An outbreak of multi-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii on a burns ICU and its control with multi-faceted containment measures.

BACKGROUND: Patients in burns centres are at high risk of acquiring multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDROs) due to the reduced skin barrier and long hospital stay. METHODS: This study reports the investigation and control of an outbreak of MDR Acinetobacter baumannii in a burns centre. The 27 patients hospitalized in the centre during the outbreak were screened regularly, and a total of 132 environmental samples were analysed to identify a potential source. Fourier-transform infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy and multi-locus sequence typing were applied to characterize the outbreak strain. RESULTS: Between August and November 2022, the outbreak affected eight patients, with 11 infections and three potentially related fatal outcomes. An interdisciplinary and multi-professional outbreak team implemented a bundle strategy with repetitive admission stops, isolation precaution measures, patient screenings, enhanced cleaning and disinfection, and staff education. FT-IR spectroscopy suggested that the outbreak started from a patient who had been repatriated 1 month previously from a country with high prevalence of MDR A. baumannii. Environmental sampling did not identify a common source. Acquisition of the outbreak strain was associated with a higher percentage of body surface area with burn lesions ≥2a [per percent increase: odds ratio (OR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.99-1.12; P=0.09], and inversely associated with a higher nurse-to-patient ratio (per 0.1 increase: OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.10-1.12; P=0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Burn patients with a higher percentage of body surface area with burn lesions ≥2a are at high risk of colonization and infection due to MDROs, particularly during periods of high workload. A multi-faceted containment strategy can successfully control outbreaks due to MDR A. baumannii in a burns centre.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection and urinary tract abnormalities in young children: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Studies investigating the role of urinary tract abnormalities in the development of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) in young children are limited. Thus, in the present study, we aimed to determine whether there is an association between CAUTI and urinary tract abnormalities. METHODS: We performed abdominal imaging studies on all patients aged <6 years with CAUTI admitted to the pediatric intensive care units (PICU) and high care unit (HCU) at Keio university or Fukuoka Children's Hospital from April 1, 2018 to July 31, 2022. Among 40 children who developed CAUTI, 13 (33 %) had abnormal urogenital images. Further, two case-control studies were conducted before and after propensity score matching, and the groups were compared using multivariable logistic regression models to analyze the effects of various factors on CAUTI development. RESULTS: In the multivariate logistic regression models, abnormal urogenital images (OR 5.30 [95 % CI, 2.40-11.7] and OR 3.44 [95 % CI, 1.16-9.93]) and duration of catheterization >10 days (OR 2.76 [95 % CI, 1.28-5.96] and OR 3.44 [95 % CI, 1.16-9.93]) were found to be significantly associated with development of CAUTI, both before (39 cases, 459 controls) and after propensity score matching (36 cases, 72 controls). Further, CAUTI in young children in the PICU or HCU was significantly associated with imaging abnormalities of the urinary tract. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that not only the presence of catheters, but also urinary tract malformations may contribute to the development of CAUTI in young children.

Perioperative Infection After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Risk Factors, Causative Pathogens, and Long-Term Outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nosocomial infections are the most common complication among critically ill patients and contribute to poor long-term outcomes. Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are highly susceptible to perioperative infections, yet it is unclear what factors influence infection onset and functional recovery. The objective was to investigate risk factors for perioperative infections after aSAH and relate causative pathogens to patient outcomes. METHODS: Clinical records were obtained for 194 adult patients with aSAH treated at our institution from 2016 to 2020. Demographics, clinical course, complications, microbiological reports, and outcomes were collected. χ 2 , univariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze risk factors. RESULTS: Nearly half of the patients developed nosocomial infections, most frequently pneumonia and urinary tract infection. Patients with infections had longer hospital stays, higher rates of delayed cerebral ischemia, and worse functional recovery up to 6 months after initial hemorrhage. Independent risk factors for pneumonia included male sex, comatose status at admission, mechanical ventilatory use, and longer admission, while those for urinary tract infection included older age and longer admission. Staphylococcus , Klebsiella , and Enterococcus spp. were associated with poor long-term outcome. Certain pathogenic organisms were associated with delayed cerebral ischemia. CONCLUSION: Perioperative infections are highly prevalent among patients with aSAH and are related to adverse outcomes. The risk profiles for nosocomial infections are distinct to each infection type and causative organism. Although strong infection control measures should be universally applied, patient management must be individualized in the context of specific infections.

Etiology and utility of hospital-onset bacteremia as a safety metric for targeted harm reduction.

