Effectiveness and Safety of Postoperative Hospital at Home for Surgical Patients: A Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a Hospital at Home (HaH) enabled early transfer pathways for surgical patients. BACKGROUND: HaH serves as a safe alternative to traditional hospitalization by providing acute care to patients in their homes through a comprehensive range of hospital-level interventions. To our knowledge, no studies have been published to date reporting a large cohort of early home-transferred patients after surgery through a HaH unit. METHODS: Cohort study enrolling every patient admitted to the HaH unit of a tertiary hospital who underwent any of 6 surgeries with a predefined early transfer pathway and fitting both general and surgery inclusion criteria (clinical and hemodynamic stability, uncomplicated surgery, presence of a caregiver, among others) from November 2021 to May 2023. Protocols were developed for each pathway between surgical services and HaH to deliver the usual postoperative care in the home setting. Discharge was decided according to protocol. An urgent escalation pathway was also established. RESULTS: During the study period, 325 patients were included: 141 were bariatric surgeries, 85 kidney transplants, 45 thoracic surgeries, 37 cystectomies, 10 appendicectomies, and 7 ventral hernia repairs. The overall escalation of care during HaH occurred in 7.3% of patients and 30-day readmissions in 7%. Most adverse events were managed at home and the overall mortality was zero. The total mean length of stay was 8 days (interquartile range 2-14), and patients with HaH were transferred home 3 days (interquartile range 1-6) earlier than the usual pathway; a total of 1551 bed-days were saved. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of early home transfer pathways for surgical patients through HaH is feasible and effective, with favorable safety outcomes.

Information Delay of Significant Bloodstream Isolates and Patient Mortality: A Retrospective Analysis of 6225 Adult Patients With Bloodstream Infections.

BACKGROUND: Our aim in this study was to evaluate the clinical and prognostic impact of communicating microbiological information in real time for adult patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 6225 clinical episodes of bacteremia in a teaching hospital from January 2013 to December 2019. Bacteremia-associated mortality was compared when blood culture results were relayed to the infectious diseases specialist (IDS) in real time and periods when results were relayed the following morning. The impact of information availability using mortality at 30 days was used as the main outcome of the study. RESULTS: The initial analysis (all microorganisms included) did not show an association of mortality and information delay to the IDS (odds ratio [OR], 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], .99-1.42). However, information delay of BSIs caused by fast-growing microorganisms such as Enterobacterales was associated with a significant increase in the odds of death at 30 days both in the univariate (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.30-2.38) and multivariate analysis (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.50-3.30). Similar results were found with mortality at 14 days and 7 days in the univariate (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.08-2.20 and OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.03-2.37, respectively) and the multivariate analysis (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.27-3.32 and OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.09-3.40, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Information delivered in real time has prognostic relevance and is likely to improve survival of patients with documented BSIs. Future studies should address the prognostic impact of adequate resource allocation (microbiologist/IDS with 24/7 coverage) in BSIs.

Qualitative Subgenomic RNA to Monitor the Response to Remdesivir in Hospitalized Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019: Impact on the Length of Hospital Stay and Mortality.

BACKGROUND: There is no reliable microbiological marker to guide the indication and the response to antiviral treatment in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to evaluate the dynamics of subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) in patients with COVID-19 before and after receiving treatment with remdesivir. METHODS: We included consecutive patients admitted for COVID-19 who received remdesivir according to our institutional protocol and accepted to participate in the study. A nasopharyngeal swab for quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was collected at baseline and after 3 and 5 days of treatment with remdesivir. Genomic and sgRNA were analyzed in those samples and main comorbidities and evolution were collected for the analyses. The main outcomes were early discharge (≤10 days) and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 117 patients were included in the study, of whom 24 had a negative sgRNA at baseline, with 62.5% (15/24) receiving early discharge (≤10 days) and no deaths in this group. From the 93 remaining patients, 62 had a negative sgRNA at day 5 with 37/62 (59.6%) with early discharge and a mortality rate of 4.8% (3/62). In the subgroup of 31 patients with positive sgRNA after 5 days of remdesivir, the early discharge rate was 29% (9/31) and the mortality rate was 16.1% (5/31). In multivariable analyses, the variables associated with early discharge were negative sgRNA at day 3 and not needing treatment with corticosteroids or intensive care unit admission. CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative sgRNA could help in monitoring the virological response in patients who receive remdesivir. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Personalized Therapy Approach for Hospitalized Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019.

Hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experiencing respiratory symptoms have different complications (inflammatory, co-infection, and thrombotic) that are identifiable by analytics patterns. Personalized treatment decisions decreased early mortality (odds ratio [OR] .144; 95% confidence interval [CI] .03-.686; P = .015). Increasing age (OR 1.06; P = .038) and therapeutic effort limitation (OR 9.684; P < .001) were associated with higher mortality.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 viral load and duration of symptoms before hospital admission on the mortality of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

PURPOSE: Assess the impact of viral load estimated by cycle threshold (Ct) of reverse transcription real time-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and the days from symptoms onset on mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID19. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of 782 patients with a positive rRT-PCR from a nasopharyngeal swab was performed within the first 24 h from admission. Demographic data, clinical manifestations and laboratory parameters were collected. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with mortality at 60 days. RESULTS: Ct was divided into three groups and the mortality rate decreased from 27.3 to 20.7% and 9.8% for Ct values of ≤ 20, 21-25 and > 25, respectively (P = 0.0001). The multivariate analysis identified as predictors of mortality, a Ct value < 20 (OR 3.13, CI 95% 1.38-7.10), between 21-25 (OR 2.47, CI 95% 1.32-4.64) with respect to a Ct value > 25. Days from symptoms onset is a variable associated with mortality as well (DSOA) ≤ 6 (OR 1.86, CI 95% 1.00-3.46), among other factors. Patients requiring hospital admission within 6 DSOA with a Ct value ≤ 25 had the highest mortality rate (28%). CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of Ct values and DSOA in the characterization of study populations could be a useful tool to evaluate the efficacy of antivirals.

Aspergillosis Complicating Severe Coronavirus Disease.

Aspergillosis complicating severe influenza infection has been increasingly detected worldwide. Recently, coronavirus disease-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has been detected through rapid reports, primarily from centers in Europe. We provide a case series of CAPA, adding 20 cases to the literature, with review of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and outcomes. The syndromes of pulmonary aspergillosis complicating severe viral infections are distinct from classic invasive aspergillosis, which is recognized most frequently in persons with neutropenia and in other immunocompromised persons. Combined with severe viral infection, aspergillosis comprises a constellation of airway-invasive and angio-invasive disease and results in risks associated with poor airway fungus clearance and killing, including virus- or inflammation-associated epithelial damage, systemic immunosuppression, and underlying lung disease. Radiologic abnormalities can vary, reflecting different pathologies. Prospective studies reporting poor outcomes in CAPA patients underscore the urgent need for strategies to improve diagnosis, prevention, and therapy.

