Evaluation of interleukin-8 levels in the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with haematological malignancies.

This study aimed to determine the level of interleukin (IL)-8 in diagnosing of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). We conducted this study with 50 controls and 25 IPA patients with haematological malignancies. Demographic data, haematological diagnoses, chemotherapy regimen, galactomannan level, fungal culture, and computed tomography findings of the patients were evaluated prospectively. IL-8 levels were studied with the ELISA method. The mean age of patients in the case group was 60.84 ± 15.38 years, while that of the controls was 58.38 ± 16.64 years. Of the patients, 2/25 were classified as having 'proven', 13/25 as 'probable', and 10/25 as 'possible' invasive aspergillosis (IA). Serum IL-8 levels were found to be significantly higher in the case group compared to the controls. There was a negative correlation between serum IL-8 levels and neutrophil counts and a positive correlation with the duration of neutropenia. A significant cutoff value for serum IL-8 parameter in detecting IPA disease was obtained as ≥274 ng/l; sensitivity was 72%; specificity was 64%; PPV was 50%; and NPV was 82%. In the subgroup analysis, there was no significant difference in serum IL-8 levels between the case group and the patients in the neutropenic control group, while a significant difference was found in with the patients in the non-neutropenic control group. Serum IL-8 levels in neutropenic patients who develop IPA are not adequate in terms of both the diagnosis of the disease and predicting mortality. New, easily applicable methods with high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing IPA are still needed.

Although a significant cutoff value for serum interleukin (IL)-8 was found in the diagnosis of IPA, there was no statistical difference in serum IL-8 when subgroup analysis was performed with neutropenic control patients. Therefore, serum IL-8 is not a successful marker in diagnosing neutropenic patients with IPA.

Predictive Value of the Modified Mehran Score for Contrast-Induced Nephropathy After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

Considering the increasing use of the transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedure, the relationship of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) with post-TAVI mortality has become important. The Mehran score was developed to detect the risk of CIN development after cardiac intervention. We aimed to compare the role of the modified Mehran score, which can be calculated pre-procedure, in predicting CIN development and compare it with the original Mehran score. We retrospectively collected data from TAVI procedures at our institution between December 2016 and June 2021; of 171 patients, 44 (25.7%) had CIN. We found no association between contrast media volume and CIN (387 ± 120 vs 418 ± 139 mL, P = .303). High and very high modified Mehran score and preoperative C-reactive protein (CRP) level were independent risk factors for CIN development after TAVI procedure. The area under curve (AUC) was .686 with 95% CI: .591-.780 and P < .001, and also, with a cut-off point of >7.5 points, there was 79.5% sensitivity and 63.0% specificity; otherwise, with a cut-off point of >9.5 points, there was 54.5% sensitivity and 71.7% specificity, for the modified Mehran score. The modified Mehran score comes into prominence compared with the original Mehran score since it can be calculated pre-procedure.

Efficacy and Safety of Direct-Acting Antivirals in Elderly Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C: A Nationwide Real-Life, Observational, Multicenter Study from Turkey.

BACKGROUND: The number and proportion of elderly patients living with chronic hepatitis C are expected to increase in the coming years. We aimed to compare the real-world efficacy and safety of direct-acting antiviral treatment in elderly and younger Turkish adults infected with chronic hepatitis C. METHODS: In this multicenter prospective study, 2629 eligible chronic hepatitis C patients treated with direct-acting antivirals between April 2017 and December 2019 from 37 Turkish referral centers were divided into 2 age groups: elderly (≥65 years) and younger adults (<65 years) and their safety was compared between 2 groups in evaluable population. Then, by matching the 2 age groups for demographics and pretreatment risk factors for a non-sustained virological response, a total of 1516 patients (758 in each group) and 1244 patients (622 in each group) from the modified evaluable population and per-protocol population were included in the efficacy analysis and the efficacy was compared between age groups. RESULTS: The sustained virological response in the chronic hepatitis C patients was not affected by the age and the presence of cirrhosis both in the modified evaluable population and per-protocol population (P = .879, P = .508 for modified evaluable population and P = .058, P = .788 for per-protocol population, respectively). The results of the per-protocol analysis revealed that male gender, patients who had a prior history of hepatocellular carcinoma, patients infected with non-genotype 1 hepatitis C virus, and patients treated with sofosbuvir+ribavirin had a significantly lower sustained virological response 12 rates (P < .001, P = .047, P = .013, and P = .025, respectively). CONCLUSION: Direct-acting antivirals can be safely used to treat Turkish elderly chronic hepatitis C patients with similar favorable efficacy and safety as that in younger adults.

Evaluation of Hepatitis B screening and reactivation in patients receiving rituximab containing chemotherapy: A single-centre study.

