Introduction: The compartment syndrome is caused by an increase on the compartment pressure that exceed the perfusion pressure. In coronary postangioplasty context it is a rare entity. Requires a high suspicion and to take fast steps. Clinical case: Forty-one years old man with a STEMI thrombolysed and derived to angioplasty suffered a post-procedure bleeding on his right forearm and evolved with a compartment syndrome that required a volar and medial fasciotomy. Discussion: The clinical entity is rare in this context, so require a high suspicion based basically on sudden pain with an increase of volume. The treatment is the urgent fasciotomy. To not diagnose it at time could evolve with severe neuromuscular disorders and hand anatomy disorders.

Resumen Introducción: El síndrome compartimental se genera por aumento de presión compartimental que sobrepasa a la de perfusión. Es una entidad rara en contexto posangioplastía coronaria. Requiere alta sospecha y medidas rápidas. Caso clínico: Hombre de 41 años con diagnóstico de infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM) con supradesnivel ST (SDST) que fue trombolizado y derivado para angioplastía, que sufre sangrado en antebrazo derecho posprocedimiento y evoluciona con síndrome compartimental que requiere de fasciotomía en volar y medial. Discusión: La entidad clínica es rara en este contexto, por ende, requiere alta sospecha basándose principalmente en dolor de inicio súbito con aumento de volumen. El tratamiento es fasciotomía de urgencias. De no pesquisarse a tiempo puede evolucionar con severas alteraciones neuromusculares llevando a trastornos de la anatomía de la mano.

Surveillance of antimicrobial consumption is a central part in programs of antibiotic stewardship. However, in Chile there are no national data on antibiotic consumption representing a significant number of hospitals by clinical services. In 2013 a survey was sent to multiple Chilean hospitals to evaluate antimicrobial consumption in medical services (MS), surgery services (SS) and critical care units (ICU). We used the standardized methodology recommended by the WHO, using the number of DDD/100 days beds. In the MS and SS beta-lactam and no beta-lactam antibiotics commonly used were evaluated. In the ICU consumption vancomycin, linezolid, imipenem, merope-nem, colistin and tigecycline was evaluated. Fifteen hospitals reported the density of antimicrobial consumption. Ceftriaxone and cloxacillin were the most commonly used antibiotics in general services (average cloxacillin 4,9 DDD/100 bed days in MS and 8,0 DDD/100 in SS; ceftriaxone 13,5 DDD/100 in MS and 16,7 DDD/100 in SS). In the SS there was also a significant consumption of metronidazole (average 14,5 DDD/100 bed days). In the ICU there was an important variability of consumption of selected antibiotics. This study reports the average and range of antibiotic consumption in MS, SS, and ICU from a significant number of hospitals in the country, during 2013. This information allows hospitals to compare their consumption of antibiotics with a significant sample of Chilean hospitals. Analysis of this information should consider a careful interpretation according to the sample shown here and the reality of each hospital.

La vigilancia del consumo de antimicrobianos es parte central en los programas de utilización de antimicrobianos. Sin embargo, en Chile no se conocen datos del consumo de antibacterianos por servicios clínicos, que representen un número importante de hospitales. En el año 2013 se envió una encuesta a múltiples hospitales chilenos para evaluar el consumo de antimicrobianos en los servicios clínicos de Medicina (SM), Cirugía (SC) y Unidades de Pacientes Críticos (UPC). Para ello se usó la metodología estandarizada recomendada por la OMS de DDD/100 días camas. En los SM y SC se evaluaron antibacterianos β-lactámicos y no β-lactámicos de uso frecuente. En las UPC se evaluó el consumo de vancomicina, linezolid, imipenem, meropenem, colistín y tigeciclina. Se obtuvo resultados de 15 hospitales, los cuales informaron la densidad de consumo de antimicrobianos de los servicios mencionados. Ceftriaxona y cloxacilina fueron los antimicrobianos más utilizados en servicios generales (promedio cloxacilina 4,9 DDD/100 días cama en SM y 8,0 DDD/100 en SC; ceftriaxona 13,5 DDD/100 en SM y 16,7 DDD/100 en SC). En los SC se agrega además un consumo importante de metronidazol (promedio 14,5 DDD/100 días cama). En las UPC destaca la variabilidad de consumo de antimicrobianos seleccionados. Este estudio reporta el promedio y rangos de consumo de antibacterianos en SM, SC y UPC de un número importante de hospitales del país durante el año 2013. Esta información permite a los hospitales comparar su consumo de antibacterianos con una muestra significativa de hospitales chilenos. El análisis de esta información debe considerar una cuidadosa interpretación de acuerdo a la muestra aquí representada y la realidad de cada uno de los hospitales.

