Epidemiology of biliary tract-associated bloodstream infections and adequacy of empiric therapy: an Australian population-based study.

PURPOSE: Although the biliary tract is a common source of invasive infections, the epidemiology of cholangitis- and cholecystitis-associated bloodstream infection (BSI) is not well defined. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence, clinical determinants, microbiology of biliary tract-associated BSI, and predicted adequacy of common empiric therapy regimens. METHODS: All biliary tract-associated BSI in Queensland during 2000-2019 were identified using state-wide data sources. Predicted adequacy of empiric antimicrobial therapy was determined according to microbiological susceptibility data. RESULTS: There were 3,698 episodes of biliary tract-associated BSI occurred in 3,433 patients of which 2,147 (58.1%) episodes were due to cholangitis and 1,551 (41.9%) cholecystitis, for age- and sex-standardized incidence rates of 2.7, and 2.0 per 100,000 population, respectively. An increasing incidence of biliary tract-associated BSI was observed over the study that was attributable to an increase in cholangitis cases. There was a significant increased risk for biliary tract-associated BSI observed with advancing age and male sex. Patients with cholangitis were older, more likely to have healthcare associated infection, and have more comorbidities most notably liver disease and malignancies as compared to patients with cholecystitis. The distribution of infecting pathogens was significantly different with polymicrobial aetiologies more commonly observed with cholangitis (18.4% vs. 10.5%; p < 0.001). The combination of ampicillin/gentamicin/metronidazole was predicted to have the overall highest adequacy (96.1%), whereas amoxicillin/clavulanate had the lowest (77.0%). Amoxicillin/clavulanate (75.2% vs. 79.4%, p:0.03) and ceftriaxone/metronidazole (83.4% vs. 89.6%; p < 0.001) showed significantly inferior predicted adequacy for cholangitis as compared to cholecystitis. CONCLUSIONS: Bloodstream infections related to cholecystitis and cholangitis exhibit different epidemiology, microbiology, and requirements for empiric therapy.

Current Fluid Management Practice in Critically Ill Adults on Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: A Binational, Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: In critically ill patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), a positive fluid balance (FB) is associated with adverse outcomes. However, current FB management practices in CRRT patients are poorly understood. We aimed to study FB and its components in British and Australian CRRT patients to inform future trials. METHODS: We obtained detailed electronic health record data on all fluid-related variables during CRRT and hourly FB for the first 7 days of treatment. RESULTS: We studied 1,616 patients from three tertiary intensive care units (ICUs) in two countries. After the start of CRRT, the mean cumulative FB became negative at 31 h and remained negative over 7 days to a mean nadir of -4.1 L (95% confidence interval (CI) of -4.6 to -3.5). The net ultrafiltration (NUF) rate was the dominant fluid variable (-67.7 mL/h; standard deviation (SD): 75.7); however, residual urine output (-34.7 mL/h; SD: 54.5), crystalloid administration (48.1 mL/h; SD: 44.6), and nutritional input (36.4 mL/h; SD: 29.7) significantly contributed to FB. Patients with a positive FB after 72 h of CRRT were more severely ill, required high-dose vasopressors, and had high lactate concentrations (5.0 mmol/L; interquartile range: 2.3-10.5). A positive FB was independently associated with increased hospital mortality (odds ratio: 1.70; 95% CI; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: In the study ICUs, most CRRT patients achieved a predominantly NUF-dependent negative FB. Patients with a positive FB at 72 h had greater illness severity and haemodynamic instability. Achieving equipoise for conducting trials that target a negative early FB in such patients may be difficult.

Vibrio species bloodstream infections in Queensland, Australia.

