Clinical and hemodynamic outcomes and mortality risk factors in patients undergoing pulmonary thromboendarterectomy

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is the current treatment of choice in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. The objective of the present study was to analyze the clinical and hemodynamic outcomes and the risk factors for mortality in a cardiovascular center in Colombia.

METHODS

Cohort study, conducted between 2001 and 2019. All operated patients were included in the study. Risk factors associated with mortality were established by means of a multivariate regression using the COX method and survival was established using the Kaplan-Meier method. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients were operated. Median age was 51 years, 55% of females, 79% had functional Class III and IV. The mean pulmonary arterial pressure was 50 mmHg and 640 dyn.s.cm-5 for pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). After the intervention, there was a decrease in mean pulmonary artery pressure (p ≤ 0.001) and in PVR (p = 0.357); 21% had evidence of residual pulmonary hypertension. Only 8% and 6% continued with functional Class III and IV at 6 and 12 months, respectively. There were 15 deaths (19.1%; 12% at 30 days). The factors associated with mortality were the diastolic diameter of the right ventricle measured postoperatively (hazard ratio [HR] 10.88 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.97-62, p = 0.007), time of invasive mechanical ventilation (HR 1.06 95% CI 1.02-1.09 p = 0.004), and the presence of complications during the surgical procedure (HR 5.62 95% CI 1.94-16.22 p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy is associated with excellent clinical and hemodynamic outcomes. The mortality risk factors found are not those usually described in the literature.

Arterial lactate levels and their prognostic value in patients undergoing pulmonary thromboendarterectomy

Objective

Evaluate the change of lactate levels and its prognostic role in the postoperative period of patients undergoing pulmonary thromboendarterectomy.

Methods

Retrospective study between 2001 and 2019. Patients older than 18 years and who underwent pulmonary thromboendarterectomy were included. The U Mann Whitney test was performed to evaluate the change between lactate levels, and Cox regression analysis to evaluate the relationship with mortality. Areas under the curve were constructed for lactate levels.

Results

Seventy-three patients were operated on during the study period. Median age was 51 years, 55% female. The median lactate on days 1 was 4.65 mml/L and on day 2 it was 1.62 mml/L with a change of 2.87 mml/L. No differences were found between the levels measured on day 1 and 2 between the people who died and those who did not on day 30. In the multivariate regression of COX, no relationship with mortality was found. The area under the curve shows regular performance on both day 1 and day 2 in predicting mortality outcomes.

Conclusions

The behavior of the lactate in patients undergoing pulmonary thromboendarterectomy shows a rapid change during the first hours after the procedure. No role was found as a predictor of mortality neither in-hospital nor in follow-up.

Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection transmitted by liver allograft in a transplant recipient

We describe a case of Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection in a liver allograft recipient 2.5 months after transplantation. The patient lives in Spain, which is not considered an endemic country for strongyloidiasis, and denied prior residence or travel to any known endemic area. The initial symptoms were fever and vomiting, and he subsequently developed a severe respiratory disease. An endoscopic biopsy of ulcerative lesions of the duodenum revealed massive mucosa infiltration by larvae and adult worms, which were also found in respiratory samples. The patient was successfully treated with combined therapy with albendazole and ivermectin. The strongyloides infection was transmitted by the liver allograft. The donor was from Ecuador and, retrospectively, his serum tested positive for S. stercoralis IgG antibodies. Additionally, the pancreas-left kidney allograft recipient from the same donor later developed an intestinal strongyloidiasis without hyperinfection syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed case of S. stercoralis infection transmission from the same donor to two solid allograft recipients.

Quantitative pp65 antigenemia in the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus disease: prospective assessment in a cohort of solid organ transplant recipients

OBJECTIVES

To assess the accuracy of quantitative pp65 antigenemia (pp65Ag) in the diagnosis of CMV disease, in a cohort of solid-organ transplant recipients.

