General Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases Ghent University Hospital De Pintelaan 185 9000 Ghent, Belgium
stijn.blot@ugent.be
Stijn BLOT, PhD, is researcher at Ghent University Hospital and professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of Ghent University, Belgium. His background includes nursing and midwifery education, a master degree in nursing sciences, a special degree in emergency and intensive care, a post-academic teaching degree, and a doctoral degree in medical sciences. He is recognized for his work in clinical epidemiology concerning severe infections with several national and international awards, among which the ICAAC 2005 and ECCMID 2007 young investigator award, and the ECCRN Patient Safety Award 2008. He is an advisory board member of the journal Intensive Care Medicine and realized over 130 publications in international journals since 1999. Furthermore he authored or co-authored several books or book chapters in the field of critical care or infectious diseases.
Abstract: P>Perioperative infections remain an important problem for patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). For prevention of these infections, perioperative prophylaxis has become the standard procedure. Yet, either guidelines or data on current practice are lacking. The aim of the study was to gain insight into prophylactic antimicrobial strategies used in Europe. A survey questionnaire was sent out to all LT centers that are member of the European Liver and Intestine Transplant Association. In the survey questionnaire, we asked for details on the prophylactic antimicrobial regimen used in LT recipients. The response rate was 48%. Antibiotic prophylaxis for elective LT was provided by a first-line betalactam antibiotic or co-trimoxazole in 25%. Seventy-three per cent of those centers surveyed gave an extended spectrum, and one center used a 6-month rotation strategy. Antifungal prophylaxis was administered in 35% of centers in all LT recipients, in 53% of centers in patients at risk, and in 12% of centers not at all. Cytomegalovirus prophylaxis was never administered in 10%. In 12% of the centers surveyed, all the patients received cytomegalovirus prophylaxis, and another 78% of the centers gave it only to risk groups. In Europe, there is a considerable variation in the different antibiotic, antifungal and cytomegalovirus prophylactic strategies used for LT. These findings underscore the need for randomized controlled trials to determine the optimal prophylactic antimicrobial regimen.
Abstract: This multicentre study (i) evaluated geographic and temporal changes in candidaemia ecology in the critically ill, (ii) identified risk factors associated with non-albicans candidaemia and (iii) examined the association of Candida ecology with mortality. A retrospective cohort study of patients who developed candidaemia in four general Intensive Care Units located in Australia, Greece, Belgium and Brazil was performed. Two hundred Candida organisms were identified by positive blood culture in 189 patients, including 112 Candida albicans (56.0%), 38 Candida glabrata (19.0%), 21 Candida parapsilosis (10.5%), 18 Candida tropicalis (9.0%), 6 Candida krusei (3.0%), 1 Candida famata (0.5%), 1 Candida zeylanoides (0.5%) and 3 non-differentiated Candida spp. (1.5%). No trend towards increased non-albicans species over the study period (P = 0.68) or by geographic area (P = 0.35) was demonstrated. Independent risk factors for non-albicans candidaemia included: female gender [odds ratio (OR) 2.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-3.86] and increased central venous catheter days (OR 1.16 per 5-day interval, 95% CI 1.05-1.28). Mortality in the non-albicans group was non-significantly higher than in the albicans group (65% vs. 53%; P = 0.10). This study is unique in that a large number of intensive care candidaemias in four geographically diverse units have been studied. (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier B.V. and the International Society of Chemotherapy.
Abstract: Background: We investigated the epidemiology of nosocomial bloodstream infection in elderly intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Methods: In a single-center, historical cohort study (19922006), we compared middle-aged (45-64 years; n = 524), old (65-74 years; n = 326), and very old ICU patients (>= 75 years; n = 134) who developed a nosocomial bloodstream infection during their ICU stay. Results: Although the total number of ICU admissions (patients aged >= 45 years) decreased by similar to 10%, the number of very old patients increased by 33% between the periods 1992-1996 and 2002-2006. The prevalence of bloodstream infection (per 1,000 ICU admissions) increased significantly over time among old (p = 0.001) and very old patients (p = 0.002), but not among middle-aged patients (p = 0.232). Yet, this trend could not be confirmed with the incidence data expressed per 1,000 patient days (p > 0.05). Among patients with bloodstream infection, the proportion of very old patients increased significantly with time from 7.2% (1992-1996) to 13.5% (1997-2001) and 17.4% (2002-2006) (p < 0.001). The incidence of bloodstream infection (per 1000 patient days) decreased with age: 8.4 parts per thousand in middle-aged, 5.5 parts per thousand in old, and 4.6 parts per thousand in very old patients (p < 0.001). Mortality rates increased with age: 42.9%, 49.1%, and 56.0% for middle-aged, old, and very old patients, respectively (p = 0.015). Regression analysis revealed that the adjusted relationship with mortality was borderline significant for old age (hazard ratio, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.5) and significant for very old age (hazard ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-2.4). Conclusion: Over the past 15 years, an increasing number of elderly patients were admitted to our ICU. The incidence of nosocomial bloodstream infection is lower among very old ICU patients when compared to middle-aged and old patients. Yet, the adverse impact of this infection is higher in very old patients. (Crit Care Med 2009; 37:1634-1641)
Abstract: Background: It remains unknown whether bacteremia and rapid radiologic progression of pulmonary. infiltrates increase the risk of shock and mortality in ICU patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The objective of this study was to investigate the relative importance of these two factors in the outcome of patients with severe CAP (sCAP). Methods: A secondary analysis in a multicenter observational study was conducted in 457 patients with CAP admitted to the ICU. Patients were classified into four groups: group 1113, rapid radiographic spread of pulmonary infiltrates and bacteremia (n = 48); group 11, rapid radiographic spread but no bacteremia (n = 18:3); group B, bacteremia but without rapid radiographic spread (n = 39); and group C, neither rapid radiographic spread nor bacteremia (n = 187). Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that group RB and group R had a greater risk for shock than group C (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 8.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.0 to 19.7;and aOR, 3.8; 95% CI, 2.5 to 5.9; respectively), while patients in group B had no increased risk. In addition, Compared to group C, group 1113 and group R had an increased risk of ICU death (aOR,:3.4; 95% CI, 1.4 to 8.1; and aOR, :3.1; 95% CI, 1.7 to 5.7, respectively), while patients in group B had none. Conclusions: In this cohort of patients with severe CAP, radiologic progression of pulmonary infiltrates in the first 48 h is a significant adverse prognostic feature. In contrast, bacteremia does not affect outcomes. (CHEST 2009; 135:165-172)
Abstract: Objective: To determine European intensive care unit (ICU) nurses' knowledge of guidelines for preventing central venous catheter-related infection from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Design: Multicountry survey (October 2006-March 2007). Setting: Twenty-two European countries. Participants: ICU nurses. Measurements and Main Results: Using a validated multiple-choice test, knowledge of ten recommendations for central venous catheter-related infection prevention was evaluated (one point per question) and assessed in relation to participants' gender, ICU experience, number of ICU beds, and acquisition of a specialized ICU qualification. We collected 3405 questionnaires (70.9% response rate); mean test score was 44.4%. Fifty-six percent knew that central venous catheters should be replaced on indication only, and 74% knew this also concerns replacement over a guidewire. Replacing pressure transducers and tubing every 4 days, and using coated devices in patients requiring a central venous catheter >5 days in settings with high infection rates only were recognized as recommended by 53% and 31%, respectively. Central venous catheters dressings in general are known to be changed on indication and at least once weekly by 43%, and 26% recognized that both polyurethane and gauze dressings are recommended. Only 14% checked 2% aqueous chlorhexidine as the recommended disinfection solution; 30% knew antibiotic ointments are not recommended because they trigger resistance. Replacing administration sets within 24 hrs after administering lipid emulsions was recognized as recommended by 90%, but only 26% knew sets should be replaced every 96 hrs when administering neither lipid emulsions nor blood products. Professional seniority and number of ICU beds showed to be independently associated with better test scores. Conclusions: Opportunities exist to optimize knowledge of central venous catheter-related infection prevention among European ICU nurses. We recommend including central venous catheter-related infection prevention guidelines in educational curricula and continuing refresher education programs. (Crit Care Med 2009; 37:320 -323)
Abstract: Background: The objective was to develop a user-friendly model to predict the probability of death from acute burns soon after injury, based on burned surface area, age and presence of inhalation injury. Methods: This population-based cohort study included all burned patients admitted to one of the six Belgian burn centres. Data from 1999 to 2003 (5246 patients) were used to develop a mortality prediction model, and data from 2004 (981 patients) were used for validation. Results: Mortality in the derivation cohort was 4.6 per cent. A mortality score (0-10 points) was devised: 0-4 points according to the percentage of burned surface area less than 20, 20-39, 40-59, 60-79 or at least 80 per cent), 0-3 points according to age (under 50, 50-64, 65-79 or at least 80 years) and 3 points for the presence of an inhalation injury. Mortality in the validation cohort was 4.3 per cent. The model predicted 40 deaths, and 42 deaths were observed (P = 0.950). Receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis of the model for prediction of mortality demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.94 (95 per cent confidence interval 0.90 to 0.97). Conclusion: An accurate model was developed to predict the probability of death from acute burn injury based on simple and objective clinical criteria.
Abstract: It remains uncertain why immunocompetent patients with bacterial community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) die, in spite of adequate antibiotics. This is a secondary analysis of the CAPUCI database which was a prospective observational multicentre study. Two hundred and twelve immunocompetent patients admitted to 33 Spanish ICUs for CAP were analyzed. Comparisons were made for lifestyle risk factors, comorbidities and severity of illness. ICU mortality was the principal outcome variable. Bacteremic CAP (43.3 vs. 21.1%) and empyema (11.5 vs. 2.2%) were more frequent (P < 0.05) in patients with Streptococcus pneumoniae CAP. Higher rates of adequate empiric therapy (95.8 vs. 75.5%, P < 0.05) were observed in patients with S. pneumoniae CAP. Patients with non-pneumococcal CAP experienced more shock (66.7 vs. 50.8%, P < 0.05), and need for mechanical ventilation (83.3 vs. 61.5%, P < 0.05). ICU mortality was 20.7 and 28% [OR 1.49(0.74-2.98)] among immunocompetent patients with S. pneumoniae (n = 122) and non-pneumococci (n = 90), in spite of initial adequate antibiotic. Multivariable regression analysis in these 184 immunocompetent patients with adequate empirical antibiotic treatment identified the following variables as independently associated with mortality: shock (HR 13.03); acute renal failure (HR 4.79), and APACHE II score higher than 24 (HR 2.22). Mortality remains unacceptably high in immunocompetent patients admitted to the ICU with bacterial pneumonia, despite adequate initial antibiotics and comorbidities management. Patients with shock, acute renal failure and APACHE II score higher than 24 should be considered for inclusion in trials of adjunctive therapy in order to improve CAP survival.
Abstract: Severe sepsis and septic shock are among the most serious health conditions and are associated with unwelcome clinical, social, and economic outcomes. With the introduction of the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines, the campaign leaders aimed to reduce mortality from severe sepsis by at least one quarter by 2009 by means of a six-point action plan, namely, building awareness among health care professionals, improving early and accurate disease recognition and diagnosis, increasing the use of appropriate treatments and interventions, education, getting better post-intensive care unit access, and developing standard processes of care. However, adherence to these recommendations is a first but crucial step in obtaining these goals. A comprehensive evaluation of both, adherence to a sepsis program and whether this results in better outcomes for patients, is therefore essential to guide informed decision-making regarding the implementation of such an evidence-based protocol.
Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate mortality in a group of Hungarian burn patients and, as such, to perform an external validation of a prediction model developed on Belgian burn data by which the mortality appraisal was executed. Basic procedures: In a historical cohort we analysed all burn patients admitted between 1998 and 2006 to the Debrecen University Hospital (n = 2326). The prediction model, based on three criteria (age, burned surface area (BSA) and inhalation injury) was also used to evaluate several subpopulations based on gender and age. Main findings: Mean age was 35.3 years, mean BSA was 10.7%, 54% of the population was male, inhalation injury was rare (n = 7; 0.3%) and overall mortality was 1.4% (1.6% male, 1.1% female). The men were younger and more severely burned, which was significant in every age group above 2 years. The model gave an accurate prediction of mortality, with a small overestimation in the lower risk categories. The receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.94 (95% confidence interval: 0.89-0.98). Conclusion: Overall burn mortality in Hungary was low. The mortality prediction model demonstrated a high discriminative value. As such, this model is a helpful tool for outcome prediction and risk stratification for research purposes in burn patients. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.
Abstract: This study aimed to assess whether a relationship exists between hyperglycaemia and outcome in a mixed cohort of critically ill patients with nosocomial bloodstream infection (BSI), and to evaluate patterns of blood glucose levels between survivors and non-survivors. A historical observational cohort study was conducted in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care referral centre. One-hundred-and-thirty patients with a microbiologically documented ICU-acquired BSI (period 2003 to 2004) were included. For the study, morning blood glucose levels were evaluated from one day prior until five days after onset of BSI. The contribution of hyperglycaemia, divided in three subgroups (>= 150 mg/dl, >= 175 mg/dl and >= 200 mg/dl), to in-hospital mortality was estimated by logistic regression. In-hospital mortality was 362%. Over the seven study days, no differences were found in daily morning blood glucose levels between survivors (n=83) and non-survivors (n=47). Nevertheless, the trend of blood glucose levels upon onset of BSI showed a remarkable increase in the non-survivors, whereas it decreased in the survivors. Hyperglycaemia (>= 175 mg/dl and >= 200 mg/dl) was observed more often among the non-survivors. Multivariate logistic regression showed that APACHE II (P=0.002), antibiotic resistance (P=0.004) and hyperglycaemia (>= 175 mg/dl) upon onset of BSI (P=0.017) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality, whereas a history of diabetes (P=0.041) was associated with better outcome. Hyperglycaemia (>= 175 mg/dl) upon onset of ICU-acquired BSI is associated with worse outcome in a heterogeneous ICU population. Patterns of morning blood glucose levels have only limited value in the prediction of the individual course.
Abstract: This study analysed daily antimicrobial costs of Intensive Care Unit (ICU)-acquired, laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (BSI) per patient admitted to the ICU of a university hospital, based on prospectively collected data over a 4-year period (2003-2006). Costs were calculated based on the price of the agent(s) initiated on the first day of appropriate treatment and according to: (i) focus of infection; (ii) pathogen; and (iii) antimicrobial agent. The study included 310 adult patients who developed 446 BSI episodes. Mean overall daily antimicrobial cost was (sic) 114.25. Daily antimicrobial cost was most expensive for BSIs with unknown focus ((sic) 137.70), followed by catheter-related ((sic) 122.73), pulmonary ((sic) 112.80), abdominal ((sic) 98.00), wound ((sic) 89.21), urinary ((sic) 87.85) and other inciting focuses ((sic) 81.59). Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most prevalent pathogens isolated. Treatment of BSIs caused by Candida spp. was the most costly. The daily antimicrobial costs per infected patient with multidrug-resistant BSI was ca. 50% higher compared with those without ((sic) 165.09 vs. (sic) 82.67; P < 0.001). Among the total of 852 prescriptions, beta-lactant antibiotics accounted for approximately one-third of the overall daily cost of antimicrobial agents. The antibiotic cost associated with ICU-acquired, laboratory-confirmed BSI is significant and should be reduced by implementing infection control measures and preventive strategies. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. and the International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.
Abstract: Objective: To assess prediction of multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) by systematic surveillance cultures (SC) and to assess the contribution of SC to initial antibiotic therapy. Design: Prospective cohort study of patients with microbiologically confirmed VAP. Comparison of actual early antibiotic coverage with three hypothetical empirical schemes. Setting: A 50-bed university hospital ICU. SC consisted of oral, nasal, urinary and rectal samples upon admission, 3-weekly urinary and 1-weekly oral, nasal, and rectal samples in all patients, 3-weekly tracheal aspirates in intubated patients. Results: MDR pathogens were found in 86 of 199 VAP episodes. Sensitivity of SC to predict MDR pathogens was 69% (tracheal SC) and 82% (all SC); specificity was 96% (tracheal) and 91% (all), respectively. Appropriate antibiotic coverage within 24h and 48h following MDR VAP was 77% and 89%, respectively. A carbapenem-based empirical scheme would have been equally appropriate (83% vs. 77% at 24h; 83% vs. 89% at 48h), but a beta-lactam-fluoroquinolone empirical therapy would have been less (59% vs. 77% at 24h; 59% vs. 89% at 48h) as would have been beta-lactam-aminoglycoside therapy (68% vs. 77% at 24h; 68% vs. 89% at 48h). Empirical comparators would have resulted in significantly more prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics within the first 48h. Conclusions: With MDR pathogens highly prevalent, systematic SC predicted MDR pathogens causing VAP in 69% to 82% and may have contributed to high rates of early appropriate antibiotic therapy with limited use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials.
Abstract: Objective: Patients receiving mechanical ventilation through an endotracheal tube are at increased risk for pneumonia. Because microaspiration of contaminated supraglottic secretions past the endotracheal tube cuff is considered to be central in the pathogenesis of ventilator-associated and postoperative pneumonia, better sealing of the upper trachea by the endotracheal tube cuff could possibly reduce this risk. We therefore postulated that use of a polyurethane cuffed tube would prevent early postoperative pneumonia through this mechanism in a population of cardiac surgical patients. Methods: In a prospective, single-blind, randomized study, patients scheduled for cardiac surgery were allocated to intubation with a polyurethane cuffed endotracheal tube or the routinely used polyvinyl chloride cuffed endotracheal tube. Patients were scheduled for routine or emergency cardiac surgery and admitted to an 8-bed cardiac surgical intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital. Results: A total of 134 patients were available for analysis (67 in each group). Whereas mortality was not different between the groups, the incidence of early postoperative pneumonia and empirical prescription of antibiotic therapy were significantly lower in the polyurethane group than in the polyvinyl chloride group (23% vs 42%, P < .03). Intensive care unit and hospital stays were not significantly different between the two study subsets (3 6 5 days vs 3 6 4 days and 16 6 9 vs 17611 days, respectively). In a multivariate regression analysis, preoperative serum creatinine levels (odds ratio 1.85, confidence interval 1.02-3.37, P = .04) and perioperative transfusion (odds ratio 1.50, confidence interval 1.08-3.37, P = .015) were independently associated with increased risk of early postoperative pneumonia, whereas use of a polyurethane endotracheal tube was protective (odds ratio 0.31, confidence interval 0.13-0.77, P = 5.01). Polyurethane cuffed endotracheal tubes can reduce the frequency of early postoperative pneumonia in cardiac surgical patients.
Abstract: Objective: To compare the characteristics and outcome of patients with hematological malignancies referred to the ICU with severe sepsis and septic shock who had or had not received recent intravenous chemotherapy, defined as within 3 weeks prior to ICU admission. Design and setting: Retrospective observational cohort study on prospectively collected data in a medical ICU of a university hospital. Patients: 186 ICU patients with hematological malignancies with severe sepsis or septic shock (2000-2006). Measurements and results: There were 77 patients admitted with severe sepsis and 109 with septic shock; 91 (49%) had received recent intravenous chemotherapy. Patients with recent chemotherapy more often had a high-grade malignancy and were more often neutropenic, less often had pulmonary infiltrates, and less often required mechanical ventilation. ICU, 28-day, in-hospital, and 6-month mortality rates were 33% vs. 48.4%, 40.7% vs. 57.4%, 45.1% vs. 58.9%, and 50.5% vs. 63.2% in patients with and without recent chemotherapy, respectively. Logistic regression identified four variables independently associated with 28-day mortality: SOFA score at ICU admission, pulmonary site of infection, and fungal infection were associated with worse outcome whereas previous intravenous chemotherapy was protective at borderline significance. After adjustment with a propensity score for recent chemotherapy, chemotherapy was not associated with outcome. Conclusions: Patients referred to the ICU with severe sepsis and septic shock complicating active chemotherapeutic treatment have better prognosis than commonly perceived.
Abstract: Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance negatively impacts on prognosis. Intensive care unit (ICU) patients, and particularly those with acute kidney injury (AKI), are at high risk for developing nosocomial bloodstream infections (BSI) due to multi-drug-resistant strains. Economic implications in terms of costs and length of stay (LOS) attributable to antimicrobial resistance are underevaluated. This study aimed to assess whether microbial susceptibility patterns affect costs and LOS in a well-defined cohort of ICU patients with AKI undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT) who developed nosocomial BSI. Methods: Historical study (1995-2004) enrolling all adult RRT-dependent ICU patients with AKI and nosocomial BSI. Costs were considered as invoiced in the Belgian reimbursement system, and LOS was used as a surrogate marker for hospital resource allocation. Results: Of the 1330 patients with AKI undergoing RRT, 92 had microbiologic evidence of nosocomial BSI (57/92,62% due to a multi-drug-resistant micro- organism). Main patient characteristics were equal in both groups. As compared to patients with antimicrobial-susceptible BSI, patients with antimicrobial-resistant BSI were more likely to acquire Gram; positive infection (72.6% vs 25.5%, P<0.001). No differences were found neither in LOS (ICU before BSI, ICU, hospital before BSI, hospital, hospital after BSI, and time on RRT; all P>0.05) or hospital costs (all P>0.05) when comparing patients with antimicrobial-resistant vs anti microbial-susceptible ! BSI. However, although not statistically significant, patients with BSI caused by resistant Gram-negative-, Candida-, or anaerobic bacteria incurred substantial higher costs than those without. Conclusion: In a cohort of ICU patients with AKI and nosocomial BSI undergoing RRT, patients with antimicrobial-resistant vs antimicrobial-susceptible Gram-positive BSI did not have longer hospital stays, or higher hospital costs. Patients with resistant "other" (i.e. Gram-negative, Candida, or anaerobic) BSI were found to have a distinct trend towards increased resources use as compared to patients with susceptible "other" BSI, respectively.
