Non-HACEK gram-negative bacilli infective endocarditis: data from a retrospective German cohort study.

PURPOSE: Infective endocarditis caused by non-HACEK gram-negative bacilli (GNB-IE) is rare but associated with significant morbidity and case fatality. Evidence on optimal treatment and management is limited. We aimed to describe the characteristics and management of GNB-IE patients, investigating factors associated with disease acquisition and unfavorable outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective descriptive single-center study (tertiary care and referral hospital) between 2015 and 2021, including adult patients with definite GNB-IE. We reviewed demographic, clinical and microbiological data, focusing on predisposing factors, clinical outcomes and 1-year mortality. RESULTS: Of 1093 patients with probable or definite IE, 19 patients (median age 69 years) had definite GNB-IE, with an increasing incidence throughout the study period. Median age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 4 points. Prosthetic valve IE (PVIE) was present in 7/19 (37%) patients. Nosocomial acquisition occurred in 8/19 (42%) patients. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most common pathogens. Beta-lactam (BL) based combination therapy was applied in 12/19 (63%) patients (58% BL + fluoroquinolone, 42% BL + aminoglycoside). Cardiac surgery was required in 8/19 (42%) patients (PVIE 71%, native valve IE 25%), primarily for embolism prevention and heart failure. Complications occurred in 14/19 (74%) patients. The in-hospital mortality rate was 21% (4/19); the one-year mortality rate was 44% (7/16). One-year mortality did not significantly differ between patients who underwent cardiac surgery and patients managed with anti-infective treatment alone (p = 0.633). CONCLUSIONS: GNB-IE affects elderly patients with high comorbidity levels and recent health-care exposure. GNB-IE was associated with high complication rates and high mortality.

Case Report: Acute large bowel obstruction with actinomycosis of the sigmoid colon mimicking neoplasm.

Introduction: Actinomycosis is an uncommon inflammatory bacterial disease caused by Actinomyces species, especially Actinomyces Israeli. Abdominopelvic forms are relatively rare and may involve the colon as a solid mass, mimicking a malignant tumor. Case presentation: A 68-year-old Tunisian man, with a history of diabetes, hypertension, penicillin allergy, and renal failure, presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain, vomiting, and bowel obstruction. CT scan showed an acute intestinal obstruction upstream with obstructive tissular mass at the sigmoid colon. Emergency surgery revealed a sigmoid mass and a pre-perforative cecum. Total colectomy was performed, with ileostomy and distal end closure. Histological examination confirmed Actinomyces infection. The patient was then placed on long-term doxycycline and Bactrim, with no recurrence over a 9-month follow-up period. Conclusion: Abdominal actinomycosis, though rare, presents diagnostic challenges. It can be mistaken for malignancy, leading to unnecessary surgery in non-complicated cases, since it is effectively treated by antibiotics. In complicated cases, a combined approach involving both surgery and antibiotic therapy is necessary until the infection is completely eradicated.

Significant drop in serum C-reactive protein in patients with solid neoplasia and bacterial infection is associated with a better prognosis and identifies candidates for short-course antibiotic therapy.

INTRODUCTION: The greater predisposition to infections, as well as the possibility of a worse response to treatment, can lead to the excessive use of antimicrobials among cancer patients. C-reactive protein (CRP) has gained prominence as a tool for monitoring therapeutic responses and reducing the duration of antibiotic therapy; however, few studies have analyzed this protein in cancer patient populations. We hypothesize that cancer patients with a good response to antibiotic therapy show a faster decline in serum CRP levels, which would allow us to identify candidates for short-course treatments. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the behavior of serum CRP levels among adult cancer patients using antibiotic therapy, and its association with the duration of this treatment, therapeutic response, and clinical recurrence. METHODS: This work consisted of a retrospective study with cancer patients admitted to a university hospital between September 2018 and December 2019. Adults (age ≥ 18 years) who underwent at least one course of antibiotic therapy were included. CRP behavior over the first 7 days of treatment was classified as: i) good response: when the CRP value on the fifth day of therapy reached 50% or less of the peak value detected in the first 48 h of treatment, and ii) poor response: Maintenance, within the same interval, of a CRP value > 50% of the peak value in the first 48 h. The duration of antibiotic therapy was categorized as up to seven full days or more. Outcomes were assessed by events that occurred during the 30 days of hospitalization or until hospital discharge. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Clinical recurrence of the index infection. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: i) Death from any cause; ii) microbiological recurrence; iii) therapeutic response; iv) colitis associated with Clostridioides difficile; and v) isolation of multi-resistant bacteria, whether in clinical or surveillance samples. RESULTS: The final analysis consisted of 212 patients, with a median age (IQ) of 59.2 (48 - 67) years old and a predominance of females (65%), who were hypertensive (35%), smokers (21%), and diabetics (17.8%). There was no difference in clinical recurrence between the two groups (8.1% vs. 12.2%; p = 0.364), with a lower 30-day mortality in the good CRP response group (32.2% vs. 14.5%; p = 0.002). Despite the tendency towards a lower occurrence of other secondary outcomes in the good response group, these differences were not statistically significant. In the poor CRP response group, outcomes like clinical recurrence, mortality, and therapeutic response were significantly worse, regardless of the duration of antibiotic treatment. CONCLUSION: In this study, cancer patients with a good CRP response during antibiotic therapy presented lower mortality and a higher proportion of satisfactory therapeutic responses. CRP can be a useful tool when combined with other clinical information in optimizing the duration of antimicrobial treatment in a hospitalized cancer population.