BACKGROUND: Vibrio species bloodstream infections have been associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Limited information is available regarding the epidemiology of bloodstream infections because of Vibrio species in the Australian context. AIMS: The objective of this study was to define the incidence and risk factors for developing Vibrio species bloodstream infections and compare differences between different species. METHODS: All patients with Vibrio spp. isolated from positive blood cultures between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2019 were identified by the state-wide Pathology Queensland laboratory. Demographics, clinical foci of infections and comorbid conditions were collected in addition to antimicrobial susceptibility results. RESULTS: About 100 cases were identified between 2000 and 2019 with an incidence of 1.2 cases/1 million person-years. Seasonal and geographical variation occurred with the highest incidence in the summer months and in the tropical north. Increasing age, male sex and multiple comorbidities were identified as risk factors. Vibrio vulnificus was isolated most frequently and associated with the most severe disease. Overall case fatality was 19%. CONCLUSIONS: There is potential for increasing cases of Vibrio species infections globally with ageing populations and climate change. Ongoing clinical awareness is required to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury in patients with chronic kidney disease: Patient characteristics, prevalence, timing, trajectory, treatment and associated outcomes.

AIM: The features and outcomes of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) may be affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD). Accordingly, we aimed to compare SA-AKI in patients with or without CKD. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study in 12 intensive care units (ICU). We studied the prevalence, patient characteristics, timing, trajectory, treatment and outcomes of SA-AKI with and without CKD. RESULTS: Of 84 240 admissions, 7255 (8.6%) involved patients with CKD. SA-AKI was more common in patients with CKD (21% vs 14%; p < .001). CKD patients were older (70 vs. 60 years; p < .001), had a higher median Charlson co-morbidity index (5 vs. 3; p < .001) and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) III score (78 vs. 60; p < .001) and were more likely to receive renal replacement therapy (RRT) (25% vs. 17%; p < .001). They had less complete return to baseline function at ICU discharge (48% vs. 60%; p < .001), higher major adverse kidney events at day 30 (MAKE-30) (38% vs. 27%; p < .001), and higher hospital and 90-day mortality (21% vs. 13%; p < .001, and 27% vs. 16%; p < .001, respectively). After adjustment for patient characteristics and severity of illness, however, CKD was not an independent risk factor for increased 90-day mortality (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.76-1.02; p = .08) or MAKE-30 (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.80-1.09; p = .4). CONCLUSION: SA-AKI is more common in patients with CKD. Such patients are older, more co-morbid, have higher disease severity, receive different ICU therapies and have different trajectories of renal recovery and greater unadjusted mortality. However, after adjustment day-90 mortality and MAKE-30 risk were not increased by CKD.

Determinants of 90-day case fatality among older patients admitted to intensive care units: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: A recent systematic review identified highly variable case-fatality rates among studies of older patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). However, structural and process determinants including patient resident status, tertiary ICU status, and treatment limitations were unavailable. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of determinants such as resident status, tertiary ICU, and treatment limitations on 90-day case fatality among older ICU patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of all Queensland residents aged 75 years and older admitted to four ICUs within the Metro North Hospital and Health Service was included. The impact of Metro North Hospital and Health Service resident status, tertiary ICU, treatment limitations, and other known determinants on 90-day all-cause case fatality (case-fatality) was assessed. RESULTS: Of the 2144 eligible first admissions included, 1365 were residents, and 893 were nonelective admissions. The case-fatality rates were higher in residents (21% vs 12%, p < 0.001), nonelective admissions (32% vs 7%, p < 0.001), and non-tertiary ICU admissions (27% vs 16%, p < 0.001). The case fatality increased progressively with age, being highest (29.6%) in the >90 years age-group. Multivariable mixedeffects logistic regression modelling demonstrated that presence of treatment limitations was strongly associated with case fatality, but neither resident status nor the tertiary ICU was associated. CONCLUSION: The presence of treatment limitations should be considered when evaluating variations in case fatality among cohorts of older ICU patients, in addition to variables with well-established association with case fatality such as comorbidities and illness severity.

