Consumption of alcohol-based hand rub in French nursing homes: results from a nationwide survey, 2018-2019.

This study assessed the hand hygiene performance in French nursing homes using the consumption of alcohol-based hand rubs (AHRs) as a surrogate. Nursing homes from the 17 French regions were contacted to collect their AHR consumption and occupancy in 2018 and 2019. A total of 1290 nursing homes from 15 French regions participated in the survey. The estimated median number of hand hygiene actions per resident-day was 1.48 (interquartile range: 1.04-2.03) in 2018 and 1.60 (1.10-2.26) in 2019. A significantly higher AHR consumption was observed in public nursing homes with an infection control team or link nurse.

Emergency ward ultrasound: clinical audit on disinfection practices during routine and sterile examinations.

CONTEXT: In the emergency ward, where the use of ultrasound is common (including for sterile procedures), ward equipment is constantly exposed to high risks of microbiological contamination. There are no clear guidelines for disinfection control practices in emergency departments, and it is not known how emergency ward doctors follow good hygiene practices. METHOD: A multi-centre audit was conducted in 16 emergency services from Northern France regional hospitals, in form of a questionnaire. It was proposed to all emergency ward physicians. We excluded questionnaires when physicians mentioned that they did not use ultrasound on a daily basis. The questionnaire was designed using existing hygiene and ultrasound disinfection practices guidelines from varying French medical societies. It included three different clinical scenarios: (a) ultrasound on healthy skin, (b) on injured skin, and (c) ultrasound-guided punctures. All questions were closed-ended, with only one answer corresponding to the guidelines. We then calculated compliance rates for each question, each clinical situation, and an overall compliance rate for all the questions. RESULTS: 104 questionnaires were collected, and 19 were excluded. For the 85 analysed questionnaires, the compliance rates were 60.4% 95% CI [56.4-64.7] for ultrasound on healthy skin, 70.9% 95% CI [66.3-76.1] on injured skin and 69.4% 95% CI [65.1-73.6] for ultrasound-guided punctures. The overall compliance rate for the compliance questions was 66.1% 95% CI [62.8-69.1]. Analysis of the questionnaires revealed severe asepsis errors, misuse of gel, ignorance of infection control practices to be applied in the context of ultrasound-guided puncture and exposure of the probe to body fluids. CONCLUSION: This study details areas for quality improvement in the disinfection of emergency ultrasound scanner use. Consequently, we propose a standardized protocol based upon the recommendations used for the questionnaire drafting, with a visual focus on the low compliance points that have been revealed in this audit. This protocol has been distributed to all the medical emergency services audited and included in the emergency resident's ultrasound learning program.

Prospective evaluation of the management of urinary tract infections in 134 French nursing homes.

OBJECTIVE: Prospective assessment of the management of urinary tract infections (UTI) in the nursing homes of the Hauts-de-France region. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A 50-question form had to be filled in for up to five consecutive residents treated for UTI in each nursing home. If necessary, diagnoses were reclassified according to the 2014 French Infectious Diseases Society guidelines. Analyses were presented per supposed (reported) and reclassified diagnoses. RESULTS: Of 397 contacted facilities, 134 participated and informed 444 UTI episodes. Reported diagnostic criteria were burning urination (32%), malodorous urine (29%), confusion (28%), and turbid urine (19%). Twenty-one percent of diagnoses were based on erroneous criteria. Less than 50% of residents had a urine dipstick test performed and 94% a urine culture. The main pathogen was Escherichia coli. Reported indications were uncomplicated cystitis (32%), unspecified UTI (26%), complicated cystitis (9%), while no reason was given in 25% of cases. Only 10% of diagnoses were consistent with the guidelines: complicated cystitis (49%), asymptomatic bacteriuria (21%), acute pyelonephritis (21%), male UTI (9%). Almost 85% of prescriptions were active on the isolated bacteria. The empirical antibiotic therapy was consistent with the diagnosis in 16% of cases (30% for reclassified diagnoses). The two most prescribed antibiotic classes were fluoroquinolones (22.1%) and oral third-generation cephalosporins (19.1%). Only two of 157 possible de-escalations were performed. Duration of treatment was adequate for 19% of UTIs (9.6% of reclassified cases). CONCLUSION: Our study revealed multiple deficiencies in diagnosis, antibiotic choice, treatment duration, and reevaluation.

First cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections in France, investigations and implications for the prevention of human-to-human transmission, France, May 2013.

In May 2013, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection was diagnosed in an adult male in France with severe respiratory illness, who had travelled to the United Arab Emirates before symptom onset. Contact tracing identified a secondary case in a patient hospitalised in the same hospital room. No other cases of MERS-CoV infection were identified among the index case's 123 contacts, nor among 39 contacts of the secondary case, during the 10-day follow-up period.

