Rev Esp Quimioter 2017; 30(1):19-27

Design and implementation of an outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy program in primary care: the experience at a second level hospital                     

MARÍA RUIZ-CAMPUZANO, ELISA GARCÍA-VÁZQUEZ, JOSÉ JOAQUÍN HERNÁNDEZ-ROCA, JOAQUÍN GÓMEZ-GÓMEZ, MANUEL CANTERAS-JORDANA, ENRIQUE MENÉ-FENOR, ALICIA HERNÁNDEZ-TORRES, ANA PELÁEZ-BALLESTA           

Introduction. Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) programs are a good assistance option in a wide variety of infectious diseases. Our aim was to design and implement an OPAT program in the area of influence of a second-level hospital, with no Home Hospitalization Service available, being necessary close collaboration between hospitalization and Primary Care teams, describe our cohort, analyse the antimicrobial treatment indicated and evaluate the prognostic and risk factors associated with readmission and mortality. 
Material and methods. Prospective study cohorts of patients admitted to the OPAT programme, from 1 January 2012 to 31 May 2015.
Results. During the period of study a total of 98 episodes were recorded. The average age of the cohort was 66 years. The most frequent comorbidity was immunosuppression (33.67 %), with an overall average of Charlson index of 5.21 ± 3.09. The most common source of infection was respiratory (33.67 %). Microbiological isolation was achieved in fifty-eight patients (59.18 %) being Escherichia coli the most frequently isolated (25%). The average number of days of antibiotics administration at home was 10.42 ± 6.02 (SD), being carbapenems (43.48%) the more administered. Eighty-six patients (87.75%) completed the treatment successfully. Thirty-two patients (32.65%) were readmitted within 30 days after being discharged and seven patients (7.14%) died. A statistically significant association was only found in the readmission with variables: elderly patients (p=0.03), being carriers of Porth-a-Cath (p=0.04) and treatment termination related with infection (p<0.05).
Conclusions. This is the first programme of OPAT administration not dependent on Home Hospitalization Service in Spain, which could allow to optimize the hospital and primary care resources available. Nevertheless this pilot study results are poor in terms of optimization of antibiotics choice, transition to oral administration, de-escalation and duration.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2017; 30(1):19-27  [pdf]

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Rev Esp Quimioter 2017, Mar 8

Usefulness of biomarkers to predict bacteraemia in patients with infection in the emergency department                     

AGUSTÍN JULIÁN-JIMÉNEZ, FRANCISCO JAVIER CANDEL, JUAN GONZÁLEZ-DEL CASTILLO, EN REPRESENTACIÓN DEL GRUPO INFURG-SEMES (GRUPO DE ESTUDIO DE INFECCIONES DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPAÑOLA DE MEDICINA DE URGENCIAS Y EMERGENCIAS)           

Between all patients attended in the Emergency Department (ED), 14.3% have an infectious disease diagnosis. Blood cultures (BC) are obtained in 14.6% of patients and have a profitability of 20%, whereas 1% are considered as contaminated and 1-3% of positive cultures correspond to discharge patients (“hidden bacteraemia”). The highest number of confirmed bacteraemias comes from the samples of patients with urinary tract infections, followed by community-acquired pneumonia. The suspicion and detection of bacteraemia have an important diagnostic and prognostic significance and could modify some important making-decisions (admission, BC request, administration of appropriate and early antimicrobial, etc). Therefore, finding a predictive model of bacteraemia useful and applicable in ED has become the objective of many authors that combine different clinical, epidemiological and analytical variables, including infection and inflammatory response biomarkers (IIRBM), as they significantly increase the predictive power of such models. The aim of this review is to highlight the evidence showed in recent published articles, to clarify existing controversies, and to compare the accuracy of the most important IIRBM to predict bacteremia in patients attended due to infection in the ED. Finally, to generate different recommendations that could help to define the role of IIRBM in improving the indication to obtaining BC, as well as in immediate decision-making in diagnosis and treatment (early and adequate antibiotic treatment, complementary tests, other microbiological samples, hemodynamic support measures, need for admission, etc.).

Rev Esp Quimioter 2017; Mar 8 [pdf]

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Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(1):39-46

Burden of influenza virus type B and mismatch with the flu vaccine in Spain                                 
 


JOSE Mª EIROS-BOUZA, ALBERTO PÉREZ-RUBIO              

 

Introduction. Since the 80s two lineages of type B viruses are co – circulating in the world. Antigenic differences between them are important and it leads to lack of cross-reactivity. The impact on the burden of disease due to influenza B virus, poor foresight in estimating which of the two lineages of B viruses circulate in the season, and the consequent lack of immunity in case of including the wrong strain make that the availability of the quadrivalent vaccine is very useful. The aim of this paper is to analyze the past influenza seasons in Spain to assess the burden of disease, divergence between the vaccine strain and the circulating B and viral characteristics associated with type B in each seasonal epidemic.
Material and methods. Review of all reports issued by the Influenza Surveillance System in Spain since the 2003-2004 season to 2012-2013.
Results. Over the past influenza seasons, although type A was present mostly, circulation of influenza B virus in each season was observed, even being co – dominant in some of them. In a high number of seasons the divergence between the vaccine strain and the circulating strain lineage has been observed
Conclusions. The protective effect of influenza vaccine has varied depending on the type / subtype of influenza virus studied. The vaccine effectiveness against influenza infection by influenza B virus has varied greatly depending on the season analyzed.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(1):39-46 [pdf]

