A child with acute myeloid leukemia complicated by calcaneal osteomyelitis due to Mycobacterium abscessus infection after induction chemotherapy successfully salvaged with bedaquiline and clofazimine

Clinical characteristics, treatment and efficacy of calcaneal osteomyelitis: a systematic review with synthesis analysis of 1118 reported cases

BACKGROUND

Calcaneal osteomyelitis (CO) still poses great challenges to orthopedic surgeons due to the unique anatomic and functional features of the calcaneus. This study summarized the current data regarding clinical characteristics, treatment and efficacy of CO, based on an analysis of literature-reported cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases to find English and Chinese studies reporting on CO patients published between 2000 and 2021, with available data for synthesis analysis. The quality of the included studies was evaluated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) assessment scale. Effective data were extracted and pooled for analysis.

RESULTS

Altogether 198 studies involving 1118 patients were included, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.3 (724 males and 310 females). The median age at CO diagnosis was 46 years, with a median symptom duration of 3 months. Injury-related infections (524 cases) and diabetic foot infections (336 cases) were the two most common causes, with ulcers (468 cases) and wound sinus or exudation (209 cases) being the predominant symptoms. The overall positive culture rate was 80.2%, with polymicrobial infections accounting for 18.1%. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently detected pathogen (42.7%), with fungal-related infections isolated in 17 cases. Although most patients received surgical interventions (96.9%), the recurrence rate was 20.1%. The incidence of infection relapse following partial calcanectomy, total calcanectomy, debridement with implantation of local antibiotics, and debridement with or without flap or skin coverage were 31.7%, 45.0%, 16.8%, and 15.1%, respectively. The overall incidence of limb amputation was 12.4%, with all-cause and CO-related mortalities of 2.8% and 0.2%, separately.

CONCLUSIONS

CO shared similar characteristics with extremity chronic osteomyelitis, primarily affecting young males, with trauma and diabetic foot as the leading causes and Staphylococcus aureus as the most frequently detected pathogen. Despite surgery being the primary treatment modality, clinical outcomes remained unsatisfactory, marked by high rates of infection recurrence and limb amputation.

Pediatric calcaneal osteomyelitis: an analysis of literature-reported 128 cases

BACKGROUND

Calcaneal osteomyelitis (CO) poses a formidable challenge in treatment due to the distinct anatomical structure and functional properties of the calcaneus. The present study endeavors to furnish a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the clinical manifestations, therapeutic strategies, and therapeutic outcomes pertaining to pediatric calcaneal osteomyelitis (PCO) by conducting a meticulous synthesis and analysis of cases reported in the literature.

METHODS

A systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted to identify English-language studies analyzing PCO between 2000 and 2021. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the National Institutes of Health (NIH) assessment scale. Effective data were extracted and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 42 studies, encompassing 128 patients, fulfilled the established inclusion criteria. The gender distribution revealed a male-to-female ratio of 2:1 (81 boys and 40 girls). The median age at the time of diagnosis was 8 years, while the median duration of symptoms was 0.6 month. Trauma emerged as the primary etiology (41 cases, 54%), and limited activity was the most prevalent symptom (68 cases). The positive rate for pathogen culture was 75.4% (49/65), with Staphylococcus aureus being the most commonly isolated pathogen (28 cases, 57.1%). Surgical intervention was performed in 51% (64/126) of the patients, with debridement serving as the primary surgical strategy. The rate of infection recurrence was 6.8% (8/118), and the risk of below-knee amputation was 0.8% (1/124).

CONCLUSIONS

PCO occurred more frequently in male patients, with trauma being the primary underlying cause and Staphylococcus aureus being the most prevalent bacterial pathogen isolated. Over half of the patients underwent surgical intervention. Nonetheless, it is imperative that treatment strategies undergo further refinement, as approximately 7% of patients experienced infection recurrence.

Anti-Infection of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Combined with Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria: A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) combined with non-tuberculous Mycobacteria-pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) are very rare in the clinic, and our case is the first patient with NPC combined with NTM-PD. For oncologists, rapid control of the symptoms of infection is essential to the treatment of the primary disease.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 58-year-old man who developed a NTM-PD after chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Granulocytosis after chemotherapy is a major factor in the development of various infectious diseases. Nasopharyngeal tumor was found on MRI of the patient's head, and nasopharyngeal malignant tumor was considered after pathological examination after endoscopic resection of intranasal lesion, and then nasopharyngeal non-keratonic carcinoma (T4N1M0, stage IV) was confirmed in the department of oncology. The patient developed bone marrow suppression after chemotherapy and was admitted to hospital due to septic shock. Chest CT examination indicated pulmonary infection, and empirical antibiotic treatment was not effective. The NGS results showed that the patient was infected with Mycobacterium abscess. We treated with cefoxitin followed by moxifloxacin to reduce the lung lesions significantly.

CONCLUSION

NPC with NTM-PD is very rare, and the treatment of NTM-PD is very important for the prognosis of the patient's primary disease. Our study provides experience for anti-infection treatment of patients with immunosuppression.

