Costs and resource utilization patterns in surgical site infections: a pre-COVID-19 perspective from France, Germany, Spain, and the UK.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs), mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, pose a significant economic burden in Europe, leading to increased hospitalization duration, mortality, and treatment costs, particularly with drug-resistant strains such as meticillin-resistant S. aureus. AIM: To conduct a case-control study on the economic impact of S. aureus SSI in adult surgical patients across high-volume centres in France, Germany, Spain, and the UK, aiming to assess the overall and procedure-specific burden across Europe. METHODS: The SALT study is a multinational, retrospective cohort study with a nested case-control analysis focused on S. aureus SSI in Europe. The study included participants from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK who underwent invasive surgery in 2016 and employed a micro-costing approach to evaluate health economic factors, matching S. aureus SSI cases with controls. FINDINGS: In 2016, among 178,904 surgical patients in five European countries, 764 developed S. aureus SSI. Matching 744 cases to controls, the study revealed that S. aureus SSI cases incurred higher immediate hospitalization costs (€8,810), compared to controls (€6,032). Additionally, S. aureus SSI cases exhibited increased costs for readmissions within the first year post surgery (€7,961.6 versus €5,298.6), with significant differences observed. Factors associated with increased surgery-related costs included the cost of hospitalization immediately after surgery, first intensive care unit (ICU) admission within 12 months, and hospital readmission within 12 months, as identified through multivariable analysis. CONCLUSION: The higher rates of hospitalization, ICU admissions, and readmissions among S. aureus SSI cases highlight the severity of these infections and their impact on healthcare costs, emphasizing the potential benefits of evidence-based infection control measures and improved patient care to mitigate the economic burden.

[Eosinophilia in pulmonary infections]. / Eosinophilie bei pulmonalen Infektionen.

Eosinophilia can be caused by a variety of diseases including allergies, autoimmune diseases, vasculitides, dermatoses, malignancies and drug-induced side effects as well as parasitic and non-parasitic infections. In patients returning from the tropics parasitic infections are the most frequent cause of eosinophilia. The extent of eosinophilia can provide information about the type of pathogen. The diagnostic approach to eosinophilia in travelers returning from the tropics primarily includes three stool examinations for worm eggs and, if necessary, serological tests for helminths. Additionally, a chest x­ray, an ultrasound of the abdomen and an electrocardiogram (ECG) provide information about organ involvement. Recently, specialized laboratories use molecular techniques (multiplex PCR) to detect worm eggs and intestinal parasites in the stool, which provide a significantly higher sensitivity than traditional stool examination techniques. Cryptococcosis, endemic systemic mycoses (coccidioidomycosis, very rarely histoplasmosis) and invasive mould infections (Aspergillus fumigatus, Mucor spp.) are non-parasitic causes of eosinophilia in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).

Impact of perioperative liver dysfunction on in-hospital mortality and long-term survival in infective endocarditis patients.

PURPOSE: Infective endocarditis (IE) is often associated with multiorgan dysfunction and mortality. The impact of perioperative liver dysfunction (LD) on outcome remains unclear and little is known about factors leading to postoperative LD. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, single-center analysis on 285 patients with left-sided IE without pre-existing chronic liver disease referred to our center between 2007 and 2013 for valve surgery. Sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score was used to evaluate organ dysfunction. Chi-square, Cox regression, and multivariate analyses were used for evaluation. RESULTS: Preoperative LD (Bilirubin >20 µmol/L) was present in 68 of 285 patients. New, postoperative LD occurred in 54 patients. Hypoxic hepatitis presented the most common origin of LD, accompanied with high short-term mortality. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients with preoperative and postoperative LD compared to patients without LD (51.5, 24.1, and 10.4%, respectively, p < 0.001). 5-year survival was worse in patients with pre- or postoperative LD compared to patients without LD (20.1, 37.1, and 57.0% respectively). A landmark analysis revealed similar 5-year survival between groups after patient discharge. Quality of life was similar between groups when patients survived the perioperative period. Logistic regression analysis identified duration of cardiopulmonary bypass and S. aureus infection as independent predictors of postoperative LD. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative liver dysfunction in patients with infective endocarditis is an independent predictor of short- and long-term mortalities. After surviving the hospital stay, 5-year prognosis is not different and quality of life is not affected by LD. S. aureus and duration of cardiopulmonary bypass represent risk factors for postoperative LD.

