Oral decontamination with colistin plus neomycin in solid organ transplant recipients colonized by multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales: a multicentre, randomized, controlled, open-label, parallel-group clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of oral colistin-neomycin in preventing multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales (MDR-E) infections in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. METHODS: Multicentre, open-label, parallel-group, controlled trial with balanced (1:1) randomization in five transplant units. SOT recipients were screened for MDR-E intestinal colonization (extended-spectrum ß-lactamase or carbapenemase producing) before transplantation and +7 and + 14 days after transplantation and assigned 1:1 to receive treatment with colistin sulfate plus neomycin sulfate for 14 days (decolonization treatment (DT) group) or no treatment (no decolonization treatment (NDT) group). The primary outcome was diagnosis of an MDR-E infection. Safety outcomes were appearance of adverse effects, mainly diarrhoea, rash, nausea and vomiting. Patients were monitored weekly until 30 days after treatment. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed. RESULTS: MDR-E rectal colonization was assessed in 768 SOT recipients; 105 colonized patients were included in the clinical trial, 53 receiving DT and 52 NDT. No significant decrease in the risk of infection by MDR-E was observed in the DT group (9.4%, 5/53) compared to the NDT group (13.5%, 7/52) (relative risk 0.70; 95% confidence interval 0.24-2.08; p 0.517). Four patients (5.6%), three (5.6%) in the DT group and one (1.9%) in the NDT group, developed colistin resistance. Twelve patients (22.7%) in the DT group had diarrhoea, eight related to treatment (15.0%); one patient (1.8%) developed skin rash and another (1.8%) nausea and vomiting. Two patients (3.8%) in the NDT group developed diarrhoea. CONCLUSIONS: DT does not reduce MDR-E infections in SOT. Colistin resistance and adverse effects such as diarrhoea are a potential issue that must be taken seriously.

Role of age and comorbidities in mortality of patients with infective endocarditis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of patients with IE in three groups of age and to assess the ability of age and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to predict mortality. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of all patients with IE included in the GAMES Spanish database between 2008 and 2015.Patients were stratified into three age groups:<65 years,65 to 80 years,and ≥ 80 years.The area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was calculated to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of the CCI to predict mortality risk. RESULTS: A total of 3120 patients with IE (1327 < 65 years;1291 65-80 years;502 ≥ 80 years) were enrolled.Fever and heart failure were the most common presentations of IE, with no differences among age groups.Patients ≥80 years who underwent surgery were significantly lower compared with other age groups (14.3%,65 years; 20.5%,65-79 years; 31.3%,≥80 years). In-hospital mortality was lower in the <65-year group (20.3%,<65 years;30.1%,65-79 years;34.7%,≥80 years;p < 0.001) as well as 1-year mortality (3.2%, <65 years; 5.5%, 65-80 years;7.6%,≥80 years; p = 0.003).Independent predictors of mortality were age ≥ 80 years (hazard ratio [HR]:2.78;95% confidence interval [CI]:2.32-3.34), CCI ≥ 3 (HR:1.62; 95% CI:1.39-1.88),and non-performed surgery (HR:1.64;95% CI:11.16-1.58).When the three age groups were compared,the AUROC curve for CCI was significantly larger for patients aged <65 years(p < 0.001) for both in-hospital and 1-year mortality. CONCLUSION: There were no differences in the clinical presentation of IE between the groups. Age ≥ 80 years, high comorbidity (measured by CCI),and non-performance of surgery were independent predictors of mortality in patients with IE.CCI could help to identify those patients with IE and surgical indication who present a lower risk of in-hospital and 1-year mortality after surgery, especially in the <65-year group.

[Clinical simulation for quality improvement in the care of postpartum haemorrhage]. / Simulación clínica para la mejora de la calidad en la atención a la hemorragia posparto.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse and redesign the care process for patients with severe post-partum haemorrhage using simulation and a human factors approach. METHODS: The project was developed between June 2016 and May 2017. The working group was created following the participatory leadership method and included professionals with knowledge and position to influence the organisation. The existing process and clinical protocols were reviewed. An in situ simulation was used to observe team performance in the hospital recovery room. Information was expanded through an open and structured interview with professionals selected for their experience in the subject matter. Task analysis was used to document the process, and a failure mode and effects analysis was made to assess system vulnerabilities. Results were mapped using a flow chart. RESULTS: The analysis identified six groups of people working on different tasks, their activities and sequence of action, the importance of naming an explicit coordinator, the way in which information is disseminated and transformed, and the stages where it is necessary to share information and make key clinical decisions. The existing clinical protocols and the aids established in order to use the available resources were integrated, including blood draws and haemostatic agents, as well as an administration guide. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of the patient care process in post-partum haemorrhage using in situ simulation with a human factors perspective, including an analysis of the interaction between professionals and the system where they work, established a detailed and personalised map of the components that determine how work flows through the organisation.

