Search

Objective: Mother-to-child transmission of syphilis remains an important global public health problem. Untreated intrauterine infection may result in adverse events for the fetus or newborn (NB). Maternal risk factors, such as prenatal care, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment, significantly impact the likelihood of vertical transmission of syphilis. The purpose of this review is to evaluate maternal risk factors for congenital syphilis and the characteristics of exposed NB., Methods: A total of 14 studies were evaluated, including 8 cohort studies, 4 cross-sectional and 2 control cases. A total of 12,230 women were included, with confirmed or highly probable congenital syphilis outcome, and 2285 NB. The studies evaluated risk factors for congenital syphilis, which were maternal, demographic, obstetric factors and characteristics of the exposed NB., Results: Included in the risk factors studied, inadequate prenatal care and late onset, as well as inadequate or late treatment of maternal syphilis were significant risk factors for the outcome of congenital syphilis. When the time set of maternal diagnosis was correlated with neonatal infection, there was a tendency to worsen prognosis (more infected NB) in women diagnosed later in pregnancy, as well as in women who underwent few prenatal consultations and inadequate treatment. Women with recent syphilis with high VDRL titres had a higher rate of vertical transmission. The prior history of syphilis with adequate treatment was identified as a protective factor, resulting in lower rates of congenital syphilis. Among the epidemiological and demographic aspects surveyed, it was observed that young age, lower schooling, unemployment, low family income and no fixed residence were associated with higher risk of congenital syphilis., Conclusions: The association of syphilis with adverse socio-economic conditions and inadequate prenatal care suggests that the improvement of the population's living conditions and equitable access to quality health services may have an impact on the reduction of congenital syphilis., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Indiscriminate use of antimicrobials in neonatal sepsis treatment contributes to consumption misuse, and the optimization of prescription programmes is encouraged as a way of reducing this inappropriate use., Aim: To evaluate the impact of intervention programmes for adequate antimicrobial use (antimicrobial stewardship programmes) in consumption measurements of such drugs in neonatology., Methods: The search for articles was performed in electronic databases and by manual search for citations in publications initially identified. Electronic databases searched were BVS (Virtual Health Library), Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, and Web of Science. There was no date or period limit for inclusion of articles. The PICO question was defined as populations of neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units undergoing an intervention programme to optimize antimicrobial therapy in relation to neonates not exposed to the programme and the outcome obtained in antimicrobials consumption., Findings: The initial search in databases resulted in 1223 articles. Articles were screened and 16 original studies related to subject were selected, which conducted a quantitative approach to antimicrobials consumption for the population of interest. Most articles used days of therapy (DOT) as the main measure of antimicrobial consumption and have had a high-quality rating by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. All studies were carried out in local hospitals at a single centre and most were in high-income countries., Conclusion: Of all studies identified by the search, few evaluated antimicrobial consumption in neonatology. New studies are needed, and DOT was shown to be the most adequate metric to measure consumption., (Copyright © 2023 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Rationale: To understand the risk factors for catheter-related infection during treatment of pediatric cancer is essential to implement measures to prevent its occurrence., Background: We performed a comprehensive systematic review of the literature with meta-analysis to identify and synthesize the main risk factors for catheter-related infection in children undergoing oncological treatment., Methods: Systematic searches were conducted in Medline, Embase, Lilacs, and BVS (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde) until January 2022, following PRISMA guidelines. The search was not limited to language or dates. Risk factors were divided into host-related, assistance-related, and catheter types. We also describe the most common pathogens., Results: Thirteen studies were included in the review. Diagnosis of hematological neoplasm, the intensity of treatment, blood transfusion in the 4-7 days before the infection, type of long-term catheters (tunneled externalized catheters, double lumen, greater diameter), inpatient treatment, and a longer period of hospitalization were the most consistent risk factors. Metanalysis showed that neutropenia at the moment of catheter placement is not a risk factor for central-line-associated bloodstream infections, however, there is high heterogeneity between studies. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common pathogen reported., Conclusions: Understanding risk factors is an essential step to reduce morbidity and mortality of catheter-related infection. Education for preventive measures, reduction of hospitalization, wisely choosing the most adequate type of catheter, and the best moment for catheter insertion may reduce the occurrence of catheter-related infection., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Introduction: Invasive fungal diseases represent important causes of morbidity and mortality among pediatric oncohematological patients. Acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis is a rare and aggressive disease that occurs mainly in immunocompromised patients. The mortality rate is high and therefore, accurate and early diagnosis is essential., Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the frequency of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis among pediatric oncohematological patients and characterize them with confirmed diagnoses., Methods: This was a retrospective study that analyzed the medical records of pediatric patients diagnosed with oncohematological diseases and suspected fungal infections, who were included after obtaining informed consent, from January to December 2017, in the pediatric unit of a tertiary university hospital. Data collected from medical record analysis included the following: underlying diagnosis, absolute neutrophil count, clinical presentation, culture and biopsy results, surgical procedures performed, survival and mortality., Results: A total of 27 patients were evaluated, with three suspected cases of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis. Histopathological and microbiological analyses confirmed two cases. In both cases, the pathogen isolated in the culture was Fusarium sp. The two confirmed cases were female, aged 12 and 14 years, both with an absolute neutrophil count of 10cells/μL. The underlying disease of the first patient was acute myeloid leukemia (subtype M5), whereas the second patient presented idiopathic bone marrow aplasia., Conclusion: Both confirmed cases of acute invasive fungal rhinosinusitis presented with constitutional symptoms and signs of nasal and sinusital inflammation. This demonstrates the importance of fever as a symptom in immunocompromised patients and it should prompt otorhinolaryngological investigation., (Copyright © 2020 Associação Brasileira de Hematologia, Hemoterapia e Terapia Celular. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