METHODS

Prospective observational study during the first 6 months following transplantation, with determination of pp65Ag at weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 16. Sensitivity (S), specificity (E), positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV), and the optimal cut-off point for diagnosing CMV disease, were determined.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 35 liver, 26 renal and 12 heart graft recipients. Thirteen (17.2%) were seronegative and received a seropositive graft. Of 583 blood samples, pp65Ag was positive in 109 (18.7%) from 37 patients (51%). Twenty-two patients developed CMV disease (0.3 episodes/patient); gastrointestinal disease was the most frequent (15 episodes), followed by viral syndrome (3 episodes). Patients with positive pp65Ag had a relative risk for CMV disease of 6.19 [IC95%=1.99-19.04], (P=.0001). Diagnostic values of pp65Ag were: S=86%, E=65%, PPV=51%, NPV=92%. The cut-off of > or =10 infected cells/10(5), at weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8 obtained the best PPV (0, 67, 91 and 54%), and NPV (47, 52, 67 and 50%).

CONCLUSIONS

In the studied population, the presence of positive pp65Ag was associated with a high risk of developing CMV disease, and the most useful cut-off point for the diagnosis was > or =10 infected cells/10(5).

High mortality related with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia after liver transplantation

The aim of the present study was to analyze the characteristics of bacteremia occurring in liver-transplant patients in Andalusia, Spain, during the 1990s. At the three participating hospitals, 405 liver transplantations were performed during the study period, and 119 bacteremic episodes were observed following 91 of them (22.4%, 29.4 episodes/100 liver transplants). Gram-positive organisms were the predominant bacteria isolated in cases of early-onset bacteremia (70.7%, P=0.04). The most common sources of bacteremia were the abdomen (33.6%) and intravascular catheters (22.7%), but frequently the source of bacteremia was unknown (31.9%). Mortality at 30 days was 21%. Isolation of Staphylococcus aureus was the only independent risk factor for mortality (relative risk, 3.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-7.5; P=0.01). These results indicate that control measures are required in order to reduce the incidence of gram-positive bacteremia and catheter-related infection in this patient population. The observed etiology must be considered when empirical antimicrobial therapy is indicated while awaiting blood-culture results.

Infections in renal transplant recipients receiving mycophenolate versus azathioprine-based immunosuppression

Differences in the incidence, etiology, type, and outcome of infections occurring during the first 6 months after transplantation were evaluated in two consecutive cohorts of kidney recipients who received immunosuppressive regimens based on either azathioprine (plus antilymphocyte globulin, cyclosporine A, and prednisone) (ATG-AZA cohort) or mycophenolate-mofetil (plus cyclosporine A and prednisone) (MMF cohort). The overall incidence of infections in the two cohorts was similar (0.99+/-1.06 infections/patient in the MMF cohort and 1.04+/-0.99 in the ATG-AZA cohort, P=0.3), as was the incidence of bacterial and fungal infections. In patients who received mycophenolate, cytomegalovirus disease occurred at a higher incidence (0.3+/-0.54 vs. 0.1+/-0.34 episodes/patient, P=0.005) and affected the upper gastrointestinal tract more frequently (0.21+/-0.48 vs. 0.025+/-0.16 episodes of cytomegalovirus ulcerative esophagitis, gastritis, or duodenitis per patient; P=0.001). A nonsignificant trend toward a higher recipient survival for patients receiving mycophenolate was noted (100% vs. 95%, P=0.07). In multivariate analysis, the following factors were independently associated with a higher risk of cytomegalovirus disease: the serostatus R-/D+ (seronegative recipients who received a kidney from a seropositive donor) (RR=35.7 [95%CI, 7.4-166.7]), treatment with mycophenolate (RR=10.4 [95%CI, 2.7-38.4]), and the development of any episodes of acute rejection (RR=10.1 [95%CI, 2.5-41.6]). These data show that kidney recipients receiving mycophenolate have a higher incidence of cytomegalovirus disease, mainly affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract, compared to those receiving azathioprine-based immunosuppression.

Etiology of solitary pulmonary nodules in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection

We assessed 10 patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (nine of whom had AIDS) and solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) that were detected on roentgenograms. Five of the patients presented with respiratory symptoms. The etiology of the SPN was determined for eight of these patients: six had infections (hydatidosis, mucormycosis, or infection with Nocardia asteroides, Cryptococcus neoformans, cytomegalovirus, or Pneumocystis carinii), one had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and the remaining patient had round atelectasis. Sputum studies were of no diagnostic value in any of these cases. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial biopsy was diagnostic in two of seven cases, and percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) was diagnostic in one of four cases. Several microorganisms that were not the cause of the SPNs were observed in samples of sputum, bronchoscopic specimens, and PTNB specimens. Thoracotomy was diagnostic in the three cases in which it was performed. We conclude that the management of SPNs in HIV-infected patients is complicated by the low sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic tests used.

