Is Long-acting Cabotegravir a Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Option for Women of Childbearing Potential?

Long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) provides an exciting new option for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in multiple populations. In this Perspective, we consider the unique pharmacokinetics of CAB-LA and the potential impact on the prescribing of CAB-LA, specifically in cis-women of reproductive potential.

Dynamic modeling of hospitalized COVID-19 patients reveals disease state-dependent risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: The study sought to investigate the disease state-dependent risk profiles of patient demographics and medical comorbidities associated with adverse outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A covariate-dependent, continuous-time hidden Markov model with 4 states (moderate, severe, discharged, and deceased) was used to model the dynamic progression of COVID-19 during the course of hospitalization. All model parameters were estimated using the electronic health records of 1362 patients from ProMedica Health System admitted between March 20, 2020 and December 29, 2020 with a positive nasopharyngeal PCR test for SARS-CoV-2. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, vital signs, and laboratory test results were retrospectively evaluated to infer a patient's clinical progression. RESULTS: The association between patient-level covariates and risk of progression was found to be disease state dependent. Specifically, while being male, being Black or having a medical comorbidity were all associated with an increased risk of progressing from the moderate disease state to the severe disease state, these same factors were associated with a decreased risk of progressing from the severe disease state to the deceased state. DISCUSSION: Recent studies have not included analyses of the temporal progression of COVID-19, making the current study a unique modeling-based approach to understand the dynamics of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients. CONCLUSION: Dynamic risk stratification models have the potential to improve clinical outcomes not only in COVID-19, but also in a myriad of other acute and chronic diseases that, to date, have largely been assessed only by static modeling techniques.

Budget constrained machine learning for early prediction of adverse outcomes for COVID-19 patients.

The combination of machine learning (ML) and electronic health records (EHR) data may be able to improve outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients through improved risk stratification and patient outcome prediction. However, in resource constrained environments the clinical utility of such data-driven predictive tools may be limited by the cost or unavailability of certain laboratory tests. We leveraged EHR data to develop an ML-based tool for predicting adverse outcomes that optimizes clinical utility under a given cost structure. We further gained insights into the decision-making process of the ML models through an explainable AI tool. This cohort study was performed using deidentified EHR data from COVID-19 patients from ProMedica Health System in northwest Ohio and southeastern Michigan. We tested the performance of various ML approaches for predicting either increasing ventilatory support or mortality. We performed post hoc analysis to obtain optimal feature sets under various budget constraints. We demonstrate that it is possible to achieve a significant reduction in cost at the expense of a small reduction in predictive performance. For example, when predicting ventilation, it is possible to achieve a 43% reduction in cost with only a 3% reduction in performance. Similarly, when predicting mortality, it is possible to achieve a 50% reduction in cost with only a 1% reduction in performance. This study presents a quick, accurate, and cost-effective method to evaluate risk of deterioration for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection at the time of clinical evaluation.

Use of an On-Site Outpatient Pharmacy for Acquisition of Antiretroviral Medications Compared to Off-Site Pharmacy Options: Impact on Retention in Care and Clinical Outcomes in People Living With HIV.

BACKGROUND: Few published studies have examined the relationship between pharmacy location and retention in care or clinical outcome in people living with HIV (PLWH). OBJECTIVE: The study purpose was to determine whether using an on-site/in-clinic pharmacy to obtain antiretroviral therapy increased retention in care and virologic suppression rates. METHODS: PLWH attending a Ryan White outpatient clinic in an academic center were matched based on age and insurance. Rates of retention in care ( ≥2 medical visits/calendar year) were assessed between patients using a pharmacy on-site in the clinic versus patients use off-site pharmacy options. Virologic suppression [viral load(VL)<200 copies/mL], completing ≥2 VL, and CD4 count were compared between pharmacy types. RESULTS: 137 on-site pharmacy patients and 274 off-site pharmacy patients met inclusion and matching criteria. 91.2% of on-site pharmacy users attended ≥2 clinic visits compared to 83.2% of off-site pharmacy users (P = .0275) and were approximately twice as likely to complete ≥2 clinic visits (odds ratio: 2.032; 1.071-3.857). A similar proportion of the on-site pharmacy group achieved virologic suppression compared to the off-site pharmacy group (92.7% vs 89.1%; P = .239, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: On-site pharmacies may provide an opportunity to positively impact retention in care and clinical outcomes for PLWH.

Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Staphylococcus lugdunensis Prosthetic Joint Infections: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis.

Staphylococcus lugdunensis has been increasingly recognized as a cause of serious infections, particularly prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes of S lugdunensis PJIs. This was a retrospective multicenter study of consecutive adult patients with S lugdunensis PJIs from January 2007 through December 2017; 28 patients met inclusion criteria. The knee was the most commonly affected joint (67.9%), followed by the hip (25%). Clinical and microbiologic characteristics, treatment modalities, and outcomes were evaluated. Thirteen (46.4%) patients had two-stage revision, 9 (32.1%) had debridement with or without revision, 5 (21.4%) had no surgical intervention, and 1 (3.6%) had one-stage revision. Twenty-four (85.7%) patients had monomicrobial infection with S lugdunensis, whereas 4 had polymicrobial. Two patients had concomitant bacteremia. All isolates, except 1, were susceptible to oxacillin. Three patients with no surgical intervention received oral antibiotics, 2 were not treated, and 1 was discharged to hospice. Relapse was observed in 2 of 13 (15%) patients who had two-stage revision, 4 of 9 (44%) who had debridement, and 6 of 6 (100%) who had no surgical intervention or one-stage revision regardless of antibiotic treatment regimen. There was a significant difference in cure rate for patients who underwent two-stage revision compared with other treatment modalities (85% vs 33%, P=.009). Appropriate management of S lugdunensis PJI includes both aggressive surgical treatment and a prolonged course of antibiotics and is associated with excellent clinical response. Regardless of route or duration of antibiotic therapy, relapse is high for patients not treated with two-stage revision. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(6):345-350.].

Clinical Outcomes Associated With Once-Daily Ritonavir-Boosted Darunavir Plus Tenofovir/Emtricitabine in HIV-Infected Patients Harboring at Minimum a M184V/I Resistance Mutation.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist on the use of a boosted protease inhibitor plus <2 active nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors without use of additional classes of antiretroviral (ARV) therapy in treatment-experienced patients with background resistance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical outcomes in HIV-infected patients harboring single- or multiclass resistant virus and receiving once-daily tenofovir/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) plus darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r) administered for >24 weeks. METHODS: This was a single-center chart review of HIV-infected patients receiving daily TDF/FTC plus DRV/r and identified with resistant virus (including, but not limited to, an M184V/I). The primary outcome was HIV viral load (VL) <200 copies/mL (cp/mL) at last measurement. Additional end points included virological rebound (VR), resuppression, or failure (VF); VL <40 cp/mL at last measurement; and development of additional mutations. RESULTS: Of 171 eligible patients, 32 were included in the study and received DRV 800 mg/r 100 mg daily with fixed-combination TDF/FTC. All patients had a baseline M184V/I mutation, with 10 (31%) having resistance to TDF; 27 (84%) achieved a VL <200 cp/mL, and 25(78%) had a VL <200 cp/mL at the last reading; 22 (69%) achieved a VL <40 cp/mL. VF occurred in 6/32 (19%) patients and VR in 1/32 (3%) patients. Conclusion and Relevance: Although providing a regimen containing ≤2 active drugs, the use of once-daily DRV/r plus TDF/FTC in treatment-experienced patients with single-/multiclass resistant virus resulted in virological suppression in more than three-fourths of patients. These retrospective data suggest that despite the presence of an M184V/I, this combination may be an option in patients seeking a once-daily ARV therapy to improve adherence.

Analysis of a ten step protocol to decrease postoperative spinal wound infections.

