Comportamiento de características seleccionadas en pacientes hospitalizados por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad y algunas asociaciones de interés práctico / Behavior of selected characteristics in patients hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia and some associations of practical interest

La neumonía adquirida en la comunidad constituye una de las afecciones respiratorias que provoca más demanda de asistencia médica, y es responsable del mayor número de fallecidos por enfermedades infecciosas en Cuba. El objetivo del estudio ha sido determinar el comportamiento de características seleccionadas en pacientes hospitalizados por neumonía y precisar la existencia de asociaciones entre algunas de estas características.Se realizó un estudio observacional, con diseño descriptivo, que incluyó 1,809 pacientes hospitalizados por neumonía entre enero de 2012 y febrero de 2020. Fueron analizadas características relacionadas con las condiciones de base, clínico-radiológicas, y relativas al manejo y la evolución, mediante análisis bivariante y multivariante (regresión logística). La serie estuvo constituida fundamentalmente por pacientes ancianos (79%), mientras que el 20% presentaba la condición de encamamiento. Esta condición se asoció significativamente con el estado de demencia avanzada (OR 7,6[5,5;10,4]), y fue determinante en la presentación "solapada" del proceso (OR 1,5[1,09;2]). La presentación "solapada" de la neumonía estuvo significativamente asociada al ingreso tardío (OR 1,6[1,2;2,2]). Como conclusiones se ratifica el lugar que ocupan varios elementos en las características de la morbilidad por neumonía: edad avanzada, presencia de comorbilidades, y presentación no clásica del proceso. Fueron constatadas interrelaciones de importancia práctica entre la presencia de comorbilidades particulares, las formas clínicas de presentación, el momento del ingreso, y la utilización de antimicrobianos durante la atención prehospitalaria del paciente. Se destaca el papel del encamamiento en la extensión radiológica del proceso neumónico y en la presencia de derrame pleural de mediana o gran cuantía al momento del ingreso.

Community-acquired pneumonia is one of the respiratory conditions that causes the greatest demand for medical care, and is responsible for the largest number of deaths from infectious diseases in Cuba. The objective of the study was to determine the behavior of selected characteristics in patients hospitalized for pneumonia and to specify the existence of associations between some of these characteristics. An observational study, with a descriptive design, was carried out, which included 1,809 patients hospitalized for pneumonia between January 2012 and February 2020. Characteristics related to the basic, clinical-radiological conditions, and relative to management and evolution were analyzed, through analysis bivariate and multivariate (logistic regression). The series consisted mainly of elderly patients (79%), while 20% were bedridden. This condition was significantly associated with the state of advanced dementia (OR 7.6[5.5;10.4]) and was decisive in the "overlapping" presentation of the process (OR 1.5[1.09;2]). The "overlapping" presentation of pneumonia was significantly associated with late admission (OR 1.6[1.2;2.2]). As conclusions, the place occupied by several elements in the characteristics of pneumonia morbidity is ratified: advanced age, presence of comorbidities, and non-classical presentation of the process. Interrelationships of practical importance were found between the presence of comorbidities, the clinical forms of presentation, the time of admission, and the use of antimicrobials during the patient's prehospital care. The role of bed rest in the radiological extension of the pneumonic process and in the presence of medium or large pleural effusion at the time of admission is highlighted.

Clinical, epidemiological, and etiological profile of inpatients with community-acquired pneumonia in a public hospital in the interior of Brazil / Perfil clínico, epidemiológico e etiológico de pacientes internados com pneumonia adquirida na comunidade em um hospital público do interior do Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the patient profile, mortality rates, the accuracy of prognostic scores, and mortality-associated factors in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in a general hospital in Brazil. Methods: This was a cohort study involving patients with a clinical and laboratory diagnosis of CAP and requiring admission to a public hospital in the interior of Brazil between March 2014 and April 2015. We performed multivariate analysis using a Poisson regression model with robust variance to identify factors associated with in-hospital mortality. Results: We included 304 patients. Approximately 70% of the patients were classified as severely ill on the basis of the severity criteria used. The mortality rate was 15.5%, and the ICU admission rate was 29.3%. After multivariate analysis, the factors associated with in-hospital mortality were need for mechanical ventilation (OR: 3.60; 95% CI: 1.85-7.47); a Charlson Comorbidity Index score > 3 (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.18-1.43); and a mental Confusion, Urea, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure, and age > 65 years (CURB-65) score > 2 (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.09-1.98). The mean time from patient arrival at the emergency room to initiation of antibiotic therapy was 10 h. Conclusions: The in-hospital mortality rate of 15.5% and the need for ICU admission in almost one third of the patients reflect the major impact of CAP on patients and the health care system. Individuals with a high burden of comorbidities, a high CURB-65 score, and a need for mechanical ventilation had a worse prognosis. Measures to reduce the time to initiation of antibiotic therapy may result in better outcomes in this group of patients.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever o perfil dos pacientes, taxas de mortalidade, acurácia de escores prognósticos e fatores associados à mortalidade em pacientes com pneumonia adquirida na comunidade (PAC) em um hospital geral no Brasil. Métodos: Estudo de coorte envolvendo pacientes com diagnóstico clínico e laboratorial de PAC e necessidade de internação hospitalar entre março de 2014 e abril de 2015 em um hospital público do interior do Brasil. Foi realizada a análise multivariada mediante o modelo de regressão de Poisson com variância robusta para avaliar os fatores associados com mortalidade intra-hospitalar. Resultados: Foram incluídos 304 pacientes. Aproximadamente 70% dos pacientes foram classificados como graves de acordo com os critérios de gravidade utilizados. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 15,5% e a de necessidade de internação em UTI foi de 29,3%. Após a análise multivariada, os fatores associados à mortalidade intra-hospitalar foram necessidade de ventilação mecânica (OR = 3,60; IC95%: 1,85-7,47); Charlson Comorbidity Index > 3 (OR = 1,30; IC95%: 1,18-1,43); e mental Confusion, Urea, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure, and age > 65 years (CURB-65) > 2 (OR = 1,46; IC95%: 1,09-1,98). A média do tempo entre a chegada do paciente na emergência e o início da antibioticoterapia foi de 10 h. Conclusões: A taxa de mortalidade intra-hospitalar de 15,5% e a necessidade de internação em UTI em quase um terço dos pacientes demonstram o grande impacto da PAC nos pacientes e no sistema de saúde. Indivíduos com maior carga de comorbidades prévias, CURB-65 elevado e necessidade de ventilação mecânica apresentaram pior prognóstico. Ações para reduzir o tempo até o início da antibioticoterapia podem resultar em melhores desfechos nesse grupo de pacientes.

