Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Clinical Profile of Candidemia and the Incidence of Fungemia Due to Fluconazole-Resistant Candida parapsilosis.

Severely ill COVID-19 patients are at high risk of nosocomial infections. The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of candidemia during the pre-pandemic period (January 2019−February 2020) compared to the pandemic period (March 2020−September 2021). Antifungal susceptibilities were assessed using the EUCAST E.Def 7.3.2 broth dilution method. Fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis isolates (FRCP) were studied for sequencing of the ERG11 gene. The incidence of candidemia and C. parapsilosis bloodstream infection increased significantly in the pandemic period (p = 0.021). ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, parenteral nutrition and corticosteroids administration were more frequent in patients with candidemia who had been admitted due to COVID-19. Fifteen cases of FRCP fungemia were detected. The first case was recorded 10 months before the pandemic in a patient transferred from another hospital. The incidence of FRCP in patients admitted for COVID-19 was 1.34 and 0.16 in all other patients (p < 0.001). ICU admission, previous Candida spp. colonization, arterial catheter use, parenteral nutrition and renal function replacement therapy were more frequent in patients with candidemia due to FRCP. All FRCP isolates showed the Y132F mutation. In conclusion, the incidence of candidemia experienced an increase during the COVID-19 pandemic and FRCP fungemia was more frequent in patients admitted due to COVID-19.

Initial outcomes of a multidisciplinary network for the care of patients with cardiogenic shock.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Mortality remains high in cardiogenic shock (CS), especially in refractory CS involving the use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of a care program for patients in CS after the creation of a multidisciplinary team in our center and a regional network of hospitals in our area. METHODS: Observational and retrospective study of patients attended in this program from September 2014 to January 2019. We included patients in refractory CS who required MCS and those who, because of their age and absence of comorbidities, were candidates for advanced therapies. The primary endpoint was survival to discharge. RESULTS: A total of 130 patients were included (69 local and 61 transferred patients). The mean age was 52±15 years (72% men). The most frequent causes of CS were acute decompensated heart failure (29%), acute myocardial infarction (26%), and postcardiotomy CS (25%). MCS was used in 105 patients (81%), mostly extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (58%). Survival to discharge was 57% (74 of 130 patients). The most frequent destinations were myocardial recovery and heart transplant. Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were SAPS II score, lactate level, acute myocardial infarction etiology, and vasoactive-inotropic score. CONCLUSIONS: The creation of multidisciplinary teams for patients with mainly refractory CS and a regional network is feasible and allows survival to discharge in more than a half of attended patients with CS.

Multicenter study of ceftolozane/tazobactam for treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of ceftolozane-tazobactam (C/T) for treating infections due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) in critically ill patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective and observational study was conducted in critically ill patients receiving different C/T dosages and antibiotic combinations for P. aeruginosa infections. Demographic data, localisation and severity of infection, clinical and microbiological outcome, and mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients received C/T for P. aeruginosa serious infections. The main infections were nosocomial pneumonia (56.2%), intra-abdominal infection (10.5%), tracheobronchitis (8.4%), and urinary tract infection (6.3%). Most infections were complicated with sepsis (49.5%) or septic shock (45.3%), and bacteraemia (10.5%). Forty-six episodes were treated with high-dose C/T (3 g every 8 hours) and 38 episodes were treated with standard dosage (1.5 g every 8 hours). Almost half (44.2%) of the patients were treated with C/T monotherapy, and the remaining group received combination therapy with other antibiotics. Sixty-eight (71.6%) patients presented a favourable clinical response. Microbiological eradication was documented in 42.1% (40/95) of the episodes. The global ICU mortality was 36.5%. Univariate analysis showed that 30-day mortality was significantly associated (P < 0.05) with Charlson Index at ICU admission and the need of life-supporting therapies. CONCLUSIONS: C/T appeared to be an effective therapy for severe infections due to P. aeruginosa in critically ill patients. Mortality was mainly related to the severity of the infection. No benefit was observed with high-dose C/T or combination therapy with other antibiotics.

A cluster of Chryseobacterium indologenes cases related to drainage water in intensive care units.

In this outbreak, 12 patients in intensive care units acquired a Chryseobacterium indologenes infection. Cultures from sinkholes and air samples were positive for C. indologenes. After removing wash basins, no new cases appeared. Sinkholes, potentially contaminated, can act as a reservoir for C. indologenes and other microorganisms. Thus, patients and equipment should be protected from sink splashes to avoid contamination.

