[Quality of antibiotic (fluoroquinolons, aminosids and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid) prescription in a French teaching hospital]. / Qualité des prescriptions antibiotiques (fluoroquinolones, aminosides et amoxicilline-acide clavulanique); évaluation dans les secteurs de médecine d'un centre hospitalier universitaire.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the quality of prescription of fluoroquinolons, aminosids and amoxicillin-clavulanic acids in medicine departments. METHODS: Data on target antibiotic prescription were collected on a given day and confronted to local recommendations and literature guidelines. Evaluation of antibiotic therapy was done by assessing molecule choice, administration conditions (dosages, route and administration schedule, treatment duration), reassessment of treatments 48-72 h later, dose adaptation of aminosids depending on serum monitoring. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients were included and 67 "target" antibiotics were prescribed. Prevalence of antibiotic-treated patients was 24.4%, and 14.6% for "target" antibiotic-treated patients. Antibiotic choice was appropriate in 67% of prescriptions. Dosages were adequates in 94% of case and administration schedule in 97% of cases. The oral route administration as soon as possible was applied to half of patients. Treatment duration were respected for 94% of prescriptions. Reassessment of antibiotic therapy 48-72 h later was realized in 66% of cases. Dose adaptation of aminosids, when necessary, was realized on one third of cases. For all the quality criteria assessed, the overall frequency of prescription conformity was 44%. CONCLUSION: Large diffusion of protocols, systematic reassessment of treatments at 48-72 h, promotion of training sessions for new prescribers in the institution, reinforcing the function of medical correspondents in antibiotic therapy and infectiologists, periodic evaluation of antibiotic therapy, should improve the quality of antibiotic therapy.

[Management of a scabies epidemic in the Strasbourg teaching hospital, France]. / Gestion d'une épidémie de gale aux Hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg.

CONTEXT: An outbreak of scabies occurred in the geriatric department of the Strasbourg University Hospital in September 2005. The index case presented with hyperkeratosic scabies, an extremely contagious form. The epidemic spread to several wards and pavilions and also contaminated healthcare staff and patient's families. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to describe the outbreak, its progression, and the measures taken to eradicate it. METHODOLOGY: All healthcare workers, patients, and families affected in the outbreak were retrospectively studied, using medical prescriptions recorded by the hospital pharmacy, listings established by the occupational health department, and patient files. RESULTS: Two epidemic waves were recorded, between August 31 and December 16, 2005, affecting 51 patients and staff members in the geriatric department, with a total of 58 episodes of scabies, seven of which were recurrences. Three main measures were taken to eradicate the epidemic: setting up of "contact" isolation precautions, information for the affected individuals, and treatment of the infected patients associated to mass treatment of contact cases. The mass treatment was widely applied, involving 490 patients and 592 caregivers. All of these measures successfully curtailed the outbreak in 3 months. CONCLUSION: Rapid and radical action is essential to prevent extension of scabies within a community.