AIM: To define a ten-step protocol that reduced the incidence of surgical site infection in the spine surgery practice of the senior author and evaluate the support for each step based on current literature. METHODS: In response to unexplained increased infection rates at our institution following spine surgery, a ten-step protocol was implemented: (1) preoperative glycemic management based on hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c); (2) skin site preoperative preparation with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate disposable cloths; (3) limit operating room traffic; (4) cut the number of personnel in the room to the minimum required; (5) absolutely no flash sterilization of equipment; (6) double-gloving with frequent changing of outer gloves; (7) local application of vancomycin powder; (8) re-dosing antibiotic every 4 h for prolonged procedures and extending postoperative coverage to 72 h for high-risk patients; (9) irrigation of subcutaneous tissue with diluted povidone-iodine solution after deep fascial closure; and (10) use of DuraPrep skin preparation at the end of a case before skin closure. Through an extensive literature review, the current data available for each of the ten steps was evaluated. RESULTS: Use of vancomycin powder in surgical wounds, routine irrigation of surgical site, and frequent changing of surgical gloves are strongly supported by the literature. Preoperative skin preparation with chlorhexidine wipes is similarly supported. The majority of current literature supports control of HbA1c preoperatively to reduce risk of infection. Limiting the use of flash sterilization is supported, but has not been evaluated in spine-specific surgery. Limiting OR traffic and number of personnel in the OR are supported although without level 1 evidence. Prolonged use of antibiotics postoperatively is not supported by the literature. Intraoperative use of DuraPrep prior to skin closure is not yet explored. CONCLUSION: The ten-step protocol defined herein has significantly helped in decreasing surgical site infection rate. Several of the steps have already been shown in the literature to have significant effect on infection rates. As several measures are required to prevent infection, instituting a standard protocol for all the described steps appears beneficial.

Evaluation of Serum Creatinine Changes With Integrase Inhibitor Use in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Infected Adults.

This retrospective chart review evaluated changes in serum creatinine and creatinine clearance (CrCl) after initiation of an integrase inhibitor (INSTI)-based regimen as initial treatment in human immunodeficiency virus-infected adults. Serum creatinine and CrCl changes were similar to those seen in clinical trials for INSTIs. No renal-related serious adverse events or discontinuations occurred.

Fanconi Syndrome and Antiretrovirals: It Is Never Too Late.

Antiretroviral medications such as tenofovir have been associated with Fanconi syndrome (FS) usually identified within the first 1-29 months after exposure to the medication. We present a case of life-threatening FS which developed in a 37-year-old woman with HIV after 8 years of asymptomatic tenofovir use. The patient was diagnosed with HIV in 1996 at 20 years of age, hepatitis C 10 years later, and Staphylococcus aureus sepsis with secondary osteomyelitis of the spine 3 years before admission for FS. She developed nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and generalized weakness over a 2-week time period and presented to the hospital. In the emergency department, her serum potassium was 1.5 mEq/L, bicarbonate was 12 mEq/L, chloride was 111 mEq/L, phosphorus was 1.8 mg/dL, and creatinine was 1.95 mg/dL (baseline, 1.4). Arterial blood gas revealed a non-anion gap (hyperchloremic) metabolic acidosis. Type 2 renal tubular acidosis induced by antiretroviral therapy (ART) was suspected and the ART was discontinued with resolution of the renal abnormalities within 7 days. A non-tenofovir-containing ART regimen consisting of lamivudine/abacavir and efavirenz was begun, and over the next 8 months, the patient was without recurrence of the FS. This case report demonstrates the acute development of FS after prolonged exposure to tenofovir without exposure to additional nephrotoxins such as nonsteroidal medications or aminoglycosides. Tenofovir can cause FS at any time and should be considered in any patient presenting with renal tubular acidosis type 2 while on tenofovir regardless of the duration of drug exposure.

Alternative antiretroviral therapy formulations for patients unable to swallow solid oral dosage forms.

PURPOSE: Evidence-based guidance is presented to assist clinicians in selecting alternative formulations of antiretroviral (ARV) agents for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who are unable to swallow tablets or capsules. SUMMARY: The inability to take medications in standard oral dosage forms can be associated with nonadherence or the use of alternative administration strategies such as capsule or tablet breaking, crushing, or chewing. Patients with HIV infection require long-term ARV therapy to maintain viral suppression; ARV agents are predominately available as tablets and capsules that may pose swallowing difficulties for some patients. Using a variety of sources (the primary literature, pharmaceutical package inserts, and requests for unpublished data from drug manufacturers), available evidence on the bioavailability of ARV medications after disruption of the capsule or tablet matrix was reviewed; information on alternative formulations of ARV agents was also assessed. With several ARV agents, disruption of the solid oral dosage form by crushing, chewing, or breaking tablets or opening capsules prior to ingestion has been shown to result in altered bioavailability or pharmacokinetics and thus the potential for incomplete virological suppression, increased adverse effects, and suboptimal health outcomes. CONCLUSION: Of the 33 single-agent ARV medications and combination ARV products in five classes available at the time of review, approximately half exist as powders, liquids, injectables, or chewable or dissolvable tablets. If alternative ARV formulations or administration methods are used, close monitoring for achievement of virological and immunologic success and potential toxicities is recommended.

