A Systematic Review of Antimicrobial Stewardship Interventions to Improve Management of Bacteriuria in Hospitalized Adults.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether implementation of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions improve management of bacteriuria in hospitalized adults. DATA SOURCES: EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Clinical Trials Registries via Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from inception through May 2021. Reference lists of included studies were searched, and Scopus was used to retrieve articles that cited included references. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Randomized and nonrandomized trials, controlled before-after studies, interrupted time-series studies, and repeated measures studies evaluating AMS interventions for hospitalized adult inpatients with bacteriuria were included. Risk of bias was assessed independently by 3 team members and compared. Results were summarized descriptively. DATA SYNTHESIS: The search yielded 5509 articles, of which 13 met inclusion criteria. Most common interventions included education (N = 8) and audit and feedback (N = 5) alone or in combination with other interventions. Where assessed, resource and antimicrobial use primarily decreased and appropriateness of antimicrobial use improved; however, impact on guideline adherence was variable. All studies were rated as having unclear or serious risk of bias. This review summarizes and assesses the quality of evidence for AMS interventions to improve the management of bacteriuria. Results provide guidance to both AMS teams and researchers aiming to develop and/or evaluate AMS interventions for management of bacteriuria. CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrated benefit of AMS interventions on management of bacteriuria. However, most studies had some risk of bias, and an overall effect across studies is unclear due to heterogeneity in outcome measures.

Emergence of pstS-Null Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Clone ST1478, Canada, 2013-2018.

Rates of vancomycin-resistant enterococci bloodstream infections have remained relatively low in Canada. We recently observed an increase of 113% in these infections rates, which coincided with emergence of Enterococcus faecium pstS-null sequence type 1478. The proportion of this sequence type increased from 2.7% to 38.7% for all tested isolates from 2013-2018.

Development of the User Requirements for the Canadian WildFireSat Satellite Mission.

In 2019 the Canadian Space Agency initiated development of a dedicated wildfire monitoring satellite (WildFireSat) mission. The intent of this mission is to support operational wildfire management, smoke and air quality forecasting, and wildfire carbon emissions reporting. In order to deliver the mission objectives, it was necessary to identify the technical and operational challenges which have prevented broad exploitation of Earth Observation (EO) in Canadian wildfire management and to address these challenges in the mission design. In this study we emphasize the first objective by documenting the results of wildfire management end-user engagement activities which were used to identify the key Fire Management Functionalities (FMFs) required for an Earth Observation wildfire monitoring system. These FMFs are then used to define the User Requirements for the Canadian Wildland Fire Monitoring System (CWFMS) which are refined here for the WildFireSat mission. The User Requirements are divided into Observational, Measurement, and Precision requirements and form the foundation for the design of the WildFireSat mission (currently in Phase-A, summer 2020).

Rat Hepatitis E Virus Linked to Severe Acute Hepatitis in an Immunocompetent Patient.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major public health concern in developing countries where the primary transmission is via contaminated water. Zoonotic HEV cases have been increasingly described in Europe, Japan, and the United States, with pigs representing the main animal reservoir of infection. We report an unusual acute hepatitis infection in a previously healthy man caused by a rat HEV with a considerably divergent genomic sequence compared with other rat HEV strains. It is possible that rat HEV is an underrecognized cause of hepatitis infection, and further studies are necessary to elucidate its potential risk and mode of transmission.

Contact among healthcare workers in the hospital setting: developing the evidence base for innovative approaches to infection control.

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial, or healthcare-associated infections (HAI), exact a high medical and financial toll on patients, healthcare workers, caretakers, and the health system. Interpersonal contact patterns play a large role in infectious disease spread, but little is known about the relationship between health care workers' (HCW) movements and contact patterns within a heath care facility and HAI. Quantitatively capturing these patterns will aid in understanding the dynamics of HAI and may lead to more targeted and effective control strategies in the hospital setting. METHODS: Staff at 3 urban university-based tertiary care hospitals in Canada completed a detailed questionnaire on demographics, interpersonal contacts, in-hospital movement, and infection prevention and control practices. Staff were divided into categories of administrative/support, nurses, physicians, and "Other HCWs" - a fourth distinct category, which excludes physicians and nurses. Using quantitative network modeling tools, we constructed the resulting HCW "co-location network" to illustrate contacts among different occupations and with locations in hospital settings. RESULTS: Among 3048 respondents (response rate 38%) an average of 3.79, 3.69 and 3.88 floors were visited by each HCW each week in the 3 hospitals, with a standard deviation of 2.63, 1.74 and 2.08, respectively. Physicians reported the highest rate of direct patient contacts (> 20 patients/day) but the lowest rate of contacts with other HCWs; nurses had the most extended (> 20 min) periods of direct patient contact. "Other HCWs" had the most direct daily contact with all other HCWs. Physicians also reported significantly more locations visited per week than nurses, other HCW, or administrators; nurses visited the fewest. Public spaces such as the cafeteria had the most staff visits per week, but the least mean hours spent per visit. Inpatient settings had significantly more HCW interactions per week than outpatient settings. CONCLUSIONS: HCW contact patterns and spatial movement demonstrate significant heterogeneity by occupation. Control strategies that address this diversity among health care workers may be more effective than "one-strategy-fits-all" HAI prevention and control programs.

Progression of Liver Fibrosis and Modern Combination Antiretroviral Therapy Regimens in HIV-Hepatitis C-Coinfected Persons.

