Case Report: Micafungin for treating Candida glabrata urinary infection: a clinical case in a premature neonate.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) associated with indwelling urinary catheterization (IUC) in premature newborns (PNBs) pose a significant challenge in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) due to the vulnerability of this population to infections and the necessity of invasive procedures. While bacterial UTIs have historically been predominant, there is a rising incidence of fungal pathogens, particularly non-albicans Candida strains like Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis, attributed to broad-spectrum antibiotic use. Diagnosis of fungal UTIs in a PNB relies on culturing Candida spp. from properly collected urine samples, particularly critical in very low birth weight (VLBW) PNBs because of the risk of invasive candidiasis and associated complications. We present a case of an extremely premature newborn (EPNB) successfully treated for a UTI caused by C. glabrata with micafungin. Our case exhibits micafungin as a potentially safe and effective alternative for treating C. glabrata UTIs in neonates.

Prevalence of Gabapentinoids and Central Nervous System Depressant Drugs, and Their Association with Risk Factors for Respiratory Depression in Primary Care Patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Warnings have been published regarding an increased risk of severe respiratory depression in patients receiving gabapentinoids either alone or in combination with opioids and/or anxiolytics/hypnotics, especially in individuals with a respiratory risk factor. The aim is to report the prevalence of the use of gabapentinoids alone and associated with central nervous system depressant drugs, and possible associated risk factors for respiratory depression, in order to identify the most fragile population and establish intervention strategies. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study using computerized prescription records from the northern area of Barcelona at Catalan Institute of Health for 363,007 inhabitants registered during 2021. Patients aged ≥ 18 years with one or more gabapentinoid prescription were included. Age, gender, polypharmacy, adjusted morbidity groups, quantity of chronic diseases, and the number of consultations per year were independent variables. Four age categories were defined (18-64 years, then 64-74, 75-84, and those aged 85 years or older). Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed. Level of statistical significance was 5% (p ≤ 0.05). For the analysis, the SPSS program (version 22) was employed. RESULTS: Of the study sample, 9218 were prescribed gabapentidoids. Overall prevalence of use was 3.0% (women 3.6%, men 2.4%). On the whole, women used more drugs than men. In contrast to their younger counterparts, consumption increased 2.6 times, 3.8 times, and 4.0 times in the 65-74 age group, 75-84 age group, and those aged ≥ 85 years, respectively. Mean age was 65.59 (±15.80) years. Polypharmacy (5-9 drugs) was present in 41.7% of the patients and extreme polypharmacy (≥ 10 drugs) was present in 39.3% of the patients. Regarding renal function, 2396 patients (25.9%) had glomerular filtration that required dose adjustment (76.1% with gabapentin and 23.8% with pregabalin). In 141 patients (5.9%), a total daily dose higher than that authorized (109 with gabapentin, 29 with pregabalin) had been prescribed. The prescription of gabapentinoids combined with opioids and/or anxiolytics/hypnotics was significantly associated with (i) polypharmacy (5-9 drugs, OR: 3.42 [95% CI 3.00-3.88]; ≥ 10 drugs, OR 8.72 [95% CI 7.42-10.25]); (ii) quantity of chronic diseases, OR: 1.14 (95% CI 1.11-1.17); (iii) augmented number of consultations/year, OR: 1.01 (95% CI 1.00-1.01); (iv) female gender, OR: <  1 for men, OR: 0.66 (95% CI 0.60-0.73); (v) being elderly: 65-74 years, OR: 0.71 (95% CI 0.62-0.81); 75-84 years, OR: 0.62 (95% CI 0.54-0.71); ≥85 years, OR: 0.68 (95% CI 0.58-0.81); and (vi) adjusted morbidity groups, OR: 0.90 (95% CI 0.88-0.92), (p <  0.0001). CONCLUSION: Exposure to gabapentinoids occurs in a non-negligible percentage of the population. Greater numbers of combinations of gabapentinoids and opioids and/or anxiolytics/hypnotics were associated with polypharmacy, quantity of chronic diseases, and augmented number of consultations, but not with male gender, older age, and adjusted morbidity groups.

Use of Eculizumab in Pediatric Patients With Transplant Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy.