Caffeine consumption and withdrawal among patients in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of data surrounding the use of therapeutic caffeine among adults admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine reported caffeine use and withdrawal symptoms among patients admitted to the ICU to inform future prospective interventional trials. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional survey design, where a survey was conducted by a registered dietitian among 100 adult patients admitted to an ICU in Brisbane, Australia. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 59.8 y (interquartile range: 44.0-70.0), and 68% were male. Ninety-nine percent of patients had daily consumption of caffeine with a median 338 mg (interquartile range: 162-504). Caffeine consumption was self-reported in 89% of patients and was uncovered by detailed identification in 10%. Almost one-third (29%) reported caffeine withdrawal symptoms while admitted to intensive care. Common withdrawal symptoms reported were headaches, irritability, fatigue, anxiety, and constipation. Eighty-eight percent of patients reported willingness to participate in future studies of therapeutic caffeine if they were admitted to the ICU. Preferred methods of parenteral and enteral routes of administration varied by patient and illness characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Patients admitted to this ICU were ubiquitous consumers of caffeine before admission, and one-tenth were unaware. Patients viewed trials of therapeutic caffeine as highly acceptable. The results provide important baseline information for future prospective studies.

Central line associated and primary bloodstream infections.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Primary and intravascular catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CA-BSIs) represent an important clinical entity in the intensive care unit (ICU) being associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this review was to examine the recently published data on epidemiology and management of CA-BSI and other primary BSIs specifically within the context of the ICU. RECENT FINDINGS: In critically ill patients, the pooled prevalence of primary and CA-BSI from contemporary studies was 19.7-40.7% and 26.4-37.3% of all BSIs, respectively. Failure to achieve source control (i.e., removal of catheter in CA-BSI) is associated with higher mortality. Higher severity scores and durations of ICU stay and catheter insertion are well established risk factors for CA-BSI. The use of prevention bundles when inserting a central venous line is able to reduce CA-BSI incidence from 4 to 1.6 episodes per 1000 central venous catheter days. Differential time-to-positivity of paired blood cultures may assist in the diagnosis of CA-BSI. SUMMARY: Primary BSI is frequently observed in ICU cohorts and has a poor effect on outcome. Surveillance for BSI among patients admitted to ICUs is fundamental to inform healthcare service delivery, design preventive approaches, to track resistance, and detect emerging pathogens.

Significant clinical differences but not outcomes between Klebsiella aerogenes and Enterobacter cloacae bloodstream infections: a comparative cohort study.

PURPOSE: Although Klebsiella aerogenes (formerly Enterobacter aerogenes) and Enterobacter cloacae share many phenotypic characteristics, controversy exists as to whether they cause clinically distinguishable infections. The objective of this study was to determine the comparative incidence, determinants, and outcomes of K. aerogenes and E. cloacae bloodstream infections (BSI). METHODS: Population-based surveillance was conducted among residents aged ≥ 15 years of Queensland, Australia during 2000-2019. RESULTS: Overall 695 and 2879 incident K. aerogenes and E. cloacae BSIs were identified for incidence rates of 1.1 and 4.4 per 100,000 population, respectively. There was a marked increase in incidence associated with older age and with males with both species. Patients with K. aerogenes BSIs were older, were more likely male, to have community-associated disease, and to have a genitourinary source of infection. In contrast, E. cloacae were more likely to have co-morbid diagnoses of liver disease and malignancy and be associated with antimicrobial resistance. Enterobacter cloacae were significantly more likely to have repeat episodes of BSI as compared to K. aerogenes. However, no differences in length of stay or all cause 30-day case-fatality were observed. CONCLUSION: Although significant demographic and clinical differences exist between K. aerogenes and E. cloacae BSI, they share similar outcomes.