Abstract: As part of a needs analysis preceding the development of an e-learning platform on infection prevention, European intensive care unit (ICU) nurses were subjected to a knowledge test on evidence-based guidelines for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). A validated multiple-choice questionnaire was distributed to 22 European countries between October 2006 and March 2007. Demographics included nationality, gender, ICU experience, number of ICU beds and acquisition of a specialised degree in intensive care. We collected 3329 questionnaires (response rate 69.1%). The average score was 45.1%. Fifty-five percent of respondents knew that the oral route is recommended for intubation; 35% knew that ventilator circuits should be changed for each new patient; 38% knew that heat and moisture exchangers were the recommended humidifier type, but only 21% knew that these should be changed once weekly; closed suctioning systems were recommended by 46%, and 18% knew that these must be changed for each new patient only; 51% and 57%, respectively, recognised that subglottic drainage and kinetic beds reduce VAP incidence. Most (85%) knew that semi-recumbent positioning prevents VAP. Professional seniority and number of ICU beds were shown to be independently associated with better test scores. Further research may determine whether low scores are related to a lack of knowledge, deficiencies in training, differences in what is regarded as good practice, and/or a lack of consistent policy. (C) 2008 The Hospital Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Abstract: Background Lack of adherence to recommended evidence-based guidelines for preventing infections associated with use of central venous catheters may be due to nurses' lack of knowledge of the guidelines. Objective To develop a reliable and valid questionnaire for evaluating critical care nurses' knowledge of evidence-based guidelines for preventing infections associated with central venous catheters. Methods A total of 10 nursing-related strategies were identified from current evidence-based guidelines for preventing infections associated with use of central venous catheters. Face and content validation were determined for selected interventions and multiple-choice questions (1 question per intervention). The test results of 762 critical care nurses were evaluated for item difficulty, item discrimination, and quality of the response alternatives or options for answers (possible responses). Results All 10 items had face and content validity. Values for item difficulty ranged from 0.1 to 0.9. Values for item discrimination ranged from 0.05 to 0.41. The quality of the response alternatives (0.0-0.8) indicated widespread misconceptions among the critical care nurses in the sample. Conclusion The questionnaire is reliable and has face and content validity. Findings from surveys in which this questionnaire is used can lead to better educational programs for critical care nurses on infections associated with use of central venous catheters. (American Journal of Critical Care. 2008; 17: 65-72)
Abstract: Data on the cost of antifungal therapy in critically ill. patients with candidemia are Lacking. Therefore, a historical observational cohort study was conducted to evaluate the daily cost of antifungal treatment in the critically ill with a microbiologically documented nosocomial candidemia. Over a four-year period (2003-2006), costs were calculated according to the causative pathogen, the source of infection and survivors versus non-survivors, respectively. Candidemia in critically ill patients represents a significant economic burden in terms of daily antimicrobial costs. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
Abstract: Introduction The idea that multidrug resistance (MDR) to antibiotics in pathogens causing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is an independent risk factor for adverse outcome is still debated. We aimed to identify the determinants of MDR versus non-MDR microbial aetiology in VAP and assessed whether MDR versus non-MDR VAP was independently associated with increased 30-day mortality. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively registered cohort of adult patients with microbiologically confirmed VAP, diagnosed at a university hospital intensive care unit during a three-year period. Determinants of MDR as compared with non-MDR microbial aetiology and impact of MDR versus non-MDR aetiology on mortality were investigated using multivariate logistic and competing risk regression analysis. Results MDR pathogens were involved in 52 of 192 episodes of VAP (27%): methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in 12 (6%), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae in 28 (15%), MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other non-fermenting pathogens in 12 (6%). Multivariable logistic regression identified the Charlson index of comorbidity (odds ratio (OR) = 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08 to 1.75, p = 0.01) and previous exposure to more than two different antibiotic classes (OR = 5.11, 95% CI = 1.38 to 18.89, p = 0.01) as predictors of MDR aetiology. Thirty-day mortality after VAP diagnosis caused by MDR versus non-MDR was 37% and 20% (p = 0.02), respectively. A multivariate competing risk regression analysis showed that renal replacement therapy before VAP (standardised hazard ratio (SHR) = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.47 to 4.94, p = 0.01), the Charlson index of comorbidity (SHR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.41, p = 0.03) and septic shock on admission to the intensive care unit (SHR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.03 to 3.35, p = 0.03), but not MDR aetiology of VAP, were independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions The risk of MDR pathogens causing VAP was mainly determined by comorbidity and prior exposure to more than two antibiotics. The increased mortality of VAP caused by MDR as compared with non-MDR pathogens was explained by more severe comorbidity and organ failure before VAP.
Abstract: Objective: To determine intensive care nurses' knowledge of evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Design: A survey using a validated multiple-choice questionnaire, developed to evaluate nurses' knowledge of VAP prevention. The questionnaire was distributed and collected during the annual congress of the Flemish Society for Critical Care Nurses (Ghent, November 2005). Demographic data included were gender, years of intensive care experience, number of critical beds, and whether respondents hold a special degree in emergency and intensive care. Main results: We collected 638 questionnaires (response rate 74.6%). Nineteen percent of the respondents recognized the oral route as the recommended way for intubation. It was known by 49% of respondents that ventilator circuits should be changed for each new patient. Heat and moisture exchangers were checked as the recommended type of humidifier by 55% of respondents, but only 13% knew that it is recommended to change them once weekly. Closed suctioning systems were identified as recommended by 17% of respondents, and 20% knew that these must be changed for each new patient only. Sixty percent and 49%, respectively, recognized subglottic drainage and kinetic beds to reduce the incidence of VAP. Semi-recumbent positioning is well known to prevent VAP (90%). The average knowledge level was higher among more experienced nurses (> 1 year experience) and those holding a special degree in emergency and intensive care. Conclusion: Nurses lack knowledge regarding recommendations for VAP prevention. Nurses' schooling and continuing education should include support from current evidence-based guidelines.
Abstract: Objective: To explore the type and frequency of oral care practices in European ICUs and the attitudes, beliefs, and knowledge of health care workers. Design: An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to representatives of European ICUs. Results were obtained from 59 ICUs (one questionnaire per ICU) in seven countries 91% of respondents were registered nurses. Measurements and results: Of the respondents 77% reported that they had received adequate training on providing oral care; most (93%) also expressed the desire to learn more about oral care. Oral care was perceived to be high priority in mechanically ventilated patients (88%). Cleaning the oral cavity was considered difficult by 68%, and unpleasant as well as difficult by 32%. In 37% of cases respondents felt that despite their efforts oral health worsens over time in intubated patients. Oral care practices are carried out once daily (20%), twice (31%) or three times (37%). Oral care consists principally of mouth washes (88%), mostly performed with chlorhexidine (61%). Foam swabs (22%) and moisture agents (42%) are used less frequently as well as manual toothbrushes (41%) although the literature indicates that these are more effective for thorough cleaning of the oral cavity. Electric toothbrushes were never used. Conclusions: In European ICUs oral care is considered very important. It is experienced as a task that is difficult to perform, and that does not necessarily succeed in ensuring oral health in patients with prolonged intubation. Oral care consists primarily of mouth washes. The use of toothbrushes should be given more attention.
Abstract: Objective: To assess whether bacteremic ventilator-associated pneumonia (B-VAP) differs in terms of risk factors, organisms, and outcomes from nonbacteremic VAP (NB-VAP). Design: A retrospective, single-center, observational, cohort study. Setting: Multidisciplinary teaching intensive care unit. Patients: Adult patients requiring mechanical ventilation, identified as having VAP in a 44-month prospective surveillance database. Interventions: Each B-VAP patient was matched with two controls with VAP and negative blood cultures based on the microbial etiology responsible for VAP, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation 11 score on admission (+/- 3 points), diagnostic category, and length of stay before pneumonia onset. Measurements and Main Results: B-VAP was documented in 35 (17.6%) of 199 microbiologically confirmed VAP episodes. B-VAP developed later (median 8 vs. 5 days, p =.03) and was more frequent in previously hospitalized patients (34.3% vs. 11.0%, p <.01) and in older patients (57.4 +/- 15.2 vs. 49.5 +/- 19.3 yrs, p =.02). B-VAP was more often caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (12 [20.7%] vs. 13 [5.1%] episodes, p <.01), whereas Haemophilus influenzae, was associated with NB-VAP (52 [20.4%] vs. 0, p <.01). Multivariate analysis confirmed an association between B-VAP and both methicillin-resistant S. aureus (odds ratio 3.18; 95% confidence interval 1.15- 8.76, p <.01) and prior hospitalization (odds ratio 2.56; 95% confidence interval 1.01-6.54, p =.05). After adjustment for potential confounders, B-VAP (hazard ratio for death 2.55; 95% confidence interval 1.25-5.23, p =.01) and vasopressor use (hazard ratio 2.43; 95% confidence interval 1.23-4.82, p =.01) remained associated with mortality. The estimated relative risk of death for bacteremic cases was 2.86 (95% confidence interval 1.09-7.51), since mortality for cases and matched NB-VAP controls was 40.6% (13 of 32) and 19.3% (11 of 57), respectively. Conclusions: B-VAP occurs later during intensive care unit stay, is more frequent in previously hospitalized patients, is more often caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and is independently associated with increased intensive care unit mortality.
Abstract: Background Blood glucose control during acute illness has been associated with improved-outcomes. Objectives To evaluate adherence to and efficacy and safety of an insulin protocol for critically ill patients with target blood glucose levels between 81 and 110 mg/dL and to determine factors associated with adequate daily blood glucose control. Methods In a prospective observational study, blood glucose levels were determined in 30 patients in intensive care units of a tertiary care university hospital during a 2-month period. All glucose measurements and corresponding insulin infusion rates were evaluated for adherence to and efficacy and safety of the insulin protocol. Linear regression analysis was used to deter mine factors associated with adequate daily blood glucose control, defined as time in the target range. Results A total of 6016 blood glucose measurements were obtained during 352 protocol implementation days. Adherence to the protocol was 71%. Blood glucose levels were in the desired range 42% of the total protocol implementation time. Sixty percent of the patients experienced at least one hypoglycemic. event. Adherence to the protocol (P < .001), high bilirubin level (P < .001), low daily insulin dose (P = .002), and low C-reactive protein level (P = .048) were independently associated with adequate daily blood, glucose control.. Conclusions Protocol adherence was positively associated with daily time in the target range, but efficacy during the total protocol implementation time remained poor. Because of the frequency of hypoglycemia, protocols to maintain blood glucose levels between 81 and 110 mg/dL in critically ill patients may not be recommended.
Abstract: Background Nurses' lack of knowledge may be a barrier to adherence to evidence-based guidelines for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia. Objective To develop a reliable and valid questionnaire for evaluating critical care nurses' knowledge of evidence-based guidelines for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia. Methods Ten nursing-related interventions were identified from a review of evidence-based guidelines for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia. Selected interventions and multiple-choice questions (1 question per intervention) were subjected to face and content validation. Item difficulty, item discrimination, and the quality of the response alternatives or options for answers (possible responses) were evaluated on the test results of 638 critical care nurses. Results Face and content validity were achieved for 9 items. Values for item difficulty ranged from 0.1 to 0.9. Values for item discrimination ranged form widespread misconceptions among critical care nurses. Conclusions The questionnaire is reliable and has face and content validity. Results of surveys with this questionnaire can be used to focus educational programs on preventing ventialtor-associated pneumonia.
