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In press., [ES]: [Introducción]: La povidona yodada y el peróxido de hidrógeno podrían ser eficaces contra el SARS-CoV-2. [Métodos]: Estudio observacional de seguimiento prospectivo (EPA-AS) en 88 pacientes (43 ± 17 años, 55% varones) con SARS-CoV-2 en muestras nasofaríngeas (RT-PCR). Treinta y uno recibieron enjuagues/gargarismos con povidona yodada cada 8 h 2 días consecutivos, 17 con la misma pauta de peróxido de hidrógeno y 40 controles sin enjuagues. Se repitió PCR a los 3, 11 y 17 días. [Resultados]: Tras la intervención no hubo diferencias en la carga viral: povidona yodada (4,3 ± 2,7 copias/ml), peróxido de hidrógeno (4,6 ± 2,9 copias/ml), controles (4,4 ± 3,0 copias/ml). El porcentaje de pacientes con una 2.ª PCR negativa fue 27% povidona yodada, 23% peróxido de hidrógeno y 32% controles; en la 3.ª PCR 62%, 54% y 58% respectivamente y en la 4.ª PCR, 81%, 75% y 81%. [Conclusión]: Nuestros resultados no apoyan la utilidad de los enjuagues de estos 2 antisépticos en pacientes con COVID-19., [EN]: [Introduction]: Povidone-iodine and hydrogen peroxide could be effective in against SARS-CoV-2. [Methods]: A “non-interventional trial” in 88 patients (43 ± 17 yrs, 55% men) with SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs (RT-PCR). 31 received mouth rinses/gargling with povidone-iodine (every 8 h, two consecutive days), 17 with mouth rinses/gargling of hydrogen peroxide, and 40 controls. PCR were repeated at 3, 11 and 17 days. [Results}: After intervention the viral load (Log 10 copies/ml) remained similar in povidone-iodine (4.3 ± 2.7 copies/ml), hydrogen peroxide (4.6 ± 2.9 copies/ml; p = 0.40) and controls (4.4 ± 3.0 copies/ml). The percentage of patients with a negative result in the second PCR was 27% in povidone-iodine group, 23% in hydrogen peroxide and 32% in controls; in the third PCR, 62%, 54% and 58% respectively; and in the fourth PCR, 81%, 75% and 81%. [Conclusion]: Our results do not support the clinical usefulness of mouth rinses/gargling with povidone-iodine or hydrogen peroxide in patients with COVID-19., Este trabajo ha sido financiado con una Beca de Investigación otorgada por el Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC. 202050E106). España.

The aim of this study was to analyse the association between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) related clinical and analytical parameters and the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis as well as endothelial dysfunction. This was a prospective cohort study of HIV-positive patients who underwent intima media thickness (IMT) determination and coronary artery calcium scoring to determine subclinical atherosclerosis. To detect endothelial dysfunction, the breath holding index, flow-mediated dilation and the concentration of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were measured. Patients with an IMT ≥ 0.9 mm had an average of 559.3 ± 283.34 CD4/μl, and those with an IMT 4 ± 5 × 104 copies/ml vs 23.4 × 104 ± 19 × 104 copies/ml (p = 0.02)). The number of early EPCs in patients with a CD4 nadir

Background The role of vitamin D status in COVID-19 patients is a matter of debate. Objectives To assess serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and to analyze the possible influence of vitamin D status on disease severity. Methods Retrospective case–control study of 216 COVID-19 patients and 197 population-based controls. Serum 25OHD levels were measured in both groups. The association of serum 25OHD levels with COVID-19 severity (admission to the intensive care unit, requirements for mechanical ventilation, or mortality) was also evaluated. Results Of the 216 patients, 19 were on vitamin D supplements and were analyzed separately. In COVID-19 patients, mean ± standard deviation 25OHD levels were 13.8 ± 7.2 ng/mL, compared with 20.9 ± 7.4 ng/mL in controls (P Conclusions 25OHD levels are lower in hospitalized COVID-19 patients than in population-based controls and these patients had a higher prevalence of deficiency. We did not find any relationship between vitamin D concentrations or vitamin deficiency and the severity of the disease.

