Bacterial Infections After Liver Transplantation and the Role of Oral Selective Digestive Decontamination: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial infections are common after liver transplantation (LT) and cause serious morbidity and mortality. In our center, prolonged selective digestive decontamination (SDD) is the standard of care, which may lead to a reduced number and severity of bacterial infections. The aim of the current study was to investigate bacterial infection rates, the causative pathogens, localization, and the possible influence of SDD within the first year after LT. METHODS: A retrospective single-center cohort study was performed. Patients within their first year after LT between 2012 and 2017 were included. Patients received SDD for 3 weeks immediately after LT. The type of infection, bacterial subtype, CSI classification, severity, and potential interventions were recorded. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-six patients were included in the study. Seventy-eight patients (41.9%) had a bacterial infection within the first year after LT. The most common types of infection were cholangitis (25.8%) and secondary infected abdominal fluid collections (25.3%). The most common bacteria were Gram-positive enterococcal- (36.5%) and Gram-negative enterobacterial species (34.2%). 35.5% of the infections occurred within the first month after LT, mainly caused by Gram-positive bacteria (76.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Cholangitis and infected abdominal fluid are the most common types of infection within one year after LT, mainly caused by enterococcal- and enterobacterial species. Within the first month after LT, infections were mostly caused by Gram-positive bacteria, which could be a consequence of protocol use of SDD. The results can be used for the choice of empirical antibiotic therapy based on the most common types of bacteria and the time frame after LT.

Ascites fluid calprotectin level is highly accurate in diagnosing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: a preliminary proof of concept prospective study.

Ascites is the most common complication of liver cirrhosis. Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a common complication of ascites. The diagnosis is made by an ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell count of ≥ 250/mm3. However, no other diagnostic test is present for the diagnosis of SBP. The aim of the study present study is to assess the diagnostic yield of ascitic calprotectin in SBP, and to explore whether it can predict disease stage. We performed a single center proof-of-concept prospective study including all patients with cirrhosis and ascites who underwent paracentesis. Overall, 31 patients were included in the study. Eight patients had SBP vs. 23 patients without SBP. Ascitic calprotectin level was 77.4 ± 86.5 µg/mL in the SBP group, as compared to 16.1 ± 5.6 µg/mL in the non-SBP group (P = 0.001). An ascitic calprotectin cut-off value of > 21 µg/mL was associated with sensitivity and specificity of 85.7% and 89.5%, respectively, with ROC of 0.947 (95% CI 0.783 to 0.997, P < 0.0001). Notably, ascitic calprotectin did not had a prognostic value in cirrhosis stage and prognosis. Ascitic calprotectin was highly accurate in the diagnosis of SBP. It can be a serve as adjunct for indefinite cases of SBP.

Comparing the Effect of Pre-Biopsy Rectal Cleaning Together with Biopsy Needle Disinfection to Each Technique Alone on Hospitalization Rates because of Post-Biopsy Infections.

INTRODUCTION: To compare the effects of three techniques: biopsy needle disinfection with 10% formalin solution, povidone-iodine rectal cleaning, and the use of both methods to decrease hospitalization due to infectious complications after transrectal prostate biopsy. METHODS: A total of 827 patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 patient data were analyzed retrospectively, while patients of groups 2 and 3 were followed up prospectively. Group 1 included 361 patients who underwent biopsy needle disinfection with a 10% formalin solution. Group 2 included 235 patients who underwent biopsy needle disinfection and povidone-iodine rectal cleaning. Group 3 included 231 patients who underwent povidone-iodine rectal cleaning only. The outcome scale was the number of patients hospitalized for biopsy-related infection 30 days after the date of transrectal prostate biopsy. RESULTS: The hospitalization rates due to biopsy-related infectious complications were 3.0%, 0%, and 1.7% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The only statistically significant difference was found between groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: Biopsy needle disinfection and rectal cleaning with povidone-iodine seem to have greater potential to reduce infectious complications when applied together. Further prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.