BACKGROUND: Liver diseases progress faster in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected persons than HIV-monoinfected persons. The aim of this study was to compare rates of liver fibrosis progression (measured by the aspartate-to-platelet ratio index [APRI]) among HIV-HCV-coinfected users of modern protease inhibitor (PI)- and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based regimens with a backbone of tenofovir/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) or abacavir/lamivudine (ABC/3TC). METHODS: Data from a Canadian multicenter cohort study were analyzed, including 315 HCV polymerase chain reaction-positive persons who initiated antiretroviral therapy with a PI or NNRTI and a backbone containing either TDF/FTC or ABC/3TC. Multivariate linear regression analyses with generalized estimating equations were performed after propensity score matching to balance covariates across classes of anchor agent. RESULTS: A backbone of TDF/FTC was received by 67% of PI users and 69% of NNRTI users. Both PI and NNRTI use was associated with increases in APRI over time when paired with a backbone of ABC/3TC: 16% per 5 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 4%, 29%) and 11% per 5 years (95% CI, 2%, 20%), respectively. With TDF/FTC use, no clear association was found among PI users (8% per 5 years, 95% CI, -3%, 19%) or NNRTI users (3% per 5 years, 95% CI, -7%, 12%). CONCLUSIONS: Liver fibrosis progression was more influenced by the backbone than by the class of anchor agent in HIV-HCV-coinfected persons. Only ABC/3TC-containing regimens were associated with an increase of APRI score over time, regardless of the class of anchor agent used.

Prevalence of antimicrobial use in a network of Canadian hospitals in 2002 and 2009.

BACKGROUND: Increasing antimicrobial resistance has been identified as an important global health threat. Antimicrobial use is a major driver of resistance, especially in the hospital sector. Understanding the extent and type of antimicrobial use in Canadian hospitals will aid in developing national antimicrobial stewardship priorities. METHODS: In 2002 and 2009, as part of one-day prevalence surveys to quantify hospital-acquired infections in Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program hospitals, data were collected on the use of systemic antimicrobial agents in all patients in participating hospitals. Specific agents in use (other than antiviral and antiparasitic agents) on the survey day and patient demographic information were collected. RESULTS: In 2002, 2460 of 6747 patients (36.5%) in 28 hospitals were receiving antimicrobial therapy. In 2009, 3989 of 9953 (40.1%) patients in 44 hospitals were receiving antimicrobial therapy (P<0.001). Significantly increased use was observed in central Canada (37.4% to 40.8%) and western Canada (36.9% to 41.1%) but not in eastern Canada (32.9% to 34.1%). In 2009, antimicrobial use was most common on solid organ transplant units (71.0% of patients), intensive care units (68.3%) and hematology/oncology units (65.9%). Compared with 2002, there was a significant decrease in use of first-and second-generation cephalosporins, and significant increases in use of carbapenems, antifungal agents and vancomycin in 2009. Piperacillin-tazobactam, as a proportion of all penicillins, increased from 20% in 2002 to 42.8% in 2009 (P<0.001). There was a significant increase in simultaneous use of >1 agent, from 12.0% of patients in 2002 to 37.7% in 2009. CONCLUSION: From 2002 to 2009, the prevalence of antimicrobial agent use in Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program hospitals significantly increased; additionally, increased use of broad-spectrum agents and a marked increase in simultaneous use of multiple agents were observed.

HISTORIQUE: La résistance antimicrobienne croissante est une menace importante pour la santé dans le monde. L'utilisation d'antimicrobiens est un moteur de résistance majeur, particulièrement dans le milieu hospitalier. Il faut comprendre la portée et le type d'utilisation des antimicrobiens dans les hôpitaux canadiens pour établir les priorités nationales en matière de gouvernance antimicrobienne. MÉTHODOLOGIE: En 2002 et 2009, dans le cadre de sondages de prévalence d'une journée visant à quantifier les infections nosocomiales dans les hôpitaux du Programme canadien de surveillance des infections nosocomiales, les chercheurs ont colligé des données sur l'utilisation des antimicrobiens systémiques par tous les patients des hôpitaux participants. Le jour du sondage, ils ont recueilli les agents précis utilisés (à part les antiviraux et les antiparasitaires) et l'information démographique relative aux patients. RÉSULTATS: En 2002, 2 460 des 6 747 patients (36,5 %) de 28 hôpitaux recevaient un traitement antimicrobien. En 2009, 3 989 des 9 953 patients (40,1 %) de 44 hôpitaux recevaient un tel traitement (P<0,001). L'utilisation avait beaucoup augmenté au centre du Canada (37,4 % à 40,8 %) et dans l'Ouest canadien (36,9 % à 41,1 %), mais pas dans l'Est canadien (32,9 % à 34,1 %). En 2009, l'utilisation d'antimicrobiens était plus courante dans les unités de transplantation d'organes pleins (71,0 % des patients), les unités de soins intensifs (68,3 %) et les unités d'hématologie-oncologie (65,9 %). Par rapport à 2002, on constatait en 2009 une diminution importante des céphalosporines de première et seconde générations et des augmentations marquées de carbapénèmes, d'antifongiques et de vancomycine. L'utilisation de piperacilline-tazobactam, en proportion de toutes les pénicillines, est passée de 20 % en 2002 à 42,8 % en 2009 (P<0,001). L'utilisation simultanée de plus d'un agent a également connu une hausse importante, passant de 12,0 % des patients en 2002 à 37,7 % en 2009. CONCLUSION: De 2002 à 2009, la prévalence d'utilisation d'antimicrobiens dans les hôpitaux du Programme canadien de surveillance des infections nosocomiales a considérablement augmenté. De plus, les chercheurs ont constaté une augmentation marquée d'agents à large spectre et d'utilisation simultanée de multiples agents.