Three versus six weeks of post-amputation antibiotic therapy in diabetic forefoot osteomyelitis with positive culture for residual infected bone.

OBJECTIVES: In 2021 in our university hospital, it was decided in a multidisciplinary consultation meeting on osteoarticular infection in patients with diabetic foot to reduce the duration of post-amputation antibiotic therapy from six to three weeks in patients with diabetic forefoot osteomyelitis and residual bone infection. This study aimed to compare clinical outcomes in this group of patients, before vs after the change in practice introduced in 2021. METHODS: In this before-after study, we included all cases reported between January 2016 and August 2023 in the University Hospital of Reims. RESULTS: We included 113 patients; between 2016 and 2020, 56 (49.5 %) received six weeks of post-amputation antibiotic therapy, and between 2021 and 2023, 57 (50.5 %) received three weeks of therapy. Over six months of follow-up, overall cure rate was 95 %. Treatment failure did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Three weeks of post-amputation antibiotic therapy in diabetic patients with forefoot osteomyelitis and residual bone infection is effective.

Alternating magnetic fields (AMF) and linezolid reduce Staphylococcus aureus biofilm in a large animal implant model.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of alternating magnetic fields (AMF) combined with antibiotics in reducing Staphylococcus aureus biofilm on metal implants in a large animal model, compared to antibiotics alone. METHODS: Metal plates were inoculated with a clinical MRSA strain and then implanted into thirty-three ewes divided into three groups: positive control, linezolid only, and a combination of linezolid and AMF. Animals had either titanium or cobalt-chrome plates and were sacrificed at 5 or 21 days post-implantation. Blood and tissue samples were collected at various time points post-AMF treatment. RESULTS: In vivo efficacy studies demonstrated significant biofilm reduction on titanium and cobalt-chrome implants with AMF-linezolid combination treatment compared to controls. Significant bacterial reductions were also observed in surrounding tissues and bones. Cytokine analysis showed improved inflammatory responses with combination therapy, and histopathology confirmed reduced inflammation, necrosis, and bacterial presence, especially at 5 days post-implantation. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that combining AMF with antibiotics significantly reduces biofilm-associated infections on metal implants in a large animal model. Numerical simulations confirmed targeted heating, and in vivo results showed substantial bacterial load reduction and reduced inflammatory response. These findings support the potential of AMF as a non-invasive treatment for prosthetic joint infections.

The interplay between gut microbiota, short-chain fatty acids, and implications for host health and disease.

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) - acetate, propionate, and butyrate - are important bacterial fermentation metabolites regulating many important aspects of human physiology. Decreases in the concentrations of any or multiple SCFAs are associated with various detrimental effects to the host. Previous research has broadly focused on gut microbiome produced SCFAs as a group, with minimal distinction between acetate, propionate, and butyrate independently, each with significantly different host effects. In this review, we comprehensively delineate the roles of these SCFAs with emphasis on receptor affinity, signaling pathway involvement, and net host physiologic effects. Butyrate is highlighted due to its unique role in gastrointestinal-associated functions, especially maintaining gut barrier integrity. Butyrate functions by promoting epithelial tight junctions, serving as fuel for colonocyte ATP production, and modulating the immune system. Interaction with the immune system occurs locally in the gastrointestinal tract and systemically in the brain. Investigation into research conducted on butyrate production pathways and specific bacterial players involved highlights a unique risk associated with use of gram-positive targeted antibiotics. We review and discuss evidence showing the relationship between the butyrate-producing gram-positive genus, Roseburia, and susceptibility to commonly prescribed, widely used gram-positive antibiotics. Considering gut microbiome implications when choosing antibiotic therapy may benefit health outcomes in patients.