BACKGROUND: Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) are a major driver of morbidity and cost in health systems. Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) require intensive surveillance and review. All-cause hospital-onset bacteremia (HOB) may be a simpler reporting metric, correlates with CLABSI, and is viewed positively by HAI experts. Despite the ease in the collection, the proportion of HOBs that are actionable and preventable is unknown. Moreover, quality improvement strategies targeting it may be more challenging. In this study, we describe the bedside provider-perceived sources of HOB in order to provide insight into this new metric as a target for HAI prevention. METHODS: All cases of HOBs in 2019 from an academic tertiary care hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Information was collected to assess provider-perceived etiology and associated clinical factors (microbiology, severity, mortality, and management). HOB was categorized as preventable or not preventable based on the perceived source from the care team and management decisions. Preventable causes included device-associated bacteremias, pneumonias, surgical complications, and contaminated blood cultures. RESULTS: Of the 392 instances of HOB, 56.0% (n = 220) had episodes that were determined not preventable by providers. Excluding blood culture contaminates, the most common cause of preventable HOB was secondary to CLABSIs (9.9%, n = 39). Of the HOBs that were not preventable, the most common sources were gastrointestinal and abdominal (n = 62), neutropenic translocation (n = 37), and endocarditis (n = 23). Patients with HOB were generally medically complex with an average Charlson comorbidity index of 4.97. This translated into a higher average length of stay (29.23 vs 7.56, P < .001) and higher inpatient mortality (odds ratio 8.3, confidence interval [6.32-10.77]) when compared to admissions without HOB. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of HOBs were not preventable and the HOB metric may be a marker of a sicker patient population making it a less actionable target for quality improvement. Standardization across the patient mix is important if the metric becomes linked to reimbursement. If the HOB metric were to be used in lieu of CLABSI, large tertiary care health systems that house sicker patients may be unfairly financially penalized for caring for more medically complex patients.

Pulling the plug on a pseudomonas outbreak: ancillary equipment as vectors of infection.

OBJECTIVES: Outbreaks of infection related to flexible endoscopes are well described. However, flexible endoscopy also requires the use of ancillary equipment such as irrigation plugs. These are potential vectors of infection but are infrequently highlighted in the literature. This paper reports a cystoscopy-associated outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from contaminated irrigation plugs in a UK tertiary care centre. METHODS: Laboratory, clinical and decontamination unit records were reviewed, and audits of the decontamination unit were performed. Flexible cystoscopes and irrigation plugs were assessed for contamination. Retrospective and prospective case finding was performed utilizing the microbiology laboratory information management system. Available P. aeruginosa isolates underwent variable nucleotide tandem repeat (VNTR) typing. Confirmed cases were defined as P. aeruginosa infection with an identical VNTR profile to an outbreak strain. RESULTS: Three strains of P. aeruginosa were isolated from five irrigation plugs but none of the flexible cystoscopes. No acquired resistance mechanisms were detected. Fifteen confirmed infections occurred, including bacteraemia, septic arthritis and urinary tract infection. While failure of decontamination likely occurred because the plugs were not dismantled prior to reprocessing, the manufacturer's reprocessing instructions were also incompatible with standard UK practice. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency was informed. A field safety notice was issued, and the manufacturer issued updated reprocessing instructions. CONCLUSIONS: Ancillary equipment can represent an important vector for infection, and should be considered during outbreak investigations. Users should review the manufacturer's instructions for reprocessing ancillary equipment to ensure that they are compatible with available procedures.

Managing early complications in total hip arthroplasty: the safety of immediate revision.

PURPOSE: Immediate revision refers to a reoperation that involves resetting, draping, and exchanging the implant, after wound closure in total hip arthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of immediate revision after total hip arthroplasty on subsequent infection and complication rates. METHODS: A total of 14,076 primary total hip arthroplasties performed between 2010 and 2020 were identified in our institutional database, of which 42 underwent immediate revision. Infection rates were determined 2 years after the index arthroplasty. The cause and type of revision, duration of primary and revision surgeries, National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance score, implant type, changes in implants, complications, and preoperative and intraoperative antibiotic prophylaxis were all determined. RESULTS: No infections were observed within 2 years after the index arthroplasty. Leg length discrepancy (88%, n = 37) and dislocation (7.1%, n = 3) were the main causes of immediate revision. In most cases of discrepancy, the limb was clinically and radiologically longer before the immediate revision. The mean operative time was 48 ± 14 min for the primary procedure and 23.6 ± 9 min for the revision. The time between the first incision and last skin closure ranged from 1 to 3 h. None of the patients were extubated between the two procedures. Two patients had a National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance score of 2, 13 had a score of 1, and 27 had a score of 0. CONCLUSION: Immediate revision is safe for correcting clinical and radiological abnormalities, and may not be associated with increased complication or infection rates. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study; level of evidence, 3.