We evaluated neurologic complications following noncongenital Zika virus infection in 11 children who presented with central nervous system signs. Zika virus RNA was detected by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in cerebrospinal fluid. Approximately one-quarter of patients required antiepileptic medication in follow-up, and 2 children progressed to learning difficulties or developmental delay., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

This study aims to characterize the acute neurological manifestations caused by DENV, ZIKV, and YFV during hospitalization; identify the risk factors associated with persistent neurological complications after discharge; and evaluate the time to resolution during clinical follow-up. A prospective study evaluated 505 children, between March 2014 and July 2019, hospitalized with neurological manifestations and that doctors suspected infection of the central nervous system (CNS). Viral infection of collected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was confirmed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Patients were clinically followed up after hospital discharge. Analysis of predictive factors and survival curves was performed. This study identified clinical symptoms and changes in the CSF laboratory, electroencephalogram (EEG), and CNS image as predictors of complications in children with confirmed infection in the CNS by DENV, ZIKV, or YFV. No statistical difference was found (p value 0.574) in the time to the resolution of complications in children after hospital discharge between the three types of flaviviruses. Children with YFV, detected in CSF samples, had a 53% higher risk of developing neurological complications. Performing etiological diagnosis by RT-PCR of CSF samples of children with neurological manifestations, especially during Flavivirus outbreaks, is an essential tool for improving the prognosis and clinical follow-up of these patients., (© 2021. Journal of NeuroVirology, Inc.)

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb) is an important cause of nosocomial infections especially in intensive care units. This study aimed to assess clinical aspects and the genetic background of CRAb among ICU patients at a Brazilian teaching hospital., Methods: 56 critically ill patients colonized or infected by CRAb, during ICU stay, were prospectively assessed. Based on imipenem MIC≥4μg/mL, 28 CRAB strains were screened for the presence of genes encoding metallo-β-lactamases and OXA-type β-lactamases. The blaOXA-type genes were characterized by PCR using primers targeting ISAba-1 or -3. Genetic diversity of blaOXA-positive strains was determined by ERIC-PCR analysis., Results: Patient's mean age (±SD) was 61 (±15.1), and 58.9% were male. Eighty-percent of the patients presented risk factors for CRAb colonization, mainly invasive devices (87.5%) and previous antibiotic therapy (77.6%). Thirty-three patients died during hospital stay (59.0%). Resistance to carbapenems was associated with a high prevalence of blaOXA-23 (51.2%) and/or blaOXA-143 (18.6%) genes. ERIC-PCR genotyping identified 10 clusters among OXA-producing CRAb. Three CRAb strains exhibited additional resistance to polymyxin B (MIC≥4μg/mL), whereas 10 CRAb strains showed tigecycline MICs>2μg/mL., Conclusions: In this study, clonally unrelated OXA-123- and OXA-143-producing A. baumannii strains in ICU patients were strongly correlated to colonization with infected patients being associated with a poor outcome., (Copyright © 2016 Sociedade Brasileira de Infectologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare two different empiric treatments for late-onset neonatal sepsis, vancomycin and oxacillin, in a neonatal intensive care unit with a high prevalence of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an neonatal intensive care unit from 2011 to 2014. Data from the medical records of at-risk newborns were collected daily. Infections were defined according to the National Health Surveillance Agency criteria. Data analysis was performed using an internal program., Results: There was a significant reduction in the number of Staphylococcus aureus infections (p=0.008), without endocarditis, meningitis, or lower respiratory tract infection, as well as a reduction in the frequency of deaths related to S. aureus infection. There were no significant changes in the incidence of Gram-negative bacterial or fungal infections. An increase in coagulase-negative Staphylococcus infections was observed (p=0.022). However, there was no measured increase in related morbidity and mortality. There was a reduction in the median number of days of treatment with oxacillin from 11.5 to 6 days (p<0.001) and an increase of one day in the median number of days of treatment with vancomycin (p=0.046)., Conclusions: Modification of the empiric treatment regimen for neonatal late-onset sepsis with use of oxacillin showed a significant reduction in S. aureus infections, as well as a reduction in the frequency of infections with major organ system involvement and mortality due to infection with this microorganism. As a result, oxacillin can be considered as an effective treatment for late-onset sepsis, making it possible to avoid broad-spectrum antibiotics., (Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda.)

Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus has been identified as the main nosocomial agent of neonatal late-onset sepsis. However, based on the pharmacokinetics and erratic distribution of vancomycin, recommended empirical dose is not ideal, due to the inappropriate serum levels that have been measured in neonates. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of vancomycin used in newborns and compare the prediction of adequate serum levels based on doses calculated according to mg/kg/day and m(2)/day. This is an observational reprospective cohort at a referral neonatal unit, from 2011 to 2013. Newborns treated with vancomycin for the first episode of late-onset sepsis were included. Total dose in mg/kg/day, dose/m(2)/day, age, weight, body surface and gestational age were identified as independent variables. For predictive analysis of adequate serum levels, multiple linear regressions were performed. The Receiver Operating Characteristic curve for proper serum vancomycin levels was also obtained. A total of 98 patients received 169 serum dosages of the drug, 41 (24.3%) of the doses had serum levels that were defined as appropriate. Doses prescribed in mg/kg/day and dose/m(2)/day predicted serum levels in only 9% and 4% of cases, respectively. Statistical significance was observed with higher doses when the serum levels were considered as appropriate (p<0.001). A dose of 27mg/kg/day had a sensitivity of 82.9% to achieve correct serum levels of vancomycin. Although vancomycin has erratic serum levels and empirical doses cannot properly predict the target levels, highest doses in mg/kg/day were associated with adequate serum levels., (Copyright © 2016 Sociedade Brasileira de Infectologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Before 2007, Zika virus (ZIKV) was generally considered as an arbovirus of low clinical relevance, causing a mild self-limiting febrile illness in tropical Africa and Southeast Asia. Currently, a large, ongoing outbreak of ZIKV that started in Brazil in 2015 is spreading across the Americas. Virus infection during pregnancy has been potentially linked to congenital malformations, including microcephaly. In addition to congenital malformations, a temporal association between ZIKV infection and an increase in cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome is currently being observed in several countries. The mechanisms underlying these neurological complications are still unknown. Emerging evidence, mainly from in vitro studies, suggests that ZIKV may have direct effects on neuronal cells. The aim of this study was to critically review the literature available regarding the neurobiology of ZIKV and its potential neuropsychiatric manifestations.

Febrile neutropenia (FN) requires immediate use of antibiotics (ATB), and procalcitonin (PCT) is proven to be useful in guiding antibiotic therapy in different settings. This study investigated the use of PCT as a guide for the duration of ATB in FN. A randomized controlled trial was carried out from January-December 2010. A total of 62 hematological adult patients with FN were randomized, in 1:1 ratio, into two groups: (1) PCT group: length of ATB guided by institutional protocol plus PCT dynamics, and (2) control group: duration of ATB in accordance with institutional protocol. There was no difference between groups regarding the use of ATB for the first episode of fever (HR 1.14, 95 % CI 0.66-1.95, p = 0.641), with equivalent median duration of ATB therapy (PCT group 9.0 days and control group 8.0 days, p = 0.67), and median number of days without ATB (0 days, IQR 0-2 days for both groups, p = 0.96). We observed no difference in clinical cure rate (p = 0.68), infection relapse (p = 1.0), superinfection (p = 0.85), length of hospitalization (p = 0.64), and mortality at 28 days (p = 0.39) and at 90 days (p = 0.72). Considering the cut-off of 0.5 ng/ml, PCT was correlated with bacteremia (sensitivity of 51.9 % and specificity of 76.5 %). In this randomized controlled trial, adding a PCT-guided protocol to the standard recommendations did not reduce the use of antibiotics in febrile neutropenia, although no apparent harm was caused. PCT proved to be a marker of bacteremia in this setting.

