[Migration speed of uropathogens : Determination in the ureteral splint in a practice-like in vitro model]. / Wanderungsgeschwindigkeit von uropathogenen Erregern : Bestimmung im Ureterkatheter im praxisnahen In-vitro-Modell.

BACKGROUND: A urostomy with an ileum conduit or a skin fistula leads to a high infection risk for the kidneys and the ureter of the patient. Therefore, the prevention of retrograde colonization of the artificial drain (splint) with e. g. contaminated urine is the most important objective of infection prevention measurements. We performed an in vitro experiment to determine the migration speed of clinically relevant bacteria in a commercially available splint catheter system. METHODS: The migration speed of bacteria in commonly used splint catheters was determined in a practice-like in vitro model. Two storage vessels were connected with splints. The second vessel contained a bacterial suspension of the test bacteria Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus aureus in artificial urine. The two vessels were incubated at 36 °C for 24-72 h. The microbial count in the catheters was determined after each experiment to investigate the migration distance. RESULTS: The average migration speed was 0.63 cm/h for E. coli, 0.80 cm/h for S. aureus, and 0.94 cm/h for P. aeruginosa. This results in a colonization distance of approximately 80 cm in 3 days. CONCLUSION: If the system, e. g., the stoma pouch is contaminated, it can be expected that during the common application time of a splint of 10-14 days, the complete splint will be contaminated due to the high bacteria migration speed. Consequently there is a high infection risk for kidneys and ureters. A return stop feature in the stoma pouch should minimize this risk. However, it is of upmost importance to not applying the splint through the return stop to prevent any contact with potentially contaminated urine.

[LSD score. A new classification system for peristomal skin lesions]. / LSD-Score. Ein neues Klassifikationssystem für peristomale Hautläsionen.

BACKGROUND: Peristomal skin lesions are frequent complications of ostomy; however, there is no generally accepted nomenclature and classification system. OBJECTIVE: An interdisciplinary German expert panel (GESS) composed of ten members, developed an innovative semiquantitative classification system for peristomal skin lesions for further stratification of ostomy therapy. This score is based on criteria which can be assessed by stomal therapists and treating physicians. RESULTS: The new peristomal skin lesion score grades three categories: lesion (L), status of ostomy (S) and disease (D). The L category describes the integrity of the skin as normal (L0), lesion with sustained integrity of skin (L1), integrity destroyed (L2) and local infection (L3). The S category rates the complexity of ostomy therapy as normal (S0), increased (S1) and high but not sufficiently effective (S2). The additional letters for categorization O. R. P. H. E. US describe anatomical pathologies of the stoma itself: ostomy stenosis (O), retraction (R), prolapse (P), hernia (H), edema (E) and unfavorable site (US). A systemic disorder is either absent (D0), irrelevant (D1) or relevant (D2). The LSD score is the basis for a management algorithm. CONCLUSION: The LSD score is comprehensive, standardized and holistic. Its straightforward use by health professionals can improve the consistency of the description of skin lesions and enhance the quality of ostomy therapy.