Abstract: Background. Practice guidelines suggest processes of care such as timely oxygenation assessment and antibiotic therapy as quality indicators for the management of community-acquired pneumonia. The objective of this study was to determine whether postponed oxygenation assessment (either by pulse oximetry monitoring or arterial blood gas analysis) delays initiation of antibiotic therapy and adversely affects intensive care unit survival in patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia. Methods. Secondary analysis from a prospective, observational, multicenter study including 529 patients with community-acquired pneumonia admitted to the intensive care unit in 33 hospitals. Delays in processes of care describe the interval between time of triage at hospital admission and either time to oxygenation assessment or start of antibiotic therapy. Results. Postponing. oxygenation assessment for >1 hr was associated with a significantly longer time to initiation of antibiotic therapy (median, 6 hrs [interquartile range, 3-9 hrs] vs. 3 hrs [2-5 hrs]; p <.001). Unadjusted linear regression analysis confirmed that a delay in oxygenation assessment of >1 hr was associated with an increase in time to first antibiotic dose of 6.13 hrs (95% confidence interval, 3.42-8.83; p <.001). In addition, a delay in oxygenation assessment of >3 hrs was associated with an increased risk of death (relative risk, 2.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-4.30). Multivariable analysis, adjusting for potential confounders, revealed that delayed oxygenation assessment (>3 hrs) was an independent risk factor of death (hazard ratio, 2.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.22-3.50). Conclusions. In this population of patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia, early oxygenation assessment was associated with more rapid antibiotic delivery and better intensive care unit survival. These data suggest the potential value of an early care bundle focusing on implementation of oxygenation assessment immediately after arrival to the emergency department.
Abstract: Studies have produced conflicting findings on outcomes for patients with antimicrobial-resistant infection. This study evaluated whether infection with an antimicrobial-resistant organism affects outcome in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury treated with renal replacement therapy and whose clinical course is complicated with a nosocomial bloodstream infection. We found that infection with an antimicrobial-resistant organism did not adversely affect clinical outcome in this specific cohort, which already has a high mortality rate.
Abstract: Background: Nosocomial bacteremia is associated with a poor prognosis. Early adequate therapy has been shown to improve outcome. Consequently, rapid detection of a beginning sepsis is therefore of the utmost importance. This historical cohort study was designed to evaluate if different patterns can be observed in either C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WCC) between Gram positive bacteremia (GPB) vs. Gram negative bacteremia (GNB), and to assess the potential benefit of serial measurements of both biomarkers in terms of early antimicrobial therapy initiation. Methods: A historical study (2003-2004) was conducted, including all adult intensive care unit patients with a nosocomial bacteremia. CRP and WCC count measurements were recorded daily from two days prior (d(-2)) until one day after onset of bacteremia (d(+1)). Delta (Delta) CRP and Delta WCC levels from the level at d(-2) onward were calculated. Results: CRP levels and WCC counts were substantially higher in patients with GNB. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that GNB and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score were independently associated with a CRP increase of 5 mg/dL from d(-2) to d(+1), and both were also independently associated with an increase of WCC levels from d(-2) to d(+1) of 5,000 x 10(3) cells/mm(3). Conclusion: Increased levels of CRP and WCC are suggestive for GNB, while almost unchanged CRP and WCC levels are observed in patients with GPB. However, despite the different patterns observed, antimicrobial treatment as such cannot be guided based on both biomarkers.
Abstract: Objectives: To collect reliable, comparable and publicly available data on hospital use of antibiotics in Europe aggregated at the national level (1997-2002). Methods: Consumption data of systemic antibiotics in Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) class J01 were collected and expressed in defined daily doses (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants per day. Valid data for 2002 were available for 15 countries, and 6 year trends for 10 countries. Comparison with ambulatory care (AC) consumption data was possible in 14 countries. Results: In 2002, median national hospital antibiotic consumption in Europe was 2.1 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day in Europe, ranging from 3.9 in Finland and France to 1.3 in Norway and Sweden. Hospital care (HC) consumption as a proportion of total antibiotic consumption ranged from 17.8% to 6.4%. The consumption of hospital-specific antibiotics ranged from 0.43 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day in Greece and 0.08 in Sweden. Six-year trends in consumption were stable, except for rising co-amoxiclav exposure and more rapid market penetration of new antibiotics (e.g. levofloxacin) in some countries. There was a strong, positive correlation between the extent of antibiotic use in AC and in HC(Spearman coefficient 0.745; P=0.002), both for overall use and for use of five main classes (not macrolides and 'others'). In contrast to AC consumption no substantial seasonal variation in consumption was observed. Conclusions: It was cumbersome but feasible to collect ecological data on hospital antibiotic consumption in a set of 15 European countries on a retrospective basis, illustrating substantial cross-national variations in the extent and distribution of exposure to antibiotics in hospital care.
Abstract: Objective: To study the occurrence of multiple-drug-resistant pathogens in nosocomial bloodstream infection associated with pneumonia. To evaluate prediction of multiple drug resistance by systematic surveillance cultures. Design: A retrospective study of a prospectively gathered cohort. Setting: Fifty-four-bed adult medical-surgical intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital. Patients: One hundred twelve intensive care unit patients with nosocomial bloodstream infection associated with pneumonia from 1992 through 2001. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Concordance of blood cultures with prior surveillance culture was assessed. Surveillance cultures were taken routinely as thrice weekly urinary cultures and oral swabs, once weekly anal swabs, and thrice weekly tracheal aspirates in intubated patients. Tracheal surveillance cultures from 48 to 96 hrs before bloodstream infection and surveillance cultures from any site during the same intensive care unit episode but >= 48 hrs before bloodstream infection were evaluated separately. Forty-four bloodstream infections (39%) were caused by a multiple-drug-resistant pathogen. Multiple-drug-resistant pathogens were predicted by tracheal surveillance culture in 70% (concordant); in 15%, tracheal surveillance culture grew a multiple-drug-resistant pathogen not found in blood cultures (discordant). Multiple-drug-resistant pathogens were predicted by any surveillance culture in 88%, but these surveillance cultures grew additional multiple-drug-resistant pathogens not causing bloodstream infection in up to 46% of patients. In 86% of bloodstream infections, early (i.e., within 48 hrs) antibiotic therapy was appropriate. Patients were divided into four risk categories for multiple-drug-resistant bloodstream infection based on length of prior intensive care unit stay and prior antibiotic exposure. In patients with two risk factors, knowledge of surveillance cultures increased appropriateness of early antibiotic therapy from 75-79% to 90% (p <.05) while limiting use of broad-spectrum antibiotics such as antipseudomonal betalactams, fluoroquinolones, and carbapenems. Conclusions. In our intensive care unit, tracheal surveillance culture predicted multiple-drug-resistant etiology of bloodstream infection associated with pneumonia in 70% of patients but yielded discordant resistant pathogens in 15%. In the subgroup of patients with two risk factors for multiple-drug-resistant infection, incorporating results of surveillance cultures moderately contributed to adequacy of early antibiotic therapy while limiting antibiotic consumption.
Abstract: Objective: The objective was to determine the minimum volume of instillation fluid for intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) measurement, and to evaluate the effect of instillation volume on transvesically measured IAP. Design: Prospective cohort study Setting: Twenty-two-bed surgical ICU of the Ghent University Hospital Patients and participants: Twenty patients at risk of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH). Interventions: Transvesical IAP measurement using volumes from 10 to 100 ml. Minimal volume at which an IAP was measured was recorded (IAP(min)), as well as IAP at 50 and 100 ml of instillation volume (IAP(50) and IAP(100)). The percentage difference for IAP(50) and IAP(100) was calculated. Measurements and results: The minimal volume for IAP measurement was 10 ml in all patients. Mean IAPmin was 12.8 mmHg (+/- 4.9), mean IAP(50) 15 mmHg (+/- 4.5) and mean IAP(100) 17.1 mmHg (+/- 4.7). The mean percentage difference for IAP50 was 21% (+/- 17%), and 40% (+/- 29%) for IAP(100). Twelve patients were categorised as suffering from IAH when 10 ml of saline was used for IAP measurement, increasing to 15 and 17 patients respectively when using 50 and 100 ml. In patients with IAH, there was a significant correlation between the duration of bladder drainage and percentage difference for IAP(100) (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.60, p = 0.03). Conclusions: Using 50 or 100 ml of saline for IAP measurement in critically ill patients results in higher IAP values compared with the use of 10 ml, and possibly, in overestimation of the incidence of intra-abdominal hypertension.
Abstract: Background: Fluconazole is an antifungal agent that is widely used for the treatment of Candida infection. Because of its favourable safety profile it is extensively used for prophylaxis in patient populations with a substantial risk for Candida infection. At the individual patient level, exposure to fluconazole selects for Candida non-albicans strains such as Candida glabrata and Candida krusei, with reduced susceptibility or intrinsic resistance to fluconazole. The effect of the volume of consumption of fluconazole on candidal ecology, however, is poorly investigated. Objectives: The long-term effect of fluconazole consumption on distribution of species causing candidaemia was investigated in a university hospital during an 11 year period (1994-2004). Methods: In a historical cohort the incidence of nosocomial candidaemia (expressed per 100 000 patient days) was linked with volume consumption of fluconazole [expressed as defined daily doses (DDDs) per 100 000 patient days] and evaluated over time. Results: During the study period 308 episodes of candidaemia occurred (63.3% caused by Candida albicans). The incidence of candidaemia varied from 6.0 to 13.8 per 100 000 patient days. The percentage candidaemia caused by Candida non-albicans spp. varied between 21% and 50%. No trends in the number of candidaemias or in the proportion of C. albicans versus Candida non-albicans spp. were observed. Fluconazole consumption was high but stable ranging from 5013 to 6807 DDDs per 100 000 patient days. No relationship could be demonstrated between volume of fluconazole consumption and Candida spp. distribution (Pearson's correlation coefficient: -0.083; P = 0.808). Conclusions: Despite long-term exposure to fluconazole, no change in candidal ecology was observed.
Abstract: Objective: To study the occurrence of multiple-drug-resistant pathogens in nosocomial bloodstream infection associated with pneumonia. To evaluate prediction of multiple drug resistance by systematic surveillance cultures. Design: A retrospective study of a prospectively gathered cohort. Setting: Fifty-four-bed adult medical-surgical intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital. Patients: One hundred twelve intensive care unit patients with nosocomial bloodstream infection associated with pneumonia from 1992 through 2001. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Concordance of blood cultures with prior surveillance culture was assessed. Surveillance cultures were taken routinely as thrice weekly urinary cultures and oral swabs, once weekly anal swabs, and thrice weekly tracheal aspirates in intubated patients. Tracheal surveillance cultures from 48 to 96 hrs before bloodstream infection and surveillance cultures from any site during the same intensive care unit episode but >= 48 hrs before bloodstream infection were evaluated separately. Forty-four bloodstream infections (39%) were caused by a multiple-drug-resistant pathogen. Multiple-drug-resistant pathogens were predicted by tracheal surveillance culture in 70% (concordant); in 15%, tracheal surveillance culture grew a multiple-drug-resistant pathogen not found in blood cultures (discordant). Multiple-drug-resistant pathogens were predicted by any surveillance culture in 88%, but these surveillance cultures grew additional multiple-drug-resistant pathogens not causing bloodstream infection in up to 46% of patients. In 86% of bloodstream infections, early (i.e., within 48 hrs) antibiotic therapy was appropriate. Patients were divided into four risk categories for multiple-drug-resistant bloodstream infection based on length of prior intensive care unit stay and prior antibiotic exposure. In patients with two risk factors, knowledge of surveillance cultures increased appropriateness of early antibiotic therapy from 75-79% to 90% (p <.05) while limiting use of broad-spectrum antibiotics such as antipseudomonal betalactams, fluoroquinolones, and carbapenems. Conclusions. In our intensive care unit, tracheal surveillance culture predicted multiple-drug-resistant etiology of bloodstream infection associated with pneumonia in 70% of patients but yielded discordant resistant pathogens in 15%. In the subgroup of patients with two risk factors for multiple-drug-resistant infection, incorporating results of surveillance cultures moderately contributed to adequacy of early antibiotic therapy while limiting antibiotic consumption.
