A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of preemptive antifungal therapy for the prevention of invasive candidiasis following gastrointestinal surgery for intra-abdominal infections.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing emergency gastrointestinal surgery for intra-abdominal infection are at risk of invasive candidiasis (IC) and candidates for preemptive antifungal therapy. METHODS: This exploratory, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed a preemptive antifungal approach with micafungin (100 mg/d) in intensive care unit patients requiring surgery for intra-abdominal infection. Coprimary efficacy variables were the incidence of IC and the time from baseline to first IC in the full analysis set; an independent data review board confirmed IC. An exploratory biomarker analysis was performed using logistic regression. RESULTS: The full analysis set comprised 124 placebo- and 117 micafungin-treated patients. The incidence of IC was 8.9% for placebo and 11.1% for micafungin (difference, 2.24%; [95% confidence interval, -5.52 to 10.20]). There was no difference between the arms in median time to IC. The estimated odds ratio showed that patients with a positive (1,3)-ß-d-glucan (ßDG) result were 3.66 (95% confidence interval, 1.01-13.29) times more likely to have confirmed IC than those with a negative result. CONCLUSIONS: This study was unable to provide evidence that preemptive administration of an echinocandin was effective in preventing IC in high-risk surgical intensive care unit patients with intra-abdominal infections. This may have been because the drug was administered too late to prevent IC coupled with an overall low number of IC events. It does provide some support for using ßDG to identify patients at high risk of IC. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT01122368.

Surgical site infection rates in 16 cities in Turkey: findings of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC).

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a threat to patient safety; however, there were no available data on SSI rates stratified by surgical procedure (SP) in Turkey. METHODS: Between January 2005 and December 2011, a cohort prospective surveillance study on SSIs was conducted by the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) in 20 hospitals in 16 Turkish cities. Data from hospitalized patients were registered using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) methods and definitions for SSIs. Surgical procedures (SPs) were classified into 22 types according to International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision criteria. RESULTS: We recorded 1879 SSIs, associated with 41,563 SPs (4.3%; 95% confidence interval, 4.3-4.7). Among the results, the SSI rate per type of SP compared with rates reported by the INICC and CDC NHSN were 11.9% for ventricular shunt (vs 12.9% vs 5.6%); 5.3% for craniotomy (vs 4.4% vs 2.6%); 4.9% for coronary bypass with chest and donor incision (vs 4.5 vs 2.9); 3.5% for hip prosthesis (vs 2.6% vs 1.3%), and 3.0% for cesarean section (vs 0.7% vs 1.8%). CONCLUSIONS: In most of the 22 types of SP analyzed, our SSI rates were higher than the CDC NHSN rates and similar to the INICC rates. This study advances the knowledge of SSI epidemiology in Turkey, allowing the implementation of targeted interventions.

Impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) Multidimensional Hand Hygiene Approach, over 8 years, in 11 cities of Turkey.

AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) Multidimensional Hand Hygiene Approach in Turkey and analyse predictors of poor hand hygiene compliance. DESIGN: An observational, prospective, interventional, before-and-after study was conducted from August 2003 to August 2011 in 12 intensive care units (ICU) of 12 hospitals in 11 cities. The study was divided into a baseline and a follow-up period and included random 30-minute observations for hand hygiene compliance in ICU. The hand hygiene approach included administrative support, supplies availability, education and training, reminders in the workplace, process surveillance, and performance feedback. RESULTS: We observed 21,145 opportunities for hand hygiene. Overall hand hygiene compliance increased from 28.8% to 91% (95% CI 87.6-93.0, p 0.0001). Multivariate and univariate analyses showed that several variables were significantly associated with poor hand hygiene compliance: males vs. females (39% vs. 48%; 95% CI 0.79-0.84, p 0.0001), ancillary staff vs. physicians (35% vs. 46%, 95% CI 0.73-0.78, p 0.0001), and adult vs. pediatric ICUs (42% vs. 74%, 95% CI 0.54-0.60, p 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to hand hygiene was significantly increased with the INICC Hand Hygiene Approach. Specific programmes should be directed to improve hand hygiene in variables found to be predictors of poor hand hygiene compliance.

