Procalcitonin to reduce exposure to antibiotics and individualise treatment in hospitalised old patients with pneumonia: a randomised study.

BACKGROUND: Treating pneumonia in old patients remains challenging for clinicians. Moreover, bacterial antimicrobial resistance is a major public health threat. OBJECTIVE: The PROPAGE study evaluated the interest of a strategy using serial measurements of procalcitonin (PCT) to reduce the duration of antibiotic therapy in old patients with pneumonia. METHODS: PROPAGE took place from Dec.-2013 to Jun.-2016 in eight French geriatric units. It was a prospective, comparative, randomised, open-label study involving old patients (≥ 80 years) who had initiated antibiotic treatment for pneumonia in the previous 48 h. PCT was monitored in all patients and two decision-making PCT-based algorithms guided antibiotic therapy in patients from the PCT group. RESULTS: 107 patients were randomised (PCT, n = 50; Control, n = 57). Antibiotic therapy exposure was reduced in the PCT group as compared to the Control group (median duration of antibiotic therapy, 8 vs. 10 days [rank-test, p = 0.001]; antibiotic persistence rates on Days 6 and 8, 54% and 44% vs. 91% and 72%) and no significant difference was found in recovery rate (84% vs. 89.5%; Pearson Chi² test, p = 0.402). CONCLUSION: Although, the superiority of the strategy was not tested using a composite criterion combining antibiotic therapy duration and recovery rate was not tested due to the small sample size, the present study showed that monitoring associated with PCT-guided algorithm could help shorten antibiotic treatment duration in the very old patients without detrimental effects. Measuring PCT levels between Day 4 and Day 6 could be helpful when making the decision regarding antibiotic discontinuation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02173613. This study was first registered on 25/06/2014.

Tolerance of subcutaneously administered antibiotics: a French national prospective study.

Background/ Objective: Although poorly documented, subcutaneous (SC) administration of antibiotics is common practice in France especially in Geriatrics Departments. The aim of this study was to determine the tolerance of such a practice. Design: Prospective observational multicentre study. Methods: Sixty-six physicians accepted to participate from 50 French Infectious Diseases and Geriatrics Departments. From May to September 2014, patients treated at least one day with SC antibiotics could be included. Modalities of subcutaneous administration, occurrence of local and systemic adverse effects (AE) and clinical course were collected until the end of the treatment. Results: Two hundred-nineteen patients (83.0 [19­104] yo) were included. Ceftriaxone (n = 163, 74.4%), and ertapenem (n = 30, 13.7%) were the most often prescribed antibiotics. The SC route was mainly used because of poor venous access (65.3%) and/or palliative care (32.4%). Fifty patients (22.8%) experienced at least one local AE that led to an increased hospital stay for two patients (4.0%) and a discontinuation of the SC infusion in six patients (12.0%). A binary logistic regression for multivariate analysis identified the class of antibiotic (p = 0.002) especially teicoplanin and the use of rigid catheter (p = 0.009) as factors independently associated with AE. In over 80% of cases, SC antibiotics were well tolerated and associated with clinical recovery. Conclusions: SC administration of antibiotics leads to frequent but local and mild AE. Use of non-rigid catheter appears to be protective against AE. As it appears to be a safe alternative to the intravenous route, more studies are needed regarding efficacy and pharmacokinetics.