Safety and efficacy of intravenously administered cidofovir in adult haematopoietic cell transplant recipients: a retrospective multicentre cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of cidofovir for the treatment of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) viral infections following allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplant (HCT). METHODS: This was a retrospective multicentre cohort study including adult HCT recipients who received ≥1 dose of IV-administered cidofovir for any dsDNA viral infection from 2006 to 2019. The objectives were to describe the rate of and risk factors for nephrotoxicity and virological response by the end of treatment (EOT). RESULTS: We included 165 patients from nine centres. Cidofovir was administered at 5 mg/kg/week (N = 115; 69.7%), 1 mg/kg/week (18; 10.9%), 3 mg/kg/week (12; 7.3%) or 1 mg/kg three times/week (11; 6.7%). Cidofovir was administered for adenovirus, cytomegalovirus (CMV) and BK virus infection in 75 (45.5%), 64 (38.8%) and 51 (30.9%) patients, respectively. Among 158 patients with renal function data at baseline and EOT, 40 (25.3%) developed nephrotoxicity. In multivariable analyses, age (OR 1.04; P = 0.05), weight (OR 1.05; P = 0.01), CMV infection (OR 3.6; P = 0.02), liposomal amphotericin B (OR 8.06; P = 0.05) and IV voriconazole/posaconazole (OR 13.0; P = 0.003) were predictors of nephrotoxicity. Creatinine concentration was significantly higher at EOT (1.16 ±â€Š0.95 mg/dL) compared with baseline (0.91 ±â€Š0.39 mg/dL; P < 0.001), but improved by 2 weeks (0.91 ±â€Š0.84 mg/dL; P = 0.007) and 4 weeks (0.96 ±â€Š0.89 mg/dL; P = 0.03) post-EOT. Median viral load significantly declined for patients with adenovirus DNAaemia by EOT (P < 0.0001) and for patients with CMV DNAaemia by EOT + 4 weeks (P = 0.003), but not for patients with BK virus DNAaemia. CONCLUSIONS: One in four HCT recipients treated with IV cidofovir developed largely reversible nephrotoxicity. Careful selection of patients and close follow-up of renal function may minimize toxicity.

Impact of remdesivir according to the pre-admission symptom duration in patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The use of remdesivir has demonstrated a significant reduction in the time to recovery in patients with COVID-19. However, the impact on mortality is still controversial. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate whether there is a specific subgroup of patients in whom an active antiviral therapy also reduces the mortality. METHODS: Patients admitted for >48 h in our hospital for a SARS-CoV-2 confirmed or suspected infection from February 2020 to February 2021 were retrospectively analysed. The primary outcome of the study was mortality at 30 days. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of mortality. RESULTS: In total, 2607 patients (438 receiving remdesivir and 2169 not) were included with a median (IQR) age of 65 (54-77) years and 58% were male. Four hundred and seventy-six were admitted to the ICU (18.3%) and 264 required invasive mechanical ventilation (10.1%). The global 30 day mortality rate was 10.7%. Pre-admission symptom duration of 4-6 days and ≤3 days was associated with a 1.5- and 2.5-fold increase in the mortality rate, respectively, in comparison with >6 days and treatment with remdesivir was independently associated with a lower mortality rate (OR = 0.382, 95% CI = 0.218-0.671). The analysis showed that the major difference was among patients with shorter pre-admission symptom duration (<6 days). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ≤3 days and 4-6 days from symptom onset to admission are associated with a 2.5- and 1.5-fold higher risk of death, respectively. Remdesivir was associated with 62% reduced odds of death versus standard-of-care and its survival benefit increased with shorter duration of symptoms.

Hospital at home for the management of COVID-19: preliminary experience with 63 patients.

Alternatives to conventional hospitalization are needed to increase health systems resilience in the face of COVID-19 pandemic. Herein, we describe the characteristics and outcomes of 63 patients admitted to a single HaH during the peak of COVID-19 in Barcelona. Our results suggest that HaH seems to be a safe and efficacious alternative to conventional hospitalization for accurately selected patients with COVID-19.