Pressure Injury Prevalence and Risk Factors: A National Multicenter Analytical Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the point prevalence (PP) of general pressure injuries (PIs), hospital-acquired PIs, PI-related risk factors, and PI preventive interventions performed by nurses. DESIGN: Descriptive, multicenter, prospective, analytical study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The sample comprised 5088 patients cared for in 13 hospitals in 12 geographic regions of Turkey. Data were collected between November 5, 2018, and July 17, 2019. METHODS: The study was carried out in 2 stages. First, nurses who collected data were trained in the diagnosis of PI, risk assessment, staging, and prevalence studies, and informed about the purpose and methods of the study, including data collection. Second, nurses and researchers who had received training related to data collection for this study conducted a PP study for PIs in their inpatient clinics using the ASSIST II method. The PI Prevalence Study Tool and the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk were also used during data collection. RESULTS: The PP of general PIs was 9.5%; the prevalence of PIs with hospitalization in intensive care units was 43.2%; medical device-related pressure injuries prevalence was 10.7%. We found that 65.1% of the PIs were acquired after hospital admission. CONCLUSIONS: Similarities exist between PI prevalence in Turkey and reported PI prevalence rates worldwide. However, the prevalence of nosocomial PIs related to intensive care units and the prevalence of all nosocomial injuries were higher than rates previously reported. Based on results, there is a need to develop strategies to reduce the prevalence of nosocomial PIs.

Diarrhea don'ts: Reducing inappropriate stool cultures and ova and parasite testing for nosocomial diarrhea.

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea that develops in patients after 72 hours of hospitalization is likely to have a nosocomial or iatrogenic etiology. Testing with stool cultures and stool ova and parasites (O&P) is not recommended. Our goal was to reduce this inappropriate testing within a large, urban safety-net hospital system. METHODS: This was a quality improvement project. We created a best practice advisory (BPA) within the electronic medical record that fires when a stool culture or O&P order is placed 72 hours after admission for any immunocompetent patient. It states that stool testing is low yield and offers the option to remove the order. We measured weekly counts of stool culture and stool O&P orders pre- and postintervention. We also measured the BPA acceptance rate, the 24-hour stool testing reorder rate, and Clostridioides difficile infection rates. Data were analyzed using Welch tests as well as a quasi-experimental pre- and postintervention interrupted time series regression analysis. RESULTS: Stool culture orders decreased by 24.4% (P < .001). There was a significant level difference and slope difference with linear regression. Five of the 11 hospitals had a significant reduction in stool culture orders. Stool O&P orders decreased by 18.2% (P < .01). Three of the 11 hospitals had a significant reduction in stool O&P orders. CONCLUSIONS: Our intervention successfully reduced inappropriate stool testing within a large safety-net hospital system.

Risk Factors and Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients with Hematological Malignancies Complicated by Hospital-Acquired Infections.

Background and objectives: Patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) have an increased risk of hospital-acquired infection (HAI). A diagnosis of cancer alone increases the risk of sepsis three-five-fold, which further increases the risk of nosocomial infection, subsequently deteriorates results, and leads to high mortality. In this study, we aimed to assess the mortality rate among hematologic oncologic patients with suspected infection who were subsequently admitted to the ICU and the predictive factors that are associated with high ICU mortality. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the hematological oncology critical care unit of a tertiary care hospital between November 2017 and February 2021. We analyzed anonymized medical records of hospitalized hematologic oncologic patients who were suspected or proven to have infection in the hematology-oncology department and were subsequently transferred to the ICU. Results: Both shorter hospitalization and shorter ICU stay length were observed in survivors [9.2 (7.7-10.4)] vs. non-survivors [10 (9.1-12.9), p = 0.004]. Sepsis had the highest hazard ratio (7.38) among all other factors, as patients with sepsis had higher mortality rates (98% among ICU non-survivors and 57% among ICU survivors) than those who had febrile neutropenia. Conclusions: The overall ICU mortality in patients with hematologic malignancies was 66%. Sepsis had the highest hazard ratio among all other predictive factors, as patients with sepsis had higher mortality rates than those who had febrile neutropenia. Chronic hepatitis (HBV and HCV) was significantly associated with higher ICU mortality.