[Infections complicating femoral nerve catheter for postoperative analgesia: about two cases]. / Complications infectieuses et cathéter périnerveux fémoral pour l'analgésie postopératoire: à propos de deux cas.

The process of inserting a perineural catheter on femoral region for a regional anesthesia is quite common amongst hospital practices. The resulting infectious complications, although rare, remain potentially serious. For instance, many cases of severe sepsis were described in medical literature. In this paper, we will be presenting two cases of infections that were under serious investigation and led to major improvements of practice in the related hospitals. At the same time, we will give a reminder of good practices in inserting perineural catheters.

Investigation of a large outbreak of Clostridium difficile PCR-ribotype 027 infections in northern France, 2006-2007 and associated clusters in 2008-2009.

In 2006 and 2007, a large outbreak of Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) with PCR-ribotype 027 was identified in northern France. Overall, 38 healthcare facilities notified 529 CDIs over a 22-month period, including 281 laboratory-confirmed CDI 027 and 248 non-confirmed CDI 027 cases (incidence rate per 10,000 elective bed days: 1.63, range: 0.07 to 7.94). The cases occurred mainly in long-term care hospital facilities and nursing homes, near the border between France and Belgium. An active surveillance and prevention campaign was launched at the first epidemic peak including hygiene precautions for healthcare professionals, which supported healthcare facilities to improve care organisation. The outbreak was controlled at the end of 2007, but sporadic cases were identified until the end of 2009. A bundle of appropriate control measures may halt the spread of such outbreaks, provided that substantial human resources and financial support are available.

[Update on Clostridium difficile infections]. / Actualités sur les infections àClostridium difficile.

PURPOSE: Clostridium difficile is an anaerobic gram positive, spore-forming bacterium which is responsible for 15-25% of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and for more than 95% of pseudomembranous colitis (PMC). This paper will review the main knowledge on C. difficile-associated infections and their recent evolution. CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS: Since 2003, outbreaks of severe C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) have been increasingly reported in Canada and the United States. This trend is assumed to be associated with the rapid emergence and spread of a specific clone of C. difficile belonging to PCR-ribotype 027 or North American Pulsotype 1, pulsotype (NAP1). This clone is characterized by the overproduction of toxins A and B and is positive for a third toxin named binary toxin. This clone has spread in UK, in Belgium, in the Netherlands, and, more recently, in France where it has been responsible for large outbreaks mainly in northern France. FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS: A systematic reporting of C. difficile incidence by health facilities should enable a better assessment of this pathology in France.

[Evaluation of practices involving a cross infection risk in anaesthesia]. / Evaluation des pratiques en anesthésie exposant au risque infectieux par transmission croisée.

OBJECTIVE: The practice of anaesthesiology has the potential for transmitting a number of infectious agents to the patient. In France, several recent cases have been identified, so that a wide survey on anaesthesiology practice has been enhanced. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire, based on the recommendations of the French Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (Sfar), was send to 8,771 anaesthesiologists and intensive care practitioners and to 2,070 nurses practicing anaesthesiology. RESULTS: A total of 1,343 questionnaires were analyzed (response rate of 12.4%). The study shows that some recommendations were routinely applied, such as: availability of alcohol-based hand hygiene solution in operating rooms (94%), use of antimicrobial filters for respiratory circuits (99%), use of single-use laryngoscope blades (77%), aseptic technique for central venous catheterization (99%), hand hygiene after contact with body fluids (96%). In contrast, the study showed that some recommendations were partially applied: hand hygiene practice (52%), wear of gloves when a risk of blood exposure exists (23%), cleaning of reusable laryngoscope blades (19%), and incorrect wear of masks (71%). The reuse of the same syringe for several patients was described in 2% of the responses. CONCLUSION: This results, similar to those previously described in the literature, must be followed by appropriate training and education of anaesthesia personnel, implementation of the recommendations, and evaluation of practices. Reuse of the same syringe for several patients have to be eradicated because of the high risk of viral transmission.

Investigation of a nosocomial outbreak of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase VEB-1-producing isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii in a hospital setting.

A nosocomial outbreak of epidemiologically related VEB-1 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii occurred in 33 patients in an intensive care unit. A case-control study identified previous treatment with third-generation cephalosporins as the only risk factor for A. baumannii acquisition. Rationale for antibiotic use should be strengthened.