Post-transplantation cyclophosphamide is associated with increased bacterial infections.

Post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) is increasingly used to reduce graft-versus-host disease after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT); however, it might be associated with more infections. All patients who were ≥2 years old, receiving haploidentical or matched sibling donor (Sib) HCT for acute leukemias or myelodysplastic syndrome, and either calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)- or PTCy-based GVHD prophylaxis [Haploidentical HCT with PTCy (HaploCy), 757; Sibling with PTCy (SibCy), 403; Sibling with CNI-based (SibCNI), 1605] were included. Most bacterial infections occurred within the first 100 days; 953 patients (34.5%) had at least 1 infection and 352 patients (13%) had ≥2 infections. Patients receiving PTCy had a greater incidence of bacterial infections by day 180 [HaploCy 46%; SibCy 48%; SibCNI 35%; p < 0.001]. Compared with the SibCNI without infection cohort, 1.99-fold, 3.33-fold, 2.78-fold, and 2.53-fold increased TRM was seen for the HaploCy cohort without infection and HaploCy, SibCy, and SibCNI cohorts with infection, respectively. Bacterial infections increased mortality [HaploCy (HR1.84, 99% CI: 1.45-2.33, p < 0.0001), SibCy cohort (HR,1.68, 99% CI: 1.30-2.19, p < 0.0001), and SibCNI cohort (HR,1.76, 99% CI: 1.43-2.16, p < 0.0001). PTCy was associated with increased bacterial infections regardless of donor, and bacterial infections were associated with increased mortality irrespective of GVHD prophylaxis. Patients receiving PTCy should be monitored carefully for bacterial infections following PTCy.

Pre-transplant multidrug-resistant infections in liver transplant recipients-epidemiology and impact on transplantation outcome.

BACKGROUND: Cirrhotic patients are highly exposed to healthcare services and antibiotics. Although pre-liver transplantation (LT) infections are directly related to the worsening of liver function, the impact of these infections on LT outcomes is still unclear. This study aimed to identify the effect of multidrug-resistant microorganism (MDRO) infections before LT on survival after LT. METHODS: Retrospective study that included patients who underwent LT between 2010 and 2019. Variables analyzed were related to patients' comorbidities, underlying diseases, time on the waiting list, antibiotic use, LT surgery, and occurrences post-LT. Multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression, and Cox regression for survival analysis. RESULTS: A total of 865 patients were included; 351 infections were identified in 259 (30%) patients, of whom 75 (29%) had ≥1 pre-LT MDRO infection. The most common infection was spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (34%). The agent was identified in 249(71%), 53(15%) were polymicrobial. The most common microorganism was Klebsiella pneumoniae (18%); the most common MDRO was ESBL-producing Enterobacterales (16%), and carbapenem-resistant (CR) Enterobacterales (10%). Factors associated with MDRO infections before LT were previous use of therapeutic cephalosporin (p = .001) and fluoroquinolone (p = .001), SBP prophylaxis (p = .03), ACLF before LT (p = .03), and days of hospital stay pre-LT (p < .001); HCC diagnosis was protective (p = .01). Factors associated with 90-day mortality after LT were higher MELD on inclusion to the waiting list (p = .02), pre-LT MDRO infection (p = .04), dialysis after LT (p < .001), prolonged duration of LT surgery (p < .001), post-LT CR-Gram-negative bacteria infection (p < .001), and early retransplantation (p = .004). CONCLUSION: MDRO infections before LT have an important impact on survival after LT.

Infection epidemiology in relation to different therapy phases in patients with haematological malignancies receiving CAR T-cell therapy.