Systemic inflammatory and autoimmune manifestations associated with myelodysplastic syndromes and chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia: a French multicentre retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: We describe myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)-associated systemic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (SIADs), their treatments and outcomes and the impact of SIADs on overall survival in a French multicentre retrospective study. METHODS: In this study, 123 patients with MDS and SIADs were analysed. RESULTS: Mean age was 70 years (s.d. 13) and the male:female ratio was 2. The SIADs were systemic vasculitis in 39 (32%) cases, CTD in 31 (25%) cases, inflammatory arthritis in 28 (23%) cases, a neutrophilic disorder in 12 (10%) cases and unclassified in 13 cases (11%). The SIADs fulfilled the usual classification criteria in 75 (66%) cases, while complete criteria were not reached in 21 (19%) cases. A significant association was shown between chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) and systemic vasculitis (P = 0.0024). One hundred and eighteen (96%) SIAD patients were treated (91% with steroids), with an 83% response to first-line treatment, including 80% for steroids alone. A second-line treatment for SIADs was required for steroid dependence or relapse in 48% of cases. The effect of MDS treatment on SIADs could be assessed in 11 patients treated with azacytidine and SIAD response was achieved in 9/11 (80%) and 6/11 (55%) patients at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Compared with 665 MDS/CMML patients without SIADs, MDS/CMML patients with SIADs were younger (P < 0.01), male (P = 0.03), less often had refractory anaemia with ring sideroblasts (P < 0.01), more often had a poor karyotype (16% vs 11%, P = 0.04) and less frequently belonged to low and intermediate-1 International Prognostic Scoring System categories, but no survival difference was seen between patients with MDS-associated SIADs and without SIADs (P = 0.5). CONCLUSION: The spectrum of SIADs associated to MDS is heterogeneous, steroid sensitive, but often steroid dependent.

Adalimumab for steroid sparing in patients with giant-cell arteritis: results of a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of adding a 10-week treatment of adalimumab to a standardised treatment with corticosteroids on the ability to taper more rapidly corticosteroid doses in patients with newly diagnosed giant cell arteritis (GCA). METHODS: Patients included in this double-blind, multicentre controlled trial were randomly assigned to receive a 10-week subcutaneous treatment of adalimumab 40 mg every other week or placebo in addition to a standard prednisone regimen (starting dose 0.7 mg/kg per day). The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients in remission on less than 0.1 mg/kg of prednisone at week 26. Analysis was performed by intention to treat (ITT). RESULTS: Among the 70 patients enrolled (adalimumab, n=34; placebo, n=36), 10 patients did not receive the scheduled treatment, seven in the adalimumab and three in the placebo group. By ITT, the number of patients achieving the primary endpoint was 20 (58.9%) and 18 (50.0%) in the adalimumab and placebo arm, respectively (p=0.46). The decrease in prednisone dose and the proportion of patients who were relapse free did not differ between the two groups. Serious adverse events occurred in five (14.7%) patients on adalimumab and 17 (47.2%) on placebo, including serious infections in three patients on adalimumab and five on placebo. Two patients died in the placebo arm (septic shock and cancer) and one in the adalimumab group (pneumonia). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with newly diagnosed GCA, adding a 10-week treatment of adalimumab to prednisone did not increase the number of patients in remission on less than 0.1 mg/kg of corticosteroids at 6 months. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT00305539.

Aminoglycosides use in patients over 75 years old.

OBJECTIVE: to describe aminoglycoside use and nephrotoxicity in patients older than 75 years. DESIGN: retrospective multicenter study. SETTING: hospital department, rehabilitation, long-term care center. POPULATION: patients ≥75 years old treated by aminoglycosides. RESULTS: 184 patients, mean age: 84.4 years (range: 75-101). One hundred and twenty-seven patients received other nephrotoxic drug(s). Gentamicin (70%) and amikacin (30%) were used and the once-daily dosing was preferred (92%). Average treatment period was 2.75 (1-10) days for amikacin and 4.4 (1-30) for gentamicin with average dosage 13.5 and 3.5 mg/kg/day, respectively. The monitoring of maximal plasmatic concentration (Cmax) was done in 37 patients, 9 of them had probabilistic treatment. Only one had a Cmax fulfilling the objective of French recommendations (gentamicin >30 mg/l, amikacin >60 mg/l). When infection was documented, the objective of Cmax >10 × minimal inhibitory concentration of the strain was reached for 27%. Minimal plasmatic concentration was checked in 38% of cases, with adequate value (gentamicin <0.5 mg/l, amikacin <2.5 mg/l) for 37%. At the end of aminoglycoside course, 40 patients increased their serum creatinine >25% of the baseline value. In multivariate analysis, this was associated with treatment length ≥3 days and concomitant use of nephrotoxic drugs. CONCLUSION: aminoglycosides dosing used in elderly patients probably need therapeutic drug monitoring and dose adjustment. Aminoglycosides are used to treat severe infections. One of the most important side effects is nephrotoxicity in oldest patients. To minimise nephrotoxicity, short treatments are necessary and avoiding others nephrotoxic drugs could be relevant.

