Rev Esp Quimioter 2016, 29(2):69-75

A comparison of the efficacy of piperacillin-tazobactam and cefoperazone-sulbactam therapies in the empirical treatment of patients with febrile neutropenia     

                        

AYNUR AYNIOGLU, BIRSEN MUTLU, ABDULLAH HACIHANEFIOGLU             

  

Introduction. Empirical antibiotic therapy in neutropenic patients presenting with fever plays a significant role in reducing mortality related to infection. Empirical therapies with broad-spectrum intravenous bactericidal, anti-pseudomonal antibiotics are accepted treatments for febrile neutropenic patients. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of piperacillin-tazobactam (PIP-TAZO) and cefoperozone-sulbactam (CS) therapies in adult patients with haematological malignancies presenting with neutropenic fever in a prospective study design.
Methodology. Patients with haematological malignancies (leukaemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndrome) were recruited from June 2010–May 2013.  Participants were over 18 years old, with an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of less than 500/mm³ following chemotherapy or expected to have an ANC less than 500/mm³ in the first 48 h post-chemotherapy, and with an oral body temperature ≥ 38.3°C at a single measurement or 38.0°C after 1-h monitoring. Patients were randomised to the two treatment groups. The initial empirical therapy comprised PIP-TAZO (4.5 g/6 h/day, IV) and CS (2 g/8 h/day, IV).
Results. The overall success rate was 61% with CS and 49% with PIP-TAZO (p =0.247). Factors affecting the treatment success included a neutrophil count <100/mm3, being in the relapse/refractory stage of malignancy, and the presence of a microbiologically documented infection (p <0.05).
Conclusion. PIP-TAZO and CS monotherapies are equally effective and safe for the empirical treatment of febrile neutropenic patients.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016; 29(2):69-75 [pdf]

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016, 29(4):220-223

Development of a PCR for the detection and quantification of parasitism by Demodex folliculorum infestation in biopsies of skin neoplasms periocular area                     

ALBERTO TENORIO-ABREU, JUAN CARLOS SÁNCHEZ-ESPAÑA, LIGIA ESPERANZA NARANJO-GONZÁLEZ, MARÍA CARMEN GONZÁLEZ-GALLEGO, CARLOS HIDALGO-GRASS, CARLOS RUÍZ-FRUTOS          

Objective. To standardize the relative quantification by mass of tissue parasitism by Demodex folliculorum infestation from neoplastic skin biopsies periocular using molecular amplification to study the possible relationship of the appearance of eyelid basal cell carcinoma with the presence and density of the mite in later works.
Methods. A quantitative PCR was developed real-time probes TaqMan. PCR was tested in a pilot 46 actual biopsy samples nodular basal cell carcinoma series.
Results. The sensitivity was placed with a detection limit of between 1 and 10 copies / μl. 50% (23/46) of the biopsies were positive for D. folliculorum. The specificity was 100% confirmed by sequencing.
Conclusion. The technique shows good results for sensitivity and specificity that can make it useful as a tool for studies of cause and effect D. folliculorum and basal cell carcinoma.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016; 29(4):220-223 [pdf]

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016, 29(Suppl. 1):21-25

Epidemiology of multi-drug resistant gramnegative bacilli                     

PATRICIA RUIZ-GARBAJOSA, RAFAEL CANTÓN          

Current antimicrobial resistance in Gram negative bacilli is particularly worrisome due to development of resistance to all available antimicrobial agents. This situation dramatically limits therapeutic options. The microorganisms acquire a multiresistance phenotype as a consequence of different complex processes in which the antimicrobials acts as selective driver of resistance. Dissemination of multiresistant bacteria is driven by the expansion of the high-risk clones. These clones can be selected in the presence of antimicrobials allowing their persistence over time.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016; 29(Suppl. 1):21-25 [pdf]

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016, 29(6):296-301

Seasonal influenza in octogenarians and nonagenarians admitted to a general hospital: epidemiology, clinical presentation and prognostic factors                     

JOSÉ M. RAMOS, M. MAR GARCÍA-NAVARRO, M. PILAR GONZÁLEZ DE LA ALEJA, ROSARIO SÁNCHEZ-MARTÍNEZ, ADELINA GIMENO-GASCÓN, SERGIO REUS, ESPERANZA MERINO, JUAN C. RODRÍGUEZ-DÍAZ JOAQUÍN PORTILLA          