Background: Cesarean section is a surgical procedure the main complication of which is surgical site infection (SSI), which is related to maternal morbidity and mortality., Objective: To evaluate active monitoring by telephone to identify infection and time of SSI report in postpartum women and associated risk factors., Methods: We conducted a prospective observational study from 2013-2014, at a referral service for high-risk pregnancies. Surveillance was conducted via telephone at least 30 days after cesarean delivery. Incidence ratio and time of infection occurrence (days) was analyzed. Survival analysis was conducted to assess the temporal distribution of the development of infection., Results: Of a total of 353 patients, 14 (4%) cases of SSI were reported, and 10 (7.4%) of the reported cases occurred within 15 days after cesarean and average time of infection was12.21 days. American Society of Anesthesiologists score was the only risk factor associated with SSI after cesarean section., Conclusions: The prevalence of SSI after cesarean section via telephone is similar to several services with different methods of surveillance, considering it could be used by services with limited resources. Superficial incisional SSI was the most common type of infection, time of infection report was mainly before the 15th day postprocedure, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 2 or less was protective against SSI. Telephone calls can be a viable method to identify women with infection briefly after discharge, particularly at-risk patients., (Copyright © 2015 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Healthcare Associated Infections constitute an important problem in Neonatal Units and invasive devices are frequently involved. However, studies on risk factors of newborns who undergo surgical procedures are scarce., Objective: To identify risk factors for laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection in neonates undergoing surgical procedures., Methods: This case-control study was conducted from January 2008 to May 2011, in a referral center. Cases were of 21 newborns who underwent surgery and presented the first episode of laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection. Control was 42 newborns who underwent surgical procedures without notification of laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection in the study period. Information was obtained from the database of the Hospital Infection Control Committee Notification of infections and related clinical data of patients that routinely collected by trained professionals and follow the recommendations of Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária and analyzed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences., Results: During the study period, 1141 patients were admitted to Neonatal Unit and 582 Healthcare Associated Infections were reported (incidence-density of 25.75 Healthcare Associated Infections/patient-days). In the comparative analysis, a higher proportion of laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection was observed in preterm infants undergoing surgery (p=0.03) and use of non-invasive ventilation was a protective factor (p=0.048). Statistically significant difference was also observed for mechanical ventilation duration (p=0.004), duration of non-invasive ventilation (p=0.04), and parenteral nutrition duration (p=0.003). In multivariate analysis duration of parenteral nutrition remained significantly associated with laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (p=0.041)., Conclusions: Shortening time on parenteral nutrition whenever possible and preference for non-invasive ventilation in neonates undergoing surgery should be considered in the assistance of these patients, with the goal of reducing Healthcare Associated Infections, especially laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Objective: to assess the use of the Brazilian criteria for reporting of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in the neonatal unit and compare them with the criteria proposed by the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)., Methods: this was a cross-sectional study conducted from 2009 to 2011. It included neonates with HAI reporting by at least one of the criteria. Statistical analysis included calculation of incidence density of HAIs, distribution by weight, and by reporting criterion. Analysis of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for the national criteria was performed considering the NHSN as the gold standard, with agreement assessed by kappa., Results: a total of 882 newborns were followed, and 330 had at least one infection notified by at least one of the criteria. A total of 522 HAIs were reported, regardless of the criteria. An incidence density of 27.28 infections per 1,000 patient-days was observed, and the main topographies were sepsis (58.3%), candidiasis (15.1%), and conjunctivitis (6.5%). A total of 489 (93.7%) were notified by both criteria, eight infections were notified only by the national criteria (six cases of necrotizing enterocolitis and two cases of conjunctivitis), and 25 cases of clinical sepsis were reported by NHSN criteria only. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 95.1%, 98.6%, 98.4%, and 95.7%, respectively, for all topographies, and were 91.8%, 100%, 100%, and 96.3% for the analysis of sepsis. Kappa analysis showed an agreement of 96.9%., Conclusion: there was a high rate of agreement between the criteria. The use of the national criteria facilitates the reporting of sepsis in newborns, and can help to improve the specificity and PPV., (Copyright © 2014 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Congenital toxoplasmosis is a public health problem in Brazil. This study aimed to determine risk factors associated with congenital toxoplasmosis in Minas Gerais which is the second largest Brazilian State based on number of inhabitants, and its territorial extension is larger than that of France., Methods: Population-based case-control study to assess the association between congenital toxoplasmosis and maternal exposure to infection risk factors. The study included mothers/children participating in the Minas Gerais Newborn Screening Program. The cases consisted of 175 mothers of infected children, and the controls consisted of 278 mothers of children without suspected infection. The associations were assessed through binomial logistic regression with p ≤ 0.05., Results: The variables associated with lower probability of toxoplasmosis were: older mother age (OR = 0.89; CI95%  = 0.85-0.93), higher level of education (OR = 0.85; CI95% = 0.78-0.92), access to potable water (OR = 0.21; CI95% = 0.08-0.51), and home with flush toilet (OR = 0.18; CI95% = 0.04-078). The variables associated with higher probability of infection were: cats in the neighborhood (OR = 2.27; CI95%  = 1.27-4.06), owning or visiting homes with domestic cats (OR = 1.90; CI95%  = 1.09-3.31), handling the soil (OR = 2.29; CI95%  = 1.32-3.96), and eating fresh meat not previously frozen (OR = 3.97; CI95%  = 2.17-7.25). After stratification according region of residence (rural or urban/peri-urban), home with flush toilet and consumption of treated water were protective against the disease only in the rural stratum., Conclusions: In Minas Gerais, congenital toxoplasmosis has been associated with poor socioeconomic conditions. Considering maternal exposure to sources of Toxoplasma gondii, the predominating risk factors were those related to the ingestion of oocysts. It is expected that these results will contribute to development of a program for prevention of congenital toxoplasmosis adapted to the reality of the population of Minas Gerais. The differences between populations living in rural and urban areas regarding the main risk factors for toxoplasmosis point to the need of considering regional specificities in planning strategies to control congenital toxoplasmosis.

Visceral leishmaniasis is an uncommon disease in transplant recipients; however, if left untreated, the mortality can be high. If an organ donor or recipient is known to be an asymptomatic Leishmania spp. carrier,monitoring is advised. This study proposes to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic Leishmania spp.infection in liver transplant donors and recipients from an endemic area. A total of 50 liver recipients and 17 liver donors were evaluated by direct parasite search, indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), anti-Leishmania rK39 rapid test and Leishmania spp.DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Leishmania spp. amastigotes were not observed in liver or spleen tissues. Of the 67 serum samples, IFAT was reactive in 1.5% and indeterminate for 17.9%, and the anti-Leishmania rK39 rapid test was negative for all samples. The PCR test was positive for 7.5%, 8.9%, and 5.9% of blood, liver and spleen samples, respectively(accounting for 23.5% of the donors and 8% of the recipients). Leishmania infantum-specific PCR confirmed all positive samples. In conclusion, a high prevalence of asymptomatic L. infantum was observed in donors and recipients from an endemic area, and PCR was the most sensitive method for screening these individuals.

Background: Central venous catheters (CVC) are essential in intensive pediatric care units (PICU). Preventive measures during insertion and maintenance reduce infection risks., Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2010 to December 2011 in a Brazilian university hospital PICU. Patients were followed throughout hospital stay to verify the occurrence of catheter-associated infection (CAI). An active search was performed of the daily prospective data related to the practice of CVC insertion., Results: There was a total of 255 catheter insertions with a CAI incidence density of 13.55/1,000 CVC-days. No association was found between an increased risk for infection and surgical hand antisepsis, the use of maximum barrier precautions, or the use of chlorhexidine for skin antisepsis, which were recommended for the prevention of CAIs. A multivariate analysis showed that catheter use for less than 7 days was protective (P < .01; odds ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval: 0.12-0.72)., Conclusion: Health care teams responsible for CVC insertion should rigorously assess the need for CVC and remove them within 7 days when possible. For patients who have no indication for CVC removal, monitoring with clinical evaluation and requests for additional blood cultures should be scrutinized rigorously., (Copyright © 2013 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

