Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(5):225-234

Noma/Cancrum oris: a neglected disease     

                        
MARÍA GARCÍA-MORO, ENRIQUE GARCÍA-MERINO, ÁNGEL MARTÍN-DEL-REY, ENRIQUE GARCÍA-SÁNCHEZ, JOSÉ ELÍAS GARCÍA- SÁNCHEZ              

Noma is an aggressive orofacial gangrenous pathology that damages hard and soft tissues of the mouth and the face. Throughout the centuries it has been present around the globe, but nowadays it has practically disappeared from developed countries and mainly affects children from the most disadvantaged places, especially in Africa. Noma disease is a multifactorial process; malnutrition, debilitating diseases (bacterial or viral systemic diseases, HIV-associated immunosuppression, etc.) and intraoral infections are some of the factors implied. The characteristic tissue necrosis is produced by a polymicrobial infection. Fusobacterium necrophorum, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella melaninogenica, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Bacteroides fragilis, Bacillus cereus, Trueperella pyogenes, spyrochetes, etc, are some of the species that have been isolated from the affected areas. Without treatment, noma is lethal in a short period of time, and the patients that survive show severe sequelae that hinder their life and interpersonal relationships. The aim of this paper is to unify the existing information and to promote wider knowledge and awareness among the population.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(5):225-234 [pdf]

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Rev Esp Quimioter 2016;29(1):25-31

Dual therapy as an alternative treatment in HIV pretreatred patients: experience in a tertiary hospital     

                        
 LUCIA YUNQUERA-ROMERO, ROCÍO ASENSI-DÍEZ, MACARENA GAJARDO-ÁLVAREZ, ISABEL MUÑOZ-CASTILLO              

Introduction. Dual therapy regimen might be an effective alternative to prevent the occurrence of side effects and comorbidities associated with prolonged treatment with antiretroviral (ARV) and a way of simplification of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to improve adherence in certain patients. It also represents a potential treatment option for patients who have failed previous TAR.
Methods. The aim of the study is to describe the effectiveness, adherence and costs of dual therapy regimen used in pretreated HIV patients in tertiary hospital.
Results. Thirty-eight patients were studied (eight were excluded). Reasons for simplification to dual therapy were previous treatment toxicity (40%), simplification (36.67%) and virological rescue (20%). The dual therapy regimens most used were: IP/r + INSTIs (26.67%), IP/r + NRTIs (23.33%), IP/r + NNR-TIs (23.33%), IP/r+ CCR5 (16.66%) e INSTIs + NNRTIs (10%). ARV more used were darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r) + raltegravir (23.33 %); DRV/r + lamivudine (20%) y DRV/r + etravirine (16.67 %). Adherence was 86.79% before switching to dual therapy and 96.27% after switching. The cost savings of switching to dual therapy of these patients was € 3,635.16.
Discussion. Dual therapy with IP/r might be an effective alternative to selected treatment experienced patients compared with conventional therapy.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016;29(1):25-31 [pdf]

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Rev Esp Quimioter 2016, 29(3):151-154

Identification and in vitro antifungal susceptibility of vaginal Candida spp. isolates to fluconazole, clotrimazole, and nystatin   

                    
MARIA CRISTINA DIAZ, ROSSANNA CAMPONOVO, INGRID ARAYA, ANN CERDA, MARÍA PAOLA SANTANDER, ALFONSO-JAVIER CARRILLO-MUÑOZ             

Objective. The aim of this study was to identify and determine the in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing to clotrimazole, fluconazole, and nystatin of 145 clinical isolates of Candida spp.
Material and methods. M27-A3 microdilution method was used to determine minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and partial MICs (MIC50 and MIC90) of drugs. A total of 145 isolates were studied, 126 were C. albicans, 16 C. glabrata, 2 C. parapsilosis y 1 C. tropicalis.
Results. MIC50 and MIC90 for FLZ against C. albicans were 0.25 mg/L and 1 mg/L respectively and for C. glabrata was achieved at 8 mg/L and 16 mg/L for fluconazole. Five isolates of C. albicans and one isolate of C. tropicalis were in vitro resistant to fluconazole (M27-S4). In C. albicans MIC50 and MIC90 for clotrimazole were of 0.03 mg/L and 0.06 mg/L, respectively. These values for C. glabrata were 0.25 mg/L and 1 mg/L, respectively. Five C. glabrata and 1 C. tropicalis were in vitro resistant to clotrimazole. MIC50 and MIC90 of nystatin were of 1 mg/L and 2 mg/L, respectively for C. albicans and C. glabrata.
Conclusion. In this study, C. albicans is the most frequently isolated yeast, followed by C. glabrata. The antifungals tested were found to be in vitro active for the isolates, except for 6 isolates for fluconazole and 6 to clotrimazole.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016; 29(3):151-154 [pdf]