Background. Seasonal influenza is responsible for high annual morbidity and mortality worldwide, especially in elderly patients. The aim of the study was to analyse the epidemiological, clinical and prognostic features of influenza in octogenarians and nonagenarians admitted to a general hospital, as well as risk factors associated with mortality.
Methods. Retrospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study in patients admitted and diagnosed with influenza by molecular biology in the General University Hospital of Alicante from 1 January to 31 April 2015.
Results. A total of 219 patients were diagnosed with influenza in the study period: 55 (25.1%) were ≤64 years-old; 77 (35.2%) were aged 65–79; 67 (30.6%) were aged 80–89 years; and 20 (9.1%) were aged ≥90 years. Most flu episodes were caused by influenza A (n=181, 82.6%). Patients aged 80 years or older had lower glomerular filtration rate (mean: 49.7 mL/min vs. 62.2 mL/min; p=0.006), a greater need for non-invasive mechanical ventilation (22% vs 9.3%; p=0.02), greater co-morbidity due to cardiac insufficiency (40.5% vs. 16.4%; p<0.001) and chronic renal disease (32.9 vs. 20%, p=0.03), and greater mortality (19% vs. 2.9%; p<0.001). In a multivariate analysis, mortality was higher in those aged 80 or over (adjusted odds ratio [ORa] 9.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.65–51.1), those who had acquired the flu in a long-term care facility (ORa 11.9, 95% CI 1.06–134), and those with hyperlactataemia (ORa 1.89, 95% CI 1.20–3.00).
Conclusions. Seasonal influenza is a serious problem leading to elevated mortality in octogenarian and nonagenarian patients admitted to a general hospital.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016; 29(6):296-301  [pdf]

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016, 29(2):76-85

Knowledge and attitudes of healthcare workers towards a suspect case of Ebola virus disease     

                        

FRANCISCO J. GÓMEZ-ROMERO,  J. MANUEL GÓMEZ-GARCÍA, MERCEDES ARENCIBIA-JIMÉNEZ, JOSÉ ANTONIO DELGADO-DE LOS REYES, RUTH SARMIENTO-SEMPERE, ISIDRO GARCÍA-ABAD, RAMÓN VICEDO-CANO, GERARDO PÉREZ-TORREGROSA, JUAN FRANCISCO NAVARRO-GRACIA             

  

Introduction. The last outbreak of the Ebola virus disease, was a precedent to demonstrate the necessary training of healthcare personnel for possible eventualities of suspected cases of infectious diseases. It is required to study the level of qualification of healthcare workers in such situations.
Methods. Descriptive study using post-workshop survey of healthcare workers in a Valencian Community health department on acquired knowledge and skills after training.
Results and conclusions. Healthcare personnel received an overall passing score on the post-workshop survey, but with differences in occupational categories and different blocks of training. The ratings could be considered deficient in some cases. It should be reviewed periodically training health personnel and calibrate such training to the resources availa-ble for proper operation.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016; 29(2):76-85 [pdf]

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016, 29(4):183-189

A program for optimizing the use of antimicrobials (PROA): experience in a regional hospital                     

JON UGALDE-ESPIÑEIRA, JAIONE BILBAO-AGUIRREGOMEZCORTA, AINHOA ZURIÑE SANJUAN-LÓPEZ, CARMEN FLORISTÁN-IMÍZCOZ, LUIS ELORDUY-OTAZUA, MARGARITA VICIOLA-GARCÍA          

Introduction. Programs for optimizing the use of antibiotics (PROA) or antimicrobial stewardship programs are multidisciplinary programs developed in response to the increase of antibiotic resistant bacteria, the objective of which are to improve clinical results, to minimize adverse events and to reduce costs associated with the use of antimicrobials. The implementation of a PROA program in a 128-bed general hospital and the results obtained at 6 months are here reported.
Methods. An intervention quasi-experimental study with historical control group was designed with the objective of assessing the impact of a PROA program with a non-restrictive intervention model to help prescription, with a direct and bidirectional intervention. The basis of the program is an optimization audit of the use of antimicrobials with not imposed personalized recommendations and the use of information technologies applied to this setting. The impact on the pharmaceutical consumption and costs, cost per process, mean hospital stay, percentage of readmissions to the hospital are described.
Results. A total of 307 audits were performed. In 65.8% of cases, treatment was discontinued between the 7th and the 10th day. The main reasons of treatment discontinuation were completeness of treatment (43.6%) and lack of indication (14.7%). The reduction of pharmaceutical expenditure was 8.59% (P = 0.049) and 5.61% of the consumption in DDD/100 stays (P=0.180). The costs by processes in general surgery showed a 3.14% decrease (p=0.000).
Conclusion. The results obtained support the efficiency of these programs in small size hospitals with limited resources.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016; 29(4):183-189 [pdf]

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016, 29(Suppl. 1):26-30

Resistant gram-negative bacteria. Therapeutic approach and risk factors                     

PATRICIA SALGADO, FERNANDO GILSANZ, EMILIO MASEDA          

The rapid spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria has become a serious threat, especially in critical care units, thereby prolonging the hospital stay. Enterobacteriaceae have a high capacity to adapt to any environment. Plasmids are the reason behind their expansion. The choice of empiric therapy for intra-abdominal or urinary infections requires knowledge of the intrinsic microbiological variability of each hospital or critical care unit, as well as the source of infection, safety or antibi-tic toxicity, interaction with other drugs, the dosage regimen and the presence of risk factors. Carbapenems are the drug of choice in the case of suspected infection by ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. The new ceftazidime/avibactam and ceftolozane/tazobactam drugs are opening up promising new horizons in the treatment of multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016; 29(Suppl. 1):26-30 [pdf]