[EN] Introduction Povidone-iodine and hydrogen peroxide could be effective in against SARS-CoV-2. Methods A “non-interventional trial” in 88 patients (43 ± 17 yrs., 55% men) with SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs (RT-PCR). 31 received mouth rinses/gargling with povidone-iodine (every 8 h, two consecutive days), 17 with mouth rinses/gargling of hydrogen peroxide, and 40 controls. Were repeated PCR in 3, 11 and 17 days. Results After intervention the viral load (Log10 copies/ml) remained similar in povidone-iodine (4.3 ± 2.7 copies/ml), hydrogen peroxide (4.6 ± 2.9 copies/ml; p = 0.40) and controls (4.4 ± 3.0 copies/ml). The percentage of patients with a negative result in the second PCR was 27% in povidone-iodine group, 23% in hydrogen peroxide and 32% in controls; in the third PCR, 62%, 54% y 58% respectively; and in the fourth PCR, 81%, 75% y 81%. Conclusion Our results do not support the clinical usefulness of mouth rinses/gargling with povidone-iodine or hydrogen peroxide in patients with COVID-19., [ES] Introducción La povidona yodada y el peróxido de hidrógeno podrían ser eficaces contra el SARS-CoV-2. Métodos Estudio observacional de seguimiento prospectivo (EPA-AS) en 88 pacientes (43 ± 17 años, 55% varones) con SARS-CoV-2 en muestras nasofaríngeas (RT-PCR). 31 recibieron enjuagues/gargarismos con povidona yodada cada 8 horas dos días consecutivos, 17 con la misma pauta de peróxido de hidrógeno, y 40 controles sin enjuagues. Se repitió PCR a 3, 11 y 17 días. Resultados Tras la intervención no hubo diferencias en la carga viral: povidona yodada (4,3 ± 2,7 copias/ml), peróxido de hidrógeno (4,6 ± 2,9 copias/ml; p = 0,40), controles (4,4 ± 3,0 copias/ml). El porcentaje de pacientes con 2ª PCR negativa fue 27% povidona yodada, 23% peróxido de hidrógeno y 32% controles; en la 3ª PCR 62%, 54% y 58% respectivamente y en la 4ª PCR, 81%, 75% y 81%. Conclusión Nuestros resultados no apoyan la utilidad de los enjuagues de estos dos antisépticos en pacientes con COVID-19., This work was financed with a Research Grant awarded by the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas [Spanish National Research Council] (CSIC. 202050E106). Spain.

Introduction: To analyze the association between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction. Methods Prospective cohort study of HIV positive patients who underwent to intimate thickness (IMT) determination and coronary artery calcium score to determine subclinical atherosclerosis. To detect endothelial dysfunction breath holding index, flow mediated dilation and concentration of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) were measured. Results Patients with an IMT ≥ 0.9 mm had an average of 559.3 ± 283.34 CD4/µl and those with an IMT 4 ± 5x104 c/ml vs 23.4 x 104 ± 19 x 104 c /ml (p = 0.02). Early EPCs concentration in patients with a CD4 nadir

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of COVID-GRAM and CURB-65 scores as predictors of the severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in Caucasian patients. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study including all adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla from February to May 2020. Patients were stratified according to COVID-GRAM and CURB-65 scores as being at low-medium or high risk of critical illness. Univariate analysis, multivariate logistic regression models, receiver operating characteristic curve, and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated. Results: A total of 523 patients were included (51.8% male, 48.2% female; mean age 65.63 years (standard deviation 17.89 years)), of whom 110 (21%) presented a critical illness (intensive care unit admission 10.3%, 30-day mortality 13.8%). According to the COVID-GRAM score, 122 (23.33%) patients were classified as high risk; 197 (37.7%) presented a CURB-65 score ?2. A significantly greater proportion of patients with critical illness had a high COVID-GRAM score (64.5% vs 30.5%; P < 0.001). The COVID-GRAM score emerged as an independent predictor of critical illness (odds ratio 9.40, 95% confidence interval 5.51-16.04; P < 0.001), with an AUC of 0.779. A high COVID-GRAM score showed an AUC of 0.88 for the prediction of 30-day mortality, while a CURB-65 ?2 showed an AUC of 0.83. Conclusions: The COVID-GRAM score may be a useful tool for evaluating the risk of critical illness in Caucasian patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The CURB-65 score could be considered as an alternative.