Response to Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccination in Newly Diagnosed HIV-Positive Individuals.

BACKGROUND: Newly diagnosed HIV-positive individuals are 35 to 100-fold more susceptible to Streptococcus pneumoniae infection compared to non-infected individuals. Therefore, the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) has previously been recommended, though efficacy and effectiveness of vaccination remains controversial. Early severe B cell dysfunction is a central feature of HIV infection. The specific nature of the immune cells involved in the production of protective antigen-specific antibodies in HIV-positive individuals remains to be elucidated. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the antibody and antigen-specific B cell response to the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients. Moreover, determine if newly diagnosed patients with CD4<200 cells/µl benefit from 6-12 months of HAART, allowing partial viral suppression and immune reconstitution, prior to immunization. METHODS: Newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients with CD4>200 cells/µl and CD4<200 cells/µl were immunized with PPV23. Patients with CD4<200 cells/µl received either immediate or delayed immunization following 6-12 months of HAART. Antibody responses, opsonophagocytic activity and phenotypic analysis of pneumococcal polysaccharide-specific B cells were studied. RESULTS: Newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients demonstrated CD4-dependent increases in antibody and opsonophagocytic titers thought to be commensurate with protection. Functional opsonophagocytic titers of patients with CD4<200 cells/µl immunized immediately compared to patients with CD4<200 cells/µl receiving HAART for 6-12 months were not significantly different. Pneumococcal polysaccharide-specific B cells were distributed evenly between IgM memory and switched memory B cells for all groups, but IgM memory B cells were significantly lower than in HIV-negative individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Despite CD4-dependent pneumococcal polysaccharide-specific deficiencies in newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients, vaccination was beneficial based on opsonophagocytic titers for all newly diagnosed HIV-positive groups. In HIV-positive patients with CD4<200 cells/µl, 6-12 months of HAART did not improve opsonophagocytic titers or antibody concentrations. Based on these findings, immunization with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine should not be delayed in newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients with CD4<200 cells/µl.

Response to Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccination in HIV-Positive Individuals on Long Term Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Streptococcus pneumoniae continues to cause serious infections in HIV-positive individuals in the era of highly active anti-retroviral therapy. This led to the recommendation to revaccinate HIV-positive individuals with PPV23 five years after primary vaccination. The benefits of revaccination and the impact of long term highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) on antigen-specific B cell reconstitution have remained unclear thus far and were investigated. DESIGN AND METHODS: We assessed antibody levels, opsonophagocytic activity and phenotype of pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPS) specific-B cells post-revaccination in long term HAART cohorts stratified according to CD4 count as group A (CD4>200) and group B (CD4<200). Anti-PPS IgG, IgM and functional antibody response against vaccine serotypes 14 and 23F were measured by ELISA and opsonophagocytic assay followed by phenotypic analysis of PPS14 and 23F-specific B cells using fluorescently labeled PPS. RESULTS: Significant increases in total and functional antibody titers were noted in groups A and B post-vaccination concomitant with significant rise in PPS-specific IgM memory B cells, a critical B cell subset required for protection against PPS although the overall response remained significantly diminished compared to HIV-negative volunteers. CONCLUSION: Comparable increases in opsonophagocytic titers between study groups A and B concomitant with a comparable rise in PPS-specific IgM memory B cells indicate revaccination to be beneficial regardless of the degree of CD4 T cell reconstitution. These findings emphasize the importance of defining effective vaccination practices amongst high-risk individuals.

Three case studies of community occupational therapy for individuals with human immunodeficiency virus.