Risk Factors for Mortality in 272 Patients With Lung Transplant: A Multicenter Analysis of 7 Intensive Care Units / Factores de riesgo de mortalidad en 272 pacientes sometidos a trasplante pulmonar: análisis multicéntrico de 7 unidades de cuidados intensivos

Background: One-year survival in lung transplant is around 85%, but this figure has not increased in recent years, in spite of technical improvements. Methods: Retrospective, multicenter cohort study. Data from 272 eligible adults with lung transplant were recorded at 7 intensive care units (ICU) in Spain in 2013. The objective was to identify variables that might help to guide future clinical interventions in order to reduce the risk of death in the postoperative period. Results: One patient (0.3%) died in the operating room and 27 (10%) within 90 days. Twenty (7.4%) died within 28 days, after a median of 14 ICU days. Grade 3 pulmonary graft dysfunction was documente in 108 patients, of whom 21 died, compared with 6 out of 163 without pulmonary graft dysfunction (P < .001). At ICU admission, non-survivors had significantly lower (P = .03) median PaO2/FiO2 (200 mmHg vs 280 mmHg), and the difference increased after 24 hours (178 vs 297 mmHg, P < .001). Thirteen required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and 7(53.8%) died. A logistic regression model identified pulmonary graft dysfunction (OR: 6.77), donor age > 60yr (OR: 2.91) and SOFA > 8 (OR: 2.53) as independent predictors of 90-day mortality. At ICU admission, higher median procalcitonin (1.6 vs 0.6) and lower median PaO2/FiO2 (200 vs 280 mmHg) were significantly associated with mortality. Conclusion: Graft dysfunction remains a significant problem in lung transplant. Early ICU interventions in patients with severe hypoxemia or high procalcitonin are crucial in order to lower mortality (AU)

Introducción: La supervivencia anual del trasplante de pulmón está alrededor del 85% y este porcentaje no se ha incrementado recientemente, a pesar de mejoras técnicas. Métodos: Estudio de cohortes, multicéntrico, retrospectivo. Se recogieron datos de 272 adultos con trasplante de pulmón en 7 unidades de cuidados intensivos españolas en 2013. El objetivo fue identificar variables que pudieran ser de utilidad para guiar futuras intervenciones clínicas para disminuir el riesgo de fallecer en el postoperatorio. Resultados: Un paciente (0,3%) falleció en quirófano y 27 (10%) a los 90 días. Veinte (7,4%) fallecieron en 28 días, después de una mediana de 14 días en unidad de cuidados intensivos. La disfunción primaria grado 3 se documentó en 108 pacientes, de los cuales 21 fallecieron, comparado con 6 de 163 sin disfunción primaria grado 3 (p < 0,001). Al ingreso en unidad de cuidados intensivos, los no supervivientes mostraban una significativa menor mediana (p = 0,03) de PaO2/FiO2 (200 vs. 280 mmHg); esta diferencia se incrementó a las 24 h (178 vs. 297 mmHg, p < 0,001). Trece requirieron oxigenación con membrana extracorpórea (53,8%) y 7 fallecieron. Un modelo de regresión logística múltiple identificó la disfunción primaria grado 3 (OR: 6,77), edad donante > 60 años (OR: 2,91) y SOFA > 8 (OR: 2,53) como predictores independientes (p < 0,05) de mortalidad a los 90 días. En el ingreso en unidad de cuidados intensivos, una mediana de procalcitonina plasmática superior (1,6 vs. 0.6 ng/mL) e inferior de PaO2/FiO2 (200 vs. 280 mmHg) se asociaron independientemente (p < 0,05) con la mortalidad. Conclusión: La disfunción primaria del injerto continúa siendo un problema significativo en el trasplante pulmonar. Las intervenciones precoces dirigidas a mejorar la hipoxemia o la identificación de elevación de procalcitonina representan oportunidades para disminuir la mortalidad (AU)