AIMS: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide distributing viral disease. Hepatitis caused by HBV reactivation may progress to chronic illness and associated with increased risk of hepatic failure and hepatocellular cancer. Rituximab (RTX) is an immunosuppressive agent, is particularly used in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Patients have significant risk for HBV reactivation following chemotherapy with a RTX-containing regimen. This study aimed to determine the HBV screening manner and reactivation rates in patients with haematological neoplasm following chemotherapy including Rituximab. METHODS: This is a single-centered retrospective cohort study. A total of 331 adults with haematological disorders who received chemotherapy regimen including RTX between years of 2006 and 2016 were enrolled. Patients who experienced reactivation were evaluated. RESULTS: Only 130 of 331 patients were screened appropriately for HBV infection for 10-year period. We found 18 patients were Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (+) and 16 (88.8%) of them received antiviral prophylaxis. Among screened patients, 27 were HBsAg (-)/AntiHBc (+) and only 10 (37%) of them received HBV prophylaxis. In total, nine patients experienced reactivation, six were from screened and three were from unscreened group. CONCLUSION: Incomplete screening and inappropriate prophylaxis may result in HBV reactivation in patients under RTX-based chemotherapy and related complications such as death.

Oxidative stress and antioxidant defense in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress is defined as a disturbance of balance between free radicals and antioxidant defense system. This study investigated oxidative stress in patients with chronic hepatitis B. METHODS: Sixty nine patients with chronic hepatitis B admitted to the Department of the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology of Medical Faculty of Ondokuz Mayis University were enrolled into study. Twenty healthy persons were included as a control group. The study group was divided into three groups: healthy controls (group 1), chronic hepatitis B (group 2), and inactive hepatitis B carriers (group 3). Antioxidant status of plasma, including glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, vitamin E, and vitamin C levels were measured. Carbonyl and lipid peroxidation levels were measured as parameters of oxidative stress. RESULTS: Glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, vitamin E, and vitamin C levels were found to be significantly decreased in the chronic hepatitis B group when compared with the control group (9.5 vs. 13.8, p < 0.05; 22.98 vs. 32.4, p < 0.05; 15.1 vs. 16.4, p < 0.05; 12.9 vs. 18.4, p < 0.05, respectively). Carbonyl and lipid peroxidation levels were significantly increased in the chronic hepatitis B group compared to controls (0.7 vs. 0.5, p < 0.05; 2 vs. 0.7, p < 0.05, respectively). However, whereas the glutathione and carbonyl level correlation with HBV DNA levels were mild to moderate (glutathione vs. HBV DNA, r:-0.288, p < 0.05; carbonyl vs. HBV DNA, r:0.317, p < 0.05), the lipid peroxidation levels were strongly related with HBV DNA levels in chronic hepatitis B (r:0.545, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress was significantly increased in hepatitis B patients. Consequently, decreases were seen at the level of protective antioxidative parameters in the blood of these patients.

[Investigation of the frequency of PER-1 type beta-lactamase and antimicrobial resistance rates in nosocomial isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa]. / Hastane Kaynakli Pseudomonas aeruginosa Izolatlarinda PER-1 Tipi Beta-Laktamaz Sikliginin ve Antibiyotiklere Direnç Oranlarinin Arastirilmasi

Pseudomonas aeruginosa which is a common cause of nosocomial infections, usually leads to treatment difficulties due to multi-drug resistance. PER-1 type extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria are shown to be common in Turkey. Since limited number of antibiotics such as antipseudomonal penicillins, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones and carbapenems are available for the treatment of P.aeruginosa infections, it is essential to monitor and eventually control the spread of antibiotic resistance genes. The aims of this study were to investigate the presence of PER-1 type ESBLs in nosocomial P.aeruginosa isolates and to evaluate their resistance to some commonly used antibiotics. A total of 110 P.aeruginosa strains isolated from clinical samples [40 urine, 26 exudate, 20 blood, 24 others (sputum, tracheal aspirate, tissue biopsy, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, conjunctiva)] of the inpatients who were proven to have nosocomial infections in Ondokuz Mayis University Faculty of Medicine Hospital between May 2002-June 2003 were included in the study. Identification of the isolates was performed by ATB system ID 32 GN (bio-Merieux, France). Antibiotic susceptibilities were detected by standard disk diffusion method and PER-1 type ESBL was searched by polymerase chain reaction using PER-1 and PER- 2 primers. PER-1 positivity was detected in 62 of 110 (56.4%) P.aeruginosa isolates and 51 of 65 (78.5%) ceftazidime-resistant strains. The highest susceptibility rate was detected for ciprofloxacin (76.4%), while the lowest susceptibility rate was for ticarcillin-clavulanic acid (22.7%). Rates of resistance to beta-lactam agents (excluding piperacillin/tazobactam), amikacin and gentamicin were statistically significantly higher for PER-1 positive strains than PER-1 negative ones. Resistance rates to ceftazidime, cefepime, aztreonam, piperacillin and ticarcillin-clavulanic acid in PER-1 positive isolates versus negative ones were as 82.3% vs. 29.2% (p< 0.01), 75.8% vs. 25% (p< 0.01), 83.9% vs. 30.4% (p< 0.01), 73.8% vs. 52.2% (p< 0.05), 85.5% vs. 66.7% (p< 0.05), respectively. Considering resistance rates to piperacillin-tazobactam and ciprofloxacin, PER-1 positive isolates versus negatives were 35.5% vs. 31.3%, and 19.4% vs. 29.2%, respectively, revealing no statistical significance (p> 0.05). As a result, PER-1 type ESBL frequency and beta- lactam and aminoglycoside resistance rates were found remarkably high in nosocomial P.aeruginosa strains isolated in our hospital. It was concluded that antibiotic resistance should be continously monitorized and necessary measures to prevent further increase in resistance should be promptly established.

