Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in inflammatory bowel disease inpatients - Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are three-times more likely to develop venous thromboembolism (VTE), and guidelines recommend prophylaxis during all hospitalizations. In this systematic review we sought to assess for the benefits and risks of VTE prophylaxis in hospitalized IBD patients. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched MEDLINE and others up to 2/2022, for studies on IBD inpatients treated with prophylactic anti-coagulation during hospitalization, compared to no prophylaxis. Primary efficacy and safety outcomes were any VTE and major bleeding, respectively. Results were pooled using random-effects models, calculating odds-ratios (OR) and 95% confidence-intervals (CI). The ROBINS-I tool was used to assess bias. RESULTS: We extracted data from 18 observational studies, and two randomized-trial subgroups. The studies were highly variable regarding the included populations, interventions, and outcome definitions. Meta-analysis of all studies showed a non-significant effect of prophylaxis on VTEs (OR 0.97[95%CI 0.49-1.95]). An analysis of eight lower-risk-of-bias studies showed a significant reduction in VTEs (OR 0.27[95%CI 0.13-0.55), number needed to treat(NNT) 34.8[95%CI 26.8-49.8]. A significant protective effect persisted in several subgroups. Major-bleeding was reported in three studies and showed a significant increase with prophylaxis (OR 2.02[95%CI 1.11-3.67], number needed to harm(NNH) 113.6[95%CI 40.7-very-large-number]). CONCLUSIONS: In studies with lower-risk-of-bias, a significant reduction in VTEs was shown in patients treated with VTE prophylaxis (NNT=35), which should be carefully considered against an increased major-bleeding risk (NNH=114). However current data is limited and randomized trials dedicated to IBD inpatients would aid in understating whether universal prophylaxis should be recommended.

Efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban versus apixaban for venous thromboembolism: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

BACKGROUND: Direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) including rivaroxaban and apixaban are preferred over vitamin K antagonists for the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We conducted a systematic review and a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban versus apixaban in the treatment of VTE. METHODS: We conducted an electronic search for studies that directly compared treatment with rivaroxaban and apixaban in adult patients with VTE. The relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated and pooled using a fixed-effect model unless significant heterogeneity was present (I2 > 40%), then random-effects model was used. The primary efficacy and safety outcomes were recurrent VTE (rVTE) and major bleeding events, respectively. RESULTS: Nine observational studies were included in our meta-analysis, assessing 24,156 patients for apixaban and 38,847 for rivaroxaban. Pooling of data for our primary efficacy outcome showed a trend towards lower risk of rVTE with apixaban compared to rivaroxaban (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.57-1.04, I2 = 53%). Analysis of our primary safety outcome showed a significantly lower risk of major bleeding with apixaban compared to rivaroxaban (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.61-0.76, I2 = 0%). Apixaban was associated with significantly decreased risk of net clinical harm, clinically relevant non major bleeding (CRNMB) and any bleeding, compared to rivaroxaban (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.61-0.92, I2 = 50%; RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.50-0.67, I2 = 7%; RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.59-0.70, I2 = 0%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Apixaban is associated with a significantly lower risk of major bleeding compared to rivaroxaban for treatment of VTE. Given the limitations of the existing evidence, further interventional studies comparing the two drugs are needed.