Risk factors and outcomes for nosocomial infection after prosthetic vascular grafts.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine risk factors for nosocomial infections (NIs) and predictors of mortality in patients with prosthetic vascular grafts (PVGs). METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of all consecutive patients who underwent PVG of the abdominal aorta with or without iliac-femoral involvement and peripheral PVG from April 2008 to August 2009 at a university hospital. Patients younger than 15 years and those with severe immunodeficiency were excluded. The follow-up period was until 3 years after surgery or until death. RESULTS: There were 261 patients included; 230 (88.12%) were male, and the mean age was 67.57 (standard deviation, 10.82) years. The reason for operation was aortic aneurysm in 49 (18.77%) patients or lower limb arteriopathy in 212 (81.23%) patients. NIs occurred in 71 (27.20%) patients. Of these, 42 were surgical site infections (SSIs), of which 61.9% occurred in the lower extremities (14 superficial, 10 deep, and 2 PVG infections) and 38.1% in the abdomen (7 superficial, 7 deep, and 2 PVG infections); 15 were respiratory tract infections; and 15 were urinary tract infections. Active lower extremity skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) at the time of surgery was a significant predictor of NI for both types of PVG (abdominal aortic PVG: adjusted odds ratio [OR], 12.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-138.19; peripheral PVG: adjusted OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.08-5.47). Other independent predictors of NI were mechanical ventilation (adjusted OR, 55.96; 95% CI, 3.9-802.39) for abdominal aortic PVG and low hemoglobin levels on admission (adjusted OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.71-0.99) and emergent surgery (adjusted OR, 4.39; 95% CI, 1.51-12.74) for peripheral PVG. The in-hospital mortality rate was 1.92%. The probability of surviving the first month was 0.96, and significant predictors of mortality were active lower extremity SSTI (adjusted risk ratio [RR], 12.07; 95% CI, 1.04-154.75), high postsurgical glucose levels (adjusted RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.04), and noninfectious surgical complications (adjusted RR, 19.38; 95% CI, 2.25-167.29). The long-term mortality rate was 11.88%. The probability of surviving at 12, 24, and 36 months was 0.94, 0.92, and 0.87, respectively. Variables significantly associated with long-term death were older age (adjusted RR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01-1.15), high values of creatinine on discharge (adjusted RR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.08-3.38), and an SSI with the highest adjusted RR (6.35; 95% CI, 1.87-21.53). CONCLUSIONS: SSI was the primary NI. The risk of NI depended primarily on the presence of a lower extremity SSTI at the time of surgery, whereas mortality was determined by age, surgical complications during the operation, and SSI. These findings suggest that in those cases in which surgery is reasonably delayed, surgery should be deferred until the lower extremity SSTIs are resolved.

Quality of life in patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).

BACKGROUND: There are very few studies about general quality of life parameters, standards for the description of health status and comparison with general population data on patients with Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), a rare disease in which epistaxis is a cardinal symptom. PURPOSE: To assess the quality of life in a population of Spanish patients with HHT and compare it with the general population. DESIGN AND METHODS: Between January 1st 2005 and December 31st 2013, 187 adult patients diagnosed with HHT who were admitted to the HHT Unit of the Hospital Sierrallana, completed on their first visit, the EuroQol 5D-3L (five dimensions and three levels) quality of life descriptive test and the visual analog scale (VAS). The numerical social index value was also determined and the subjective effect of the nasal epistaxis on their quality of life was estimated classified as mild, moderate or severe. RESULTS: Patients with HHT had greater problems than the general population in the five dimensions of the EuroQol 5D-3L, particularly considering pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression. In the VAS and the social index value, patients with HHT also scored lower than the general population, particularly older patients, males, and patients with HHT2. They also had values similar to those of populations with chronic illnesses. The subjective perception of the severity of epistaxis correlated strongly with the VAS and social index values. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of life of patients with HHT, estimated using the EuroQol 5D-3L scale, is affected across all dimensions. The scores are similar to those seen in cases of other chronic diseases. Older patients, males and the carriers of the ACVRL1 mutation generally have worse scores on these scales. The VAS and the social index value are index that correlate well with the severity of the clinical symptoms associated mainly with epistaxis.