Comparison of nosocomial candidemia of pediatric and adult cases in 2-years period at a Turkish university hospital.

OBJECTIVE: Although there are limited numerous reports of candidemia in adults, data on paediatrics are stil limeted. The aim of the present study was to compare the aetiology and risk factors of nosocomial candidemia among the paediatric and adults in our hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study includes the patients hospitalised and diagnosed as fungemia at Ondokuz Mayis University Hospital between June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2009 whose blood cultures sent to our microbiology laboratory. After fungal growth was observed in blood cultures, the yeast cells were inoculated onto Saboraud glucose agar. The colonies were identified by conventional yeast identification methods and ID 32C yeast identification system according to the manifacturer's instructions. RESULTS: During this period 51 paediatric and 69 adults were studied. The most common yeast form was Candida albicans (43.3%) followed by C. parapsilosis (25.0%) and C. tropicalis (17.5%). Although the non-albicans Candida species represent more than half (56.7%) of all candidemic cases C. albicans was the most common frequent etiologic agent. There was no statistically significant difference between patient age (paediatric and adult) and distribution of Candida species (p>0.05) Neoplasia (in adults) and prematurity (in paediatrics) were the main underlying diseases. Predisposing factors and mortality rates were not different among paediatrics and adults. CONCLUSION: We reinforce the necessity of continous epidomiologic surveillance to follow the dynamics of candidemia.

The value of neopterin and procalcitonin in patients with sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: Neopterin (NT) is a compound of low molecule-based pteridine. It is secreted by macrophages as a response to the stimulation of cytokines such as interferon-gamma, interferon-1beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha or bacteria compounds such as lipopolysaccharides. Procalcitonin (PCT) levels may increase in the course of bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections. Therefore, it can be used for the differential diagnosis of the infection, especially in cases of serious inflammation. In this study, the role of NT, and PCT in sepsis as a prognostic factor, and the relationship between the two parameters are examined. METHODS: From November 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005, fifty patients with sepsis admitted to the Department of the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology and/or Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided in two subgroups according to their survival: group I (n=23) nonsurviving patients and group II (n=27) surviving patients. RESULTS: Serum NT levels have been found to be increased in group I (median: 15 ng/mL, range: 2-69) when compared to group II (median: 5 ng/mL, range: 2-130). The difference was statistically significant (P=0.03). Other laboratory parameters and PCT levels (group I median: 0.13; group II median: 0.08; P<0.05) were not different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: NT was found to be a prognostic factor in patients with sepsis.

Comparison of the adherence of E.Coli and S. Aureus to ten different prosthetic mesh grafts: In vitro experimental study.

BACKGROUND: The prosthetic mesh grafts used to repair the abdominal wall may become infected, primarily by S. aureus and E. coli. This study sought to provide a rational basis for the choice of mesh used to repair a hernia when there is a likelihood of infection or contamination. METHODS: S. aureus and E. coli were incubated with ten types of prosthetic mesh graft (Table 1) in liquid growth medium. After sequential dilution of samples from the prosthetic mesh grafts, the colony forming units of adherent S. aureus and E. coli were counted. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the numbers of E. coli and S. aureus adherent to simple polypropylene mesh grafts. Significantly more of both species were adherent to the polyester, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and composite prosthetic mesh grafts, except for E. coli on graft 5. Significantly fewer E. coli were adherent to composite mesh grafts 5, 8, and 10 than S. aureus. CONCLUSION: S. aureus and E. coli adhere to polypropylene similarly. In vitro, fewer S. aureus and E. coli adhere to simple polypropylene mesh grafts than to polyester, ePTFE, or composite prosthetic mesh grafts.

The effect of aspirin on adherence of slime-producing, coagulase-negative staphylococci to vascular grafts.

In this study, we examined the adherence of slime-producing standard Staphylococcus epidermidis strain ATCC 12228 to Dacron and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts in in vitro medium either containing salicylate or not. Dacron and PTFE graft pieces of standard size were placed in trypticase soy broth either containing 5 mM acetylsalicylic acid solution or not. These soy broths also contained 1 x 10(7) colony-forming units/mL S. epidermidis ATCC 12228. The incubation period lasted for 18 hr at 37 degrees C. The bacteria on the graft were freed by vortexing. The obtained bacteria suspension was diluted serially. Afterward, the suspension was plated on 5% sheep blood agar and counted after overnight incubation. In this study, we demonstrate that aspirin of an ideal concentration (5 mM) decreased the adherence of slime-producing S. epidermidis strain to Dacron and PTFE grafts. The mean number of colonies was significantly lower for both Dacron and PTFE groups in salicylated medium. We believe that aspirin provided in the postoperative period can, by maintaining the ideal serum level, decrease graft infections emerging due to coagulase-negative staphylococcus.