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Purpose This study aimed to evaluate and validate the qualitative human chorionic gonadotropin β subunit (β-hCG) test of the vaginal fluid washings of pregnant women with premature rupture of fetal membranes (PROM). Methods Cross-sectional study of pregnant women between gestational weeks 24 and 39 who underwent consultations in one of our institutions. They were divided into two groups: group A (pregnant women clinically diagnosed with PROM) and group B (pregnant women without loss of amniotic liquid). The patients were subjected to a vaginal fluid washing with 3 mL of saline solution, which was aspirated subsequently with the same syringe. The solution was immediately sent to the laboratory to perform the vaginal β-hCG test with cut-off points of 10 mIU/mL (β-hCG-10) and/or 25 mIU/mL (β-hCG-25). Results The β-hCG-10 test of the vaginal secretion was performed in 128 cases. The chi-squared test with Yates’ correction showed a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (p = 0.0225). The sensibility, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy parameters were 77.1%, 43.6%, 52.3%; 70.4%; and 58.6% respectively. The β-hCG-25 test of the vaginal washing was performed in 49 cases. The analysis by Fisher’s exact test showed a statistically significant difference between the groups (p = 0.0175). The sensibility, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy parameters were 44.4%, 87.1%, 66.6%; 72.9%; and 71.4% respectively. Conclusions The β-hCG-25 test showed better accuracy for the diagnosis of PROM, and can corroborate the early diagnosis of PROM because it is a simple and quick exam. Resumo Objetivo Este estudo objetivou validar o exame qualitativo da subunidade β da gonadotrofina coriônica humana (β-hCG) em lavado vaginal de gestantes com ruptura prematura de membranas (RPM) fetais. Métodos Estudo transversal de gestantes com 24 a 39 semanas atendidas em um hospital de Maringá divididas em 2 grupos: grupo A (clinicamente diagnosticadas com RPM) e grupo B (gestantes sem perda de liquido amniótico). As pacientes foram submetidas a lavado vaginal com 3 mL de soro fisiológico, que logo em seguida foi aspirado de volta na mesma seringa e imediatamente enviado ao laboratório para a realização do exame de β-hCG vaginal com pontos de corte de 10 mIU/mL (β-hCG-10) e/ ou 25 mIU/mL (β-hCG-25). Resultados O teste de β-hCG-10 na secreção vaginal foi realizado em 128 casos, e o teste do qui-quadrado com correção de Yates mostrou diferença significante entre os dois grupos (p = 0,0225). Os parâmetros de sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo (VPP), valor preditivo negativo (VPN) e acurácia foram respectivamente 77,1%; 43,6%; 52,3%; 70,4%; e 58,6%. O teste de β-hCG-25 na secreção vaginal foi realizado em 49 casos, e a análise pelo teste exato de Fisher mostrou diferença significativa entre os grupos (p = 0,0175). Os parâmetros de sensibilidade, especificidade, VPP, VPN e acurácia foram respectivamente 44,4%; 87,1%; 66,6%; 72,9%; e 71,4%. Conclusões O β-hCG-25 apresentou melhor acurácia para o diagnóstico de RPM, e pode corroborar o diagnóstico precoce de RPM por se tratar de um exame simples e rápido.

Background First detected in the United States in 1996, Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) has spread internationally among gram-negative bacteria, especially K pneumoniae . These microorganisms can cause serious infections in hospitalized patients, and there are few therapeutic options, culminating in increased mortality. The objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of outbreaks that were caused by KPC-producing K pneumoniae , emphasizing the interventions that were implemented to contain the outbreaks. Methods PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Literatura Latino Americana em Ciencias da Saude databases were searched for articles that were published between 2001 and 2012 according to the recommendations of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Results Of the 586 studies identified, 13 were selected for the final sample. Most studies showed that the containment of KPC outbreaks is possible in hospital settings through several actions, particularly use of surveillance cultures and the establishment of contact precautions. Conclusions The results show that limiting the cross-transmission of these and other KPC-producing bacteria is possible in a hospital setting. However, such isolates need to be detected early with the aid of culture surveillance and contained early using appropriate actions immediately to prevent an outbreak.