Background: Macrolide and lincosamide resistance in Streptococcus pyogenes is due to the acquisition of mef, ermB and ermA genes, which confer different resistance phenotypes, namely M, MLSBconstitutive and MLSBinducible respectively. The last report of resistance in Chile was done in the period 1990-1998, in which resistance to macrolides was 5.4%, with M phenotype as the predominant one. Aim: To characterize the evolution of erythromycin and clindamycin resistance and their associated genes in S. pyogenes strains isolated from patients with invasive and non-invasive infections in the period 1996 to 2005. Material and Methods: Resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin was determined in 1,282 clinical isolates using the disk diffusion test. Resistant isolates were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of the above mentioned resistance genes. Results: Global resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin was 3.5 and 0.7% respectively. Eighty percent of the resistant strains possessed the M. phenotype. Conclusions: Resistance levels of S. pyogenes have decreased in Chile in the last years. Most resistant strains have M phenotype in contrast to many countries in which the MLSB constitutive phenotype is the predominant one.

Background: The Chilean Ministry of Health has implemented regulatory rules for the consumption of anti-biotics since September 1999, with sales restriction limited only with medical prescription. Aim: To analyze the impact of established regulatory measures from 2000 to 2008. Material and Methods: A retrospective analysis of antibiotics sales in pharmacies from 2000 to 2008 was performed. The information was obtained from the International Marketing System (IMS Health), an auditing system of pharmacy sales. The consumption unit used was the Defined Daily Dose per 1000 inhabitants/day (DDD). Results: From 2000 to 2002 the regulatory rules had a great impact, but since 2002 the antibiotic consumption increased, especially amoxicillin, returning to similar levéis observed in 1998. Conclusions: The regulatory measures had an initial impact, but there was not reinforcement in the time and there was no further control. It is necessary to assume a permanent task and support of the authorities of health to edúcate the population about the implications of the inadequate use of antimicrobials and his effect on the microbial ecology.

Introducción: El Ministerio de Salud de Chile reguló el consumo de antimicrobianos en el mes de septiembre de 1999, mediante restricción de venta limitada sólo a venta con receta médica. El objetivo de este estudio es conocer el impacto de las medidas regulatorias entre los años 2000 y 2008. Metodología: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de las ventas en farmacias privadas desde el año 2000 al 2008. La información se obtuvo del International Marketing System Health (IMS Health), una empresa internacional encargada de auditar las ventas de farmacias. La unidad de consumo usada fue la DDD/1.000 habitantes-día. Resultados: A partir del año 2000 al 2002, las medidas regulatorias tuvieron un gran impacto; sin embargo, desde el año 2002 el consumo de antimicrobianos aumentó, especialmente amoxicilina, obteniéndose valores similares a los existentes en 1998. Conclusiones: Las medidas regulatorias tuvieron un impacto inicial; sin embargo, no fueron reforzadas ni controladas en el tiempo. Es necesario que las autoridades de salud del país asuman la tarea pennanente de educar a la comunidad acerca del uso inadecuado de antimicrobianos y su efecto sobre la ecología bacteriana.

A propagação global de Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus - MRSA) significa que se trata agora de um patógeno de interesse para a saúde pública mundial. Na América Latina, o MRSA é altamente prevalente, com a proporção de S. aureus resistente à meticilina em ascensão, no entanto os recursos para o tratamento da infecção são limitados. Embora existam várias diretrizes para o tratamento de infecções por MRSA, muitas são elaboradas para a América do Norte ou a Europa e precisam ser adaptadas para sua utilização na América Latina. Neste artigo, procuramos destacar a importância do tratamento adequado do MRSA nas unidades de saúde e na comunidade na América Latina. Apresentamos um resumo das diretrizes e dos antibióticos disponíveis, e discutimos considerações específicas para os médicos que tratam de MRSA na América Latina.