Patterns and correlates of cannabis use among individuals with HIV/AIDS in Maritime Canada.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of cannabis use in HIV-infected individuals is high and its long-term effects are unclear. METHODS: The prevalence, perceived benefits and consequences, and predictors of cannabis use were studied using a cross-sectional survey in two immunodeficiency clinics in Maritime Canada. RESULTS: Current cannabis use was identified in 38.5% (87 of 226) of participants. Almost all cannabis users (85 of 87 [97.7%]) acknowledged its use for recreational purposes, with 21.8% (19 of 87) reporting medicinal cannabis use. The majority of patients enrolled in the present study reported mild or no symptoms related to HIV (n=179). Overall, 80.5% (70 of 87) of the cannabis-using participants reported a symptom-relieving benefit, mostly for relief of stress, anorexia or pain. Participants consumed a mean (± SD) of 18.3±21.1 g of cannabis per month and spent an average of $105.15±109.87 on cannabis per month. Cannabis use was associated with rural residence, lower income level, driving under the influence of a substance, and consumption of ecstasy and tobacco. Income level, ecstasy use and tobacco use were retained as significant predictors in regression modelling. Cannabis use was not associated with adverse psychological outcomes. DISCUSSION: Prolonged previous cannabis consumption and the substantial overlap between recreational and medicinal cannabis use highlight the challenges in obtaining a tenable definition of medicinal cannabis therapy.

HISTORIQUE: La prévalence de consommation de cannabis est élevée chez les personnes infectées par le VIH, mais on n'en connaît pas les effets à long terme. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Les chercheurs ont étudié la prévalence, les avantages perçus et les conséquences et prédicteurs de consommation de cannabis au moyen d'un sondage transversal mené dans deux cliniques d'immunodéficience des Maritimes, au Canada. RÉSULTATS: Les chercheurs ont constaté une consommation courante de cannabis chez 38,5 % des participants (87 sur 226). Presque tous les consommateurs de cannabis (85 sur 87 [97,7 %]) admettaient en prendre pour des fins récréatives, et 21,8 % (19 sur 87) indiquaient en prendre pour des fins médicinales. La majorité des patients qui participaient à la présente étude a déclaré des symptômes du VIH légers, sinon inexistants (n=179). Dans l'ensemble, 80,5 % des participants consommateurs de cannabis (70 sur 87) ont affirmé remarquer un soulagement des symptômes, particulièrement le stress, l'anorexie ou la douleur. Les participants consommaient en moyenne 18,3±21,1 g de cannabis par mois et dépensaient en moyenne 105,15±109,87 $ par mois pour se le procurer. La consommation de cannabis était liée à un logement en milieu rural, à un niveau de revenu plus bas, à la conduite sous l'influence d'une substance et à la consommation d'ecstasy et de tabac. Le niveau de revenu, la consommation d'ecstasy et la consommation de tabac étaient considérés comme des prédicteurs importants selon le modèle de régression. La consommation de cannabis ne s'associait pas à des résultats psychologiques indésirables. EXPOSÉ: Une consommation antérieure prolongée de cannabis et le chevauchement important entre la consommation de cannabis à des fins récréatives et médicinales font ressortir la difficulté d'obtenir une définition viable du traitement médicinal par le cannabis.

A cost-benefit analysis of WildFireSat, a wildfire monitoring satellite mission for Canada.

In anticipation of growing wildfire management challenges, the Canadian government is investing in WildFireSat, an Earth observation satellite mission designed to collect data in support of Canadian wildfire management. Although costs of the mission can be reasonably estimated, the benefits of such an investment are unknown. Here we forecast the possible benefits of WildFireSat via an avoided cost approach. We consider five socio-economic components: suppression costs (fixed and variable), timber losses, property, asset and infrastructure losses, evacuation costs, and smoke related health costs. Using a Monte Carlo analysis, we evaluated a range of possible changes to these components based on expert opinions. The resulting Net Present Value (NPV) estimates depend on the presumed impact of using WildFireSat decision support data products, with pessimistic and conservative assumptions generating mission costs that typically exceed potential benefits by 1.16 to 1.59 times, while more optimistic assumptions generate benefits in excess of costs by 8.72 to 10.48 times. The analysis here excludes some possibly significant market and non-market impacts expected from WildFireSat due to data limitations; accounting for these additional impacts would likely generate positive NPVs under even cautious impact assumptions.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for COVID-19-associated severe acute respiratory distress syndrome in Canada: Analysis of data from the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program.

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for COVID-19 across Canada has not been well-described. We studied trends for patients with COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome who received ECMO. Methods: Multicentre retrospective cohort study using data from the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program across four different waves. Surveillance data was collected between March 2020 and June 2022. We reported data stratified by ECMO status and wave. Results: ECMO recipients comprised 299 (6.8%) of the 4,408 critically ill patients included. ECMO recipients were younger (median age 49 versus 62 years, p < 0.001), less likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19 (Wave 4 data: 5.3% versus 19%; p = 0.002), and had fewer comorbidities compared to patients who did not receive ECMO. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was similar between the ECMO and non-ECMO groups (23% versus 26%; p = 0.25). Among ECMO recipients, mortality tended to decrease across Waves 1 to 4: 48%, 31%, 18%, and 16%, respectively (p = 0.04 for trend). However, this was no longer statistically significant when removing the high mortality during Wave 1 (p = 0.15). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that critically ill patients in Canadian hospitals who received ECMO had different characteristics from those who did not receive ECMO. We also observed a trend of decreased mortality over the waves for the ECMO group. Possible explanatory factors may include potential delay in ECMO initiation during Wave 1, evolution of the virus, better understanding of COVID-19 disease and ECMO use, and new medical treatments and vaccines available in later waves. These findings may provide insight for future potential pandemics.