Abstract: Purpose of review This review highlights recent advances in the aetiology of nosocomial pneumonia, and in strategies to increase accuracy of diagnosis and antibiotic prescription while limiting unnecessary antibiotic consumption. Recent findings Bacterial pathogens still cause the bulk of nosocomial pneumonia and are of concern because of ever-rising antimicrobial resistance. Yet, the pathogenic role of fungal and viral organisms is increasingly recognized. Since early appropriate antimicrobial therapy is the cornerstone of an effective treatment, further studies have been conducted to improve appropriateness of early antibiotic therapy. De-escalation strategies combine initial broad spectrum antibiotics to maximize early antibiotic coverage with a subsequent focusing of the antibiotic spectrum when the cause is identified. Invasive techniques probably do not alter the immediate outcome but have the potential to reduce unnecessary antibiotic exposure. Decisions to stop or change antibiotic therapy are hampered due to a lack of reliable parameters to assess the resolution of pneumonia. Summary Increasing antimicrobial resistance in nosocomial pneumonia both challenges treatment and mandates limitation of selection pressure by reducing antibiotic burden. Treating physicians should be both aggressive in initiating antimicrobials when suspecting nosocomial pneumonia but willing to discontinue antimicrobials when diagnostic results point to an alternative diagnosis. Efforts should be made to limit duration of antibiotic therapy when possible.
Abstract: Introduction The diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, according to the criteria as defined by the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer/ Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG), is difficult to establish in critically ill patients. The aim of this study is to address the clinical significance of isolation of Aspergillus spp. from lower respiratory tract samples in critically ill patients on the basis of medical and radiological files using an adapted diagnostic algorithm to discriminate proven and probable invasive pulmonary aspergillosis from Aspergillus colonisation. Methods Using a historical cohort ( January 1997 to December 2003), all critically ill patients with respiratory tract samples positive for Aspergillus were studied. In comparison to the EORTC/MSG criteria, a different appreciation was given to radiological features and microbiological data, including semiquantitative cultures and direct microscopic examination of broncho-alveolar lavage samples. Results Over a 7 year period, 172 patients were identified with a positive culture. Of these, 83 patients were classified as invasive aspergillosis. In 50 of these patients (60%), no high risk predisposing conditions ( neutropenia, hematologic cancer and stem cell or bone marrow transplantation) were found. Typical radiological imaging ( halo and air-crescent sign) occurred in only 5% of patients. In 26 patients, histological examination either by ante-mortem lung biopsy ( n = 10) or necropsy ( n = 16) was performed, allowing a rough estimation of the predictive value of the diagnostic algorithm. In all patients with histology, all cases of clinical probable pulmonary aspergillosis were confirmed ( n = 17). Conversely, all cases classified as colonisation had negative histology ( n = 9). Conclusion A respiratory tract sample positive for Aspergillus spp. in the critically ill should always prompt further diagnostic assessment, even in the absence of the typical hematological and immunological host risk factors. In a minority of patients, the value of the clinical diagnostic algorithm was confirmed by histological findings, supporting its predictive value. The proposed diagnostic algorithm needs prospective validation.
Abstract: Objective: To assess whether pathogen prediction in bacteremia associated with nosocomial pneumonia (NP) by tracheal surveillance cultures improves adequacy of early antibiotic therapy and impacts mortality. Design and setting: A retrospective observational study of a prospectively gathered cohort. This cohort included all adult patients admitted to the ICU of a tertiary care hospital from 1992 through 2001 and who developed bacteremia associated with NP. Measurements and main results: 128 episodes of bacteremia associated with NP were identified. In 110 episodes a tracheal surveillance culture 48-96 h prior to bacteremia was available: this culture predicted the pathogen in 67 episodes (61%). Overall rates of appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy within 24 and 48 h were 62 and 87%, respectively. Pathogen prediction was associated with a significantly higher rate of appropriate antibiotic therapy within 24 h (71 vs 45%; p = 0.01), but not within 48 h (91 vs 82%; p = 0.15). Crude in-hospital mortality was 50%. Pathogen prediction was associated with increased survival in univariate (OR 0.43; CI 0.19-0.93; p = 0.04) and multivariate analysis (OR 0.32; CI 0.12-0.82; p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis further identified age (OR 1.04; CI 1.01-1.07; p = 0.02), increasing APACHE II score (OR 1.08; CI 1.02-1.15; p = 0.01), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (OR 5.90; CI 1.36-25.36; p = 0.01) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (OR 3.30; CI 1.04-10.4; p = 0.04) as independent risk factors for mortality. Conclusion: Pathogen prediction in bacteremia associated with NP by tracheal surveillance cultures is associated with a higher rate of adequate empiric antibiotic therapy within 24 h and with increased survival.
Abstract: Sepsis is a major disease entity with important clinical and economic implications. Sepsis is the hosts' reaction to infection and is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response. Because of difficulties in defining sepsis, the SIRS was introduced trying to summarize the inflammatory response in a limited set of elementary characteristics (fever or hypothermia, leucocytosis or leucopenia, tachycardia, hyperventilation). In daily practice it is essential to identify septic patients as soon as possible because early recognition results in better survival rates. However, in order to allow early detection, a more stringent description of "the septic profile" is needed. From the start, even after revision of the primary sepsis description, these definitions have caused much controversy and debate because they tack sensitivity and specificity. Conclusively, almost all patients admitted to the intensive care unit meet or develop the systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Therefore, it is difficult to distinguish patients with true sepsis from those with severe inflammation due to non-infectious causes. This review highlights the current sepsis definitions, and discusses their strengths as well as their shortcomings for daily intensive care unit practice.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Timely initiation of antibiotic therapy is crucial for severe infection. Appropriate antibiotic therapy is often delayed for nosocomial infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The relationship between knowledge of colonization caused by antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria (ABR-GNB) and rate of appropriate initial antibiotic therapy for subsequent bacteremia was evaluated. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Fifty-four-bed intensive care unit (ICU) of a university hospital. In this unit, colonization surveillance is performed through routine site-specific surveillance cultures (urine, mouth, trachea, and anus). Additional cultures are performed when presumed clinically relevant. PATIENTS: ICU patients with nosocomial bacteremia caused by ABR-GNB. RESULTS: Infectious and microbiological characteristics and rates of appropriate antibiotic therapy were compared be-tween patients with and without colonization prior to bacteremia. Prior colonization was defined as the presence (detected >= 2 days before the onset of bacteremia) of the same ABR-GNB in colonization and subsequent blood cultures. During the study period, 157 episodes of bacteremia caused by ABR-GNB were suitable for evaluation. One hundred seventeen episodes of bacteremia (74.5%) were preceded by colonization. Appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy (started within 24 hours) was administered for 74.4% of these episodes versus 55.0% of the episodes that occurred without prior colonization. Appropriate therapy was administered within 48 hours for all episodes preceded by colonization versus 90.0% of episodes without prior colonization. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of colonization status prior to infection is associated with higher rates of appropriate therapy for patients with bacteremia caused by ABR-GNB.
Abstract: Objective: To investigate the incidence, risk factors and mortality of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Design: Prospective, observational, population-based study. Setting: The medical (14-bed) and surgical ICU (26-bed) of the Ghent University Hospital. Methods: All 1295 patients admitted to the ICU during 4 three-month periods between 1996 and 1998 were included. A set of demographic and clinical variables were collected at the day of admission and during the ICU course. Results: The incidence of VAP among ICU patients ventilated at least 48 hours was 23.1 %. The mean time to the development of VAP was 9.6 days with a median of 6 days. In the population of patients ventilated for at least 48 hours, a comparison was made between patients with (n=89) and without VAP (n=296). Patients with VAP had a significant longer ICU stay, with a longer ventilation dependency. Logistic regression analysis identified admission diagnosis other than trauma (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.29-0.89; p=0.02) and the length of ICU stay (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03-1.07; p < 0.001) to be independently associated with the acquisiton of VAP In comparison with the total study population, patients with VAP had a higher ICU mortality (20.2% vs. 12.0%; p=0.04), but not in the cohort group of patients at risk for VAP (ventilated > 48 hours)(20.2% vs. 31.3%; p=0.03). The factors independently associated with death were higher SAPS 11 scores (OR 1.02, 95% CI: 1.003-1.032; p=0.02), an admission diagnosis other than trauma (OR 0.36, 95% CI: 0.17-0.75; p=0.006) and length of ICU stay (OR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.9460.995; p=0.02). This model did not recognize VAP as an independent predictor of death (OR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.41-1.53; p=0.492). Conclusions: The incidence of VAP in our ICU is 23.1 %. Length of ICU stay and an admission diagnosis other than trauma are major risk factors for the development of this nosocomial infection. VAP is associated with a high fatality rate. However, after adjustment for disease severity and length of ICU stay, VAP was not identified as an independent predictor of death.
Abstract: Introduction Abdominal compartment syndrome has been described in patients with severe acute pancreatitis, but its clinical impact remains unclear. We therefore studied patient factors associated with the development of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH), the incidence of organ failure associated with IAH, and the effect on outcome in patients with severe acute pancreatitis ( SAP). Methods We studied all patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) because of SAP in a 4 year period. The incidence of IAH ( defined as intra-abdominal pressure >= 15 mmHg) was recorded. The occurrence of organ dysfunction during ICU stay was recorded, as was the length of stay in the ICU and outcome. Results The analysis included 44 patients, and IAP measurements were obtained from 27 patients. IAH was found in 21 patients (78%). The maximum IAP in these patients averaged 27 mmHg. APACHE II and Ranson scores on admission were higher in patients who developed IAH. The incidence of organ dysfunction was high in patients with IAH: respiratory failure 95%, cardiovascular failure 91%, and renal failure 86%. Mortality in the patients with IAH was not significantly higher compared to patients without IAH (38% versus 16%, p = 0.63), but patients with IAH stayed significantly longer in the ICU and in the hospital. Four patients underwent abdominal decompression because of abdominal compartment syndrome, three of whom died in the early postoperative course. Conclusion IAH is a frequent finding in patients admitted to the ICU because of SAP, and is associated with a high occurrence rate of organ dysfunction. Mortality is high in patients with IAH, and because the direct causal relationship between IAH and organ dysfunction is not proven in patients with SAP, surgical decompression should not routinely be performed.
Abstract: Background. Central venous catheters are universally used during the treatment of critically ill patients. Their use, however, is associated with a substantial infection risk, potentially leading to increased mortality and costs. We evaluate clinical and economic outcomes associated with nosocomial central venous catheter - related bloodstream infection (CR- BSI) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Methods. A retrospective (1992-2002), pairwise-matched (ratio of case patients to control subjects, 1:2 or 1:1), risk-adjusted cohort study was performed at a 54-bed general ICU at a university hospital. ICU patients with microbiologically documented CR-BSI (n = 176) were matched with control subjects (n = 315) on the basis of disease severity, diagnostic category, and length of ICU stay (equivalent or longer) before the onset of CR-BSI in the index case patient. Clinical outcome was principally evaluated by in-hospital mortality. Economic outcome was evaluated on the basis of duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU and hospital stays, and total hospital costs, as derived from the patient's hospital invoices. Results. The attributable mortality rate for CR-BSI was estimated to be 1.8% (95% confidence interval, -6.4% to 10.0%); in-hospital mortality rates for patients with CR-BSI and matched control subjects were 27.8% and 26.0%, respectively. CR-BSI was associated with significant excesses in duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of ICU and hospital stays, and a significant increase in total hospital cost. Linear regression analysis with adjustment for duration of hospitalization and clinical covariates, revealed that CR-BSI is independently associated with higher costs. Conclusions. In ICU patients, CR-BSI does not result in increased mortality. It is, however, associated with a significant economic burden, emphasizing the importance of continuous efforts in prevention.