BACKGROUND: We described the real-life epidemiology and causes of infections on the different therapy phases in patients undergoing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells directed towards CD19+ or BCMA+ cells. METHODS: All consecutive patients receiving CAR T-cell therapy at our institution were prospectively followed-up. We performed various comparative analyses of all patients and subgroups with and without infections. RESULTS: Ninety-one adults mainly received CAR T-cell therapy for acute leukaemia (53%) and lymphoma (33%). We documented a total of 77 infections in 47 (52%) patients, 37 (48%) during the initial neutropenic phase and 40 (52%) during the non-neutropenic phase. Infections during the neutropenic phase were mainly due to bacterial (29, 78%): catheter infections (11 [38%] cases), endogenous source (5 [17%]), and Clostridioides difficile (5 [17%]). Patients receiving corticosteroids after CAR T-cell therapy had a higher risk of endogenous infection (100% vs. 16%; p = .006). During the non-neutropenic phase, bacterial infections remained very frequent (24, 60%), mainly with catheter source (8, 33%). Respiratory tract infections were common (17, 43%). CONCLUSIONS: Infections after CAR T-cell therapy were frequent. During the neutropenic phase, it is essential to prevent nosocomial infections and balance the use of antibiotics to lower endogenous bacteraemia and Clostridial infection rates.

Bacterial Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in Older Adults.

This article focuses on bacterial infections that commonly affect geriatric patients. The elderly population is at a higher risk of contracting bacterial infections due to weakened immune systems and comorbidities. The article explores the cause, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment options of these infections. Additionally, antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in the treatment of bacterial infections. The article highlights the importance of preventing these infections through proper hygiene and wound care. This article aims to provide an understanding of bacterial infections in geriatric patients and inform health-care providers on the most effective ways to manage and prevent these infections.

Infections in children following chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

BACKGROUND: CD19-directed chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy is transforming care for pediatric patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). There are limited pediatric-specific data concerning the infection risks associated with CD19 CAR-T therapy and the adequacy of current antimicrobial prophylaxis guidelines for these patients. METHODS: We describe the antimicrobial prophylaxis used and the types of infectious occurring in the first 100 days following CAR-T therapy for relapsed or refractory B-cell ALL in children and adolescents (≤18 years) at our centre. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients received their first CAR-T infusion (CTI) during the study period. Almost all patients (96%) had a comprehensive Infectious Diseases review prior to CTI, which informed a personalised prophylaxis or fever/sepsis plan in six (22%). Overall, six (22%) patients had one or more infections during the study period including five (19%, 0.9 per 100 days-at-risk) from days 0-30 and three (n = 20, 15%, 0.6 per 100 days-at-risk) from days 31-100. Bacterial blood stream infections were the most common type of infection encountered during both time periods, and one patient had probable pulmonary aspergillosis. There were no infection-related deaths. CONCLUSION: Our study contributes important information on the spectrum of infections encountered in pediatric patients with B-ALL post CAR-T therapy. Overall, the burden of infectious complications post CAR-T therapy in our cohort is lower than previously reported in the literature. Results suggest that our prophylaxis recommendations are effective in this population.

Clinical characteristics and mortality risk factors of mixed bacterial infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients.

Background and objective: Mixed bacterial infections (MBI) is one of the complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and increases the risk of patient death. However, there are few reports specifically on this topic. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and mortality risk factors of MBI in HSCT recipients. Methods: The electronic medical records of patients undergoing HSCT were collected. The epidemiological features and antibiotic resistance of patients with and without MBI were compared. Logistic regression and Cox regression were used to identify the risk factors for MBI acquisition and death. R language was used to construct a prediction model for the overall survival of HSCT recipients with MBI. Results: The cumulative incidence of MBI was 6.3% and the mortality was 48.8%. Time interval from diagnosis to transplantation > 180 days (HR=2.059, 95% CI 1.042-4.069, P=0.038) and ICU admission after transplantation (HR=2.271, 95% CI 1.053-4.898, P=0.036) were independent risk factors for MBI acquisition. Engraftment period > 20 days (HR=2.273, 95% CI 1.028-5.027, P=0.043), continuous renal replacement therapy (HR=5.755, 95% CI 1.691-19.589, P=0.005) and septic shock (HR=4.308, 95% CI 2.085-8.901, P=0.000) were independent risk factors associated with mortality. Conclusions: MBI has become a serious problem that cannot be ignored after HSCT. It is urgent for clinicians to pay high attention to it and formulate reasonable monitoring and treatment plans to improve the prognosis of patients.

