Prostate biopsy sepsis prevention: external validation of an alcohol needle washing protocol.

PURPOSE: Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-Bx) is associated with a 1-8% risk of post-biopsy sepsis (PBS). A recent study described an isopropyl alcohol needle washing protocol that significantly decreased PBS rates. The current study examined the efficacy of this technique in our clinic population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were reviewed for 1250 consecutive patients undergoing TRUS-Bx at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center from January 2017 to January 2023. Needle washing was adopted in February 2021. Complications occurring within 30 days after TRUS-Bx were recorded. RESULTS: There were 912 patients in group 1 (without needle washing) and 338 in group 2 (with needle washing). Groups had equivalent demographic features, and men of African descent comprised 70% of patients. Standard 12 core biopsies were done in 83% and 82% in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.788). Total complication rates were 4% and 2% in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.077). There were 13 sepsis events in group 1 (1.4%) and none in group 2 (p = 0.027). Clavien-Dindo Grade I-III complications occurred in 25 (2.7%) and 7 (2.1%) patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.505). Standard antibiotic prophylaxis (PO fluoroquinolone and IM gentamicin) was given in 80% and 86% of patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.030). Subset analysis limited to patients who received standard prophylaxis showed a significant difference in sepsis rates (1.5% vs 0%; p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Adoption of isopropyl alcohol needle washing was associated with a significant decrease in PBS events.

Clinical Impact of Supplementation with Pasteurized Donor Human Milk by High-Temperature Short-Time Method versus Holder Method in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants: A Multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial.

Nosocomial infections are a frequent and serious problem in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Donor human milk (DHM) is the best alternative for feeding these babies when mother's own milk (MOM) is not available. Recently, a patented prototype of a High-Temperature Short-Time (HTST) pasteurizer adapted to a human milk bank setting showed a lesser impact on immunologic components. We designed a multicentre randomized controlled trial that investigates whether, in ELBW infants with an insufficient MOM supply, the administration of HTST pasteurized DHM reduces the incidence of confirmed catheter-associated sepsis compared to DHM pasteurized with the Holder method. From birth until 34 weeks postmenstrual age, patients included in the study received DHM, as a supplement, pasteurized by the Holder or HTST method. A total of 213 patients were randomized; 79 (HTST group) and 81 (Holder group) were included in the analysis. We found no difference in the frequency of nosocomial sepsis between the patients of the two methods-41.8% (33/79) of HTST group patients versus 45.7% (37/81) of Holder group patients, relative risk 0.91 (0.64-1.3), p = 0.62. In conclusion, when MOM is not available, supplementing during admission with DHM pasteurized by the HTST versus Holder method might not have an impact on the incidence of catheter-associated sepsis.

Can the use of azithromycin during labour reduce the incidence of infection among puerperae and newborns? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether the use of azithromycin during labour or caesarean section reduces the incidence of sepsis and infection among mothers and newborns. DATA SOURCES: We independently searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases for relevant studies published before February, 2024. METHODS: We included RCTs that evaluated the effect of prenatal oral or intravenous azithromycin or placebo on intrapartum or postpartum infection incidence. We included studies evaluating women who had vaginal births as well as caesarean sections. Studies reporting maternal and neonatal infections were included in the current analysis. Review Manager 5.4 was used to analyse 6 randomized clinical trials involving 44,448 mothers and 44,820 newborns. The risk of bias of each included study was assessed using the criteria outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.Primary outcomes included the incidence of maternal sepsis and all-cause mortality and neonatal sepsis and all-cause mortality; secondary outcomes included maternal (endometritis, wound and surgical site infections, chorioamnionitis, and urinary tract infections) and neonatal outcomes (infections of the eyes, ears and skin). A random-effects model was used to test for overall effects and heterogeneity. RESULTS: The pooled odds ratios (ORs) were as follows: 0.65 for maternal sepsis (95% CI, 0.55-0.77; I2, 0%; P < .00001); 0.62 for endometritis (95% CI, 0.52-0.74; I2, 2%; P < .00001); and 0.43 for maternal wound or surgical site infection (95% CI, 0.24-0.78; P < .005); however, there was great heterogeneity among the studies (I2, 75%). The pooled OR for pyelonephritis and urinary tract infections was 0.3 (95% CI, 0.17-0.52; I2, 0%; P < .0001), and that for neonatal skin infections was 0.48 (95% CI, 0.35-0.65; I2, 0%, P < .00001). There was no significant difference in maternal all-cause mortality or incidence of chorioamnionitis between the two groups. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of neonatal sepsis or suspected sepsis, all-cause mortality, or infections of the eyes or ears. CONCLUSION: In this meta-analysis, azithromycin use during labour reduced the incidence of maternal sepsis, endometritis, incisional infections and urinary tract infections but did not reduce the incidence of neonatal-associated infections, except for neonatal skin infections. These findings indicate that azithromycin may be potentially beneficial for maternal postpartum infections, but its effect on neonatal prognosis remains unclear. Azithromycin should be used antenatally only if the clinical indication is clear and the potential benefits outweigh the harms.