Effect of pre-operative octenidine nasal ointment and showering on surgical site infections in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of pre-operative octenidine (OCT) decolonization on surgical site infection (SSI) rates. DESIGN: Before-and-after cohort study. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing an elective isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure: control group (1st January to 31st December 2013), N=475; intervention group (1st January to 31st December 2014), N=428. INTERVENTIONS: The intervention consisted of nasal application of OCT ointment three times daily, beginning on the day before surgery, and showering the night before and on the day of surgery with OCT soap. RESULTS: A median sternotomy was performed in 805 (89.1%) patients and a minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass procedure was performed in 98 (10.9%) patients. Overall, there was no difference in SSI rates between the control and intervention groups (15.4% vs 13.3%, P=0.39). The rate of harvest site SSIs was significantly lower in patients in the intervention group (2.5% vs 0.5%, P=0.01). Patients who had undergone a median sternotomy in the intervention group had a significantly lower rate of organ/space sternal SSIs (1.9% vs 0.3%, P=0.04). However, there was a trend towards an increased rate of deep incisional sternal SSIs (1.2% vs 2.9%, P=0.08). Multi-variate analysis did not identify a significant protective effect of the intervention (odds ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.53-1.15, P=0.27). CONCLUSIONS: Pre-operative decolonization with OCT did not reduce overall SSI rates in patients undergoing an elective isolated CABG procedure, but significantly decreased harvest site and organ/space sternal SSIs. Randomized controlled trials, including controlled patient adherence to the intervention, are required to confirm these observations and to determine the clinical utility of OCT in pre-operative decolonization.

Placental Schistosoma haematobium infection in a German returnee from Malawi.

Schistosomiasis is a widespread helminthic infection which sometimes may affect travelers to endemic areas. We report on a case of urogenital and placental schistosomiasis in a 28-year-old German woman who had been exposed to schistosomiasis in Lake Malawi one year earlier. She experienced painless macrohaematuria in her 21st week of pregnancy. Cystoscopy revealed vesical lesions typical for urogenital schistosomiasis. Histopathology confirmed ova of Schistosoma (S.) haematobium. The patient was treated with praziquantel 40 mg/kg/body weight/day for 3 days. After 285 days of gestation and 18 weeks post treatment, the patient delivered a healthy girl. Histopathology of placenta revealed eggs of S. haematobium in placental stroma. The infant proved negative for anti-Schistosoma spp. antibodies at the age of 15 months. This is the first report on placental schistosomiasis since 1980 and the first case occurring in a traveler.

[Effectiveness of a hospital-wide educational programme for infection control to reduce the rate of health-care associated infections and related sepsis (ALERTS)--methods and interim results]. / Nutzen eines krankenhausweiten Infektionspräventions-Programmes zur Reduktion nosokomialer Infektionen und assoziierter Sepsisfälle (ALERTS)--Methodik und Zwischenergebnisse.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Health care associated infections (HAIs) are one of the most frequent complications of hospital care, associated with increased morbidity, mortality and considerable extra costs for the health care system. The overarching objective of the ALERTS study is to demonstrate the feasibility of a hospitalwide programme to reduce the burden of HAIs and related sepsis of at least 20 %. METHODS: Prospective, quasi-experimental study covering all acute care units (27 general wards, 4 ICUs, overall 809 beds) at Jena University Hospital. Surveillance for HAIs is performed by computerized antibiotic monitoring in patients with risk factors for HAIs (i. e. intravenous and urinary catheters, surgery) on a daily basis. Following the first surveillance period a multifaceted, pragmatic infection control programme, aimed at proper hand hygiene and bundles for the prevention of the four most common HAIs will be implemented. Subsequently, a second surveillance period lasting 18 months will be conducted to measure the effect of the infection control programme, starting in May 2013. RESULTS: Interim results for the first surveillance period (09/2011 to 08/2012) are presented. During this period, 30,631 patients were admitted to the participating departments. According to CDC definitions we identified 1,637 HAIs, resulting in an overall incidence of 5.3 %. Based on clinical evaluation only, irrespective of the CDC definitions, an additional 944 HAIs were detected (overall HAI rate, 8.4 % [n =2581]). A substantial proportion of patients had HAI associated severe sepsis or septic shock (lower respiratory tract infection, n = 279 [37 %]; surgical site infection, n = 114 [25 %]; primary sepsis, n = 110 [32 %]; urinary tract infection, n = 46 [8 %]; other, n = 87 [22 %]). CONCLUSION: Our numbers reveal that a high number of HAIs are missed using CDC-definitions and therefore the magnitude of the problem might be underestimated. Furthermore, a high percentage of HAIs progress from localized infection to severe sepsis or septic shock, requiring ICU treatment.

[Treatment of not-with cystic fibrosis associated forms bronchiectasis (non-CF bronchiectasis)]. / Behandlung nicht mit zystischer Fibrose assoziierter Bronchiektasen (Non-CF-Bronchiektasen).

Bronchiectasis has become more rarely because of the development of antibiotic therapy and vaccination. At present the great majority of bronchiectasis is more likely caused by congenital disorders than by infective reasons. Therapeutic strategies based on the experiences from cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are not always conferrable to patients suffering from bronchiectasis. There are not enough controlled studies to give evidence-based recommendations in the treatment of bronchiectasis, which are not associated with cystic fibrosis. Goals in the treatment are improvement of the mucociliar clearance, the therapy of infections and treatment of inflammation. Currently several agents are under examination. To improve the prognosis and therapy options it would be reasonable to build up a national register for patients with bronchiectasis.