Neutrophil reactive oxygen formation, bacterial infections and mortality in malnourished hemodialysis patients: Evaluation of clinical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with end stage kidney disease undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) are prone to malnutrition and infections. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell dysfunction on clinical outcomes of MHD patients, in association with nutritional status. METHODS: This prospective study investigated 39 MHD patients by evaluating the oxidative activity of their PMN cells using Phorbol 12-Myristate-13-Acetate (PMA) stimulation. Blood samples were taken from each participant at dialysis initiation. Demographics, laboratory data, and clinical outcomes during a 24-month follow-up period were obtained from electronic medical records. RESULTS: Phagocytic activity was described in percentiles of mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of PMA levels. There were no differences in comorbidities between patients with low or high MFI-PMA percentiles. Patients in the lowest (25th) MFI-PMA percentile (N = 10) had poorer nutritional status and more frequent severe infections compared to the other 29 patients (4.3 ± 3.4 events versus 2 ± 2.2 events, p = 0.017). Furthermore, they had more frequent hospitalizations (>3) due to infections (70% versus 41%, p = 0.073) and their mortality rate was higher (80% versus 31%, p = 0.007). The odds ratio for all-cause mortality was 8.85. In multivariate analysis, the MFI-PMA percentile and ischemic heart disease were the strongest predictors of all-cause mortality (p = 0.02 and p = 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Low MFI-PMA levels were associated with poor nutritional status and adverse clinical outcomes and might serve as a prognostic biomarker, predicting severe infections and mortality among malnourished MHD patients.

Risk factors of early bacterial infection and analysis of bacterial composition, distribution and drug susceptibility after cadaveric liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: This study provided a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infection after liver transplantation through analyzing the pathogenic distribution, drug sensitivity and risk factors of bacterial infection after liver transplantation. METHODS: We collected clinical data from 207 recipients undergoing liver transplantation of graft from donation after citizens' death donors in the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2019 to December 2021 and analyzed the composition and distribution of bacterial pathogens, drug resistance and risk factors of infection. RESULTS: A total of 90 bacterial infections occurred in 55 recipients within two months after liver transplantation, and the incidence of bacterial infection was 26.6% (55/207). The gram-negative bacteria (46/90, 51.1%) were more prevalent than gram-positive bacteria (44/90, 48.9%). Common sites of infection were the abdominal/biliary tract (26/90, 28.9%), lung (22/90, 22.4%) and urinary tract (22/90, 22.4%). Fourteen cases (6.8%) died after liver transplantation. Klebsiella pneumoniae (17/90, 18.9%) was the most frequent gram-negative bacteria causing infection in liver transplant recipients and 58.7%, 50%, 80.4% and 89.1% of gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to amikacin, minocycline, tigecycline and polymyxin B, respectively. The most common gram-positive bacteria was Enterococcus faecium (30/90, 33.3%) and 97.7%, 100%, 86.4%, 100% and 100% of gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to vancomycin, teicoplanin, daptomycin, tigecycline and linezolid, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that bacterial infection was associated with female, age (≥ 50 years old), preoperative albumin (≤ 30 g/L), operation duration (≥ 400 min), intraoperative blood loss (≥ 3000 ml) and postoperative ventilator support. Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that female (OR = 3.149, 95% CI: 1.418-6.993, P = 0.005), operation duration (≥ 400 min) (OR = 2.393, 95% CI: 1.202-4.765, P = 0.013) and intraoperative blood loss (≥ 3000 ml) (OR = 2.052, 95% CI: 1.007-4.183, P = 0.048) were independent risk factors for bacterial infection after liver transplantation. CONCLUSION: The incidence of early bacterial infection after liver transplantation was high, and the infection sites were mainly abdominal/biliary tract, respiratory tract and urinary tract. The most common pathogenic bacterium was gram-negative bacterium. Our study also identified several independent risk factors for bacterial infection after liver transplantation, including female gender, operation duration of 400 min or more, and intraoperative blood loss of 3000 ml or more. By addressing these risk factors, such as implementing strategies to optimize surgical procedures and minimize blood loss, healthcare professionals can work towards reducing the incidence of bacterial infections following liver transplantation.