Abstract: Background: Sodium bicarbonate is despite its side effects, considered the standard alkali therapy in metabolic acidosis. THAM is an alternative alkalizing agent; however, there are limited data on the use of THAM in metabolic acidosis. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and adverse effects of a single dose of sodium bicarbonate and THAM in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with mild metabolic acidosis. Methods: 18 adult ICU patients with mild metabolic acidosis (serum bicarbonate <20 mmol/L) were randomized to a single dose of either sodium bicarbonate or THAM, administered over a 1-hour period, and titrated to buffer the excess of acid load. Results: Sodium bicarbonate and THAM had equivalent alkalinizing effect during the infusion period. This was still present 4 hours after start of infusion of sodium bicarbonate, and until 3 hours after start of infusion of THAM. Serum potassium levels decreased after sodium bicarbonate infusion, and remained unchanged after THAM. After sodium bicarbonate, sodium increased, and after THAM, serum sodium decreased. Conclusions: Sodium bicarbonate and THAM had a similar alkalinizing effect in patients with mild metabolic acidosis; however, the effect of sodium bicarbonate was longer lasting. Sodium bicarbonate did decrease serum potassium, and THAM did not; THAM is therefore not recommended in patient with hyperkalemia. As sodium bicarbonate leads to an increase of serum sodium and THAM to a decrease, THAM may be the alkalinizing agent of choice in patients with hypernatremia. Similarly, because sodium bicarbonate increases PaCO2 and THAM may even decrease PaCO2, sodium bicarbonate is contraindicated and THAM preferred in patients with mixed acidosis with high PaCO2 levels.
Abstract: Background and Aims: Temperature measurement is a routine task of patient care, with considerable clinical impact, especially in the ICU. This study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy and variability of the Temporal Artety Thermometer (TAT) in ICU-patients. Therefore, a convenience sample Of 57 adult patients, with indwelling pulmonary artery catheters (PAC) in a 40-bed intensive care unit in a university teaching hospital was used. Methods: The study design was a prospective, descriptive comparative analysis. Body temperature was thereby measured simultaneously with the TAT and the Axillary Thermometer (AT), and was compared with the temperature recording of the PAC. The use of vasoactive medication was recorded. Results and conclusions: Mean temperature of all measurements was: PAC: 37.1 degrees C (SD: 0.87), TAT: 37.0 degrees C (SD: 0.68) and axillary thermometer: 36.6 degrees C (SD: 0.94), The measurements of the TAT and the PAC were not significantly different (mean difference: 0.14 degrees C; SD: 0.51; p = 0.33); whereas the measurements of the PAC and the AT differed significantly (mean difference: 0.46 degrees C; SD: 039;p < 0.001) Mean difference in PAC versus TAT analyses, between patients with vasopressor therapy (0.12 degrees C; SD: 0.55), and without vasopressor therapy (0.19 degrees C; SD: 0.48) was not statistically significant (p = 0.47) Conclusion: We can conclude that the temporal scanner has a relatively good reliability with an acceptable accuracy and variability in patients with normothermia, The results are comparable to those of the AT but they do riot seem to be sufficient to prove any substantial benefit compared to rectal, oral or bladder thermometry.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of matching on exposure time on estimates of attributable mortality of nosocomial bacteremia as assessed by matched cohort studies. DESIGN: Two retrospective, pairwise-matched (1:2) cohort studies. SETTING: A 54-bed intensive care unit (ICU) in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Patients with nosocomial Escherichia coli bacteremia (n = 68) and control-patients without nosocomial bacteremia (n = 136 for each matched cohort study). INTERVENTION: In both matched cohort studies, the same set of bacteremic patients was matched with control-patients using the APACHE II system. In the first study, control-patients were required to have an ICU stay at least as long as the respective bacteremic patient prior to onset of bacterernia (matching on exposure time). In the second study, control-patients were required to have an ICU stay shorter than the stay prior to the development of bacteremia in the respective bacteremic patient (no matching on exposure time). RESULTS: For bacteremic patients, the mean ICU stay before onset of the bacteremia was 9 days (median, 6 days). In the first matched cohort study, hospital mortality was riot different between bacteremic patients and control-patients (44.1% vs 43.4%; P = .999). In the second study, mortality of bacteremic patients and control-patients was also not different (44.1% vs 47.8%; P = .657). Mortality rates between control groups were not different (43.4% vs 47.8%; P = .543). CONCLUSION: Matching or not matching on exposure time did not alter the estimate of attributable mortality for ICU patients with E. coli bacteremia (Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2005;26:352-356).
Abstract: Objective: To assess the impact of documented and clinically suspected bacterial infection precipitating ICU admission on in-hospital mortality in patients with hematological malignancies. Design and setting: Prospective observational study in a 14-bed medical ICU at a tertiary university hospital. Patients: A total of 172 consecutive patients with hematological malignancies admitted to the ICU for a life-threatening complication over a 4-year period were categorized into three main groups according to their admission diagnosis (documented bacterial infection, clinically suspected bacterial infection, nonbacterial complications) by an independent panel of three physicians blinded to the patient's outcome and C-reactive protein levels. Results: In-hospital and 6-months mortality rates in documented bacterial infection (n=42), clinically suspected bacterial infection (n=40) vs. nonbacterial complications (n=90) were 50.0% and 42.5% vs. 65.6% (p=0.09 and 0.02) and 56.1% and 48.7% vs. 72.1% (p=0.11 and 0.02), respectively. Median baseline C-reactive protein levels in the first two groups were 23 mg/dl and 21.5 mg/dl vs. 10.7 mg/dl (p < 0.001 and p=0.001) respectively. After adjustment for the severity of critical and underlying hematological illness and the duration of hospitalization before admission documented (OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.06-0.62, p=0.006) and clinically suspected bacterial infection (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.06-0.53, p=0.002) were associated with a more favorable outcome than nonbacterial complications. Conclusions: Severely ill patients with hematological malignancies admitted to the ICU because of documented or clinically suspected bacterial infection have a better outcome than those admitted with nonbacterial complications. These patients should receive advanced life-supporting therapy for an appropriate period of time.
Abstract: Intra-abdominal infections differ from other infections through the broad variety in causes and severity of the infection, the aetiology of which is often polymicrobial, the microbiological results that are difficult to interpret and the essential role of surgical intervention. From a clinical viewpoint, two major types of intra-abdominal infections can be distinguished: uncomplicated and complicated. In uncomplicated intra-abdominal infection, the infectious process only involves a single organ and no anatomical disruption is present. Generally, patients with such infections can be managed with surgical resection alone and no antimicrobial therapy besides periciperative prophylaxis is necessary. In complicated intra-abdominal infections, the infectious process proceeds beyond the organ that is the source of the infection, and causes either localised peritonitis, also referred to as abdominal abscess, or diffuse peritonitis, depending on the ability of the host to contain the process within a part of the abdominal cavity. In particular, complicated intra-abdominal infections are an important cause of morbidity and are more frequently associated with a poor prognosis. However, an early clinical diagnosis, followed by adequate source control to stop ongoing contamination and restore anatomical structures and physiological function, as well as prompt initiation of appropriate empirical therapy, can limit the associated mortality. The biggest challenge with complicated intra-abdominal infections is early recognition of the problem. Antimicrobial management is generally standardised and many regimens, either with monotherapy or combination therapy, have proven their efficacy. Routine coverage against enterococci is not recommended, but: can be useful in particular clinical conditions such as the presence of septic shock in patients previously receiving prolonged treatment with cephalosporins, inummosuppressed patients at risk for bacteraemia, the presence of prosthetic heart valves and recurrent intra-abdominal infection accompanied by severe sepsis. In patients with prolonged hospital stay and antibacterial therapy, the likelihood of involvement of antibacterial-resistant pathogens must be taken into account. Antimicrobial coverage of Candida spp. is recommended when there is evidence of candidal involvement or in patients with specific risk factors for invasive candidiasis such as immunodeficiency and prolonged antibacterial exposure. In general, antimicrobial therapy should be continued for 5-7 days. If sepsis is still present after I week, a diagnostic work up should be performed, and if necessary a surgical reintervention should be considered.
Abstract: Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the single most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age and associated with a sizeable infectious disease burden among both non-pregnant and pregnant women, including a significantly elevated risk of adverse pregnancy outcome. Overall, little progress has been made in identifying causal factors involved in BV acquisition and persistence. We sought to evaluate maternal iron status in early pregnancy as a putative risk factor for BV, considering that micronutrients, and iron deficiency in particular, affect the host response against bacterial colonization, even in the setting of mild micronutrient deficiencies. Methods: In a nested case-control study, we compared maternal iron status at entry to prenatal care (mean gestational age 9.2 +/- 2.6 weeks) between eighty women with healthy vaginal microflora and eighteen women with vaginosis-like microflora. Vaginal microflora status was assessed by assigning a modified Nugent score to a Gram-stained vaginal smear. Maternal iron status was assayed by an array of conventional erythrocyte and serum indicators for iron status assessment, but also by more sensitive and more specific indicators of iron deficiency, including soluble transferrin receptors (sTfR) as an accurate measure of cellular and tissue iron deficiency and the iron deficiency log(10)[sTfR/ferritin] index as the presently most accurate measure of body storage iron available. Results: We found no statistically significant correlation between vaginal microflora status and routinely assessed iron parameters. In contrast, a highly significant difference between the healthy and vaginosis-like microflora groups of women was shown in mean values of sTfR concentrations (1.15 +/- 0.30 mg/L versus 1.37 +/- 0.38 mg/L, p = 0.008) and in mean iron deficiency log(10)[sTfR/ferritin] index values (1.57 +/- 0.30 versus 1.08 +/- 0.56, p = 0.003), indicating a strong association between iron deficiency and vaginosis-like microflora. An sTfR concentration >1.45 mg/ L was associated with a 3-fold increased risk (95% CI: 1.4-6.7) of vaginosis-like microflora and after controlling for maternal age, gestational length, body mass, parity, and smoking habits with an adjusted odds ratio of 4.5 (95% CI: 1.4-14.2). Conclusion: We conclude that subclinical iron deficiency, presumably resulting from inadequate preconceptional iron supplies, is strongly and independently associated with vaginosis-like microflora during early pregnancy.
Abstract: Objective: To investigate outcome in severely burned patients over a 20-year period and to evaluate survival over time. Historical cohort in a six-bed burn unit of a 1060-bed university hospital. Paitents: 1385 patients admitted to the burn unit over a 20-year period. Measurements and results: Outcome was evaluated in relation to the presence of three major risk factors for death: age 60 years or over, total burned surface area 40% or more, and the presence of inhalation injury. Overall mortality was 7.1%. When zero, one, two, or three risk factors were present, mortality was respectively 0.5%, 9.9%, 48.0%, and 90.5%. Over the study period the average proportional total burned surface area decreased as did mortality. The survival benefit was significant among patient groups with one or two risk factors present. Multivariate regression analysis adjusting for risk factors for death confirmed that survival improved over time (odds ratio 0.73 per 5-year period). Conclusions: Global mortality following burns is low, and nearly all patients who die had at least one risk factor present. In the presence of three risk factors the prognosis following burns is particularly compromised. Taking into account that our patients over the past 20 years have been progressively less extensively burned and hence have a lesser at risk for death, survival following severe burns has continued to improve.