Antibiotic-resistant microorganisms in patients with bloodstream infection of intraabdominal origin: risk factors and impact on mortality.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge of resistance patterns is essential to choose empirical treatment. We aimed to determine the risk factors for antibiotic-resistant microorganisms (ARM) in intraabdominal infections (IAI) and their impact on mortality. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of patients with bacteremia from IAI origin in a single hospital between January 2006 and July 2017. RESULTS: A total of 1485 episodes were recorded, including 381 (25.6%) due to ARM. Independent predictors of ARM were cirrhosis (OR 2; [95% CI 1.15-3.48]), immunosuppression (OR 1.49; 1.12-1.97), prior ceftazidime exposure (OR 3.7; 1.14-11.9), number of prior antibiotics (OR 2.33; 1.61-3.35 for 1 antibiotic), biliary manipulation (OR 1.53; 1.02-2.96), hospital-acquisition (OR 2.77; 1.89-4) and shock (OR 1.48; 1.07-2). Mortality rate of the whole cohort was 11.1%. Age (OR 1.03; 1.01-1.04), cirrhosis (OR 2.32; 1.07-4.38), urinary catheter (OR 1.99; 1.17-3.38), ultimately (OR 2.28; 1.47-3.51) or rapidly (OR 13.3; 7.12-24.9) fatal underlying disease, nosocomial infection (OR 2.76; 1.6-4.75), peritonitis (OR 1.95, 1.1-3.45), absence of fever (OR 2.17; 1.25-3.77), shock (OR 5.96; 3.89-9.13), and an ARM in non-biliary infections (OR 2.14; 1.19-3.83) were independent predictors of 30-day mortality. Source control (OR 0.24; 0.13-0.44) and 2015-2017 period (OR 0.29; 0.14-0.6) were protective. CONCLUSION: Biliary manipulation and septic shock are predictors of ARM. The presence of an ARM from a non-biliary focus is a poor-prognosis indicator. Source control continues to be of paramount importance.

Primary immunodeficiency and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis: pathophysiological, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches.

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) is characterized by a chronic or recurrent non-invasive infection, mainly due to Candida albicans, in skin, nails, and mucous membranes, associated in some cases with autoimmune manifestations. The key immune defect is a disruption of the action of cytokine IL-17, whose most common genetic etiology is STAT1 gene gain-of-function (GOF) mutations. The initial appropriate treatment for fungal infections is with azoles. However, the frequent occurrence of drug resistance is the main limitation. Therefore, identification of the underlying inborn error if immunity in CMC may allow to widen therapeutic options aimed at restoring immunological function. Type I and II Janus kinase-inhibitors have been shown to control CMC in cases associated with STAT1 GOF. In this review, we delve into the pathogenesis of CMC and the underlying immune mechanisms. We describe the reported genetic defects in which CMC is the main manifestation. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for these patients are also offered.

Inappropriate Empirical Antibiotic Treatment in High-risk Neutropenic Patients With Bacteremia in the Era of Multidrug Resistance.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to describe the current rates of inappropriate empirical antibiotic treatment (IEAT) in oncohematological patients with febrile neutropenia (FN) and its impact on mortality. METHODS: This was a multicenter prospective study of all episodes of bloodstream infection (BSI) in high-risk FN patients (2006-2017). Episodes receiving IEAT were compared with episodes receiving appropriate empirical therapy. Adherence to Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) recommendations was evaluated. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for mortality in Pseudomonas aeruginosa episodes. RESULTS: Of 1615 episodes, including Escherichia coli (24%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (21%), and P. aeruginosa (16%), 394 (24%) received IEAT despite IDSA recommendations being followed in 87% of cases. Patients with multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli (MDR-GNB), accounting for 221 (14%) of all isolates, were more likely to receive IEAT (39% vs 7%, P < .001). Overall mortality was higher in patients with GNB BSI who received IEAT (36% vs 24%, P = .004); when considering individual microorganisms, only patients with infection caused by P. aeruginosa experienced a significant increase in mortality when receiving IEAT (48% vs 31%, P = .027). Independent risk factors for mortality in PA BSI (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] were IEAT (2.41 [1.19-4.91]), shock at onset (4.62 [2.49-8.56]), and pneumonia (3.01 [1.55-5.83]). CONCLUSIONS: IEAT is frequent in high-risk patients with FN and BSI, despite high adherence to guidelines. This inappropriate treatment primarily impacts patients with P. aeruginosa-related BSI mortality and in turn is the only modifiable factor to improve outcomes.