Predictive Factors of Hospital-Acquired Bacterial Infections in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify the predictive factors of hospital-acquired bacterial infections in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: This chart review study included patients with SLE who were hospitalized between 2009 and 2020 for reasons other than infection. The outcome was defined as any infection confirmed using any bacterial isolation method or diagnosed by treating physicians and required treatment with intravenous antibiotics. For statistical analysis, logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: In total, 1678 patients (87.6% women) were included. The median age was 33 years (interquartile range, 24-47 years). The incidence of hospital-acquired infections was 13.9% (233 infections). Age, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index score, Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics damage score, blood urea nitrogen and C-reactive protein levels, dosage of steroid in the previous month, recent use of 1 or more immunosuppressants, admission with a central venous catheter (or dialysis catheter), and use of central venous catheter or bladder catheter in the first 5 days were the predictive factors of nosocomial infections. CONCLUSION: The patients' infection risk profile should be assessed to accurately determine the risk-benefit balance of any therapeutic intervention, minimize exposure to steroids and immunosuppressants, and maintain a low threshold for the early diagnosis of infections. Further studies should assess whether the modification of some identified factors could reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections.

Endemic or regionally limited bacterial and viral infections in haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation recipients: a Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT) Review.

Literature discussing endemic and regionally limited infections in recipients of haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) outside western Europe and North America is scarce. This Worldwide Network for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (WBMT) article is part one of two papers aiming to provide guidance to transplantation centres around the globe regarding infection prevention and treatment, and considerations for transplantation based on current evidence and expert opinion. These recommendations were initially formulated by a core writing team from the WBMT and subsequently underwent multiple revisions by infectious disease experts and HSCT experts. In this paper, we summarise the data and provide recommendations on several endemic and regionally limited viral and bacterial infections, many of which are listed by WHO as neglected tropical diseases, including Dengue, Zika, yellow fever, chikungunya, rabies, brucellosis, melioidosis, and leptospirosis.

Density of antibiotic use and infectious complications in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics, while an essential component of supportive care in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), can have adverse effects and select for antibiotic resistance. Understanding of patterns of use will inform antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions. METHODS: Retrospective, single-center cohort of children undergoing first allo-HCT (n = 125). Antibiotic prescription and infection data were included from the date conditioning was commenced until 30 days post allo-HCT. Antibiotic use was reported as length of therapy (LOT) (number of days a patient received an antibiotic) and days of therapy DOT (aggregating all antibiotics prescribed per day). Infections were classified as microbiologically documented infection (MDI) or clinically documented infections. RESULTS: At least one course of antibiotics was administered to 124 (99%) patients. The LOT was 636 per 1000 patient days and DOT was 959 per 1000 patient days. The median duration of cumulative antibiotic exposure per patient was 24 days (interquartile range [IQR] 20-30 days). There were 131 days of fever per 1000 patient days with patients febrile for a median of 4 days (IQR 1-7 days). Piperacillin-tazobactam was used for 116 (94%) of patients with an LOT of 532 per 1000 patient days. A total of 119 MDI episodes occurred in 74 (59%) patients, including blood stream infection in 30 (24%) and a proven/probable invasive fungal infection in 4 (3%). CONCLUSION: Pediatric HCT patients receive prolonged courses of broad-spectrum antibiotics relative to the frequency of fever and bacterial infections. This study has identified opportunities for AMS intervention to improve outcomes for our HCT patients.