Synergistic effects of length of stay and prior MDRO carriage on the colonization and co-colonization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales across healthcare settings.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) co-colonization and to compare risk factors between healthcare facility types. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a 3-year cross-sectional study among patients admitted to an acute-care hospital (ACH) and its 6 closely affiliated intermediate- and long-term care facilities (ILTCFs) in Singapore in June and July of 2014-2016. METHODS: Specimens were concurrently collected from nares, axillae, and groins for MRSA detection, and from rectum or stool for VRE and CPE detection. Co-colonization was defined as having >1 positive culture of MRSA/VRE/CPE. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of co-colonization. RESULTS: Of 5,456 patients recruited, 176 (3.2%) were co-colonized, with higher prevalence among patients in ITCFs (53 of 1,255, 4.2%) and the ACH (120 of 3,044, 3.9%) than LTCFs (3 of 1,157, 0.3%). MRSA/VRE was the most common type of co-colonization (162 of 5,456, 3.0%). Independent risk factors for co-colonization included male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.37-2.80), prior antibiotic therapy of 1-3 days (OR, 10.39; 95% CI, 2.08-51.96), 4-7 days (OR, 4.89; 95% CI, 1.01-23.68), >7 days (OR, 11.72; 95% CI, 2.81-48.85), and having an open wound (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.66-3.29). Additionally, we detected the synergistic interaction of length of stay >14 days and prior multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) carriage on co-colonization. Having an emergency surgery was a significant predictor of co-colonization in ACH patients, and we detected a dose-response association between duration of antibiotic therapy and co-colonization in ILTCF patients. CONCLUSIONS: We observed common and differential risk factors for MDRO co-colonization across healthcare settings. This study has identified at-risk groups that merit intensive interventions, particularly patients with prior MDRO carriage and longer length of stay.

Reintroducing Flap Reconstruction: One Institution's Safe Return to Flap Surgery during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Prevention of nosocomial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection for patients undergoing flap-based reconstructive surgery is crucial to providing care and maintaining operative volume and income to support plastic surgery programs. We conducted this study to (1) determine the postoperative incidence of COVID-19 among patients undergoing flap reconstruction from December 1, 2019 to November 1, 2020 and (2) compare 30-day outcomes between patients who underwent surgery before and during the early pandemic. METHODS: We conducted an 11-month retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent flap reconstruction across our institution. We abstracted patient demographics, intraoperative management, COVID-19 testing history, and 30-day postoperative complications from electronic health records. Nosocomial COVID-19 infection was defined as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) viral ribonucleic acid detection within 30 days of patients' postoperative course or during initial surgical admission. We used chi-squared tests to compare postoperative outcomes between patients who underwent surgery before (prior to March 12, 2021, when our institution admitted its first COVID-19 patient) versus during (on/after March 12, 2021) the pandemic. RESULTS: Among the 220 patients (mean [standard deviation] age = 53.8 [18.1] years; female = 54.8%) who underwent flap reconstruction, none had nosocomial COVID-19 infection. Five (2%) patients eventually tested COVID-19 positive (median time from surgery to diagnosis: 9 months, range: 1.5-11 months) with one developing partial flap loss while infected. Between patients who underwent free flap surgery before and during the pandemic, there were no significant differences in 30-day takebacks (15.6% vs. 16.6%, respectively; p > 0.999), readmissions (9.4% vs. 12.6%, respectively; p = 0.53), and surgical complications (e.g., total flap loss 1.6% vs. 2.1%, p = 0.81). CONCLUSION: Robust precautions can ensure the safety of patients undergoing flap surgeries across an academic medical institution, even during periods of high COVID-19 admission rates. Further studies are needed to generate evidence-based guidelines that optimize infection control and flap survival for patients undergoing reconstruction.

Risk factors for hospital-acquired pneumonia among inpatients with mental disorders in a large mental health center within a tertiary general hospital.