Historique: L'oxygénation extracorporelle en cas de COVID-19 n'est pas bien décrite au Canada. Les chercheurs ont étudié les tendances des patients ayant un syndrome respiratoire aigu lié à la COVID-19 qui ont reçu une oxygénation extracorporelle. Méthodologie: Étude de cohorte rétrospective multicentrique à l'aide de données du Programme canadien de surveillance des infections nosocomiales lors de quatre différentes vagues. Les chercheurs ont recueilli les données de surveillance de mars 2020 à juin 2022. Ils ont rendu compte des données stratifiées en fonction de l'état d'oxygénation extracorporelle et de la vague. Résultats: Les receveurs d'une oxygénation extracorporelle représentaient 299 (6,8 %) des 4 408 patients participants gravement malades. Ils étaient plus jeunes (âge médian de 49 ans par rapport à 62 ans, p<0,001), moins susceptibles d'être vaccinés contre la COVID-19 (données de la quatrième vague 4 : 5,3 % par rapport à 19 %; p=0,002) et présentaient moins d'autres maladies que les patients qui avaient reçu une oxygénation extracorporelle. La mortalité toutes causes confondues au bout de 30 jours était semblable entre le groupe sous oxygénation extracorporelle et celui sans oxygénation extracorporelle (23 % par rapport à 26 %; p=0,25). Chez les receveurs d'une oxygénation extracorporelle, la mortalité avait tendance à diminuer d'une vague à l'autre, soit de 48 %, 31 %, 18 % et 16 % entre la première et la quatrième vague, respectivement (p=0,04 par tendance). Cependant, ces résultats n'étaient plus statistiquement significatifs lorsqu'on excluait le taux de mortalité élevé observé pendant la première vague (p=0,15). Conclusions: Selon les observations des chercheurs, les patients gravement malades des hôpitaux canadiens qui avaient reçu une oxygénation extracorporelle présentaient des caractéristiques différentes de ceux qui n'en avaient pas reçu. Dans le groupe sous oxygénation extracorporelle, ils ont également observé une tendance vers une diminution de la mortalité entre les vagues. Les facteurs explicatifs possibles peuvent inclure un retard potentiel de l'initiation de l'oxygénation extracorporelle pendant la première vague, l'évolution du virus, une meilleure compréhension de la COVID-19, le recours à l'oxygénation extracorporelle, les nouveaux traitements médicaux et les vaccins offerts lors de vagues plus tardives. Ces observations pourraient donner des indications intéressantes lors de futures pandémies. Summary: COVID-19 has affected millions of people. Some patients with COVID-19 develop extremely severe disease requiring advanced critical care. Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is an advanced potentially life-saving technique that can support patients whose lungs are unable to function properly despite using a ventilator (breathing machine). ECMO temporarily takes over lung function, essentially acting as external lungs. ECMO can allow time for the body to heal and potentially improve survival for patients with severe lung failure. The decision to use ECMO is complex and always made by a team of medical professionals who factor in the patient's overall health, medical conditions, and disease severity.We studied the trends for critically ill patients with COVID-19 who received ECMO across Canadian hospitals. We used data collected by trained health care professionals through a Canada-wide program that monitors infections in Canadian hospitals. We compared data between critically ill patients who received and did not receive ECMO, and by wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.Our data found that critically ill patients who received ECMO tended to be younger, have fewer medical conditions, and be less likely to be vaccinated against COVID-19. For patients who received ECMO, the mortality was highest in Wave 1 (48%), then Wave 2 (31%), and similar during Waves 3 and 4 (18% and 16%, respectively). Possible explanations for this trend include potential ECMO delay in Wave 1, the evolution of the virus, a better understanding of ECMO use for COVID-19 and available treatments and vaccines during later waves.In conclusion, our study highlights that critically ill patients who received ECMO in Canada had different features and traits compared to those who did not receive ECMO. As well, our study reported mortality across the waves, with possible explanations for the findings offered. These trends may be helpful in providing insight for future potential pandemics.

A qualitative study evaluating barriers and enablers to improving antimicrobial use for the management of bacteriuria in hospitalized adults.

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore barriers and enablers to improving the management of bacteriuria in hospitalized adults. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: Nova Scotia, Canada. Participants: Nurses, physicians, and pharmacists involved in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of bacteriuria in hospitalized patients. Methods: Focus groups (FGs) were completed between May and July 2019. FG discussions were facilitated using an interview guide that consisted of open-ended questions coded to the theoretical domains framework (TDF) v2. Discussions were transcribed verbatim then independently coded to the TDFv2 by two members of the research team and compared. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes. Results: Thirty-three healthcare providers from five hospitals participated (15 pharmacists, 11 nurses, and 7 physicians). The use of antibiotics for the treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) was the main issue identified. Subthemes that related to management of ASB included: "diagnostic uncertainty," difficulty "ignoring positive urine cultures," "organizational challenges," and "how people learn." Barriers and/or enablers to improving the management of bacteriuria were mapped to 12 theoretical domains within these subthemes. Barriers and enablers identified by participants that were most extensively discussed related to the domains of environmental context and resources, belief about capabilities, social/professional role and identity, and social influences. Conclusions: Healthcare providers highlighted barriers and recognized enablers that may improve delivery of care to patients with bacteriuria. A wide range of barriers at the individual and organization level to address diagnostic challenges and improve workload should be considered to improve management of bacteriuria.

