Infections after spine instrumentation: effectiveness of short antibiotic treatment in a large multicentre cohort.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Available information about infection after spine instrumentation (IASI) and its management are scarce. We aimed to analyse DAIR (debridement, antibiotics and implant retention) prognosis and evaluate effectiveness of short antibiotic courses on early forms. METHODS: Multicentre retrospective study of patients with IASI managed surgically (January 2010-December 2016). Risk factors for failure were analysed by multivariate Cox regression and differences between short and long antibiotic treatment were evaluated with a propensity score-matched analysis. RESULTS: Of the 411 IASI cases, 300 (73%) presented in the first month after surgery, 48 in the second month, 22 in the third and 41 thereafter. Infections within the first 2 months (early cases) occurred mainly to older patients, with local inflammatory signs and predominance of Enterobacteriaceae, unlike those in the later periods. When managed with DAIR, prognosis of early cases was better than later ones (failure rate 10.4% versus 26.1%, respectively; P = 0.02). Risk factors for DAIR failure in early cases were female sex, Charlson Score, large fusions (>6 levels) and polymicrobial infections (adjusted HRs of 2.4, 1.3, 2.6 and 2.26, respectively). Propensity score matching proved shorter courses of antibiotics (4-6 weeks) as effective as longer courses (failure rates 11.4% and 10.5%, respectively; P = 0.870). CONCLUSIONS: IASIs within the first 2 months could be managed effectively with DAIR and shorter antibiotic courses. Clinicians should be cautious when faced with patients with comorbidities, large fusions and/or polymicrobial infections.

The impact of deep surgical site infection on surgical outcomes after posterior adult spinal deformity surgery: a matched control study.

PURPOSE: The impact of deep surgical site infection (SSI) on surgical outcomes after adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery is still unclear. We aimed to study the morbidity of SSI in ASD and its impact on deformity correction and functional outcome. METHODS: Prospective multicenter matched-cohort study including consecutively enrolled ASD patients. Patients developing SSI were matched to similar controls in terms of age, gender, ASA, primary or revision, extent of fusion, and use of tri-columnar osteotomies. Preoperative parameters, surgical variables, and complications were recorded. Deformity parameters and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) scores were obtained preoperatively and at 6, 12, and 24 months. Independent t test and Fischer's exact test were used for comparisons. RESULTS: 444 surgical ASD patients with more than 2 years of follow-up were identified. 20 sustained an acute SSI and 60 controls were accordingly matched. No differences were observed between groups in preoperative radiological and HRQoL variables confirming comparable groups. SSI patients had longer hospital stay and more mechanical complications including proximal junctional kyphosis. Infection was associated with more unrelated complications and revisions. Deformity correction was maintained equally at the different time intervals. One death was related to SSI. SSI patients had worse overall HRQoL status at 1 year and were less likely to experience improvement. However, no significant differences were recorded thereafter. CONCLUSION: SSI significantly affects the first postoperative year after posterior ASD surgery. It is associated with more complications, unrelated revisions, and worst quality of life. However it's negative impact seems to be diluted by the second postoperative year as differences in HRQoL scores between the two groups decrease. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary material.

Executive summary of management of prosthetic joint infections. Clinical practice guidelines by the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC).

The incidence of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is expected to increase in the coming years. PJI has serious consequences for patients, and high costs for the health system. The complexity of these infections makes it necessary to organize the vast quantity of information published in the last several years. The indications for the choice of a given surgical strategy and the corresponding antimicrobial therapy are specifically reviewed. The authors selected clinically relevant questions and then reviewed the available literature in order to give recommendations according to a pre-determined level of scientific evidence. The more controversial aspects were debated, and the final composition was agreed at an ad hoc meeting. Before its final publication, the manuscript was made available online in order that all SEIMC members were able to read it and make comments and suggestions.

Executive summary: Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of septic arthritis in adults and children, developed by the GEIO (SEIMC), SEIP and SECOT.

Infection of a native joint, commonly referred to as septic arthritis, is a medical emergency because of the risk of joint destruction and subsequent sequelae. Its diagnosis requires a high level of suspicion. These guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of septic arthritis in children and adults are intended for use by any physician caring for patients with suspected or confirmed septic arthritis. They have been developed by a multidisciplinary panel with representatives from the Bone and Joint Infections Study Group (GEIO) belonging to the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), the Spanish Society of Paediatric Infections (SEIP) and the Spanish Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (SECOT), and two rheumatologists. The recommendations are based on evidence derived from a systematic literature review and, failing that, on the opinion of the experts who prepared these guidelines. A detailed description of the background, methods, summary of evidence, the rationale supporting each recommendation, and gaps in knowledge can be found online in the complete document.