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016, 29(6):302-307

Demographic and clinical features of diagnosed individuals of enterobiasis in the southern Gran Canaria: sampling assessment                     

DEYANIRA CARRILLO-QUINTERO, LAURA DEL OTERO SANZ, SARA HERNÁNDEZ-EGIDO, ANTONIO MANUEL MARTÍN SÁNCHEZ          

Introduction. Enterobius vermicularis, also known as pinworn, is the responsible agent for Human Enterobiasis. It is one of the most prevalent, but underrated, parasitic disease in children population. Diagnosis involves demonstration of either eggs or adult worms by Graham test. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical, demographic and microbiological features of patients with suspected diagnosis of Enterobiasis in southern Gran Canaria.
Material and methods. Descriptive and prospective study of perianal samples evaluated by Graham test in the Microbiology Department of `Insular de Gran Canaria´ University Hospital between November 2014 and November 2015. Descriptive analysis to evaluate the correlation between clinical and demographic variables and the results of Graham test microbiological observation.
Results. 1,128 samples were analyzed. E. vermicularis was found in 11.4% of the samples. Among the positives samples, 88.4% belonged to children under 14 years, and 53.5% were male. Abdominal pain (18.6%), anal itching (11.6%), eosinophilia (8.5%) and intestinal parasitosis suspicion (7.8%) were the reasons of parasitological investigation request in positive samples. Nevertheless, a high proportion of the requests was not founded in a suspicious diagnosis or was unrelated to Enterobiasis.
Conclusions. Enterobiasis is a common disease in primary health care and is of great importance in Gran Canaria. Quality in sample collection as well as diagnosis suspicious information are necessary for a good microbiological analysis.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016; 29(6):302-307  [pdf]

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016, 29(2):99-104

Development of a web application for recording bacterial etiologic agents and their antimicrobial susceptibility to improve the treatment of urinary tract infections and monitor resistance to antibiotics     

                        

FRANCISCO GÓMEZ-PALOMO, ANTONIO SORLÓZANO-PUERTO, CONSUELO MIRANDA-CASAS, JOSÉ MARÍA RODRÍGUEZ-RODRÍGUEZ, JOSÉ MARÍA NAVARRO-MARÍ, JOSÉ GUTIÉRREZ-FERNÁNDEZ             

Introduction. We describe the development of a web platform that provides an updated record of the etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility of the different microorganisms responsible for urinary tract infections.
Material and Methods. The MicrobDinamyc system (Francisco Soria Melguizo, SA, Madrid, Spain) is employed for the management of information derived from the urine culture results. The web application database automatically gathers the results of urine cultures conducted in the laboratory.
Results. The user can consult the distribution of bacterial etiologies and antimicrobial susceptibilities in the different clinical settings during a specific time window.
Conclusions. Using susceptibility data obtained in previous studies and stored on the web platform, it is possible to deduce the clinical activity of a given antibiotic in a specific setting.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016; 29(2):99-104 [pdf]

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016, 29(4):202-205

Antimicrobial susceptibility of Gram-negative bacilli of community acquired intra-abdominal infections in a hospital at Buenos Aires, Argentina                     

LAURA MORGANTI, EZEQUIEL CÓRDOVA, ELSA CASSINI, NORA GÓMEZ, LAURA LÓPEZ MORAL, MARCELA BADÍA, CLAUDIA RODRÍGUEZ          

Introduction. Community acquired complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) are a common condition. Few data are available about the level of antimicrobial resistance of Gram-negative bacteria isolated from community acquired cIAIs in Argentina.
Methods. Retrospective-prospective observational study (March 2010 to February 2012). Gram-negative bacteria antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates from community acquired cIAIs were evaluated.
Results. During this period, a total of 85 patients were included and 138 pathogens were collected. Male sex: 58%. Median age: 33. Monomicrobial cultures were obtained in 49% of the cases. Ninety (65%) corresponded to Gram-negative organisms, and 48 (38%) to Gram-positive cocci. Gram-negative organisms most frequently observed were: Escherichia coli 76%, Klebsiella pneumoniae 8%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 7% and Enterobacter spp. 6%. E. coli and K. pneumoniae showed a high percentage of strains resistance to ciprofloxacin of 37% and 29%, respectively. Similarly, resistance to ampicillin/sulbactam was observed in a 16% of the E. coli isolates. The prevalence of multiresistant Gram-negative organisms was 38%.
Conclusions. A high level of resistance to antimicrobials was observed in community acquired cIAIs, mainly to ciprofloxacin and ampicillin/sulbactam two of the most used antimicrobial for empirically treatment of cIAIs in our country. In addition a significant proportion of multiresistant Gram-negative organisms were identified.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016; 29(4):202-205 [pdf]