Escherichia coli bacteraemia in adults: age-related differences in clinical and bacteriological characteristics, and outcome.

To explore the specificities of Escherichia coli bacteraemia in the elderly, the demographic, clinical and bacteriological characteristics and in-hospital mortality rate of 'young' (18-64 years, n = 395), 'old' (65-79 years, n = 372) and 'very old' (⩾80 years, n = 284) adult patients of the multicentre COLIBAFI cohort study were compared. Clinical and bacteriological risk factors for death were jointly identified by logistic regression and multivariate analysis within each group. 'Young' and 'old' patients had more comorbidities than 'very old' patients (comorbidity score: 1·5 ± 1·3 and 1·6 ± 1·2 vs. 1·2 ± 1·2, respectively; P < 0·001), and were more frequently nosocomially infected (22·3% and 23·8% vs. 8·8%, respectively; P < 0·001). 'Old' patients had the poorest prognosis (death rate: 16·4% vs.10·4% for 'young' and 12·0% for 'very old' patients, respectively; P = 0·039). Risk factors for death were age group-specific, suggesting a host-pathogen relationship evolving with age.

Explicit definitions of potentially inappropriate prescriptions of antibiotics in hospitalized older patients.

CONTEXT: The use of explicit definitions of potentially inappropriate prescriptions of antibiotics (antibiotic PIPs) might constitute an innovative means to fight against antimicrobial resistance. Explicit definitions of PIPs can reduce the rate of inappropriate prescriptions, but explicit definitions of antibiotic PIPs in geriatric medicine are currently lacking. The objective of the study was to develop explicit definitions of antibiotic PIPs for hospitalized older patients. METHOD: We performed a qualitative study of focus groups involving geriatricians and infectious disease specialists. The study complied with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research. Transcripts of audio recordings were analyzed in a two-step independent reviewing process. The exact wording of the definitions was validated by a steering committee, an independent expert group, and the focus group participants. RESULTS: The four focus groups comprised 28 stakeholders. Our analysis identified 65 explicit definitions of antibiotic PIPs: 47 (73%) concerned misuse, 15 (23%) concerned overuse and three (5%) concerned underuse. Most definitions were related to critically important antibiotics: 11 (17%) for fluoroquinolones, eight (12%) for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, eight (12%) for cephalosporins, seven (11%) for aminoglycosides, and five (8%) for carbapenems. CONCLUSION: To address the public health challenge of antimicrobial resistance, our study generated explicit definitions for antibiotic PIPs in older patients. We intend to refine and to validate these definitions through a national Delphi survey; the resulting consensus might provide key messages for prescribers and open up perspectives for reducing the incidence of antibiotic PIPs.

[Endothelial dysfunction in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: therapeutic perspectives]. / Dysfonction endothéliale au cours du Purpura Thrombotique Thrombocytopénique : un nouvel axe de prise en charge ?

Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (iTTP) is a rare but severe disease with a mortality rate of almost 100 % in the absence of adequate treatment. iTTP is caused by a severe deficiency in ADAMTS13 activity due to the production of inhibitory antibodies. Age has been shown to be a major prognostic factor. iTTP patients in the elderly (60yo and over) have more frequent organ involvement, especially heart and kidney failures compared with younger patients. They also have non-specific neurologic symptoms leading to a delayed diagnosis. Factors influencing this impaired survival among older patients remain unknown so far. Alteration of the functional capacity of involved organs could be part of the explanation as could be the consequences of vascular aging. In fact, severe ADAMTS13 deficiency is necessary but likely not sufficient for iTTP physiopathology. A second hit leading to endothelial activation is thought to play a central role in iTTP. Interestingly, the mechanisms involved in endothelial activation may share common features with those involved in vascular aging, potentially leading to endothelial dysfunction. It could thus be interesting to better investigate the causes of mid- and long-term mortality among older iTTP patients to confirm whether inflammation and endothelial activation really impact vascular aging and long-term mortality in those patients, in addition to their presumed role at iTTP acute phase. If so, further insights into the mechanisms involved could lead to new therapeutic targets.

Determinants of doctors' antibiotic prescriptions for patients over 75 years old in the terminal stage of palliative care.