A Rare Case of Chylothorax Following a Redo Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a highly prevalent disease. Mechanical etiology, including hiatal hernia, can be resistant to empiric proton pump inhibitor (PPI) trials; Nissen fundoplication is commonly used to treat mechanical GERD. Chylothorax is a rare complication of abdominal surgeries, including anti-reflux procedures. In this case report, a 75-year-old female presented with shortness of breath following a redo laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. Chest CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) showed bilateral large pleural effusions that were managed by fluid restriction, repeated thoracocentesis, and chest tube insertion; the pleural fluid analysis was significant for fluid triglycerides high at 232 mg/dL which was diagnostic for chylothorax. The patient was treated conservatively. Appropriate management of chylothorax is crucial to avoid subsequent respiratory failure, immunodeficiency, and malnutrition. Chylomicrons and triglycerides in the pleural fluid can be diagnostic for chylothorax. Treatment of chylothorax includes three main approaches: controlling the cause, conservative treatment, and surgical interventions.

Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir use among adults hospitalized with COVID-19 during the Omicron phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program.

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir in reducing the risk of progression to severe disease among outpatients with mild to moderate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, data are limited regarding the use and role of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir among hospitalized patients. This study describes the use and outcomes of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir among adults hospitalized with COVID-19 in a sentinel network of Canadian acute care hospitals during the Omicron variant phase of the pandemic. Methods: The Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program conducts surveillance of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in acute care hospitals across Canada. Demographic, clinical, treatment and 30-day outcome data were collected by chart review by trained infection control professionals using standardized questionnaires. Results: From January 1 to December 31, 2022, 13% (n=490/3,731) of adult patients (18 years of age and older) hospitalized with COVID-19 in 40 acute care hospitals received nirmatrelvir-ritonavir either at admission or during hospitalization. Most inpatients who received nirmatrelvir-ritonavir, 79% of whom were fully vaccinated, had at least one pre-existing comorbidity (97%) and were of advanced age (median=79 years). Few were admitted to an intensive care unit (2.3%) and among the 490 nirmatrelvir-ritonavir treated inpatients, there were 13 (2.7%) deaths attributable to COVID-19. Conclusion: These findings from a large sentinel network of Canadian acute-care hospitals suggest that nirmatrelvir-ritonavir is being used to treat adult COVID-19 patients at admission who are at risk of progression to severe disease or those who acquired COVID-19 in hospital. Additional research on the efficacy and indications for nirmatrelvir-ritonavir use in hospitalized patients is warranted to inform future policies and guidelines.

Trends in Severe Outcomes Among Adult and Pediatric Patients Hospitalized With COVID-19 in the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program, March 2020 to May 2022.

Importance: Trends in COVID-19 severe outcomes have significant implications for the health care system and are key to informing public health measures. However, data summarizing trends in severe outcomes among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Canada are not well described. Objective: To describe trends in severe outcomes among patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design, Setting, and Participants: Active prospective surveillance in this cohort study was conducted from March 15, 2020, to May 28, 2022, at a sentinel network of 155 acute care hospitals across Canada. Participants included adult (aged ≥18 years) and pediatric (aged 0-17 years) patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 at a Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program (CNISP)-participating hospital. Exposures: COVID-19 waves, COVID-19 vaccination status, and age group. Main Outcomes and Measures: The CNISP collected weekly aggregate data on the following severe outcomes: hospitalization, admission to an intensive care unit (ICU), receipt of mechanical ventilation, receipt of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and all-cause in-hospital death. Results: Among 1 513 065 admissions, the proportion of adult (n = 51 679) and pediatric (n = 4035) patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 was highest in waves 5 and 6 of the pandemic compared with waves 1 to 4 (77.3 vs 24.7 per 1000 patient admissions). Despite this, the proportion of patients with positive test results for COVID-19 who were admitted to an ICU, received mechanical ventilation, received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and died were each significantly lower in waves 5 and 6 when compared with waves 1 through 4. Admission to the ICU and in-hospital all-cause death rates were significantly higher among those who were unvaccinated against COVID-19 when compared with those who were fully vaccinated (incidence rate ratio, 4.3 and 3.9, respectively) or fully vaccinated with an additional dose (incidence rate ratio, 12.2 and 15.1, respectively). Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this cohort study of patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 suggest that COVID-19 vaccination is important to reduce the burden on the Canadian health care system as well as severe outcomes associated with COVID-19.

Antimicrobial use in Canadian acute-care hospitals: Findings from three national point-prevalence surveys between 2002 and 2017.