Procalcitonin as a biomarker for predicting bacterial infection in chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy recipients.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether serum procalcitonin (PCT) concentration monitoring can differentiate between bacterial infection or cytokine release syndrome (CRS) when chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) recipients present with a constellation of signs and symptoms that may represent both complications. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the utility of serum PCT concentrations as a biomarker of bacterial infection in CAR-T recipients. STUDY DESIGN: This single-center, retrospective, medical record review evaluated patients prescribed CAR-T therapy until death or 30 days after infusion. Logistic regression modeling determined the association between elevated serum PCT concentrations within 48 h of fever onset and microbiologically confirmed infection. Secondary outcomes included clinically suspected infection, CAR-T toxicity rates, and broad-spectrum antibiotic usage. Predictive performance of PCT was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: The 98 included patients were a median age of 63 (IQR: 55-69) years old, 47 (48%) were male, and 87 (89%) were Caucasian. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were similar between patients with and without a bacterial infection. Serum PCT >0.4 ng/mL within 48 h of fever was significantly associated with a microbiologically confirmed bacterial infection (OR: 2.75 [95% CI: 1.02-7.39], p = 0.045). Median PCT values in patients with and without confirmed infections were 0.40 ng/mL (IQR: 0.26, 0.74) and 0.26 ng/mL (IQR: 0.13, 0.47), respectively. The AUC for PCT to predict bacterial infection was 0.62 (95% CI 0.48-0.76). All patients experienced CRS of some grade, with no difference in CRS severity based on elevated PCT. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were used for a median of 45% and 23% of days in those with and without confirmed infection, respectively (p = 0.075). CONCLUSION: Elevated serum PCT concentrations above 0.4 ng/mL at time of first fever after CAR-T infusion was significantly associated with confirmed bacterial infection. Furthermore, rigorous, prospective studies should validate our findings and evaluate serial PCT measurements to optimize antimicrobial use after CAR-T therapy.

Infectious complications after intensive chemotherapy with CLAG-M versus 7+3 for AML and other high-grade myeloid neoplasms.

Contemporary data on infections after intensive chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are scarce. Cladribine, high-dose cytarabine, G-CSF, and dose-escalated mitoxantrone ("CLAG-M") may result in higher remission rates than standard-dose cytarabine plus anthracycline ("7 + 3") but may result in more infections. We compared moderate to severe infections occurring up to 90 days after the first induction cycle for AML or other high-grade myeloid neoplasms in patients receiving CLAG-M for newly diagnosed (n = 196) or relapsed/refractory disease (n = 131) or 7 + 3 for newly diagnosed disease (n = 115). For newly diagnosed disease, microbiologically documented infections were more frequent after CLAG-M compared to 7 + 3 (adjusted rate ratio, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.06-2.58]; P = 0.03), with a cumulative incidence of 27.8% and 16.5% by day 90, respectively. Patients receiving CLAG-M for relapsed/refractory disease had the highest cumulative incidence of 50.7%. Bacterial bloodstream infections were the most frequent followed by respiratory tract infections. Among 29 patients (7%) who died, infection was a primary or contributing cause of death in 59%. These data indicate that infections continue to cause substantial morbidity in patients treated for AML, especially those treated for relapsed/refractory disease, and are more common with newer, more myelosuppressive regimens such as CLAG-M. Improved strategies for infection prevention are needed.

Persisting dental foci increase the risk for bacterial infections before and after liver transplant.