[Nocosomial urinary tract infections]. / Infecciones del tracto urinario nosocomiales.

Nosocomial urinary tract infections (UTI) are mainly related to urinary catheterisation. In this paper we review the pathogenic mechanisms, particularly the route by which the microorganisms colonise the urinary tract, their adhesion ability, and their capacity to form biofilms, and are related not only to the microorganism but also to the type of urinary catheter. The aetiology of catheter related UTI is variable, and multiresistant microorganisms are often isolated, making empirical antibiotic therapy complex. Clinical findings are frequently atypical, and its diagnosis is difficult. The therapeutic management of catheter-related UTI should be stratified according to the type of UTI: asymptomatic bacteriuria should not be habitually treated, but patients with septic shock should receive a broad spectrum antibiotic. In this review, the value of the different preventive measures are discussed.

[Acute cholangitis]. / Colangitis aguda.

Acute cholangitis is a potentially severe infection of the biliary tract, resulting from a biliary obstruction. The most frequent cause of cholangitis is common duct stones. Biliary tract obstruction and secondary bacterial colonization lead to infection. In most cases, the causative agents are intestinal microflora, mostly aerobic microorganisms (and, to a lesser extent, anaerobic bacteria). The Charcot triad constitutes the most frequent symptomatology. Diagnosis is confirmed by means of radiological techniques, such as ultrasonography, computed tomography scan, or magnetic resonance imaging of the liver, in which signs of obstruction of the biliary tract can be detected and its etiology can often be determined. In most patients the treatment of choice is early appropriate antimicrobial therapy and biliary drainage, generally using endoscopic techniques.

Recurrent urinary tract infections: from pathogenesis to prevention. / Infecciones urinarias recurrentes: desde la patogenia a las estrategias de prevención.

Urinary tract infections are highly prevalent among women and when they are recurrent they can lead to patient discomfort and high healthcare costs, and they represent one of the most frequent causes of antibiotic consumption. There are several options to prevent RUTI which include both antibiotic treatment (continuous or postcoital antibiotic prophylaxis) and non-antibiotic measures (hygienic measures, vitamin D, blueberries, D-mannose, probiotics, oestrogens, vaccines, intravesical instillations), but with different levels of evidence, sometimes of poor quality, and therefore new randomized and comparative studies are needed to choose the best strategy.

Predictors of mortality and impact of aminoglycosides on outcome in listeriosis in a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Gentamicin is often used to treat listeriosis, particularly in patients with meningitis; nonetheless, some clinicians question this practice because of the drug's associated nephrotoxicity and inability to cross the blood-brain barrier. The aim of this study was to evaluate predictors of mortality and the impact of aminoglycosides on outcome in patients with listeriosis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of all non-pregnant adult patients with Listeria monocytogenes infection detected in sterile body fluids between 1983 and 2006. Early mortality was defined as death occurring between days 3 and 14 after admission, and late mortality as in-hospital death after 14 days. RESULTS: Of 118 episodes, 16 were excluded because patients died in the first 48 h. Among the 102 patients analysed, 33 (32%) had received combined beta-lactam and aminoglycoside therapy and 69 (68%) beta-lactam monotherapy. Both groups had similar demographic and clinical features, and rate of appropriate initial therapy. Overall mortality was 21/102 (20.6%). Early overall mortality was 11.8%: 27.3% (9/33) in the combined group and 4.3% (3/69) in the monotherapy group (P = 0.003). Late mortality was 8.8%. In the multivariate analysis, the factors predicting early mortality were renal failure, previous corticosteroid therapy and age >65 years, whereas neoplastic disease and coma were associated with late mortality. Gentamicin administration did not decrease early mortality, but seemed to increase it. In the late mortality analysis, gentamicin use had no impact. In an analysis with the propensity score method for the use of aminoglycosides, combined therapy with this antibiotic was associated with an increasing trend for early mortality (OR 3.40, 95% CI 0.82-14.07). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of aminoglycosides to treatment for listeriosis did not improve the patients' outcome.