Neumonía neumocócica bacteriémica en adultos en hospital regional de Chile / Bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia in adults admitted to a general hospital: experience in 60 cases

Background: Bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia (BPP) is a preventable disease with high morbimortality. Aim: To evaluate clinical aspects and mortality on BPP patients admitted to a Chilean regional hospital. Patients and Methods: We looked for adult patients with Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from blood cultures between 2010 and 2014 years and reviewed clinical records of those who were admitted with pneumonia. Results: We identified 70 BPP patients: 58% were men, mean age was 56 years, 30% were > 65 years, 70% with basic public health insurance, 26% were alcoholics, 86% had comorbidities. Only two patients were vaccinated against S. pneumoniae. CURB-65 severity index for community acquired pneumonia was > 3 in 37% of patients. Twenty-four patients were admitted to ICU, twenty required mechanical ventilation and twenty-four died (34%). Mortality was associated with an age over 65 years, presence of comorbidities and complications of pneumonia. A total of 22 serotypes of S. pneumoniae were identified, five of them (1,3,7F,14 y 9V) were present in 57% of cases. Conclusions: Elevated mortality of our BNN patients was associated with comorbidities and possibly with socio economic factors, which conditioned a late access to medical care.

Características clínicas y microbiológicas de la infección intra-abdominal complicada en Colombia: un estudio multicéntrico / Clinical and microbiological characteristics of complicated intra-abdominal infection in Colombia: a multicenter study

Introducción: La infección intra-abdominal complicada adquirida en la comunidad (IIAc-AC) es una causa frecuente de abdomen agudo. Objetivo: Identificar el perfil clínico y microbiológico de la IIAc-AC en cuatro hospitales de Colombia. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo entre 07-2012 y 09-2014 en pacientes de 15 o más años con IIAc-AC. Se midieron las frecuencias de variables socio-demográficas, clínicas, diagnóstico, aislamientos y susceptibilidad antimicrobiana del primer cultivo obtenido asépticamente del sitio de infección. Resultados: 192 pacientes incluidos, 62% hombres, edad media 47,3 años; 38,4% con co-morbilidad, 13% hospitalizados en el último año y 9,4% recibieron antimicrobianos en los últimos seis meses. Fueron admitidos 44,3%, por apendicitis 17,7% por peritonitis y 16,7% por perforación intestinal. El 64,1% de las IIAc-AC fue moderada y tratada con ampicilina/sulbactam (SAM) y ertapenem. En 70,8% se aisló al menos un microorganismo en: 65,1% bacilos gramnegativos (80,0% Escherichia coli, 44,8% susceptible a piperacilina/tazobactam, 65,7% a SAM y 11,2% Klebsiella pneumoniae, 85% susceptibles a SAM) y en 16,7% especies grampositivas (28,1% Streptococcus grupo viridans). La mediana de hospitalización fue siete días y 15,1% fallecieron. Conclusión: Escherichia coli y K. pneumoniae en IIAc-AC son los principales microorganismos a cubrir en la terapia empírica y es necesario conocer la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana en cada región para seleccionar un tratamiento empírico adecuado.

Introduction: Complicated community-acquired intra-abdominal infections (CA-cIAI) are a common cause of acute abdomen. Objective: To identify the clinical and microbiology profile of CA-cIAI in four Colombian hospitals. Methods: This is a prospective, descriptive study, between 08-2012 and 09-2014, including patients with CA-cIAI > 15 years. Data collected included: socio-demographic, clinical, diagnosis, and isolates of the first culture obtained aseptically during surgery with antimicrobial susceptibility. Results: 192 patients were included, 62% men, median age 47.3 years. Co-morbidities were present in 38.4%, 13% had been hospitalized in the previous year 13%, and 9.4% had received antibiotics in the last 6 months; 44.3% were admitted for appendicitis, 17.7% for peritonitis and 16.7% for bowel perforation. CA-cIAI were assessed as moderate in 64.1% of the cases and were treated with ampicillin/sulbactam (SAM) and ertapenem. In 70.8% of cases a bacteria was isolated: 65.1% were gramnegative rods (80.0% Escherichia coli, 44.8% of them susceptible to pipercillin/tazobactam, 65.7% to SAM; 11.2 % were K.pneumoniae, 85% was susceptible for SAM; 16.7% were grampositive cocci (28.1% Streptococci viridans group). The median hospital stay was 7 days and 15.1% died. Conclusions: E. coli, K. pneumoniae and S. viridans were the main organisms to consider in an empiric therapy for CA-cIAI and it is important to know the local epidemiology in order to choose the right antibiotic.

