Factors underlying the high occupational risk of healthcare personnel for COVID-19 infection.

Crispim et al. demonstrated the independent risk factors for acquiring COVID-19 among healthcare personnel. They also showed the importance of infection prevention training to avoid acquiring COVID-19 in this population. OBJECTIVE: To verify the rate of COVID-19 infection among healthcare personnel at high and low risk of COVID-19 infection and identify the underlying risk factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021. Associations were verified between the levels of risk (high or low) of occupational COVID-19 infection and participant characteristics using the World Health Organization risk assessment questionnaire and adjusted using logistic regression models in single and multiple approaches. RESULTS: Of the 486 participants, 57.4% were classified as having a high occupational risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a diagnosis rate of 12.1%. The factors identified in the multivariate analysis for high occupational risk were age up to 29 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2.7, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.63-4.47), monthly family income greater than eight times the basic salary (OR= 1.8, 95%CI= 1.07-3.16), and healthcare personnel who did not participate in initial training to work in the area of patients with COVID-19 infection (OR= 2.39, 95%CI= 1.53-3.75). CONCLUSION: Encouraging training for occupational infection prevention is very important to reduce the impact of infectious diseases on healthcare personnel, especially young health professionals. COVID-19 infection among healthcare personnel has impacted the workforce in hospitals. Knowledge of the risk factors for COVID-19 infection is important for disease prevention measures. Failure to train healthcare personnel is an important risk factor for acquiring COVID-19.

Factors underlying the high occupational risk of healthcare personnel for COVID-19 infection

ABSTRACT Objective To verify the rate of COVID-19 infection among healthcare personnel at high and low risk of COVID-19 infection and identify the underlying risk factors. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021. Associations were verified between the levels of risk (high or low) of occupational COVID-19 infection and participant characteristics using the World Health Organization risk assessment questionnaire and adjusted using logistic regression models in single and multiple approaches. Results Of the 486 participants, 57.4% were classified as having a high occupational risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a diagnosis rate of 12.1%. The factors identified in the multivariate analysis for high occupational risk were age up to 29 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2.7, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.63-4.47), monthly family income greater than eight times the basic salary (OR= 1.8, 95%CI= 1.07-3.16), and healthcare personnel who did not participate in initial training to work in the area of patients with COVID-19 infection (OR= 2.39, 95%CI= 1.53-3.75). Conclusion Encouraging training for occupational infection prevention is very important to reduce the impact of infectious diseases on healthcare personnel, especially young health professionals.

Impact of a quality programme on overindication of surgeries for endometriosis and cholecystectomies.

Approximately 45% of patients receive medical services with minimal or no benefit (low-value care). In addition to the increasing costs to the health system, performing invasive procedures without an indication poses a potentially preventable risk to patient safety. This study aimed to determine whether a managed quality improvement programme could prevent cholecystectomy and surgery for endometriosis treatment with minimal or no benefit to patients.This before-and-after study was conducted at a private hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, which has a main medical remuneration model of fee for service. All patients who underwent cholecystectomy or surgery for endometriosis between 1 August 2020 and 31 May 2021 were evaluated.The intervention consisted of allowing the performance of procedures that met previously defined criteria or for which the indications were validated by a board of experts.A total of 430 patients were included in this analysis. The programme prevented the unnecessary performance of 13% of cholecystectomies (p=0.0001) and 22.2% (p=0.0006) of surgeries for the treatment of endometriosis. This resulted in an estimated annual cost reduction to the health system of US$466 094.93.In a hospital with a private practice and fee-for-service medical remuneration, the definition of clear criteria for indicating surgery and the analysis of cases that did not meet these criteria by a board of reputable experts at the institution resulted in a statistically significant reduction in low-value cholecystectomies and endometriosis surgeries.

Characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of bloodstream Candida infections in the intensive care unit: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to assess the clinical characteristics, associated factors, and outcomes of patients admitted to the ICU for candidemia. The secondary objective was to examine the relationship of candidemia with the length of stay and mortality. METHODS: The analysis was a retrospective single-center cohort study addressing the effect of invasive candidemia on outcomes. This study was performed in a medical-surgical ICU located in a tertiary private hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Data was collected through the review of the hospital database. RESULTS: In total, 18,442 patients were included in our study, including 22 patients with candidemia. The median age was similar in patients with and without candidemia [67 (56-84) vs. 67 (51-80)]. Most patients were male, and the proportion of men was higher among patients with candidemia (77% vs. 55.3%). The rates of renal replacement therapy (40.9% vs. 3.3%), mechanical ventilation (63.6% vs. 29.6%), and parenteral nutrition (40.9% vs. 4.8%) were higher in patients with candidemia than in those without candidemia. The mortality rate (77.3% vs. 11.9%) and length of hospital stay [42 days (23.0-78.8) vs. 8 days (5.0-17.0)] were significantly higher in patients with candidemia. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with candidemia are prone to longer hospital stay and mortality. In addition, we found associations of candidemia with the use of invasive mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, and parenteral nutrition.