The effect of minimizing central line days for very low birth weight infants through quality improvement.

Blood culture proven sepsis is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Given the extended hospitalization of very preterm infants, catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSIs) play a substantial role in sepsis. The reported incidence of CRBSIs in neonates varies from 3.2 to 21.8 CRBSIs per 1000 catheter line days. Moreover, discrepancies in neonatal practices and potential neglect may lead to the unwarranted prolongation of central lines. This study aims to compare two distinct periods (Pre-QI vs. Post-QI) in relation to the central line insertion rate and duration, as well as blood culture proven sepsis, duration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and the progression of feeding. These factors are known to be associated with prolonged hospitalization and increased morbidities. A total of 210 very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs), defined as either less than 32 weeks of gestational age (GA) or weighing less than 1500 g, were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, between January 2020 and June 2023. Fourteen infants were excluded from the study as they did not survive beyond 1 month of life, and one was excluded due to a congenital anomaly. Consequently, the analysis included 195 VLBWIs. The Quality Improvement (QI) initiative began in January 2022, marking the division into two distinct epochs: the Pre-QI period, encompassing the years 2020 to 2021, and the Post-QI period, spanning from 2022 to 2023. The primary outcome measures included PICC insertion rates, duration, and feeding advancement or feeding-related complications. The hospital outcome measures were also compared between the two periods. A total of 195 VLBWI were included in the analysis. The birth weight was significantly lower in the pre-QI period, with an average of 1023 g compared to 1218 g (P < 0.001). Severe BPD ≥ moderate was significantly lower in the post-QI period (36.2% vs. 53.9%) (P < 0.001) along with shorter mechanical ventilation days (12 ± 29 vs. 22 ± 27) (P = 0.046). The PICC insertion rate was significantly decreased from 95.6% in pre-QI period compared to 55.2% in post-QI period (P < 0.001) along with a notable reduction in blood culture-proven sepsis (25.6% vs. 10.5%, P = 0.008). CRBSI rate was reduced from 1.3 to 1.1 per 1000 catheter days in the post-QI period. Moreover, the time required to achieve full enteral feeding of 100 mL/kg/day was significantly shorter in the post-QI (24 ± 23 vs. 33 ± 25) (P = 0.006). Multivariable logistic regression analysis for sepsis revealed that both birth weight and pre/post QI consistently demonstrated an association with lower sepsis rates in the Post-QI period. QI has the potential to reduce the burden of unnecessary interventions and blood culture proven sepsis rate along with CRBSI rate, thereby, optimizing the better care of very preterm babies.