Ceftolozane/tazobactam for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal and urinary tract infections: current perspectives and place in therapy.

The current prevalence of infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms is a global threat, and thus, the development of new antimicrobial agents with activity against these pathogens is a healthcare priority. Ceftolozane-tazobactam (C/T) is a new combination of a cephalosporin with a ß-lactamase inhibitor that shows excellent in vitro activity against a broad spectrum of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, including extended spectrum ß-lactamase-producing (ESBL) strains and MDR or extensively drug-resistant (XDR) P. aeruginosa. In phase III randomized clinical trials, C/T demonstrated similar efficacy to meropenem for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs) and superior efficacy to levofloxacin for the treatment of complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs), including pyelonephritis. The drug is generally safe and well tolerated and its PK/PD profile is very favorable. Observational studies with C/T have revealed good efficacy for the treatment of different types of infection caused by MDR or XDR P. aeruginosa, including some that originated from the digestive or urinary tracts. The place of C/T in therapy is not well defined, but its use could be recommended in a carbapenem-sparing approach for the treatment of infections caused by ESBL-producing strains or for the treatment of infections caused by P. aeruginosa if there are no other more favorable therapeutic options. Further clinical experience is needed to position this new antimicrobial drug for the empirical treatment of cIAIs or cUTIs.

Teicoplanin for treating enterococcal infective endocarditis: A retrospective observational study from a referral centre in Spain.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of teicoplanin for treating enterococcal infective endocarditis (EIE). A retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort of definite EIE patients treated with teicoplanin in a Spanish referral centre (2000-2017) was performed. The primary outcome was mortality during treatment. Secondary outcomes were mortality during 3-month follow-up, adverse effects and relapse. A total of 22 patients received teicoplanin, 9 (40.9%) as first-line (8 Enterococcus faecium and 1 Enterococcus faecalis) and 13 (59.1%) as salvage therapy (13 E. faecalis). Median (IQR) age was 71.5 (58.3-78) years and Charlson comorbidity index was 4.5 (3-7). Five (22.7%) affected prosthetic valves. Median duration of treatment in survivors was 53 (42.5-61) days for antibiotics and 27 (17-41.5) days for teicoplanin [median dose 10 (10-10.8) mg/kg/day]. Reasons for teicoplanin use were resistance to ß-lactams (40.9%), adverse events with previous regimens (31.8%) and outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) (27.3%). Teicoplanin was withdrawn due to adverse events in 2 patients (9.1%). Five patients (22.7%) died during treatment: four in the first-line (three with surgery indicated but not performed) and one in the salvage therapy group (surgery indicated but not performed). Two deaths (11.8%) occurred over the 3-month follow-up. There were no relapses during a median of 43.2 (22.1-69.1) months. Teicoplanin can be used as an alternative treatment for susceptible E. faecium IE and as a salvage therapy in selected patients with E. faecalis IE when adverse events develop with standard regimens or to allow OPAT.

Multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant Gram-negative prosthetic joint infections: Role of surgery and impact of colistin administration.

Factors influencing treatment outcome of patients with Gram-negative bacterial (GNB) multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) prosthetic joint infection (PJIs) were analysed. Data were collected (2000-2015) by 18 centres. Treatment success was analysed by surgery type for PJI, resistance (MDR/XDR) and antimicrobials (colistin/non-colistin) using logistic regression and survival analyses. A total of 131 patients (mean age 73.0 years, 35.9% male, 58.8% with co-morbidities) with MDR (n = 108) or XDR (n = 23) GNB PJI were assessed. The most common pathogens were Escherichia coli (33.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25.2%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (21.4%) and Enterobacter cloacae (17.6%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa predominated in XDR cases. Isolates were carbapenem-resistant (n = 12), fluoroquinolone-resistant (n = 63) and ESBL-producers (n = 94). Treatment outcome was worse in XDR versus MDR cases (P = 0.018). Success rates did not differ for colistin versus non-colistin in XDR cases (P = 0.657), but colistin was less successful in MDR cases (P = 0.018). Debridement, antibiotics and implant retention (DAIR) (n = 67) was associated with higher failure rates versus non-DAIR (n = 64) (OR = 3.57, 95% CI 1.68-7.58; P < 0.001). Superiority of non-DAIR was confirmed by Kaplan-Meir analysis (HR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.20-0.67) and remained unchangeable by time of infection (early/late), antimicrobial resistance (MDR/XDR) and antimicrobials (colistin/non-colistin) (Breslow-Day, P = 0.737). DAIR is associated with higher failure rates even in early MDR/XDR GNB PJIs versus implant removal. Colistin should be preserved for XDR cases as it is detrimental in MDR infections.