Comparison of adefovir dipivoxil and pegylated interferon alpha-2a treatment in chronic hepatitis B patients.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pegylated interferon alpha 2a and adefovir dipivoxil treatment in chronic hepatitis B patients. METHODS: This study was performed on patients treated for chronic hepatitis B in the Infectious Disease Clinic of Eskisehir Osmangazi University between 01.09.2005 and 31.03.2008. A total of 30 patients aged between 18 and 65 years constituted the study group. One of patient groups received (10 HBeAg negative, 4 HBeAg positive) PEG-IFN alpha 2a at a dose of 180 µg/once a week, whereas the other group (11 HBeAg negative, 5 HBeAg positive) received daily oral doses of 10 mg ADV. Treatment responses were evaluated at week 48. RESULTS: Reductions in serum HBV DNA levels at the end of 48 weeks were 4.8 log10 copy/ml and 4.2 log10 copy/ml in HBeAg negative patients who received ADV or PEG-IFN alpha 2a, respectively. Biochemical response rates were 60% and 91% in PEG-IFN alpha 2a and ADV groups, respectively. Among HBeAg positive patients, reductions in serum HBV DNA levels were 3. 2 log10 copy/ml and 4 log10 copy/ml in ADV and PEG-IFN alpha 2a groups, at week 48, respectively. Biochemical response rates were 50% and 40% in PEG-IFN alpha 2a and ADV groups, respectively. No significant difference was determined in biochemical and virological responses in HBeAg positive and negative patients between PEG-IFN alpha 2a and ADV groups, at week 48. When both treatment groups were evaluated for side effects, it was observed that side effects were significantly common in PEG-IFN alpha 2a group. CONCLUSION: When we compared PEG-IFN alpha 2a and ADV treatment in both HBeAg positive and negative patients, biochemical and virological response rates at 48 weeks were similar.

Clinical and Epidemiologic Characteristics of Hospitalized Patients with 2009 H1N1 Influenza Infection.

Objective. 2009 H1N1 virus is a new virus that was firstly detected in April 2009. This virus spreads from human to human and causes a worldwide disease. This paper aimed to review the clinical and epidemiological properties of patients with 2009 H1N1 influenza who were hospitalized and monitored at Eskisehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine Hospital. Setting. A 1000-bed teaching hospital in Eskisehir, Turkey. Patients-Methods. Between 05 November 2009-01 February 2010, 106 patients with 2009 H1N1 influenza, who were hospitalized, were prospectively evaluated. Results. Out of 106 patients who were hospitalized and monitored, 99 (93.4%) had fever, 86 (81.1%) had cough, 48 (45.3%) had shortness of breath, 47 (44.3%) had sore throat, 38 (35.8%) had body pain, 30 (28.3%) had rhinorrhea, 17 (16%) had vomiting, 15 (14.2%) had headache, and 14 (13.2%) had diarrhea. When the patients were examined in terms of risk factors for severe disease, 83 (78.3%) patients had at least one risk factor. During clinical monitoring, pneumonia was the most frequent complication with a rate of 66%. While 47.2% of the patients were monitored in intensive care unit, 34% of them required mechanical ventilation support. Conclusion. Patients with 2009 H1N1 influenza, who were hospitalized and monitored, should be carefully monitored and treated.

[Evaluation of risk factors in patients with candiduria]. / Kandidürisi Olan Hastalarda Risk Faktörlerinin Degerlendirilmesi.