Screening pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in a large cohort of Spanish patients with hemorrhagic hereditary telangiectasia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Because of the serious nature of potential complications, screening for pulmonary arteriovenous malformations is required in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of contrast echocardiography and compare the performance of two contrast agents: agitated saline and Gelofusine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred and five patients screened for PAVMs using TTCE and computed tomography (CT) performed with an interval of less than 180days. Contrast echocardiography studies were graded on a 4-point semiquantitative scale based on the amount of microbubbles seen in left heart chambers. RESULTS: Positive TTCE findings were seen in 137 (66.8%) patients, whereas CT confirmed PAVMs in 59 (43.1%). Two of 67 grade 1 patients; 18 of 42 grade 2; 17 of 22 grade 3 and all grade 4 had PAVMs on CT. Embolotherapy was feasible in 38.9% patients in grade 2 and 82.3% and 95.2% in grades 3-4. No patients in grade 1 were embolized. The mean cardiac cycle in which bubbles were first seen in the left heart in patients without and with PAVMs on CT was 6.1 and 3.9 (p<0.0001). Compared to saline, Gelofusine produced an overall increase in grade. CONCLUSIONS: No grade 1 patients had treatable PAVMs. There is a need for improvement in the selection of patients for CT in grade 2, where less than half have PAVMs on CT. The cardiac cycle may help to differentiate between patients with and without PAVMs. Gelofusine was not better than saline for PAVM screening.

26Postoperative diagnosis and outcome in patients with revision arthroplasty for aseptic loosening.

BACKGROUND: The most common cause of implant failure is aseptic loosening (AL), followed by prosthetic joint infection (PJI). This study evaluates the incidence of PJI among patients operated with suspected AL and whether the diagnosis of PJI was predictive of subsequent implant failure including re-infection, at 2 years of follow up. METHODS: Patients undergoing revision hip or knee arthroplasty due to presumed AL from February 2009 to September 2011 were prospectively evaluated. A sonication fluid of prosthesis and tissue samples for microbiology and histopathology at the time of the surgery were collected. Implant failure include recurrent or persistent infection, reoperation for any reason or need for chronic antibiotic suppression. RESULTS: Of 198 patients with pre-and intraoperative diagnosis of AL, 24 (12.1 %) had postoperative diagnosis of PJI. After a follow up of 31 months (IQR: 21 to 38 months), 9 (37.5 %) of 24 patients in the PJI group had implant failure compared to only 1 (1.1 %) in the 198 of AL group (p < 0.0001). Sensitivity of sonicate fluid culture (>20 CFU) and peri-prosthetic tissue culture were 87.5 % vs 66.7 %, respectively. Specificities were 100 % for both techniques (95 % CI, 97.9-100 %). A greater number of patients with PJI (79.1 %) had previous partial arthroplasty revisions than those patients in the AL group (56.9 %) (p = 0.04). In addition, 5 (55.5 %) patients with PJI and implant failure had more revision arthroplasties during the first year after the last implant placement than those patients with PJI without implant failure (1 patient; 6.7 %) (RR 3.8; 95 % CI 1.4-10.1; p = 0.015). On the other hand, 6 (25 %) patients finally diagnosed of PJI were initially diagnosed of AL in the first year after primary arthroplasty, whereas it was only 16 (9.2 %) patients in the group of true AL (RR 2.7; 95 % CI 1.2-6.1; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: More than one tenth of patients with suspected AL are misdiagnosed PJI. Positive histology and positive peri-implant tissue and sonicate fluid cultures are highly predictive of implant failure in patients with PJI. Patients with greater number of partial hip revisions for a presumed AL had more risk of PJI. Early loosening is more often caused by hidden PJI than late loosening.

Mannose-binding lectin gene variants and infections in patients receiving autologous stem cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Serious infections are common in patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) mainly because of the effects of immunosuppression. The innate immune system plays an important role in the defense against different infections. Mannose binding lectin (MBL) is a central molecule of the innate immune system. There are several promoter polymorphisms and structural variants of the MBL2 gene that encodes for this protein. These variants produce low levels of MBL and have been associated with an increased risk for infections. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. The incidence, severity of infections and mortality in 72 consecutive patients with hematologic diseases who underwent ASCT between February 2006 and June 2008 in a tertiary referral center were analyzed according to their MBL2 genotype. INNO-LiPA MBL2 was used for MBL2 gene amplification and genotyping. Relative risks (RR) (IC95%) as measure of association were calculated. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression. RESULTS: A statistically significant higher number of fungal infections was found in patients with MBL2 variants causing low MBL levels (21.1%versus1.9%, p=0.016). In this MBL2 variant group infection was more frequently the cause of mortality than in the MBL2 wild-type group (p=0.05). Although not statistically significant, there was a higher incidence of major infections in the MBL2 variant group as well as a higher number of infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Low-producer MBL2 genotypes were associated with an increased number of fungal infections in ASCT patients, which would suggest that MBL has a protective role against such infections. ASCT patients with MBL2 variant genotypes are more likely to die as a result of an infection.

Adherence to recommendations by infectious disease consultants and its influence on outcomes of intravenous antibiotic-treated hospitalized patients.