Background: Transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) is a serious complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) associated with high morbidity and mortality. High-risk TA-TMA (hrTA-TMA) is characterized by multifactorial endothelial damage caused by environmental stressors, dysregulation of the complement system, and genetic predisposition. Complement inhibitors have significantly decreased mortality and are the current treatment of choice. In this article, we describe our experience with the use of eculizumab in pediatric patients diagnosed with hrT-TMA after HSCT. Method: Retrospective study of pediatric patients with hrTA-TMA treated with eculizumab between January 2016 and December 2020. Results: Four pediatric patients aged 1, 12, 14, and 17 years at the time of HSCT were diagnosed with hrTA-TMA and treated with eculizumab during the study. At diagnosis, they all had renal impairment with proteinuria, and hypertension under treatment with at least two antihypertensive drugs. The patient who presented multisystemic involvement died instead of treatment. The three patients with exclusive renal involvement achieved TA-TMA resolution after treatment with eculizumab for 65, 52, and 40.6 weeks and were able to stop treatment. The two patients with follow-up data one year after eculizumab withdrawal sustained a favorable response. Eculizumab was well tolerated, and with adequate vaccination and antibiotic prophylaxis, did not increase the risk of infection. Conclusions: Eculizumab appears to be both safe and effective for the treatment of hrTA-TMA in patients with renal impairment. Early diagnosis and initiation of treatment may improve response. Eculizumab withdrawal can be contemplated in patients who achieve laboratory and clinical resolution of TA-TMA.

The influence of parenteral protein intake on electrolyte disturbances in premature infants.

INTRODUCTION: Aggressive parenteral nutrition with delivery of high amino acid and energy doses is used to improve growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. Recent findings, however, suggest that this approach may cause electrolyte imbalances. The aim of our study was to compare the prevalence of hypercalcaemia, hypophosphataemia, and hypokalaemia in 2 groups of preterm infants that received parenteral nutrition with different amounts of amino acids and to analyse perinatal and nutritional variables associated with the development of electrolyte imbalances. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study comparing 2 groups of preterm infants born before 33 weeks' gestation with birth weights of less than 1500 g managed with parenteral nutrition. One of the groups received less than 3 g/kg/day of amino acids and the other received 3 g/kg//day of amino acids or more. We analysed the prevalence of electrolyte imbalances and possible associations with aggressive parenteral nutrition, adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: We studied 114 infants: 60 given less than 3 g/kg/day of amino acids (low-intake group) and 54 given at least 3 g/kg/day (high-intake group). The prevalence of electrolyte imbalances was similar in both groups. The prevalence of hypercalcaemia was 1.67% in the low-intake group and 1.85% in the high-intake group (P > .99), the prevalence of severe hypophosphataemia 11.7% vs 9.3%, and the prevalence of hypokalaemia 15.0% vs 11.1% (P > .99). A calcium to phosphorus ratio greater than 1.05 had a protective effect against hypophosphataemia (P = .007). CONCLUSIONS: We did not find an association between hypercalcaemia, hypophosphataemia, and hypokalaemia and the amino acid dose delivered by PN in the high-intake group of preterm infants.

COVID-19 in Solid Organ Transplantation: A Matched Retrospective Cohort Study and Evaluation of Immunosuppression Management.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of solid organ transplant (SOT) patients during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic remains unclear. We conducted a matched retrospective cohort study to compare clinical outcomes among SOT recipients with the general population and to assess immunosuppression management. METHODS: Adult SOT recipients with laboratory polymerase chain reaction-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to a tertiary-care hospital in Barcelona, Spain, from March 11 to April 25, 2020, were matched to controls (1:4) on the basis of sex, age, and age-adjusted Charlson's Index. Patients were followed for up to 28 days from admission or until censored. Primary endpoint was mortality at 28 days. Secondary endpoints included admission to the intensive care unit and secondary complications. Drug-drug interactions (DDI) between immunosuppressants and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) management medication were collected. RESULTS: Forty-six transplant recipients and 166 control patients were included. Mean (SD) age of transplant recipients and controls was 62.7 (12.6) and 66.0 (12.7) years, 33 (71.7%) and 122 (73.5%) were male, and median (interquartile range) Charlson's Index was 5 (3-7) and 4 (2-7), respectively. Mortality was 37.0% in SOT recipients and 22.9% in controls (P = 0.51). Thirty-three (71.7%) patients underwent transitory discontinuation of immunosuppressants due to potential or confirmed DDI. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, hospitalized SOT recipients with COVID-19 had a trend toward higher mortality compared with controls, although it was not statistically significant, and a notable propensity for DDI.

