Impact of the ST101 clone on fatality among patients with colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infection.

Objectives: We describe the molecular characteristics of colistin resistance and its impact on patient mortality. Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed in seven different Turkish hospitals. The genotype of each isolate was determined by MLST and repetitive extragenic palindromic PCR (rep-PCR). Alterations in mgrB were detected by sequencing. Upregulation of pmrCAB, phoQ and pmrK was quantified by RT-PCR. mcr-1 and the genes encoding OXA-48, NDM-1 and KPC were amplified by PCR. Results: A total of 115 patients diagnosed with colistin-resistant K. pneumoniae (ColR-Kp) infection were included. Patients were predominantly males (55%) with a median age of 63 (IQR 46-74) and the 30 day mortality rate was 61%. ST101 was the most common ST and accounted for 68 (59%) of the ColR-Kp. The 30 day mortality rate in patients with these isolates was 72%. In ST101, 94% (64/68) of the isolates had an altered mgrB gene, whereas the alteration occurred in 40% (19/47) of non-ST101 isolates. The OXA-48 and NDM-1 carbapenemases were found in 93 (81%) and 22 (19%) of the total 115 isolates, respectively. In multivariate analysis for the prediction of 30 day mortality, ST101 (OR 3.4, CI 1.46-8.15, P = 0.005) and ICU stay (OR 7.4, CI 2.23-29.61, P = 0.002) were found to be significantly associated covariates. Conclusions: Besides ICU stay, ST101 was found to be a significant independent predictor of patient mortality among those infected with ColR-Kp. A significant association was detected between ST101 and OXA-48. ST101 may become a global threat in the dissemination of colistin resistance and the increased morbidity and mortality of K. pneumoniae infection.

The rapid diagnosis of viral respiratory tract infections and its impact on antimicrobial stewardship programs.

We aimed to describe the potential benefit of new rapid molecular respiratory tests (MRT) in decreasing inappropriate antibiotic use among the inpatients presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI). We included patients from inpatient and outpatient departments who had ILI and performed MRT between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2016 in a 265-bed private hospital in Istanbul. At the end of 2015, we implemented antimicrobial stewardship including systematic use of MRT. Then, we compared our observations between the year 2015 and the year 2016. We designed the study according to the STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) tool. A U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared multiplexed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system (BioFire FilmArray, Idaho Technology, Salt Lake City, UT) which detects 17 viruses and three bacteria was used for diagnosis. In total, 1317 patients were included; 630 (48%) were inpatients and 569 (43%) were older than 16 years of age. At least one virus was detected in 747 (57%) patients. Rhinovirus/enterovirus, influenza virus, and adenovirus were the most commonly detected. Among hospitalized patients, in children, a significant decrease in antibiotic use (44.5% in 2015 and 28.8% in 2016, p = 0.009) was observed, but in adults, the decrease was not statistically significant (72% in 2015 and 63% in 2016, p = 0.36). The duration of antibiotic use after the detection of virus was significantly decreased in both children and adults (p < 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively). By using MRT, inappropriate antibiotic use and, also, duration of inappropriate antibiotic use after the detection of virus was significantly decreased. It is time to increase the awareness about the viral etiology in respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and implement MRT in clinical practice.

Transcatheter Coil Embolization in 17 Patients with 22 Coronary Artery Fistulas.

Coronary artery fistulas are rare anomalies that often become symptomatic with age. They are typically diagnosed incidentally during coronary angiography. The chief nonsurgical treatment is transcatheter coil embolization. We evaluated the outcomes of this procedure in 17 symptomatic patients who had 22 fistulas in total. The 9 men and 8 women (mean age, 52 ± 16.5 yr; range, 27-74 yr) presented at 4 Turkish hospitals from October 2008 through March 2015. Three patients had multiple fistulas. Twelve fistulas originated from the right coronary artery and 10 from the left coronary artery, draining into the pulmonary artery in 18 instances. We evaluated results postprocedurally and after 2 to 5 months, defining angiographic success as a flow better than Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction grade 2 in the treated artery. Twenty-one of the 22 procedures immediately produced the targeted flow. We observed 2 minor and no major complications. On follow-up, 3 symptomatic patients underwent successful repeat treatment of one fistula each. We found that transcatheter coil embolization afforded good success rates with few complications in closing coronary artery fistulas. We share our experience to add to the data on treating patients with coronary artery fistulas, and to raise awareness among clinicians.