Lethality by pneumonia and factors associated to death / Letalidade por pneumonia e fatores associados ao óbito

OBJECTIVE: To describe the case-fatality rate (CFR) and risk factors of death in children with community-acquired acute pneumonia (CAP) in a pediatric university hospital. METHOD: A longitudinal study was developed with prospective data collected from 1996 to 2011. Patients aged 1 month to 12 years were included in the study. Those who left the hospital against medical orders and those transferred to ICU or other units were excluded. Demographic andclinical-etiological characteristics and the initial treatment were studied. Variables associated to death were determined by bivariate and multivariate analysis using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 871 patients were selected, of whom 11 were excluded; thus 860 children were included in the study. There were 26 deaths, with a CFR of 3%; in 58.7% of these, penicillin G was the initial treatment. Pneumococcus was the most common pathogen (50.4%). From 1996 to 2000, there were 24 deaths (93%), with a CFR of 5.8% (24/413). From 2001 to 2011, the age group of hospitalized patients was older (p = 0.03), and the number of deaths (p = 0.02) and the percentage of disease severity were lower (p = 0.06). Only disease severity remained associated to death in the multivariate analysis (OR = 3.2; 95%CI: 1.2-8.9; p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: When the 1996-2000 and 2001-2011 periods were compared, a significant reduction in CFR was observed in the latter, as well as a change in the clinical profile of the pediatric in patients at the institute. These findings may be related to the improvement in the socio-economical status of the population. Penicillin use did not influence CFR. .

OBJETIVO: Descrever a taxa de letalidade (TL) e os fatores de risco de óbito em crianças com pneumonia grave adquirida na comunidade (CAP) em um hospital universitário pediátrico. MÉTODO: Foi desenvolvido um estudo longitudinal com dados prospectivos coletados de 1996 a2011. Foram incluídos no estudo pacientes com idade entre 1 mês e 12 anos de idade. Foram excluídos aqueles que deixaram o hospital desconsiderando as recomendações médicas e aqueles transferidos para UTI ou outras unidades. Foram estudadas as características demográficas, clínicas e etiológicas e o tratamento inicial. As variáveis associadas a óbito foram determinadas por análise bivariada e multivariada utilizando regressão logística. RESULTADOS: Foi selecionado um total de 871 pacientes, dos quais 11 foram excluídos; assim, foram incluídas no estudo 860 crianças. Houve 26 óbitos, com uma TL de 3%; em 58,7% desses, penicilina G foi o tratamento inicial. Pneumococo foi o patógeno mais comum (50,4%). De 1996 a 2000, houve 24 óbitos (93%), com uma TL de 5,8% (24/413). De 2001 a 2011, a faixa etária de pacientes internados foi mais velha (p = 0,03) e o número de óbitos (p = 0,02) e o percentual de gravidade das doenças foram menores (p = 0,06). Apenas a gravidade das doenças continuou associada a óbito na análise multivariada (RC = 3,2; IC de 95%: 1,2-8,9; p = 0,02). CONCLUSÃO: Quando os períodos de 1996-2000 e 2001-2011 foram comparados, foi observada uma redução significativa na TL no último período, bem como uma alteração no perfil clínico dos pacientes hospitalizados no instituto. Esses achados podem estar relacionados à melhora na situação socioeconômica da população. O uso de penicilina não influenciou a TL. .

Adesão a diretrizes e impacto nos desfechos em pacientes hospitalizados por pneumonia adquirida na comunidade em um hospital universitário / Adherence to guidelines and its impact on outcomes in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia at a university hospital

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a concordância entre os critérios de hospitalização utilizados para a admissão de pacientes com pneumonia adquirida na comunidade (PAC) e aqueles da Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia e avaliar a associação dessa concordância com a taxa de mortalidade em 30 dias. Secundariamente, avaliar a associação da concordância entre o tratamento instituído e as recomendações dessas diretrizes com duração da internação hospitalar, investigação microbiológica, mortalidade em 12 meses, complicações, internação em UTI, ventilação mecânica e mortalidade em 30 dias. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo que incluiu pacientes adultos internados entre 2005 e 2007 no Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, na cidade de Belo Horizonte (MG). Foram revisados prontuários e radiografias de tórax. RESULTADOS: Dentre os 112 pacientes incluídos, os critérios de internação e de tratamento foram concordantes com as diretrizes em 82 (73,2%) e 66 (58,9%), respectivamente. A taxa de mortalidade em 30 dias e em 12 meses foi de 12,3% e 19,4%, respectivamente. Pacientes com escore de CRP-65 (Confusão mental, frequência Respiratória, Pressão arterial e idade > 65 anos) de 1-2 e com antibioticoterapia concordante com as diretrizes foram associados a menor mortalidade em 30 dias (p = 0,01). Doença cerebrovascular e tratamento antibiótico adequado apresentaram associações independentes com mortalidade em 30 dias. Houve uma tendência de associação entre antibioticoterapia concordante e menor duração da internação hospitalar. CONCLUSÕES: Na população estudada, os critérios de hospitalização e de antibioticoterapia concordantes com as diretrizes associaram-se a desfechos favoráveis do tratamento de pacientes hospitalizados com PAC. Doença cerebrovascular, como fator de risco, e antibioticoterapia concordante, como fator protetor, associaram-se à mortalidade em 30 dias.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the agreement between the criteria used for hospitalization of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and those of the Brazilian Thoracic Association guidelines, and to evaluate the association of that agreement with 30-day mortality. Secondarily, to evaluate the agreement between the treatment given and that recommended in the guidelines with length of hospital stay, microbiological profile, 12-month mortality, complications, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and 30-day mortality. METHODS: This was a retrospective study involving adult patients hospitalized between 2005 and 2007 at the Federal University of Minas Gerais Hospital das Clínicas, located in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Medical charts and chest X-rays were reviewed. RESULTS: Among the 112 patients included in the study, admission and treatment criteria were in accordance with the guidelines in 82 (73.2%) and 66 (58.9%), respectively. The 30-day and 12-month mortality rates were 12.3% and 19.4%, respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was lower for patients in whom the CRB-65 (mental Confusion, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure, and age > 65 years) score was 1-2 and the antibiotic therapy was in accordance with the guidelines (p = 0.01). Cerebrovascular disease and appropriate antibiotic therapy showed independent associations with 30-day mortality. There was a trend toward an association between guideline-concordant antibiotic therapy and shorter hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: In the population studied, admission and treatment criteria that were in accordance with the guidelines were associated with favorable outcomes in hospitalized patients with CAP. Cerebrovascular disease, as a risk factor, and guideline-concordant antibiotic therapy, as a protective factor, were associated with 30-day mortality.