The Impact of Thrombocytopenia and Lymphopenia on Mortality in Patients Infected with Influenza Virus: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Influenza virus causes significant global annual morbidity and mortality. Thrombocytopenia is recognized as a poor prognostic factor in sepsis and is associated with mortality, while lymphopenia has been established as a poor prognostic factor in other viral infections. We aimed to assess the incidence of thrombocytopenia and lymphopenia in seasonal influenza and their effect on clinical outcomes. METHODS: This single-center, retrospective, cohort study included consecutive adult patients, hospitalized in Rabin Medical Center between October 2017 and April 2018, with laboratory-confirmed influenza. Patients were grouped according to blood counts on admission: (1) thrombocytopenia (<150 K/mL), (2) lymphopenia (<0.5 K/mL), and (3) both thrombocytopenia and lymphopenia. Patients without thrombocytopenia and lymphopenia were designated as controls. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality. Risk factors were identified by univariable and multivariable analyses, using logistic regression and reported as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: A total of 625 patients were included, 112 (18%) had thrombocytopenia, 98 (15.6%) had lymphopenia, and 107 (17%) had both. The crude 30-day all-cause mortality was 7.6% (48/625). Mortality rates were 7.1% (8/112) for the thrombocytopenia group, 11.2% (11/98) for the lymphopenia group, and 14.9% (16/107) for patients with both versus 4.2% (13/308) in the control (p = 0.000 for all). In a multivariable regression model, significant thrombocytopenia (<100 K/µL) [OR 5.07 (95% CI 1.5-16.2)], age [OR 1.07 (95% CI 1.02-1.11)], time to oseltamivir [OR 1.006 (95% CI 1.002-1.11)], and significant respiratory support [OR 8.85 (3.4-22.6)] were associated with 30-day all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: Patients hospitalized with seasonal influenza and thrombocytopenia <100 K/mL on admission, have an increased 30-day all-cause mortality.

Is there a 'weekend effect' on mortality among hospitalised patients in an internal medicine ward? A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies demonstrated a 'weekend effect' and a 'night effect' of increased mortality among patients admitted during weekends or night shifts, presumably due to understaffing. AIMS: To examine whether death during hospitalisation follows a similar effect regardless of admission time. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study among deceased patients hospitalised in the internal medicine wing of a tertiary medical centre in Israel, between 2019 and 2020. Demographic and medical data were retrieved from electronic medical charts. Causes of death were specifically categorised. We applied statistical models to test for differences in mortality using incidence rate ratio (IRR) according to the day, time and cause of death. RESULTS: One thousand, two hundred and seventy-eight deceased patients were included. All-cause mortality was similar between weekends and weekdays. When sepsis was the cause of death, higher IRR were demonstrated on Fridays in comparison with weekdays (IRR 1.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1-1.9; P < 0.05). Other causes of death were not consistent with a 'weekend effect'. Mortality during night shifts was higher in comparison with the afternoon (IRR 1.5; 95% CI 1.3-4.7) and similar to the morning (IRR 1; 95% CI 0.9-1.2). CONCLUSION: Our study did not find a pattern of 'weekend effect' or 'night effect' on all-cause mortality among hospitalised patients in internal medicine wards. Our findings suggest that perhaps specifically death from sepsis, and not all-cause mortality, can be used as a surrogate for the measurement of understaffing or quality of care in the internal ward.

Does accepted definition of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) severity predict poor outcomes in older adults?

BACKGROUND: Advanced age is an important factor affecting Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) risk and outcome. While fever and leukocytosis are prominent findings in young individuals with CDI, they are usually blunted in the elderly. Furthermore, chronic kidney disease often exists among this population prior to the CDI episode onset. AIM: We aimed to examine whether the accepted definition of severe CDI (leukocytosis ≥ 15,000 cells/µl or serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dl) predicts poor outcomes in the elderly. METHODS: All CDI hospitalized individuals between January-2013 and May-2020 were included. The study population was dichotomized into older group (≥ 65 years) and younger group (< 65 years). Primary composite outcome was 30-day mortality, colectomy due to severe colitis, or intensive care unit admission. The older group was divided according to the primary outcome to evaluate the effect of CDI severity criteria. RESULTS: The study included 853 patients. Of them, 571 were in the older group and 282 in the younger one. The primary outcome was significantly more common in the older group (93/571, 16% vs. 31/282, 11%; p = 0.04). Ninety days mortality was significantly higher in the older group [116/571, 20% vs. 30/282, 11%; p < 0.01]. In multivariate analysis, accepted CDI severity criteria were not significantly associated with poor outcomes (odds ratio [OR] = 1.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7-2.2, p = 0.5). Advanced dementia and low serum albumin were significant predictors of poor outcomes (OR = 3, 95%CI 1.5-6, p = 0.002 and OR = 3.1, 95%CI 1.7-5.8, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The accepted definition of CDI severity was not useful in predicting CDI poor outcomes in older adults. In this population, we suggest advanced dementia and low albumin among others as CDI severity markers.