The global spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) means it is now a pathogen of worldwide public health concern. Within Latin America, MRSA is highly prevalent, with the proportion of S. aureus isolates that are methicillin-resistant on the rise, yet resources for managing the infection are limited. While several guidelines exist for the treatment of MRSA infections, many are written for the North American or European setting and need adaptation for use in Latin America. In this article, we aim to emphasize the importance of appropriate treatment of MRSA in the healthcare and community settings of Latin America. We present a summary of the available guidelines and antibiotics, and discuss particular considerations for clinicians treating MRSA in Latin America

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in adults is probably one of the infections affecting ambulatory patients for which the highest diversity of guidelines has been written worldwide. Most of them agree in that antimicrobial therapy should be initially tailored according to either the severity of the infection or the presence of comorbidities and the etiologic pathogen. Nevertheless, a great variability may be noted among the different countries in the selection of the primary choice in the antimicrobial agents, even for the cases considered as at a low-risk class. This fact may be due to the many microbial causes of CAP and specialties involved, as well as the different health-care systems effecting on the availability or cost of antibiotics. However, many countries or regions adopt some of the guidelines or design their own recommendations regardless of the local data, probably because of the scarcity of such data. This is the reason why we have developed a guideline for the initial treatment of CAP by 2002 upon the basis of several local evidences in South América (ConsenSur I). However, several issues deserve to be currently rediscussed as follows: certain clinical scores other than the Physiological Severity índex (PSI) have become more popular in clinical practice (i.e. CURB-65, CRB-65); some pathogens have emerged in the región, such as community-acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) and Legionella spp; new evidences on the performance of the rapid test for the etiologic diagnosis in CAP have been reported (eg. urinary Legionella andpneumococcus antigens); new therapeutic considerations needs to be approached (i.e. dosage reformulation, duration of treatment, emergence of novel antibiotics and clinical impact of combined therapy). Like in the first versión of the ConsenSur (ConsenSur I), the various current guidelines have helped to organize and stratify the present proposal, ConsenSur II.

La neumonía adquirida por adultos en la comunidad (NAC) es, probablemente, una de las infecciones que afecta a los pacientes ambulatorios para la cual se ha escrito la mayor diversidad de lineamientos en todo el mundo. La mayoría de ellos concuerdan en que el tratamiento antimicrobiano debe ser ajustado inicialmente de acuerdo con la gravedad de la infección o con la presencia de co-morbilidades y el patógeno etiológico. Aun así, se puede notar una gran variabilidad entre los diferentes países en la selección de la elección primaria de los agentes antimicrobianos, incluso en los casos considerados como de bajo riesgo. Este hecho puede deberse a las múltiples causas microbianas de la NAC y las especialidades médicas involucradas, como así también los diferentes sistemas de asistencia de salud que afectan la disponibilidad o el costo de los antimicrobianos. No obstante, muchos países o regiones adoptan alguno de los lineamientos o diseñan sus propias recomendaciones independientemente de los datos locales, probablemente debido a la escasez de dichos datos. Por esta razón desarrollamos lineamientos para el tratamiento inicial de la NAC hacia el año 2002, sobre la base de varias evidencias locales en Sudamérica (ConsenSur I). Sin embargo, varios temas merecen discutirse nuevamente como sigue: ciertos puntajes clínicos además del índice Fisiológico de Severidad (IFS) se hicieron más populares en la práctica clínica (por ej. CURB-65, CRB-65); emergieron algunos patógenos en la región, tal como Staphylococcus aureus resistente adquirido en la comunidad (SAMR-AC) y Legionella spp; se reportaron nuevas evidencias sobre el desempeño de la prueba rápida para el diagnóstico etiológico de NAC (por ejemplo, Legionella urinaria y antígenos de Streptococcus pneumoniae); deben abordarse nuevas consideraciones terapéuticas (por ej.: reformulación de la dosis, duración del tratamiento, emergencia de antimicrobianos nuevos e impacto clínico del tratamiento combinado). Como en la primera versión del ConsenSur (ConsenSur I), los diversos lineamientos actuales ayudaron a organizar y estratificar la presente propuesta, ConsenSur II.

Intravenous antimicrobial consumption has not been evaluated previously in Chile. In order to know this consumption (in DDD per 100 bed days), associated factors and antimicrobial control systems across the country, a questionnaire was sent to evalúate these features during 2005. A total of 29 public hospitals and private clinics answered this poli, 20 belonging to the public health system (69%). Only 48.1% declared to have an independent antimicrobial committee and 17.2% allowed unrestricted antimicrobial use. Glycopeptides and carbapenems were the most regulated compounds (75.9 and 82.8%, respectively). Antimicrobial controls systems were more frequently declared among public hospitals and only non-public hospitals permitted free use of antimicrobials. Global consumption reached 59.98 DDD per 100 bed-days, with beta-lactams representing 74.3% of this consume (44.57 DDD per 100), and cephalosporms 43% (25.78 DDD per 100). Chloramphemcol, penicillin G and cloxacillin use was significantly higher among public hospitals. The opposite was observed for imipenem-cilastatin, linezolid, cefuroxime and caspofungin with higher consumes observed among non-public hospitals. In a multivariate analysis, increased cefazolin use was independently associated with sites allowing unrestricted use, and ciprofloxacin consumption with non-public hospitals. Institutions with decreased susceptibility to imipenem-cilastatin among non-fermentative gram negative bacilli showed a higher use of this compound and linezolid consumption paralleled vancomycin-resistant enterococci prevalence. It is necessary to reinforce governmental regulations about antimicrobial use issued during 1999.