Effect of oropharyngeal colostrum therapy on neonatal sepsis in preterm neonates: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Various studies have shown that oropharyngeal colostrum application (OPCA) is beneficial to preterm neonates. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether OPCA reduces the incidence of culture-proven neonatal sepsis in preterm neonates. Randomized controlled trials comparing OPCA with placebo or standard care in preterm neonates were included. Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, and CENTRAL were searched for studies published up to June 15, 2023. We used the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, version 2, for risk of bias assessment, the random-effects model (RevMan 5.4) for meta-analysis, and Gradepro software for assessing the certainty of evidence. Twenty-one studies involving 2393 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Four studies had a low risk of bias, whereas seven had a high risk. Oropharyngeal colostrum significantly reduced the incidence of culture-proven sepsis (18 studies, 1990 neonates, risk ratio [RR]: 0.78, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.65, 0.94), mortality (18 studies, 2117 neonates, RR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.90), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (17 studies, 1692 neonates, RR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.82), feeding intolerance episodes (four studies, 445 neonates, RR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.92), and the time to full enteral feeding (19 studies, 2142 neonates, mean difference: -2 to 21 days, 95% CI: -3.44, -0.99 days). There was no reduction in intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, neurodevelopmental abnormalities, hospital stay duration, time to full oral feeding, weight at discharge, pneumonia, and duration of antibiotic therapy. The certainty of the evidence was high for the outcomes of culture-positive sepsis and mortality, moderate for NEC, low for time to full enteral feeding, and very low for feeding intolerance. OPCA reduces culture-positive sepsis and mortality (high certainty), NEC (moderate certainty), and time to full enteral feeding (low certainty) in preterm neonates. However, scarcity of data from extremely premature infants limits the generalizability of these results to this population.

Postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis for percutaneous nephrolithotomy and risk of infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to perform a high-quality meta-analysis using only randomized controlled trials (RCT) to better define the role of postoperative antibiotics in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search for RCTs in EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science up to May 2023 was conducted following the PICO framework: Population-adult patients who underwent PCNL; Intervention-postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis until nephrostomy tube withdrawal; Control-single dose of antibiotic during the induction of anesthesia; and Outcome-systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis and fever after PCNL. The protocol was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42022361579). We calculated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A random-effects model was employed, and the alpha risk was defined as < 0.05. RESULTS: Seven articles, encompassing a total of 629 patients, were included in the analysis. The outcome of SIRS or sepsis was extracted from six of the included studies, while the outcome of postoperative fever was extracted from four studies. The analysis revealed no statistical association between the use of postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis until nephrostomy tube withdrawal and the occurrence of SIRS/sepsis (OR 1.236, 95% CI 0.731 - 2.089, p=0.429) or fever (OR 2.049, 95% CI 0.790 - 5.316, p=0.140). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that there is no benefit associated with the use of postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis until nephrostomy tube withdrawal in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). We recommend that antibiotic prophylaxis should be administered only until the induction of anesthesia in PCNL.

Efficacy of probiotics or synbiotics in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This latest systematic review and meta-analysis aim to examine the effects of probiotic and synbiotic supplementation in critically ill patients. METHODS: Relevant articles were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Database, and the Web of Science. The primary output measure was the incident of ventilator-associated pneumonia, and the secondary outputs were diarrhea, Clostridium diffusion infection (CDI), incident of sepsis, incident of hospital acquired pneumonia, duration of mechanical exploitation, ICU mortality rate, length of ICU stay, in hospital mortality, and length of hospital stay. Data were pooled and expressed as Relative Risk(RR) and Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) with a 95 % confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: 33 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis, with 4065 patients who received probiotics or synbiotics (treatment group) and 3821 patients who received standard care or placebo (control group). The pooled data from all included studies demonstrated that the treatment group has significantly reduced incidence of ventilation-associated pneumonia (VAP) (RR = 0.80; 95 % CI: 0.67-0.96; p = 0.021, I2 = 52.5 %) and sepsis (RR = 0.97; 95 % CI: 0.66-1.42; p = 0.032, I2 = 54.4 %), As well as significantly increased duration of mechanical exploitation (SMD = -0.47; 95 % CI: -0.74-0.20, p = 0.012, I2 = 63.4 %), ICU mobility (RR = 0.95; 95 % CI: 0.71-1.27; p = 0.004, I2 = 62.8 %), length of ICU stay (SMD = -0.29; 95 % CI: -0.58-0.01; p = 0.000, I2 = 82.3 %) and length of hospital stay (SMD = -0.33; 95 % CI: -0.57-0.08, p = 0.000, I2 = 74.2 %) than the control group. There were no significant differences in diarrhea, CDI, incidence of hospital acquired pneumonia, and in hospital mortality between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis showed that probiotic and synbiotic supplements are beneficial for critically ill patients as they significantly reduce the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia and sepsis, as well as the duration of mechanical exploitation, length of hospital stay, length of ICU stay, and ICU mortality. However, this intervention has minimal impact on diarrhea, CDI, incidence of hospital acquired pneumonia, and in hospital mortality in critically ill patients.