OBJECTIVES: The Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program conducted point-prevalence surveys in acute-care hospitals in 2002, 2009, and 2017 to identify trends in antimicrobial use. METHODS: Eligible inpatients were identified from a 24-hour period in February of each survey year. Patients were eligible (1) if they were admitted for ≥48 hours or (2) if they had been admitted to the hospital within a month. Chart reviews were conducted. We calculated the prevalence of antimicrobial use as follows: patients receiving ≥1 antimicrobial during survey period per number of patients surveyed × 100%. RESULTS: In each survey, 28-47 hospitals participated. In 2002, 2,460 (36.5%; 95% CI, 35.3%-37.6%) of 6,747 surveyed patients received ≥1 antimicrobial. In 2009, 3,566 (40.1%, 95% CI, 39.0%-41.1%) of 8,902 patients received ≥1 antimicrobial. In 2017, 3,936 (39.6%, 95% CI, 38.7%-40.6%) of 9,929 patients received ≥1 antimicrobial. Among patients who received ≥1 antimicrobial, penicillin use increased 36.8% between 2002 and 2017, and third-generation cephalosporin use increased from 13.9% to 18.1% (P < .0001). Between 2002 and 2017, fluoroquinolone use decreased from 25.7% to 16.3% (P < .0001) and clindamycin use decreased from 25.7% to 16.3% (P < .0001) among patients who received ≥1 antimicrobial. Aminoglycoside use decreased from 8.8% to 2.4% (P < .0001) and metronidazole use decreased from 18.1% to 9.4% (P < .0001). Carbapenem use increased from 3.9% in 2002 to 6.1% in 2009 (P < .0001) and increased by 4.8% between 2009 and 2017 (P = .60). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of antimicrobial use increased between 2002 and 2009 and then stabilized between 2009 and 2017. These data provide important information for antimicrobial stewardship programs.

Prescribing Patterns and Patient Outcomes for Bone and Joint Infections Treated with Cefazolin and Probenecid: A Retrospective Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have described the use of cefazolin with probenecid to treat uncomplicated skin and soft-tissue infections. Some prescribers are extrapolating from this evidence to treat more invasive infections, which have a greater potential for poor outcomes, including treatment failure that could lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Information supporting cefazolin with probenecid as effective treatment in this context is needed. OBJECTIVES: To describe prescribing patterns and outcomes for patients who received cefazolin with probenecid for the treatment of bone and joint infections. METHODS: This single-centre retrospective study involved adult outpatients for whom cefazolin and probenecid were prescribed for bone and joint infections between April 1, 2012, and March 31, 2017. Patient charts were reviewed, and data were collected for clinical and microbiological variables using a standardized data collection form. RESULTS: In a total of 80 cases, the patient received cefazolin and probenecid for treatment of a bone or joint infection, of which 69 cases met the inclusion criteria. In most cases (n = 67), the patients were treated with cefazolin 2 g IV plus probenecid 1 g PO, both given twice daily. Completion of prescribed treatment occurred in 56 patient cases (81%), resolution of signs and symptoms in 53 (77%), readmission to hospital in 11 (16%), recurrence of infection in 6 (9%), and treatment failure requiring a change in therapy in 7 (10%). CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of cefazolin and probenecid for the treatment of bone and joint infections appears to be similar to that of standard treatment, as reported in the literature. Antibiotic effectiveness is difficult to determine conclusively in a retrospective analysis, so these results should be interpreted with caution, but they may stimulate further research.

CONTEXTE: Des études précédentes ont décrit l'utilisation de la céfazoline et du probénécide pour traiter les infections cutanées et les infections de tissus mous. Quelques prescripteurs extrapolent ces éléments probants pour traiter des infections plus invasives, dont les résultats risquent d'être défavorables, comme un échec du traitement pouvant entraîner une morbidité et une mortalité accrues. De l'information supplémentaire étayant l'efficacité du traitement à l'aide de la céfazoline et du probénécide dans ce contexte est nécessaire. OBJECTIFS: Décrire les modes de prescription et les résultats obtenus par des patients ayant reçu de la céfazoline et du probénécide pour traiter des infections osseuses et articulaires. MÉTHODES: Cette étude rétrospective unicentrique porte sur des patients ambulatoires adultes à qui on a prescrit de la céfazoline et du probénécide pour traiter des infections osseuses et articulaires entre le 1er avril 2012 et le 31 mars 2017. L'examen des dossiers médicaux des patients a permis la récolte de données sur les variables cliniques et microbiologiques à l'aide d'un formulaire de recueil de données standard. RÉSULTATS: Les patients, soit 80 cas en tout, ont reçu de la céfazoline et du probénécide pour traiter une infection osseuse ou articulaire et 69 de ces cas répondaient aux critères d'inclusion. Dans la plupart des cas (n = 67), les patients étaient traités avec de la céfazoline IV dosée à 2 g et du probénécide dosé à 1 g PO, les deux produits étant administrés deux fois par jour. Le traitement a été appliqué au complet dans 56 cas (81 %), la résolution des signes et des symptômes a eu lieu dans 53 cas (77 %), la réadmission à l'hôpital s'est produite dans 11 cas (16 %), les infections ont récidivé dans 6 cas (9 %) et le traitement s'est soldé par un échec et a nécessité un changement de thérapie dans 7 cas (10 %). CONCLUSIONS: L'efficacité de la céfazoline et du probénécide dans le traitement des infections osseuses et articulaires semble être similaire à celle des traitements standard, comme le rapporte la littérature scientifique. L'efficacité des antibiotiques est difficile à déterminer de façon concluante dans une analyse rétrospective, ces résultats doivent donc être interprétés avec prudence, mais ils pourraient stimuler des recherches supplémentaires.