El consumo de antimicrobianos parenterales en hospitales y sus sistemas de control no han sido evaluados previamente en Chile. Para conocer la magnitud de este consumo (en DDD por 100 días camas), los potenciales factores asociados y los sistemas de regulación, se aplicó una encuesta en una muestra de hospitales públicos y privados a lo largo del país durante el año 2005. Un total de 29 hospitales o clínicas contestaron la encuesta, 20 de tipo público (69%). Sólo 48,1% declaró contar con un comité independiente de antimicrobianos y 17,2%o permite el uso libre sin ninguna restricción. Los carbapenémicos y glicopéptidos fueron los compuestos más supervisados (82,8 y 75,9%o, respectivamente). Los programas de control sobre antimicrobianos fueron más frecuentes en los hospitales públicos que en el resto y sólo los hospitales no públicos permitían el uso libre sin restricciones. El consumo global de los compuestos antibacterianos alcanzó 59,98 DDD por 100 días camas, representando los ß-lactámicos el 74,3%o de este consumo (44,57 DDD por 100) y las cefalosporinas el 43%o de este valor (25,78 DDD por 100). El consumo de cloranfenicol, penicilina G y cloxacilina fue más elevado en los hospitales públicos. En contraste, el consumo de imipenem-cilastatina, linezolid, cefuroxima y caspofungina, fue más elevado en los de tipo no público. El mayor consumo de cefazolina apareció ligado, en un análisis multi-variado, al uso libre sin restricción y el mayor consumo de ciprofloxacina, a los hospitales no públicos. Aquellos lugares que tuvieron un mayor consumo de imipenem-cilastatina presentaron una menor susceptibilidad a este compuesto en cepas de P. aeruginosa y A. baumannii. El consumo de linezolid fue mayor en lugares con mayores porcentajes de aislados de Enterococcus sp resistente a vancomicina. Los datos demuestran que es necesario reforzar las medidas ministeriales vigentes desde 1999 sobre el uso racional de antimicrobianos en hospitales.

Polysaccharide 23 valent pneumococcal vaccine commercially available from 1983 includes 23 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, representing near 90% of strains involved in invasive pneumococcal disease in immune competent adults. Vaccine confers protection against invasive pneumococcal disease. Immunization is recommended in adults over 65 years old, in patients affected by chronic diseases (cardiopathies, COPD, nephropathies, diabetes mellitus, hepatic cirrhosis, chronic breakage in brain-blood barrier, functional or anatomical asplenia, alcoholism), in immunocompromised hosts, including HIV infection, chemotherapy treatment and hematological malignancies. Influenza vaccine is prepared with particulated antigens, including two influenza A strains and one influenza B strain, selected according to influenza epidemiological worldwide surveillance the year before. On account of continuous antigenic changes (drifts), it is necessary to modify the vaccine antigen's composition yearly. Cost/effectiveness evaluation has confirmed the efficacy of influenza vaccine in reducing morbidity and mortality associated to influenza epidemic and health economical resources involved in patient care. Besides, clinical trials have confirmed that immunization reduces the risk of acquiring pneumonia, of hospitalization and death in elderly people during the influenza epidemic, when vaccine antigenic composition is similar to the circulating strains. Vaccination is recommended annually in healthy adults over 65 years old, in patients with chronic diseases (cardiopathies, COPD, nephropathies, diabetes mellitus, hepatic cirrhosis, chronic breakage of blood-brain barrier, functional or anatomical asplenia, alcoholism). It is also recommended in women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season, in immunocompromised hosts, in institutionalized patients (geriatrics), health care workers, and travelers to geographical areas that are affected by the influenza epidemic