Abstract: Background: Sodium bicarbonate is despite its side effects, considered the standard alkali therapy in metabolic acidosis. THAM is an alternative alkalizing agent; however, there are limited data on the use of THAM in metabolic acidosis. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and adverse effects of a single dose of sodium bicarbonate and THAM in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with mild metabolic acidosis. Methods: 18 adult ICU patients with mild metabolic acidosis (serum bicarbonate <20 mmol/L) were randomized to a single dose of either sodium bicarbonate or THAM, administered over a 1-hour period, and titrated to buffer the excess of acid load. Results: Sodium bicarbonate and THAM had equivalent alkalinizing effect during the infusion period. This was still present 4 hours after start of infusion of sodium bicarbonate, and until 3 hours after start of infusion of THAM. Serum potassium levels decreased after sodium bicarbonate infusion, and remained unchanged after THAM. After sodium bicarbonate, sodium increased, and after THAM, serum sodium decreased. Conclusions: Sodium bicarbonate and THAM had a similar alkalinizing effect in patients with mild metabolic acidosis; however, the effect of sodium bicarbonate was longer lasting. Sodium bicarbonate did decrease serum potassium, and THAM did not; THAM is therefore not recommended in patient with hyperkalemia. As sodium bicarbonate leads to an increase of serum sodium and THAM to a decrease, THAM may be the alkalinizing agent of choice in patients with hypernatremia. Similarly, because sodium bicarbonate increases PaCO2 and THAM may even decrease PaCO2, sodium bicarbonate is contraindicated and THAM preferred in patients with mixed acidosis with high PaCO2 levels.
Abstract: Objective: To assess the impact of documented and clinically suspected bacterial infection precipitating ICU admission on in-hospital mortality in patients with hematological malignancies. Design and setting: Prospective observational study in a 14-bed medical ICU at a tertiary university hospital. Patients: A total of 172 consecutive patients with hematological malignancies admitted to the ICU for a life-threatening complication over a 4-year period were categorized into three main groups according to their admission diagnosis (documented bacterial infection, clinically suspected bacterial infection, nonbacterial complications) by an independent panel of three physicians blinded to the patient's outcome and C-reactive protein levels. Results: In-hospital and 6-months mortality rates in documented bacterial infection (n=42), clinically suspected bacterial infection (n=40) vs. nonbacterial complications (n=90) were 50.0% and 42.5% vs. 65.6% (p=0.09 and 0.02) and 56.1% and 48.7% vs. 72.1% (p=0.11 and 0.02), respectively. Median baseline C-reactive protein levels in the first two groups were 23 mg/dl and 21.5 mg/dl vs. 10.7 mg/dl (p < 0.001 and p=0.001) respectively. After adjustment for the severity of critical and underlying hematological illness and the duration of hospitalization before admission documented (OR 0.20; 95% CI 0.06-0.62, p=0.006) and clinically suspected bacterial infection (OR 0.18; 95% CI 0.06-0.53, p=0.002) were associated with a more favorable outcome than nonbacterial complications. Conclusions: Severely ill patients with hematological malignancies admitted to the ICU because of documented or clinically suspected bacterial infection have a better outcome than those admitted with nonbacterial complications. These patients should receive advanced life-supporting therapy for an appropriate period of time.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of matching on exposure time on estimates of attributable mortality of nosocomial bacteremia as assessed by matched cohort studies. DESIGN: Two retrospective, pairwise-matched (1:2) cohort studies. SETTING: A 54-bed intensive care unit (ICU) in a university hospital. PATIENTS: Patients with nosocomial Escherichia coli bacteremia (n = 68) and control-patients without nosocomial bacteremia (n = 136 for each matched cohort study). INTERVENTION: In both matched cohort studies, the same set of bacteremic patients was matched with control-patients using the APACHE II system. In the first study, control-patients were required to have an ICU stay at least as long as the respective bacteremic patient prior to onset of bacterernia (matching on exposure time). In the second study, control-patients were required to have an ICU stay shorter than the stay prior to the development of bacteremia in the respective bacteremic patient (no matching on exposure time). RESULTS: For bacteremic patients, the mean ICU stay before onset of the bacteremia was 9 days (median, 6 days). In the first matched cohort study, hospital mortality was riot different between bacteremic patients and control-patients (44.1% vs 43.4%; P = .999). In the second study, mortality of bacteremic patients and control-patients was also not different (44.1% vs 47.8%; P = .657). Mortality rates between control groups were not different (43.4% vs 47.8%; P = .543). CONCLUSION: Matching or not matching on exposure time did not alter the estimate of attributable mortality for ICU patients with E. coli bacteremia (Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2005;26:352-356).
Abstract: Intra-abdominal infections differ from other infections through the broad variety in causes and severity of the infection, the aetiology of which is often polymicrobial, the microbiological results that are difficult to interpret and the essential role of surgical intervention. From a clinical viewpoint, two major types of intra-abdominal infections can be distinguished: uncomplicated and complicated. In uncomplicated intra-abdominal infection, the infectious process only involves a single organ and no anatomical disruption is present. Generally, patients with such infections can be managed with surgical resection alone and no antimicrobial therapy besides periciperative prophylaxis is necessary. In complicated intra-abdominal infections, the infectious process proceeds beyond the organ that is the source of the infection, and causes either localised peritonitis, also referred to as abdominal abscess, or diffuse peritonitis, depending on the ability of the host to contain the process within a part of the abdominal cavity. In particular, complicated intra-abdominal infections are an important cause of morbidity and are more frequently associated with a poor prognosis. However, an early clinical diagnosis, followed by adequate source control to stop ongoing contamination and restore anatomical structures and physiological function, as well as prompt initiation of appropriate empirical therapy, can limit the associated mortality. The biggest challenge with complicated intra-abdominal infections is early recognition of the problem. Antimicrobial management is generally standardised and many regimens, either with monotherapy or combination therapy, have proven their efficacy. Routine coverage against enterococci is not recommended, but: can be useful in particular clinical conditions such as the presence of septic shock in patients previously receiving prolonged treatment with cephalosporins, inummosuppressed patients at risk for bacteraemia, the presence of prosthetic heart valves and recurrent intra-abdominal infection accompanied by severe sepsis. In patients with prolonged hospital stay and antibacterial therapy, the likelihood of involvement of antibacterial-resistant pathogens must be taken into account. Antimicrobial coverage of Candida spp. is recommended when there is evidence of candidal involvement or in patients with specific risk factors for invasive candidiasis such as immunodeficiency and prolonged antibacterial exposure. In general, antimicrobial therapy should be continued for 5-7 days. If sepsis is still present after I week, a diagnostic work up should be performed, and if necessary a surgical reintervention should be considered.
Abstract: Background: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the single most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age and associated with a sizeable infectious disease burden among both non-pregnant and pregnant women, including a significantly elevated risk of adverse pregnancy outcome. Overall, little progress has been made in identifying causal factors involved in BV acquisition and persistence. We sought to evaluate maternal iron status in early pregnancy as a putative risk factor for BV, considering that micronutrients, and iron deficiency in particular, affect the host response against bacterial colonization, even in the setting of mild micronutrient deficiencies. Methods: In a nested case-control study, we compared maternal iron status at entry to prenatal care (mean gestational age 9.2 +/- 2.6 weeks) between eighty women with healthy vaginal microflora and eighteen women with vaginosis-like microflora. Vaginal microflora status was assessed by assigning a modified Nugent score to a Gram-stained vaginal smear. Maternal iron status was assayed by an array of conventional erythrocyte and serum indicators for iron status assessment, but also by more sensitive and more specific indicators of iron deficiency, including soluble transferrin receptors (sTfR) as an accurate measure of cellular and tissue iron deficiency and the iron deficiency log(10)[sTfR/ferritin] index as the presently most accurate measure of body storage iron available. Results: We found no statistically significant correlation between vaginal microflora status and routinely assessed iron parameters. In contrast, a highly significant difference between the healthy and vaginosis-like microflora groups of women was shown in mean values of sTfR concentrations (1.15 +/- 0.30 mg/L versus 1.37 +/- 0.38 mg/L, p = 0.008) and in mean iron deficiency log(10)[sTfR/ferritin] index values (1.57 +/- 0.30 versus 1.08 +/- 0.56, p = 0.003), indicating a strong association between iron deficiency and vaginosis-like microflora. An sTfR concentration >1.45 mg/ L was associated with a 3-fold increased risk (95% CI: 1.4-6.7) of vaginosis-like microflora and after controlling for maternal age, gestational length, body mass, parity, and smoking habits with an adjusted odds ratio of 4.5 (95% CI: 1.4-14.2). Conclusion: We conclude that subclinical iron deficiency, presumably resulting from inadequate preconceptional iron supplies, is strongly and independently associated with vaginosis-like microflora during early pregnancy.
Abstract: Objective: To investigate outcome in severely burned patients over a 20-year period and to evaluate survival over time. Historical cohort in a six-bed burn unit of a 1060-bed university hospital. Paitents: 1385 patients admitted to the burn unit over a 20-year period. Measurements and results: Outcome was evaluated in relation to the presence of three major risk factors for death: age 60 years or over, total burned surface area 40% or more, and the presence of inhalation injury. Overall mortality was 7.1%. When zero, one, two, or three risk factors were present, mortality was respectively 0.5%, 9.9%, 48.0%, and 90.5%. Over the study period the average proportional total burned surface area decreased as did mortality. The survival benefit was significant among patient groups with one or two risk factors present. Multivariate regression analysis adjusting for risk factors for death confirmed that survival improved over time (odds ratio 0.73 per 5-year period). Conclusions: Global mortality following burns is low, and nearly all patients who die had at least one risk factor present. In the presence of three risk factors the prognosis following burns is particularly compromised. Taking into account that our patients over the past 20 years have been progressively less extensively burned and hence have a lesser at risk for death, survival following severe burns has continued to improve.
Abstract: Introduction Abdominal compartment syndrome has been described in patients with severe acute pancreatitis, but its clinical impact remains unclear. We therefore studied patient factors associated with the development of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH), the incidence of organ failure associated with IAH, and the effect on outcome in patients with severe acute pancreatitis ( SAP). Methods We studied all patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) because of SAP in a 4 year period. The incidence of IAH ( defined as intra-abdominal pressure >= 15 mmHg) was recorded. The occurrence of organ dysfunction during ICU stay was recorded, as was the length of stay in the ICU and outcome. Results The analysis included 44 patients, and IAP measurements were obtained from 27 patients. IAH was found in 21 patients (78%). The maximum IAP in these patients averaged 27 mmHg. APACHE II and Ranson scores on admission were higher in patients who developed IAH. The incidence of organ dysfunction was high in patients with IAH: respiratory failure 95%, cardiovascular failure 91%, and renal failure 86%. Mortality in the patients with IAH was not significantly higher compared to patients without IAH (38% versus 16%, p = 0.63), but patients with IAH stayed significantly longer in the ICU and in the hospital. Four patients underwent abdominal decompression because of abdominal compartment syndrome, three of whom died in the early postoperative course. Conclusion IAH is a frequent finding in patients admitted to the ICU because of SAP, and is associated with a high occurrence rate of organ dysfunction. Mortality is high in patients with IAH, and because the direct causal relationship between IAH and organ dysfunction is not proven in patients with SAP, surgical decompression should not routinely be performed.