Role of biomarkers in early infectious complications after lung transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Infections and primary graft dysfunction are devastating complications in the immediate postoperative period following lung transplantation. Nowadays, reliable diagnostic tools are not available. Biomarkers could improve early infection diagnosis. METHODS: Multicentre prospective observational study that included all centres authorized to perform lung transplantation in Spain. Lung infection and/or primary graft dysfunction presentation during study period (first postoperative week) was determined. Biomarkers were measured on ICU admission and daily till ICU discharge or for the following 6 consecutive postoperative days. RESULTS: We included 233 patients. Median PCT levels were significantly lower in patients with no infection than in patients with Infection on all follow up days. PCT levels were similar for PGD grades 1 and 2 and increased significantly in grade 3. CRP levels were similar in all groups, and no significant differences were observed at any study time point. In the absence of PGD grade 3, PCT levels above median (0.50 ng/ml on admission or 1.17 ng/ml on day 1) were significantly associated with more than two- and three-fold increase in the risk of infection (adjusted Odds Ratio 2.37, 95% confidence interval 1.06 to 5.30 and 3.44, 95% confidence interval 1.52 to 7.78, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of severe primary graft dysfunction, procalcitonin can be useful in detecting infections during the first postoperative week. PGD grade 3 significantly increases PCT levels and interferes with the capacity of PCT as a marker of infection. PCT was superior to CRP in the diagnosis of infection during the study period.

Risk Factors for Mortality in 272 Patients With Lung Transplant: A Multicenter Analysis of 7 Intensive Care Units.

BACKGROUND: One-year survival in lung transplant is around 85%, but this figure has not increased in recent years, in spite of technical improvements. METHODS: Retrospective, multicenter cohort study. Data from 272 eligible adults with lung transplant were recorded at 7 intensive care units (ICU) in Spain in 2013. The objective was to identify variables that might help to guide future clinical interventions in order to reducethe risk of death in the postoperative period. RESULTS: One patient (0.3%) died in the operating room and 27 (10%) within 90 days. Twenty (7.4%) died within 28 days, after a median of 14 ICU days. Grade 3 pulmonary graft dysfunction was documented in 108 patients, of whom 21 died, compared with 6 out of 163 without pulmonary graft dysfunction (P<.001). At ICU admission, non-survivors had significantly lower (P=.03) median PaO2/FiO2 (200mmHg vs 280mmHg), and the difference increased after 24hours (178 vs 297mmHg, P<.001). Thirteen required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and 7(53.8%) died. A logistic regression model identified pulmonary graft dysfunction (OR: 6.77), donor age>60yr (OR: 2.91) and SOFA>8 (OR: 2.53) as independent predictors of 90-day mortality. At ICU admission, higher median procalcitonin (1.6 vs 0.6) and lower median PaO2/FiO2 (200 vs 280mmHg) were significantly associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: Graft dysfunction remains a significant problem in lung transplant. Early ICU interventions in patients with severe hypoxemia or high procalcitonin are crucial in order to lower mortality.

A practice-based observational study on the use of micafungin in Surgical Critical Care Units.

INTRODUCTION: Echinocandins are first-line therapy in critically ill patients with invasive Candida infection (ICI). This study describes our experience with micafungin at Surgical Critical Care Units (SCCUs). METHODS: A multicenter, observational, retrospective study was performed (12 SCCUs) by reviewing all adult patients receiving 100 mg/24h micafungin for ≥72h during ad-mission (April 2011-July 2013). Patients were divided by ICI category (possible, probable + proven), 24h-SOFA (<7, ≥7) and outcome. RESULTS: 72 patients were included (29 possible, 13 probable, 30 proven ICI). Forty patients (55.6%) presented SOFA ≥7. Up to 78.0% patients were admitted after urgent surgery (64.3% with SOFA <7 vs. 90.3% with SOFA ≥7, p=0.016), and 84.7% presented septic shock. In 66.7% the site of infection was intraabdominal. Forty-nine isolates were recovered (51.0% C. albicans). Treatment was empirical (59.7%), microbiologically directed (19.4%), rescue therapy (15.3%), or anticipated therapy and prophylaxis (2.8% each). Empirical treatment was more frequent (p<0.001) in possible versus probable + proven ICI (86.2% vs. 41.9%). Treatment (median) was longer (p=0.002) in probable + proven versus possible ICI (13.0 vs. 8.0 days). Favorable response was 86.1%, without differences by group. Age, blood Candida isolation, rescue therapy, final MELD value and %MELD variation were significantly higher in patients with non-favorable response. In the multivariate analysis (R2=0.246, p<0.001) non-favorable response was associated with positive %MELD variations (OR=15.445, 95%CI= 2.529-94.308, p=0.003) and blood Candida isolation (OR=11.409, 95%CI=1.843-70.634, p=0.009). CONCLUSION: High favorable response was obtained, with blood Candida isolation associated with non-favorable response, in this series with high percentage of patients with intraabdominal ICI, septic shock and microbiological criteria for ICI.