BACKGROUND: Few researchers have investigated the incidence of and risk factors for hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) among inpatients with mental disorders in a general hospital. METHODS: This study included patients with mental disorders hospitalized in a large mental health center (situated in a general hospital) between January 1, 2017, and July 31, 2021 (excluding January 1, 2020- May 31, 2020). Risk factors for HAP were identified by logistic regression analysis after propensity score matching (PSM, 1:4) for gender, age, duration of observation, and hospital ward. RESULTS: The study included 16,864 patients. HAP incidence rate was 1.15% overall, 2.11% in closed wards, 0.75% in open wards, 4.45% in patients with organic mental disorders, 1.80% in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and 0.84% in patients with mood disorders. Risk factors for HAP after PSM were hypoproteinemia, chronic liver disease, use of clozapine, hospitalization during the previous 180 days, body mass index (BMI) ≤18.5 kg/m2, cholinesterase inhibitor use, and mood stabilizer use. CONCLUSIONS: HAP was common among inpatients with mental disorders. Risk factors for HAP in patients with mental disorders include hypoproteinemia, chronic liver disease, hospitalization during the past 180 days, BMI ≤18.5 kg/m2, and use of clozapine, cholinesterase inhibitors, or mood stabilizers.

Evaluating the Role of Antibiotics in Patients Admitted to Hospital With Decompensated Cirrhosis: Lessons From the ATTIRE Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Hospital-acquired infections (HAI) are common in cirrhosis with antibiotics frequently used to prevent infections, but their efficacy for this role is unknown. To investigate this, we used Albumin to Prevent Infection in Chronic Liver Failure (ATTIRE) data to evaluate whether antibiotic use in patients without infection prevented HAI. METHODS: In ATTIRE patients without infection at baseline grouped by antibiotic prescription or not, we studied HAI during trial treatment period and mortality, with propensity score matching to account for differences in disease severity. RESULTS: Two hundred three of 408 patients prescribed antibiotics at enrollment did not have infection and they were more unwell than noninfected patients not given antibiotics. There were no differences in subsequent HAI comparing antibiotic treated (39/203, 19.2%) to nonantibiotic treated (73/360, 20.3%; P = 0.83). Twenty-eight-day mortality was higher in antibiotic-treated patients ( P = 0.004) likely reflecting increased disease severity. Matching groups using propensity scoring revealed no differences in HAI or mortality. In noninfected patients at enrollment treated with/without rifaximin, there were no differences in HAI ( P = 0.16) or mortality, confirmed with propensity matching. Patients given long-term antibiotic prophylaxis at discharge had no differences in 6-month mortality compared with nonantibiotic patients, although antibiotic-treated patients had more infections at trial entry, with numbers too small for matching. DISCUSSION: Half of antibiotics at study entry were given to patients without an infection diagnosis which did not reduce the overall risk of HAI or improve mortality. This supports prompt de-escalation or discontinuation of antibiotics guided by culture sensitivities at 24-48 hours after commencement if no infection and the patient is improving.

Prediction of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections Among Neurosurgical Intensive Care Patients: A Decision Tree Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the most common device-associated infections in hospitals and can be prevented. To identify the risk factors and develop a risk prediction model for CAUTIs among neurosurgical intensive care unit (NICU) patients. METHODS: All patients admitted to the NICU of a tertiary hospital between January 2019 and January 2020 were enrolled. Two decision tree models were applied to analyze the risk factors associated with CAUTIs in NICU patients. The performance of the decision tree model was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 537 patients admitted to the NICU with indwelling catheters were recruited for this study. The rate of CAUTIs was 4.44 per 1000 catheter days, and Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen causing CAUTIs among indwelling catheter patients. The classification and regression tree model displayed good power of prediction (area under the curve : 0.920). Nine CAUTI risk factors (age ≥60 years (P = 0.004), Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤8 (P = 0.009), epilepsy at admission (P = 0.007), admission to the hospital during the summer (P < 0.001), ventilators use (P = 0.007), receiving less than 2 types of antibiotics (P < 0.001), albumin level <35 g/L (P = 0.002), female gender (P = 0.002), and having an indwelling catheter for 7-14 days (P = 0.001) were also identified. CONCLUSION: We developed a novel scoring model for predicting the risk of CAUTIs in patients with neuro-critical illness in daily clinical practice. This model identified several risk factors for CAUTI among NICU patients, novel factors including epilepsy and admission during the summer, can be used to help providers prevent and reduce the risk of CAUTI among vulnerable groups.