Implementação de uma diretriz para pneumonia adquirida na comunidade em um hospital público no Brasil / Implementation of community-acquired pneumonia guidelines at a public hospital in Brazil

OBJETIVO: Implementar uma diretriz para pneumonia adquirida na comunidade (PAC) em um hospital público no Brasil e avaliar seu impacto na qualidade da assistência à saúde. MÉTODOS: Estudo quasi-experimental com delineamento antes e depois que incluiu os pacientes adultos diagnosticados com PAC e internados na enfermaria geral do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Marília, na cidade de Marília (SP), entre julho de 2007 e outubro de 2008. RESULTADOS: Durante o período do estudo, 68 pacientes foram diagnosticados com PAC: 48 antes da implementação da diretriz e 20 após sua implementação. Após a implementação da diretriz, 85 por cento dos casos foram tratados em conformidade com a diretriz, e houve um aumento significativo no uso de antibioticoterapia para germes atípicos nos casos de PAC grave (6,3 por cento vs. 75,0 por cento; p < 0,001). Houve uma tendência de diminuição da mortalidade (35,4 por cento vs. 15,0 por cento; p = 0,09) e de aumento do registro de SpO2 nos prontuários dos pacientes (18 por cento vs. 30 por cento; p = 0,42) após a implementação da diretriz. Durante o período do estudo, não houve registros da avaliação da gravidade nos prontuários da maioria dos pacientes. Além disso, o início da antibioticoterapia seguiu um esquema de horário pré-estabelecido, independentemente da gravidade do quadro infeccioso. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo mostrou que a elaboração e a implementação da diretriz para PAC promoveu a otimização da escolha terapêutica, mas não houve diferenças significativas quanto à avaliação de gravidade, registro de SpO2 ou no início da antibioticoterapia, evidenciando que as variáveis que se relacionam ao processo de trabalho médico e de enfermagem exigem estratégias mais efetivas para serem modificadas.

OBJECTIVE: To implement community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) guidelines at a public hospital in Brazil and to evaluate the impact of these guidelines on health care quality. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study, with a before-and-after design, involving adult patients diagnosed with CAP and hospitalized between July of 2007 and October of 2008 in the general ward of the Marília School of Medicine Hospital das Clínicas, located in the city of Marília, Brazil. RESULTS: During the study period, 68 patients were diagnosed with CAP: 48 before the implementation of the guidelines and 20 after their implementation. After the implementation of the guidelines, 85 percent of the cases were treated in accordance with the guidelines, and there was a significant increase in the use of antibiotic therapy for atypical bacteria in patients with severe CAP (6.3 percent vs. 75.0 percent; p < 0.001). Comparing the pre-implementation and post-implementation periods, we observed a trend toward a decrease in the mortality (35.4 percent vs. 15.0 percent; p = 0.09) and toward an increase in the recording of SpO2 in the medical charts of the patients (18 percent vs. 30 percent; p = 0.42). During the study period, the degree of severity was not recorded on the medical charts of most patients. In addition, the initiation of antibiotic therapy followed a pre-established schedule, regardless of the severity of the infection. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that, although the development and implementation of CAP guidelines promoted the optimization of the treatment, there were no significant differences regarding the assessment of severity, SpO2 recording, or the initiation of antibiotic therapy. Therefore, strategies that are more effective are needed in order to modify variables related to the work of physicians and nurses.

Invasive pneumococcal disease in a third level pediatric hospital in Mexico City: epidemiology and mortality risk factors / Enfermedad neumocócica invasora en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel en la Ciudad de México: características epidemiológicas y factores de riesgo asociados con mortalidad

Objective. To assess the epidemiologic characteristics of invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) among a population in a pediatric hospital in Mexico City and analyze mortality-related risk factors, serotype distribution and antibiotic susceptibility related to S.pneumoniae. Material and Methods. We performed a retrospective review of IPD cases at a third level pediatric hospital between 1997-2004. Results. A total of 156 patients were included. The mortality rate was 27.5 percent and was associated with six pneumococcal serotypes: 14, 6B, 23F, 6A, 19F and 19A. There was no relationship between mortality and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. A total of 28.2 percent of isolates were resistant to penicillin and 24.6 percent were resistant to cefotaxime. A statistically significant relationship was observed between mortality and previous underlying disease (CI 95 percent; 2.5-18.3; p< 0.05) using a multivariate logistic regression model. Conclusions. Our outcomes show that IPD mortality in our population is closely related to underlying disease and to six serotypes, five of which are included in the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

Objetivo. Conocer la epidemiología de la enfermedad neumocócica invasora (ENI) en un hospital pediátrico y analizar los factores de riesgo relacionados con la mortalidad, la distribución de serotipos y el patrón de susceptibilidad de S. pneumoniae. Material y métodos. Revisión retrospectiva de los casos de ENI en un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel, entre 1997 y 2004. Resultados. En 156 pacientes la mortalidad fue de 27.5 por ciento. Los serotipos de neumococo más frecuentemente relacionados con la mortalidad fueron: 14, 6B, 23F, 6A, 19F y 19A; no hubo relación de mortalidad con la resistencia a antibióticos. El 28.2 por ciento mostró resistencia a penicilina y 24.6 por ciento a cefotaxima. A través del modelo multivariado, se encontró una relación estadísticamente significativa entre la mortalidad y enfermedad previa (IC 95 por ciento; 2.5-18.3; p<0.05). Conclusiones. La mortalidad asociada a la ENI tuvo relación significativa con antecedente de una enfermedad previa y con seis serotipos, cinco incluidos en la vacuna neumocócica conjugada 7-valente.