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Rev Esp Quimioter 2016, 29(Suppl. 1):1-5

Update in Infectious Diseases 2016                     

FRANCISCO JAVIER CANDEL, ANA BELÉN GARCÍA-GARCÍA, MARINA PEÑUELAS, ANA GARCÍA-ALVAREZ, FLAVIA CHIARELLA, LAURA LÓPEZ-GONZÁLEZ, CRISTINA GARCÍA-SALGUERO, CLARA LEJÁRRAGA, ICIAR RODRÍGUEZ-AVIAL          

Antimicrobial resistance increases it health, social and economic impact. in all areas (state, regional and local), initiatives to try to contain the problem of resistance arise. In the update of this year 2016, we study microbiological, epidemiological and clinical aspects of multi-resistant bacteria, as well as resources for therapeutic approach, from ancient to modern drugs from therapeutic combinations to optimization Stewardship programs. In the case of fungal infection, we analyze clinical scenarios with different species in yeast or new clinical settings in filamentous fungi. Taking paediatric population, homologies and differences with adults in invasive fungal infection were compared. Finally in the field of parasitology, treatment of severe malaria imported or that resistant to antimalarial drugs were reviewed.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016; 29(Suppl. 1):1-5 [pdf]

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Rev Esp Quimioter 2016, 29(5):259-264

The use of ertapenem for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in routine hospital practice: a matched cohort study                     

DOLORES SOUSA, JOSÉ MARÍA BRAVO-FERRER, TERESA SEOANE-PILLADO, PATRICIA VÁZQUEZ-RODRÍGUEZ, LUCÍA RAMOS-MERINO, JOSÉ MARÍA GUTIÉRREZ-URBÓN, SALVADOR PITA, PEDRO LLINARES          

Background. The clinical response to ertapenem in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) at the setting of routine hospital practice has been scarcely evaluated.
Methods. We retrospectively compared CAP cases treated with ertapenem or with other standard antimicrobials (controls) at a tertiary 1,434-bed center from 2005 to 2014.
Results. Out of 6,145 patients hospitalized with CAP, 64 (1%) ertapenem-treated and 128 controls were studied (PSI IV-V 72%, mean age 73 years.). A significant higher proportion of bedridden patients (41% vs. 21%), residence in nursing homes (19% vs. 7%), previous use of antibiotics (39% vs. 29%) and necrotizing (13% vs. 1%) or complicated (36% vs. 19%) pneumonia, was observed in the ertapenem vs. non-ertapenem patients. Initial treatment with ertapenem was independently associated with an earlier resolution of signs of infection. In patients aged 65 or older the independent risks factors for mortality were: PSI score (7.0, 95%CI 1.8-27.7), bedridden status (4.6, 95%CI 1.1-20.9) and Health Care Associated Pneumonia (HCAP) (4.6, 95%CI 1.3-16.5). First-line treatment with ertapenem was an independent protector factor in this subgroup of patients (0.1, 95%CI 0.1-0.7).
Conclusions. Ertapenem showed a superior clinical response in frail elderly patients with complicated community-acquired pneumonia, and it may be considered as a first-line therapeutic regimen in this setting.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016; 29(5):259-264 [pdf]

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Rev Esp Quimioter 2017; 30(1):28-33

Epidemiology and risk factors of patients with intra-abdominal postsurgical infection treated with tigecycline: a cohort study                    

GLORIA TORRES, MIRIAM PAREDES, ALICIA HERNÁNDEZ, CRISTINA GARCÍA, FRANCISCO SÁNCHEZ BUENO, MANUEL CANTERAS, PASCUAL PARRILLA, JOAQUÍN GÓMEZ           