In this prospective, observational study, we sought to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of central venous catheter-associated infection in 56 patients admitted for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In multivariate analysis, we found a 7-fold higher risk of central line-associated bloodstream infection with central venous catheter insertion in the internal jugular vein as compared with the subclavian access. Patients with central line-associated bloodstream infection had a higher incidence of acute renal failure., (Copyright © 2013 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Antimicrobial treatment is often indicated to neutropenic patients. Although renal failure is a common complication of many antibiotics, no information could be found in the literature defining which are the best screening criteria for detecting renal injury. In this paper, the authors aim to assess the progress to renal failure in neutropenic patients on antimicrobial use and to compare different diagnostic criteria of renal failure in association to antimicrobial agents used. This is a cohort study conducted from February to August 2006 at the Hospital das Clínicas of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, which included patients with neutropenia and antimicrobial therapy for the treatment of Healthcare Associated Infections notified by the Hospital Infection Control Committee. Renal injury has ensued in 25% of patients and no statistical difference between distinct criteria for renal injury was observed. Association of greater number of antimicrobials was associated with renal impairment. Time required for renal injury was independent of the antimicrobial regimen used, but mortality among patients with renal injury was higher when compared to those who had preserved renal function., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Behavioral distress and dysfunctions of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis play a central role in alcohol abuse. Omega-3 fatty acids are proposed as having antistress, regulatory effects on HPA responsiveness, but a possible protective role in ethanol addiction is unexplored.A randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled trial was performed in male alcoholics undergoing residential rehabilitation program, to evaluate the effects of 3-week supplementation with fish-oil providing eicosapentaenoic (60 mg/day) and docosahexaenoic acid (252 mg/day) on perceived stress/anxiety and HPA activity, assessed by measuring saliva basal cortisol levels at various daytimes (0730 h, 1130 h, 1600 h, 2000 h, and 2400 h) and the acute cortisol response to Trier Social Stress Test.Results showed that in supplemented subjects, before versus after decrease of stress/anxiety ratings was accompanied by reduction of cortisol basal levels throughout the day; no changes were observed in placebo group. At the end of intervention, amplitude, and duration of stress-evoked cortisol response did not differ between groups; however, the peak of cortisol response was temporally anticipated in supplemented subjects. In conclusion, an elevated omega-3 intake may reduce distress symptoms and basal cortisol secretion in abstinent alcoholics, thus providing a valid subsidiary measure to increase the efficacy of rehabilitation programs in ethanol addicts., (© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Objective: To evaluate risk factors and lethality of late onset laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (LCBI) in a Brazilian neonatal unit for progressive care (NUPC)., Methods: This was a case-control study, performed from 2008 to 2012. Cases were defined as all newborns with late onset LCBI, excluding patients with isolated common skin contaminants. Controls were newborns who showed no evidence of late onset LCBI, matched by weight and time of permanence in the NUPC. Variables were obtained in the Hospital Infection Control Committee (HICC) database. Analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The chi-squared test was used, and statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05, followed by multivariate analysis., Results: 50 patients with late onset LCBI were matched with 100 patients without late onset LCBI. In the group of patients with late onset LCBI, a significant higher proportion of patients who underwent surgical procedures (p = 0.001) and who used central venous catheter (CVC) (p = 0.012) and mechanical ventilation (p = 0.001) was identified. In multivariate analysis, previous surgery and the use of CVC remained significantly associated with infection (p = 0.006 and p = 0.047; OR: 4.47 and 8.99, respectively). Enterobacteriacea was identified in 14 cases, with three (21.4%) deaths, and Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 20 cases, with three (15%) deaths., Conclusions: Surgical procedures and CVC usage were significant risk factors for LCBI. Therefore, prevention practices for safe surgery and CVC insertion and manipulation are essential to reduce these infections, in addition to training and continuing education to surgical and assistance teams., (Copyright © 2013 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To describe occurrence of Healthcare Related Infections in a neonatal unit of public reference service in Belo Horizonte-MG, based on international criteria., Methods: This is a descriptive study, performed by active searching, in the Progressive Care Unit Neonatal Hospital das Clinicas, Federal University of Minas Gerais (HC / UFMG), from 2008 to 2009. Notification of infections was based on National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) criteria. The database and analysis were performed in a internal program., Results: A total of 325 episodes of infection in newborns were notified and overall incidence density of infections was 22.8/1,000 patient-days, with a rate of 36.7% of newborns. Sepsis was the main infection (62.5%) reported. The incidence density of infections was higher in neonates weighing lower than 750g (42.4/1,000 patient-days). There were 18.15 episodes of central venous catheter related sepsis/1,000 central venous catheter-day and 19.29 umbilical catheter related sepsis /1,000 umbilical catheter-days. Microorganisms were isolated in 122 (37.5%) cases of reported infections, mainly defined as Staphylococcus coagulase negative and Staphylococcus aureus (51 cases). Mortality and lethality rates were 4.3% and 17,12%, respectively., Conclusion: The use of standardized criteria for reporting infections is necessary for the construction of indicators in neonatology, which are scarce in the country and highlight the need for evaluation of national criteria proposed by National Agency of Sanitary Surveillance (ANVISA).

