Abstract A retrospective-observational analytical study was carried out to evaluate the epidemiology of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) in 773 adult patients hospitalized in the inten sive care unit (ICU) of the Hospital Alemán of Buenos Aires, Argentina, between 1 December 2018 and 30 June 2020. During the study period, the incidence of CRBSI was 8.7 cases per 1000 catheter days. The occurrence of CRBSI was found associated with a poor clinical evolution, as evidenced by a stay in the ICU significantly longer than the stay of patients without CRBSI (median: 21.5 days vs. 4 days, p < 0.001). CRBSI-associated mortality was not statistically higher (24% vs. 20%, OR 1.26 [0.61-2.63]). Gram-positive bacteria were the most frequently identified microorganisms (73%), being Staphylococcus epidermidis the most frequent (40%). Of the 47 isolates of microorganisms surveyed, 8 (17%) were multi-resistant germs. The permanence time of the catheter was identified as a risk factor for developing CRBSI (OR 1.10 [1.05 - 1.15], p < 0.001) in a multivariate analysis. In this analysis, the risk of infection was not influenced by the anatomical site of insertion of the catheter, the ward where the procedure was performed (ICU vs. operating room/external ward), the skill of the medical practitioner, or the use of ultrasound to guide vascular accesses. We conclude that CRBSIs are a frequent complication in our department with relevant clinical consequences. Knowing the epidemiology and the problems of each service allows programming interventions aimed to correct specific public health problems.

Resumen Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo analítico que evaluó la epidemiología de las bacteriemias asociadas a catéter central (BAC) en 773 adultos internados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) del Hospital Alemán de Buenos Aires entre diciembre de 2018 y junio de 2020. Durante el pe riodo de estudio, la incidencia fue 8.7 eventos cada 1000 días catéter. El desarrollo de BAC se asoció con mala evolución clínica, que fue puesta en evidencia por una duración de la internación en UCI significativamente mayor que la de los pacientes sin BAC (mediana: 21.5 días vs. 4 días, p < 0.001). La mortalidad también fue mayor, pero sin significancia estadística (24% vs. 20%, OR 1.26 [0.61-2.63]). Los microorganismos más frecuentemente aislados fueron bacterias Gram positivas (73%) y, entre ellas, Staphylococcus epidermidis fue la más frecuente (40%). De los 47 aislamientos de microorganismos relevados, 8 (17%) fueron gérmenes multirresistentes. El análisis multivariado identificó el tiempo de permanencia del catéter como factor de riesgo para desarrollar BAC (OR 1.10 [1.05 - 1.15], p < 0.001). En dicho análisis, una mayor tasa de BAC no fue influida por el sitio anatómico de inserción del catéter, el servicio donde se realizó el procedimiento (UCI o quirófano/servicio de emergencias), la experiencia previa del médico en el procedimiento, ni el uso de ultrasonido para guiar la cateterización. Con cluimos que las BAC son una complicación frecuente en nuestro servicio con consecuencias clínicas relevantes. Conocer la epidemiología y la problemática de cada servicio permite programar intervenciones dirigidas a corregir problemas concretos de salud pública.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o desempenho da ultrassonografia pulmonar para determinar a evolução em curto prazo de pacientes com COVID-19 internados na unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos Este é um estudo prospectivo e observacional. Entre julho e novembro de 2020, 59 pacientes foram incluídos e submetidos a pelo menos duas avaliações LUS usando o escore LUS (variação de 0-42) no dia da admissão, dia 5 e 10 de admissão. Resultados A idade foi de 66,5 ± 15 anos, APACHE II foi de 8,3 ± 3,9, 12 (20%) pacientes tinham malignidade, 46 (78%) pacientes tinham ventilação não invasiva / cânula nasal de alto fluxo e 38 (64%) pacientes ventilação mecânica necessária. A mediana de permanência na UTI foi de 12 dias (IQR 8,5-20,5 dias). A mortalidade na UTI ou hospitalar foi de 54%. Na admissão, o escore LUS era de 20,8 ± 6,1; no dia 5 e no dia 10 de admissão, os escores foram 27,6 ± 5,5 e 29,4 ± 5,3, respectivamente (P = 0,007). Com a deterioração do quadro clínico, o escore LUS aumentou, com correlação positiva de 0,52, P <0,001. Pacientes com pior LUS no dia 5 versus melhor pontuação tiveram mortalidade de 76% versus 33% (OR 6,29, IC 95% 2,01-19,65, p. 0,003); uma diferença semelhante foi observada no dia 10. O escore LUS do 5º dia de admissão teve uma área sob a curva de 0,80, melhor ponto de corte de 27, sensibilidade e especificidade de 0,75 e 0,78, respectivamente. Conclusão Esses achados posicionam o LUS como um método simples e reprodutível para predizer a evolução de pacientes com COVID-19.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the performance of lung ultrasound to determine short-term outcomes of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit. Methods This is a Prospective, observational study. Between July and November 2020, 59 patients were included and underwent at least two LUS assessments using LUS score (range 0-42) on day of admission, day 5th, and 10th of admission. Results Age was 66.5±15 years, APACHE II was 8.3±3.9, 12 (20%) patients had malignancy, 46 (78%) patients had a non-invasive ventilation/high-flow nasal cannula and 38 (64%) patients required mechanical ventilation. The median stay in ICU was 12 days (IQR 8.5-20.5 days). ICU or hospital mortality was 54%. On admission, the LUS score was 20.8±6.1; on day 5th and day 10th of admission, scores were 27.6±5.5 and 29.4±5.3, respectively (P=0.007). As clinical condition deteriorated the LUS score increased, with a positive correlation of 0.52, P <0.001. Patients with worse LUS on day 5th versus better score had a mortality of 76% versus 33% (OR 6.29, 95%CI 2.01-19.65, p. 0.003); a similar difference was observed on day 10. LUS score of 5th day of admission had an area under the curve of 0.80, best cut-point of 27, sensitivity and specificity of 0.75 and 0.78 respectively. Conclusion These findings position LUS as a simple and reproducible method to predict the course of COVID-19 patients.