[Usefulness of cerebral biopsy in focal cerebral lesions in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection]

Brain mass lesions (BML) occurred in 10% of patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as expression of severe and sometimes treatable diseases. However, the management of them is not well established. We analyzed, retrospectively, 26 brain biopsies (22 estereotaxic) in patients with HIV infection and BML to know their usefulness and safety. The inclusion criteria were: Failure of the anti-Toxoplasma empirical treatment, atypical scan appearance for toxoplasmosis, or severe neurological picture. Brain biopsy yielded a diagnosis in 19 patients (73.1%): Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (n = 8; 30.8%), primary central nervous system lymphoma (n = 6; 23.1%), mycobacteriosis (n = 2; 7.7%), toxoplasmosis (n = 2; 7.7%), criptococcosis (n = 1), cryptosporidiosis (n = 1) and HIV-encephalitis (n = 1). In one case there was a multiple diagnosis: mycobacteriosis, toxoplasmosis, and lymphoma. Brain biopsy results decided a change in therapy in 65.4%, the resolution or improvement of the neurological process in 30.8%, and the determination of the prognosis in 30.8%. In 8 cases (30.7%) there were biopsy complications, with secondary mortality in one. Brain biopsy of BML in HIV-infected patients is a diagnostic method with a high overall diagnostic rentability and uncommon non reversible complications, offering the possibility to prescribe a specific and potentially curative treatment.

Absence of effect of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole on pharmacokinetics of zidovudine in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Pharmacokinetic parameters of zidovudine (ZDV) were not altered in 16 patients receiving concomitant therapy with ZDV and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole by oral administration. ZDV areas under the concentration-time curves were (means +/- standard deviations) 1.80 +/- 0.70 and 1.69 +/- 0.64 micrograms.h/ml in the absence and presence of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, respectively. ZDV clearances were 1.57 +/- 0.61 and 1.74 +/- 0.66 liters/h/kg, respectively.

[Pharmacokinetic study of zidovudine in parenteral drug addicts with human immunodeficiency virus infection]

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to know the pharmacokinetics of zidovudine (ZDV) in steady state in patients with infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in whom the risk factor was intravenous drug use.

METHODS

The study was carried out in 8 patients in stage IV of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) with no acute intercurrent process, with normal liver and renal function, orally receiving 250 mg of ZDV every 6 hours. Blood samples were taken between 30 and 360 minutes from the last doses taken during fasting. Plasma concentrations of ZDV and glucuronide zidovudine (G-ZDV) were determined by radioimmunoassay with the data being adapted to a monocompartmental pharmacokinetic model.

RESULTS

The maximum concentration (Cmax) of ZDV was 0.81 +/- 0.38 microgram/ml demonstrating high interindividual variability with values between 0.35 microgram/ml and 1.45 microgram/ml. The mean Cmax of G-ZDV was 1.44 +/- 0.64 microgram/ml. The mean t1/2 of ZDV and G-ZDV was 1.63 +/- 0.75 hours and 1.12 +/- 0.32 hours, respectively, with values oscillating between 0.99 and 3.14 h in the case of ZDV. The area below the curve concentration/time (AUC) of ZDV was 1.43 +/- 0.34 microgram-h/ml and in the case of G-ZDV the AUC was 2.73 +/- 0.91 microgram-h/ml. Total body clearance (Clb) of ZDV was 2.11 +/- 0.64 l/kg/h and the volume of distribution (Vd) of ZDV was 5.6 +/- 1.73 l/kg.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study demonstrate that there is a marked interindividual variability in the pharmacokinetics of zidovudine suggesting the need for adapting dosage to patients weight and monitoring plasma concentration.

Pharmacokinetics of zidovudine in end-stage renal disease: influence of haemodialysis

OBJECTIVE

To study the pharmacokinetics of zidovudine (ZDV) and its glucoronide metabolite (G-ZDV) in a patient with end-stage renal disease in haemodialysis.

DESIGN

Pharmacokinetics study performed during and between haemodialysis sessions.