BACKGROUND: Consultation to infectious diseases specialists (ID), although not always performed by treating physicians, is part of hospital's daily practice. This study analyses adherence by treating physicians to written ID recommendations (inserted in clinical records) and its effect on outcome in hospitalized antibiotic-treated patients in a tertiary hospital in Spain. METHODS: A prospective, randomized, one-year study was performed. Patients receiving intravenous antimicrobial therapy prescribed by treating physicians for 3 days were identified and randomised to intervention (insertion of written ID recommendations in clinical records) or non-intervention. Appropriateness of empirical treatments (by treating physicians) was classified as adequate, inadequate or unnecessary. In the intervention group, adherence to recommendations was classified as complete, partial or non-adherence. RESULTS: A total of 1173 patients were included, 602 in the non-intervention and 571 in the intervention group [199 (34.9%) showing complete adherence, 141 (24.7%) partial adherence and 231 (40.5%) non-adherence to recommendations]. In the multivariate analysis for adherence (R2 Cox=0.065, p=0.009), non-adherence was associated with prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis (p=0.004; OR=0.37, 95%CI=0.19-0.72). In the multivariate analysis for clinical failure (R2 Cox=0.126, p<0.001), Charlson index (p<0.001; OR=1.19, 95%CI=1.10-1.28), malnutrition (p=0.006; OR=2.00, 95%CI=1.22-3.26), nosocomial infection (p<0.001; OR=4.12, 95%CI=2.27-7.48) and length of hospitalization (p<0.001; OR=1.01, 95%CI=1.01-1.02) were positively associated with failure, while complete adherence (p=0.001; OR=0.35, 95%CI=0.19-0.64) and adequate initial treatment (p=0.010; OR=0.39, 95%CI=0.19-0.80) were negatively associated. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to ID recommendations by treating physicians was associated with favorable outcome, in turn associated with shortened length of hospitalization. This may have important health-economic benefits and stimulates further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN83234896. http://www.controlled-trials.com/isrctn/sample_documentation.asp.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with pandemic 2009 Influenza A(H1N1)v virus infection admitted to hospitals with different levels of health-care.

BACKGROUND: The outcome of patients with influenza A 2009 (H1N1)v virus infection taking into account hospital type has not been elucidated. OBJECTIVES: To compare risk factors, clinical features and outcome of patients admitted to 3 public hospitals with different levels of health-care. METHODS: Prospective study of all non-pregnant adult patients admitted to 3 hospitals with pandemic H1N1 infection, from June 1 to December 31 and followed up until 1 month after discharge. RESULTS: During the study period, 111 patients with a mean age of 49 years (15-89) were hospitalized: 52 in hospital 1 (900-bed tertiary-teaching-hospital), 33 in hospital 2 (315-beds secondary-hospital) and 26 in hospital 3 (150-beds primary-care-hospital).Overall 80% of patients had at least 1 comorbid condition with no differences between hospitals. Symptoms or signs on admission were similar except for cough (P=0.01) more frequent in patients in hospital 1 and dyspnea (P=0.05), myalgia, arthralgia (P=0.04) and hypoxemia (P=0.009) present in more patients in hospital 2. In-hospital mortality rates were not statistically different between hospitals. In the stepwise analysis, independent predictors of mortality were pneumonia on admission (adjusted OR=8.68, 95%CI 1.0-82.43) and cardiac complications during hospitalization (adjusted OR=13.2, 95%CI 1.67-103.98). CONCLUSIONS: Mortality of patients with pandemic H1N1 infection was influenced by patients underlying conditions, severity of disease (pneumonia) on admission and complications during hospitalization. Hospital-characteristics do not appear to have influenced severe outcome.

Clinical characteristics and outcome of patients with pandemic 2009 Influenza A(H1N1)v virus infection admitted to hospitals with different levels of health-care

Introducción. La evolución de los pacientes con infección por el virus de la influenza A (H1N1)v 2009, teniendo en cuenta el tipo de hospital donde ingresan no ha sido estudiada. Objetivos. Comparar las características clínicas y la evolución de los pacientes con infección por el virus pandémico influenza A (H1N1)v 2009, teniendo en cuenta el tipo de hospital donde ingresan. Métodos. Estudio prospectivo de todos los pacientes que ingresaron en 3 hospitales públicos con diferentes niveles de atención de salud con infección por el virus pandémico influenza A (H1N1)v entre el 1 de junio y el 31 de diciembre de 2009. Se excluyeron las mujeres embarazadas. Resultados. Durante el período de estudio ingresaron 111 pacientes (edad media de 49 años; rango: 15-89): 52 en el hospital 1 (hospital universitario de 900 camas), 33 en el hospital 2 (315 camas) y 26 en el hospital 3 (150 camas). El 81% de los pacientes tenían al menos 1 enfermedad de base. Los síntomas o signos al ingreso fueron similares, excepto para la tos (P=0,01) más frecuente en los pacientes ingresados en el hospital 1 y disnea (P=0,05), mialgia, artralgia (P=0,04) e hipoxemia (P=0,009) presentes en más pacientes en el hospital 2. No hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la tasa de mortalidad entre los pacientes ingresados en los 3 hospitales. En el análisis multivariante la neumonía al ingreso (OR ajustada=8,68; CI95% 1,0-82,43) y las complicaciones cardiacas durante la hospitalización (OR ajustada=13,2; CI95% 1,67-103,98) fueron predictores independientes de mortalidad. Conclusiones. La mortalidad de los pacientes con infección por el virus de la gripe nueva (H1N1)v 2009 se relacionó la comorbilidad de los pacientes, la gravedad de la enfermedad (neumonía) al ingreso y las complicaciones durante la hospitalización. Las características del hospital donde ingresaron los pacientes no influyeron en su evolución(AU)