ß-Blockers, Tachycardia, and Survival Following Sepsis: An Observational Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is associated with excessive release of catecholamines, which causes tachycardia and is correlated with poor clinical outcome. ß-Blockers (BBs) may blunt this effect on heart rate (HR). The objective of this study is to assess whether long-term BB therapy is associated with better clinical outcomes in patients with sepsis admitted to internal medicine wards. METHODS: We performed a single-center, observational cohort study. We included adult patients who were hospitalized in medicine departments due to sepsis. A propensity score model for BB therapy was used to match patients. The primary outcome was the 30-day all-cause mortality rate. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors for an adverse outcome. Patients were stratified according to absolute tachycardia (HR ≥100/min) or relative tachycardia at presentation (tachycardia index above the third quartile, with tachycardia index defined as the ratio of HR to temperature). RESULTS: A total of 1186 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In the propensity-matched cohort patients given BB treatment were younger (median age [interquartile range], 74 [62-82] vs 81 [68-87] years; P ≤ .001). BB treatment was associated with reduction in 30-day mortality rates for patients with absolute tachycardia (odds ratio, 0.406; 95% confidence interval, .177-.932). Final model with interaction variable of BB treatment with HR was associated with short-term survival (odds ratio, 0.38; 95% confidence interval, .148-.976). Selective BB therapy had a stronger protective effect than nonselective BB therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term BB therapy was associated with decreased mortality rate in patients hospitalized with sepsis in internal medicine wards exhibiting absolute and relative tachycardia.

The impact of obesity on seasonal influenza: a single-center, retrospective study conducted in Israel.

Obesity is associated with an increased susceptibility to infections. Several studies have reported adverse clinical outcomes of influenza among obese individuals. Our aim was to examine the association between obesity and the clinical outcomes of hospitalized adult patients ill with seasonal influenza. Consecutive hospitalized adult patients between 10/2017 and 4/2018 with laboratory confirmed influenza A and B were divided into an obese group (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2) and controls. The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of 30-day all-cause mortality, vasopressor use, mechanical ventilation, ICU admission, and severe influenza complication (myocarditis and encephalitis). Secondary outcomes encompassed all the components of the primary outcome, 90-day all-cause mortality, occurrence of pneumonia, length of hospital stay, and 90-day readmission rates. The study comprised 512 hospitalized adults diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed influenza A (195/512) and B (317/512). Within this group, 17% (86/512) were classified obese; the remaining 83% (426/512) were controls. Results of the composite outcome (7/85, 8% vs. 45/422, 11%; p=0.5) and the crude 30-day all-cause mortality rate (5/86, 6% vs. 34/426, 8%, p=0.5) were similar between the two groups. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that obesity was not a significant risk factor for influenza adverse events (OR=1.3, CI 95% 0.3-3.3; p=0.5), whereas advanced age, chronic kidney disease, and hypoalbuminemia were significant risk factors (OR=1.03, OR=2.7, and OR=5.4, respectively). Obesity was not associated with influenza-related morbidity and mortality among the hospitalized adults during the 2017-2018 influenza season. Further studies researching different influenza seasons are essential.

The Effect of ß-Blockers for Burn Patients on Clinical Outcomes: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects and safety of ß-blockers in hospitalized patients with burns. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature. A broad search was conducted to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ß-blockers to control in hospitalized patients with burns. The primary outcome was 3-month all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were clinical patient-relevant end points. We subgrouped results by children/adults and burn severity. Risk of bias was assessed using the individual domain approach. RESULTS: Four RCTs reported in 11 publications were included. Primary outcome of mortality was assessed in children (2 trials, n = 424) and adults (2 trials, n = 148) with severe burns. No significant difference was found between propranolol and control for mortality (risk ratio [RR] = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.48-1.39, 4 trials with broad confidence intervals in adults and children), sepsis (RR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.46-1.43, 2 trials), and survivors' length of stay (absolute mean difference = 2.53, 95% CI = -2.58-7.63, 3 trials). There was no significant difference in bradycardia (RR = 1.33, 95% CI = 0.77-2.3, 2 trials), hypotension (RR = 1.26, 95% CI = 0.73-2.17, 3 trials), or cardiac arrhythmia (RR: 2.97, 95% CI: 0.12-71.87, 1 trial). The evidence was graded as very low certainty, due to trial's internal risk of bias, imprecision, and possible selective reporting. CONCLUSIONS: No sufficient evidence was found to support or refute an advantage for ß-blocker use in children or adults after burns. Additional studies are needed to create a consensus and formulate practice guidelines on the optimal ß-blocker to use, indications for initiation, and duration of treatment.