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Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(4):193-199

Safety of influenza vaccines in risk groups: analysis of adverse events following immunization reported in Valencian Community from 2005 to 2011                                 
 

ANA MARÍA ALGUACIL-RAMOS, TERESA Mª GARRIGUES-PELUFO, JULIO MUELAS-TIRADO, ANTONIO PORTERO-ALONSO, JORDI PEREZ-PANADÉS, JAIME FONS-MARTÍNEZ              

Objective. To evaluate reports of adverse events following influenza immunization by sex, risk and age groups in Valencian Community from 2005 to 2011.
Methods. A pharmacoepidemiological descriptive cross-sectional observational study based on the reports of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) against influenza, registered through the Vaccination Information System (SIV) of Valencian Community from 1 January 2005 until 31 December 2011 was done.
Results. During the study period 5,107,790 doses of vaccine against influenza were reported, with an AEFI incidence of 1.94 per 100,000 (95% CI 1.59 to 2.36), and 228,094 doses of vaccine for influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 (96.45 per 100,000, 95%CI 84.52-110.06). The 70.71% (70) and 64.55% (142), respectively, of AEFI were in women. The healthcare workers group had a higher reporting rate for seasonal influenza (25.35 per 100,000; 95%CI: 17.65-36.40) and for influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 (864.13 per 100,000; 95%CI 714.38-1044.93) during the study period.
Conclusions. Vaccines against influenza administered during the study had a high safety profile in both populations with disease risk and other susceptible target groups of vaccination. Adverse reactions reported during the study mostly coincide with those described in the summary of product characteristics of vaccines.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(4):193-199 [pdf]

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Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(Suppl. 1):48-51

Therapeutic update in hepatitis C     

                        
 MARÍA JOSÉ DEVESA, FRANCISCA CUENCA, SONIA IZQUIERDO, PILAR SÁNCHEZ-POBRE, JOSÉ MARÍA LADERO, GUSTAVO LÓPEZ-ALONSO, MANUEL DÍAZ-RUBIO, ENRIQUE REY              

Hepatitis C virus infection is a major health burden affecting 130-170 million people worldwide. Approximately 10-30% of those with chronic hepatitis C will progress to cirrhosis over 20-30 years. The development of new direct-acting antivirals has changed the management of the disease, allowing efficacious Interferon-free therapies superior to prior treatment regimens with minimal side effects, even in some subgroups previously thought to be difficult to cure such as cirrhotic patients.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(Suppl. 1):48-51 [pdf]

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Rev Esp Quimioter 2015:28(6):317-321

Measurement of antimicrobial consumption using DDD per 100 bed-days versus DDD per 100 discharges after the implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program     

                        
ROBERTO COLLADO, JUAN EMILIO LOSA, ELENA ALBA, ÁLVARO PIEDAD TORO, LEONOR MORENO, MONTSERRAT PÉREZ              

Introduction.  Monitoring antimicrobial consumption in hospitals is a necessary measure. The indicators commonly employed do not clearly reflect the antibiotic selection pressure. The objective of this study is to evaluate two different methods that analyze antimicrobial consumption based on DDD, per stay and per discharge, before and after the implementation an antimicrobial stewardship program.
Material and methods. Comparative pre-post study of antimicrobial consumption  with the implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program using DDD per 100 bed-days and DDD per 100 discharges as indicators.
Results. Hospital bed days remained stable and discharges increased slightly along the period of study Antibiotic consumption in DDD per 100 bed-days decreased by 2.5% versus 3.8% when expressed as DDD per 100 discharges. Antifungal consumption decreased by more than 50%.
Conclusions. When average hospital stay decreases, reductions in the consumption of antimicrobials with an antimicrobial stewardship program system occur at the expense of reducing the number of patients receiving treatment, while increases occur due to longer durations of treatment.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2015;28(6):317-321 [pdf]

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Rev Esp Quimioter 2016, 29(3):130-145

A systematic review of randomized clinical trials published in Malaria Journal between 2008 and 2013  