Tuberculosis in the Elderly.

The tuberculosis (TB) epidemic is most prevalent in the elderly, and there is a progressive increase in the notification rate with age. Most cases of TB in the elderly are linked to the reactivation of lesions that have remained dormant. The awakening of these lesions is attributable to changes in the immune system related to senescence. The mortality rate from tuberculosis remains higher in elderly patients. Symptoms of active TB are nonspecific and less pronounced in the elderly. Diagnostic difficulties in the elderly are common in many diseases but it is important to use all possible techniques to make a microbiological diagnosis. Recognising frailty to prevent loss of independence is a major challenge in dealing with the therapeutic aspects of elderly patients. Several studies report contrasting data about poorer tolerance of TB drugs in this population. Adherence to antituberculosis treatment is a fundamental issue for the outcome of treatment. Decreased completeness of treatment was shown in older people as well as a higher risk of treatment failure.

The Health Professional's View on the Inclusion of Age in the Recommendations for Pneumococcal Vaccination: Results of a Cross-Sectional Survey in France.

Elderly people are at high risk for pneumococcal infections. However, older age is not an eligibility factor for pneumococcal vaccination in France. Adults with certain co-morbidities or immunocompromised states are eligible for vaccination, which leaves adults aged ≥65 years without comorbidities at-risk for pneumococcal infections. The objective of the study was to evaluate the acceptability to healthcare professionals (HCPs) of extending pneumococcal vaccination to all individuals ≥65 years. Based on themes identified in semi-structured interviews with 24 HCPs, a representative sample of 500 general practitioners and pharmacists were surveyed about their knowledge, attitudes and beliefs with respect to pneumococcal vaccination for individuals ≥65 years. Current recommendations for pneumococcal vaccination are poorly understood by participants (mean score: 5.8/10). Respondents were generally supportive of inclusion of age in vaccination recommendations (7.5/10), with 58% being very supportive. For 72% of HCPs, this would contribute to improved vaccination coverage. The strategy could be facilitated by associating pneumococcal vaccination with the influenza vaccination campaign (8.3/10). Pharmacists were favourable to participating in pneumococcal vaccination (8.5/10). In conclusion, extension of pneumococcal vaccination to all people aged ≥65 years would be welcomed by HCPs, simplifying identification of patients to be vaccinated and potentially improving vaccination coverage.

[Myasthenia gravis in the elderly: diagnosis, comorbidity and course: 45 cases]. / Myasthénie du sujet âgé: diagnostic, comorbidité et évolution: à propos de 45 cas.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the clinical presentation, laboratory indicators, and outcome of patients with late-onset myasthenia gravis (after 60 years). METHOD: This retrospective cohort design with prospective follow-up included 45 patients with late-onset myasthenia gravis diagnosed in hospitals in Avignon, Montpellier, and Nimes between 1993 and 2000. Prospective data collection of their subsequent course took place in 2001. RESULTS: Median age at onset was 72 years and median follow-up 35.5 months. Initial symptoms were ocular (38/45, 95%) and bulbar (31/45, 69%). Initial Osserman grades were distributed as follows: 10 grade I, 2 grade IIA, 25 grade IIB, 8 grade III and no grade IV. Anticholinesterase antibodies were positive in 39 patients (91%), response to anticholinesterase positive in 31/33 (94%), and electrophysiological abnormalities observed in 20/33 (61%). Thoracic computed tomography, performed in 42 patients (93%), found thymic abnormalities in 7. At least one comorbid disease was diagnosed in 41/43 patients (93%) and an autoimmune disorder in 18/43 (42%). In all, 42 patients (93%) received anticholinesterase and 36 (80%) immunosuppressive therapy. Sixteen patients (36%) died during follow-up, 8 of causes directly related to the myasthenia gravis. The relative risk of death estimated by odds ratios (OR) was highest for patients with comorbid cancer (OR 8.6 [1.8-40.6]) and those with the highest Osserman scores: grades I-II OR: 0.05 [0.01-0.29] versus grades III-IV OR: 15.5 [2.9-83.0]. CONCLUSION: Late-onset myasthenia gravis is specific in many aspects (presentation, autoimmune and other comorbid conditions, and course) that require attentive care.

