Unique blood culture for diagnosis of bloodstream infections in emergency departments: a prospective multicentre study.

Detection of microorganisms by blood cultures (BCs) is essential in managing patients with bacteraemia. Rather than the number of punctures, the volume of blood drawn is considered paramount in efficient and reliable detection of microorganisms. We performed a 1-year prospective multicentre study in adult emergency departments of three French university hospitals comparing two methods for BCs: a unique blood culture (UBC) collecting a large volume of blood (40 mL) and the standard method of multiple blood cultures (MBC). The performances of both methods for bacterial contamination and efficient microbial detection were compared, each patient serving as his own control. Amongst the 2314 patients included, three hundred were positive for pathogens (n=245) or contaminants (n=55). Out of the 245 patients, 11 were positive for pathogens by UBC but negative by MBC and seven negative by UBC but positive by MBC (p 0.480). In the subgroup of 137 patients with only two BCs, UBC was superior to MBC (p 0.044). Seven and 17 patients had contaminated BCs by UBC and MBC only, respectively (p 0.062). Considering the sums of pathogens missed and contaminants, UBC significantly outperformed MBC (p 0.045). Considering the complete picture of cost savings, efficient detection of microorganisms and decrease in contaminations, UBC offers an interesting alternative to MBC.

Rate of intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke in the North-of-France region and evolution over time.

The proportion of patients with ischaemic stroke treated by intravenous (i.v.) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is an indicator of quality of stroke care. The objective of the study is to evaluate the rate of i.v. thrombolysis in the North-of-France region and its evolution over time. We determined the proportion of inhabitants treated by i.v. rt-PA in 2009-2010 (period A; 8 stroke units, no telemedicine) and 2012 (period B; population campaigns, 12 stroke units with telemedicine in 5). We used hospital registries from the 12 stroke units, and population-based data were collected in a subpopulation of 226,827 inhabitants (5.6% of the whole population). 1,563 inhabitants received i.v. rt-PA for stroke (period A: 835 in 24 months; period B: 728 in 12 months). Hospital and population data were similar. Annual rates of thrombolysis increased from 103 per million inhabitants [95% confidence interval (CI) 85-125] to 181 (95% CI 157-209; relative increase 76%, 95% CI 67-83%). This rate increased in 12 districts (significantly in 6), but the increase was greater in districts where new stroke units, telemedicine, or both were implemented. In conclusion, although the proportion of patients treated was already high in period A, there was still place for improvement. Implementation of new stroke units, extension of the telemedicine network and new population campaigns are necessary to improve the rate of thrombolysis in several areas, to ensure an equal access to treatment over the whole territory. The next step is now to determine whether this high rate of i.v. rt-PA delivery at the population level translates into clinical results.

Simplified stepwise management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax: a pilot study.

In primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) requiring intervention, removal of air from the pleural space can be achieved by manual needle aspiration or by pleural drainage after insertion of a chest tube. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a serial-steps approach with a single system (small-calibre catheter/Heimlich valve) in a homogeneous population of patients with a first episode of PSP. All patients had an 8.5 F distally multiperforated polyurethane pigtail catheter inserted via the anterior route, at the bedside without any guidance, using the Seldinger technique. A one-way Heimlich valve was connected to the catheter, allowing the air to flow spontaneously outwards for 24-48 h. Thereafter, if the lung failed to re-expand wall suction was applied. Patients with an air leak persisting for >4 days were referred for surgery. Primary end-points were success rates at 24 h and 1 week, and 1 yr recurrence-free survival. In total, 41 consecutive patients entered the study. They were typically thin, young, smoking males. No procedure-related complications were observed. The need for pain relief medication was minimal. Within the first 24 h, most of the patients were able to walk around and half of them were able to take a shower with their catheter in place. The 24-h and 1-week success rates were 61 and 85%, respectively, and the actuarial 1-yr recurrence rate was 24%. Four patients underwent surgical pleurodesis because of a persistent air leak. The length of stay when excluding the four surgical cases was 2.3+/-1.3 days. When 24-h and 1-week success rates and recurrence at 12 months were taken as end-points, the method described here is as effective as simple manual needle aspiration or a conventional chest tube thoracotomy. These results support further studies assessing this "one system, serial-steps approach" in an outpatient management algorithm.