Probiotics for the postoperative management of term neonates after gastrointestinal surgery.

BACKGROUND: The intestinal microflora has an essential role in providing a barrier against colonisation of pathogens, facilitating important metabolic functions, stimulating the development of the immune system, and maintaining intestinal motility. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be administered to supplement the gut flora. Neonates who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery are particularly susceptible to infectious complications in the postoperative period. This may be partly due to a disruption of the integrity of the gut and its intestinal microflora. There may be a role for probiotics in reducing the incidence of sepsis and improving intestinal motility, thus reducing morbidity and mortality and improving enteral feeding in neonates in the postoperative period. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of administering probiotics after gastrointestinal surgery for the postoperative management of neonates born from 35 weeks of gestation. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and trial registries in August 2023. We checked reference lists of included studies and relevant systematic reviews for additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the postoperative administration of oral probiotics versus placebo or no treatment in neonates born from 35 weeks of gestation who had one or more gastrointestinal surgical procedures. We applied no restrictions regarding the type or dosage of probiotics or the duration of treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methods, and we used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: We identified one RCT that recruited 61 neonates with a gestational age of 35 weeks or more. All infants were admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit and had surgery for gastrointestinal pathologies. There may be little or no difference in proven sepsis (positive bacterial culture, local or systemic) between infants who receive probiotics compared with those who receive placebo (odds ratio (OR) 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.16 to 2.55; 61 infants; low-certainty evidence). Probiotics compared to placebo may have little or no effect on time to full enteral feeds (mean difference (MD) 0.63 days, 95% CI -4.02 to 5.28; 61 infants; low-certainty evidence). There were no reported deaths prior to discharge from hospital in either study arm. Two weeks after supplementation, the infants who received probiotics had a substantially higher relative abundance of non-pathogenic intestinal microflora (Bifidobacteriaceae) than those who received placebo (MD 38.22, 95% CI 28.40 to 48.04; 39 infants; low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This review provides low-certainty evidence from one small RCT that probiotics compared to placebo have little or no effect on the risk of proven sepsis (positive bacterial culture, local or systemic) or time to full-enteral feeds in neonates who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery. Probiotics may substantially increase the abundance of beneficial bacterial in the intestine of these neonates, but the clinical implications of this finding are unknown. There is a need for adequately powered RCTs to assess the role of probiotics in this population. We identified two ongoing studies. As neither reported the gestational age of prospective study participants, we are unsure if they will be eligible for inclusion in this review.

Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Misclassifications-Rethinking the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Definition and Its Implications.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services imparts financial penalties for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and other healthcare-acquired infections. Data for this purpose is obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s National Health Safety Network. We present examples of misclassification of bloodstream infections into CLABSI by the CDC's definition and present the financial implications of such misclassification and potential long-term implications.

Routine diversion following delayed IPAA construction does not reduce the incidence of pouch-related sepsis or failure in patients with ulcerative colitis.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare modified 2-stage and 3-stage IPAA construction techniques to evaluate the effect of diverting loop ileostomy following completion proctectomy and IPAA for ulcerative colitis. In addition, our overall institutional experience was reviewed to describe long-term outcomes and changes in staging trends over time. METHODS: Our institutional database was searched to identify all cases of IPAA for ulcerative colitis between 1981 and 2018. Patient, pouch and outcome characteristics were abstracted. Primary study outcomes were the incidence of primary pouch failure and pouch-related sepsis. Failure was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival over time. The adjusted effect of pouch stage was evaluated using multivariable Cox and logistic regression models. Exploratory analysis evaluated the effect of stage on failure in the pouch related sepsis subgroup. RESULTS: A total of 2105 patients underwent primary IPAA over the study period. The 5, 10 and 20-year pouch survival probabilities were 95.2%, 92.7% and 86.6%. The incidence of pouch related sepsis was 12.3%. Adjusted analysis demonstrated no difference in pouch failure (HR = 0.64: 95% 0.39-1.07, p = 0.09) or post-operative sepsis (aOR = 0.79: 95% CI 0.53-1.17, p = 0.24) by stage of construction. Among patients experiencing pouch sepsis, there was no difference in Kaplan-Meier estimates of pouch survival by stage (p = 0.90). CONCLUSIONS: Pouch related sepsis and IPAA failure did not differ between modified 2-stage and 3-stage construction techniques. Among the sub-group of patients experiencing pouch related sepsis, there was no difference in failure between groups. The results suggest diverting ileostomy may be safely avoided following delayed pouch reconstruction in appropriately selected patients.