Background. The outcome of patients with influenza A 2009 (H1N1)v virus infection taking into account hospital type has not been elucidated. Objectives. To compare risk factors, clinical features and outcome of patients admitted to 3 public hospitals with different levels of health-care. Methods: Prospective study of all non-pregnant adult patients admitted to 3 hospitals with pandemic H1N1 infection, from June 1 to December 31 and followed up until 1 month after discharge. Results. During the study period, 111 patients with a mean age of 49 years (15-89) were hospitalized: 52 in hospital 1 (900-bed tertiary-teaching-hospital), 33 in hospital 2 (315-beds secondary-hospital) and 26 in hospital 3 (150-beds primary-care-hospital).Overall 80% of patients had at least 1 comorbid condition with no differences between hospitals. Symptoms or signs on admission were similar except for cough (P=0.01) more frequent in patients in hospital 1 and dyspnea (P=0.05), myalgia, arthralgia (P=0.04) and hypoxemia (P=0.009) present in more patients in hospital 2. In-hospital mortality rates were not statistically different between hospitals. In the stepwise analysis, independent predictors of mortality were pneumonia on admission (adjusted OR=8.68, 95%CI 1.0-82.43) and cardiac complications during hospitalization (adjusted OR=13.2, 95%CI 1.67-103.98). Conclusions. Mortality of patients with pandemic H1N1 infection was influenced by patients underlying conditions, severity of disease (pneumonia) on admission and complications during hospitalization. Hospital-characteristics do not appear to have influenced severe outcome(AU)

Nosocomial infection following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence and risk factors for nosocomial infection after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). METHODS: Prospective cohort study of all consecutive patients who underwent VATS surgery during 20 months. Patients were visited on a daily basis and followed up until they were discharged from the hospital. RESULTS: During the study period 217 patients (70.1% men; mean age, 50.9 years, range 15-85 years) underwent VATS. Fourteen (6%) episodes of postoperative infection were diagnosed in 13 patients, including pneumonia (n = 2), lower respiratory tract infection (n = 9), surgical site infection (n = 2), and urinary tract infection (n = 1). Prior inmunosupresion (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52-4.84), prior infections (OR, 14.9; 95% CI 1.91-116.5), preoperative stay > 2 days (OR, 3.37; 95% CI 1.00-11.40), neoplasia (OR, 3.69; 95% CI, 1.94-7.06) duration of surgery > 45 minutes (OR, 5.91; 95% CI, 1.00-36.40) and presence of central venous catheter (OR, 16.40; 95% CI, 2.29-117.20), were independent risk factors for nosocomial infection. CONCLUSIONS: Nosocomial infection rate after VATS was low. Respiratory infection was the most common infection. Factors which affect patient immunity, preoperative stay and perioperative-related variables were independently associated with infection.

Nosocomial infection following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Objetivos: Estudiar la incidencia y los factores de riesgo de infección nosocomial en pacientes sometidos a una cirugía toracoscópica videoasistida. Métodos: Estudio de cohortes prospectivo de todos los pacientes a los que se practicó una toracoscopia videoasistida durante 20 meses consecutivos. Los pacientes se visitaron diariamente hasta ser dados de alta hospitalaria. Resultados: Durante el periodo de estudio se le practicó una toracoscopia videoasistida a 217 pacientes (70,1% hombres; edad media: 50,9 años, rango, 15-85 años). Se diagnosticaron 14 (6%) infecciones en 13 pacientes: 9 desarrollaron una infección de vías respiratorias bajas, 2 neumonía, 2 infección del sitio quirúrgico y 1 infección urinaria. En el análisis de regresión logística el tener una inmusupresión previa, (odds ratio [OR] ajustada: 2,70; intervalo de confianza [IC] 95%, 1,52- 4,84), infección previa (OR: 14,9; IC 95% 1,91-116,5), estancia preoperatoria > 2 días (OR: 3,37; IC 95% 1,00-11,40), neoplasia (OR: 3,69; IC 95%, 1,94-7,06), duración de la cirugía > 45 minutes (OR: 5,91; IC 95%, 1,00-36,40) y la presencia de catéter venoso central (OR: 16,40; IC 95%, 2,29-117,20), se comportaron como factores independientes de riesgo de infección nosocomial. Conclusiones: La tasa de infección nosocomial después de una cirugía toracoscópica videoasistida es baja. Las infecciones respiratorias fueron las más frecuentes. Los factores de riesgo independientes fueron los relacionados con la inmunidad previa del paciente, la estancia prequirúrgica y el momento perioperatorio(AU)