Antibiotic susceptibility pattern among children admitted to a hospital in Nigeria: A retrospective study.

Background: The impact of antimicrobial resistance on children living in resource-limited countries has been underreported, despite its established global threat. Objective: This retrospective study aimed to describe the trend of antibiotic susceptibility in the paediatric age group. Methods: Sensitivity test report data consisting of 300 paediatric patients aged 18 hours to 192 months were retrieved from the microbiology laboratory records at a state-owned children's hospital in Nigeria over a period of 4 months starting from December 2021 to March 2022. Five genera (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp.) were cultured as recommended by the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute, using the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out on isolates using 15 different antibiotics. Results: Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent pathogen isolated 32.1% (50/156) and Pseudomonas spp. was the least frequent pathogen isolated 7.1% (11/156) in all samples. The isolates with the highest rate of resistance to the tested antibiotics were S. aureus 32.1% (50/156), E. coli 28.2% (44/156) and Klebsiella spp. 20.5% (32/156). Isolates in all age groups were more resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin + clavulanic acid, cefuroxime and cefepime. Conclusion: Antibiotic resistance is high, especially the younger Nigerian children. Strict antibiotic protocols should be adhered to especially in the use of empirical antibiotic therapy in hospitals. What this study adds: Our study reveals a higher trend of antibiotic resistance, especially in younger children. It further shows that the pathogens are most resistant to the most available empirical antibiotics in Nigeria.

Antibiotics with antibiofilm activity - rifampicin and beyond.

The management of prosthetic joint infections is a complex and multilayered process that is additionally complicated by the formation of bacterial biofilm. Foreign material provides the ideal grounds for the development of an intricate matrix that hinders treatment and creates a difficult environment for antibiotics to act. Surgical intervention is often warranted but requires appropriate adjunctive therapy. Despite available guidelines, several aspects of antibiotic therapy with antibiofilm activity lack clear definition. Given the escalating challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance, extended treatment durations, and tolerance issues, it is essential to ensure that antimicrobials with antibiofilm activity are both potent and diverse. Evidence of biofilm-active drugs is highlighted, and alternatives to classical regimens are further discussed.

Oral versus intravenous antibiotic therapy for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia or endocarditis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to generate more precise estimates of the efficacy and safety of oral versus intravenous antibiotic therapy for S. aureus bacteremia or endocarditis. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science database were searched through February 21st, 2024. RCTs were included if they compared oral versus intravenous antibiotic therapy for S. aureus bacteremia or endocarditis, and appropriately reported outcomes for each group. Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane tool for assessing risk of bias in randomized trials. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated with the Cochran's Q-statistic and I2 test. Treatment effects were summarized with pooled risk ratios using a random effects model meta-analysis. (PROSPERO CRD42024481512). RESULTS: Only four RCTs met criteria for inclusion in meta-analysis. Among participants assessed for treatment failure, there was no difference between the oral and intravenous therapy groups (RR 0.99; 95% CI, 0.63-1.57; I2 = 0%). There was also no significant difference in adverse events between oral and intravenous therapy groups (RR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.07-5.94; I2 = 74%); however, the confidence interval is wide, and heterogeneity was high. CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic review of RCTs comparing oral to intravenous antibiotic therapy for S. aureus bacteremia or endocarditis, few studies met eligibility criteria for inclusion. Meta-analysis of these studies suggests that transitioning from intravenous to oral therapy is likely effective in a subgroup of carefully selected patients. Additional randomized trials are necessary before transition to oral therapy can be routinely recommended.

Acute cholangitis due to Micrococcus lylae: First case report.