Urinary system infections are usually bacterial, however, fungal etiology, particularly Candida spp. are encountered in about 10% of these infections. C.albicans is still the most frequently isolated species in candiduria. This study was aimed to identify the risk factors of candiduria and to determine species distribution of Candida which cause candiduria in hospitalized patients. The study was carried out in a total of 93 hospitalized patients (68 female, 25 male; age range: 17-84 yrs, mean age: 59.5 ± 1.7 yrs) of which 50 presented with candiduria (case group) and 43 with bacteriuria (control group), between January 2009 to December 2009. The most frequently isolated species was C.albicans (n= 32; 64%), followed by C.glabrata (n= 13; 26%), C.tropicalis (n= 4; 8%) and C.krusei (n= 1; 2%). All of the isolates except one, were found susceptible to fluconazole and voriconazole by E-test (AB Biodisk, Sweden), however, C.krusei isolate was resistant to fluconazole and susceptible to voriconazole. The mean hospitalization period and the period of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) of the case group (9.56 ± 9.09 and 4.12 ± 7.05 days, respectively) were found statistically significant compared to control group (4.42 ± 3.71 and 0.53 ± 1.78, respectively) (p< 0.005). Nosocomial origin of infection was higher in control group (n= 45, 90%) than the case group (n= 30, 69.8%), (p= 0.014). The rate of antibiotic use prior to candiduria in the case group was detected significantly higher (n= 43; 86%) than the controls (n= 14; 32.6%) (p= 0.000). The most frequently used antibiotic prior to candiduria/bacteriuria was the quinolone group of agents both in case and control groups (42% and 21%, respectively). The other risk factors for candiduria found to be higher in the case group than the controls were as follows; presence of urinary system intervention (32% and 0, respectively; p= 0.000), catheter use (76% and 46.5%, respectively; p= 0.003) and immunosuppression history (24% and 9.3%, respectively; p= 0.041). However, there was no significant relationship between candiduria and history of surgical intervention, diabetes mellitus and renal failure (p> 0.05). In conclusion, rate of candiduria might be reduced by judicious antibiotic use, by implementation of guidelines for urinary catheter use, care and maintenance, and shortening the duration of ICU and hospital stay.

[In vitro tigecycline and carbapenem susceptibilities of clinical Acinetobacter baumannii isolates]. / Acinetobacter baumannii klinik izolatlarinin tigesiklin ve karbapeneme karsi in vitro duyarliliklari

Acinetobacter baumannii is a frequent cause of nosocomial infections in most hospitals. Management of infections caused by these strains is difficult, as the strains often display multiple drug resistance, including carbapenem. Tigecycline which is a glycylcycline derivative has antimicrobial activity against many gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. In this study, in vitro activity of tigecycline and carbapenems against clinical isolates of A.baumannii strains were investigated. A total of 100 A.baumannii isolates were collected from hospitalized patients with documented nosocomial infections [pneumonia (n = 39), surgical wound infection (n = 32), bacteremia (n = 16), catheter infection (n = 6), urinary tract infection (n = 5), peritonitis (n = 1), eye infection (n = 1)] between October 2006 and June 2007. Only one isolate per patient was included to the study. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of tigecycline were determined by E-test (AB Biodisk, Sweden). Carbapenem resistance of A.baumannii strains were determined by disk diffusion method. All of the 100 A.baumannii isolates (100%) were found susceptible to tigecycline (MIC values ≤ 2 µg/ml; MIC ranges: 0.032-1.5 µg/ml). Imipenem susceptibility test was performed for 95 strains, and 36 (37.9%) were found sensitive, 18 (18.9%) were intermediate sensitive, and 41 (43.2%) were resistant. Meropenem susceptibility test was performed for 87 strains, and 22 (25.3%) were found sensitive, 9 (10.3%) were intermediate sensitive, and 56 (64.4%) were resistant. Since tigecycline is found quite effective on nosocomial A.baumannii isolates, it may be considered as a treatment alternative in infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp.

[Is pneumatic sample transport system also a carrier for microorganisms?]. / Pnömatik sistem mikroorganizmalar için de tasiyici mi?

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible infection and contamination risk of the pneumatic system used in our hospital and to establish essential infection control measures. The study was conducted in a quaternary health care center with 1.000 bed capacity. A total of 614 specimens were taken 2 times weekly from the pneumatic transport system and its carriers at 22 wards, 5 intensive care units, 3 laboratories, 2 blood taking units, and pharmacy. Samples were also obtained from the fingertips of 33 subjects using the system, before and after contact with the carriers. A questionnaire that consisted of 8 questions was applied to 224 subjects who worked in those units, evaluating the degree of compliance to the obligations for the cleaning of the pneumatic system and carriers and their approach in case of visible pollution at the system. Bacterial growth was observed in 15.2% (45/296) of samples in the 1st week and 7.6% (18/238) of the samples in the 2nd week, making a total of 11.8% (63/534) bacterial growth. No growth was detected from the areas where the carriers were placed. Of these 69.8% were coagulase negative staphylococci, 11.1% diphteroids, 7.9% Acinetobacter Iwoffii, 4.8% Staphylococcus aureus, 4.8% Bacillus spp. and 1.6% Enterococcus durans. Acinetobacter baumannii and Aspergillus were detected at two fingertip samples taken before the contact with carriers, while again A. baumannii and Enterobacter cloacae were detected at the samples following contact. Moreover, 31.3% of the subjects noted that they cleaned the carriers only if any visible contamination was present. In addition, 14.3% reported that they have encountered broken or spilled up material in the system for more than 5 times, 10.3% reported that they followed the instructions in case of presence of infected material inside the carriers, 23.7% reported that they always washed their hands after any contact with the carriers, 9.8% noted that they always used gloves during contact with the system. Of the subjects 73.7% declared that they had no information about cleaning and decontamination procedures related to the system. These data revealed that the pneumatic system used in our hospital carried contamination risk and the rules for hygiene and disinfection regarding the pneumatic transport system has to be determined, implemented and checked in order to establish appropriate infection control measures.