Health care associated hematogenous pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis: a severe and potentially preventable infectious disease.

Although hematogenous pyogenic spinal infections have been related to hemodialysis (HD), catheter-related sepsis, and sporadically, to other nosocomial infections or procedures, in most recent studies and reviews the impact of nosocomial infection as a risk factor for vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is not well established. The aim of our study was to describe the risk factors, infectious source, etiology, clinical features, therapy, and outcome of health care associated VO (HCAVO), and compare them with community-acquired VO (CAVO) cases.A retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with hematogenous VO was conducted in our third-level hospital between 1987 and 2011. HCAVO was defined as onset of symptoms after 1 month of hospitalization or within 6 months after hospital discharge, or ambulatory manipulations in the 6 months before the diagnosis.Over the 25-year study period, among 163 hematogenous pyogenic VO, 41 (25%) were health care associated, a percentage that increased from 15% (9/61) in the 1987-1999 period to 31% (32/102) in the 2000-2011 period (P < 0.01). The presumed source of infection was an intravenous catheter in 14 (34%), cutaneous foci in 8 (20%), urinary tract in 7 (17%), gastrointestinal in 3 (7%), other foci in 3 (7%), and unknown in 6 (15%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated microorganism (14 cases, 34%), followed by coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) in 6 (15%), and Enterobacteriaceae in 6 (15%) cases.Compared with CAVO cases, patients with HCAVO were older (mean 66.0 SD 13.0 years vs 60.5 SD 15.5 years), had more underlying conditions (73% vs 50%, P < 0.05), neoplasm/immunosuppression (39% vs 7%, P < 0.005), chronic renal failure (19% vs 4%, P < 0.001), a known source of infection (85% vs 54% P < 0.05), Candida spp (7% vs 0%, P < 0.01) or CoNS infections (15% vs 2%, P < 0.05), higher mortality (15% vs 6%, P = 0.069), and a higher relapse rate in survivors (9% vs 1%, P < 0.05).Presently, in our setting, one-third of hematogenous pyogenic VO infections are health care associated, and a third of these are potentially preventable catheter-related infections. Compared with CAVO, in health care associated hematogenous VO, mortality and relapse rates are higher; hence, further prevention measures should be assessed.

[Meningitis caused by streptococci other than S. pneumoniae: clinical and microbiological features of 13 cases]. / Meningitis estreptocócicas no neumocócicas: características clínicas y microbiológicas de 13 casos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Meningitis caused by streptococci other than S. pneumoniae are uncommon. We present our experience. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We reviewed the clinical, microbiological, and epidemiological features of all patients with meningitis due to streptococci other than S. pneumoniae diagnosed in the Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron during the period 1991-2001. RESULTS: Main causative agents in 13 studied patients were viridans group streptococci (6 cases) and S. agalactiae (5 cases). There were no differences in the clinical presentation between different streptococci. Bacteremia was common in meningitis due to S. agalactiae (80%). Only one patient died. CONCLUSIONS: Meningitis caused by streptococci other than S. pneumoniae are often related to a distant focus of infection or to neurosurgical procedures and, in our experience, they seem to have a good outcome.

[Oxazolidinones, glycopeptides and cyclic lipopeptides]. / Oxazolidinonas, glucopéptidos y lipopéptidos cíclicos.

A review of the chemical structure, pharmacokinetics, spectrum of activity, clinical use, and adverse effects of oxazolidinones (linezolid), glycopeptides, and cyclic lipopeptides (daptomycin) is presented. Oxazolidinones inhibit protein synthesis, and glycopeptides and cyclic lipopeptides act against the bacterial cell wall. The antibacterial spectrum of these agents covers gram-positive pathogens, including multiresistant microorganisms. Absorption of linezolid is approximately 100% and it can be administered orally or intravenously. Linezolid is cleared by both the kidney and liver; thus, dose adjustments are not needed in patients with renal or hepatic failure. Oral absorption of glycopeptides is minimal, and excretion occurs through the kidneys. Daptomycin has fast, potent bactericidal activity, and can only be administered intravenously. The main clinical indication for these antimicrobial agents is the treatment of infections caused by multiresistant gram-positive pathogens, particularly staphylococci. Linezolid can cause anemia, thrombocytopenia, and gastrointestinal side effects, especially in prolonged therapy. The main side effect of vancomycin is nephrotoxicity, and teicoplanin can cause fever. Daptomycin is a safe antibiotic, with myotoxicity being the most relevant side effect.