An evidence-based bundle improves the quality of care and outcomes of patients with candidaemia.

BACKGROUND: Candidaemia is a leading cause of bloodstream infections in hospitalized patients all over the world. It remains associated with high mortality. OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of implementing an evidence-based package of measures (bundle) on the quality of care and outcomes of candidaemia. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify measures related to better outcomes in candidaemia. Eight quality-of-care indicators (QCIs) were identified and a set of written recommendations (early treatment, echinocandins in septic shock, source control, follow-up blood culture, ophthalmoscopy, echocardiography, de-escalation, length of treatment) was prospectively implemented. The study was performed in 11 tertiary hospitals in Spain. A quasi-experimental design before and during bundle implementation (September 2016 to February 2018) was used. For the pre-intervention period, data from the prospective national surveillance were used (May 2010 to April 2011). RESULTS: A total of 385 and 263 episodes were included in the pre-intervention and intervention groups, respectively. Adherence to all QCIs improved in the intervention group. The intervention group had a decrease in early (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.23-0.89; P = 0.022) and overall (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.4-0.94; P = 0.023) mortality after controlling for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a structured, evidence-based intervention bundle significantly improved patient care and early and overall mortality in patients with candidaemia. Institutions should embrace this objective strategy and use the bundle as a means to measure high-quality medical care of patients.

Factors associated with the development of septic shock in patients with candidemia: a post hoc analysis from two prospective cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Almost one third of the patients with candidemia develop septic shock. The understanding why some patients do and others do not develop septic shock is very limited. The objective of this study was to identify variables associated with septic shock development in a large population of patients with candidemia. METHODS: A post hoc analysis was performed on two prospective, multicenter cohort of patients with candidemia from 12 hospitals in Spain and Italy. All episodes occurring from September 2016 to February 2018 were analyzed to assess variables associated with septic shock development defined according to The Third International Consensus Definition for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3). RESULTS: Of 317 candidemic patients, 99 (31.2%) presented septic shock attributable to candidemia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identifies the following factors associated with septic shock development: age > 50 years (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.03-6.41, p = 0.04), abdominal source of the infection (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.04-4.55, p = 0.04), and admission to a general ward at the time of candidemia onset (OR 0.21, 95% CI, 0.12-0.44, p = 0.001). Septic shock development was independently associated with a greater risk of 30-day mortality (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.08-4.24, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Age and abdominal source of the infection are the most important factors significantly associated with the development of septic shock in patients with candidemia. Our findings suggest that host factors and source of the infection may be more important for development of septic shock than intrinsic virulence factors of organisms.

Usefulness of guideline recommendations for prognosis in patients with candidemia.

We aimed to analyze whether the lack of inclusion of specific recommendations for the management of candidemia is an independent risk factor for early and overall mortality. Multicenter study of adult patients with candidemia in 13 hospitals. We assessed the proportion of patients on whom nine specific ESCMID and IDSA guidelines recommendations had been applied, and analyzed its impact on mortality. 455 episodes of candidemia were documented. Patients who died within the first 48 hours were excluded. Sixty-two percent of patients received an appropriate antifungal treatment. Either echinocandin or amphotericin B therapy were administered in 43% of patients presenting septic shock and in 71% of those with neutropenia. Sixty-one percent of patients with breakthrough candidemia underwent a change in antifungal drug class. Venous catheters were removed in 79% of cases. Follow-up blood cultures were performed in 72% of cases. Ophthalmoscopy and echocardiogram were performed in 48% and 50% of patients, respectively. Length of treatment was appropriate in 78% of cases. Early (2-7 days) and overall (2-30 days) mortality were 8% and 27.7%, respectively. Inclusion of less than 50% of the specific recommendations was independently associated with a higher early (HR = 7.02, 95% CI: 2.97-16.57; P < .001) and overall mortality (HR = 3.55, 95% CI: 2.24-5.64; P < .001). In conclusion, ESCMID and IDSA guideline recommendations were not performed on a significant number of patients. Lack of inclusion of these recommendations proved to be an independent risk factor for early and overall mortality.