[Analysis of the risk factors in nosocomial urinary tract infections and effect of urinary catheter use on distribution of the causative agents]. / Nozokomiyal üriner sistem enfeksiyonlarinda risk faktörlerinin analizi ve üriner kateter kullaniminin etkenlerin dagilimi üzerine etkisi.

Nosocomial urinary tract infections (NUTI) which are usually in the first rank in health care associated infections, significantly influence mortality, morbidity, hospitalization period and cost. In this retrospective study, it was aimed to analyze the risk factors in NUTI and also to investigate the effect of urinary catheter application on the distribution of pathogens in patients with NUTI. The study included 1236 NUTI episodes in 1103 patients (age range: 18-95 years; 641 female, 462 male) between January 2000-December 2006. Diagnosis of NUTI was agreed according to CDC criteria. Asymptomatic UTI (urinary tract infection) and other UTIs were excluded and only symptomatic UTI was evaluated. Of NUTIs, 87.9% (1086/1236) were found to be associated with urinary catheter use. No statistically significant difference by means of age, gender and mean interval between admission date and date of determination of infection was determined between the two patient groups, with and without urinary catheter (p>0.05). However, catheter associated NUTI development was statistically significantly higher in intensive care unit patients than patients in other wards (p<0.001). Respiratory failure, unconsciousness, multiple trauma, surgery, central vascular catheter, tracheostomy, mechanical ventilation and peritoneal dialysis were observed more frequently in patients who developed catheter-associated NUTIs (p<0.001). Escherichia coil was isolated in 23.6%, Candida albicans in 18% and non-albicans Candida spp. in 11% of the NUTI episodes. When all Candida species were taken into consideration, they were the most frequent causative agents of NUTI. C. albicans was the most frequent agent in catheter-associated NUTI and E. coli in non-catheter-associated NUTI, their isolation rates being statistically significant (p=0.007 and p=0.005, respectively). No statistically significant difference was detected in the distribution of the other organisms in the two study groups. These data revealed that in urinary tract infections Candida species have replaced the first rank which was occupied by E. coli previously.

Adverse effects of high-dose interferon-alpha-2a treatment for chronic hepatitis B.

The aim of this study was to assess morbidity and the incidence of adverse effects during interferon (IFN)-alpha-2a treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B. This prospective study included 48 consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B who underwent IFN-alpha-2a treatment from January 2003 to August 2005. Adverse effects related to IFN treatment were recorded during this period and for 6 mo after treatment. Adverse effects that led to dose reduction or early discontinuation of IFN treatment were examined. Complete response was reported in 25% of patients. At least 1 adverse effect was documented in 88% of patients. Flu-like symptoms were the most frequently observed adverse effects (88%), and thrombocytopenia (63%), leukopenia (54%), and anemia (23%) were also reported. Bleeding occurred in 2 patients. Other adverse effects included neuropsychiatric signs (21%), alopecia (19%), weight loss (17%), thyroid disorders (19%), menstrual cycle irregularities (8%), skin lesions (8%), and dry cough (4%). Adverse effects that led to dose reduction or early discontinuation of IFN treatment occurred in 19% of patients and included impotence, depression, seizure, thyroid disorders, severe thrombocytopenia, and intestinal bleeding. These effects were found to be unrelated to treatment response. No relationship was detected between patient age, duration of treatment, and adverse effects of IFN. Although IFN-alpha-2a treatment induced various adverse effects in patients with chronic hepatitis B, most of these effects were reversible or could be ameliorated. Adverse effects that led to dose reduction or early discontinuation of IFN treatment were found to be unrelated to complete response.