The significance of acute kidney injury in Clostridioides difficile infection.

OBJECTIVE: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) may present as sepsis with acute kidney injury (AKI). Herein, we aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with AKI complicating CDI. METHODS: All consecutive adult patients hospitalized in Rabin Medical Center between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2018 with laboratory confirmed CDI, were included in the study. Subjects were divided into two groups: patients with AKI and controls. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 30 days after the CDI episode. Secondary outcomes included number of patients with deteriorating renal functions at 90 days, 90-day all-cause mortality, length of hospital stay and readmission rates. A multivariable analysis adjusted for other risk factors for mortality and renal function deterioration was conducted. An analysis of subgroups based on baseline kidney function and AKI stage was also performed. Results are reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: A total of 527 patients were included, amongst them 140 patients with AKI and 387 controls. Patients with AKI were significantly older, had more comorbidities, and more of them had chronic kidney disease (CKD) at any stage at baseline. On multivariable analysis, 30 days all-cause mortality was significantly higher in patients with AKI, OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.05-2.66. Mortality was also significantly associated with advanced age and baseline CKD. Among patients alive at 90 days, deterioration of renal function was significantly more common in patients with AKI (27/63 (42.8%) vs 22/191 (11.5%), P = .000). In a multivariable analysis, deterioration of renal function at 90 days was associated with AKI at presentation (OR 4.67, 95% CI 1.05-20.6). Early (at discharge) renal function recovery was not associated with protection from further deterioration of renal function at day 90. CONCLUSIONS: CDI patients with AKI have an increased risk of mortality and further deterioration of renal function. Early renal function recovery does not infer protection from further deterioration of renal function at 3 months. Caution and nephrology follow-up should be considered after discharge for all patients who developed AKI during CDI, regardless of discharge creatinine levels.

A systematic review assessing the under-representation of elderly adults in COVID-19 trials.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused a pandemic threatening millions of people worldwide. Yet studies specifically assessing the geriatric population are scarce. We aimed to examine the participation of elderly patients in therapeutic or prophylactic trials on COVID-19. METHODS: In this review, randomized controlled trials (RCTs; n = 12) comparing therapeutic or prophylactic interventions registered on preprint repositories and/or published since December 2019 were analyzed. We searched in PubMed, leading journals websites, and preprint repositories for RCTs and large observational studies. We aimed to describe the age of included patients, the presence of an upper age limit and of adjusted analyses on age, any exclusion criteria that could limit participation of elderly adults such as comorbidities, cognitive impairment, limitation of life expectancy; and the assessment of long-term outcomes such as the need of rehabilitation or institutionalization. Mean participant ages were reported and compared with observational studies. RESULTS: Twelve RCTs assessing drug therapy for COVID-19 were included. Mean age of patients included in RCTs was 56.3 years. An upper age limit was applied in three published trials (25%) and in 200/650 (31%) trials registered at clinicaltrials.gov . One trial reported a subgroup analysis in patients ≥65. Patients were excluded for liver-function abnormalities in eight trials, renal disease in six, cardiac disease or risk of torsade de pointes in five, and four for cognitive or mental criteria, which are frequent comorbidities in the oldest patients. Only three trials allowed a family member to provide consent. Patients enrolled in RCTs were on average 20 years younger than those included in large (n ≥ 1000) observational studies. Seven studies had as their primary outcome a clinical endpoint, but none reported cognitive, functional or quality of life outcomes or need for rehabilitation or long-term care facility placement. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients are clearly underrepresented in RCTs, although they comprise the population hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Long-term outcomes such as the need of rehabilitation or institutionalization were not reported. Future investigations should target specifically this vulnerable population.