[Early indicators of prolonged hospitalization of the elderly: pilot study at Strasbourg University Hospital]. / Indicateurs précoces de durée de séjour prolongée chez les sujets âgés: étude pilote réalisée au CHRU de Strasbourg.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify early indicators of prolonged hospital stays by elderly patients. METHODS: This prospective pilot study, conducted at Strasbourg University Hospital, included patients aged 75 years or older who were hospitalized via the emergency department (SAFES cohort: Sujet Agé Fragile: Evaluation et suivi, that is, Frail Elderly Subjects: Evaluation and Follow-up). A gerontologic evaluation of these patients during the first week of their hospitalization furnished the data for an exact logistic regression. Two definitions were used for prolonged hospitalization: 30 days and a composite number adjusted for diagnosis-related group according to the French classification (f-DRG). RESULTS: The analysis examined 137 hospitalizations. More than two thirds of the patients were women (73%), with a mean age of 84 years. Twenty-four hospitalizations (17%) lasted more than 30 days, but only 6 (4%) lasted beyond the DRG-adjusted limit. No social or demographic variables appeared to affect the length of stay, regardless of the definition of prolonged stay. No indicator was associated with the 30-day limit, but clinical markers were linked to prolongation assessed by f-DRG adjustment. A "risk of malnutrition" (OR=14.07) and "mood disorders" (OR=2,5) were both early markers for prolonged hospitalization. Although not statistically significant, "walking difficulties" (OR=2.72) and "cognitive impairment" (OR=5.03) appeared to be associated with prolonged stays. No association was seen with either the variables measured by Katz's Activities of Daily Living Index or its course during hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that when generally recognized indicators of frailty are taken into account, a set of simple items enables a predictive approach to the prolongation of emergency hospitalizations of the elderly.

Evaluation of prescription along three health-care periods in the elderly.

Polypharmacy, potentially inappropriate prescriptions and inadequate coordination between prescribers are among main factors explaining the occurrence of adverse drug events in elderly patients. Prospective and descriptive study of medication prescriptions for elderly patients during a continuous period of health-care: entry in an acute geriatric unit (T1), at discharge (T2) and two months after hospitalization (T3). A global iatrogenic risk was defined: presence of poly-pharmacy and/or PPI (Laroche criteria) and/or absence of quality indicators for prescription according to the French health authority. For the 79 patients (mean age 87), mean number of medication decreased from 7.33 (T1) to 6 (T2) (p=0.0018) and 6 (T3). Number of quality indicators for prescription improved from 6.67 (T1) to 6.92 (T2) (p=0.001) then decreased to 6.84 (T3). Number of PPI decreased from 1.16 to 0.42 between T1 and T2 (p=0.001) then increased to 0.59 at T3. The global iatrogenic risk indicator fluctuated from 80% (T1) to 64% (T2) and 75% (T3). Selected interventions were developed to prevent adverse drug events during hospitalization and ambulatory follow-up. If geriatric intervention can enhance quality of prescription, iatrogenic risk remains frequent all along health-care follow-up. A local study of prescriptions can be a first step to develop an adequate program for adverse drug events prevention.