Purpose: To analyze the influence of adding gentamicin to a regimen consisting of β-lactam or vancomycin plus rifampicin on survival in patients suffering from Staphylococcal prosthetic valve endocarditis (SPVE). Methods: From January 2008 to September 2016, 334 patients with definite SPVE were attended in the participating hospitals. Ninety-four patients (28.1%) received treatment based on β-lactam or vancomycin plus rifampicin and were included in the study. Variables were analyzed which related to patient survival during admission, including having received treatment with gentamicin. Results: Seventy-seven (81.9%) were treated with cloxacillin (or vancomycin) plus rifampicin plus gentamicin, and 17 patients (18.1%) received the same regimen without gentamicin. The causative microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus in 40 cases (42.6%) and coagulase-negative staphylococci in 54 cases (57.4%). Overall, 40 patients (42.6%) died during hospital admission, 33 patients (42.9%) in the group receiving gentamicin and 7 patients in the group that did not (41.2%, P = 0.899). Worsening renal function was observed in 42 patients (54.5%) who received gentamicin and in 9 patients (52.9%) who did not (p = 0.904). Heart failure as a complication of endocarditis (OR: 4.58; CI 95%: 1.84–11.42) and not performing surgery when indicated (OR: 2.68; CI 95%: 1.03–6.94) increased mortality. Gentamicin administration remained unrelated to mortality (OR: 1.001; CI 95%: 0.29–3.38) in the multivariable analysis. Conclusions: The addition of gentamicin to a regimen containing vancomycin or cloxacillin plus rifampicin in SPVE was not associated to better outcome.

Background: Daptomycin is a bactericidal antibiotic approved for the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections and right-side endocarditis. However, there is a lack of published data outlining its usefulness in vascular graft infections (VGI). The aim of this study was to describe the clinical experience of daptomycin use in the treatment of VGI caused by Gram-positive bacteria. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with VGI receiving daptomycin at a tertiary care hospital during the period January 2010 to December 2012. Results: Of a total 1066 consecutive patients who had undergone vascular grafts (VG), 25 were diagnosed with VGI. Fifteen of these patients (11 prosthetic VG, three autologous VG, one both types) received daptomycin (median dose 6.7 mg/kg/day, range 4.1–7.1 mg/kg/day; median age 69 years, range 45–83 years; 80% male). The infected bypass was removed in 13 cases. The most common reason for selecting daptomycin was kidney failure (53%). The Gram-positive organisms isolated were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (n = 10), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 3) (two methicillin-resistant S. aureus), Enterococcus faecium (n = 2), and Enterococcus faecalis (n = 1). The mean follow-up was 69 months (interquartile range 48–72 months). Ten patients (66.7%) achieved complete healing of the VGI. A recurrence of the infection was observed in 100% of patients in whom the bypass was not removed. Among patients who did not achieve complete healing, one needed a supracondylar amputation and one died as a consequence of infection. Five patients received treatment with rifampicin in addition to daptomycin and they were all cured. Conclusions: The use of daptomycin and surgery for Gram-positive VGI was effective and well tolerated, and this may be a good alternative for the treatment of VGI in patients with peripheral arterial disease in whom renal insufficiency is common. Keywords: Daptomycin, Gram-positive, Vascular graft infections

Objective: To investigate the rate of colorectal neoplasms (CRNs) in patients who have Enterococcus faecalis infective endocarditis (EFIE) with available colonoscopies and to assess whether this is associated with the identification of a focus the infection. Patients and Methods: Retrospective analysis of data from a prospective multicenter study involving 35 centers who are members of the Grupo de Apoyo para el Manejo de la Endocarditis en Espana [Support Group for the Management of Infective Endocarditis in Spain] cohort. A specific set of queries regarding information on colonoscopy and histopathology of colorectal diseases was sent to each participating center. Four-hundred sixty-seven patients with EFIE were included from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2017, from whom data on colonoscopy performance and results were available in 411 patients. Results: One hundred forty-two (34.5%) patients had a colonoscopy close to the EFIE episode. The overall rate of colorectal diseases was 70.4% (100 of 142), whereas the prevalence of CRN (advanced adenomas and colorectal carcinoma) was 14.8% (21 of 142), with no significant differences between the group of EFIE of unknown focus and that with an identified focus. Conclusion: Our study adds to prior evidence suggesting a much higher rate of CRN among patients with EFIE than in the general population of the same age and sex. In addition, our findings suggest that this phenomenon might take place both in EFIE with an unknown and an identified source of infection.

