc»cidioides brasiliensis. Predomina no sexo masculi»no, adultos jovens oriundos, principalmente, da zona rural. Entre as formas clínicas, pode-se enc! contrar comprometimento digestivo, com incit dência variável, de acordo com o órgão conside»rado. O presente estudo relata um caso de para»coccidioidomicose com envolvimento do intestino delgado diagnosticado pela colonoscopia e his»topatológico, que evoluiu para um quadro de suboclusão intestinal pela fibrose do processo inflamatório decorrente da patologia. Através de revisão da literatura, são feitos comentários so»bre a doença de base, forma intestinal e suas complicaçoes clínico-cirúrgicas, enfatizando a raridade dessa apresentação clínica.

Paracoccidioidomicosis en la glándula suprarenal: reporte de un caso / Adrenal gland paracoccidioidomycosis: report of one case

La paracoccidioidomicosis es una micosis profunda, enfermedad granulomatosa subaguda o crónica, que compromete la piel, mucosas, ganglios linfáticos y órganos internos, de evolución maligna, sin tendencia a la curación espontánea. Realizamos una revisión de lo publicado sobre esta patología y reportamos un caso que representa una forma visceral pura, de presentación rara, aunque existen unos pocos casos publicados sobre todo en la literatura peruana y brasilera.

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a deep mycosis, that causes a sub acute or chronic granulomatous disease and involves skin, lymph nodes and internal organs. We report a 54 years old male coming from Paraguay that consulted for nausea, vomiting, asthenia and weight loss, lasting one year. An abdominal CAT scan showed a right adrenal tumor and a left adrenal hyperplasia. A percutaneous biopsy of the adrenal gland under CAT guidance disclosed a paracoccidioidomycosis. The patient was treated with amphotericin B, with good results.

Bilateral adrenal histoplasmosis in an immunocompetent man

Histoplasmosis is a fungal disease that is endemic in Brazil. It may present as chronic pulmonary infection or in disseminated form. Disseminated histoplasmosis frequently affects the adrenal gland; however, unilateral involvement in immunosuppressed patients is the usual presentation. We report a case of an elderly immunocompetent male with history of weight loss, fever and bilateral adrenal mass who was successfully treated with itraconazole.

Histoplasmose é uma doença fúngica endêmica no Brasil que pode se apresentar como infecção pulmonar crônica ou na forma disseminada. A histoplasmose disseminada freqüentemente acomete a glândula adrenal; entretanto, ocorre mais em pacientes imunossuprimidos e de forma unilateral. Relatamos um caso de um homem idoso imunocompetente com história de perda de peso, febre e massa adrenal bilateral que foi tratada com itraconazol, com sucesso.

Sinusite fúngica crônica indolente / Chronic indolent fungal sinusitis

A sinusite fúngica crônica invasiva é uma doença granulomatosa crônica com invasão tecidual de parede de seios paranasais. Apesar de ser engêmica no Sudão, é incomum na maioria dos países, inclusive nos EUA. Os fungos do gênero Aspergillus são o principal agente etiológico. Ocorre em pacientes imunocompetentes, não-atópicos, com história de rinossinusite crônica. Habitualmente se manifesta quando há invação de estruturas adjacentes (órbita e tecido retroorbitário). Seu diagnóstico requer suspeição clínica. Os autores relatam um caso de sinusite fúngica crônica invasiva por Aspergillus spp. em paciente com história de sinusite prolongada, não diagnosticada por médicos pelo desconhecimento desta afecção, cuja queixa principal era exoftalmia.