Micrococcus lylae, a Gram-positive bacterium of the Micrococcaceae family, is considered an opportunistic microorganism with only a few reported cases of infection. In this report, we present a case of cholangitis caused by Micrococcus lylae in a 69-year-old woman with a medical history of type 2 diabetes and a cholecystectomy performed a decade ago. She was admitted to the gastroenterology department with symptoms indicative of acute cholangitis. Abdominal computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasound showed a consistent and symmetrical dilatation and thickening of the main bile duct, containing micro stones and a macro stone in the cystic duct stump. The patient received empirical antibiotic therapy based on ceftriaxone and metronidazole. She underwent ERCP with biliary endoscopic sphincterotomy and marginal biopsy, followed by balloon-assisted manipulation to facilitate bile release and collection of an intraoperative bile fluid sample for microbiological examination to identify the pathogen and guide the treatment adjustments. The microbiological examination demonstrated the exclusive presence of Micrococcus lylae. The patient's condition notably improved, marked by the normalization of inflammatory indicators. After three days, the patient was discharged in a stable condition, continuing the antibiotic regimen with the oral administration of ciprofloxacin and metronidazole. Jaundice resolved after one week, and liver function tests were completely normalized on follow-up at one month.

A subanalysis of Clostridium perfringens bloodstream infections from a 5-year retrospective nationwide survey (ITANAEROBY).

Clostridium perfingens bloodstream infections (BSIs) can be associated with high mortality rates. We performed a subanalysis of all C. perfringens BSIs enrolled during a multicentric retrospective observational study (ITANAEROBY). Data were collected from January 2016 to December 2020. C. perfringens BSIs were 134 (134/1960, 6.8 %). The highest resistance rate was observed for clindamycin (26/120, 21.6 %), penicillin (11/71, 15.4 %) and metronidazole (14/131, 10.7 %). In conclusion, C. perfringens reduced susceptibility phenotype to first-line therapy.

Interest in antibiotic pharmacokinetic modelling in the context of optimising dosing and reducing resistance: bibliometric analysis.

INTRODUCTION: In the era of problems with resistant bacteria strains, pharmacokinetic (PK) modelling offers ways to optimise antibiotic therapy and minimise the risk of resistance development. This bibliometric study aimed to investigate trends in PK modelling stu-dies. The goal was to provide researchers with comprehensive insight and identify future needs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace to analyse Web of Science articles on antibiotic PK modelling from 1983 to March 2023. RESULTS: We analysed 968 papers following the inclusion criteria and built a keywords co-occurrence map and timeline. The average annual growth rate of subject-related publications was 35.56% between 1983 and 2022, maintaining a continuous upward trend. Roberts J.A., Lipman J., and Wallis S.C. are the three most productive and impactful authors (82, 57, 34 articles, and h-index of 30, 25, 15, respectively). The United States leads in this field of research (29.13% of papers). The most relevant affiliations are the University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, and Monash University. The top three most productive and impactful journals are Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, and International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents (181, 83, 47 articles and h-index of 42, 30, 18, respectively). Most articles by keyword clustered on meropenem, vancomycin, and amikacin. Moreover, therapeutic drug monitoring, resistance, antibiotic dosing, target attainment, the intensive care unit, and paediatrics are the most trending aspects. CONCLUSIONS: Given the results of this study, we expect to see a steady increase in interest in exploiting the potential of PK modelling for optimising antibiotic therapy.

Surgical treatment of a Salmonella-related infective native aortic aneurysm: A case report.

Infective native abdominal aortic aneurysms are a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate. We report the case of a 53-year-old male patient who presented with abdominal pain and fever. Laboratory results showed an elevated white blood cell count and C-reactive protein levels. Blood cultures detected Salmonella species, and computed tomography revealed a saccular abdominal aortic aneurysm. After 14 days of preoperative antibiotic therapy, the patient underwent a successful surgical bypass from the descending thoracic aorta, through the diaphragm and muscle layers of the anterior abdominal wall, to the bilateral common femoral arteries. The patient was discharged after 30 days of hospitalization and continued antibiotic treatment for another 30 days. Follow-up clinical evaluations and imaging studies showed good recovery and no signs of infection. This case highlights the importance of combining appropriate antibiotic therapy with surgical intervention in managing infective native aortic aneurysms. In particular, an extra-anatomical approach from the descending aorta can be a viable option in selected cases of infected aortic aneurysms, providing an effective means to achieve thorough debridement and prevent future graft infections.