[Infections associated with the use of indwelling urinary catheters. Infections related to intrauterine devices]. / Infecciones asociadas a dispositivos para drenaje de las vías urinarias. Infecciones del tracto genital relacionadas con los dispositivos protésicos.

Hospital-acquired urinary tract infections (UTI) are mainly associated with indwelling urinary catheter use. In this chapter, the pathogenesis of hospital-acquired UTI in catheterized patients, the mechanisms by which microorganisms reach the urinary tract and are able to adhere and form biofilms, and the influence of other risk factors, such as time since catheter insertion and catheter composition, are reviewed. A wide variety of infecting microorganisms can affect patients with urinary catheters, making the choice of an adequate empirical antimicrobial course complex, particularly in cases of suspected multiresistant microorganisms. Moreover, the clinical symptoms are less characteristic in catheter infection and the diagnosis may be difficult. Treatment should be stratified according to the clinical features, which can vary from asymptomatic bacteriuria that may not require treatment, to severe septic episodes that need wide antibiotic coverage. The prevention measures for UTI in permanently catheterized patients are reviewed. Infections of the female genital tract associated with foreign bodies are mainly related to the use of intrauterine devices (IUDs). The epidemiology, microbiology profile, antimicrobial treatment, and prophylaxis of pelvic inflammatory disease related to IUD use in women are also reviewed.

Spontaneous pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis and endocarditis: incidence, risk factors, and outcome.

PURPOSE: The relationship between pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis and infectious endocarditis is uncertain. This study investigates the incidence and risk factors of infectious endocarditis in patients with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis, and the outcome of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis with and without associated infectious endocarditis. METHODS: A retrospective record review was conducted of all cases of vertebral osteomyelitis from January 1986 to June 2002, occurring in a tertiary referral hospital. Patients were followed for at least 6 months with careful attention to detection of infectious endocarditis and relapses. RESULTS: Among 606 patients with infectious endocarditis, 28 (4.6%) had pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis. Among 91 cases of pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis, 28 (30.8%) had infectious endocarditis. In 6 patients with no clinical signs of infectious endocarditis, the disease was established by routine echocardiography. Infectious endocarditis was more common in patients with predisposing heart conditions and streptococcal pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis infection. Overall, pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis in-hospital mortality was 11% (7.1% with infectious endocarditis). Twelve of 25 patients with infectious endocarditis with uncomplicated pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis were treated for 4 to 6 weeks (endocarditis protocol), with no pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis relapses. CONCLUSIONS: When specifically sought, the incidence of infectious endocarditis is high in patients with pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis. Oral therapy may be an option for uncomplicated pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis; nevertheless, in gram-positive infections, this approach should only be considered after excluding infectious endocarditis. Favorable outcome with shorter treatment in uncomplicated pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis associated with infectious endocarditis suggests that prolonged therapy may not be needed in this subgroup except for those infected by difficult to treat microorganisms, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or Candida spp.

[Oxazolidinones and glycopeptides]. / Oxazolidinonas y glucopéptidos.

We review the chemical structure, pharmacokinetics, antimicrobial spectrum, mechanisms of action and resistance, clinical use and adverse effects of oxazolidinones (linezolid) and glycopeptides. Oxazolidinones inhibit protein synthesis and glycopeptides cell wall synthesis. Antibacterial spectra cover grampositive pathogens, including multiresistant organisms. Linezolid has a 100% absorption and can be administered orally or intravenously; it is cleared by renal and hepatic routes, thus dose adjustments are not needed in moderate renal or hepatic failure. Oral absorption of glycopeptides is minimal. They are excreted by the kidneys (dose adjustments are needed in renal failure). The main clinical indications are the treatment of infections caused by grampositive pathogens; linezolid is also useful for infections caused by glycopeptide-resistant enterococcal infections. Linezolid can cause trombocytopenia when treatment lasted longer than two weeks. The main side effect of vancomycin is its nefrotoxicity and teicoplanin can cause fever.