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the characteristics and infectious complications of neutropenic patients in a referral hospital., Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out between April and September 2008, which enrolled all neutropenic patients identified by daily blood counts in the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Demographic data and information on infections were obtained from the Hospital Infection Control Committee. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences., Results: One hundred and sixteen patients were followed up during 129 hospitalizations. The patients had a mean age of 48.7 years old. Sixty-four (55.2%) patients were male and 25 (21.6%) died during the follow-up. In 97 (75.2%) of the hospitalizations, patients had episodes of febrile neutropenia. Patients classified as low-risk had a mortality rate of 16.2% (n = 12) vs. 39.1% (n = 9) among high-risk patients (p-value = 0.02). The death rate of the patients who had been submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was 13.5% (n = 5) vs. 26.7% (n = 16) among patients not submitted to transplantation (p-value = 0.13). Of the 155 infections diagnosed, 45.5% were defined as clinically documented. The etiological agent most frequently isolated was Escherichia coli and the main topography reported was bloodstream infections. The most used antimicrobial agents were cefepime, vancomycin and fluconazole. Approximately 24% of patients evolved with impaired renal function during hospitalization., Conclusion: Most reported infections in neutropenic patients were defined as clinically documented, which shows the importance of suspicion in patients without specific signs and symptoms for early diagnosis and the need for the classification of risk for timely interventions.

The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), which predicts mortality on the waiting list before liver transplantation, has changed organ allocation criteria to prioritize severely ill patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the new criteria on the incidence of Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) and patient survival after liver transplantation. This retrospective cohort included liver transplant recipients from 2005 to 2007. Infection notification followed the recommended criteria of the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Of 142 patients, 67 (47.2%) underwent transplantation before June 2006. There were no differences between the 2 periods considering patient gender, diagnosis, age, length of hospitalization, and mean time to first infection occurrence. However, the length of intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization (P = .006) and central venous catheter (CVC) use (P = .025) were higher in the first period of the study. Comparison of time until first systemic infection before and after changes in allocation criteria showed no significant difference (log-rank = 0.06; P = .81). There was a trend toward greater lethality during the second period of the study (P = .09). There was no difference in time to death between the 2 periods (log-rank = 0.9; P = .76). However, when comparing time to death of all patients with systemic infection versus those without this event, patients without infection showed a higher mortality rate (log-rank = 15.7; P < .001)., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between clinical signs of congenital toxoplasmosis and IgG subclasses found in newborns participating in the Minas Gerais State Neonatal Screening Program., Methods: Neonates with confirmed congenital toxoplasmosis underwent standardized ophthalmologic evaluation, neuroimaging studies and hearing assessment, as well as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing for total IgG and its subclasses (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4) against soluble (STAg) and recombinant (rSAG1 and rMIC3) antigens of Toxoplasma gondii., Results: Newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis but without ocular lesions were more likely to present anti-rMIC3 total IgG when compared with those newborns with active or cicatricial retinochoroidal lesions. Detection of anti-rMIC3 IgG2 and IgG4 was associated with presence of retinochoroidal lesions and intracranial calcifications, with higher mean reactivity index values than unaffected newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis. Anti-STAg IgG3 was associated with newborns without neurologic damage., Conclusions: Specific subclasses of IgG antibodies reacting with recombinant antigens of T. gondii may serve as biomarkers of neurologic and ocular changes in newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis.

Objective: To review the risk factors of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection and the recommendations for its prevention., Sources: PubMed, Cochrane Collaboration and Bireme were reviewed using the following inclusion criteria: studies published between 2000 and 2010, study design, hospitalized pediatric population with central venous catheters and studies about central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection. In addition, reference documents were retrieved from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency., Summary of the Findings: Associated risk factors were: duration of central venous catheter use; length of hospitalization time; long-term indwelling central venous catheter; insertion of central venous catheter in intensive care unit; nonoperative cardiovascular disease; parenteral nutrition; and administration of blood products. The preventive measures recommended by studies in the literature are: development of records and multidisciplinary guidelines of care for central venous catheter insertion and maintenance; correct use of central venous catheter insertion technique; use of chlorhexidine-impregnated dressings; early catheter removal; and adoption of continued education programs for the healthcare team., Conclusion: The control of risk factors may lead to a reduction of 40% or greater in the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection. Insertion surveillance and special attention to central venous catheter in pediatric populations should guide the standardization of healthcare routines to achieve standards for comparisons within and between institutions.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of western blot (WB) analysis as a diagnostic tool for congenital toxoplasmosis in 215 newborn infants. The children were submitted to clinical examinations to assess macular, neurological and hearing signals. The WB results obtained were compared to the persistence of IgG antibodies at the end of 12 months, which is regarded as the "gold standard" diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. Association between the WB results and the clinical signs presented by the infants was also assessed. Of the 215 children, 177 had a confirmed congenital toxoplasmosis diagnosis and 38 were uninfected. IgG-WB showed a sensitivity of 73.5% and a specificity of 97.4%. IgM-WB showed a sensitivity of 54.8% and a specificity of 94.7%. The IgG-WB and IgM-WB combination increased the sensitivity to 86.5%. The IgM-WB-positive children had a 1.4-fold greater risk of presenting active macular lesions than did those that were IgM-WB-negative. This study showed that the WB assay is a useful tool to confirm a diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis and that the IgM-WB-positive results can indicate active macular lesions in newborn infants.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections frequently complicate the post-operative course of transplant recipients, and despite nasal carriage and endemic colonization, MRSA outbreaks are not commonly described. This study reports a case of MRSA outbreak and discusses infection control measures and recommendations for this situation.