Cogan syndrome: Characteristics, outcome and treatment in a French nationwide retrospective study and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Cogan syndrome is mainly treated with steroids. We aimed to determine the place of DMARDs and biologic-targeted treatments. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a French nationwide retrospective study of patients with Cogan syndrome (n=40) and a literature review of cases (n=22) and analyzed the efficacy of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) antagonists. RESULTS: We included 62 patients (31 females) (median age 37years [range 2-76]. At diagnosis, 61 patients (98%) had vestibulo-auditory symptoms, particularly bilateral hearing loss in 41% and deafness in 31%. Ocular signs were present in 57 patients (92%), with interstitial keratitis in 31 (51%). The first-line treatment consisted of steroids alone (n=43; 70%) or associated with other immunosuppressive drugs (n=18; 30%). Overall, 13/43 (30%) and 4/18 (22%) patients with steroids alone and with associated immunosuppressive drugs, respectively (p=0.8), showed vestibulo-auditory response; 32/39 (82%) and 15/19 (79%) ocular response; and 23/28 (82%) and 10/14 (71%) general response. Overall 61 patients had used a total of 126 lines of treatment, consisting of steroids alone (n=51 lines), steroids with DMARDs (n=65) and infliximab (n=10). Vestibulo-auditory response was significantly more frequent with infliximab than DMARDs or steroids alone (80% vs 39% and 35%, respectively), whereas ocular, systemic and acute-phase reactant response rates were similar. Infliximab was the only significant predictor of vestibulo-auditory improvement (odds ratio 20.7 [95% confidence interval 1.65; 260], p=0.019). CONCLUSION: Infliximab could lead to vestibulo-auditory response in DMARDS and steroid-refractory Cogan syndrome, but prospective studies are necessary.

[Evaluation of self-medication by scuba divers]. / Evaluation de la pratique de l'automédication chez les plongeurs en scaphandre autonome.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate drug use amongst French scuba divers. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 220 people, out of which 106 responded. RESULTS: Fifteen percent of respondents were receiving long-term medication whereas 60.33% of respondents reported taking medication only occasionally when diving. Thirty-seven percent of respondents were taking prescribed medicines. Drugs consumed occasionally included analgesics (43.5%), corticosteroids (14.5%) and antiemetics. A detailed study of aspirin and steroid consumption revealed their misuse for performance-enhancing purposes, the level of risk varying with the type of diving activity. The influence of drug use on personal performance was recognised by 72.6% of divers, but only 59.4% considered that they were putting themselves at risk by self-medicating.

[Professional's expectations to improve quality of care and social services utilization in geriatric oncology]. / Attentes des professionnels hospitaliers impliqués dans la prise en charge globale en oncogériatrie.

BACKGROUND: Coordination of a multidisciplinary and multi-professional intervention is a key issue in the management of elderly cancer patients to improve health status and quality of life. Optimizing the links between professionals is needed to improve care planning, health and social services utilization. METHODS: Descriptive study in a French University Hospital. A 6-item structured questionnaire was addressed to professionals involved in global and supportive cares of elderly cancer patients (name, location, effective health care and services offered, needs to improve the quality of their intervention). After the analysis of answers, definition of propositions to improve cares and services utilization. RESULTS: The 37 respondents identified a total of 166 needs to improve quality of care in geriatric oncology. Major expectations were concerning improvement of global/supportive cares and health care services utilization, a better coordination between geriatric teams and oncologists. Ten propositions, including a model of in-hospital health care planning, were defined to answer to professional's needs with the aim of optimizing cancer treatment and global cares. CONCLUSION: Identification of effective services and needs can represent a first step in a continuous program to improve quality of cares, according to the French national cancer plan 2014-2019. It allows federating professionals for a coordination effort, a better organization of the clinical activity in geriatric oncology, to optimize clinical practice and global cares.