Comparative Study on Nosocomial Biliary Tract Infection Rate Between Biliary Stent Loaded with Radioactive 125 I Seeds and Conventional Biliary Stent in the Treatment of Distal Malignant Biliary Obstruction.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this prospective randomized study was to compare the nosocomial biliary tract infection rate of biliary stent implantation with a biliary stent loaded with radioactive 125 I seeds (radioactive biliary stent, RBS) and conventional biliary stent (CBS); additionally, to preliminary discuss the causes of postoperative cholangitis. Moreover, the results will provide clinical evidence for the prevention of postoperative biliary tract infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively analyzed the nosocomial infection rate of the distal malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) treatment by stent implantation with RBS and CBS. All MBO patients who initially visited our tertiary hospital between July 2015 and December 2019 (n= 196) were evaluated, enrolled, and randomly divided into 2 groups, RBS (n=97) and CBS (n=99) group. χ 2 test was used to evaluate the categorical data, and t test was used to evaluate the numerical data. RESULTS: Our analysis of the study showed the incidence of postoperative infections of a biliary tract of the RBS group (23.7%) was significantly higher than the CBS group (11.1%). The difference was statistically significant (χ 2 =5.425, P =0.020). Our study also showed the most common pathogenic bacteria after surgery was Escherichia coli (26.5%). CONCLUSION: Treatment for distal MBO with biliary stent loaded with radioactive 125 I seeds had a higher nosocomial infection rate, and the most common pathogenic bacteria was E coli. , Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/sle/A350.

Major infections following pediatric cardiac surgery pre- and post-CLABSI bundle implementation.

Background: Postoperative infection contributes to the worsening of congenital cardiac surgery (CCS) outcomes. Surgical site infection (SSI), bloodstream infection (BSI) and ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) are common. An additional bundle of preventive measures against central-line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) bundle was implemented in April 2019. Objectives: To compare the incidence of major infections after pediatric CCS before and after the implementation of the CLABSI bundle and to identify risk factors for major infections. Methods: We conducted a single-center, retrospective study to assess the incidence of major infections including bloodstream infection (BSI), surgical site infection (SSI), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) after pediatric CCS one year before and after implementation of the CLABSI bundle during April 2018-March 2020. The demographics and outcomes of the patients were explored, and risk factors for major infections were identified using multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 548 children (53% male) underwent CCS with a median age of 1.9 years (range 0.01-17.5 years). The median Aristotle Basic Complexity score was 7.1 (range 3-14.5). The CLABSI bundle was applied in 262 patients. Overall mortality was 5.5%. 126 patients (23%) experienced major postoperative infections. During the year after the implementation of the CLABSI bundle, BSI was reduced from 8.4% to 3.1% (p = 0.01), with a smaller reduction in VAP (21% to 17.6%; p = 0.33). The incidence of SSI was unchanged (1.7% to 1.9%; p = 0.77). The independent risk factors for major infections were age at surgery <6 months (p = 0.04), postoperative ventilator usage >2 days (p < 0.01), central line usage >4 days (p = 0.04), and surgery during the pre-CLABSI bundle period (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Following the implementation of the CLABSI prevention package in our pediatric CCS unit, the incidence of BSI was significantly reduced. The incidence of VAP tended to decrease, while the SSI was unchanged. Sustainability of the prevention package through nurse empowerment and compliance audits is an ongoing challenge.

Resistência antimicrobiana na infecção urinária em unidade de terapia intensiva / Antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract infection in the intensive care unit / Resistencia a los antimicrobianos en la infección del tracto urinario en la unidad de cuidados intensivos

A infecção do trato urinário (ITU) nada mais é do que o acometimento das vias urinárias por microrganismo. Entre as infecções hospitalares de maior incidência está a infecção do trato urinário, acometendo mais mulheres do que homens. Uma das possíveis causas dessa infecção, em pacientes na unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI), é o uso de cateter vesical. Seu tratamento inadequado pode ocasionar uma pielonefrite, podendo adentrar à circulação sanguínea, gerando uma infecção sistêmica e levar o paciente a óbito. A resistência antimicrobiana é uma das principais dificuldades encontrada em UTI sendo considerado um problema de saúde pública. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um breve relato, baseado na literatura, sobre a resistência antimicrobiana na infecção urinária em unidade de terapia intensiva adulta. Em ambientes hospitalares o principal microrganismo causador de ITU é Escherichia coli, sendo 55,5% das culturas positivas estão associadas a procedimentos invasivos, como as sondas vesicais de demora, como consequência este é o microrganismo que mais apresenta resistência aos antimicrobianos utilizados como a ampicilina, trimetoprima e ciprofloxacino. O uso indiscriminado de antibióticos deixa em evidência a necessidade de análise criteriosa da real necessidade de qual antimicrobianos usar, tempo de uso e forma correta de administração. Portanto é necessária a ação dos profissionais de saúde frente a atenção ao paciente, desde a higiene das mãos, uso do cateter, quando necessário observar a real necessidade do uso do antimicrobianos e que esse seja feito após cultura e antibiograma.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is nothing more than the involvement of the urinary tract by a microorganism. Among the hospital infections with the highest incidence is urinary tract infections, affecting more women than men. One of the possible causes of this infection in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) is the use of a bladder catheter. Its inadequate treatment can cause pyelonephritis, which can enter the bloodstream, generating a systemic infection and leading the patient to death. Antimicrobial resistance is one of the main difficulties encountered in ICUs and is considered a public health problem. The objective of this study was to present a brief report, based on the literature, on antimicrobial resistance in urinary tract infections in an adult intensive care unit. In hospital environments, the main microorganism that causes UTI is Escherichia coli, and 55.5% of positive cultures are associated with invasive procedures, such as indwelling urinary catheters, as a consequence, this is the microorganism that is most resistant to antimicrobials used, such as ampicillin, trimethoprim and ciprofloxacin. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics highlights the need for a careful analysis of the real need for which antimicrobials to use, time of use, and correct form of administration. Therefore, it is necessary for the action of health professionals in the care of the patient, from the hygiene of the professional to, the use of the catheter, when necessary to observe the real need for the use of antimicrobials and that this is done after culture and antibiogram.