                    
ELENA MARTÍNEZ-ALONSO, JOSÉ MANUEL RAMOS             

Background. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) are a key component in clinical research and they provide the highest quality clinical results. The objective of this study was to describe the main characteristics of RCTs published in Malaria Journal, including research topics, study population and design, funding sources and collaboration between institutions. This may help researchers and funders define future research priorities in this field.
Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on the RCTs published in Malaria Journal between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2013. A key-word search by “Randomized controlled trial” or “Random*” was carried out in PubMed. RCT indexed to MEDLINE were selected for the analysis.
Results. A total of 108 published articles containing RCTs were analysed. Treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria (n=45, 41.6%), especially the efficacy and safety of antimalarial drugs, and malaria prevention (n=34, 31.5%) were the two main research topics. The majority of trials were conducted in Africa (62.2%) and Asia (27%) and received external funding (private, 42.3% and/or public, 38.6%). Paediatric population was the primary study group (n=63, 58.3%), followed by adults (n=29, 26.9%). Pregnant women (n=7) and geriatric population (n=1) remain underrepresented. Nearly 75% of trials were conducted in individual subjects and 25% in groups of subjects (cluster RCTs). A considerable collaboration between researchers and institutions is noteworthy
Conclusions. RCTs published in Malaria Journal address a wide range of research topics. Paediatric trials conducted in Africa and Asia are frequently performed, and a significant worldwide collaboration to fight against malaria has been identified.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016; 29(3):130-145 [pdf]

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Rev Esp Quimioter 2016, 29(5):273-277

Prosthetic joint infection in patients with hip fracture. Differences from infection of elective prosthesis                     

JOSÉ Mª BARBERO, EDUARDO MONTERO, ALFONSO VALLÉS, MIGUEL ÁNGEL PLASENCIA, JUAN ROMANYK, JOAQUÍN LÓPEZ          

Introduction. Most publications about prosthetic joint infections (PJI) are referred to elective prosthesis and they exclude arthroplasties due to hip fracture.
Methods. We conducted a descriptive study about prosthetic joint infections after joint fracture in Alcalá de Henares Hospital (Madrid) between 2009 and 2014 and we compared with elective prosthetic infections in the same period.
Results. There were 30 PJI after hip fracture and 14 elective PJI. The incidence of infection was 4.7% in arthroplasties due to hip fracture from 1.3% in elective prosthesis (RR 3.8, p=0.005). The PJI after fracture affected older patients (82.5 years vs 71.5, p=0.006), with greater comorbidity (5.4 vs 3.6, p=0.003), higher anesthetic risk (ASA>2 70% vs 21.4%, p=0.004) and higher incidence of dementia (50% vs 0%, p=0.02). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common causative agent in both groups, but there was higher incidence of Gram negative-cases in PJI after fracture group (43.3% vs 21.4%, p no significance) and cefazolin-resistance (63.3% vs 28.6%, p=0.03). In logistic regression analysis the treatment had less chance of success in PJI after fracture than elective PJI (33.3% vs 78.6%, OR 0.09, p=0.06).
Conclusions. The PJI after fracture are more frequent than elective PJI, affect older patients, with poor general condition, are produced by more resistant bacteria and have worst evolution than EPJI.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016; 29(5):273-277 [pdf]

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Rev Esp Quimioter 2016, 29(Suppl. 1):59-65

Invasive fungal infections in children: Similarities and differences with adults                     

JOSÉ TOMÁS RAMOS, LAURA FRANCISCO, ZARIFE DAOUD          

Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised adults and children. The purpose of this review was to update the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic options in children, and to compare them with the adult population. Although there are important differences, the epidemiology, clinical features and risk factors for IFI have many similarities. Patient at risk include neutropenic hematology children, in whom Candida spp. y Aspergillus spp. predominate; primary immunodeficiencies, particularly chronic granulomatous disease with high susceptibility for Aspergillus spp.; and extremely premature infants, in whom C. albicans y C. parapsilosis are more prevalent. Premature babies are prone to dissemination, including the cen-tral nervous system. There are peculiarities in radiology and diagnostic biomarkers in children. In pulmonary aspergillosis, clasical signs in CT are usually absent. There is scant information on PCR and beta-D-glucan in children, and more limited on the performance of galactomannan enzyme immunoassay, that does not appear to be much different in neutropenic patients. There is a delay in the development of antifungals, limiting their use in children. Most azoles require therapeutic drug monitoring in children to optimize its safety and effectiveness. Pediatric treatment recommendations are mainly extrapolated from results of clinical trials performed in adults. There is no evidence for the benefit of preemptive therapy in children. It is necessary to foster specific pediatric studies with current and new antifungals to evaluate their pharmacokinetics, safety, and effectiveness at different ages in the pediatric population.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2016; 29(Suppl. 1):59-65 [pdf]

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Rev Esp Quimioter 2017; 30(1):1-8

Fluoroquinolones: Non-antibacterial properties                     

SOCORRO LEYVA-RAMOS, HIRAM HERNÁNDEZ-LÓPEZ           

Fluoroquinolones are a class of well-established chemotherapeutic agents with a potent biological activity being the structure of 4-quinolone-3-carboxilic acids privileged because it contains different sites for functionalization allowing expand its use in clinical practice for their antifungal, antiviral and anticancer activities. Quinolones structural changes have resulted in a first, second, third and fourth generation of drugs so it is advisable to continue modifying existing structures in new ways to generate compounds with desirable  biological and pharmacological properties.

Rev Esp Quimioter 2017; 30(1):1-8 [pdf]

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