Objectives. To study a cohort of patients with intra-abdominal postsurgical infection treated with tigecycline to analyze its effectiveness and mortality related factors.
Patients and methods.  Prospective study of patients with intra-abdominal postsurgical infection with microbiological isolation and treated with tigecycline.
Results. Out of 103 patients only 61 full fit inclusion criteria. Mean age was 67 year-old and 72% were male. Charlson score was ≥ 3 in 65.5%, being diabetes and colon cancer the most prevalent diseases. Cancer surgery was the most frequent procedure (n=44, 72%) and previous antibiotic administration was present in 43 cases (69%). Pitt score was ≥ 3 in 69% and most prevalent bacteria were Escherichia coli (38 %), Enterococcus spp. (34%; mainly Enterococcus faecium) and Klebsiella pneumoniae together with Enterobacter cloacae (28%). Tigecycline was prescribed alone (17; 28%) or in combination with other antibiotics (44; 72%), mainly meropenem (25; 57%) or amikacin (19, 43%). 11 patients died (18%), all of which suffered extended cancer surgery and isolation of extended-spectrum betalactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae. Factors statistically associated to death in univariate analysis were Charlson score >3, pH <7.3 and leucocyte count >20.000 cells/mm3.
Conclusions. As being a cohort of patients treated with tigecycline, E. faecium isolation was very frequent. Non-fatal evolution was achieved in 82% cases, being tigecycline a potentially good option in the empiric treatment of very severe infections.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2017; 30(1):28-33 [pdf]

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Rev Esp Quimioter 2017, Mar 31

Clinical presentation of candidaemia in elderly patients: experience in a single institution                     

ANA LERMA, ELENA CANTERO, MARÍA SORIANO, BEATRIZ ORDEN, ELENA MUÑEZ, ANTONIO RAMOS-MARTINEZ           

Objective. To analyse the clinical presentation of candidaemia in elderly patients.
Methods. A comparison of clinical presentation of candidaemia cases was carried out in a Spanish tertiary hospital between January 2010 and September 2015.
Results. Forty-five cases (32%) corresponded to elderly patients (≥ 75 years) and 95 cases (68%) to non-elderly patients (16-74 years). A higher proportion of elderly patients presented solid tumour (51% versus 32%, p=0.026) and a lower proportion had undergone solid or hematopoietic transplantation (0% versus 28%, p<0.001). Fewer elderly patients (16 patients, 36%) had a central venous line inserted than non-elderly patients (81 patients, 85%, p<0.001). Isolation of Candida parapsilosis was significantly lower among elderly (13.3%) than among non-elderly patients (32%, p=0.015). Fundoscopy was carried out in 20 elderly (44%) and in 64 younger patients (67%, p=0.009). The proportion of patients who underwent echocardiography was similar in both groups (56% vs 66%, respectively; p=0.218). Adequate antifungal treatment within the first 48 hours was administered in16 elderly patients (36%) and 58 younger patients (61%, p=0.005). Catheter removal was carried out in 9 elderly patients (68.1%) and in 40 non-elderly patients (49%, p=0.544). Mortality was higher among elderly patients (55.6%) than non-elderly patients (36.8%; p=0.037).
Conclusions. Elderly patients account for a substantial proportion of patients suffering from candidaemia in recent years. The clinical management of these patients was less appropriate than in younger patients with respect to fundus examination and the prescription of appropriate antifungal treatment. Mortality in elderly patients was higher than in younger patients.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2017; Mar 31 [pdf]

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Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(2):92-97

Mortality among methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriers in long-term care facilities                                  
 


ESTER VENDRELL, JOSEP A CAPDEVILA, PILAR BARRUFET, LLUÍS FORCE, GORETTI SAUCA, ENCARNA MARTÍNEZ, ELISABET PALOMERA, MATEU SERRA-PRAT, JORDI CORNUDELLA, ANNABEL LLOPIS, MªASUNCIÓN ROBLEDO, CRISÓSTOMO VÁZQUEZ              

 