90-day Case-Fatality in Critically ill Patients with Chronic Liver Disease Influenced by Presence of Portal Hypertension, Results from a Multicentre Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Critical illness in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) is increasing in occurrence, and by virtue of its adverse effect on prognosis, its presence may influence the decision to offer admission to intensive care units (ICU). Our objective was to examine the determinants and outcome of patients with CLD admitted to ICU. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of patients admitted to four adult ICUs in Queensland, Australia from 2017 to 2019. Patients with mild or moderate-severe CLD were defined by the absence and presence of portal hypertension, respectively, and were was determined using granular ICU and state-wide administrative databases. The primary outcome was 90-day all cause case-fatality. RESULTS: We included 3836 patients in the analysis, of which, 60 (2%) had mild liver disease and 132 (3%) had moderate-severe liver disease . Patients with CLD had higher incidence of other co-morbidities with the median adjusted-Charlson co-morbidity index (CCI) was 1 (interquartile range; IQR 0-3) for no CLD, 2 (IQR 1.5-4) for mild CLD, and 3 (IQR 2-5) for moderate-severe CLD. Case-fatality rates at 90 days was 17% for no CLD, 25% for mild CLD, and 41% for moderate-severe CLD. Among those with mild and moderate-severe CLD, an increased co-morbidity burden as measured by an adjusted CCI score of low (0-3), medium (4-5), high (6-7) and very high (>7) resulted in increasing case-fatality rates of 24-40%, 11-28.5%, 33-62%, and 50% respectively. Moderate-severe CLD, but not mild CLD, was independently associated with increased case-fatality at 90 days (Odds Ratio 1.58; 95% confidence interval 1.01-2.48; p = 0.004) after adjusting for medical co-morbidities and severity of illness using logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Although patients with moderate-severe CLD have an increased risk for 90-day case-fatality, patients with mild CLD are not at higher risk for death following ICU admission.

Impact of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy Initiation on Urine Output and Fluid Balance: A Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) on renal function is poorly understood. However, the initiation of CRRT may induce oliguria. We aimed to investigate the impact of CRRT commencement on urine output (UO). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study in two intensive care units. We included all patients who underwent CRRT and collected data on hourly UO and fluid balance before and after CRRT commencement. We performed an interrupted time series analysis using segmented regression to assess the relationship between CRRT commencement and UO. RESULTS: We studied 1,057 patients. Median age was 60.7 years (interquartile range [IQR], 48.3-70.6), and the median APACHE III was 95 (IQR, 76-115). Median time to CRRT was 17 h (IQR, 5-49). With start of CRRT, the absolute difference in mean hourly UO and mean hourly fluid balance was -27.0 mL/h (95% CI: -32.1 to -21.8; p value < 0.01) and - 129.3 mL/h (95% CI: -169.2 to -133.3), respectively. When controlling for pre-CRRT temporal trends and patient characteristics, there was a rapid post-initiation decrease in UO (-0.12 mL/kg/h; 95% CI: -0.17 to -0.08; p value < 0.01) and fluid balance (-78.1 mL/h; 95% CI: -87.9 to -68.3; p value < 0.01), which was sustained over the first 24 h of CRRT. Change in UO and fluid balance were only weakly correlated (r -0.29; 95% CI: -0.35 to -0.23; p value < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Commencement of CRRT was associated with a significant decrease in UO that could not be explained by extracorporeal fluid removal.

Excess burden of critical illness related to inflammatory bowel disease.

BACKGROUND: Although inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with major morbidity and mortality, few studies have evaluated its associated burden of critical illness. AIMS: To examine the epidemiology and outcome of intensive care unit (ICU) admission among patients with IBD in North Brisbane, Australia. METHODS: A population-based cohort design was used. All admissions to ICU serving the Metro North Hospital and Health Service among adult residents during 2017-2019 were included. Data were obtained from ICU clinical information systems with linkages to statewide admissions and death registries. RESULTS: Among 9011 ICU admissions, 101 (1.1%) were among patients with IBD, of which 57 (0.6%) and 44 (0.5%) had ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn disease (CD) respectively. The incidence of ICU admission was 379, 1336, 1514 and 1429 per 100 000 annually among those without IBD, CD, UC and IBD respectively. Patients with IBD were at excess risk for admission across all age groups, with women aged <50 years at highest risk and men thereafter. The all-cause 90-day case-fatality rates following ICU admission were not significantly different among patient groups and were 18%, 12%, 15% and 12% for CD, UC, IBD and non-IBD respectively. However, as compared with non-IBD patients, those with CD (151.8 vs 39.4 per 100 000; relative risk (RR) 3.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-9.02; P = 0.013), UC (159.4 vs 39.4 per 100 000; RR 4.05; 95% CI 1.48-8.84; P = 0.005) and IBD (155.6 vs 39.4 per 100 000; RR 3.95; 95% CI 1.96-7.10; P = 0.002) were at significantly higher risk for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IBD suffer a major burden of critical illness.

