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.

Letalidad hospitalaria por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad según el tratamiento antimicrobiano inicial / Hospital fatality for community-acquired pneumonia according to the initial antimicrobial treatment

Objetivo: determinar el comportamiento de la letalidad por neumonía adquirida en la comunidad, según tratamiento antimicrobiano empírico inicial en pacientes hospitalizados. Métodos: se realizó, prospectivamente, un estudio descriptivo observacional, de series de casos, con 421 pacientes con diagnóstico coincidente al ingreso y al egreso de neumonía adquirida en la comunidad, entre enero de 2012 y junio de 2013, incluyendo ambos. Se utilizó la información de las historias clínicas; en el tratamiento estadístico fueron empleados el estadígrafo Chi² para diferencias de proporciones y el test exacto de Fisher; y la razón de productos cruzados para medir la fuerza de asociación antimicrobiano-letalidad, el nivel de confianza aceptado fue 95 por ciento (p< 0,05). Resultados: la letalidad más baja se constató en los pacientes tratados con cefuroxima (17 por ciento), y la más alta en los tratados con cefotaxima (44 por ciento) y ceftriaxona (35 por ciento), con diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Las diferencias en la letalidad por neumonía entre los tratados con cefuroxima y los tratados con amoxicilina/sulbactam o ceftriaxona aumentaron con la edad de los pacientes, lo cual también fue estadísticamente significativo. En los pacientes con neumonía grave y escasas probabilidades de recuperación se constataron letalidades extremadamente elevadas en los tratados con ceftriaxona (81 por ciento) y cefotaxima (75 por ciento). Conclusiones: la cefuroxima constituyó el antibiótico inicialmente utilizado relacionado con menor letalidad, en contraposición con la utilización al ingreso de ceftriaxona o cefotaxima. La amoxicilina/sulbactam, como terapéutica empírica inicial, ocupó una posición intermedia...

Objective: to determine lethality behavior of community acquired pneumonia as initial empirical antimicrobial therapy in hospitalized patients. Methods: a prospectively descriptive observational study was performed of case series, 421 patients with coincident diagnosis of community acquired pneumonia at admission and discharge from January 2012 to June 2013. Information from clinical records was used. Chi2 statistic and exact Fisher's test were used in the statistical analysis for differences in proportions; and the odds ratio to measure the strength of association antimicrobial-lethality products accepted confidence level was 95 percent (p< 0.05). Results: the lowest lethality was observed in patients treated with cefuroxime (17 percent), and highest in those treated with cefotaxime (44 percent) and ceftriaxone (35 percent), with statistically significant differences. The differences in mortality from pneumonia among those treated with cefuroxime and those treated with amoxicillin/sulbactam or ceftriaxone increased with patient age, which was also statistically significant. In patients with severe pneumonia and unlikely to recover, extremely high lethalities were found in those treated with ceftriaxone (81percent ) and cefotaxime (75 percent). Conclusions: cefuroxime was the antibiotic used initially associated with lower mortality, as opposed to the use of ceftriaxone or cefotaxime income. Amoxicillin/sulbactam, as initial empirical therapy, occupied an intermediate position...

Neumonía asociada al cuidado de la salud / Healthcare associated pneumonia

La neumonía asociada al cuidado de la salud (NACS) es una entidad diferente a la neumonía adquirida en la comunidad y a la neumonía intrahospitalaria. Existen circunstancias de riesgo para su desarrollo, se describen diferentes formas de presentación, gravedad y patógenos; y hay desacuerdo sobre el tratamiento empírico inicial. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la etiología, las características clínicas y la evolución de la NACS en un hospital general. Estudio prospectivo observacional con 60 pacientes; 32 con internación previa en los últimos 90 días, 9 en hemodiálisis, 12 residentes en hogares asistenciales y 7 en tratamiento en un hospital de día. El promedio de edad fue de 63 años; los índices de gravedad al ingreso fueron elevados. Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron las cardiológicas. El compromiso radiológico abarcó más de un lóbulo en el 42% de los casos y un 18% mostró derrame pleural. Se aisló el germen patógeno en 18 pacientes (30%); Streptococcus pneumoniae fue el más aislado (9 casos). Solo hubo un caso de multirresistencia. La estadía hospitalaria promedio fue de 11 días; 6 pacientes presentaron complicaciones, y la mortalidad fue del 5%. Las complicaciones, aunque no la mortalidad, fueron significativamente mayores en el grupo en diálisis (valor de p: 0.011 y 0.056, respectivamente). Los cuadros fueron graves pero la mortalidad fue baja. La resistencia antibiótica hallada no justifica un cambio en el esquema antibiótico usado habitualmente en las neumonías de la comunidad.

