Objective: This study aims to determine the staphylococcal nasal carriage rates of children who are between one-to-five years old and residing in Botanical Gardens, Barangay Pio Del Pilar, Makati City. The following shall also be investigated: antibiotic resistance patterns of isolates, factors associated with S. aureus nasal carriage, and other pathologic organisms colonizing the anterior nares in this population. Methods: Nasal swabs were taken from each subject and cultured after informed consent was obtained. Statistical analysis was performed to determine factors with significant association with nasal colonization. Results: Ten (12.9%) out of 77 subjects were positive for S. aureus nasal colonization, one of which was oxacillin-resistant. Only the gross monthly income showed significant association with nasal carriage (p=0.03, OR = 0.59, 95% CI). Four subjects (5.1%) were carriers of S. pneumoniae. Conclusions The study shows a relatively low rate of Methicillin Sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and Methicillin Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) nasal carriage. The MRSA isolate was sensitive to all other anti-staphylococcal drugs tested, similar to other studies on Community Acquired-MRSA (CA-MRSA). Local surveillance studies are essential in the control of CA-MRSA and in guiding local antibiotic policies for staphylococcal infections. Further studies on a bigger population are needed to determine rates, resistance patterns and risk factors associated with nasal colonization.
Staphylococcus aureus ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

INTRODUCTION

Arterial switch operation is the preferred surgical management for d-transposition of the great arteries, but it still has long-term complications, which necessitate continued follow-up of patients. This procedure was first performed in this institution in 1991, and after three decades, there is a need to evaluate midterm and long-term outcomes in this population.

METHODS

This is a descriptive study on arterial switch operation patients between January 2010 and March 2019 in this institution. The following parameters were collected through review of charts and online health records (Medtrack): preoperative clinical data, surgical technique and immediate postoperative course and complications, echocardiographic results, and current clinical status. The study was approved by the institutional ethics review board of the hospital.

RESULTS

Among the 108 patients included in the study, 35 were long-term patients, and 73 were midterm. A total of 27 patients (25%) were lost to follow-up. Among the remaining patients (n = 81), 76 (94%) were alive. The most common postoperative complications were pulmonary stenosis (n = 11), aortic regurgitation (n = 24), and aortic dilatation (n = 2). One patient had reintervention after surgery for severe pulmonic stenosis. Overall survival function was 93.7% after 5 years (95% confidence interval, 0.81-0.98) and 79.4% after 9 years (95% confidence interval, 0.46-0.93).

CONCLUSION

Complications seen in this population are similar to those seen in literature. The overall survival rate after 5 years compares to those of other institutions. However, long-term survival rates were lower, which may be due to poor patient follow-up and a high rate of patient attrition over time. To improve future outcomes, strategies should be implemented to promote continuity of care, and parents should be advised regarding the importance of follow-up.

Arterial Switch Operation ; Echocardiography ; Survival Rate