Health Care Providers' Perceptions of Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship at Acute Care Hospitals in Nova Scotia.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial use is the major factor in the development of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial stewardship has been recommended as a strategy to improve antimicrobial use. OBJECTIVE: To learn about health care providers' perceptions of current antimicrobial use and stewardship, including barriers and facilitators to improving antimicrobial use at acute care hospitals in Nova Scotia. METHODS: This qualitative research study was conducted at acute care hospitals in Nova Scotia using focus groups and semistructured interviews. Health care providers (nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, pharmacy students, and physicians) were invited to participate. Focus groups and interviews were conducted at each participant's place of employment. Interviews and focus groups were facilitated with an interview guide, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were independently coded by 2 investigators and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 9 focus groups and 3 individual interviews were conducted between June and August 2017. Fifty-four health care professionals and trainees (24 pharmacists and pharmacy students, 14 physicians, and 16 nurses and nurse practitioners) from 5 hospitals participated. The following themes were identified: current practices, prescribing influences, access to information, collaboration and communication, resources, and antimicrobial stewardship. Within each theme, barriers and facilitators to improving antimicrobial use were identified as subthemes. CONCLUSION: Participants identified current barriers to appropriate use of antimicrobials and suggested facilitators that might improve the use of these drugs. The results of this study could be used by antimicrobial stewardship teams and decision-makers to improve antimicrobial use and stewardship initiatives throughout Nova Scotia, and may be applicable to hospitals outside the province.

CONTEXTE: L'utilisation des antimicrobiens est le principal facteur de développement de la résistance à cette classe de médicaments. La gestion des antimicrobiens a été recommandée comme stratégie visant à améliorer leur utilisation. OBJECTIF: Découvrir la perception des fournisseurs de soins de santé au sujet de l'utilisation et de la gestion actuelles des antimicrobiens, y compris les obstacles et les moyens destinés à favoriser l'amélioration de leur utilisation dans des hôpitaux de soins actifs en Nouvelle-Écosse. MÉTHODES: Cette recherche qualitative a été menée dans des hôpitaux de soins actifs en Nouvelle-Écosse à l'aide de groupes de discussion et d'entretiens semi-structurés. Les fournisseurs de soins de santé (infirmières, infirmières praticiennes, pharmaciens, étudiants en pharmacie et médecins) ont été invités à y participer. Les groupes de discussion et les entretiens ont été menés sur chaque lieu de travail des participants. Ils ont été facilités grâce à un guide d'entretien. Ils ont aussi été enregistrés (audio) et retranscrits textuellement. Les transcriptions ont été codées de façon indépendante par deux enquêteurs et étudiées à l'aide d'une analyse thématique. RÉSULTATS: Neuf groupes de discussion et trois entretiens individuels ont été menés entre juin et août 2017. Cinquante-quatre professionnels et stagiaires de la santé (24 pharmaciens et étudiants en pharmacie, 14 médecins, 16 infirmières et infirmières praticiennes) provenant de cinq hôpitaux y ont participé. Les thèmes suivants ont été soumis à la discussion : pratiques actuelles, influences en matière de prescription, accès aux informations, collaboration et communication, ressources et gestion des antimicrobiens. Chaque thème comportait deux sous-thèmes abordant les obstacles et les mesures favorisant l'amélioration de l'utilisation des antimicrobiens. CONCLUSION: Les participants ont relevé les obstacles actuels nuisant à une bonne utilisation des antimicrobiens et ont proposé des moyens pour améliorer l'utilisation de ces médicaments. Les résultats de cette étude pourraient être utilisés par les équipes de gestion des antimicrobiens ainsi que par les décideurs qui doivent favoriser l'amélioration de l'utilisation des antimicrobiens et les initiatives relatives à leur gestion partout en Nouvelle-Écosse. Ils sont aussi applicables aux hôpitaux extérieurs à la province.

Antimicrobial Use at Acute Care Hospitals in Nova Scotia: A Point Prevalence Survey.

BACKGROUND: Point prevalence surveys are used to monitor antimicrobial use and identify targets for improvement through antimicrobial stewardship activities. Few studies have evaluated antimicrobial use in Nova Scotia acute care institutions. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of antimicrobial use in Nova Scotia hospitals. METHODS: A point prevalence survey was conducted between June and November 2015 for patients admitted to hospitals with at least 30 acute care beds. On each survey day, charts were reviewed to identify patients receiving antimicrobial agents on that day. Data were gathered on the type of antimicrobial agent prescribed, route of administration, intended duration of use, and indication. Adherence to regional and local treatment guidelines was assessed. Results were summarized descriptively. Findings were compared using the Fisher exact test or the Cochran-Armitage trend test. RESULTS: Twelve of the 13 eligible hospitals participated, and a total of 1499 patient charts were examined. The overall prevalence of antimicrobial use was 30.6% (458/1499). The prevalence of antimicrobial use differed significantly according to area of specialty, with the highest prevalence occurring in intensive care wards (47.2%, 50/106) and surgical wards (43.4%, 179/412), as compared with medical wards (27.9%, 192/687) and "other" specialty wards (11.1%, 32/289) (p < 0.001). Among the 520 indications for antimicrobial use, the most common was respiratory tract infection (81 or 15.6%). In total, 660 antimicrobial agents were prescribed to the 458 patients; a third of these patients (152 or 33.2%) received more than 1 antimicrobial agent. The class of antimicrobials most frequently prescribed was "other beta-lactam antimicrobials" (31.2%, 206/660). The majority of antimicrobials (62.0%, 409/660) were prescribed for administration via the parenteral route. Adherence to regional treatment guidelines was 29.9% (26 of 87 indications analyzed). Documentation of indication was lacking for 104 (20.0%) of the 520 indications, and documentation of the intended duration of antimicrobial use was lacking for 326 (62.7%) of the 520 indications. CONCLUSIONS: Antimicrobial agents were prescribed for about one-third of acute care patients in Nova Scotia. Specific targets for improvement in antimicrobial use include decreases in prescribing of broad-spectrum and parenteral antimicrobials, better adherence to guidelines, and improved documentation. In developing initiatives, antimicrobial stewardship programs in Nova Scotia should focus on identified targets for improvement.