Three case studies illustrate the complexities and opportunities in providing community-based occupational therapy services to persons with HIV. An infectious disease physician recommended three clients for therapy sessions in both the home and community. The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) in conjunction with the Conceptual Framework for Therapeutic Occupation (CFTO) was used to guide the therapeutic process. Assessments measured challenges to clients and client progress in the following areas: leisure, mobility, organization, problem solving, community involvement, transitioning to independent living, fatigue, childcare/play, and home management. This paper describes the three cases with findings suggesting that community-based occupational therapy has potential to address important issues such as habits, roles, and volition in the HIV/AIDS population.

Multidrug resistant pneumonia treated with aerosolized amikacin in a patient with acute renal insufficiency.

Multidrug resistant pneumonia is an entity, which is difficult to treat, and in a patient with acute renal insufficiency, it leaves a physician with a handful of antibiotics to be considered. Aerosolized administration of antibiotics is one option that can be contemplated for a patient with acute renal insufficiency to avoid the nephrotoxic effect of the antibiotics.

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell populations in MoMuLV-ts-1 induced lymphoma in a murine model.

During self-renewal of the hematopoietic stem cells there is a potential for these new cells to develop into abnormal malignant cells due to environmental, chemical or microbial challenges. This may lead to blood malignancies, including leukemia and lymphoma. Our laboratory was the first to develop a mouse model to study the development of lymphoma among pups of retrovirus infected mothers. We have established that if the newborn pups suckle breast milk from the mothers infected with a temperature sensitive Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus (MoMuLV-ts1), they develop lymphoma. Stem and progenitor cell populations were determined from blood, spleen, and thymus samples in infected mice with and without lymphoma using flow cytometry and specific protein markers, including CD117+/CD34+; CD117+/Sca-1+; CD135+/Sca-1+; Ter119+/CD71+ and CD117+/CD45+. Some stem cell populations were increased in infected mice with lymphoma. These stem cells appear to be involved in the development of lymphoma in our mouse model.

Retrovirus-induced lymphomagenesis: a correlation between disease pathogenesis and flow cytometric analysis.

Perinatal infection with a temperature-sensitive mutant (ts-1) of Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMuLV) results in massive splenomegaly and thymomegaly in mice and development of lymphoma in >55 % of infected pups. Previous flow cytometry studies showed a decrease in CD4(+) cells in perinatally infected pups, but cell population changes in infected animals with lymphoma compared with infected animals without lymphoma has not yet been reported. In the current study, BALB/c mice were infected with ts-1 through breast milk transmission and observed until development of clinical signs and symptoms of lymphoma and/or symptomatic ts-1 infection. Flow cytometry studies were performed on blood, spleen and thymus samples and correlated with gross morphology and histological changes, resulting from the development of lymphoma. Infected animals with lymphoma had significant decreases in CD4(+) and CD8(+) cell counts in blood and spleen compared with controls. The spleens of infected animals without lymphoma showed a decrease in CD4(+) and CD8(+) cell counts, but this was not significant compared with controls. In the thymus, CD4(+) and CD8(+) cell counts also decreased, but this was not significant in infected animals with and without lymphoma compared with controls. Markers of myeloid cell dysfunction increased in the thymus of animals with infection with and without lymphoma compared with controls. Thus, immunosuppression and CD4(+)/CD8(+) cell decreases in the spleen and thymus are associated with malignant transformation and development of lymphoma in this animal model.

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy: a survey of factors associated with medication usage.

The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has decreased morbidity and mortality for people living with HIV/AIDS, but adherence to HAART is a critical factor in successful treatment. Adherence to medication is a complex and poorly understood behavior. A survey was undertaken to evaluate subjective correlates of adherence and non-adherence based on previously distilled themes from a qualitative study of adherence. A 60-question survey was completed by patients in the outpatient clinic setting regarding demographics, CD4 cell count, viral load, adherence, and screening questions about medication usage and attitudes toward HIV. Ninety-eight adherent and 34 non-adherent patients completed the survey. After logistic regression analysis, several questions appeared to be the main predictors of non-adherence: Have you ever thought of having HIV as a "punishment?" Do you feel that your medicines are hard to take? Do you believe the medicines for HIV that you take are working for you? These questions may be helpful in the development of a clinically useful screening tool to assess patients at risk for non-adherence.

Review of compartment syndrome due to group A streptococcal infection.