Objectives: To assess the incidence and risk factors for nosocomial infection after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Methods: Prospective cohort study of all consecutive patients who underwent VATS surgery during 20 months. Patients were visited on a daily basis and followed up until they were discharged from the hospital Results: During the study period 217 patients (70.1% men; mean age, 50.9 years, range 15-85 years) underwent VATS. Fourteen (6%) episodes of postoperative infection were diagnosed in 13 patients, including pneumonia (n = 2), lower respiratory tract infection (n = 9), surgical site infection (n = 2), and urinary tract infection (n = 1). Prior inmunosupresion (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52-4.84), prior infections (OR, 14.9; 95% CI 1.91-116.5), preoperative stay > 2 days (OR, 3.37; 95% CI 1.00-11.40), neoplasia (OR, 3.69; 95% CI, 1.94-7.06) duration of surgery > 45 minutes (OR, 5.91; 95% CI, 1.00-36.40) and presence of central venous catheter (OR, 16.40; 95% CI, 2.29-117.20), were independent risk factors for nosocomial infection. Conclusions: Nosocomial infection rate after VATS was low. Respiratory infection was the most common infection. Factors which affect patient immunity, preoperative stay and perioperative-related variables were independently associated with infection(AU)

The changing face of prosthetic valve endocarditis at a tertiary-care hospital: 1986-2005.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate changes in the clinical characteristics, etiology and prognosis of prosthetic valve endocarditis at a tertiary-care hospital. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of all patients diagnosed with prosthetic valve endocarditis using modified Duke criteria between 1986 and 2005. The analysis covered two time periods: January 1986 to December 1995 (P1) and January 1996 to December 2005 (P2). RESULTS: In total, 133 episodes of endocarditis occurred in 122 patients. Of these, 73 (54.9%) were diagnosed in P1 and 60 (45.1%) in P2, with incidences of 2.19% and 2.18%, respectively. The patients' mean age (SD) was 52.6+/-16.6 years in P1 and 66.2+/-11.5 years in P2 (P=.0001). Clinical characteristics were similar in the two study periods. The increase in Enterococcus infection was remarkable (12.5% in P2 vs. 4.9% in P1; relative risk [RR]=2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7-9.6), as was the decrease in viridans group Streptococcus infection (12.5% in P2 vs. 31.1% in P1; RR=0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9). Some 90.4% of patients (63/73) underwent surgery in P1, while 68.3% (41/60) underwent surgery in P2. The difference was significant (RR=0.8; 95% CI, 0.6-0.9). The in-hospital mortality rate was 28.8% in P1 and 30% in P2 (RR=1; 95% CI, 0.6-1.7). CONCLUSIONS: Changes in the epidemiology and microbiological etiology of prosthetic valve endocarditis were observed over the 20-year study period. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches also changed, but mortality remained high.

Cambios en el perfil de la endocarditis sobre válvula protésica en un hospital de tercer nivel: 1986-2005 / The changing face of prosthetic valve endocarditis at a tertiary-care hospital: 1986-2005

Introducción y objetivos. Estudiar la evolución de las características clínicas, la etiología y el pronóstico de la endocarditis sobre válvula protésica en un hospital de tercer nivel. Métodos. Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo de todos los pacientes diagnosticados de endocarditis sobre válvula protésica desde 1986 a 2005 según los criterios de Duke modificados. Se analizaron dos periodos temporales: enero de 1986 a diciembre de 1995 (P1) y enero de1996 a diciembre de 2005 (P2).Resultados. Se estudiaron 133 episodios en 122 pacientes. En 73 episodios (54,9%) la endocarditis fue diagnosticada en el P1 y en 60 (45,1%), en el P2 (incidencia del 2,19 y el 2,18% respectivamente). La edad, media ± desviación estándar, fue de 52,6 ± 16,6 años en el P1 y 66,2 ± 11,5 años en el P2 (p = 0,0001). Las características clínicas fueron similares en ambos periodos de estudio. Fue llamativo el incremento de infecciones por enterococo (el 12,5% en el P2 y el 4,9% en elP1; riesgo relativo [RR] = 2,5; intervalo de confianza [IC]del 95%, 0,7-9,6) así como el descenso de las infecciones por estreptococos del grupo viridans (el 12,5% en el P2 y el 31,1% en el P1; RR = 0,4; IC del 95%, 0,2-0,9). Los pacientes intervenidos en el P1 fueron el 90,4%(63/73), mientras que en el P2 fueron el 68,3% (41/60),diferencias que resultaron estadísticamente significativas(RR = 0,8; IC del 95%, 0,6-0,9). La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue del 28,8% en el P1 y el 30% en el P2 (RR = 1;IC del 95%, 0,6-1,7).Conclusiones. Durante los 20 años de estudio, se ha observado un cambio en la epidemiología y la etiología microbiológica de la endocarditis sobre válvula protésica. El abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico también se ha modificado, aunque la mortalidad se ha mantenido elevada (AU)