Treatment of systemic necrotizing vasculitides in patients aged sixty-five years or older: results of a multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial of corticosteroid and cyclophosphamide-based induction therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate a new therapeutic strategy, with rapid corticosteroid dose tapering and limited cyclophosphamide (CYC) exposure, for older patients with systemic necrotizing vasculitides (SNVs; polyarteritis nodosa [PAN], granulomatosis with polyangiitis [Wegnener's] [GPA], microscopic polyangiitis [MPA], or eosinophilic GPA [Churg-Strauss] [EGPA]). METHODS: A multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial comprising patients ≥65 years old and newly diagnosed as having SNV was conducted. The experimental treatment consisted of corticosteroids for ∼9 months and a maximum of six 500-mg fixed-dose intravenous (IV) CYC pulses, every 2-3 weeks, then maintenance azathioprine or methotrexate. The control treatment included ∼26 months of corticosteroids for all patients, combined with 500 mg/m(2) IV CYC pulses, every 2-3 weeks until remission, then maintenance for all patients with GPA or MPA and for those with EGPA or PAN with a Five-Factors Score (FFS) of ≥1. Randomization used a 1:1 ratio computer-generated list and was performed centrally with sealed opaque envelopes. The primary outcome measure was ≥1 serious adverse event (SAE) occurring within 3 years of followup. Secondary outcome measures included remission and relapse rates. RESULTS: Among the 108 patients randomized, 4 were excluded (early consent withdrawal or protocol violation). Mean ± SD age at diagnosis was 75.2 ± 6.3 years. Analysis at 3 years included 53 patients (21 GPA, 21 MPA, 8 EGPA, and 3 PAN) in the experimental arm and 51 patients (15 GPA, 23 MPA, 6 EGPA, and 7 PAN) in the conventional arm. In total, 32 (60%) versus 40 (78%) had ≥1 SAE (P = 0.04), most frequently infections; 6 (11%) versus 7 (14%) failed to achieve remission (P = 0.71); 9 (17%) versus 12 (24%) died (P = 0.41); and 20 (44%) of 45 versus 12 (29%) of 41 survivors in remission experienced a relapse (P = 0.15). CONCLUSION: For older SNV patients, an induction regimen limiting corticosteroid exposure and with fixed low-dose IV CYC pulses reduces SAEs in comparison to conventional therapy, and does not affect the remission rate. Three-year relapse rates remain high for both arms.

Inflammatory arthritis in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes: a multicenter retrospective study and literature review of 68 cases.

We describe the characteristics and outcome of inflammatory arthritis in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in a French multicenter retrospective study. Twenty-two patients with MDS (median age, 77.5 yr [interquartile range, 69-81]; 10 women) were included. Inflammatory arthritis presented as polyarthritis in 17 cases (77%) and with symmetric involvement in 15 cases (68%). At diagnosis, the median disease activity score 28 based on C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) was 4.5 [2-6.5]. Two patients had anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), and 1 had radiologic erosions. The median time between the diagnoses of arthritis and MDS was 10 months [6-42], with a median articular symptom duration of 3 months [2-8]. The diagnosis of both diseases was concomitant in 6 cases (27%); arthritis preceded MDS in 12 cases (55%), and occurred after MDS in 4 (18%). While the number of swollen and tender joints significantly decreased during follow-up, as did the median DAS28-CRP (from 4.3 [3.8-4.6] at baseline to 2.9 [1.75-3.3]; p < 0.05), CRP remained elevated (CRP >20 mg/L) in 8 patients (42%). Nevertheless, radiographic progression and new ACPA positivity were not observed during a median follow-up of 29 months [9-76]. While most of the patients were treated with steroids (n = 16) for arthritis, additional treatment was administered in only 4 patients (hydroxychloroquine, n = 2; sulfasalazine [Salazopyrin] and etanercept, n = 1, respectively). Eleven patients died during follow-up from acute myeloid leukemia (n = 5); infections (n = 3); or cerebral bleeding, cardiorespiratory failure, or undetermined cause (n = 1, respectively). Inflammatory arthritis associated with MDS can have various presentations and is often seronegative and nonerosive. Steroids alone are the most common treatment in MDS-associated arthritis, but that treatment is insufficient to control arthritis. Steroid-sparing strategies need to be identified.

[Adequacy to the recommendations in urinary tract infections: a multicenter transversal survey in hospitalized patients aged over 75 years]. / Suivi des recommandations dans l'infection urinaire : étude transversale multicentrique chez le sujet âgé hospitalisé de plus de 75 ans.

