Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Bacterial Isolates from Urinary Tract Infections in Companion Animals in Central Italy.

The available data on antimicrobial resistance in pets are limited compared to those collected for food-producing animals. Bacterial urinary tract infections are some of the most important indications for antimicrobial use in pets, and empiric antimicrobial treatments are often administered in the presence of clinical signs. In this study, the results obtained from the laboratory investigations carried out on dogs and cats with urinary tract infections coming from veterinary clinics and practices in Central Italy were evaluated to provide additional data concerning the bacterial urinary pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance patterns in pets. A total of 635 isolates were collected from urine samples. Escherichia coli was the most common species recovered in dogs and cats, followed by Proteus mirabilis and Enterococcus spp. Furthermore, it was possible to isolate bacteria not usually described in other studies concerning pets such as Pantoea dispersa, Raoultella ornithinolytica, and Pasteurella pneumotropica (also known as Rodentibacter pneumotropicus). Based on the antimicrobial susceptibility results, 472/635 (74.3%) isolates were resistant to at least one antibiotic and 285/635 (44.8%) isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant. Monitoring the antibiotic resistance profiles in pet infections is important not only for the public health implications, but also to collect data useful for the treatment of diseases in pets.

Temperature-controlled continuous cold flow device versus traditional icing regimen following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a prospective randomized comparative trial.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction requires an intensive rehabilitation program to be completely successful. Cryotherapy has been described to be helpful in reducing post-operative pain and edema. Aim of this prospective randomized study is to compare two homogeneous groups of patients, one receiving traditional icing regimen and the other a temperature-controlled continuous cold flow device, in post-operative setting after ACL reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients treated for ACL reconstruction using "over the top" technique were enrolled for this study. All patients received the same elastocompressive bandage. Regarding the coolant device, 23 patients were randomized to temperature-controlled continuous cold flow device (Hilotherm® group) and 24 patients were randomized to receive ice bag (control group). The two groups were homogenous for pre-operative (age, sex, and time "lesion to surgery") and intra-operative parameters (duration of the procedure, meniscectomy, and chondral damage). NRS (numeric rating scale), blood loss, knee volume increase at three established sites, ROM, and pain killers consumption were assessed. The subjective evaluation of the device including practicality and usefulness of the device was investigated. RESULTS: Hilotherm group resulted in lower pain perception (NRS), blood loss, knee volume increase at the patellar apex and 10 cm proximal to the superior patellar pole, and higher range of motion (p < 0.05) in the first post-operative day. No difference in pain killers consumption was noted. Hilotherm device was considered "comfortable" and "useful" by the majority of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hilotherm group showed significant better results in first post-operative day. Further studies with higher number of patients and longer follow-up are required to assess the beneficial effects on rehabilitation and the cost-effectiveness of the routinely use of this device. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Treatment algorithm for chronic lateral ankle instability.

INTRODUCTION: ankle sprains are a common sports-related injury. A 20% of acute ankle sprains results in chronic ankle instability, requiring surgery. Aim of this paper is to report the results of a series of 38 patients treated for chronic lateral ankle instability with anatomic reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: thirty-eight patients were enrolled in the study. Seventeen patients underwent a surgical repair using the Brostrom-modified technique, while the remaining underwent anatomic reconstruction with autologous or allogenic graft. RESULTS: at a mean follow-up of 5 years the AOFAS score improved from 66.1 ± 5.3 to 92.2 ± 5.6. DISCUSSION: the findings of this study confirm that anatomic reconstruction is an effective procedure with satisfactory subjective and objective results which persist at long-term follow-up along with a low complication rate. No differences, in term of clinical and functional outcomes, were observed between the Brostrom-modified repair and the anatomic reconstruction technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: level IV.