Home Albumin Infusion Therapy, Another Alternative Treatment in Patients With Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome of the Finnish Type.

Background: Congenital nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type (CNF) is a rare, severe glomerular disease caused by mutations in the NPHS1 gene, which codes for nephrin. It is characterised by massive proteinuria and severe edoema. Progression to end-stage kidney failure occurs during early childhood and the only curative treatment is kidney transplantation. Nowadays, patients need aggressive medical treatment, which includes daily albumin infusions (for months) until they get clinical stability to receive transplant. Objective: In our paediatric hospital, we implemented a multidisciplinary program for the home infusion of albumin with outpatient follow-up. The aim of the study was to assess the safety and efficacy of this program for the first four years of its implementation. Material and Methods: Retrospective observational study of CNF paediatric patients treated with home albumin infusion therapy from March 2014 to July 2018 at a tertiary care paediatric hospital. Information on albumin administration was obtained from the electronic prescription assistance program and details on clinical and care-related variables from the hospital's electronic information systems. Results: Four patients with CNF received albumin infusions for 18, 21, 22 months, and 3 years. The treatment was safe, and the complication rates were to be expected considering the severity of disease. Patients required a median of two hospital admissions a year (19 in total); 47% due to catheter-related complications, but there were just three catheter infections. Conclusions: In our experience, home albumin infusion therapy is safe and effective and helps to improve children health and quality of life.

Physicochemical characterization of micafungin and anidulafungin for its nebulized administration.

OBJECTIVE: To determine by experimentation whether micafungin and  anidulafungin possess physicochemical properties suitable for  nebulization. METHOD: PH, osmolality, viscosity, density and chloride content were  determined by pH monitoring, osmometry, viscometry, densitometry  and potentiometry in two samples of different concentrations, 5 and 10  mg/mL each echinocandin. Results: The results obtained for micafungin solution were: pH 5.80 (0.14), osmolality 293.33 (1.53) mOsm/kg, chloride content  134.67 (0.58) mmol/L and density 1,009.4 (0,1) kg/m3; while for 10  mg/mL solution: osmolality 342.00 (1.00) mOsm/kg, chloride content  139.67 (0.58) mmol/L and density 1,014.5 (0.2) kg/m3. The results  obtained for 5 mg/mL anidulafungin were: pH 4.22 (0.01), osmolality  464.67 (2.52) mOsm/kg, chloride content 137.00 (0.00) mmol/L and  density 1,016.5 (0,2) kg/m3; while for 10 mg/mL solution: osmolality  656.33 (1.15) mOsm/kg, chloride content 132.00 (0.00) mmol/L and  density 1,029.8 (0.4) kg/m3. Conclusions: PH, osmolality, chloride content and density values  proved to be suitable for proper tolerability by nebulization.

Objetivo: Determinar experimentalmente si micafungina y  nidulafungina poseen propiedades fisicoquímicas adecuadas para su  nebulización.Método: Se determinó el pH, la osmolalidad, la viscosidad, la densidad y el contenido en cloruros mediante pH-metría, osmometría,  viscosimetría, densitometría y potenciometría, respectivamente, en dos  muestras de diferente concentración, 5 y 10 mg/ml, de cada  equinocandina.Resultados: Para la solución de micafungina 5 mg/ml los resultados  obtenidos fueron: pH 5,80 (0,14), osmolalidad 293,33 (1,53) mOsm/kg,  contenido en cloruros 134,67 (0,58) mmol/l y densidad  1.009,4 (0,1) kg/m3; y para la solución de 10 mg/ml: osmolalidad  342,00 (1,00) mOsm/kg, contenido en cloruros 139,67 (0,58) mmol/l y  densidad 1.014,5 (0,2) kg/m3. Para la solución de anidulafungina 5  mg/ml los resultados obtenidos fueron: pH 4,22 (0,01), osmolalidad  464,67 (2,52) mOsm/kg, contenido en cloruros 137,00 (0,00) mmol/l y  densidad 1.016,5 (0,2) kg/m3; y para la solución de 10 mg/ml:  osmolalidad 656,33 (1,15) mOsm/kg, contenido en cloruros 132,00  (0,00) mmol/l y densidad 1.029,8 (0,4) kg/m3. Conclusiones: Los valores de pH, osmolalidad, contenido en cloruros y densidad resultaron adecuados para una correcta tolerabilidad  ediante nebulización.