Cumplimiento de la guía clínica de manejo ambulatorio de la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad en personas mayores en centros de atención primaria de salud de Santiago / Compliance with guidelines for the management of community acquired pneumonia at primary health care centers

Background: Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) has a high mortality rate among older people. To increase its treatment efficiency, the Chilean Ministry of Health elaborated a clinical management guideline for CAP. Aim: To assess the degree of compliance with the clinical guidelines for CAP among professionals working at primary health care centers. Material and methods: A follow up of a cohort of 2,797 subjects aged 67 years or more, incorporated to a clinical study. All cases of bronchopneumonia or pneumonia diagnosed at primary health care centers between September 2005 and June 2008 were recorded. Results: During the follow up period, 192 cases of CAP were diagnosed. A chest X-ray was requested in 81 percent of cases and a confirmation consultation was done in 58 percent. Amoxicillin/ Clavulanic acid was the most common antimicrobial prescription in 61 percent of cases, followed by Clarithromycin in 17 percent and Amoxicillin in 12 percent. The antimicrobial used was not registered in 5 percent of cases. Conclusions: The clinical guidelines improve the efficiency of CAP treatment and decrease complications. However, these guidelines must been complemented with an adequate training and supervision of health care teams.

Evaluación y manejo del adulto inmunocompetente hospitalizado por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad, en un hospital de baja complejidad, basado en la Guía Clínica Chilena / Management of community acquired pneumonia in adults following clinical guidelines at a rural hospital

Background: A National Consensus Guideline published in 2005 established the basis for the diagnostic, severity assessment and treatment of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in the adult population. The compliance with pneumonia clinical guidelines has been associated to a reduction in hospital stay healthcare-related costs, morbidity and mortality. Aim To describe the management and outcome of non-severe CAP in hospitalized adult patients treated in a rural hospital, based on the national clinical guidelines. Patients and methods: Ninety six patients aged 74 ± 13 years (50 males) hospitalized with non-severe pneumonia (group 3) at a community-based primary care center between January 1, 2006, and March 31, 2007, were evaluated. Results: Eighty percent of patients had concomitant diseases such as hypertension in 49 percent, diabetes in 23 percent and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 18 percent. All were treated with a third generation cephalosporin (ceftriaxone 1-2 g/day TV) as empirical therapy. Only 9 percent of patients also received a macrolide. Early switch to oral antimicrobial therapy was successful in two third of cases. Mean hospital length of stay was 5.0 ± 2.5 days, and 30-day mortality was 6.3 percent. Conclusions: Following the recommendations of the national clinical guidelines, most of these patients had a favorable response to monotherapy with a B-lactam antimicrobial. Early switch therapy to oral antibiotic was effective and safe, reducing significantly hospital length of stay as compared to previous national clinical studies.

Intravenous azithromycin plus ceftriaxone followed by oral azithromycin for the treatment of inpatients with community-acquired pneumonia: an open-label, non-comparative multicenter trial

Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is a major public health problem. In Brazil it has been estimated that 2,000,000 people are affected by CAP every year. Of those, 780,000 are admitted to hospital, and 30,000 have death as the outcome. This is an open-label, non-comparative study with the purpose of evaluating efficacy, safety, and tolerability levels of IV azithromycin (IVA) and IV ceftriaxone (IVC), followed by oral azithromycin (OA) for the treatment of inpatients with mild to severe CAP. Eighty-six patients (mean age 56.6 ± 19.8) were administered IVA (500mg/day) and IVC (1g/day) for 2 to 5 days, followed by AO (500mg/day) to complete a total of 10 days. At the end of treatment (EOT) and after 30 days (End of Study - EOS) the medication was evaluated clinically, microbiologically and for tolerability levels. Out of the total 86-patient population, 62 (72.1 percent) completed the study. At the end of treatment, 95.2 percent (CI95: 88.9 percent - 100 percent) reported cure or clinical improvement; at the end of the study, that figure was 88.9 percent (CI95: 74.1 percent - 91.7 percent). Out of the 86 patients enrolled in the study, 15 were microbiologically evaluable for bacteriological response. Of those, 6 reported pathogen eradication at the end of therapy (40 percent), and 8 reported presumed eradication (53.3 percent). At end of study evaluation, 9 patients showed pathogen eradication (50 percent), and 7 showed presumed eradication (38.89 percent). Therefore, negative cultures were obtained from 93.3 percent of the patients at EOT, and from 88.9 percent at the end of the study. One patient (6.67 percent of patient population) reported presumed microbiological resistance. At study end, 2 patients (11.11 percent) still reported undetermined culture. Uncontrollable vomiting and worsening pneumonia condition were reported by 2.3 percent of patients. Discussion and Conclusion Treatment based on the administration of IV azithromycin...

Neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC) y asociada al cuidado crónico de la salud (NACS) en 560 mayores de 65 años / Community-acquired pneumonia and associated chronic health care in 560 older than 65 year

Los mayores de 65 tienden a desarrollar neumonía. Evaluamos la epidemiología, el impacto de los factores de riesgo y las comorbilidades y el pronóstico de NAC y NACS en una cohorte de ancianos. Métodos. Se recolectaron prospectivamente datos en mayores de 65 años no-inmunosuprimidos, atendidos por NAC y NACS. Se definió neumonía por criterios clínicos y radiológicos; considerándose NAC en no internados durante los 15 días previos y NACS si además residían en alguna institución de cuidado crónico o geriátrico. Resultados. De 844 pacientes con NAC, 560 eran mayores de 65 (66.4%), y 100 (el 17.9% de ellos) eran NACS. Mediante análisis univariado se determinó que los portadores de NACS eran mayores, debieron internarse o se habían internado anteriormente por neumonía u otra razón más frecuentemente; también los pacientes con NACS presentaban más frecuentemente comorbilidad neurológica, conciencia alterada, aspiración, uso previo de antibióticos y clase V del PSI (p < 0.001 para todos estos). En análisis multivariado solo la edad mayor de 80 y la comorbilidad neurológica permanecieron más frecuentes en NACS. Los agentes más comunes fueron S. pneumoniae, M. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae, L. pneumophila, P. aeruginosa, enterobacterias, S. aureus, H. influenzaey virus. No hubo diferencias en etiología entre NAC y NACS. La mortalidad a 30 días fue mayor en los pacientes con NACS (44.5 vs. 33.7%). Conclusión. En mayores de 65 la neumonía es más frecuente, más grave y su etiología es diferente respecto de los menores. La NACS presenta más gravedad y mayor mortalidad.

People older than 65 years are more susceptible to pneumonia. This paper presents an assessment of the impact of risk factors and co-morbidities and the prognosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and health care associated community-acquised pneumonia (HCAP) in the elderly. Methods. Prospective data collection in immuno-competent patients older than 65 years hospitalized for CAP or HCAP. Pneumonia was defined by radiographic and clinical criteria; CAP was considered in patients who were not hospitalized during the previous 15 days, while HCAP was diagnosed in those who developed pneumonia outside the hospital in a nursing home or long-term health care facility. Results. Out of 844 patients admitted with the diagnosis of pneumonia during 5 years, 560 were older than 65 (66.4%); 460 (54.6%) were classified as CAP and 100 (17.9%) as HCAP. In comparison with the CAP patients, patients with HCAP were older and had more often been admitted in the past for pneumonia or other reason, (p < 0.001). They also presented a higher frequency of neurologic co-morbidity, altered consciousness, aspiration, use of prior antibiotics and high risk pneumonia (risk class V of the Pneumonia Severity Index - PSI) (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, age older than 80 and neurologic co-morbidity were more often significantly associated with HCAP. The more frequent identified microbial agents were S. pneumoniae, M. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae, L.pneumophila, P. aeruginosa, enteric Gram - negative bacteria, S. aureus, H. influenzae and viruses. The etiology of CAP and HCAP was similar. Thirty - day mortality was higher in HCAP (44.5 vs. 33.7%). Conclusion. In patients older than 65, CAP is more frequent and severe, and the microbial etiology is different than in CAP of younger people. HCAP is even more severe and has higher mortality.

Exame do escarro no manejo clínico dos pacientes com pneumonia adquirida na comunidade / Sputum examination in the clinical management of community-acquired pneumonia

OBJETIVO: Este estudo retrospectivo avaliou a freqüência do uso da bacteriologia do escarro no manejo clínico de pacientes com pneumonia adquirida na comunidade (PAC) em um hospital geral, e se a utilização deste método modificou a mortalidade. MÉTODOS: Os prontuários de pacientes internados no Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição, em Porto Alegre (RS) Brasil, para tratamento de PAC entre maio e novembro de 2004 foram revisados quanto aos seguintes aspectos: idade; sexo; gravidade da pneumonia (escore de Fine); presença de expectoração; bacteriologia do escarro; história de tratamento; resposta clínica; troca de tratamento; e mortalidade. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 274 pacientes com PAC, sendo 134 do sexo masculino. Dentre os 274 pacientes, 79 (28,8 por cento) apresentavam, de acordo com o escore de Fine, classe II; 45 (16,4 por cento), classe III; 97 (35,4 por cento), classe IV; e 53 (19,3 por cento), classe V. Em 92 pacientes (33,6 por cento), uma amostra de escarro foi colhida para exame bacteriológico. Obtivemos amostra válida em 37 casos (13,5 por cento) e diagnóstico etiológico em 26 (9,5 por cento), o que resultou em modificação do tratamento em apenas 9 casos (3,3 por cento). A mortalidade geral foi 18,6 por cento. Idade acima de 65 anos, a gravidade da PAC e a ausência de escarro associaram-se à maior mortalidade. A bacteriologia do escarro não influenciou o desfecho clínico, nem a taxa de mortalidade. CONCLUSÃO: O exame do escarro foi uma ferramenta diagnóstica utilizada na minoria dos pacientes, e não trouxe benefício detectável no manejo clínico dos pacientes com PAC tratados em ambiente hospitalar.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of the use of sputum examination in the clinical management of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in a general hospital and to determine whether its use has an impact on mortality. METHODS: The medical records of CAP patients treated as inpatients between May and November of 2004 at the Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital, located in Porto Alegre, Brazil, were reviewed regarding the following aspects: age; gender; severity of pneumonia (Fine score); presence of sputum; sputum bacteriology; treatment history; change in treatment; and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 274 CAP patients (134 males and 140 females) were evaluated. Using the Fine score to quantify severity, we classified 79 (28.8 percent) of those 274 patients as class II, 45 (16.4 percent) as class III, 97 (35.4 percent) as class IV, and 53 (19.3 percent) as class V. Sputum examination was carried out in 92 patients (33.6 percent). A valid sample was obtained in 37 cases (13.5 percent), and an etiological diagnosis was obtained in 26 (9.5 percent), resulting in a change of treatment in only 9 cases (3.3 percent). Overall mortality was 18.6 percent. Advanced age (above 65), CAP severity, and dry cough were associated with an increase in the mortality rate. Sputum examination did not alter any clinical outcome or have any influence on mortality. CONCLUSION: Sputum examination was used in a minority of patients and was not associated with any noticeable benefit in the clinical management of patients with CAP treated in a hospital setting.