Introduction and objectives. To investigate changes in the clinical characteristics, etiology and prognosis of prosthetic valve endocarditis at a tertiary-care hospital. Methods. Retrospective cohort study of all patients diagnosed with prosthetic valve endocarditis using modified Duke criteria between 1986 and 2005. The analysis covered two time periods: January 1986 to December 1995 (P1) and January 1996 to December 2005 (P2).Results. In total, 133 episodes of endocarditis occurred in 122 patients. Of these, 73 (54.9%) were diagnosed in P1and 60 (45.1%) in P2, with incidences of 2.19% and 2.18%,respectively. The patients’ mean age (SD) was 52.6±16.6years in P1 and 66.2±11.5 years in P2 (P=.0001). Clinical characteristics were similar in the two study periods. The increase in Enterococcus infection was remarkable (12.5%in P2 vs. 4.9% in P1; relative risk [RR]=2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.7-9.6), as was the decrease in viridans group Streptococcus infection (12.5% in P2 vs. 31.1% in P1;RR=0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9). Some 90.4% of patients (63/73)underwent surgery in P1, while 68.3% (41/60) underwent surgery in P2. The difference was significant (RR=0.8; 95%CI, 0.6-0.9). The in-hospital mortality rate was 28.8% in P1and 30% in P2 (RR=1; 95% CI, 0.6-1.7).Conclusions. Changes in the epidemiology and microbiological etiology of prosthetic valve endocarditis were observed over the 20-year study period. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches also changed, but mortality remained high (AU)

Clinical course and predictors of death in prosthetic valve endocarditis over a 20-year period.

OBJECTIVE: To compare early and late outcome of patients with prosthetic valve endocarditis treated medically versus surgically and to determine predictors of in-hospital death. We retrospectively reviewed patient's clinical records, including laboratory findings, surgery, and pathologic files, in an acute-care, 1200-bed teaching hospital. METHODS: One hundred thirty-three episodes of definite prosthetic valve endocarditis as defined by the Duke University diagnostic criteria occurred in 122 patients from January 1986 to December 2005. Logistic regression model was used to identify prognostic factors of in-hospital mortality. Long-term follow-up was made to assess late prognosis. RESULTS: Bioprostheses were involved in 52% of cases and mechanical valves in 48%. The aortic valve was affected in 45% of patients. Staphylococcus epidermidis was isolated in 23% of cases, Streptococcus spp in 21%, S aureus in 13%, and Enterococcus in 8%. Cultures were negative in 18% of cases. Twenty-six patients were treated medically and 107 with combined antibiotics and valve replacement. The operative mortality was 6.5% and the in-hospital mortality, 29%. Presence of an abscess at echocardiography, urgent surgical treatment, heart failure, thrombocytopenia, and renal failure were significant predictors of in-hospital death. Kaplan-Meier survival at 12 months was 42% in patients treated medically and 71% in those treated surgically (P = .0007). Freedom from endocarditis was 91% at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Prosthetic valve endocarditis is a serious condition with high mortality. Patients with perivalvular abscess had a worse prognosis, and combined surgical and medical treatment could be the preferred approach to improve outcome.

Evaluating the impact of a hand hygiene campaign on improving adherence.

We monitored compliance with hand hygiene (HH) by direct observation in 3 hospitals in Cantabria, Spain before and after implementation of an HH informational campaign, separately analyzing the effect of a training program. We report that training plus an informational campaign doubled the probability of HH, whereas the informational campaign without training decreased adherence, acting as a deleterious factor in HH adherence.

Polymorphic receptors of the innate immune system (MBL/MASP-2 and TLR2/4) and susceptibility to pneumococcal bacteremia in HIV-infected patients: a case-control study.

UNLABELLED: Some deficient genetic polymorphisms of the innate immune system have been correlated to a higher susceptibility to different infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. The possible association between an increased incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia in HIV-infected patients, and deficient polymorphisms of the mannose-binding lectin (MBL), MBL-associated serine protease 2 (MASP-2), and toll-like receptors (TLR) 2 and 4 is analyzed by means of a case-control study. CASES: HIV-infected patients with pneumococcal bacteremia. CONTROLS: HIV-infected patients without previous pneumococcal bacteremia matched with cases by sex and CD4 count in a 2:1 ratio. Fifty-seven cases and 114 controls were studied. Demographics, HIV infection status, antiretroviral therapy, risk factors for pneumococcal disease, and genotypes of MBL2, MASP2, TLR2 and TLR4 were analyzed. The prevalence of the MBL2, MASP2, TLR2 and TLR4 gene polymorphisms was similar in both groups. No statistical significance was found (OR 0.77, IC 95% 0.27 - 2.13) when analyzing the possible association of MBL2 deficient polymorphisms with pneumococcal bacteremia. In HIV infected patients, no association between the presence of deficient polymorphisms of MBL2, MASP2, TLR2 and TLR4 and the incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia was found.