Background: There is little information concerning infective endocarditis (IE) in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) or mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Currently, IE antibiotic prophylaxis (IEAP) is not recommended for these conditions. Objectives: This study sought to describe the clinical and microbiological features of IE in patients with BAV and MVP and compare them with those of IE patients with and without IEAP indication, to determine the potential benefit of IEAP in these conditions. Methods: This analysis involved 3,208 consecutive IE patients prospectively included in the GAMES (Grupo de Apoyo al Manejo de la Endocarditis infecciosa en España) registry at 31 Spanish hospitals. Patients were classified as high-risk IE with IEAP indication (high-risk group; n = 1,226), low- and moderate-risk IE without IEAP indication (low/moderate-risk group; n = 1,839), and IE with BAV (n = 54) or MVP (n = 89). Results: BAV and MVP patients had a higher incidence of viridans group streptococci IE than did high-risk group and low/moderate-risk group patients (35.2% and 39.3% vs. 12.1% and 15.0%, respectively; all p < 0.01). A similar pattern was seen for IE from suspected odontologic origin (14.8% and 18.0% vs. 5.8% and 6.0%; all p < 0.01). BAV and MVP patients had more intracardiac complications than did low/moderate-risk group (50% and 47.2% vs. 30.6%, both p < 0.01) patients and were similar to high-risk group patients. Conclusions: IE in patients with BAV and MVP have higher rates of viridans group streptococci IE and IE from suspected odontologic origin than in other IE patients, with a clinical profile similar to that of high-risk IE patients. Our findings suggest that BAV and MVP should be classified as high-risk IE conditions and the case for IEAP should be reconsidered. Sin financiación 18.639 JCR (2018) Q1, 3/136 Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems 9.280 SJR (2018) Q1, 1/365 Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine No data IDR 2018 UEM

Objective To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics and mortality of patients with cystic echinococcosis (CE) in northern Spain. Patients and methods A retrospective study of the medical records of patients diagnosed with CE and hospitalized from 1997 to 2011 in a University Hospital. Results A total of 76 patients (44 men) were diagnosed with CE. The mean age was 57.8 years (SD: 19.1 years; range: 14.9–92.7). The yearly average incidence was 1.08 cases/100,000 inhabitants. The highest incidence was registered in patients aged 70–79 years (22.7% of all cases). Liver was the main organ involved (92.1%), followed by lung (6.6%) and peritoneum (1.3%). Fifty-five patients (72%) received treatment: 2 (3.6%) medical treatment with albendazole, 27 (49%) surgical treatment, 3 (5.4%) medical treatment combined with cyst drainage, and 23 (42%) combined medical and surgical treatment. Eight patients had a recurrence. Twenty-four (31.2%) patients died. No patient's death was attributed directly to hydatidosis, though mortality was significantly higher in the untreated vs. the treated patient group (57% vs. 22%, p = 0.003). Conclusions Hydatidosis treatment and diagnostic approaches remain heterogeneous. The liver continues being the main organ affected. Mortality was higher in patients who did not receive treatment. However, this result might have been influenced by other factors, mainly age.

S. pneumoniae infections are a major cause of infection in patients seen in primary care and emergency services. The main table associated with pneumococcal infection is pneumonia, the severity is highly variable, depending on the age of the patient, underlying diseases and the extent and complications thereof (bilateral, pleural effusion, empyema, shock, etc.). Other common but less serious cases are otitis and sinusitis, which very frequently affect children. Less frequently but conditioning can be observed high mortality tables meningitis, bacteremia and endocarditis. Microbiological diagnosis revolves around three pillars: Gram stain, culture of sterile fluids (blood, pleural fluid, cerebrospinal, joint, peritoneal.) and immunochromatography to determine the capsular polysaccharide C (urine and CSF). The treatment is based on amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanic noninvasive pictures (otitis and sinusitis), third-generation cephalosporins associated with macrolides in the empiric treatment of community-acquired pneumonia; cephalosporins and vancomycin associated with meningeal tables (where there are high rates of resistance to penicillins and cephalosporins).