[DISSEMINATED CRYPTOCOCCOSIS IN A LIVER TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT DIAGNOSED BY TZANCK SMEAR].

INTRODUCTION: Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungus which causes severe morbidity and mortality among immune-compromised patients. Cutaneous manifestations of systemic cryptococcosis are rare and may include a papulo-nodular rash, ulcers, cellulitis, molluscum contagiosum-like papules and more. The Tzanck smear is a well-known simple diagnostic test which can be performed bedside, in order to characterize cell cytology. Its classic use was in diagnosis of autoimmune blistering diseases or herpes virus infections. However, in recent years it has been used as an efficient diagnostic tool for other dermatologic conditions. We present a case of a 47-year old liver transplant recipient who presented with numerous cutaneous manifestations of disseminated cryptococcosis, initially diagnosed with bacterial cellulitis and non-melanoma skin cancer. With the aid of the Tzanck smear we rapidly established the correct diagnosis leading to swift treatment.

Statins and outcomes of hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed 2017-2018 influenza.

No studies evaluating the association between statins and outcomes of patients with seasonal influenza have been performed since the 2007-2008 and the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza seasons. All consecutive hospitalized patients between October 2017 and April 2018, diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed influenza A and B virus, were included. Patients were divided into two groups: statin and non-statin users. Outcomes were 30- and 90-day mortality, complications (pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis, intensive care unit (ICU) transfer, mechanical ventilation, vasopressor support), length of hospital stay, and readmission rates. A multivariate analysis was performed to adjust for mortality risk factors. To compare the groups, we matched patients to the nearest neighbor propensity score. Of the 526 patients ill with influenza A (201/526) and B (325/526), 36% (188/526) were statin users; 64% (338/526) were not. Statin users were older (78 vs.70; p = < 0.05) and suffered from more comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity scores of 6 vs.4; p < 0.005). The 30-day mortality rate among statin vs. non-statin users was 6% vs. 8% (p = 0.3). On multivariate analysis, statin use was not associated with mortality benefit (OR = 0.67 (0.29-1.36)). After propensity score matching, the results were unchanged (OR = 0.71 (0.29-1.71)). Statin users were diagnosed with less complicated diseases as they were less likely to receive vasopressor support, mechanical ventilation, and/or transfer to the ICU. Although statin users were significantly older and exhibited more comorbidities, 30-day mortality rates did not differ between statin users and non-users, which may signify a protective role of statins on seasonal influenza patients. Further studies performed during different influenza seasons and different subtypes are essential.

Efficacy and safety of ceftazidime/avibactam: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Ceftazidime/avibactam is approved for complicated intra-abdominal and urinary tract infections (UTIs) based on results from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data regarding its effectiveness in treating hospital-acquired infections or resistant pathogens have not been systematically compiled. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis including RCTs evaluating ceftazidime/avibactam versus comparator for the treatment of any infection. Primary outcome was 30 day all-cause mortality. Subgroups of hospital-acquired infections and specific resistance phenotypes were planned. Results: Seven publications (eight trials, 4093 patients) were included, reporting a baseline ∼25% of ESBL-carrying Enterobacteriaceae. No significant difference between ceftazidime/avibactam and comparator (mostly carbapenem) was demonstrated for 30 day all-cause mortality, late follow-up mortality and clinical response [relative risk (RR) 1.10, 95% CI 0.70-1.72, P = 0.69; RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.87-1.76, P = 0.25; RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-1.01, P = 0.21, respectively, without significant heterogeneity]. Higher microbiological response rate was demonstrated with ceftazidime/avibactam in patients with UTI (RR 1.14, 1.0-1.29, P = 0.05, I2 = 51%). No significant difference in clinical response was demonstrated for patients with ceftazidime-resistant pathogens (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.94-1.10, P = 0.66, I2 = 0%). Results for other subgroups of resistant pathogens or hospital-acquired infection were not available. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were significantly more common with ceftazidime/avibactam (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.00-1.54, P = 0.05, I2 = 0%). Conclusions: Ceftazidime/avibactam is clinically and microbiologically as effective as carbapenems for treatment of infections in a setting of ∼25% ESBL-carrying Enterobacteriaceae. Safety of the drug should be further evaluated owing to a higher rate of SAEs compared with carbapenems. Further studies should assess the drug's effectiveness in the treatment of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae.