Factors associated with multidrug-resistant bacteria in healthcare-associated infections: a pediatric intensive care unit case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of factors related to healthcare-associated infections, caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, in a pediatric intensive care unit. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study conducted from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2018, in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. The study was carried out at the pediatric intensive care unit of a high-complexity, tertiary care general hospital. The study included patients aged 1 month to 19 years, admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, diagnosed as healthcare-associated infections. RESULTS: There was significant evidence of infection by multidrug-resistant bacteria associated with immunosuppressed patients (p<0.001), in whom the likelihood of multidrug-resistant bacteria infection was estimated to be nine-fold higher than among non-immunosuppressed patients (OR 8.97; 95%CI 2.69-29.94). In the analysis of multiple logistic regression model, we observed that immunosuppressed patients had an 8.5-fold higher chance of multidrug-resistant bacteria infection when compared to non-immunosuppressed patients (OR 8.48; 95%CI 2.54-28.35; p=0.001). There is evidence of association between the Case Group and presence of Gram-positive (p=0.007), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (p<0.001), and Gram-negative (p=0.041) microorganisms. CONCLUSION: The immunocompromised-state variable is a factor related to healthcare-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, and the Case Group presented higher proportions of Gram-positive microorganisms and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus.

Performance of a multidisciplinary team and the impact of bundles for reducing health care associated infections in adult intensive care unit: 22 years of experience.

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the bundle of techniques developed by the multidisciplinary team to minimize infections in an adult intensive care unit over a 22-year span. Two periods were analyzed: 1996-2006 and 2007-2017. Bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, and ventilator-associated pneumonia declined 58.6%, 56.7%, and 82.6%, respectively (P < .05) from 2007 to 2017 compared with these same infections during 1996-2006.

Factors associated with multidrug-resistant bacteria in healthcare-associated infections: a pediatric intensive care unit case-control study

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the prevalence of factors related to healthcare-associated infections, caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, in a pediatric intensive care unit. Methods A retrospective case-control study conducted from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2018, in São Paulo (SP), Brazil. The study was carried out at the pediatric intensive care unit of a high-complexity, tertiary care general hospital. The study included patients aged 1 month to 19 years, admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit, diagnosed as healthcare-associated infections. Results There was significant evidence of infection by multidrug-resistant bacteria associated with immunosuppressed patients (p<0.001), in whom the likelihood of multidrug-resistant bacteria infection was estimated to be nine-fold higher than among non-immunosuppressed patients (OR 8.97; 95%CI 2.69-29.94). In the analysis of multiple logistic regression model, we observed that immunosuppressed patients had an 8.5-fold higher chance of multidrug-resistant bacteria infection when compared to non-immunosuppressed patients (OR 8.48; 95%CI 2.54-28.35; p=0.001). There is evidence of association between the Case Group and presence of Gram-positive (p=0.007), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (p<0.001), and Gram-negative (p=0.041) microorganisms. Conclusion The immunocompromised-state variable is a factor related to healthcare-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, and the Case Group presented higher proportions of Gram-positive microorganisms and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus.

One year cross-sectional study in adult and neonatal intensive care units reveals the bacterial and antimicrobial resistance genes profiles in patients and hospital surfaces.

Several studies have shown the ubiquitous presence of bacteria in hospital surfaces, staff, and patients. Frequently, these bacteria are related to HAI (healthcare-associated infections) and carry antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These HAI-related bacteria contribute to a major public health issue by increasing patient morbidity and mortality during or after hospital stay. Bacterial high-throughput amplicon gene sequencing along with identification of AMR genes, as well as whole genome sequencing (WGS), are biotechnological tools that allow multiple-sample screening for a diversity of bacteria. In this paper, we used these methods to perform a one-year cross sectional profiling of bacteria and AMR genes in adult and neonatal intensive care units (ICU and NICU) in a Brazilian public, tertiary hospital. Our results showed high abundances of HAI-related bacteria such as S. epidermidis, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii complex, E. coli, E. faecalis, and P. aeruginosa in patients and hospital surfaces. Most abundant AMR genes detected throughout ICU and NICU were mecA, blaCTX-M-1 group, blaSHV-like, and blaKPC-like. We found that NICU environment and patients were more widely contaminated with pathogenic bacteria than ICU. Patient samples, despite the higher bacterial load, have lower bacterial diversity than environmental samples in both units. Finally, we also identified contamination hotspots in the hospital environment showing constant frequencies of bacterial and AMR contamination throughout the year. Whole genome sequencing (WGS), 16S rRNA oligotypes, and AMR identification allowed a high-resolution characterization of the hospital microbiome profile.