Study protocol of the FRENCH24-ANIS study: postoperative anti-infective strategy following pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with preoperative biliary stents-an intergroup FRENCH-ACHBT-SFAR prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in surgical techniques and care, pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) continues to have high morbidity and mortality rates. Complications such as sepsis, hemorrhage, pulmonary issues, shock, and pancreatic fistula are common postoperative challenges. A key concern in PD outcomes is the high incidence of infectious complications, especially surgical site infections (SSI) and postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). Bacteriobilia, or bile contamination with microorganisms, significantly contributes to these infections, increasing the risk of early postoperative complications. The occurrence of SSI in patients who undergo hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HPB) surgeries such as PD is notably higher than that in patients who undergo other surgeries, with rates ranging from 20 to 55%. Recent research by D'Angelica et al. revealed that, compared to cefoxitin, piperacillin/tazobactam considerably lowers the rate of postoperative SSI. However, these findings do not indicate whether extending the duration of antibiotic treatment is beneficial for patients at high risk of bacterial biliary contamination. In scenarios with a high risk of SSI, the specific agents, doses and length of antibiotic therapy remain unexplored. The advantage of prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis following PD has not been established through prospective studies in PD patients following biliary drainage. METHODS: This is an intergroup FRENCH-ACHBT-SFAR multicenter, open-labelled randomized, controlled, superiority trial comparing 2 broad-spectrum antibiotic (piperacillin/tazobactam) treatment modalities to demonstrate the superiority of 5-day postoperative antibiotic therapy to antibiotic prophylaxis against the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSI) following pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with preoperative biliary stents. The primary endpoint of this study is the overall SSI rate, defined according to the ACS NSQIP, as a composite of superficial SSI, deep incisional SSI, and organ/space SSI. In addition, we will analyze overall morbidity, antibiotic resistance profiles, the pathogenicity of bacteriological and fungal cocontamination, the impact of complications after bile drainage and neoadjuvant treatment on the bacteriological and fungal profile of biliculture and cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSION: This FRENCH24-ANIS study aims to evaluate 5-day post-operative antibiotic therapy combined with antibiotic prophylaxis on the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSI) following pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with preoperative biliary stents. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicaTrials.gov number, NCT06123169 (Registration Date 08-11-2023); EudraCT number 2021-006991-18; EUCT Number: 2024-515181-14-00.

Successful conservative management of advanced pyogenic sternoclavicular joint arthritis with osteomyelitis and pulmonary infiltration: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Sternoclavicular joint arthritis is a rare condition that poses considerable diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, leading to severe complications and a high mortality rate. Although surgical interventions are often considered necessary for advanced cases, some reports have suggested that conservative management with antibiotic therapy can be effective in certain cases. However, to our knowledge, there are no reports of successful conservative treatment in cases exhibiting aggressive spread. This report highlights a case of advanced sternoclavicular joint arthritis with bone destruction and pulmonary infiltration, successfully treated conservatively with outpatient antibiotic therapy. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old Japanese male presented with a 1-month history of left-sided shoulder pain. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed abscess formation and clavicular bone destruction, with infiltrative shadows suggesting lung involvement. The diagnosis of sternoclavicular joint arthritis was made, and outpatient oral antibiotic therapy was initiated. The patient exhibited a marked reduction in inflammatory marker levels and symptoms, and antibiotic therapy was discontinued after 3 weeks, with no recurrence observed at a 4-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights that conservative management with antibiotics can be effective for treating advanced sternoclavicular joint arthritis, emphasizing the need for individualized management and further research into non-surgical treatment options.

The effect of the antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) on community-acquired pneumonia (CAP): a before-after study.

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) has been implemented to improve rational and responsible antibiotic use by encouraging guideline adherence. Objective: This retrospective observational before-after study aimed to evaluate whether the ASP may improve guideline adherence, antibiotic exposure, and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized due to CAP in Hungary. Methods: The study was conducted at a pulmonology department of a tertiary care medical center in Hungary. The ASP implementation consisted of written and published guidelines available to all professionals, continuous supervision, and counseling services on antibiotic therapies at an individual level, with the aim of ensuring compliance with CAP guidelines. Overall guideline adherence (agent selection, route of administration, and dose), clinical outcomes (length of stay and 30-day mortality), antibiotic exposure, and direct costs were compared between the two periods. Fisher's exact test and t-test were applied to compare categorical and continuous variables, respectively. P-values below 0.05 were defined as significant. Results: Significant improvement in overall CAP guideline adherence (30.2%), sequential therapy (10.5%), and a significant reduction in the total duration of antibiotic therapy (13.5%) were observed. Guideline non-adherent combination therapies with metronidazole decreased significantly by 28.1%. Antibiotic exposure decreased by 7.2%, leading to a significant decrease in direct costs (23.6%). Moreover, the ASP had benefits for clinical outcomes, and length of stay decreased by 13.5%. Conclusion: The ASP may play an important role in optimizing empirical antibiotic therapy in CAP having a sustained long-term effect.