Healthcare associated pneumonia (HCAP) is a different entity from community-acquired pneumonia and nosocomial pneumonia. There exist several risk factors that lead to it. Different features, severity and pathogens are described and there is controversy about the initial empirical treatment. The aim of this work was to analyze the etiology, clinical characteristics and evolution of the HCAP. It is a prospective and observational study that includes 60 patients; 32 had previous hospitalization during the last 90 days, 9 were under hemodialysis, 12 residents in nursing homes and 7 received outpatient intravenous therapy.The mean age was 63 years and the severity index was high. The most frequent comorbidities were cardiac. The radiological compromise was more than one lobe in 42% of cases and 18% had pleural effusion. Germ isolation was obtained in 30% of patients where the most isolated germ was Streptococcus pneumoniae (9 cases). There was only one case of multidrug-resistance. The mean length hospital stay was 11 days, six patients had complications and mortality was 5%. Complications but not mortality were significantly higher in the group of patients on hemodialysis (p value = 0.011 and 0.056 respectively). The antibiotic-resistance found do not justify a change in the antibiotic treatment commonly used for community acquired pneumonia.

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. .

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.

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.

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

Los mayores de 65 años 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 noinmunosuprimidos, atendidos por NAC y NACS. Se definió neumonía por criterios clínicos y radiológicos; considerándose NAC en lo 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 (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 y 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. infuenzae y 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.

Cumplimiento con las guías nacionales en pacientes hospitalizados con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad: Resultados del estudio capo en Argentina / Adherence with National Guidelines in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia: Results of CAPO study in Argentina

Un comité de seis sociedades científicas en Argentina desarrolló guías para la atención de pacientes con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad (NAC). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el nivel de cumplimiento con el cuidado recomendado en las guías nacionales en pacientes hospitalizados con NAC en Argentina. Usando indicadores de calidad, la atención de 436 pacientes hospitalizados en 12 centros de Argentina fue evaluada en las áreas de hospitalización, oxigenoterapia, terapia antibiótica empírica, terapia switch, alta hospitalaria y prevención. El nivel de cumplimiento fue clasificado como óptimo (>90%), intermedio (60% a 90%), y bajo (<60%). La selección de antibióticos empíricos y la administración dentro de las primeras ocho horas de admisión tuvieron una adherencia superior al 80%. Se identificó un nivel de cumplimiento bajo en las áreas del pasaje de antibióticos de la vía endovenosa a la vía oral (53%), la prevención con vacunación antineumocóccica (51%) y el ofrecimiento para dejar de fumar (29%). Usando indicadores de calidad se pueden identificar áreas específicas de atención en pacientes con NAC con un bajo nivel de cumplimiento con las guías nacionales. En Argentina se deben desarrollar inicialmente intervenciones enfocadas a mejorar el manejo del pasaje de antibióticos de la vía endovenosa a la vía oral y prevención de la NAC.

A committee of six scientific organizations from Argentina developed guidelines for the management of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of adherence with the recommended care suggested by the guidelines in patients hospitalized with CAP in Argentina. Using quality indicators the management of 436 patients who were hospitalized in 12 Argentinean institutions was evaluated. The care given among the following areas was reviewed: need for hospitalization, need for oxygen therapy, empiric antibiotic therapy, switch therapy, hospital discharge, and prevention. The level of adherence was classified as optimal (>90%), intermediate (60% to 90%), and low (<60%).The selection of the empiric antibiotic therapy and the administration of antibiotics between the first 8 hours after arrival had an adherence greater to 80%. A low level of adherence was found in the areas of switch therapy (53%), prevention of CAP with pneumococcal vaccine (51%) and smoking cessation offered (29%). Using quality indicators it is possible to identify specific areas of management in patients with CAP to a low level of adherence with national guidelines. In Argentina interventions to improve switch therapy and prevention of CAP should be developed.