MitraClip Implantation in Younger Patients and Pediatric Populations: 19 Year-Old Patient with Multiple Comorbidities and a Prior Mitral Valve Annuloplasty.

MitraClip is an effective treatment method for severe mitral regurgitation in high-risk populations in terms of reducing morbidity and frequency of hospitalizations. Efficacy and safety of MitraClip device in elderly population have been established, yet there are only 2 case reports of MitraClip implantation in the younger patients, who generally tend to have less surgical risk (Gorenflo et al.; Joffe et al., 2016). We describe a 19-year-old patient with severe mitral regurgitation with prior mitral valve annuloplasty and received MitraClip implantation due to high-surgical risk.

Is relative overhydration measurement by bioimpedance spectroscopy useful in reducing morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease?

It is well known that one of the main determinants of mortality and morbidity in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is fluid overload acting on the cardiovascular system causing hypertension, increased arterial stiffness, left ventricular hypertrophy and eventually heart failure. Therefore, assessment and management of volume status is crucial. Bioimpedance spectroscopy is one of the most popular and practical methods for volume evaluation. Volume evaluation should be a routine part of following CKD and ESRD patients, in order to decrease associated mortality and morbidity.

[Data on prevalence of hypertension and blood pressure in Turkey: Systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of epidemiological studies on cardiovascular risk factors]. / Türkiye'de hipertansiyon sikligi ve kan basinci verileri: Kardiyovasküler risk faktörlerine yönelik epidemiyolojik çalismalarin sistematik derleme, meta-analiz ve meta-regresyonu.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiovascular risc factors may show significant changes over the years. A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies conducted in Turkey was performed to assess the latest profile and temporal changes in cardiovascular risk factors. Presented here are the data on hypertension (HT) and blood pressure (BP). METHODS: Ovid Medline, the Web of Science Core Collection, and the Turkish Academic Network and Information Center (ULAKBIM) were searched for epidemiological studies conducted in Turkey during the last 15 years. In addition, the web pages of the Ministry of Health, the Turkish Statistical Institute, and associations of cardiology, nephrology, and endocrinology were searched for appropriate studies. Regional studies were excluded. The studies included were assessed with a bias score developed by our team, then categorized as having a low risk or a high risk of bias. The crude values of HT prevalence and BP were pooled using a random effects model. Meta-regression was performed to explain heterogeneity and to assess temporal changes. RESULTS: The agreement between the 2 authors on the selection and bias scoring of the studies was perfect (Kappa ≥0.95). There were 7 (n=73218) studies providing HT prevalence data, and 8 (n=75879) studies with BP data. The heterogeneity between the studies was high. Meta-analysis of the studies with a low risk of bias indicated that the crude prevalence of HT is higher in women, but that BP levels were similar in both sexes. The HT prevalence and BP value decreased between 2003 and 2012; however, the number of hypertensives stabilized at approximately 15 million, and the number of uncontrolled hypertensives, despite some decrease, was around 11 million. CONCLUSION: Despite some improvement, HT is still an important public health problem in Turkey.

[Temporal changes in the epidemiology of diabetes mellitus in Turkey: A systematic review and meta-analysis]. / Türkiye'de diabetes mellitus epidemiyolojisinin zamana bagli degisimi: Bir sistematik derleme ve meta-analiz.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a serious public health problem. Despite various epidemiological studies reporting prevalence of DM in Turkey, there is no meta-analysis or systematic review evaluating these studies as a whole and assessing temporal changes in the prevalence of DM. In this meta-analysis, the studies that have been conducted in the last 15 years and which provide information on the prevalence of DM in our country are examined. METHODS: Epidemiological studies on cardiovascular risk factors in adult Turkish population that had been conducted within the last 15 years and having the capacity of either representating or potentially representing the country, were searched through Ovid, Medline and Web of Science Core Collection the Turkish Academic Network and Information Center (ULAKBIM) databases. Additionally, websites of Ministry of Health and related societies were investigated for additional studies. Random effects model was used in meta-analysis of low bias risk studies. Meta-regression was performed to evaluate the temporal change in DM prevalence. RESULTS: There were 8 studies which provided information with regard to DM prevalence (n=84656). Four of these studies (n=56853) had low bias risk and four had high bias risk (n=27803). When compared with low bias risk studies, those with high bias risk had very large variation of DM prevalence (between 4% to 15%). Meta-analysis of the low bias risk group yielded a crude DM prevalence of 13.5% (95% CI: 11.6-15.5%) in the whole group, 14.2% (95% CI: 12.3-16.2%) in females, 12.6% (95% CI: 10.5-14.9%) in males. In meta-regression analysis of low bias risk group, mean age difference among the studies and the time period in which the study was undertaken were partially able to explain the inter-study heterogeneity (R2 values were 52% and 78%). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis shows that DM is a highly prevalent public health problem in our country. Contrary to studies, which compare the recent studies with previous ones and report an increasing prevalence of DM, the present meta-analysis-despite its limitations-provides findings that the temporal increase of DM prevalence is at least paused over time. This situation underlines the need for new studies.