Pediatric mortality due to nosocomial infection: a critical approach

Nosocomial infection is a frequent event with potentially lethal consequences. We reviewed the literature on the predictive factors for mortality related to nosocomial infection in pediatric medicine. Electronic searches in English, Spanish and Portuguese of the PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS and Cochrane Collaboration Databases was performed, focusing on studies that had been published from 1996 to 2006. The key words were: nosocomial infection and mortality and pediatrics/neonate/ newborn/child/infant/adolescent. The risk factors found to be associated with mortality were: nosocomial infection itself, leukemia, lymphopenia, neutropenia, corticosteroid therapy, multiple organ failure, previous antimicrobial therapy, catheter use duration, candidemia, cancer, bacteremia, age over 60, invasive procedures, mechanical ventilation, transport out of the pediatric intensive care unit, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Burkholderia cepacia infections, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II scores over 15. Among these factors, the only one that can be minimized is inadequate antimicrobial treatment, which has proven to be an important contributor to hospital mortality in critically-ill patients. There is room for further prognosis research on this matter to determine local differences. Such research requires appropriate epidemiological design and statistical analysis so that pediatric death due to nosocomial infection can be reduced and health care quality improved in pediatric hospitals.

Estudio multicéntrico de factores pronósticos en adultos hospitalizados por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad / Prognostic factors and outcome of community-acquired pneumonia in hospitalized adult patients

Background: Severity assessment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients allows the clinician to decide the place of management and guide empirical antimicrobial treatment. Aim: To assess admission prognostic factors and outcome of CAP in immunocompetent adult patients hospitalized in 21 medical centers in Chile. Material and methods: Prospective evaluation of non immunocompromised adults with CAP admitted to 21 Chilean hospitals between July and August, 1999. All patients were assessed on admission and followed until discharge or death. Results: During the study period, 1,194 patients (aged 68±17 years, 573 males) were evaluated. Seventy two percent had an underlying disease (especially chronic cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory diseases and diabetes mellitus), and 90 percent were treated with ß-lactamic agents (especially a third generation cephalosporin or penicillin). Mean hospital length of stay was 11±9 days, 10 percent were admitted to Intermediate Care or Intensive Care Units (ICU), 6 percent were mechanically ventilated and in-hospital mortality was 15.7 percent. Admission prognostic factors associated with hospital mortality were: advanced age, male gender, presence of comorbidity (chronic cardiovascular, renal, neurological and hepatic disease), undernutrition, suspicion of aspiration, altered mental status, low blood pressure, tachypnea, absence of fever, high blood urea nitrogen, multilobar radiographic pulmonary infiltrates, high risk categories from Chilean Respiratory Diseases Society Consensus, admission to Intermediate Care Units or ICU, and mechanical ventilation. In the multivariate analysis, prognostic factors associated with high hospital mortality were: mental confusion, high blood urea nitrogen, multilobar pneumonia, presence of comorbidity and absence of fever on admission. Conclusions: These results validate in Chile, findings from foreign studies.

Manejo ambulatorio de la neumonía comunitaria del adulto en las unidades de emergencia. Servicio de Salud Viña del Mar - Quillota de la V Región / Assessment of the management of community - acquired pneumonia in adults outpatients

Background: There is limited information about the effectiveness of the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Chilean emergency rooms. Aim: To assess the treatment of CAP in emergency rooms at the Viña del Mar Health Service in Chile. Material and methods: Prospective study of immunocompetent adult patients consulting for a CAP in emergency rooms. Those that required hospital admission were considered ineligible. The initial clinical and laboratory assessment, antimicrobial treatment and their condition after 30 days of follow up, were recorded. Results: Three hundred eleven adult patients aged 57±22 years (152 males), were evaluated. Patients with class I CAP (40% of cases) were treated with Clarithromycin (71.8%) or Amoxicillin (26.6%) for 10 days. Patients with class II CAP (60%) were treated with Amoxicillin-clavulanate (80.7%) or Levofloxacin (18.2%) for 10 days. Three hundred eight patients (99%) were cured without need of hospital admission; three patients (1%) were subsequently hospitalized because of clinical failure of ambulatory treatment. Overall, three patients (1%) died; all deaths occurred during or immediately after hospitalization and were related to the severity of lung infection but not to the choice of antibiotic treatment. Conclusions: The outpatient management of CAP by general practitioners working at emergency rooms was clinically effective with low rates of hospital admission and mortality.

Pneumonias adquiridas na comunidade em pacientes idosos: aderência ao Consenso Brasileiro sobre Pneumonias / Community-acquired pneumonia in elderly patients: adherence to Brazilian guidelines for the treatment of pneumonia