Molecular-based diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection is associated with reduced mortality.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the diagnosis of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) might result in overdiagnosis. The clinical outcomes of symptomatic CDI patients diagnosed by PCR remain uncertain. We aimed to determine whether patients whose diagnosis of CDI was based on PCR had different characteristics and clinical outcomes than those diagnosed by toxin immunoassay. Consecutive CDI patients, hospitalized at Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel, between January 2013 and January 2016, were identified retrospectively and included in the study. Diagnosis of CDI was based on PCR or diagnosis by immunoassay for C. difficile toxin. The main outcome was 30- and 90-day all-cause mortality. The PCR group included 165 patients and the immunoassay group included 157 patients. In comparison to the immunoassay group, patients in the PCR group were more likely to be younger, to be independent, to undergo previous abdominal surgery, and to use laxatives. The 30-day mortality rate in the PCR group was significantly lower than that in the immunoassay group, 29/165 (18%) vs 49/157 (31%), respectively; p = 0.028. On multivariate analysis, PCR diagnosis was associated with reduced mortality, OR 0.48 (95% CI 0.26-0.88). PCR-based diagnosis of CDI is associated with reduced all-cause mortality rates. Further studies are needed to determine the management of patients with discrepant immunoassay and PCR diagnosis of CDI.

Empirical Antibiotic Treatment Does Not Improve Outcomes in Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection: Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is the most common healthcare-associated acquired infection. We aimed to describe the short- and long-term survival of patients with CAUTI and the impact of the empirical antibiotic treatment on survival rates. METHODS: In this prospective observational study we included consecutive adult patients with a chronic indwelling catheter-associated UTI and sepsis hospitalized in medical departments. The primary outcomes were 30-days all-cause mortality and long-term survival at end of the follow-up. A multivariate analysis using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard model was performed to identify independent risk factors for an adverse outcome. A propensity-score model for receiving appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy was constructed and used to match patients. RESULTS: Overall, 315 consecutive patients with CAUTI were enrolled. The cohort consisted of elderly to very old patients (mean age 79.2 ± 11.5). The crude 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 30.8% (97/315). The median survival time was 82 days (interquartile range [IQR] 22-638). Appropriate early empirical treatment had no statistically significant association with 30-day mortality, propensity score-matched odds ratio (OR) 1.39 (0.76-2.55). Similarly, in the propensity-matched cohort, appropriate empirical treatment was not statistically associated with long-term survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75-1.3). CONCLUSIONS: In our setting, patients with CAUTI had poor short- and long-term prognosis regardless of appropriate empirical antibiotic treatment. Avoiding empirical antibiotics for CAUTI might be an important antibiotic stewardship intervention in hospitals.

Clinical outcomes of negative small-bowel capsule endoscopy for small-bowel bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Small-bowel bleeding is the primary indication for capsule endoscopy (CE). Many experts advocate a "watch-and-wait" policy in negative CE. This meta-analysis examines the odds of rebleeding after negative index CE and the impact on long-term follow-up. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search identified articles examining the rebleeding rate after negative CE. Demographic and clinical information with emphasis on outcomes was retrieved, pooled, and analyzed. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the I2 statistic. A random effects model was used as the pooling method because of high heterogeneity. Risk of bias was assessed using the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS-2) tool. The primary outcome evaluated was the pooled odds ratios (ORs) for rebleeding after a negative CE for obscure GI bleeding (OGIB). RESULTS: Twenty-six studies with 3657 patients were included. The pooled rate of rebleeding after negative CE was .19 (95% CI, .14-.25; P < .0001). The pooled OR of rebleeding was .59 (95% CI, .37-.95; P < .001). The effect was more pronounced in studies with a short follow-up (OR, .47; 95% CI, .24-.94; P < .001). There was no statistically significant difference in rebleeding after CE for occult and overt OGIB. Prospective studies showed a lower OR of rebleeding of .24 (95% CI, .08-.73; P = .01). Most studies were high quality. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis shows that negative CE provides adequate evidence of a subsequently low risk of rebleeding. Such patients can therefore be safely managed with watchful waiting. However, patients who rebleed after 2 years may need to be investigated for a new source of blood loss.