Fever without evidence of focal in inpatient diagnostic challenge is a first level. Despite being a very common condition in clinical practice, there are not many scientific publications about it, probably by the lack of an unambiguous definition of the term. It is important to diagnose potentially serious conditions such as those associated with certain infections. A thorough history and physical examination are required to guide the diagnosis and apply the most appropriate diagnostic tests.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is associated with high inhospital mortality. New microbiological diagnostic techniques have reduced the proportion of patients without etiological diagnosis, but in a significant number of patients the cause is still unknown. Our aim was to study the association of the absence of microbiological diagnosis with in-hospital prognosis. Prospective cohort of 2000 consecutive patients with IE. Data were collected in 26 Spanish hospitals. Modified Duke criteria were used to diagnose patients with suspected IE. A total of 290 patients (14.8%) had negative blood cultures. Etiological diagnosis was achieved with other methods (polymerase chain reaction, serology and other cultures) in 121 (6.1%). Finally, there were 175 patients (8.8%) without microbiological diagnosis (Group A) and 1825 with diagnosis (Group B). In-hospital mortality occurred in 58 patients in Group A (33.1%) vs. 487 (26.7%) in Group B, p = 0.07. Patients in Group A had a lower risk profile than those in Group B, with less comorbidity (Charlson index 1.9 ± 2.0 vs. 2.3 ± 2.1, p = 0.03) and lower surgical risk (EuroSCORE 23.6 ± 21.8 vs. 29.6 ± 25.2, p = 0.02). However they presented heart failure more frequently (53% vs. 40%, p = 0.005). Multivariate analysis showed that the absence of microbiological diagnosis was an independent predictor of inhospital mortality (odds ratio 1.8, 95% Confidence Interval 1.1–2.9, p = 0.016). Approximately 9% of patients with IE had no microbiological diagnosis. Absence of microbiological diagnosis was an independent predictor of inhospital mortality. Sin financiación 6.189 JCR (2016) Q1, 16/126 Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems UEM

Catheter-related infections in hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) are one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Staphylococcus aureus in HD patients and S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in PD patients are the most common causative organisms isolated. Currently, the diagnostic tests with highest yield in suspected catheter-related infection in HD patients have not been established, and tests used for central venous catheters (CVC) in general are applied. Management of the infected HD catheter and the use of antimicrobial therapy are similar to the measures used for other CVCs, with some specific recommendations. Peritonitis is the most severe complication in PD patients. Improving hygiene conditions in catheter insertion, treatment of S. aureus nasal carriers, regular treatment of the catheter's exit site, and antibiotic lock therapy have been associated with a reduction of infectious episodes in HD and PD patients.

Hydatidosis or cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic zoonosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Its life cycle involves dogs, sheep and sometimes other animals. CE has a worldwide distribution, with greater prevalence in temperate zones. In Spain, Castile and León, La Rioja, Navarre, Aragón, and the Mediterranean coast are the areas where it is most commonly diagnosed, although there have also been published cases in other regions, such as Cantabria. Clinical signs and symptoms of EC may be related to the mass effect of the cyst, its superinfection or anaphylactic reactions secondary to its rupture. Because of its slow growth, diagnosis is usually made in adulthood by combining clinical symptoms with imaging and serological tests. There is no universal consensus on the management of CE. Treatment is based mainly on three pillars: medical treatment (mainly albendazole), surgery, and percutaneous drainage. The choice of the most appropriate approach is based on the patient's symptoms and the characteristics of the cysts.

Objetivo. Describir las caracteristicas epidemiologicas y microbiologicas de los pacientes diagnosticados de piomiositis en un hospital universitario de tercer nivel durante 12 anos. Pacientes y metodos. Revision retrospectiva de las historias clinicas de los pacientes con piomiositis entre enero de 1992 y diciembre de 2003. Resultados. Se identificaron 54 pacientes. La media de edad fue de 50 anos. El 61% de los casos eran varones. Los factores predisponentes mas frecuentes fueron la diabetes (22%) y el traumatismo previo (20%), seguidos de las neoplasias (9%). La piomiositis primaria se diagnostico en 25 pacientes (55%). En los demas se encontro un foco contiguo, el mas frecuente de los cuales era la piel (40%). Los signos inflamatorios aislados o asociados a fiebre o leucocitosis fueron la forma habitual de presentacion (94%). En cambio, la fiebre aislada se documento solo en un paciente. La ecografia fue el metodo diagnostico mas utilizado (32%) seguido de la tomografia computarizada (18%). Un total de 45 pacientes recibieron tratamiento combinado con antibioticos y drenaje. La piomiositis fue monomicrobiana en 20 casos y polimicrobiana en 12. El microorganismo aislado con mas frecuencia fue Staphylococcus aureus, seguido de los estafilococos coagulasa negativos (6 casos). Un total de 4 pacientes presentaron sepsis y la piomiositis recurrio en ocho (15%). La tasa de mortalidad fue del 10% (5 pacientes). Conclusiones. La piomiositis es una entidad poco frecuente en climas templados y, por tanto, probablemente, infradiagnosticada. Un mayor conocimiento de esta enfermedad puede evitar un retraso en el diagnostico y favorecer un tratamiento precoz que mejore el pronostico de estos pacientes.