Risk factors for mortality in ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis: a case-control study.

Objective: To describe the microbiological characteristics and to assess the risk factors for mortality of ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis in a case-control study of intensive care patients. Methods: This case-control study was conducted over a 6-year period in a 40-bed medical-surgical intensive care unit in a tertiary care, private hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Case patients were identified using the Nosocomial Infection Control Committee database. For the analysis of risk factors, matched control subjects were selected from the same institution at a 1:8.8 ratio, between January 2006 and December 2011. Results: A total of 40 episodes of ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis were evaluated in 40 patients in the intensive care unit, and 354 intensive care patients who did not experience tracheobronchitis were included as the Control Group. During the 6-year study period, a total of 42 organisms were identified (polymicrobial infections were 5%) and 88.2% of all the microorganisms identified were Gram-negative. Using a logistic regression model, we found the following independent risk factors for mortality in ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis patients: Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation I score (odds ratio 1.18 per unit of score; 95%CI: 1.05-1.38; p=0.01), and duration of mechanical ventilation (odds ratio 1.09 per day of mechanical ventilation; 95%CI: 1.03-1.17; p=0.004). Conclusion: Our study provided insight into the risk factors for mortality and microbiological characteristics of ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis.

Objetivo: Descrever as características microbiológicas e avaliar os fatores de risco para mortalidade na traqueobronquite associada à ventilação mecânica em um estudo caso-controle de pacientes de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Estudo realizado ao longo de 6 anos em uma unidade de terapia intensiva médico-cirúrgica de 40 leitos, em um hospital privado e de nível terciário em São Paulo, Brasil. O Grupo Caso foi identificado usando o banco de dados da Comissão de Controle de Infecção Hospitalar. O Grupo Controle foi pareado na proporção de 1:8,8 entre janeiro de 2006 e dezembro de 2011. Resultados: Quarenta episódios de traqueobronquites associadas à ventilação foram avaliados em 40 pacientes na unidade de terapia intensiva, e 354 pacientes não apresentaram traqueobronquite Grupo Controle. Foram identificados 42 microrganismos (dos quais 5% foram infecções polimicrobianas), sendo que 88,2% de todos os microrganismos eram bactérias Gram-negativas. Usando um modelo de regressão logística, encontramos os seguintes fatores de risco independentes para mortalidade em pacientes com traqueobronquites associadas à ventilação: pontuação da Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation I (odds ratio 1,18 por uma unidade de pontuação; IC95%: 1,05-1,38; p=0,01) e duração da ventilação mecânica (odds ratio 1,09 por dia de ventilação mecânica; IC95%: 1,03-1,17; p=0,004). Conclusão: Nosso estudo forneceu informações sobre os fatores de risco para mortalidade e características microbiológicas da traqueobronquite associada à ventilação mecânica.

Risk factors for mortality in ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis: a case-control study / Fatores de risco para mortalidade em traqueobronquite associada à ventilação mecânica: estudo caso-controle

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the microbiological characteristics and to assess the risk factors for mortality of ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis in a case-control study of intensive care patients. Methods This case-control study was conducted over a 6-year period in a 40-bed medical-surgical intensive care unit in a tertiary care, private hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Case patients were identified using the Nosocomial Infection Control Committee database. For the analysis of risk factors, matched control subjects were selected from the same institution at a 1:8.8 ratio, between January 2006 and December 2011. Results A total of 40 episodes of ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis were evaluated in 40 patients in the intensive care unit, and 354 intensive care patients who did not experience tracheobronchitis were included as the Control Group. During the 6-year study period, a total of 42 organisms were identified (polymicrobial infections were 5%) and 88.2% of all the microorganisms identified were Gram-negative. Using a logistic regression model, we found the following independent risk factors for mortality in ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis patients: Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation I score (odds ratio 1.18 per unit of score; 95%CI: 1.05-1.38; p=0.01), and duration of mechanical ventilation (odds ratio 1.09 per day of mechanical ventilation; 95%CI: 1.03-1.17; p=0.004). Conclusion Our study provided insight into the risk factors for mortality and microbiological characteristics of ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever as características microbiológicas e avaliar os fatores de risco para mortalidade na traqueobronquite associada à ventilação mecânica em um estudo caso-controle de pacientes de terapia intensiva. Métodos Estudo realizado ao longo de 6 anos em uma unidade de terapia intensiva médico-cirúrgica de 40 leitos, em um hospital privado e de nível terciário em São Paulo, Brasil. O Grupo Caso foi identificado usando o banco de dados da Comissão de Controle de Infecção Hospitalar. O Grupo Controle foi pareado na proporção de 1:8,8 entre janeiro de 2006 e dezembro de 2011. Resultados Quarenta episódios de traqueobronquites associadas à ventilação foram avaliados em 40 pacientes na unidade de terapia intensiva, e 354 pacientes não apresentaram traqueobronquite Grupo Controle. Foram identificados 42 microrganismos (dos quais 5% foram infecções polimicrobianas), sendo que 88,2% de todos os microrganismos eram bactérias Gram-negativas. Usando um modelo de regressão logística, encontramos os seguintes fatores de risco independentes para mortalidade em pacientes com traqueobronquites associadas à ventilação: pontuação da Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation I (odds ratio 1,18 por uma unidade de pontuação; IC95%: 1,05-1,38; p=0,01) e duração da ventilação mecânica (odds ratio 1,09 por dia de ventilação mecânica; IC95%: 1,03-1,17; p=0,004). Conclusão Nosso estudo forneceu informações sobre os fatores de risco para mortalidade e características microbiológicas da traqueobronquite associada à ventilação mecânica.