La infección del tracto urinario (ITU) no es más que la afectación de las vías urinarias por un microorganismo. Entre las infecciones hospitalarias con mayor incidencia se encuentra la infección del tracto urinario, que afecta más a mujeres que a hombres. Una de las posibles causas de esta infección en pacientes en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI) es el uso de una sonda vesical. Su tratamiento inadecuado puede causar pielonefritis, la cual puede ingresar al torrente sanguíneo, generando una infección sistémica y llevando al paciente a la muerte. La resistencia a los antimicrobianos es una de las principales dificultades encontradas en las UCI y se considera un problema de salud pública. El objetivo de este estudio fue presentar un breve informe, basado en la literatura, sobre la resistencia antimicrobiana en infecciones del tracto urinario en una unidad de cuidados intensivos de adultos. En ambientes hospitalarios, el principal microorganismo causante de ITU es Escherichia coli, y el 55,5% de los cultivos positivos están asociados a procedimientos invasivos, como sondas vesicales permanentes, por lo que este es el microorganismo más resistente a los antimicrobianos utilizados, como la ampicilina. ., trimetoprima y ciprofloxacino. El uso indiscriminado de antibióticos pone de relieve la necesidad de un análisis cuidadoso de la necesidad real de qué antimicrobianos utilizar, el momento de uso y la forma correcta de administración. Por lo tanto, es necesaria la actuación de los profesionales de la salud en el cuidado del paciente, desde la higiene del profesional, uso del catéter, cuando sea necesario observar la necesidad real del uso de antimicrobianos y que este se realice previo cultivo y antibiograma.

Infecção do trato urinário por leveduras do gênero Candida ­ revisão de literatura / Urinary tract infection by yeast of the genus Candida - literature review / Infección del tracto urinario causada por levaduras del género Candida - revisión de la literatura

A ocorrência das infecções do trato urinário (ITU) causadas por leveduras do gênero Candida estão aumentando consideravelmente nas últimas décadas, sendo a Candida albicans a mais comumente diagnosticada como causadora deste tipo de infecções. Contudo, outras espécies, como exemplo da Candida tropicalis, estão emergindo como preocupantes causadores da doença. Neste sentido, o objetivo do presente trabalho é revisar os aspectos relacionados com as ITU causadas por leveduras do gênero Candida. Foi realizada uma pesquisa na base de dados PubMed, buscando artigos sobre a epidemiologia, patogenia e tratamento das ITU causadas por leveduras do gênero Candida. As espécies de Candida são os fungos patogênicos oportunistas mais relevantes causadores de infecções nosocomiais e podem causar infecção no trato urinário, tanto inferior (ureteres, bexiga e uretra) quanto superior (rins), principalmente em pacientes imunocomprometidos. Existem alguns fatores predisponentes, como gênero feminino, idade avançada, diabetes mellitus, hospitalização prolongada, imunossupressão, gravidez, hipertensão, neutropenia, cálculos renais, infecções nosocomiais, terapia antibiótica e procedimentos, como a cateterização, que atuam como facilitadores das ITU por Candida spp. A doença pode ocorrer de forma assintomática, porém, pode evoluir para casos mais graves com comprometimento sistêmico em situações de candidemia que pode causar a morte do paciente, principalmente se tratando de indivíduos imunocomprometidos. Sendo assim, devido ao risco existente, a doença não pode ser negligenciada e um diagnóstico preciso e um tratamento adequado devem ser estabelecidos.