Reversible alopecia universalis secondary to PEG-interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin combination therapy in a patient with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

Combined treatment with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin is currently recommended for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Many side effects including hair disorders have, however, been reported related to this treatment. Alopecia universalis is a severe form of hair disorder. Three cases of alopecia universalis during PEG-IFN and ribavirin combination therapy have been reported in the literature. Herein is reported a case of reversible alopecia universalis, with complete hair loss extending to the whole body, secondary to PEG-IFN alpha-2b and ribavirin combination therapy for chronic HCV infection. Hair regrowth began within 3 months of the completion of combined therapy. In case the liver disease is advanced, and virologic response occurs, treatment can still be completed, as it appears that these side effects are reversible.

The prevalence of extended-spectrum beta lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in clinical isolates and risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and Escherichia coli (E. coli), risk factors of ESBL-producing strains and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of ESBL-producing and non producing strains. METHODS: The study took place at the Faculty of Medicine, Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey from March to November 2002. We evaluated 100 K. pneumoniae and 100 E. coli strains isolated from various clinical specimens, as well as the patients from whom these strains were isolated. The double-disk synergy test was performed on the isolates for the detection of ESBL. We visited the patients with a growth of E. coli or K. pneumoniae or both from their clinical specimens in their wards if they were hospitalized, while the outpatients with a growth of these microorganisms were evaluated from their hospital records. RESULTS: The prevalence of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae was 47% and E. coli was found as 12%. The ESBL-producing isolate rates were 50% (14/28) in intensive care units, 36.1% (35/97) in wards and 13.3% (10/75) in outpatients. Foley catheter (p<0.001), intravenous catheter (p<0.001), central venous catheter (p=0.002), intubation (p<0.001), surgery (p<0.001) and mechanical ventilation (p=0.002) were found as the risk factors for the acquisition of E. coli and K. pneumoniae with ESBLs. CONCLUSION: In our study, the prevalence of ESBL-producing isolates was high. The results of the study suggest that an antimicrobial policy and early removal of interventional apparatus be of importance for the control of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae and E. coli.

A multicenter point-prevalence study: antimicrobial prescription frequencies in hospitalized patients in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Accurate information about prescribing patterns in hospitals is valuable in improving the quality of antimicrobial prescriptions. METHODS: Data on the use of antimicrobial agents in eighteen tertiary care hospitals were collected on March 20th 2002. RESULTS: One or more antimicrobials were ordered in 2900 (30.6%)of 9471 hospitalized patients. The reasons of hospitalization of the patients receiving antimicrobials were medical treatment (42.5%), elective surgery (39.6%), treatment of infectious disease (17.1%) and emergent surgical procedures (10.4%). The highest consumption frequencies were found in surgical (81.6%) and medical (55.2%) intensive care units. The 48.8% of antimicrobials were given for treatment and 44.2% for prophylactic use. The most common reasons for treatment were found as lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, surgical wound infections and febrile neutropenia. Antimicrobials were ordered empirically in 78.4% of patients. The proven infection ratio was found as 30.7%. The 56.4% and 13.4% of orders were evaluated as clinically and microbiologically appropriate respectively. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that antimicrobial prescription and empirical treatment ratios were high and inappropriate at inpatient groups.

Exacerbation of psoriasis due to peginterferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin treatment of chronic active hepatitis C.

A 45-year-old woman with chronic hepatitis C was treated with peginterferon alpha-2b in combination with ribavirin, which activated psoriasis. In the patient, psoriasis reoccurred after being inactive for 10 years. One week after institution of therapy, she presented with plaques of psoriasis at her injection site having been administered a first dose of peginterferon alpha-2b. Psoriatic lesions of the patient worsened dramatically during therapy. Cutaneous lesions appeared at the injection sites, in the face, the scalp hair, at the back of the ears, under the breasts and armpits, and in the regions of the anus and elbows. In the second week of treatment, transaminase levels of the patient regressed to normal. Detectable hepatitis C virus RNA in the serum was eliminated at week 14 of treatment. Because of the severity of psoriatic disease activity, therapy was discontinued at the end of 14 weeks after treatment onset. This side effect of peginterferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin treatment should be kept in mind in the treatment of patients with a history of psoriasis combined with active hepatitis C.