Single-dose oral azithromycin prophylaxis in planned vaginal delivery for sepsis prevention: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: The use of oral azithromycin (AZI) as a preventive measure against postpartum infections of planned vaginal births has garnered a lot of interest in recent years and has been the subject of many randomized controlled trials (RCTs). However, the results from these trials have not been consistent. Therefore, we aim to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether the use of a single-dose of oral AZI is clinically significant. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central for RCTs from May to June 2023, comparing a single dose of oral AZI with placebo in patients undergoing planned vaginal delivery at a minimum of 28 weeks of gestational age. The main outcomes were puerperal and neonatal sepsis. Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4.1 (Cochrane Collaboration). Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics. RESULTS: Four RCTs were included (mothers, n = 42 235; newborns n = 42 492). Approximately 49.8% of mothers received a single dose of oral AZI for sepsis prophylaxis. Compared with placebo, AZI significantly reduced the incidence of puerperal sepsis (risk ratio [RR], 0.65 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.55-0.77]; P < 0.001), mastitis or breast abscess (RR, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.42-0.79]; P < 0.001), endometritis (RR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.54-0.77]; P < 0.001), wound infection (RR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.69-0.96]; P = 0.013), infection rate (RR, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.51-0.76]; P < 0.001), and fever (RR, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.28-0.89]; P = 0.018) in mothers. No statistically significant differences were identified between groups regarding maternal all-cause mortality and the use of prescribed postpartum antibiotics. Similarly, no statistical differences were noted in the neonatal group regarding sepsis, infection rate, and all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: AZI appears to be an effective preventive measure against many postpartum infections in mothers but a substantial impact on neonatal outcomes has not yet been conclusively observed.

A new perfusion system to reduce the burden of central-venous-line-associated bloodstream infections in neonates.

BACKGROUND: Central-venous-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. As there is large variation in the reported effect of multi-modal preventive strategies, it could be relevant to propose new additional strategies. AIM: To assess the impact of a new perfusion system on CLABSI rate. METHODS: A before-and-after study was performed in infants born at <32 weeks of gestation or with birth weight <1500 g who required a multi-perfusion system connected to a central venous line. In the first 12-month period ('before'), the pre-existing perfusion system (multiple stopcocks) was used. An intervention period then occurred with implementation of a new perfusion closed system, without change in 'bundles' related to various aspects of central line care. During the second 12-month period ('after'), the CLABSI rate was assessed and compared with the pre-intervention period. FINDINGS: In total, 313 infants were included in this study (before: N=163; after: N=150), and 46% had birth weight <1000 g. The change in perfusion system resulted in a significant decrease in CLABSI rate from 11.3 to 2.2 per 1000 catheter-days (P<0.001). The period was independently associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of CLABSI after implementation of the new perfusion system [odds ratio (OR) 0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03-0.39; P<0.001]. The duration of central line use was also associated with CLABSIs (for each additional day: OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.07; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the new perfusion system was feasible in a large neonatal unit, and reduced the CLABSI rate soon after implementation.

2% chlorhexidine gluconate aqueous versus 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol for skin disinfection prior to percutaneous central venous catheterisation: the ARCTIC randomised controlled feasibility trial.