[Cystic fibrosis in adults]. / Mukoviszidose im Erwachsenenalter.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common autosomal-recessive inherited disease, which often results in premature death. Due to treatment advances, life expectancy has however continuously improved in recent years. Currently about half of all patients are adults. There are also "atypical" variants of CF with symptoms occurring in late adulthood. CF is caused by a mutation in the gene coding for a chloride ion channel, known as the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). This mutation results in abnormally viscous mucosal secretions, leading to multi-organ disease with particular emphasis in the respiratory and digestive tracts. Impaired mucociliary clearance results in bacterial colonization of the airways (e. g. Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and consequently in chronic pulmonary inflammation, inevitably leading to progressive bronchiectasis and combined ventilatory disorders. Typical acute complications are infective exacerbations - the most frequent cause of death in cystic fibrosis - along with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, haemoptyses and pneumothoraces. Involvement of the gastrointestinal tract generally manifests as exo- and later endocrine pancreatic insufficiency with diabetes mellitus, malabsorption and sometimes biliary liver cirrhosis. Typical acute complications are pancreatitis and ileus. The article describes epidemiology and pathophysiology of CF and focuses on the signs and symptoms, as well as the diagnostic and multi-modal therapeutic strategies used in adult patients.

Indicators for steroid response in biopsy proven acute graft rejection after lung transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: Acute rejection (AR) after lung transplantation (LTx) requires prompt intervention. Most episodes respond to steroid pulse therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical indicators for non-response to steroid treatment in biopsy proven AR after the early postoperative period. METHODS: We prospectively analysed 85 patients more than 6 months after LTx with symptomatic biopsy proven AR (>or=grade A1) from Jan. 2005 until Nov. 2007 in a single centre. In 47 patients, AR was steroid-sensitive (group 1), 38 patients did not respond to steroid pulse therapy (group 2). All AR episodes were associated with clinical symptoms. Fifty-seven (67%) were low-grade rejections (ISHLT A1). RESULTS: Independent clinical predictors for steroid response vs. non-steroid response in biopsy proven AR were "days after transplantation" (p=0.01, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.2), "decline in home spirometry slope" (p=0.03, HR 0.97), "adherence to home spirometry" (p=0.05, HR 0.98) and "serum CRP" (p=0.02, HR 0.87). Eight patients (21%) of group 2 developed BOS during the following 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Early detection of deterioration in graft function seems to be crucial for effective treatment of AR. Home spirometry seems to be useful in detecting early changes in graft function and surveillance protocols could be potentially helpful in predicting patients likely to demonstrate a steroid response.

Prognostic value of blood gas analyses in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Blood gas abnormalities in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) may be related to disease severity and prognosis. The present authors performed a 12-yr retrospective analysis assessing arterialised capillary blood gases, haemodynamics, exercise variables and survival in 101 patients with IPAH. At baseline, arterial oxygen tension (P(a,O(2))) and carbon dioxide arterial tension (P(a,CO(2))) were 9.17+/-1.86 and 4.25+/-0.532 kPa, respectively. While P(a,O(2) )was not associated with survival, a low P(a,CO(2 ))was a strong and independent prognostic marker. When patients were divided according to a baseline P(a,CO(2 ))value above or below 4.25 kPa, a cut-off value determined by receiver operating characteristics analysis, survival rates were 98 and 86% at 1 yr, 82 and 69% at 2 years, 80 and 51% at 3 yrs, 77 and 41% at 5 yrs, and 65 and 12% at 8 yrs, respectively. P(a,CO(2 ))after 3 months of medical therapy was strongly associated with survival. Hypocapnia at rest and during exercise correlated with low cardiac output, low peak oxygen uptake and reduced ventilatory efficacy. Multiple regression analysis revealed that 6-min walking distance, right atrial pressure and P(a,CO(2 ))were independently associated with survival. In patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension, hypocapnia (carbon dioxide arterial tension <4.25 kPa) is an independent marker of mortality.

Reduced spontaneous apoptosis in peripheral blood neutrophils during exacerbation of COPD.

A major feature of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the accumulation of activated neutrophils in the bronchial tree. This phenomenon can be explained by an increased migration and/or by a prolonged survival due to an inhibition of spontaneous apoptosis. The aim of this study was to assess the apoptotic behaviour of peripheral blood neutrophils in COPD patients during an acute exacerbation. Thirty-six hospitalised COPD patients with an acute exacerbation and 10 healthy volunteers were included. Blood samples were obtained at admission, after 3-5 days and at discharge. Spontaneous apoptosis of isolated neutrophils was measured based on Annexin V-PE binding and nuclear morphology after culturing for 18 h. At admission, significantly lower rates of spontaneous apoptosis were noted in COPD patients compared with healthy volunteers (mean +/- SD 31 +/- 13% versus 44 +/- 18%). The mean percentages of apoptotic neutrophils were 31 +/- 13% at admission, 39 +/- 15% after 3-5 days and 47 +/- 18% at discharge. There was a statistically significant difference between the rates of spontaneous apoptosis on the first day and at discharge. Neither forced expiratory volume in one second < 35% predicted, smoking habit, corticosteroid therapy nor evidence of bacterial infection showed any influence on the spontaneous apoptosis in this study. In conclusion, during acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, neutrophil granulocytes show a reduced spontaneous apoptosis that increases progressively after treatment and clinical remission. This raises the question of the importance of neutrophil apoptosis in the development and resolution of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.