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.

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.

Infecciones respiratorias agudas de invierno en mayores de 65 años / Winter acute respiratory infections in people over 65 years old

Se analizan los resultados de un programa experimental de manejo de las infecciones respiratorias agudas de invierno en adultos mayores. Este programa se aplicó por 3 meses entre julio y septiembre de 1997. El material estuvo constituido por 49 pacientes mayores de 65 años (26 hombres y 23 mujeres); con edad promedio de 74,2 años; portadores de neumonías de más de un lóbulo (51 por ciento); con 2,1 factores de riesgo; con puntaje de gravedad de 5,59 y todos con patologías orgánicas previas de base. El tratamiento recomendado fue penicilina (2 millones cada 8 horas), ceftriaxona (1 gramo diario) y eventualmente cloxacilina (500 mg cada 6 horas). La mortalidad (6 mujeres y 4 hombres) fue de 20,4 por ciento. El promedio de días de hospitalización fue de 20,5 días y el de tratamiento antibiótico de 14 días. El costo de los antibióticos fue de 32.618 pesos por paciente y de 2.297 pesos diarios. La hospitalización por enfermo tuvo para el establecimiento un costo promedio de 800.000 pesos, del cual sólo el 5 por ciento corresponde a los antibióticos

Emprego da claritromicina em infecçöes respiratórias na otorrinolaringologia / The use of clarithromycin in the tretment of respiratory system in otorhinolyngology

Este estudo multicêntrico teve a finalidade de avaliar a eficácia e a tolerabilidade da claritromicina nas patologias otorrinolaringológicas. O estudo envolveu 1.448 pacientes com quadros de amigdalite, faringite, rinite, sinusite ou otite. Os pacientes foram tratados com claritromicina na dose de 7,5 mg/Kg de 12/12 horas, por um período variável de 6 a 12 dias; aqueles com mais de 25 Kg de peso receberam 1 comprimido (250 mg) de 12/12 horas pelo mesmo período de tempo. A avaliaçäo global dos resultados evidenciou que este novo macrolídeo apresenta desempenho excelente em 74,1 por cento e bom em 22,2 por cento dos pacientes com infecçöes otorrinolaringológicas. A droga foi bem aceita pelos pacientes, com boa tolerabilidade e com eventos adversos discretos, na sua maioria representados por náuseas e dores abdominais. A facilidade de administraçäo por via oral a cada 12 horas, aliada à eficácia e a boa tolerabilidade, permite concluir que a claritromicina é um antibiótico que deve ser lembrado em nossa prática clínica diária.

Infeccçöes pulmonares em adultos: dois esquemas posológicos com ofloxacina / Pulmonary infections in adults: two therapeutics regimens of ofloxacin

Foram estudados 37 pacientes portadores de infecção bacteriana do trato respiratório inferior, dos quais 19 apresentavam broncopneumopatia prévia. Os pacientes foram tratados com ofloxacina, uma nova quinoloma, por 10 dias, com ingestão de um comprimido (200 mg) duas vezes ao dia (Grupo I) ou 2 comprimidos (400mg) duas vezes ao dia (Grupo II). O estudo foi aberto, randomizado. No grupo I, 10 pacientes eram portadores de bronquite aguda, três apresentavam exacerbação de bronquite crônica, quatro bronquiectasia infectada e dois pneumonia. No Grupo II havia, respectivamente, cinco, sete, cinco e um pacientes. Em dois pacientes a droga foi suspensa por intolerância, principalmente gástrica, sendo um não analisado nos resultados. Trinta e três pacientes curaram ou melhoraram (91,8 por cento), sendo a avaliação essencialmente clínica, pois somente em 10 pacientes a cultura de escarro selecionado foi positiva. Culturas após o final do tratamento revelaram persistência do germe em apenas um paciente (S. aureus), com preservação da sensibilidade. Não houve diferença significativa nas taxas de cura/melhora nos Grupos I e II. Em conclusão: como a ofloxacina tem eficácia semelhante aos antibióticos clássicos usados em infecção bacteriana do trato respiratório inferior e como a incidência de efeitos colaterais é baixa, o agente pode ser incluído entre os antibióticos indicados neste tipo de infecção.