Chromoendoscopy, Narrow-Band Imaging or White Light Endoscopy for Neoplasia Detection in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

BACKGROUND: Studies have confirmed an increased risk of colorectal cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis; hence, surveillance is recommended. Optional modalities include white light endoscopy (WLE) or dye-spray chromoendoscopy. However, narrow-band imaging (NBI) is still not considered comparable to chromoendoscopy. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic yield (DY) of WLE, chromoendoscopy, NBI for detection of neoplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by performing a meta-analysis of the existing literature. METHODS: We searched databases for prospective studies. For each modality, we performed comparative per-lesion analysis (any neoplasia detection) and per-patient analysis (patient with neoplastic lesions). Meta-analysis was performed using fixed-effect model unless heterogeneity was high. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were calculated and pooled. RESULTS: Five studies compared chromoendoscopy to WLE. Chromoendoscopy (n = 361) was superior to WLE (n = 358) with per-patient analysis OR 2.05 (95% CI 1.26, 3.35) and per-lesion analysis OR 2.79 (95% CI 2.08, 3.73). High-definition (HD) chromoendoscopy was superior to HD-WLE with per-lesion analysis OR 2.48 (95% CI 1.55, 3.97). In four studies comparing NBI to WLE (n = 305), no difference was found in per-patient analysis OR 0.97 (95% CI 0.62, 1.53) and per-lesion analysis OR 0.94 (95% CI 0.63, 1.4). In two studies comparing CE to NBI (n = 104), no difference was found in per-patient analysis OR 1.0 (95% CI 0.51, 1.95) and per-lesion analysis OR 1.29 (95% CI 0.69, 2.41). CONCLUSION: Chromoendoscopy is superior to WLE for detection of dysplasia in IBD, even with HD endoscopy. No difference in DY could be demonstrated for NBI in comparison with other modalities.

Corticosteroids for pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is a common and potentially serious illness. Corticosteroids have been suggested for the treatment of different types of infection, however their role in the treatment of pneumonia remains unclear. This is an update of a review published in 2011. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and safety of corticosteroids in the treatment of pneumonia. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Acute Respiratory Infections Group's Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and LILACS on 3 March 2017, together with relevant conference proceedings and references of identified trials. We also searched three trials registers for ongoing and unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed systemic corticosteroid therapy, given as adjunct to antibiotic treatment, versus placebo or no corticosteroids for adults and children with pneumonia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Two review authors independently assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information. We estimated risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and pooled data using the Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effect model when possible. MAIN RESULTS: We included 17 RCTs comprising a total of 2264 participants; 13 RCTs included 1954 adult participants, and four RCTs included 310 children. This update included 12 new studies, excluded one previously included study, and excluded five new trials. One trial awaits classification.All trials limited inclusion to inpatients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), with or without healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP). We assessed the risk of selection bias and attrition bias as low or unclear overall. We assessed performance bias risk as low for nine trials, unclear for one trial, and high for seven trials. We assessed reporting bias risk as low for three trials and high for the remaining 14 trials.Corticosteroids significantly reduced mortality in adults with severe pneumonia (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.84; moderate-quality evidence), but not in adults with non-severe pneumonia (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.45 to 2.00). Early clinical failure rates (defined as death from any cause, radiographic progression, or clinical instability at day 5 to 8) were significantly reduced with corticosteroids in people with severe and non-severe pneumonia (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.7; and RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.83, respectively; high-quality evidence). Corstocosteroids reduced time to clinical cure, length of hospital and intensive care unit stays, development of respiratory failure or shock not present at pneumonia onset, and rates of pneumonia complications.Among children with bacterial pneumonia, corticosteroids reduced early clinical failure rates (defined as for adults, RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.70; high-quality evidence) based on two small, clinically heterogeneous trials, and reduced time to clinical cure.Hyperglycaemia was significantly more common in adults treated with corticosteroids (RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.38 to 2.14). There were no significant differences between corticosteroid-treated people and controls for other adverse events or secondary infections (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.93). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Corticosteroid therapy reduced mortality and morbidity in adults with severe CAP; the number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome was 18 patients (95% CI 12 to 49) to prevent one death. Corticosteroid therapy reduced morbidity, but not mortality, for adults and children with non-severe CAP. Corticosteroid therapy was associated with more adverse events, especially hyperglycaemia, but the harms did not seem to outweigh the benefits.