Introduction. Little is known about the natural course of patients with chronic stable illnesses colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The aim is to determine the impact of MRSA colonization in mortality among long-term health care facility (LTHCF) residents.
Method. A multicenter, prospective, observational study was designed. Residents in 4 LTHCFs were classified according to MRSA carriage status and followed for 12 months. Treatment consisted of 5 days of nasal mupirocin in MRSA carriers.
Results. Ninety-three MRSA-carriers among 413 residents were identified. Thirty-one MRSA-colonized patients died during the study period, 11 of whom from an infectious disease. Independent predictors of their higher mortality rates included heart failure, current neoplasm, MRSA carriage and COPD at 3 months and these same factors plus stroke, Bar-thel index <40, pressure ulcers, and older age at 12 months. MRSA-persistence was 35% and 62.5% at 3 and 12 months, respectively.
Conclusions. MRSA colonization among frail LTHCFs residents is highly prevalent, and is associated with higher mortality. Despite treatment of MRSA carriers, many remained colonized. Factors that promote persistence of MRSA colonization, and the impact of their modification on mortality rates in these patients, need further investigation.

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Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(4):214-216

Could ceftaroline be an alternative therapy for linezolid resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis infections in Intensive Care Medicine?     

                        
FRANCISCO JAVIER CANDEL, ELVIRA BAOS, MERCEDES NIETO, JUAN JOSÉ PICAZO              

Introduction. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus continues generating interest in critically ill patients, due to their infections in extended admissions, in instrumented patients and due to their described multidrug resistance, which include glycopeptide heterorresistance and the increase in oxazolidinone resistance. Ceftaroline is a new cephalosporin with activity against resistant gram-positives, which, being betalactam, may provide adequate safety profile in the critical ill patient. The aim of this study was to determine the activity of ceftaroline and other antimicrobial agents against methicillin and linezolid-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis.
Material and methods. We studied susceptibility of ceftaroline, tigecycline, daptomycin and vancomycin in a total of sixty-eight methicillin and linezolid-resistant S. epidermidis isolates with clinical significance from an Intensive Care Unit, using E-test.
Results. All strains were susceptible to the four antimicrobial agents, regardless of the level of resistance to linezolid.
Conclusion. Ceftaroline could be an alternative in the treatment of methicillin and linezolid-resistant S. epidermidis infections in critically ill patients.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(4):214-216 [pdf]

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Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(5):235-241

Boosted protease inhibitor monotherapy in HIV-infected patients: results of a study in a real life setting     

                        
NICOLÁS DI BENEDETTO, MARTA MONTERO-ALONSO, MARINO BLANES, JOSÉ LACRUZ, SANDRA CUELLAR, EVA CALABUIG, JOSÉ LÓPEZ, MIGUEL SALAVERT              

Background. Boosted protease inhibitor monotherapy may offer antiviral efficacy while reducing drug interactions, costs and toxicity. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r) and lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) monotherapy in a real life setting.
Methods. A retrospective analysis of all HIV infected patients, who had initiated DRV/r or LPV/r monotherapy, was performed. Patients whose HIV viral load had remained undetectable for at least two consecutive follow-up visits and who had no neurocognitive disorder or hepatitis B co-infection, were included.
Results. Sixty patients were included. The median (IQR) time to follow-up was 66 (33-118) weeks. The proportions (CI95%) of patients with virological failure were 6.3% (1.7- 20.2) and 25.0% (12.7-43.4), respectively, in the DRV/r and LPV/r groups (p= 0.0424). The proportions (CI95%) of patients with therapeutic success were 90.6% (80.5-100) in the DRV/r group and 60.7% (42.6-78.8) in the LPV/r group (p=0.0063). No protease inhibitor mutations were detected. During the follow-up, 6 patients with dyslipidemia normalized their lipid values. The median monthly cost was 410 (IQR 242-416) euros per person lower for the monotherapy than for the combined antiretroviral therapy.
Conclusions. Boosted protease inhibitor monotherapy was effective in a real life setting. This study showed differences in favour of DRV/r as compared with LPV/r in terms of therapeutic success; however prospective studies are needed to confirm these results. Finally, although this study was not specifically designed to detect benefits in terms of costs and lipid profile, it shows evidence of a positive impact of monotherapy in these fields.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(5):235-241 [pdf]

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