Candidemia in solid organ transplant recipients in Spain: Epidemiological trends and determinants of outcome.

BACKGROUND: Despite being considered a high-risk population for invasive fungal disease, specific features of candidemia among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients remain poorly characterized. METHODS: We compiled prospective data from two multicenter studies on candidemia performed over two consecutive periods in Spain: the CANDIPOP Study (2010-2011) and the CANDI-Bundle Study (2016-2018). Episodes diagnosed in adult SOT recipients in 10 participating centers were included. Risk factors for clinical failure (all-cause 7-day mortality and/or persistent candidemia for ≥72 hours) and 30-day mortality were investigated by univariate analysis. RESULTS: We included 55 episodes of post-transplant candidemia (32 and 23 of which occurred during the first and second periods). Kidney (38.2%) and liver recipients (30.9%) were the most common populations. Candida albicans accounted for 27.3% of episodes. The proportion of C glabrata increased over time (18.8% vs 30.4% for the first and second periods). There were no differences in the rate of fluconazole non-susceptible isolates (50.0% vs 60.0%, respectively). Clinical failure and 30-day mortality occurred in 25.5% and 27.3% of episodes and were associated with the severity of candidemia (Pitt score and severe sepsis/septic shock). Kidney transplantation (unadjusted odds ratio [uOR]: 0.17; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03-0.85; P-value = .020), early catheter removal (uOR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.03-0.76; P-value = .013), and appropriate early antifungal therapy (uOR: 0.14; 95% CI: 0.02-0.89; P-value = .041) were protective for 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: High rates of non-albicans species and fluconazole non-susceptibility must be taken into account to optimize therapeutic management and outcomes in SOT recipients with candidemia.

Posaconazole salvage therapy: The Posifi study.

BACKGROUND: Posaconazole (PCZ) is used mainly for the prevention of invasive fungal infection (IFI). METHODS: A multicentre retrospective, investigational study using a non-randomized, single-arm design carried out in six tertiary hospitals in Spain to evaluate the use of PCZ in different forms of administration in the (non-prophylactic) treatment of IFI. RESULTS: Over an eight-year-period, 67 patients were included in this study. PCZ was administered as salvage therapy (intolerant or refractory to a previous antifungal agent) in 65/67 (97%); of these, it was used against Aspergillosis (68.6%), Zygomycosis (13.4%), other moulds (8.9%) and yeast (10.5%). The median duration of PCZ therapy was 75 days. The oral solution was associated with low serum levels (<0.7 mg/L) in 63% of available patients. Clinical response at 3 and 12 months of PCZ therapy were for aspergillosis: 47.8% and 41.3%; for zygomycosis: 55.5% and 55.5%; and for other mycoses: 69.2% and 69.2%, respectively. Suspension by toxicity was only observed in 6% and 7.5% of patients at 3 and 12 months, respectively, mainly with grade III/IV elevations of liver function test (LFTs). CONCLUSIONS: Posaconazole salvage therapy, especially oral tablets, can be an effective alternative option for patients with IFI who cannot tolerate or do not respond to other antifungal therapies.

Short-Term Peripheral Venous Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections: Evidence for Increasing Prevalence of Gram-Negative Microorganisms from a 25-Year Prospective Observational Study.