[Data on prevalence of dyslipidemia and lipid values in Turkey: Systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies on cardiovascular risk factors]. / Türkiye'de dislipidemi sikligi ve lipit verileri: Kardiyovasküler risk faktörlerine yönelik epidemiyolojik çalismalarin sistematik derleme ve meta-analizi.

OBJECTIVE: Dyslipidemias, primarily hypercholesterolemia, are independent and strong predictors of cardiovascular (CV) events. The frequency of dyslipidemia is very important in terms of determining CV prevention policies. In order to determine the up-to-date frequency of CV risk factors in Turkey, a meta-analysis of the epidemiologic studies carried out in the last 15 years was performed. This article presents the results on the dyslipidemia data including hypercholesterolemia principally. METHODS: Epidemiological studies conducted during the last 15 years and having the potential to represent the general population in Turkey were searched in databases (Ovid Medline, Web of Science Core Collection, and Turkish Academic Network and Information Center [ULAKBIM]) and web pages (Ministry of Health, Turkey Statistical Institute, Turkish Society of Cardiology, Nephrology and Endocrinology Associations). A total of 7 studies including lipid data were found. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies with low bias score were performed. Crude values of the prevalence of hypercholeterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL and mean lipid levels were calculated. Random effects model was used in meta-analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia defined as a LDLcholesterol >130 and/or ≥130 mg/dL, was 29.1% (95% CI 23.6-35.0) in the general population, 30.2% in females (%95 CI 24.7-36.1), and 27.8% in males (95% CI 22.3-33.6). The prevalence of low HDLcholesterol (≤50 mg/dL for females and ≤40 mg/dL for males) was calculated as 46.1% (95% CI 42.4-49.9) in the whole group, 50.7% (95% CI 47.7-53.6) in females and 41.1% (95% CI 36.1-46.3) in males. The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia (>150 mg/dL) was 36.5% (95% CI 30.6-42.5) in general, 32.0% (95% GA 26.6-37.8) in females and 41.3% (95% CI 34.9-47.8) in males. CONCLUSION: Dyslipidemia constitutes a major public health problem in Turkey. In the adult population, almost 3 of 10 have hypercholesterolemia, one of 2 has a low HDL-cholesterol, and 1 of 3 has high triglycerides levels.

[Data on prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Turkey: Systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of epidemiological studies on cardiovascular risk factors]. / Türkiye'de metabolik sendrom sikligi verileri: Kardiyovasküler risk faktörlerine yönelik epidemiyolojik çalismalarin sistematik derleme, meta-analiz ve meta-regresyonu.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of metabolic syndrome varies greatly in developed and developing countries. In the last 10 to 15 years, important studies have been performed examining the incidence of metabolic syndrome in Turkey. This article is a meta-analysis of the studies that investigated the incidence of metabolic syndrome this country. METHODS: Epidemiological studies from the last 15 years that provided information about the incidence of metabolic syndrome in Turkey were screened in the Ovid Medline, the Web of Science Core Collection, and the Turkish Academic Network and Information Center (ULAKBIM) databases. In addition, web pages of the Ministry of Health, the Turkish Statistical Institute, and the associations of the related medical discipilnes were screened for appropriate studies. A bias tool that is developed by our team was used to categorize the included studies as having low- or high risk of bias. A random effects model was used in the meta-analysis. Linear and nonlinear meta-regression analyses were performed to evaluate heterogeneity and temporal variations in prevalence rates. RESULTS: Four studies (n=34893) were identified that provided information about the status of metabolic syndrome in Turkey using the Adult Treatment Panel III definition. There was excellent interobserver agreement regarding the selection of studies and the scoring of the selected research with respect to bias. The metaanalysis revealed a prevalence of 32.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.2-35) overall, 38.3% (95% CI: 35.8-40.8) in women, and 26.8% (95% CI: 23.4-30.3) in men. Two studies (n=8568) provided data according to the International Diabetes Federation definition of metabolic syndrome. The random effects model used in the metaanalysis of these studies demonstrated a prevalence of metabolic syndrome of 43.3% (95% CI: 41.9-44.7) overall, 50.4% (95% CI: 49.0-51.9) in women, and 35.4% (95% CI: 32.5-38.5) in men. CONCLUSION: In Turkey, the incidence of metabolic syndrome is 1 in every 4 men, and 1 in every 3 women. The rate is particularly high among women. Studies designed to prevent the development of metabolic syndrome are needed.