Surto de infecção por norovírus em instituição de longa permanência no Brasil / An outbreak of norovirus infection in a long-term care facility in Brazil

Objective: To describe a norovirus outbreak in a Brazilian long-term care facility from July 8 to 29, 2005. Methods: In the first 48 to 72 hours after onset of symptoms in inpatients and employees, the main infection control strategies were staff education, emphasis on hand washing, implementing contact precautions up to 48-72 hours after resolution of symptoms, complete cleaning of the rooms and exclusion of symptomatic employees from work until 48-72 hours after resolution of their symptoms. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the norovirus infections were described based on chart review. Results: The incidence among inpatients and employees was 41.3% and 16.25%, respectively. The main symptom was diarrhea, affecting 100% of inpatients and employees. Forty-four percent of specimens were positive by RIDASCREEN® Norovirus analyses, and identified as norovirus genogroup GII. Seventy percent of inpatients were women and their age range was 51-98 years. Inpatients had in average two comorbid conditions - 87.3% with cardiovascular or chronic pulmonary condition and 47.6% with dementia. There was not relapse or death. Conclusions: The early infection-control measures associated to surveillance are required to keep long-term care facilities free of noroviruses and to protect those who are most vulnerable.

Objetivo: Descrever um surto de norovírus ocorrido em uma instituição de longa permanência no Brasil, de 8 a 29 de julho 2005. Métodos: Nas primeiras 48 a 72 horas após o início dos sintomas entre moradores da instituição de longa permanência e funcionários, as principais estratégias de controle da infecção foram: educação da equipe, reforço na higienização das mãos, implementação de precauções de contato até 48 a 72 horas após o término de sintomas, limpeza "terminal" dos quartos dos moradores e afastamento dos funcionários sintomáticos até 48 a 72 horas após o término dos sintomas. As características clínicas e epidemiológicas das infecções por norovírus foram descritas baseadas nos dados dos prontuários. Resultados: A incidência foi 41,3% entre moradores e 16,25% entre funcionários. O principal sintoma foi diarreia, acometendo 100% dos casos; 44% das amostras de fezes foram positivas pela análise RIDASCREEN® Norovirus, com a identificação do norovírus genogrupo II. Setenta por cento dos moradores eram do sexo feminino, com idade de 51 a 98 anos. Os moradores tinham, em média, duas comorbidades, sendo 87,3% com doenças cardiovasculares ou pulmonares e 47,6% com demência. Não houve recidiva do surto ou óbitos. Conclusões: As medidas precoces de prevenção associada à vigilância são estratégias que mantém as instituições de longa permanência livres de infecções por norovírus e protegem aqueles indivíduos mais vulneráveis.

An outbreak of norovirus infection in a long-term care facility in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a norovirus outbreak in a Brazilian long-term care facility from July 8 to 29, 2005. METHODS: In the first 48 to 72 hours after onset of symptoms in inpatients and employees, the main infection control strategies were staff education, emphasis on hand washing, implementing contact precautions up to 48-72 hours after resolution of symptoms, complete cleaning of the rooms and exclusion of symptomatic employees from work until 48-72 hours after resolution of their symptoms. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the norovirus infections were described based on chart review. RESULTS: The incidence among inpatients and employees was 41.3% and 16.25%, respectively. The main symptom was diarrhea, affecting 100% of inpatients and employees. Forty-four percent of specimens were positive by RIDASCREEN® Norovirus analyses, and identified as norovirus genogroup GII. Seventy percent of inpatients were women and their age range was 51-98 years. Inpatients had in average two comorbid conditions - 87.3% with cardiovascular or chronic pulmonary condition and 47.6% with dementia. There was not relapse or death. CONCLUSIONS: The early infection-control measures associated to surveillance are required to keep long-term care facilities free of noroviruses and to protect those who are most vulnerable.