The aim of this study was to describe the etiology and outcome of short-term peripheral venous catheter (PVC)-related bloodstream infections (PVCRBSI) in a 25-year period (1992 to 2016) and to identify predictive factors of Gram-negative PVCRBSI. This was a prospective observational study including all episodes of PVCRBSI. A multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for calendar year was built to explore factors associated with a Gram-negative bacterial etiology. Over the study period, 711 episodes of PVCRBSI were identified. Incidence rate of PVCRBSI increased from 0.06 to 0.13 episodes/1,000 patient-days. A Gram-negative bacterial etiology was demonstrated in 162 (22.8%) episodes. There was a significant increase in the proportion of Gram-negative infections (22.6% in 1992 to 1996 versus 33.2% in 2012 to 2016). Independent predictive factors of Gram-negative PVCRBSI were the following: being in the hospital for more than 7 days with a catheter in situ for more than 3 days (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20 to 2.69), surgery in the previous month (aOR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.40 to 4.09), and antimicrobial treatment with beta-lactams (aOR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.78). In conclusion, we reported an increase in the prevalence of Gram-negative PVCRBSI over the last 25 years. Factors associated with a Gram-negative bacterial etiology were being in the hospital for more than 7 days with a catheter in situ for more than 3 days, having undergone surgery, and having received antimicrobial treatment with beta-lactams.

Echinocandins Compared to Fluconazole for Candidemia of a Urinary Tract Source: A Propensity Score Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Whether echinocandins could be used to treat candidemia of a urinary tract source (CUTS) is unknown. We aimed to provide current epidemiological information of CUTS and to compare echinocandin to fluconazole treatment on CUTS outcomes. METHODS: A multicenter study of adult patients with candidemia was conducted in 9 hospitals. CUTS was defined as a candidemia with concomitant candiduria by the same organism associated with significant urological comorbidity. The primary outcome assessed was clinical failure (defined by 7-day mortality or persistent candidemia) in patients treated with either an echinocandin or fluconazole. A propensity score was calculated and then entered into a regression model. RESULTS: Of 2176 episodes of candidemia, 128 were CUTS (5.88%). Most CUTS cases were caused by Candida albicans (52.7%), followed by Candida glabrata (25.6%) and Candida tropicalis (16.3%). Clinical failure occurred in 7 patients (20%) treated with an echinocandin and in 15 (17.1%) treated with fluconazole (P = .730). Acute renal failure (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-8.91; P = .047) was the only independent factor associated with clinical failure, whereas early urinary tract drainage procedures (surgical, percutaneous, or endoscopic) were identified as protective (AOR, 0.08; 95% CI, .02-.31; P < .001). Neither univariate nor multivariate analysis showed that echinocandin therapy altered the risk of clinical failure. CONCLUSIONS: Initial echinocandin therapy was not associated with clinical failure in patients with CUTS. Notably, acute renal failure predicted worse outcomes and performing an early urologic procedure was a protective measure.

Influence of empirical double-active combination antimicrobial therapy compared with active monotherapy on mortality in patients with septic shock: a propensity score-adjusted and matched analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence on mortality of empirical double-active combination antimicrobial therapy (DACT) compared with active monotherapy (AM) in septic shock patients. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of monomicrobial septic shock patients admitted to a university centre during 2010-15. A propensity score (PS) was calculated using a logistic regression model taking the assigned therapy as the dependent variable, and used as a covariate in multivariate analysis predicting 7, 15 and 30 day mortality and for matching patients who received DACT or AM. Multivariate models comprising the assigned therapy group and the PS were built for specific patient subgroups. RESULTS: Five-hundred and seventy-six patients with monomicrobial septic shock who received active empirical antimicrobial therapy were included. Of these, 340 received AM and 236 DACT. No difference in 7, 15 and 30 day all-cause mortality was found between groups either in the PS-adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis or in the PS-matched cohorts. However, in patients with neutropenia, DACT was independently associated with a better outcome at 15 (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09-0.92) and 30 (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.08-0.79) days, while in patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection DACT was associated with lower 7 (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02-0.7) and 30 day (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.08-0.92) mortality. CONCLUSIONS: All-cause mortality at 7, 15 and 30 days was similar in patients with monomicrobial septic shock receiving empirical double-active combination therapy and active monotherapy. However, a beneficial influence of empirical double-active combination on mortality in patients with neutropenia and those with P. aeruginosa infection is worthy of further study.