BACKGROUND: Patients awaiting liver transplant are usually assessed for presence of dental foci to prevent bacterial infection post-transplant, but evidence to support dental examination and treatment is limited. We investigated if treatment of dental foci decreased bacterial infections before and after transplant. METHODS: Patients transplanted at the university hospital of Bonn were retrospectively assessed for occurrence of bacterial infections before and after transplant according to presence and treatment of dental foci. RESULTS: 35/110 patients showed good oral health, 39/110 patients received dental care and 36/110 patients did not receive dental care despite poor oral health. Patients with alcohol-associated liver disease presented with the highest rate of dental foci. Bleeding complications due to oral care occurred in five patients with poor coagulation. After transplant, the number of infections per patient was higher in patients with poor oral health (2.9) compared to patients after dental care (1.9) or with good oral health (1.8) (p = .02), with streptococcal infections being more frequent in patients with poor oral health. Before transplant, bacterial infections, in particular bacteraemia and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, were also more common in patients with untreated dental foci. Streptococci and Staphylococci were more often detected in patients with dental foci. Dental treatment was associated with a reduction in bacterial infections. CONCLUSION: Presence of dental foci is associated with an increased risk for bacterial infections not only after but also before liver transplant. Dental treatment might be a safe and effective procedure to mitigate this risk.

Incidence and risk factors for bacterial infection using bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (RVd) in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.

Infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM), but the real-world risk using modern induction regimens such as bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (RVd) is not well described. We performed a retrospective single-center cohort study to identify infections and risk factors in patients treated with first-line RVd from January 2014 to January 2020 and collected demographic and clinical data. Of 144 patients treated with RVd for NDMM, 21 patients (14.5%) experienced a bacterial infection during induction, of which 8 (5.5%) were grade 3 infections despite a low rate of antibiotic prophylaxis use (12%). Grade 3 neutropenia occurred in 11% of patients, 2% had febrile neutropenia and there were no deaths from infection. On multivariable analysis, age, smoking history, diabetes, antibiotic use in the 60 days preceding the start of RVd, and high-risk cytogenetics were associated with higher risk of bacterial infection.

Umbilical venous catheter- and peripherally inserted central catheter-associated complications in preterm infants with birth weight < 1250 g : Results from a survey in Austria and Germany.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Umbilical venous catheters (UVC) and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are commonly used in preterm infants but have been associated with a number of serious complications. We performed a survey in Austria and Germany to assess the use of UVCs and PICCs in preterm infants with a birth weight < 1250 g and associated rates of catheter-related adverse events. METHODS: Electronic survey of participating centers of the NeoVitaA trial. Main outcome parameter was the reported rates of UVC- and PICC-associated complications (infection, thrombosis, emboli, organ injury, arrhythmia, dislocation, miscellaneous). RESULTS: In total, 20 neonatal intensive care units (NICU) providing maximal intensive care in Austria and Germany (level I) were contacted, with a senior neonatologist response rate of 12/20 (60%). The reported rates for UVC with a dwell time of 1-10 days were bacterial infection: 4.2 ± 3.4% (range 0-10%); thrombosis: 7.3 ± 7.1% (0-20%); emboli: 0.9 ± 2.0% (0-5%); organ injury: 1.1 ± 1.9% (0-5%); cardiac arrhythmia: 2.2 ± 2.5% (0-5%); and dislocation: 5.4 ± 8.7% (0-30%); and for PICCs with a dwell time of 1-14 days bacterial infection: 15.0 ± 3.4% (range 2.5-30%); thrombosis; 4.3 ± 3.5% (0-10%); emboli: 0.8 ± 1.6% (0-5%); organ injury: 1.5 ± 2.3% (0-5%); cardiac arrhythmia: 1.5 ± 2.3% (0-5%), and dislocation: 8.5 ± 4.6% (0-30%). CONCLUSION: The catheter-related complication rates reported in this survey differed between UVCs and PICCs and were higher than those reported in the literature. To generate more reliable data on this clinically important issue, we plan to perform a large prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial investigating the non-inferiority of a prolonged UVC dwell time (up to 10 days) against the early change (up to 5 days) to a PICC.