Comprehensive management and outcomes in female patients with Fournier's gangrene: A case report.

Fournier's gangrene is a severe, life-threatening form of necrotizing fasciitis that predominantly affects the perineal, genital, and perianal areas. It is characterized by a rapid onset and progression, often developing from urogenital infections, diabetes, compromised immune function, or trauma. This report describes the case of a 64-year-old woman who presented with perianal pain and purulent discharge persisting for a week. Upon examination, a substantial necrotic wound was identified in her perineal region, necessitating urgent surgical debridement followed by aggressive postoperative management, including antibiotic therapy and meticulous blood sugar control. Despite initial signs of improvement, the patient's condition deteriorated due to complications from diabetes, acidosis, and pneumonia, ultimately leading to a fatal outcome. This case highlights the critical need for prompt recognition and comprehensive management of Fournier's gangrene, particularly in female patients exhibiting similar symptoms.

Septic Arthritis of the Knee Due to Chronic Osteomyelitis of the Femur in an Adult: A Case Report.

Introduction: Adult cases of septic arthritis due to concomitant persistent osteomyelitis are incredibly uncommon. This study describes a rare example of septic arthritis in an adult's knee joint caused by long-term femur osteomyelitis. A cement rod laced with antibiotics proved to be an effective treatment for the illness. Case Report: A case of septic knee arthritis caused by reactivated chronic osteomyelitis is described in this study. Initial radiographs revealed an osteolytic lesion, prompting further imaging, including a magnetic resonance imaging, which verified the diagnosis. To treat the infected intra-articular knee joint and ream the femoral intramedullary canal, we chose open debridement over arthroscopic surgery based on the patient's history, physical examination, and imaging data. To close the dead space and remove the infection, a cement rod impregnated with antibiotics was placed into the medullary cavity, in addition to administering long-term antibiotic treatment. This approach was successful in eradicating the infection. Following a period of rehabilitation, the patient regained the ability to walk independently. Conclusion: Cement rods infused with antibiotics are effective for delivering high doses of antibiotics locally while providing structural support to the bone. Over the last three decades, they have demonstrated encouraging outcomes in treating infections, and due to their affordability, simplicity, and effectiveness, they remain an excellent treatment option. Here, we highlight the use of colistin in making antibiotic-coated cement rods for the eradication of chronic, long-standing infection.

Infection on Frail Patients in the Intensive Care Unit: Insights From the PalMuSIC Study.

BACKGROUND: Along with population aging, frailty is also increasingly common in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, the impact of frailty on the infection incidence, the risk of multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms, and the potential benefits of broad-spectrum antibiotics are still poorly studied. METHODS: This is a multicentric, prospective, observational study collecting data for 15 consecutive days of all consecutive adult patients admitted in each participating ICU. Exclusion criteria included admission for less than 24 hours or failure to obtain informed consent. The Clinical Frailty Score (CFS) was calculated both by the doctor and by the nurse in charge, and the patient's next of kin. Patients were considered frail if the mean of the three measured scores was ≥5. This is a post hoc analysis of the PALliative MUlticenter Study in Intensive Care (PalMuSIC) study. The Hospital de Vila Franca de Xira Ethics Committee approved the study (approval number: 63). RESULTS: A total of 335 patients from 23 Portuguese ICUs were included. Frailty was diagnosed in 20.9%. More than 60% of the patients had a diagnosis of infection during their ICU stay, either present on admission or hospital-acquired. This included 25 (35.7%) frail and 75 (28.3%) non-frail (p=0.23) patients diagnosed with infection. In 34 patients, MDR microorganisms were isolated, which were more common in frail patients (odds ratio (OR): 2.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3-5.6, p=0.018). Carbapenems were started in 37 (18.1%) patients, but after adjusting for frailty and severity, no clear mortality benefit of this strategy was noted (odds ratio for ICU mortality: 1.61, 95% confidence interval: 0.49-5.31, p=0.43; odds ratio for hospital mortality: 1.61, 95% confidence interval: 0.61-4.21, p=0.33). CONCLUSION: Frail patients had similar rates of infection to non-frail patients but were more prone to have MDR microorganisms as causative pathogens. The use of empirical therapy with large-spectrum antibiotics should be based on microbiological risk factors and not simply on the host characteristics.