CONTEXTE: Les enquêtes de prévalence ponctuelle sont employées pour surveiller l'utilisation des antimicrobiens et cibler des points à améliorer grâce aux activités de gestion responsable des antimicrobiens. Peu d'études se sont penchées sur l'utilisation des antimicrobiens dans les établissements de soins de courte durée en Nouvelle-Écosse. OBJECTIFS: Déterminer quelle est la prévalence de l'utilisation des anti-microbiens dans les hôpitaux de la Nouvelle-Écosse et offrir un portrait de cette utilisation. MÉTHODES: Une enquête de prévalence ponctuelle a été menée entre juin et novembre 2015 pour les patients admis aux hôpitaux dotés d'au moins 30 lits de soins de courte durée. À chaque jour d'enquête, des dossiers médicaux ont été examinés afin de repérer les patients ayant reçu des agents antimicrobiens cette journée-là. On a recueilli des données sur le type d'agent antimicrobien prescrit, la voie d'administration, la durée attendue d'utilisation et l'indication. Le respect des lignes directrices thérapeutiques régionales et locales a aussi été évalué. Les résultats ont été résumés de façon descriptive. Les comparaisons ont été vérifiées à l'aide du test exact de Fisher ou du test de tendance de Cochran-Armitage. RÉSULTATS: Douze des 13 hôpitaux admissibles ont été inclus et un total de 1 499 dossiers médicaux de patients ont été examinés. Le taux de prévalence globale d'utilisation d'antimicrobiens était de 30,6 % (458/1499). La prévalence d'utilisation d'antimicrobiens variait significativement selon les unités de soins : en tête de liste, les unités de soins intensifs (47,2 %, 50/106) et les unités de chirurgie (43,4 %, 179/412) comparativement aux unités de médecine (27,9 %, 192/687) et aux « autres ¼ unités de soins (11,1 %, 32/289) (p < 0.001). Parmi les 520 indications pour l'utilisation des antimicrobiens, la plus fréquente était l'infection des voies respiratoires (81 ou 15,6 %). Au total, 660 agents antimicrobiens ont été prescrits aux 458 patients et le tiers de ces patients (152 ou 33,2 %) ont reçu plus d'un agent antimicrobien. La classe d'antimicrobien la plus souvent prescrite était les « autres bêtalactamines ¼ (31,2 %, 206/660). La voie parentérale était prescrite pour l'administration de la majorité des antimicrobiens (62,0%, 409/660). Le respect des lignes directrices régionales de traitement était de 29,9 % (26 des 87 indications analysées). Parmi les 520 indications, 104 (20,0 %) n'étaient pas mentionnées au dossier et 326 (62,7 %) étaient dépourvues de mention de la durée du traitement antimicrobien au dossier. CONCLUSIONS: Des agents antimicrobiens ont été prescrits à environ un tiers des patients recevant des soins de courte durée en Nouvelle-Écosse. L'amélioration de l'utilisation des antimicrobiens devrait cibler précisément les réductions de la prescription d'antibiotiques à large spectre et du recours à la voie parentérale, un plus grand respect des lignes directrices et une meilleure consignation. Les programmes de gestion responsable des antimicrobiens en Nouvelle-Écosse devraient être axés sur des objectifs d'amélioration définis afin de mettre au point des stratégies.

Response to Alert on Possible Infections with Mycobacterium chimaera From Contaminated Heater-Cooler Devices in Hospitals Participating in the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program (CNISP).

Canadian hospitals were made aware of the risk of Mycobacterium chimaera infection associated with heater-cooler units (HCUs) through alerts issued by the US food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In response, most hospitals conducted retrospective reviews for infections, informed exposed patients, and initiated a requirement for informed consent with HCU use. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:482-484.

Infection control and antimicrobial restriction practices for antimicrobial-resistant organisms in Canadian tertiary care hospitals.

In 2003, a survey examining infection control and antimicrobial restriction policies and practices for preventing the emergence and transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), and extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) was performed within Canadian teaching hospitals as part of the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program. Twenty-eight of 29 questionnaires were returned. The majority of facilities conducted admission screening for MRSA (96.4%) and VRE (89.3%) but only 1 site screened for ESBL/AmpC. Rates of MRSA, VRE, and ESBL remain low in Canada. It is believed that these lower rates may be due to intense admission screening protocols and stringent infection control policies for antimicrobial-resistant organisms (AROs) within Canadian institutions. Few (MRSA: 14.8%; VRE: 12.0%) recorded the number of patients screened. Regular prevalence surveys were done for MRSA (21.4%), VRE (35.7%), and ESBL/AmpC (3.8%). Pre-emptive precautions were applied for MRSA by 60.7% and for VRE by 75.0% of facilities. All facilities flagged patients previously identified with MRSA and VRE but only 46.2% flagged ESBL and 15.4% flagged AmpC patients. Barrier precautions varied by ARO and patient-care setting. In the inpatient non-ICU setting, more than 90% wore gowns and gloves for MRSA and VRE but only 50% for ESBL; and 57.1% wore masks for MRSA. Attempts to decolonize MRSA patients had been made by 82.1%, largely in order to place them in another facility. Policies restricting antimicrobial prescribing were reported by 21 facilities (75.0%). Further studies examining hospital infection control policies and corresponding rates of ARO infections would help in identifying and refining best practice guidelines within Canadian institutions.