A practice-based observational study on the use of micafungin in Surgical Critical Care Units / Estudio observacional basado en la práctica clínica sobre la utilización de micafungina en Unidades de Cuidados Críticos Quirúrgicos

Introducción. Las equinocandinas son tratamiento de primera línea en pacientes críticos con infección invasiva por Candida (IIC). Este estudio describe nuestra experiencia con micafungina en Unidades de Cuidados Críticos Quirúrgicos (UCCQs). Métodos. Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico, observacional y retrospectivo (12 UCCQs) revisando todos los pacientes adultos que recibieron 100 mg/24h micafungina durante ≥72h tras su admisión en la UCCQ (Abril 2011-Julio 2013). Los pacientes se dividieron según la categoría de IIC (posible, probable + probada), valor de SOFA (<7, >=7) y evolución. Resultados. Se incluyeron 72 pacientes (29 posible, 13 probable y 30 IIC probadas). Cuarenta pacientes (55,6%) presentaron SOFA ≥7. Un total de 78,0% pacientes fueron ingresados tras cirugía urgente (64,3% con SOFA <7 vs. 90,3% con SOFA ≥7, p=0,016) y un 84,7% presentó shock séptico. El 66,7% de pacientes presentaban infección intraabdominal. Se recuperaron 49 aislados (51,0% C. albicans). El tratamiento fue empírico (59,7%), dirigido microbiológicamente (19,4%), terapia de rescate (15,3%), o anticipado y profilaxis (2,8% cada uno). El tratamiento empírico fue más frecuente (p<0,001) en IIC posible versus probable + probada (86,2% vs. 41,9%). La duración del tratamiento (mediana) fue mayor (p=0,002) en IIC probable + probada que en IIC posible (13,0% vs. 8,0%). La respuesta clínica fue favorable en el 86,1% sin diferencias por grupo. La edad, el aislamiento de sangre, la terapia de rescate, el valor de MELD final y la variación de MELD fueron significativamente superiores en pacientes con respuesta clínica no favorable. En el análisis multivariado (R2 =0,246, p<0,001) la respuesta no favorable se asoció con variación positiva del MELD (OR=15,445, 95%IC= 2,529-94,308, p=0,003) y aislamiento de Candida en sangre (OR=11,409, 95%IC=1,843-70,634, p=0,009). Conclusión: Se obtuvo una alta tasa de respuesta favorable, con el aislamiento de Candida en sangre asociado con respuesta no favorable en esta serie de pacientes con alto porcentaje de IIC intraabdominal, shock séptico e IIC con criterios microbiológicos (AU)

Introduction. Echinocandins are first-line therapy in critically ill patients with invasive Candida infection (ICI). This study describes our experience with micafungin at Surgical Critical Care Units (SCCUs). Methods. A multicenter, observational, retrospective study was performed (12 SCCUs) by reviewing all adult patients receiving 100 mg/24h micafungin for ≥72h during admission (April 2011-July 2013). Patients were divided by ICI category (possible, probable + proven), 24h-SOFA (<7, ≥7) and outcome. Results. 72 patients were included (29 possible, 13 probable, 30 proven ICI). Forty patients (55.6%) presented SOFA ≥7. Up to 78.0% patients were admitted after urgent surgery (64.3% with SOFA <7 vs. 90.3% with SOFA ≥7, p=0.016), and 84.7% presented septic shock. In 66.7% the site of infection was intraabdominal. Forty-nine isolates were recovered (51.0% C. albicans). Treatment was empirical (59.7%), microbiologically directed (19.4%), rescue therapy (15.3%), or anticipated therapy and prophylaxis (2.8% each). Empirical treatment was more frequent (p<0.001) in possible versus probable + proven ICI (86.2% vs. 41.9%). Treatment (median) was longer (p=0.002) in probable + proven versus possible ICI (13.0 vs. 8.0 days). Favorable response was 86.1%, without differences by group. Age, blood Candida isolation, rescue therapy, final MELD value and %MELD variation were significantly higher in patients with non-favorable response. In the multivariate analysis (R2 =0.246, p<0.001) non-favorable response was associated with positive %MELD variations (OR=15.445, 95%CI= 2.529-94.308, p=0.003) and blood Candida isolation (OR=11.409, 95%CI=1.843-70.634, p=0.009) (AU)