INTRODUÇAO: A pneumonia é uma doença comum, com alta mortalidade, e é a sexta causa de morte nos EUA e a quinta no Brasil, na população idosa. O tratamento inicial das pneumonias é empírico, porque o agente etiológico é identificado, aproximadamente, em apenas 50 por cento dos casos. Assim, várias sociedades científicas definiram guias para orientar a terapêutica antimicrobiana inicial. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a aderência ao Consenso Brasileiro sobre Pneumonias para o tratamento de pneumonias adquiridas na comunidade por pacientes idosos. MÉTODO: Foram avaliados os pacientes com 60 anos ou mais, internados em um hospital universitário por pneumonia adquirida na comunidade, segundo a mortalidade em 30 dias, tempo médio para estabilização clínica, tempo médio de internação, custo do tratamento e índice de severidade em pneumonias, no período de 02/08/1999 a 02/08/2000. RESULTADOS: Foram estudados 54 pacientes e a idade média foi de 74,1 anos. O esquema antimicrobiano recomendado pelo consenso foi utilizado em 61,1 por cento dos pacientes. Não houve diferenças em relação ao tempo de internação, custo do tratamento, tempo para estabilização clínica e índice de gravidade em pneumonia entre os dois grupos, mas houve em relação à mortalidade. Os pacientes tratados de acordo com o consenso e com ídice de gravidade em pneumonia mais alto (IV e V) apresentaram maior mortalidade que o grupo não tratado de acordo com o consenso (p = 0,04). Os pacientes com índice de gravidade em pneumonia classes II e III apresentaram mortalidade de 9,5 por cento enquanto nas classes IV e V a mortalidade foi de 30,3 por cento. CONCLUSAO: A aderência ao Consenso Brasileiro sobre Pneumonias, para pacientes idosos hospitalizados, foi boa e não houve diferença nos resultados entre os pacientes tratados e os não tratados de acordo com o consenso. O índice de gravidade em pneumonias demonstrou associação positiva com a mortalidade.

Neumonía neumocócica adquirida en la comunidad en adultos hospitalizados / Community acquired pneumococcal pneumonia in hospitalized adult patients

BACKGROUND: S pneumoniae is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia. AIM: To evaluate the clinical characteristics, antibiotic resistance, management and prognostic factors in pneumococcal pneumonia. METHODS: Prospective evaluation in 46 adults (age +/- sd: 68 +/- 17 years) hospitalized with pneumococcal pneumonia confirmed by sputum, blood or pleural fluid cultures. Clinical and radiographic variables, risk factors for antibiotic resistance, and hospital mortality rate were recorded. RESULTS: Heart disease (39 per cent), COPD/asthma (25 per cent), and diabetes mellitus (18 per cent) were the most frequent underlying diseases. None of the patients had previously received pneumococcal vaccine. Only 17 per cent of the patients had the classic triad of chills, fever and productive cough. At admission, interestingly, 17 per cent presented with congestive heart failure. Resistance of pneumococci to penicillin, cefotaxime or erythromycin was 15 per cent, 6 per cent and 11 per cent, respectively. Antibiotic use prior to admission was significantly associated with antibiotic resistance (OR = 6; CI 95 per cent = 1.1-32; p < 0.05). Fifty per cent of the patients were admitted to intermediate or intensive care units, 15 per cent were mechanically ventilated, 20 per cent developed septic shock, 20 per cent developed acute renal failure and 13 per cent died in the hospital. Clinical factors significantly associated with higher mortality were systolic hypotension (< or = 90 mmHg), ICU admission and BUN > 30 mg per dL. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that pneumococcal pneumonia is still a severe infection with high mortality; hence, efforts should be made at prevention using pneumococcal immunization.

Neumonía adquirida en la comunidad en el adulto hospitalizado. Cuadro clínico y factores pronósticos / Community-acquired pneumonia in hospitalized adult patients. Clinical presentation and prognostic factors

BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a serious health problem in Chile. AIM: To study prognostic factors on admission and outcome of CAP, in immune competent adult patients, hospitalized in the Catholic University Clinical Hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All adult patients admitted with a CAP in a period of 2 years were prospectively studied. Patients with immunodeficiency, solid tumors or receiving oral adrenal steroids were excluded from the study. RESULTS: In the study period, 463 patients (69 +/- 19 years, 55 per cent male) were evaluated. Ninety four percent were treated with 2nd or 3rd generation cephalosporins. Mean hospital length of stay was 10 days. Mortality during hospital stay was 8 per cent and in the ensuing 30 days, it was 12 per cent. Bacterial etiology was established in 25 per cent of cases. The most frequent pathogens isolated were Streptococcus pneumoniae (10.2 per cent), Haemophilus influenzae (3.7 per cent), Staphylococcus aureus (2.8 per cent) and Gram negative bacilli (5.2 per cent). Admission prognostic factors associated with hospital mortality were an age over 65 years, presence of comorbidity, chronic neurological and hepatic disease, suspicion of aspiration, duration of symptoms for less than 3 days, presence of dyspnea and altered mental status, absence of cough, fever and chills; low blood pressure, tachypnea, metabolic acidosis, hypoxemia, high blood urea nitrogen, hypernatremia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hypoalbuminemia, multilobar radiographic pulmonary infiltrates, bacteremia, high risk categories of the Fine Index (IV and V), and admission to Intermediate Care Unit or ICU. CONCLUSIONS: The features of community acquired pneumonia of these patients are similar to those reported abroad.

Uso de la trovafloxacina en el tratamiento de la neumonia adquirida en la comunidad / Use of trovafloxacin therapy in community-acquired pneumonia

En la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC), al momento del diagnóstico el microorganismo responsable es desconocido, por lo cual el tratamiento es empírico, basado en el cuadro clínico y el o los presuntos agentes causales. La internación es una decisión trascendente en los pacientes con NAC. Deben usarse criterios que permitan la fácil identificación del grupo que requiere internación para la administración del tratamiento y un mejor control. La división de los pacientes en distintos grupos según la presencia de factores de riesgo tales como edad y co-morbilidades, permite predecir los potenciales microorganismos blanco y su terapéutica adecuada. La trovafloxacina cubre las expectativas de espectro antibacteriano, farmacodinamia, simplicidad de administración y facilidad de pasaje a la vía oral, aplicable a todos los grupos en cuestión. Muestra claras ventajas para los pacientes mayores de 65 años o con co-morbilidades y aquellos que necesitan internarse por su neumonía tanto en sala general como en terapia intensiva.