¿Es posible una red de benchmarking entre hospitales públicos? Proceso de creación de la Red.7 / Is a benchmarking network possible between public hospitals? Creation of the Benchmarking Network Red.7

Introducción: A raíz de una acción de mejora priorizada en la segunda autoevaluación con el modelo EFQM realizada en el Hospital Sierrallana (Cantabria), surgió la idea de crear una red de benchmarking entre hospitales similares. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar cómo se abordó y se desarrolló dicha acción de mejora hasta la creación de la Red de Benchmarking ¿Red.7¿. Material y métodos: Se preseleccionaron, a través del Catálogo Nacional de Hospitales de 2004, los hospitales con que nos podríamos comparar. Se solicitó información de indicadores de resultados clave a los servicios de salud de las comunidades autónomas y se seleccionaron los hospitales con los que establecer la red de benchmarking, a los que se propuso participar contactando con las gerencias. Se incluyó al menos un hospital por comunidad autónoma. Se realizó una jornada científico-técnica para la constitución de la red. Resultados: Se preseleccionaron 74 hospitales de 12 comunidades autónomas. Se seleccionaron 18 con los que se contactó. Respondieron 7 y 1 rechazó participar. Finalmente, la red de bechmarking se constituyó con 7 hospitales: Fundación Hospital Alcorcón, Hospital El Bierzo, Hospital J.M. Morales Meseguer, Hospital San Jorge, Hospital Sierrallana, Hospital Son Llàtzer y Hospital Valle de Nalón. Conclusiones: La autoevaluación según el modelo EFQM nos permitió detectar una carencia en cuanto a comparación de resultados y buenas prácticas con otros hospitales del Sistema Nacional de Salud y hemos conseguido poner en marcha una red de benchmarking integrada por hospitales de tamaño y objetivos similares a los del nuestro, y de diferentes comunidades autónomas (AU)

Introduction: As a result of a prioritised improvement action during the second self-assessment using the EFQM Excellence Model carried out in Sierrallana Hospital (Cantabria, Spain), it was decided to form a Benchmarking Network between Hospitals. The objective of this work is to present how this action was developed to create the Benchmarking Network ¿Red.7¿. Material and methods: Using the 2004 ¿Catálogo Nacional de Hospitales¿ we pre-selected hospitals which could be compared with ours. We asked for information on results indicators in the Health Services of the different regions and we selected those hospitals that could be integrated into the Benchmarking Network. We contacted the top management of the selected hospitals in order to offer them the possibility of participating in the Network. Finally we organised a scientific session to create the Network. Results: We pre-selected 74 hospitals from 12 regions and 18 of them were selected. Seven of these 18 hospitals responded to our invitation, of which one decided to not participate. Finally the Benchmarking Network was created with 7 hospitals: Fundación Alcorcón; El Bierzo, Morales Messeguer, San Jorge, Sierrallana, Son Llàtzer and Valle del Nalón, hospital. Conclusions: The use of the EFQM Excellence Model permitted us to detect a gap in the comparison of results and best practices with other hospitals from the National Health Service, and we have been able to form an integrated Benchmarking Network with hospitals similar to ours in the different regions (AU)

[Not Available]. / ¿Es posible una red de benchmarking entre hospitales públicos? Proceso de creación de la Red.7.

INTRODUCTION: As a result of a prioritised improvement action during the second self-assessment using the EFQM Excellence Model carried out in Sierrallana Hospital (Cantabria, Spain), it was decided to form a Benchmarking Network between Hospitals. The objective of this work is to present how this action was developed to create the Benchmarking Network "Red.7". MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using the 2004 "Catálogo Nacional de Hospitales "we pre-selected hospitals which could be compared with ours. We asked for information on results indicators in the Health Services of the different regions and we selected those hospitals that could be integrated into the Benchmarking Network. We contacted the top management of the selected hospitals in order to offer them the possibility of participating in the Network. Finally we organised a scientific session to create the Network. RESULTS: We pre-selected 74 hospitals from 12 regions and 18 of them were selected. Seven of these 18 hospitals responded to our invitation, of which one decided to not participate. Finally the Benchmarking Network was created with 7 hospitals: Fundación Alcorcón; El Bierzo, Morales Messeguer, San Jorge, Sierrallana, Son Llàtzer and Valle del Nalón, hospital. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the EFQM Excellence Model permitted us to detect a gap in the comparison of results and best practices with other hospitals from the National Health Service, and we have been able to form an integrated Benchmarking Network with hospitals similar to ours in the different regions.