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L C Severo

Publications and source records attributed to L C Severo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Risk factors and outcome for nosocomial breakthrough candidaemia.

OBJECTIVES: To describe all cases of nosocomial candidaemia that occurred in patients in use of anti-fungals. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study (1995-2003). Breakthrough candidaemia was defined as the occurrence of candidaemia in a patient receiving at least 3 days of systemic anti-fungal therapy. Patients with breakthrough candidaemia were compared to patients with non-breakthrough candidaemia. RESULTS: During the period of study, 20 patients had breakthrough candidaemia, and 40% of them had cancer. While most of these episodes occurred with amphotericin B, some patients received low-dose regimens of fluconazole or ketoconazole in association with ranitidine. Non-Candida albicans species caused 75% of these infections, mainly Candida parapsilosis (30%). When compared to controls (n=171), the breakthrough group had more frequently mucositis, longer stay in the intensive care unit, and longer periods of hyperalimentation, mechanical ventilation, urinary catheter and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Candida isolation from sites other than blood occurred more frequently in the breakthrough group. Mortality rate and Candida species distribution were similar among groups. CONCLUSIONS: C. parapsilosis was the main aetiology of breakthrough candidaemia. Common risk factors included mucositis, isolation of Candida from sites other than blood, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and invasive medical procedures. No difference in the mortality rate was observed.

Adolescent↗

A 9-year study comparing risk factors and the outcome of paediatric and adults with nosocomial candidaemia.

Although there are numerous studies of candidaemia in adults, data on paediatrics are still limited. The aim of this study was to compare risk factors, aetiology, therapy, and the outcome of nosocomial candidaemia among paediatric and adult patients in a large Brazilian tertiary hospital (1995-2003). During this period, 78 paediatrics and 113 adults were studied. Species other than Candida albicans caused 78.2% of episodes of candidaemia in paediatrics. Compared to adults, paediatrics received more frequently broad-spectrum antibiotics, vasopressors, blood transfusions, arterial catheter, chest tube, cardiothoracic surgery, mechanical ventilation, and parenteral nutrition. Candidaemia caused by Candida parapsilosis was more common in paediatrics, as was the isolation of Candida spp. from catheters. Amphotericin B treatment was more common in paediatrics. Mortality rate was higher in adults than in paediatrics with nosocomial candidaemia. We reinforce the necessity of continuous epidemiologic surveillance to follow the dynamics of candidaemia.

Adolescent↗

A comparative study of risk factors and outcome among outpatient-acquired and nosocomial candidaemia.

Candidaemia is perceived as a nosocomial infection. The aim of this study was to describe all cases of candidaemia that occurred in the outpatient setting, and to compare risk factors and outcome among patients with outpatient-acquired and nosocomial candidaemia. During 1995 and 2003, 210 patients developed candidaemia at our institution, and 9.0% were outpatient acquired. Major underlying diseases were cancer (47.4%) and chronic renal failure (36.8%). Most occurred within 24 h of hospitalization (63.2%), and 83.7% were caused by species other than Candida albicans, mainly Candida parapsilosis (36.8%). Candida spp. were isolated from catheters in 21% of cases, and 52.6% of patients had been admitted to hospital in the 60 days preceding candidaemia. Compared with patients with nosocomial candidaemia, chronic renal failure was more frequent in the outpatient group, who were also more commonly exposed to haemodialysis. Ileus, gastrointestinal bleeding, previous bacteraemia, use of proton pump inhibitors, previous stay in the intensive care unit and requirement for antibiotics, blood transfusion, vasopressors and invasive medical procedures were more frequent in the nosocomial group. Overall mortality was high in both groups. Candidaemia must be considered as a potential cause of sepsis in the community, and it is associated with a high mortality rate.

Adolescent↗

Sporotrichosis in patient with AIDS: report of a case and review.

Although sporotrichosis is not an AIDS-defining infection, reports of sporotrichosis in individuals infected with HIV are increasing. We report an unusual case of this co-infection in a man with progressive deep cutaneous ulcerations with numerous pleomorphic yeast cells of Sporothrix schenckii. In addition a review of the literature on this subject was carried out and commented upon.

Journal Article↗

Cutaneous cryptococcosis due to Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii.

A case of cutaneous cryptococcosis due to Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii in an immunocompetent host is presented. In addition a review of the literature on this subject was carried out and a brief comment made on occurrence of the variety gattii in Brazil.

Journal Article↗

Chronic pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Since 1942, when paracoccidioidomycosis was first identified in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, paracoccidioidal pulmonary lesions became a great concern to physicians. The present study focuses on 53 patients diagnosed over a seven-year period who presented paracoccidioidal lesions circumscribed to the lungs. These patients presented clinical and radiological features that simulated several pulmonary infectious and non-infectious conditions. Four unusual cases are briefly discussed. A sequence of laboratorial tests should be established for the diagnosis of pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis.

Adult↗

Tinea nigra: report of four cases observed in Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil) and a review of Brazilian literature.

Four cases of Tinea Nigra by Exophiala werneckii, observed in Porto Alegre, RS, during the period 1981-1992 were related. A boy presented bilateral palmar lesions, one girl had plantar lesions and the remaining two girls had lesions on the palms. Three cases were autochthonous and the remaining patient was infected during a trip to Chile. A review of Brazilian literature and comments on the epidemiology and clinical aspects of the mycosis is presented.

Brazil↗

Pulmonary Aspergillus intracavitary colonization (PAIC).

We have attempted to elucidate the natural history of pulmonary aspergillus intracavitary colonization (PAIC) based on more than 350 cases of the disease observed in the last 11 years and on data collected from the literature. The data indicate that PAIC is a dynamic process consequent to the continual growth and death of fungal elements and also with their relationships to the anatomic features of the cavity (valvular mechanisms, vascular alteration). The clinical presentations reflect immunological changes in the host. Metabolites produced by the species of Aspergillus involved affect the clinical presentation of the syndrome.

Animals↗

Actinomycotic intracavitary lung colonization.

We describe four cases of actinomycotic intracavitary lung colonization and review the literature on the subject. Aspergillus fumigatus, A. niger, A. flavus, Pseudallescheria boydii are responsible for the majority of fungi intracavitary lung colonization (fungus ball). The similarities in clinical symptom (haemoptysis) and radiologic feature (pulmonary air meniscus) of fungus ball and actinomycotic intracavitary colonization prompted the investigation into a range of microorganisms, including Nocardia spp. and Actinomyces spp. We report four cases of such actinomycotic syndrome, three of them in diabetic patients, and review briefly the literature.

Actinomycosis↗

Invasive aspergillosis in an alpaca (Lama pacos).

An invasive form of aspergillosis in an alpaca (Lama pacos) is described, with dissemination causing small abscesses and multifocal areas of necrosis in the lung, heart, spleen and kidneys. Histological sections showed hyphae morphologically compatible with an Aspergillus species. Direct immunofluorescent testing confirmed the diagnosis of aspergillosis.

Animals↗