La vacuna anti neumocóccica polivalente disponible desde 1983 incluye 23 serotipos de Streptococcus pneumoniae, que representan cerca de 90% de las cepas que ocasionan enfermedad neumocóccica invasora en adultos inmunocompetentes. La vacuna confiere protección contra la enfermedad neumocóccica invasora. Se recomienda vacunar a los adultos sanos sobre 65 años de edad, portadores de enfermedades crónicas (cardiopatías, EPOC, nefropatías, diabetes mellitus, cirrosis hepática, pérdida crónica de LCR, asplenia funcional o anatómica, alcoholismo), inmunocomprometidos incluyendo los infectados por VIH, quimioterapia y neoplasias hematológicas. La vacuna anti influenza se prepara con antígenos particulados, e incluye dos tipos antigénicos de virus influenza A y una de influenza B, seleccionados de acuerdo al perfil epidemiológico que arroja la vigilancia mundial de influenza en el año anterior. Debido al cambio antigénico que se produce cada año, es necesario modificar la composición de la vacuna. Los estudios de costo-efectividad han confirmado la eficacia de la vacuna anti influenza en reducir la morbimortalidad asociada a la epidemia de influenza y los gastos de salud involucrados en el manejo de los enfermos. Además, los estudios clínicos han confirmado que la vacunación reduce el riesgo de neumonía, hospitalización y muerte en la población senescente durante la epidemia de influenza, cuando la cepa de la vacuna es similar a la presente en la comunidad. Se recomienda vacunar anualmente a los adultos sanos sobre 65 años de edad, portadores de enfermedades crónicas (cardiopatías, EPOC, nefropatías, diabetes mellitus, cirrosis hepática, pérdida crónica de LCR, asplenia funcional o anatómica, alcoholismo), mujeres embarazadas con más de 3 meses de gestación, inmunocomprometidos, pacientes institucionalizados (geriátricos, residentes en casas de reposo), trabajadores de la salud, viajeros a áreas geográficas de epidemia

Polysaccharide 23 valent pneumococcal vaccine commercially available from 1983 includes 23 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, representing near 90% of strains involved in invasive pneumococcal disease in immune competent adults. Vaccine confers protection against invasive pneumococcal disease. Immunization is recommended in adults over 65 years old, in patients affected by chronic diseases (cardiopathies, COPD, nephropathies, diabetes mellitus, hepatic cirrhosis, chronic breakage in brain-blood barrier, functional or anatomical asplenia, alcoholism), in immunocompromised hosts, including HIV infection, chemotherapy treatment and hematological malignancies. Influenza vaccine is prepared with particulated antigens, including two influenza A strains and one influenza B strain, selected according to influenza epidemiological worldwide surveillance the year before. On account of continuous antigenic changes (drifts), it is necessary to modify the vaccine antigen's composition yearly. Cost/effectiveness evaluation has confirmed the efficacy of influenza vaccine in reducing morbidity and mortality associated to influenza epidemic and health economical resources involved in patient care. Besides, clinical trials have confirmed that immunization reduces the risk of acquiring pneumonia, of hospitalization and death in elderly people during the influenza epidemic, when vaccine antigenic composition is similar to the circulating strains. Vaccination is recommended annually in healthy adults over 65 years old, in patients with chronic diseases (cardiopathies, COPD, nephropathies, diabetes mellitus, hepatic cirrhosis, chronic breakage of blood-brain barrier, functional or anatomical asplenia, alcoholism). It is also recommended in women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season, in immunocompromised hosts, in institutionalized patients (geriatrics), health care workers, and travelers to geographical areas that are affected by the influenza epidemic

Background: The indiscriminate use of antibiotics increases the appearance of bacterial resistance and forces the use of more expensive alternatives. The Chilean Ministry of Health is regulating the consumption of antibiotics since September 1999. These regulatory measures restricted the sale of antibiotics only when these were prescribed by an MD or an DS. Aim: To study the impact of these regulatory measures on antibiotics sales in pharmacies. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of antibiotics sales in pharmacies from 1996 to 2000. The information was obtained from the International Marketing System (IMS Health), an auditing system of pharmacy sales. The consumption unit used was the Defined Daily Dose per 1000 inhabitants/day (DDD). Results: There was an important reduction in DDD, after the introduction of regulatory measures, for amoxicillin, ampicillin, erythromycin, trimethoprim/sulpha, chroramphenicol, cloxacillin and phenoxymethylpenicillin. There was also a important fall in sales, expressed in dollars. Conclusions: The regulatory measures of the Ministry of Health, had an immediate and great impact on antibiotics sales in Chile (Rev Méd Chile 2002; 130: 1265-72).

Ventilator-associated pneumonia is a life-threatening disease causing an increased morbidity, mortality, cost and length of stay in the intensive care unit. Inappropriate treatment is frequent and it is associated with worse prognosis. This document is an evidence based consensus which discusses treatment aspects of this complication. Empiric treatment should be based on local epidemiology and data collected through the national nosocomial infection surveillance and reliable microbiology. Antibiotic treatment on specific microorganisms is also recommended