The outcome of patients with influenza A 2009 (H1N1)v virus infection taking into account hospital type has not been elucidated.To compare risk factors, clinical features and outcome of patients admitted to 3 public hospitals with different levels of health-care.Prospective study of all non-pregnant adult patients admitted to 3 hospitals with pandemic H1N1 infection, from June 1 to December 31 and followed up until 1 month after discharge.During the study period, 111 patients with a mean age of 49 years (15-89) were hospitalized: 52 in hospital 1 (900-bed tertiary-teaching-hospital), 33 in hospital 2 (315-beds secondary-hospital) and 26 in hospital 3 (150-beds primary-care-hospital).Overall 80% of patients had at least 1 comorbid condition with no differences between hospitals. Symptoms or signs on admission were similar except for cough (P=0.01) more frequent in patients in hospital 1 and dyspnea (P=0.05), myalgia, arthralgia (P=0.04) and hypoxemia (P=0.009) present in more patients in hospital 2. In-hospital mortality rates were not statistically different between hospitals. In the stepwise analysis, independent predictors of mortality were pneumonia on admission (adjusted OR=8.68, 95%CI 1.0-82.43) and cardiac complications during hospitalization (adjusted OR=13.2, 95%CI 1.67-103.98).Mortality of patients with pandemic H1N1 infection was influenced by patients underlying conditions, severity of disease (pneumonia) on admission and complications during hospitalization. Hospital-characteristics do not appear to have influenced severe outcome.

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the prevalence of upper urinary tract involvement in patients with candiduria by means of (111)indium-oxine-labeled leukocyte scintigraphy. An observational cohort study of patients with confirmed candiduria was conducted in an acute-care teaching hospital in Spain from March 2006 through February 2009. An In-111-labeled leukocyte scan was performed in order to assess the upper urinary tract involvement. A series of non-matched patients without candiduria nor bacteriuria undergoing scintigraphy to exclude infections in other sites than the urinary tract was also studied. Demographics, baseline illness, and clinical data were recorded. Candiduria was detected in 428 patients, and scintigraphy was performed in 35 of these patients. Twenty-nine patients without candiduria nor bacteriuria were also studied. Positive renal scintigraphy was documented in 24 (68%) patients with confirmed candiduria and in 3 (10%) patients without candiduria (p < 0.005). Renal uptake was not associated with a higher mortality nor with re-admissions. Subclinical pyelonephritis could be more frequent in patients with candiduria than it has been previously considered.

Catheter-related infections in hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) are one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Staphylococcus aureus in HD patients and S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in PD patients are the most common causative organisms isolated. Currently, the diagnostic tests with highest yield in suspected catheter-related infection in HD patients have not been established, and tests used for central venous catheters (CVC) in general are applied. Management of the infected HD catheter and the use of antimicrobial therapy are similar to the measures used for other CVCs, with some specific recommendations. Peritonitis is the most severe complication in PD patients. Improving hygiene conditions in catheter insertion, treatment of S. aureus nasal carriers, regular treatment of the catheter's exit site, and antibiotic lock therapy have been associated with a reduction of infectious episodes in HD and PD patients.

To describe the clinical, radiological and microbiological features of a series of patients diagnosed with pyomyositis in a tertiary care university-affiliated center over a 12-year period.The medical records of all patients diagnosed with pyomyositis between January 1992 and December 2003 were reviewed. The charts were retrieved from the hospital database. Data were extracted according to a standardized protocol and included clinical, radiological, laboratory and microbiological parameters.A total of 54 patients (mean age, 50 years, 61% men) had pyomyositis. The most frequent predisposing factors were diabetes mellitus (22%) and traumatic injury (20%), followed by neoplasms (9%). Primary pyomyositis was diagnosed in 25 patients (55%), and a contiguous source of infection was detected in the remainder, with skin infection being the most frequent (40%). The most common presentation was isolated inflammatory signs with or without other symptoms (94%). Isolated fever was documented in only one patient. Ultrasonography was the most common diagnostic procedure performed (32%), followed by CT scanning (18%). Forty-five patients underwent a drainage procedure combined with antibiotic therapy. Pyomyositis was monomicrobial in 20 cases, and polymicrobial in 12. The most frequent pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus followed by coagulase-negative staphylococci (6 cases). Sepsis developed in 4 patients, and recurrence was observed in 8 (15%). Mortality was 10% (5 patients).Pyomyositis is a relatively uncommon infection in temperate climates, and is often considered late in the diagnostic workup. Physicians should bear this disease in mind to avoid diagnostic delays and initiate prompt therapy, in order to improve the prognosis of these patients.