Drugs for treating infections caused by non-tubercular mycobacteria: a narrative review from the study group on mycobacteria of the Italian Society of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine

BACKGROUND

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are generally free-living organism, widely distributed in the environment, with sporadic potential to infect. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the global incidence of NTM-related disease, spanning across all continents and an increased mortality after the diagnosis has been reported. The decisions on whether to treat or not and which drugs to use are complex and require a multidisciplinary approach as well as patients' involvement in the decision process.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This review aims at describing the drugs used for treating NTM-associated diseases emphasizing the efficacy, tolerability, optimization strategies as well as possible drugs that might be used in case of intolerance or resistance. We also reviewed data on newer compounds highlighting the lack of randomised clinical trials for many drugs but also encouraging preliminary data for others. We also focused on non-pharmacological interventions that need to be adopted during care of individuals with NTM-associated diseases CONCLUSIONS: Despite insufficient efficacy and poor tolerability this review emphasizes the improvement in patients' care and the needs for future studies in the field of anti-NTM treatments.

Bedaquiline for treatment of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM): a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections are increasing in incidence and associated mortality. NTM are naturally resistant to a variety of antibiotics, complicating treatment. We conducted a literature assessment on the efficacy of bedaquiline in treating NTM species in vitro and in vivo (animal models and humans); meta-analyses were performed where possible.

METHOD

Four databases were searched using specific terms. Publications were included according to predefined criteria. Bedaquiline's impact on NTM in vitro, MICs and epidemiological cut-off (ECOFF) values were evaluated. A meta-analysis of bedaquiline efficacy against NTM infections in animal models was performed. Culture conversion, cure and/or relapse-free cure were used to evaluate the efficacy of bedaquiline in treating NTM infection in humans.

RESULTS

Fifty studies met the inclusion criteria: 33 assessed bedaquiline's impact on NTM in vitro, 9 in animal models and 8 in humans. Three studies assessed bedaquiline's efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. Due to data paucity, an ECOFF value of 0.5 mg/mL was estimated for Mycobacterium abscessus only. Meta-analysis of animal studies showed a 1.86× reduction in bacterial load in bedaquiline-treated versus no treatment within 30 days. In humans, bedaquiline-including regimens were effective in treating NTM extrapulmonary infection but not pulmonary infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Bedaquiline demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against various NTM species and is a promising drug to treat NTM infections. However, data on the genomic mutations associated with bedaquiline resistance were scarce, preventing statistical analyses for most mutations and NTM species. Further studies are urgently needed to better inform treatment strategies.

Mycobacterium abscessus pulmonary disease presenting with spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Mycobacterium abscessus is a rapidly growing mycobacterium commonly identified in adults with underlying pulmonary diseases but is rarely observed in children. A better understanding of this pathogen in children is essential.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the case of a 49-month-old female child without previous underlying pulmonary diseases but with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The patient was complicated with pneumonia during chemotherapy, which was primarily characterized by spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema on chest computed tomography (CT). M. abscessus sequences were detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. With mechanical ventilation, closed thoracic drainage, and anti-infective therapy for 6 months, the patient's infection was controlled. The patient completed 2.5 years of treatment for ALL, and the drugs were discontinued. The patient currently remains in complete hematologic remission.

DISCUSSION

We reviewed the literature on 33 children with M. abscessus pulmonary disease. These children mostly had underlying immunodeficiency. Chest CT most often showed nodular shadows, consolidation, and bronchiectasis. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema were not reported as major manifestations.

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema were our patient's main characteristics on chest CT, and this study enriches the knowledge regarding possible imaging changes in M. abscessus pulmonary disease in children. This case report reflects good clinical experience in maintaining the balance between chemotherapy and anti-infective therapy in childhood ALL.

A disseminated Mycobacterium marinum infection in a renal transplant HIV-infected patient successfully treated with a bedaquiline-containing antimycobacterial treatment: A case report

BACKGROUND

Disseminated Mycobacterium marinum infections occur rarely, in immunocompromised patients. Treatment with a prolonged multi-drug regimen exposes patients to drug-drug interactions and side effects.

CASE REPORT

We report a case of disseminated M. marinum infection in a 54-year-old renal transplant, HIV-infected woman. Manifestations of the infection were cutaneous and subcutaneous nodules, mediastinal lymph nodes and left pulmonary infiltrate. Empirical treatment for non-tuberculous mycobacteria was initiated with rifabutin, ethambutol and azithromycin. After identifying M. marinum in sputum, due to unfavourable clinical evolution and severe drug-related adverse events, treatment was changed to doxycycline and rifabutin. Digestive and haematologic side effects motivated a change in antimycobacterial treatment to a combination of moxifloxacin and bedaquiline. Tolerance was satisfactory, and the patient was cured after 12 months of treatment.

CONCLUSION

We report (to the authors' knowledge) the first case of disseminated M. marinum infection successfully treated with a bedaquiline-containing regimen. Bedaquiline could be an alternative to recommended antimicrobial regimens in cases of non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease, including M. marinum infection.