Data on smoking in Turkey: Systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of epidemiological studies on cardiovascular risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: Smoking is one of the most important public health problems and preventable causes of mortality in Turkey. Major healthcare policies have been implemented to combat this problem over the past 10 years. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological studies performed in the country in the last 15 years to determine the prevalence of smoking in Turkey. METHODS: Ovid Medline, the Web of Science Core Collection, and the Turkish Academic Network and Information Center (ULAKBIM), as well as the websites of the Ministry of Health and the Turkish Statistical Institute were searched for the appropriate epidemiological studies. Studies included in the analysis were evaluated by a selfdeveloped bias score regarding their potential to represent Turkey and standardization of measurements. The meta-analysis and metaregression analysis were performed using a random effects model. RESULTS: Ten epidemiological studies (n=122383) that included data about smoking were found. Eight of them (all with low bias score) included separate data about the smoking habit of women (n=49524) and men (n=37684). The smoking prevalence was determined to be 30.5% for the whole group, 15.7% for women, and 46.1% for men, when occasional smokers were included. Although the change observed in crude prevalence values over time was not statistically significant, when the data of the 3 studies that gave prevalence values according to age categories were standardized according to age, the incidence of smoking between 2003 and 2012 decreased 6.8% (20.2%) when occasional smokers were included and 8.4% (26.3%) when they are excluded. CONCLUSION: Despite implementation of major healthcare policies and some success in decreasing rate of smoking, one-third of the Turkish population aged over 15 years and nearly half of the men are smokers. It is essential to continue and to strengthen measures to combat smoking.

[Data on prevalence of obesity and waist circumference in Turkey: Systematic review, meta-analysis and meta regression of epidemiological studies on cardiovascular risk factors]. / Türkiye'de obezite sikligi ve bel çevresi verileri: Kardiyovasküler risk faktörlerine yönelik epidemiyolojik çalismalarin sistematik derleme, meta-analiz ve meta-regresyonu.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is the most important epidemic of the 21st century and its incidence is increasing steadily in Turkey. The aim of this study was to assess the current status and temporal change in the prevalence of obesity in Turkey with a systematic review and metaanalysis of epidemiological studies conducted in the last 15 years. METHODS: Ovid Medline, the Web of Science Core Collection and the Turkish Academic Network and Information Center (ULAKBIM) databases, as well as the web pages of the Turkish Ministry of Health, the Turkish Statistical Institute, and cardiology, nephrology and endocrinology associations were searched for epidemiological studies conducted within Turkey the last 15 years. Research focusing on local data was excluded. Studies included in the analysis were assessed with a special bias score and categorized as having low or high risk of bias. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, obesity and prevalence of abdominal obesity were calculated as crude values. Meta-regression analysis was performed to assess heterogeneity and change over time. RESULTS: The agreement between the two investigators on the selection and bias scoring of the studies was excellent (kappa=0.95), but the heterogeneity between the studies was high. BMI (10 studies, n=93.554) was calculated as 28.2 kg/m2 for women and 26.5 kg/m2 for men. The prevalence of obesity (12 trials, n=106.553) was 33.2% in females and 18.2% in males. In 6 studies (n=66.591) that included a measurement of waist circumference, the values were 89.72 cm in women and 93.57 cm in men. Especially in women, the prevalence of abdominal obesity (5 studies, n=62331) was greater than that of general obesity (50.8% in women vs 20.8% in men). Meta-regression analysis revealed that the variance of the obesity prevalence between the studies could partly be explained by the age differences, but there was no temporal change in the prevalence of obesity during the years the studies were conducted. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity, especially abdominal obesity, is considerably high in Turkish women and increases with advancing age. This finding points out that nationwide action plans against obesity, especially for women, should be designed and implemented by health policy makers.