Objective: To report a rare case of congenital toxoplasmosis from an immunocompetent mother with chronic infection who had reactivation of ocular disease during pregnancy., Description: The newborn was asymptomatic at birth and identified by neonatal screening (IgM anti-Toxoplasma gondii in dried blood) among other 190 infants with congenital toxoplasmosis during a 7-month period. His mother had had a non-treated episode of reactivation of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis during pregnancy, with stable IgG titers and negative IgM results. Results of IgM and IgG in the newborn's serum, as well as IgG immunoblotting were positive and active retinochoroidal lesions were detected in his peripheral retina. The neonate was treated with sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine and folinic acid. At 14 months of life, the child remained asymptomatic, with regression of retinochoroidal lesions and persistence of IgG., Comments: It is possible that systematic neonatal screening in areas with high prevalence of infection may identify these cases.

Objective: To report results of early ophthalmologic examinations in a large cohort of newborns with congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) after neonatal screening., Design: Cross-sectional analysis of a cohort., Participants: A total of 178 newborns with confirmed CT from 146,307 screened babies (95% of live births) from Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil., Methods: From November 2006 to May 2007, newborns underwent neonatal screening by immunoglobulin (Ig)M capture of dried blood samples. On all positive or suspected cases, confirmative serology was performed on babies and their mothers. Congenital toxoplasmosis was confirmed in newborns who had IgM and/or IgA and IgG, or IgG associated with suggestive ocular lesions (with IgM and IgG in the mother). Ophthalmologic evaluation consisted of indirect ophthalmoscopy with a lid speculum. Pediatric examination and radiologic studies of the central nervous system were also performed. In selected cases, biomicroscopy of the anterior segment, fundus photographs, or ultrasonography (B-scan) was performed., Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence of retinochoroidal lesions, either cicatricial or active, and their location and associated findings, such as vascular sheathing, hemorrhage, vitreous opacities, and retinal detachment, were evaluated. The occurrence of cataract, microphthalmia, microcephaly, intracranial calcification, and hydrocephalus was also recorded., Results: Of 146,307 neonates screened, 190 had CT, yielding a prevalence of 1 in 770 live births, of whom 178 (93.7%) underwent standardized ophthalmologic examination at an average age of 55.6+/-16.6 days. Of these 178 infants, 142 (79.8%) had retinochoroidal lesions consistent with CT in at least 1 eye. Bilateral involvement was noted in 113 patients (63.5%). Macular involvement was seen in 165 eyes (46.3%) of 111 patients (62.4%). Active lesions were observed in 142 eyes (39.9%) of 85 patients (47.8%). These lesions were located in the macula of 75 eyes (21.1%) and were associated with retinal vascular sheathing in 44 eyes (12.4%)., Conclusions: A high prevalence of CT was encountered (1/770) with high rates of early retinochoroidal involvement ( approximately 80%) and many active lesions (in approximately 50%), indicating a possibly more severe ocular involvement by CT in Brazil than in other parts of the world. The hypotheses of higher parasite virulence and increased individual susceptibility are being currently investigated.

Acinetobacter baumannii colonization and infection, frequent in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients, is commonly associated with high morbimortality. Several outbreaks due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumanii have been reported but few of them in Brazil. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with colonization and infection by MDR and carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii strains isolated from patients admitted to the adult ICU at HC/UFMG. A case-control study was performed from January 2007 to June 2008. Cases were defined as patients colonized or infected by MDR/carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii, and controls were patients without MDR/carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolation, in a 1:2 proportion. For statistical analysis, due to changes in infection control guidelines, infection criteria and the notification process, this study was divided into two periods. During the first period analyzed, from January to December 2007, colonization or infection by MDR/carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii was associated with prior infection, invasive device utilization, prior carbapenem use and clinical severity. In the multivariate analysis, prior infection and mechanical ventilation proved to be statistically significant risk factors. Carbapenem use showed a tendency towards a statistical association. During the second study period, from January to June 2008, variables with a significant association with MDR/carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii colonization/infection were catheter utilization, carbapenem and third-generation cephalosporin use, hepatic transplantation, and clinical severity. In the multivariate analysis, only CVC use showed a statistical difference. Carbapenem and third-generation cephalosporin use displayed a tendency to be risk factors. Risk factors must be focused on infection control and prevention measures considering A. baumanni dissemination.

Significant decrease in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vertical transmission has been observed worldwide in centers where interventions such as antiretroviral therapy (ART), elective cesarean section, and avoidance of breastfeeding have been implemented. This prospective cohort study aimed to assess the determinants of and the temporal trends in HIV-1 vertical transmission in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, Brazil from January 1998 to December 2005. The rate of HIV-1 vertical transmission decreased from 20% in 1998 to 3% in 2005. This decline was associated with increased use of more complex ART regimens during pregnancy. Multivariate analysis restricted to clinical variables demonstrated that non ART, neonatal respiratory distress/sepsis and breastfeeding were independently associated with HIV-1 vertical transmission. When laboratory parameters were included in the model, high maternal viral load and non maternal ART were associated with HIV-1 vertical transmission. The results from this study confirm the impact of ART in the reduction of HIV-1 vertical transmission and indicate the need for improvement in the care and monitoring of mother and infant pairs affected by HIV-1.