Diagnostic Accuracy of PCR Alone and Compared to Urinary Antigen Testing for Detection of Legionella spp.: a Systematic Review.

The diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease (LD) is based on the isolation of Legionella spp., a 4-fold rise in antibodies, a positive urinary antigen (UA), or direct immunofluorescence tests. PCR is not accepted as a diagnostic tool for LD. This systematic review assesses the diagnostic accuracy of PCR in various clinical samples with a direct comparison versus UA. We included prospective or retrospective cohort and case-control studies. Studies were included if they used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consensus definition criteria of LD or a similar one, assessed only patients with clinical pneumonia, and reported data for all true-positive, false-positive, true-negative, and false-negative results. Two reviewers abstracted data independently. Risk of bias was assessed using Quadas-2. Summary sensitivity and specificity values were estimated using a bivariate model and reported with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Thirty-eight studies were included. A total of 653 patients had confirmed LD, and 3,593 patients had pneumonia due to other pathogens. The methodological quality of the studies as assessed by the Quadas-2 tool was poor to fair. The summary sensitivity and specificity values for diagnosis of LD in respiratory samples were 97.4% (95% CI, 91.1% to 99.2%) and 98.6% (95% CI, 97.4% to 99.3%), respectively. These results were mainly unchanged by any covariates tested and subgroup analysis. The diagnostic performance of PCR in respiratory samples was much better than that of UA. Compared to UA, PCR in respiratory samples (especially in sputum samples or swabs) revealed a significant advantage in sensitivity and an additional diagnosis of 18% to 30% of LD cases. The diagnostic performance of PCR in respiratory samples was excellent and preferable to that of the UA. Results were independent on the covariate tested. PCR in respiratory samples should be regarded as a valid tool for the diagnosis of LD.

Intravenous Versus Oral Iron Supplementation for the Treatment of Anemia in CKD: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Iron supplementation is crucial for the treatment of anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although intravenous (IV) iron is preferred for patients with CKD receiving dialysis (CKD stage 5D), the method of iron replacement for patients with CKD stages 3 to 5 is controversial. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. A search was performed until October 2015 of MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, conference proceedings in nephrology, and reference lists of included trials. SETTING & POPULATION: Patients with CKD stages 3 to 5 or 5D. SELECTION CRITERIA FOR STUDIES: All randomized controlled trials, regardless of publication status or language. INTERVENTION: IV versus oral iron supplementation. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was defined as percentage of patients reaching an elevation in hemoglobin (Hb) concentration > 1g/dL. Secondary end points included percentage of patients who reached Hb levels > 11g/dL, absolute Hb concentration, change in Hb concentration, transferrin saturation, ferritin levels, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and blood transfusion requirement, and quality of life. Safety analysis included all-cause mortality and serious and all adverse events. RESULTS: 24 trials were identified, 13 including 2,369 patients with CKD stages 3 to 5 and 11 including 818 patients with CKD stage 5D. Patients treated with IV iron were more likely to reach an Hb response > 1g/dL (risk ratios [RRs] of 1.61 [95% CI, 1.39-1.87] for CKD stages 3-5 and 2.14 [95% CI, 1.68-2.72] for CKD stage 5D). Safety analysis showed similar rates of mortality and serious and any adverse effects. IV iron replacement was associated with higher risk for hypotension (RR, 3.71; 95% CI, 1.74-7.94) and fewer gastrointestinal adverse events (RR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.28-0.67). LIMITATIONS: Significant heterogeneity between trials; follow-up was usually limited to 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our results agree with current recommendations for IV iron replacement for patients with CKD stage 5D and support increased use of IV iron for patients with CKD stages 3 to 5.