The occurrence of urinary tract infections (UTI) caused by yeasts of the genus Candida has increased considerably in recent decades, with Candida albicans being the most commonly diagnosed as causing this type of infections. However, other species, such as Candida tropicalis, are emerging as worrisome causes of the disease. In this sense, the objective of the present paper is to review the aspects related to the UTI caused by yeasts of the genus Candida. A search was carried out in the PubMed database, searching for articles on the epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment of UTI caused by yeasts of the genus Candida. Candida species are the most relevant opportunistic pathogenic fungi that cause nosocomial infections and can cause both lower (ureters, bladder and urethra) and upper (kidneys) urinary tract infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. There are some predisposing factors, such as female gender, advanced age, diabetes mellitus, prolonged hospitalization, immunosuppression, pregnancy, hypertension, neutropenia, kidney stones, nosocomial infections, antibiotic therapy and procedures, such as catheterization, that act as facilitators of UTI by Candida spp. The disease can occur asymptomatically, however, it can progress to more severe cases with systemic involvement in situations of candidemia that can cause the death of the patient, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Therefore, due to the existing risk, the disease cannot be neglected and an accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment must be established.

La aparición de infecciones del tracto urinario (ITU) causadas por levaduras del género Candida ha aumentado considerablemente en las últimas décadas. Candida albicans es la infección por levaduras más comúnmente diagnosticada. Sin embargo, otras especies, como la Candida tropicalis, están surgiendo como causa preocupante de la enfermedad. En este sentido, el objetivo del presente trabajo es revisar los aspectos relacionados con la ITU causada por levaduras del género Candida. Se realizó una búsqueda en la base de datos PubMed, buscando artículos sobre la epidemiología, la patogénesis y el tratamiento de la ITU causada por levaduras del género Candida. Las especies de Candida son los hongos patógenos oportunistas más relevantes que causan infecciones nosocomiales y pueden provocar infecciones del tracto urinario inferior (uréteres, vejiga y uretra) y superior (riñones), especialmente en pacientes inmunodeprimidos. Existen algunos factores predisponentes, como el sexo femenino, la edad avanzada, la diabetes mellitus, la hospitalización prolongada, la inmunosupresión, el embarazo, la hipertensión, la neutropenia, los cálculos renales, las infecciones nosocomiales, la terapia con antibióticos y los procedimientos como el cateterismo, que actúan como facilitadores de la ITU por Candida spp. La enfermedad puede presentarse de forma asintomática, pero puede evolucionar a casos más graves con afectación sistémica en situaciones de candidemia que pueden causar la muerte del paciente, especialmente en individuos inmunodeprimidos. Por lo tanto, debido al riesgo existente, no se puede descuidar la enfermedad y se debe establecer un diagnóstico preciso y un tratamiento adecuado.

Risk factors for Clostridioides difficile infection in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile is considered an urgent threat to human health by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In recent years, C. difficile has been reported increasingly as a cause of gastrointestinal disease in children, and the prevalence of hospital-acquired C. difficile infection and community-acquired CDI in children is increasing. AIM: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors for CDI in children. METHODS: MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, OVID, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang (Chinese), SinoMed (Chinese) and Weipu (Chinese) were searched from inception to 12th January 2022. Observational studies (cohort, case-control and cross-sectional) on CDI in children were included in the analysis. Data were pooled using a fixed or random-effects model, and odds ratios (OR) were calculated. FINDINGS: In total, 25 observational studies were included in the analysis. Prior antibiotic exposure [OR 1.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.97], prolonged hospitalization (OR 14.68, 95% CI 13.24-16.28), history of hospitalization (OR 3.67, 95% CI 1.91-7.06), gastric acid suppressants (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.41-2.73), male gender (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05-1.32), neoplastic disease (OR 3.40, 95% CI, 2.85-4.07), immunodeficiency (OR 4.18, 95% CI 3.25-5.37), solid organ transplantation (OR 4.56, 95% CI 3.95-5.27) and enteral feeding (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.05-4.62) were associated with increased risk of CDI. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis provides further evidence for the susceptibility factors of CDI to improve clinicians' awareness of CDI, and prevent C. difficile-associated diarrhoea in children.