Scedosporium species and Lomentospora prolificans fungaemia is uniformly fatal in patients with haematological malignancy.

Scedosporium and Lomentospora species are environmental moulds that are virulent in immunocompromised hosts and rarely cause bloodstream infection (BSI). Patients with Scedosporium and Lomentospora species BSI were identified by the state public laboratory service in Queensland, Australia, over a 20-year period. Twenty-two incident episodes occurred among 21 residents; one patient had a second episode 321 days following the first. Of these, 18 were Lomentospora prolificans, three were Scedosporium apiospermum complex and one was a nonspeciated Scedosporium species. Seventeen (81%) patients died during their index admission, and all-cause mortality at 30, 90 and 365 days was 73%, 82% and 91% respectively. All 20 patients with haematological malignancy died within 365 days of follow-up with a median time to death of 9 days (interquartile range, 6-20 days) following diagnoses of BSI.

Shewanella spp. Bloodstream Infections in Queensland, Australia.

The epidemiology of bloodstream infections caused by Shewanella spp. is not well defined. Our objective was to define the incidence and determinants of Shewanella spp. bloodstream infections by using population-based surveillance in Queensland, Australia during 2000‒2019. The incidence was 1.0 cases/1 million persons annually and was highest during summer and in the tropical Torres and Cape region. Older persons and male patients were at highest risk. At least 1 concurrent condition was documented in 75% of case-patients, and 30-day all cause case-fatality rate was 15%. Aging populations in warm climates might expect an increasing burden of these infections.

Update on Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review recently published evidence relevant to Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB). RECENT FINDINGS: Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen causing co-infections and superinfections in patients with COVID-19. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia ratios have sharply risen during the pandemic. SAB mortality is 18% at 1 month and 27% at 3 months but has gradually decreased over the last 30 years. Recurrences and reinfections are common (9%). Standardised items to define complicated SAB, and a new cut-off defining persisting bacteremia after 2 days with positive blood cultures have been proposed. Multiple antibiotic combinations have been trialled including vancomycin or daptomycin with ß-lactams, fosfomycin, or clindamycin, without significant results. In the recently published guidelines, vancomycin remains the first line of treatment for MRSA bacteremia. For the management of methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus , cefazolin less frequently causes acute kidney injury than flucloxacillin, and when susceptibility is demonstrated, de-escalation to penicillin G is suggested. SUMMARY: Our review confirms that Staphylococcus aureus represents a special aetiology among all causes of bloodstream infections. Pending results of platform and larger trials, its distinct epidemiology and determinants mandate careful integration of clinical variables and best available evidence to optimize patient outcomes.

Determinants and outcomes of bloodstream infections related to obesity.

Although obesity is a major healthcare problem that is increasing in many populations worldwide, there are limited studies that have examined its contribution to infectious diseases morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to examine the clinical determinants and outcomes of bloodstream infections among patients with obesity. All adults within the publicly funded healthcare system in Queensland, Australia, identified with a BSI during 2017-2019 were included and the presence of obesity was based on discharge International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes. Clinical features, microbiology, and outcomes were compared among obese and non-obese subjects. A total of 24,602 incident BSI were identified among 21,613 Queensland residents; of which 4,579 (21.2%) and 17,034 (78.8%) were classified as obese or non-obese, respectively. Obese patients were less likely to have community associated infections and were more likely to be younger, female, have higher comorbidity scores, and have bone and joint or soft tissue infections as compared to non-obese subjects. Obese patients had a lower proportion of Escherichia coli BSI and higher proportions of b-haemolytic streptococci. Although obese patients had longer hospital admissions and more repeat incident BSI within 1 year, they had lower overall case fatality. In a logistic regression model, obesity was associated with a lower risk for 30-day case fatality (adjusted odds ratio 0.51, 95% confidence interval 0.45-0.58). Obesity is associated with significant differences in the determinants and outcome of BSI. Increasing rates of obesity is likely to influence the epidemiology of BSI in populations.