The objective of this research was to identify maternal and fetal characteristics as prognostic markers of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. This is a descriptive study of 13 cases of congenital CMV infection referred to Institute de Puericulture et Perinatologie de Paris (IPP) from January 2005 to October 2006. Amniotic fluid puncture was performed to research CMV polimerase chain reaction (PCR). Cordocentesis and cord blood samples at delivery were also analyzed to determinate fetal platelets count, GGT, ASAT, ALAT, CMV-DNA and IgM antibody. Variables of symptomatic and asymptomatic infants were then compared. Data were analyzed by SPSS--15.0. Mean gestational age of amniocentesis was 24.6 weeks and there was no difference of mean viral load in amniotic fluid considering infant features. Mean gestational age of cordocentesis was 26.1 weeks. There were no statistical differences of fetal viral load, IgM, platelets, GGT, ASAT and ALAT analyzed at cordocentesis samples, but at delivery, mean values of IgM and ASAT of fetal blood were increased in symptomatic ones (p= 0.03 for both parameters). When considering groups with normal and abnormal parameters, ASAT of cordon samples was also increased in symptomatic infants (p= 0.02). Sensibility, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of fetal ultrasound anomalies to detect symptomatic infants were, respectively, 80%, 62.5%, 57.1% and 83.3%. Thus, identification of markers of CMV symptomatic infants should be aimed. Prenatal diagnosis, identification and follow up of congenital CMV infected infants are important to consider treatment for symptomatic infants, trying to avoid or reducing some possible sequels.

Objective: The use of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected children has been a widely discussed issue. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of dual nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) regimens and three-drug regimens [2NRTI+ non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) or protease inhibitor (PI)] in a cohort of HIV-infected children., Methods: The study was carried out in a referral center for the management of infected children, which is affiliated with the School of Medicine of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG). Those children whose antiretroviral therapy was implemented between January 1998 and December 2000 and who were followed until December 2001 were included in the study. Therapeutic failure or death was regarded as the endpoint in our analysis., Results: A total of 101 patients were assessed, 58 (57.4%) on dual therapy and 43 (42.6%) on triple therapy. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of gender, age, CD4+ count and baseline viral load. The average duration of dual therapy was 26.3 months (95%CI 21.3-31.3) and that of triple therapy was 34.3 months (95%CI 29.2-39.5%). There was therapeutic failure in 33 (56.9%) patients on dual therapy and in 11 (25.6%) patients on triple therapy (log rank = 5.03; p = 0.025). The relative risk of therapeutic failure of the dual therapy was 2.2 times higher (95%CI 1.3-3.9). The percentage of initial CD4+ T cells was a predictor of risk for therapeutic failure (p = 0.001). Patients on triple therapy showed a more remarkable reduction in their viral load (p = 0.001)., Conclusion: Triple therapy was efficient for a longer time period and showed better virologic response than dual therapy in this cohort of HIV-infected children. Therefore, triple therapy should be the treatment of choice.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the prevalence of the etiological agents of bacterial meningitis in a reference center for the treatment of infectious diseases in the state of Minas Gerais. METHODS: Descriptive study including all children with probable diagnosis of meningitis between June/1999 and November/1999. RESULTS: There were 210 cases of meningitis, and 111 (52.9%) were caused by bacteria. Actually, 52 were probable bacterial meningitis (with liquor alterations) and 59 were confirmed (with culture and/or antigen tests). The main agents were: Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The initial treatment for children aged between three months and five years consisted of ampicillin and chloramphenicol. Later, the antibiotic was changed to penicillin in cases of Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae. and to chloramphenicol in cases of Haemophilus influenzae. Extended spectrum antimicrobial agents were used on clinical or laboratory basis, but resistant microorganisms were not found in cultures. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemiology of meningitis should be continuous and should consider local data in order to guide antimicrobial therapy. The continuous monitoring of the prevalent agents in each institution and their resistance is fundamental to the selection of antimicrobial drugs, preserving the antimicrobial agents, and causing less interference with individual colonization, without contributing to the increasing resistance of the agents responsible for meningeal infections.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the usefulness of reagent strips in the evaluation of pleocytosis, cerebrospinal fluid glucose and protein levels for early and rapid diagnosis of meningitis in children. METHODS: We included cerebrospinal fluid samples of 164 children admitted to the outpatient clinic of Communicable Diseases of the General Pediatric Center (Fundação Hospitalar do Estado de Minas Gerais, CGP-FHEMIG) during the daytime hours from May of 1997 to May 1999, and who presented with clinical suspicion of meningitis. Patients ranged in age from one month to 12 years (median 12 months). Results from the cytological and biochemical assay (cellularity, cerebrospinal fluid glucose and protein levels) were obtained from 154 patients. These results were subsequently compared with the reaction of cerebrospinal fluid in reagent strips. RESULTS: The cytological and biochemical assay identified 43 cases of probable bacterial meningitis, 19 of probable viral meningitis, and 83 with no alterations. According to the reagent strips, there were 41 cases of probable bacterial meningitis, 2 of probable viral meningitis, and 71 with no alterations. By comparing the results of reagent strips and those of the cytological and biochemical assay, we obtained values for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy (respectively 90.7; 98.1; 95.1; 96.4; and 96.1). Statistical analysis using McNemer test did not indicate significant differences between the two methods in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis (P=0.68). Kappa statistics indicated a high level of agreement between the tests (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that reagent strips may be a useful additional resource in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, especially when it is difficult to collect a sufficient amount of cerebrospinal fluid or to indicate the initial treatment.