OBJECTIVE: Catheter-related sepsis (CRS) is a major complication with significant morbidity and mortality. Evidence is lacking regarding the most appropriate antiseptic for skin disinfection before percutaneous central venous catheter (PCVC) insertion in preterm neonates. To inform the feasibility and design of a definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT) of two antiseptic formulations, we conducted the Antiseptic Randomised Controlled Trial for Insertion of Catheters (ARCTIC) feasibility study to assess catheter colonisation, sepsis, and skin morbidity. DESIGN: Feasibility RCT. SETTING: Two UK tertiary-level neonatal intensive care units. PATIENTS: Preterm infants born <34 weeks' gestation scheduled to undergo PCVC insertion. INTERVENTIONS: Skin disinfection with either 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)-aqueous or 2% CHG-70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA) before PCVC insertion and at removal. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Proportion in the 2% CHG-70% IPA arm with a colonised catheter at removal. MAIN FEASIBILITY OUTCOMES: Rates of: (1) CRS, catheter-associated sepsis (CAS), and CRS/CAS per 1,000 PCVC days; (2) recruitment and retention; (3) data completeness. SAFETY OUTCOMES: Daily skin morbidity scores recorded from catheter insertion until 48 hours post-removal. RESULTS: 116 babies were randomised. Primary outcome incidence was 4.1% (95% confidence interval: 0.9% to 11.5%). Overall catheter colonisation rate was 5.2% (5/97); CRS 2.3/1000 catheter days; CAS 14.8/1000 catheter days. Recruitment, retention and data completeness were good. No major antiseptic-related skin injury was reported. CONCLUSIONS: A definitive comparative efficacy trial is feasible, but the very low catheter colonisation rate would make a large-scale RCT challenging due to the very large sample size required. ARCTIC provides preliminary reassurance supporting potential safe use of 2% CHG-70% IPA and 2% CHG-aqueous in preterm neonates. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN82571474.

Effects of organizational and individual factors on nurses' practice of central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention.

BACKGROUND: This study explored rarely investigated organizational factors (resource support and organizational culture) in conjunction with well-established individual factors (demographic characteristics, knowledge, and awareness) that impact nurses' practice of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention. METHODS: Self-reported questionnaire data were collected from 173 nurses recruited from departments that use central venous catheters (ie, intensive care units, emergency rooms, hemodialysis rooms, and oncology wards) in tertiary hospitals in South Korea. Multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the effects of individual and organizational factors. RESULTS: Organizational culture (ß = 0.350) had the greatest association with CLABSI prevention practice, followed by awareness (ß = 0.328) and department (ß = -0.217; all ps < 0.01). These variables explained 41.1% of the variance in CLABSI prevention practice (F = 20.996, P < .001). Higher self-reported CLABSI prevention practice was associated with a favorable organizational culture and higher awareness. Emergency room nurses' CLABSI prevention practice was notably inferior as compared to nurses in other departments. DISCUSSION: Organizational culture is the most significant factor affecting nurses' practice of CLABSI prevention. CONCLUSIONS: An organizational culture with environmental improvements and resource support as well as infection prevention education and awareness-building programs should be fostered.

Intrapartum azithromycin to prevent maternal and neonatal sepsis and deaths: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: A systematic review with met-analysis was performed to summarise the evidence on the effect of intrapartum azithromycin on maternal and neonatal infections and deaths. SEARCH STRATEGY: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched in March 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing intrapartum single-dose of azithromycin with placebo. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Maternal infections, maternal mortality, neonatal sepsis, neonatal mortality. We used the random-effects Mantel-Haenszel method to calculate risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). We assessed risk of bias of the included studies and estimated the evidence certainty using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: After screening 410 abstracts, five studies with 44 190 women and 44 565 neonates were included. The risk of bias was low in four and had some concerns in one of the studies. The risk of endometritis was 1.5% in the azithromycin group and 2.3% in the placebo group (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.55-0.75), and the evidence certainty was high. The respective risk for chorioamnionitis was 0.05% and 0.1% (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.22-1.18; evidence certainty moderate). The wound infection rate was lower in the azithromycin group (1.6%) than in the placebo group (2.5%), RR 0.52 (95% CI 0.30-0.89; moderate certainty evidence). The maternal sepsis rate was 1.1% in the azithromycin group and 1.7% in the placebo group (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.56-0.77; evidence certainty high). Mortality rates did not show evidence of a difference (0.09% versus 0.08%; RR 1.26, 95% CI 0.65-2.42; moderate certainty evidence). The neonatal mortality rate was 0.7% in the azithromycin group and 0.8% in the placebo group (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.76-1.16; moderate certainty evidence). The neonatal sepsis rate was 7.6% in the azithromycin group and 7.4% in the placebo group (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.96-1.09; moderate certainty evidence). CONCLUSIONS: Intrapartum administration of azithromycin to the mother reduces maternal postpartum infections, including sepsis. Impact on maternal mortality remains undecided. Azithromycin does not reduce neonatal sepsis or mortality rates.