Pasteurella species bloodstream infections in Queensland, Australia, 2000-2019.

Pasteurella species are infrequent but potentially severe causes of bloodstream infection (BSI). The objective of this study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of Pasteurella species BSI in a large Australian population. Retrospective, laboratory-based surveillance was conducted in Queensland, Australia (population ≈ 5 million) during 2000-2019, and clinical and outcome information was established by linkage to state hospital admissions and vital statistics databases. During more than 86 million person-years of surveillance, 272 incident Pasteurella species BSI occurred for an overall age- and sex-standardized annual incidence of 3.3 per million residents. The incidence of Pasteurella species BSI was highest in recent years and older individuals were at greatest risk. The median (interquartile range) Charlson Comorbidity Index was 2 (0-4) with scores of zero, 1, 2, and 3 + observed in 81 (30%), 37 (14%), 44 (16%), and 110 (40%) of cases. The 30-day all-cause case fatality was 9% (24/272) and patients who died had more comorbidities and were less likely to have community-associated disease. Although Pasteurella species are infrequent causes of BSI, older individuals and those with comorbidities are at highest risk. The burden of this disease may be expected to increase with an aging and more comorbid population.

The Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Postanesthesia Care Unit Discharge and Recovery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Current evidence on the effect of dexmedetomidine in early postoperative recovery is limited. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on the length of stay (LOS) and recovery profile in postanesthesia care unit (PACU) patients. METHODS: The study protocol is registered on International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42021240559). No specific funding or support was received. We conducted searches in MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library to March 31, 2021 for peer-reviewed randomized controlled studies comparing adult patients who received intravenous dexmedetomidine and placebo undergoing noncardiac, nonneurosurgical procedures under general anesthesia. All studies reporting statistics relating to the duration of stay in the recovery ward or PACU, the primary outcome, were included. We performed individual random-effect meta-analysis on the primary and secondary outcomes (time to extubation, emergence agitation, cough, pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting, shivering, residual sedation, bradycardia, and hypotension) using Stata version 17.0. Evidence was synthesized as mean difference (MD) and risk ratio (RR) for continuous and dichotomous variables, respectively. The quality of evidence was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) tool and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: Thirty-three studies including 2676 patients were eligible for analysis. All studies had low risk or some concerns of overall bias and provided low-to-high certainty evidence for all studied outcomes. Dexmedetomidine was not associated with a significantly increased PACU LOS (MD, 0.69 minute; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.42 to 2.81 minutes). It was associated with a statistically but not clinically significant prolonged time to extubation (MD, 1 minute; 95% CI, 0.32-1.68 minutes). Dexmedetomidine was associated with significantly reduced incidence of emergence agitation (RR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.29-0.52), cough (RR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.61-0.79), pain (RR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.32-0.80), postoperative nausea and vomiting (RR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.33-0.86), and shivering (RR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.12-0.49) in PACU. There was an increased incidence of hypotension (RR, 5.39; 95% CI, 1.12-5.89) but not residual sedation (RR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.20-7.56) or bradycardia (RR, 5.13; 95% CI, 0.96-27.47) in the dexmedetomidine group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of dexmedetomidine did not increase the duration of PACU LOS but was associated with reduced emergence agitation, cough, pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and shivering in PACU. There was an increased incidence of hypotension but not residual sedation or bradycardia in PACU.

Escherichia coli bloodstream infections in the western interior of British Columbia, Canada: a population-based cohort study.