PURPOSE: To present a case of nontraumatic compartment syndrome secondary to group A streptococcal infection and review the literature regarding this unusual clinical entity. METHODS: Case reports of compartment syndrome due to group A streptococci in the English language literature were identified through a computer-generated search using MEDLINE 1950-2007. Reviews of the cited literature in pertinent articles were also undertaken to find additional cases. Cases with evidence of chronic infection or trauma were excluded; cases were included for analysis if enough demographic information was available to allow identification of individual patients. RESULTS: Thirteen cases, including the current case of group A streptococcus, were identified. The average age was 34 years (range 2-76). The majority of patients (77%) were previously healthy with no significant medical history or evidence of immunosuppression. All patients presented with either fever, or hypotension, or white blood cells >10,000 cells/mm and 77% presented with at least 2 of these signs. All patients received prompt surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy with gram-positive activity. The mortality rate was 15%. CONCLUSIONS: Nontraumatic acute compartment syndrome presenting with fever, or hypotension, or leukocytosis may be associated with infection such as group A streptococcus. Prompt surgical and antibiotic therapy was associated with a relatively low mortality rate. A high clinical index of suspicion should occur for the possibility of infection with an organism such as group A streptococcus in patients presenting with acute extremity pain and tense compartments without trauma and with signs of a systemic inflammatory response.

Inverse correlation between level of professional education and rate of handwashing compliance in a teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate educational level as a contributing factor in handwashing compliance. DESIGN: Observation of hand washing opportunities was performed for approximately 12 weeks before an announced Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) visit and for approximately 10 weeks after the visit. Trained observers recorded the date, time, and location of the observation; the type of healthcare worker or hospital employee observed; and the type of hand hygiene opportunity observed. SETTING: University of Toledo Medical Center, a 319-bed teaching hospital. RESULTS: A total of 2,373 observations were performed. The rate of hand washing compliance among nurses was 91.3% overall. Medical attending physicians had the lowest observed rate of compliance (72.4%; P<.001). Nurses showed statistically significant improvement in their rate of hand hygiene compliance after the JCAHO visit (P = .001), but no improvement was seen for attending physicians (P = .117). The compliance rate in the surgical intensive care unit was more than 90%, greater than that in other hospital units (P = .001). Statistically, the compliance rate was better during the first part of the week (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday) than during the latter part of the week (Thursday and Friday) (P = .002), and the compliance rate was better during the 3 PM-11 PM shift, compared with the 7 AM-3 PM shift (P<.001). When evaluated by logistic regression analysis, non-physician healthcare worker status and observation after the JCAHO accreditation visit were associated with an increased rate of hand hygiene compliance. CONCLUSION: An inverse correlation existed between the level of professional educational and the rate of compliance. Future research initiatives may need to address the different motivating factors for hand hygiene among nurses and physicians to increase compliance.

Intensivist supervision of resident-placed central venous catheters decreases the incidence of catheter-related blood stream infections.

Catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSI) cause significant morbidity and mortality. A retrospective study of a performance improvement project in our teaching hospital's surgical intensive care unit (SICU) showed that intensivist supervision was important in reinforcing maximal sterile barriers (MSB) use during the placement of a central venous catheter (CVC) in the prevention of CRBSI. A historical control period, 1 January 2001-31 December 2003, was established for comparison. From 1 January 2003-31 December 2007, MSB use for central venous line placement was mandated for all operators. However, in 2003 there was no intensivist supervision of CVC placements in the SICU. The use of MSB alone did not cause a significant change in the CRBSI rate in the first year of the project, but close supervision by an intensivist in years 2004-2007, in conjunction with MSB use, demonstrated a significant drop in the CRBSI rate when compared to the years before intensivist supervision (2001-2003), p < .0001. A time series analysis comparing monthly rates of CRBSI (2001-2007) also revealed a significant downward trend, p = .028. Additionally, in the first year of the mandated MSB use (2003), 85 independently observed resident-placed CVCs demonstrated that breaks in sterile technique (34/85), as compared those placements that had no breaks in technique (51/85), had more CRBSI, 6/34 (17.6%) vs. 1/51 (1.9%), p < .01. Interventions to reduce CRBSI in our SICU needed emphasis on adequate supervision of trainees in CVC placement, in addition to use of MSB, to effect lower CRBSI rates.