INTRODUCTION: Notwithstanding high prevalence of presumably bacterial infections in elderly persons (EP) in palliative care (PC), there exists no recommendation on the role of antibiotic therapy (ABP) in this type of situation. OBJECTIVE: To describe the determinants of antibiotic prescription by general practitioners (GP) and by doctors practicing in institutions (DPI) for patients>75 years, in end-of-life situations in PC. METHOD: Descriptive investigation by anonymous self-administered questionnaire disseminated in France by e-mail. RESULTS: A total of 301 questionnaires analyzed: 113 GP, 188 DPIs. The latter were mainly geriatricians (69, 36.6%) and infectologists/internists (41, 21.8%). Sixty-three (55,75%) GPs and 144 (78.7%) DPIs stated that they had prescribed antibiotics. Practice in "EHPAD" retirement homes or intensive care was often associated with non-prescription of antibiotics. Age, PC training and number of patients monitored bore no influence. Family involvement in decision-making was more frequent for GPs than for DPIs. The main purpose of antibiotic therapy was to relieve different symptoms (fever, respiratory congestion, functional urinary signs). Most of the doctors (81%) had previously encountered complications (allergy, adverse effect), which represented the main causes of treatment discontinuation. CONCLUSION: Antibiotic use in end-of-life EPs in PC seems frequent. In accordance with the principle of beneficence, its goal of often symptom-related; that said, in the absence of scientific data, antibiotic prescription in end-of-life situations should be individualized in view of observing the other ethical caregiving principles (beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, patient autonomy) and re-evaluated daily.

[Cat scratch disease with bone involvement: a case report and literature review]. / Maladie des griffes du chat avec localisations osseuses: une observation et revue de la littérature.

INTRODUCTION: Cat scratch disease is an infectious disease caused by Bartonella henselae. Most of the patients present with a lymphadenopathy associated with a local infection at the site of the cat scratch. Disseminated infection is uncommon. CASE REPORT: We report an immunocompetent 61-year-old woman who presented with a systemic cat scratch disease including a multifocal osteomyelitis. Diagnosis was confirmed by PCR on the adenopathy. A literature review identified 51 other cases of osteomyelitis associated with cat scratch disease, 14 of those confirmed by PCR. CONCLUSION: Bone involvement in cat scratch disease is rare, especially in adults. The diagnosis should be suspected on the basis of patient questioning. The antibiotherapy and the place of surgery are discussed.

Comprehensive geriatric assessment in older patients suffering from infective endocarditis. A prospective multicentric cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to describe the impact of infective endocarditis (IE) on functional, cognitive and nutritional statuses, and to estimate the influence of these parameters on surgical management and mortality. METHOD: This was a prospective study over 13 months in 14 French hospitals, including patients ≥75 years of age with definite or possible IE. A comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) was performed during the first week of hospitalization, including a retrospective estimation of functional status 2 months before hospitalization, and 3 months after. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were included (mean age 83.1 ± 5.0 (75-101) years). IE was associated with a dramatic impairment of functional status between 2 months prior hospitalization and the first geriatric evaluation (90.8% able to walk vs. 35.5% (p < 0.0001), ADL (Activities in Daily Living) 5.0 ± 1.7 vs. 3.1 ± 2.1 (p < 0.0001)). The 19 operated patients (15.8%) had less comorbidities (cumulative illness rating scale geriatric 10.8 ± 8.2 vs. 15.3 ± 7.1 (p 0.0176)), better functional (ADL 5.9 ± 0.4 vs. 4.9 ± 1.8 (p 0.0171) and nutritional (mini nutritional assessment 20.4 ± 5.0 vs. 17.3 ± 6.2 (p 0.0501)) statuses than non-operated patients. Among all infectious, cardiac and geriatric parameters, body mass index (HR 0.9, range 0.8-1, p 0.05) and ADL at the time of the first evaluation (HR 0.7, range 0.6-0.9, p 0.002) were the sole independent predictors of the 3-month (32.5%) and 1-year mortality (42.5%). Three months later, the 57 assessed patients only partially recovered their ADL (3.7 ± 1.9 vs. 5.3 ± 1.4 2 months prior hospitalization and 4.6 ± 1.9 at the first CGA; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Functional and nutritional abilities are crucial components that can be accurately explored through a CGA when managing IE in oldest patients.

Subcutaneously administered antibiotics: a national survey of current practice from the French Infectious Diseases (SPILF) and Geriatric Medicine (SFGG) society networks.

A national survey was performed to explore antibiotic prescription by the subcutaneous (sc) route among French infectious diseases and geriatric practitioners. Among the participating physicians, 367 (96.1%) declared administering sc antibiotics at some point. Ceftriaxone was prescribed sc by all but one, and ertapenem, teicoplanin, aminoglycosides and amoxicillin by 33.2%, 39.2%, 35.1% and 15.3%, respectively. The sc route was resorted to mainly in case of unavailable oral, intravenous or intramuscular routes, especially during palliative care. Pain, skin necrosis and lack of efficacy were the main adverse effects, reported by 70.8%, 12.8% and 19.9% of practitioners, respectively. Further studies are needed to precise the indications, modalities and tolerance of sc antibiotic use.