METHODS

The patient was treated with oral ZDV (100 mg every 8 h). Concentrations of ZDV and G-ZDV were measured by radioimmunoassay. A monocompartmental model was used to calculate pharmacokinetic parameters.

RESULTS

The peak plasma concentrations of ZDV and G-ZDV after drug administration between haemodialysis sessions were 0.57 and 10.01 micrograms/ml, respectively. The half-lives of ZDV and G-ZDV rose to 3.2 and 14.2 h, respectively. The total body clearance for ZDV in the period between haemodialysis sessions (0.44 l/kg/h) was 66% lower than normal values. The ZDV half-life was normalized by haemodialysis, the total body clearance of ZDV increased (1.12 l/kg/h) and the G-ZDV half-life shortened (5.9-7.9 h). Neither G-ZDV accumulation nor derived ZDV toxicity occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that ZDV is safe and an efficient drug when administered at a dosage of 100 mg three times daily in patients with end-stage renal disease in haemodialysis sessions, and that ZDV and G-ZDV are cleared by haemodialysis.

[Abscess of the psoas: a not-so-rare entity. Analysis of a series of 18 cases]

We have studied 18 patients with abscess at the psoas who had a mean age of 43.55 +/- 18.9 years and a predominance of males (77.8%). In nine cases the abscess was secondary to a lumbar discal spondylitis, in 5 cases to a sacroiliitis, in one case to abdominal disorder, and 3 cases the abscess was considered of a primary origin. The etiologic agents were S. aureus (8 cases), E. granulosus (5 cases), M. tuberculosis (3 cases), and B. melitensis (1 case). In one patient the infective agent was not isolated and in two cases the abscesses were infected by E. granulosus and P. aeruginosa. The clinical picture on admission was studied in all cases. Microbiological and pathologic analysis of the abscess allowed to establish the diagnosis in 11 cases (yield: 84.6%). Computerized axial tomography was the most useful imaging technique. Antimicrobial treatment was undertaken in 16 cases. Four patients recovered with pharmacological treatment alone. Surgical treatment was performed in 13 cases. Aspirative punction/drainage was carried in only one patient. The clinical course was favourable in 16 patients (88.9%). Our data indicate that the incidence of abscess of the psoas in cases of intraabdominal infections is low. In our series the incidence of abscesses secondary to hydatidosis is relatively high.

[Septic abortion. Complications and therapeutic considerations (author's transl)]

A study is presented on the incidence and complications of septic abortion in a group of patients admited on the 1st. Obstetric and Gynecologic Clinic of the University of Barcelona during a period of 5 years (1971-1975). Abortion is the cause of admision of 20,2% of patients in the gynecology ward and represents the 12,3% of the overall number of patients during the same period. In 7,8% of the patients admited because of abortion we found the criteria for establishing the diagnosis of septic complication and in 15,2% of those extrapelvic involvement is found, mainly endotoxic shock, acute renal failure and difuse peritonitis. Endocervical cultures were positive in 73% of cases and in 65,7% gram negative germs were isolated, being the most common E. coli. The different clinical patterns are discussed in cases in which anaerobics are implicated and the diagnostic and therapeutic aproaches in the different complications are reviewed particularly in concern to the indications of surgery when this may be the only lifesaving procedure.

A study of indomethacin combined with ritodrine in threatened preterm labor

A prospective and double-blind study was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of two different treatments on two randomized groups of patients with threatened preterm labor. The first treatment consisted of the administration of ritodrine and a placebo; in the second, ritodrine was combined with indomethacin. 22 patients were evaluated in each group. The results obtained for gain in days, number of patients delivered at term, weight of newborns and number of recurrences in each group suggest that treatment with ritodrine and indomethacin is slightly but significantly more effective than treatment with ritodrine and placebo in prolonging pregnancy. No evidence has been found of possible unfavorable vascular effects of indomethacin in the fetus or the newborn.

Antibody-coated bacteria and pregnancy

A study is made of 158 pregnant patients, between 3 and 9 months pregnant, in order to determine, by means of urine culture and ACB, the index of subclinical infections during pregnancy involving the renal parenchyma. The conclusion is reached that these infections occur in 4.42% of cases and out of those cases 57.14% were later shown to have an organic pathology of the excretory tracts.