Our population-based study objectives were to describe characteristics and outcomes of Escherichia coli bloodstream infections (BSIs), and to evaluate factors associated with outcomes. We included incident E. coli BSIs from western interior residents (British Columbia, Canada; 04/2010-03/2020). We obtained data including patient demographics, location of onset, infection focus, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), antimicrobial resistance, 30-day all-cause mortality and length of hospital stay (LOS). Using multivariable logistic regression models fitted with generalised estimating equations, we estimated factors associated with 30-day mortality and long post-infection LOS (>75th percentile). We identified 1080 incident E. coli BSIs in 1009 patients. The crude incidence and 30-day mortality rates were 59.1 BSIs and 6.8 deaths/100 000 person-years, respectively. The 30-day case fatality risk was 11.5%. Compared to community-acquired E. coli BSIs, either healthcare-associated or nosocomial cases had higher odds of 30-day mortality. Older cases, non-urogenital BSI foci and CCI ⩾ 3 had higher odds of 30-day mortality compared to younger cases, urogenital foci and CCI < 3. In patients that survived to discharge, those with extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli BSIs, nosocomial BSIs, and CCI ⩾ 3 had higher odds of long post-infection LOS compared to those with non-ESBL-producing, community-acquired and healthcare-associated, and CCI < 3. There is a substantial disease burden from E. coli BSIs.

Mortality in Escherichia coli bloodstream infections: a multinational population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Escherichia coli is the most common cause of bloodstream infections (BSIs) and mortality is an important aspect of burden of disease. Using a multinational population-based cohort of E. coli BSIs, our objectives were to evaluate 30-day case fatality risk and mortality rate, and determine factors associated with each. METHODS: During 2014-2018, we identified 30-day deaths from all incident E. coli BSIs from surveillance nationally in Finland, and regionally in Sweden (Skaraborg) and Canada (Calgary, Sherbrooke, western interior). We used a multivariable logistic regression model to estimate factors associated with 30-day case fatality risk. The explanatory variables considered for inclusion were year (2014-2018), region (five areas), age (< 70-years-old, ≥70-years-old), sex (female, male), third-generation cephalosporin (3GC) resistance (susceptible, resistant), and location of onset (community-onset, hospital-onset). The European Union 28-country 2018 population was used to directly age and sex standardize mortality rates. We used a multivariable Poisson model to estimate factors associated with mortality rate, and year, region, age and sex were considered for inclusion. RESULTS: From 38.7 million person-years of surveillance, we identified 2961 30-day deaths in 30,923 incident E. coli BSIs. The overall 30-day case fatality risk was 9.6% (2961/30923). Calgary, Skaraborg, and western interior had significantly increased odds of 30-day mortality compared to Finland. Hospital-onset and 3GC-resistant E. coli BSIs had significantly increased odds of mortality compared to community-onset and 3GC-susceptible. The significant association between age and odds of mortality varied with sex, and contrasts were used to interpret this interaction relationship. The overall standardized 30-day mortality rate was 8.5 deaths/100,000 person-years. Sherbrooke had a significantly lower 30-day mortality rate compared to Finland. Patients that were either ≥70-years-old or male both experienced significantly higher mortality rates than those < 70-years-old or female. CONCLUSIONS: In our study populations, region, age, and sex were significantly associated with both 30-day case fatality risk and mortality rate. Additionally, 3GC resistance and location of onset were significantly associated with 30-day case fatality risk. Escherichia coli BSIs caused a considerable burden of disease from 30-day mortality. When analyzing population-based mortality data, it is important to explore mortality through two lenses, mortality rate and case fatality risk.

Hypophosphatemia and Outcomes in ICU: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: Hypophosphatemia is reported in up to 5% of hospitalized patients and ranges from 20% to 80% in critically ill patients. The consequences of hypophosphatemia for critically ill patients remain controversial. We evaluated the effect of hypophosphatemia on mortality and length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library (Reviews and Trials), and PubMed were searched for articles in English. The primary outcome was mortality and secondary outcome was length of stay. The quality of evidence was graded using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Our search yielded 828 articles and ultimately included 12 studies with 7626 participants in the analysis. Hypophosphatemia was associated with increased hospital length of stay (2.19 days [95% CI, 1.74-2.64]) and ICU length of stay (2.22 days [95% CI, 1.00-3.44]) but not mortality (risk ratio: 1.13 [95% CI, 0.98-1.31]; P = .09). CONCLUSIONS: Hypophosphatemia in ICU was associated with increased hospital and ICU length of stay but not all-cause mortality. Hypophosphatemia appears to be a marker of disease severity. Limited number of available studies and varied study designs did not allow for the ascertainment of the effect of severe hypophosphatemia on patient mortality.