Fetal iliac angle measurements by three-dimensional sonography.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the technical reliability of fetal iliac angle measurements by three-dimensional sonography as a prenatal marker for Down syndrome. METHODS: Three-dimensional multiplanar views of the fetal pelvis were used to standardize iliac angle measurements from 35 normal second-trimester pregnancies. Measurement reliability for a single examiner and between two different examiners were analyzed by intraclass correlation. Normal iliac angle measurements were compared to those obtained from 16 fetuses with trisomy 21. RESULTS: The mean axial angle for normal fetuses was 79 +/- 5.5 degrees, which was significantly less than that observed in fetuses with trisomy 21 (87.7 +/- 4.9 degrees ) (P < 0.001). Iliac angles did not correlate with gestational age. Axial angles were reproducible between two examiners who measured the same multiplanar view of the pelvis. Inter- and intraobserver reliability were also acceptable after a standardized multiplanar view was independently obtained by each examiner (intraclass correlation = 0.91 for both). Coronal angles were unreliable because of difficulties with finding a reproducible measurement plane. For a false-positive rate of 5%, an axial angle threshold of 87 degrees correctly identified 56% of fetuses with trisomy 21. CONCLUSION: Axial iliac angle measurements are reliable by standardized three-dimensional multiplanar views of the pelvis and can be used to identify some fetuses at increased risk for trisomy 21.

[Clostridium difficile bacteremia]. / Bactériémie à Clostridium difficile.

BACKGROUND: Extra-digestive manifestations of Clostridium difficile infection are very uncommon. Exceptional cases of C. difficile bacteremia or severe sepsis have been described in intensive care patients, demonstrating the capacity of this agent to generate generalized infection. CASE REPORT: C. difficile bacteremia occurred in a 66-year-old immunodepressed patient treated for acute myeloblastic leukemia. Bacteremia was associated with a abscess of the anal margin. Outcome was favorable after treatment with metronidosole. DISCUSSION: Clostridium difficile is generally selected by prior antibiotic treatment. It is the principal agent of nosocomial diarrhea. In immunodepressed patients, systemic dissemination is a rare but possible development.

Birth weight prediction by three-dimensional ultrasonography: fractional limb volume.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce fractional limb volume as a new ultrasonographic parameter, validate reliability of fractional limb volume measurements, develop new birth weight prediction models, and examine their practical utility for estimating fetal weight during late pregnancy. METHODS: Healthy late-third-trimester fetuses were prospectively scanned by two- and three-dimensional ultrasonography within 4 days of delivery. Volume data sets were subsequently used to extract several standard ultrasonographic measurements. Fractional limb volumes of the upper arm and thigh were based on 50% of diaphyseal bone length. Intraclass correlation was used to analyze interobserver and intraobserver reliability of fractional limb volume measurements. Several weight prediction models were developed by linear regression analysis. New prediction models were prospectively compared with the Hadlock formula in 30 healthy late-third-trimester fetuses. RESULTS: One hundred fetuses were scanned at a mean +/- SD menstrual age of 39.2 +/- 1.2 weeks. Intraclass correlation indicated a significant degree of interobserver and intraobserver reliability for fractional thigh volume. Fractional thigh volume (r = 0.86), fractional upper arm volume (r = 0.83), abdominal circumference (r = 0.83), and midthigh circumference (r = 0.82) were most highly correlated with birth weight. The best prediction model (abdominal circumference and fractional thigh volume) gave weight estimates that deviated from actual birth weight by -0.025% +/- 7.8%. For late-third-trimester fetuses, the Hadlock model yielded errors of 9.0% +/- 9.0%. Prospective testing confirmed superior performance of the new prediction model, which gave accuracy of 2.3% +/- 6.6% (Hadlock method, 8.4% +/- 8.7%). It correctly predicted 20 of 30 birth weights to within 5% of actual weight. By comparison, the Hadlock model predicted only 6 of 30 birth weights to within 5% of actual weight. CONCLUSIONS: A new birth weight prediction model, based on fractional thigh volume and abdominal circumference, is reliable during the late third trimester. It provides a means for including soft tissue evaluation for birth weight prediction. This rapid technique avoids technical limitations that currently hinder the practical implementation of three-dimensional ultrasonography for estimating birth weight.

[Lung infection by Mycobacterium szulgai]. / Infection pulmonaire à Mycobacterium szulgai.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium szulgai is an uncommon atypical mycobacterium human pathogen. CASE REPORT: The clinical manifestations and radiographic findings in a 31-year-old woman were strongly suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis. The mode of transmission could not be determined. Mycobacterium szulgai was identified. The patient was treated with antituberculosis antibiotics and the clinical course was favorable. DISCUSSION: Mycobacterium szulgai is an atypical mycobacterrium difficult to identify. Its epidemiological features are unknown. This potential pulmonary pathogen is rarely described in the literature. Most cases have involved pulmonary, bone and joint or skin infections in immunodepressed patients. M. szulgai is relatively susceptible to classic antituberculosis antibiotics although standard regimens have not been established. Our patient required intensive care for mechanical ventilation.