UNLABELLED: French diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations about UI were built-up in 2008. We studied clinician's practices and evaluated the adequacy to the recommendations in hospitalized patients aged over 75 years. METHOD: Multicenter survey in acute care of geriatric, internal medicine and infectious disease wards. During one week, all positive urine cultures of patients over 75 were reported to the local investigator who had to fill out a questionnaire. The data specified the final diagnosis: cystitis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis, or colonization, the antibiotic treatment, the re-evaluation after 72 hours of treatment, the association with another infectious diagnosis and the radiological examinations performed. RESULTS: 241 questionnaires were collected from 48 wards. Colonization, cystitis, pyelonephritis and prostatitis were diagnosed respectively in 42, 27, 20 and 11% of urine cultures. In 48% of cystitis cases, the duration of treatment was inadequate. In 77% cases of pyelonephritis, the antibiotic was adapted to the recommendations, but 44% of patients had no further radiological examination. In cases of prostatitis antibiotic therapy was adequate in 74% of cases but often with a non-conform duration of treatment (56%) and absence of further radiographic examination (70%). The reassessment of the treatment at day 3 ranged from 63 to 88%. In 26% of UI diagnosis, another associated infection was described, mainly bronchopneumonia (56%). CONCLUSION: Progress is needed to optimize treatment revaluation at 72 hours and adequate duration of treatment. The association of UI and bronchopneumonia is questionable. More specific recommendations would probably be useful to optimize the management of UI in the elderly.

A short-term, multicomponent infection control program in nursing homes: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of a hygiene-encouragement program on reducing infection rates (primary end point) by 5%. DESIGN: A cluster randomized study was carried out over a 5-month period. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: Fifty nursing homes (NHs) with 4345 beds in France were randomly assigned by stratified-block randomization to either a multicomponent intervention (25 NHs) or an assessment only (25 NHs). INTERVENTION: The multicomponent intervention was targeted to caregivers and consisted of implementing a bundle of infection prevention consensual measures. Interactive educational meetings using a slideshow were organized at the intervention NHs. The NHs were also provided with color posters emphasizing hand hygiene and a kit that included hygienic products such as alcoholic-based hand sanitizers. Knowledge surveys were performed periodically and served as reminders. MEASUREMENTS: The primary end point was the total infection rate (urinary, respiratory, and gastrointestinal infections) in those infection cases classified either as definite or probable. Analyses corresponded to the underlying design and were performed according to the intention-to-treat principle. This study was registered (#NCT01069497). RESULTS: Forty-seven NHs (4515 residents) were included and followed. The incidence rate of the first episode of infection was 2.11 per 1000 resident-days in the interventional group and 2.15 per 1000 resident-days in the control group; however, the difference between the groups did not reach statistical significance in either the unadjusted (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 1.00 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89-1.13]; P = .93]) or the adjusted (HR = 0.99 [95% CI 0.87-1.12]; P = .86]) analysis. CONCLUSION: Disentangling the impact of this type of intervention involving behavioral change in routine practice in caregivers from the prevailing environmental and contextual determinants is often complicated and confusing to interpret the results.

Nursing home admission in elderly subjects with dementia: predictive factors and future challenges.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify factors predictive of nursing home admission (NHA) over a period of 1 year among elderly subjects with dementia. METHODS: The study population was drawn from the SAFES cohort that was formed within a national research program into the recruitment of emergency departments in 9 teaching hospitals. Subjects were to have been hospitalized in a medical ward in the same hospital as the emergency department to which they were initially admitted. Subjects who experienced NHA before emergency department admission were excluded. Those with a confirmed diagnosis of dementia were considered in the present analysis. NHA has been defined as the incident admission into either a nursing home or other long term care facility within the follow-up period. Data obtained from a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment were used in a Cox model to predict 1-year NHA. RESULTS: The 425 subjects of the study were 86 ± 6 years old, and were mainly women (63%). NHA rate was 40% (n = 172). Four factors were identified to increase NHA risk: age 85 or older (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1-2.1), inability to use the toilet (HR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.5-4.2), balance disorders (HR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.1-2.1), and living alone (HR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.1-2.1). Three factors decreased this risk significantly: inability to transfer (HR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.3-0.8), increased number of children (HR = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.96-0.99), and increased initial Mini-Mental State Examination score (HR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.8-0.9). CONCLUSION: NHA determinants in dementia are strongly linked to the patient's own characteristics but also to his or her physical or social environment. Interventions should target both members of the dyad "patient-caregiver" because both are affected by the disease.