Abstract: Background and Aims: Temperature measurement is a routine task of patient care, with considerable clinical impact, especially in the ICU. This study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy and variability of the Temporal Artety Thermometer (TAT) in ICU-patients. Therefore, a convenience sample Of 57 adult patients, with indwelling pulmonary artery catheters (PAC) in a 40-bed intensive care unit in a university teaching hospital was used. Methods: The study design was a prospective, descriptive comparative analysis. Body temperature was thereby measured simultaneously with the TAT and the Axillary Thermometer (AT), and was compared with the temperature recording of the PAC. The use of vasoactive medication was recorded. Results and conclusions: Mean temperature of all measurements was: PAC: 37.1 degrees C (SD: 0.87), TAT: 37.0 degrees C (SD: 0.68) and axillary thermometer: 36.6 degrees C (SD: 0.94), The measurements of the TAT and the PAC were not significantly different (mean difference: 0.14 degrees C; SD: 0.51; p = 0.33); whereas the measurements of the PAC and the AT differed significantly (mean difference: 0.46 degrees C; SD: 039;p < 0.001) Mean difference in PAC versus TAT analyses, between patients with vasopressor therapy (0.12 degrees C; SD: 0.55), and without vasopressor therapy (0.19 degrees C; SD: 0.48) was not statistically significant (p = 0.47) Conclusion: We can conclude that the temporal scanner has a relatively good reliability with an acceptable accuracy and variability in patients with normothermia, The results are comparable to those of the AT but they do riot seem to be sufficient to prove any substantial benefit compared to rectal, oral or bladder thermometry.
Abstract: Objective: To investigate the incidence, risk factors and mortality of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Design: Prospective, observational, population-based study. Setting: The medical (14-bed) and surgical ICU (26-bed) of the Ghent University Hospital. Methods: All 1295 patients admitted to the ICU during 4 three-month periods between 1996 and 1998 were included. A set of demographic and clinical variables were collected at the day of admission and during the ICU course. Results: The incidence of VAP among ICU patients ventilated at least 48 hours was 23.1 %. The mean time to the development of VAP was 9.6 days with a median of 6 days. In the population of patients ventilated for at least 48 hours, a comparison was made between patients with (n=89) and without VAP (n=296). Patients with VAP had a significant longer ICU stay, with a longer ventilation dependency. Logistic regression analysis identified admission diagnosis other than trauma (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.29-0.89; p=0.02) and the length of ICU stay (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03-1.07; p < 0.001) to be independently associated with the acquisiton of VAP In comparison with the total study population, patients with VAP had a higher ICU mortality (20.2% vs. 12.0%; p=0.04), but not in the cohort group of patients at risk for VAP (ventilated > 48 hours)(20.2% vs. 31.3%; p=0.03). The factors independently associated with death were higher SAPS 11 scores (OR 1.02, 95% CI: 1.003-1.032; p=0.02), an admission diagnosis other than trauma (OR 0.36, 95% CI: 0.17-0.75; p=0.006) and length of ICU stay (OR 0.97, 95% CI: 0.9460.995; p=0.02). This model did not recognize VAP as an independent predictor of death (OR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.41-1.53; p=0.492). Conclusions: The incidence of VAP in our ICU is 23.1 %. Length of ICU stay and an admission diagnosis other than trauma are major risk factors for the development of this nosocomial infection. VAP is associated with a high fatality rate. However, after adjustment for disease severity and length of ICU stay, VAP was not identified as an independent predictor of death.
Abstract: Background: Overall, the use of antibiotics in the treatment of patients with severe acute pancreatitis has increased owing to the use of antibiotic prophylaxis. Hypothesis: The incidence of antibiotic-resistant (AB-R) bacteria in infected pancreatitis is related to prolonged antibiotic treatment and may affect outcome. Design: Case series. Setting: Fifty-six-bed intensive care unit of a tertiary care center. Patients: Forty-six consecutive patients with infected pancreatic necrosis. Main Outcome Measures: Occurrence rate of AB-R organisms in pancreatic infection, overall duration of antibiotic treatment prior to infection, and mortality, defined as inhospital mortality. Results: Infection with AB-R microorganisms was found in 24 (52%) of 46 patients. Primary infection was present in 7 patients; in 21 patients, nosocomial surinfection with AB-R organisms occurred. Patients with AB-R infections were treated with antibiotics for a longer period (24 vs 15 days, P<.05), while disease severity and the incidence of organ failure were not statistically significantly different. The intensive care unit stay was significantly longer in patients with AB-R infections (23 vs 31 days, P=.02). Mortality was not statistically significantly different in patients with AB-R infections (37% vs 28%, P=.23). Conclusions: The occurrence rate of infections with AB-R organisms in our patients with severe acute pancreatitis was high and was associated with a longer intensive care unit stay, but no increased mortality could be demonstrated. The duration of antibiotic treatment was increased in patients in whom AB-R infections developed.
Abstract: Objective: To investigate outcome in patients who develop invasive aspergillosis in the ICU, and to evaluate whether specific risk factors for the acquisition of invasive aspergillosis are associated with mortality. Design: Retrospective cohort study (07/1997-12/1999) with screening of 8988 admissions. Setting: 54-bed ICU of the 1060-bed Ghent University Hospital. Patients: 38 ICU patients with invasive aspergillosis. Invasive aspergillosis was defined as proven by positive histology and tissue culture and as probable by a combination of clinical suspicion as well as microbiological and radiological data. Seventeen patients had risk factors (neutropenia, haematological malignancy, immunosuppressive therapy). In the other 21 apparently immunocompetent patients, invasive aspergillosis was a complication following ARDS, COPD, pneumonia, acute liver failure, bums, severe bacterial infection and malnutrition. Measurements: Population characteristics and outcome were compared for patients with and without risk factors for the acquisition of invasive aspergillosis. Results: Patients with risk factors had higher APACHE II scores. No difference was found between patients with and without risk factors in in-hospital mortality (82% vs. 71%; p=0.431). In patients with specific risk factors, the observed mortality was not different from the mortality as expected on basis of the APACHE II (p=0.940). In patients without risk factors the observed mortality exceeded the expected mortality (p<0.001). Conclusion: The incidence of invasive aspergillosis in this series is 4/1000 admissions. No difference in mortality was found between patients with and without risk factors for the acquisition of invasive aspergillosis. Yet, the prognosis of the patients without risk factors seems to alter more seriously by the development of this infection.
Abstract: Objective: To analyze the incidence and outcome of bloodstream infections (BSIs) in patients operated on for severe acute pancreatitis to identify the source and associated risk factors. Methods: We retrospectively ( 1995 - 2001) analyzed 45 patients treated surgically for severe acute pancreatitis. We recorded demographic characteristics, data on surgical and medical treatment and disease severity, the occurrence of BSIs, microbiological data concerning the BSIs and other infectious processes, the incidence of organ failure, and data on surgical and infectious complications. Results: Fifteen episodes of BSI were found in 7 of 45 patients (15%), with 18 organisms involved. In all but 1 episode, the source of the BSI was pancreatic necrosis. Most of the organisms were gram positive ( 11); the others were gram negative ( 6) or fungi ( 1). Mortality was statistically not different in patients with a BSI (57% vs. 35%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay was associated with the occurrence of BSIs ( OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02 - 1.09; P < 0.01). Conclusion: A BSI is not a rare finding after surgery for severe acute pancreatitis, especially in patients with a prolonged ICU stay. The source is the infected necrosis in most of BSI episodes.
Abstract: Candida species have become predominant pathogens in critically ill patients. In this population, invasive candidiasis is associated with a poor prognosis but adequate management can limit the attributable mortality. Adequate management, however, is hampered by a problematic diagnosis as the clinical picture of invasive disease is non-specific and blood cultures have a low sensitivity. Moreover, it is often hard to differentiate colonisation from infection and many Ilk. critically ill patients are heavily colonised with Candida species, especially when receiving broad-spectrum antibacterials. The question of which antifungal agent to choose has become more complex as the development of new drugs raises promising expectations. Until the 1980s therapy for invasive candidiasis was limited to amphotericin B, but with the advent of new antifungal agents, such as azoles and echinocandins, less toxic therapeutic options are possible and doors have opened towards prevention and optimised therapy in the case of documented candidiasis. Through the arrival of these new antifungal agents, a range of therapeutic strategies for the management of invasive candidiasis has been developed: antifungal prophylaxis, pre-emptive therapy, and empirical and definitive antifungal therapy. Each of these strategies has a specific target population, as defined by specific underlying conditions and/or individual risk factors. Antifungal prophylaxis, in order to prevent candidal infection, is based on the type of underlying diseases with a high risk for invasive candidiasis. Individual risk factors are not taken into account. Potential indications are bone marrow transplantation, liver transplantation, recurrent gastrointestinal perforations or leakages, and surgery for acute necrotising pancreatitis. Pre-emptive therapy is also a preventive strategy. It can be recommended on the basis of an individual risk profile including overt candidal colonisation. Empirical therapy is started in patients with a risk profile for invasive candidiasis. It is recommended in the presence of clinical signs of infection, deteriorating clinical parameters, or a clinical picture of infection not responding to antibacterials but in the absence of a clear causative pathogen. Definitive antifungal therapy is defined as therapy in patients with documented invasive infection. The main goal is to maintain a balance between optimal prevention and timely initiation of therapy on one hand, and to minimise selection pressure in order to avoid a shift towards less susceptible Candida species on the other hand.
Abstract: Critically ill patients with acute renal failure (ARF) treated with renal replacement therapy (RRT) have a high mortality. The authors evaluated a cohort of 704 consecutive intensive care unit (ICU) patients with ARF treated with RRT to determine whether there was an increased incidence of nosocomial bloodstream infection and whether this resulted in a worse outcome. The incidence of nosocomial bloodstream infection was 8.8%, higher than that reported in other series of general ICU patients and also higher than the 3.5% incidence of bloodstream infection in non-ARF patients in the same unit (P < 0.001). There were more bloodstream infections caused by Gram-positive species compared with Gram-negative species or fungi. The distribution over the species was comparable to that reported by others for a general ICU population. The outcome was evaluated with matched cohort analysis. With this technique, patients with bloodstream infection (exposed) were closely matched with patients without bloodstream infection (non-exposed) in a 1:2 ratio. Matching was based on the APACHE II system and length of stay before bloodstream infection (exposure time). Length of stay and mortality were equal in exposed and non-exposed patients. There was also no difference in hospital costs. It can be concluded that critically ill patients with ARF treated with RRT were more susceptible to nosocomial bloodstream infection. Nevertheless, the outcome was not influenced by the presence of bloodstream infection. The high mortality observed in ARF patients could therefore not be attributed to the higher incidence of bloodstream infection.
Abstract: Invasive aspergillosis is a rare disease in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and carries a poor prognosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the attributable mortality due to invasive aspergillosis in critically ill patients. In a retrospective, matched cohort study (July 1997-December 1999), 37 ICU patients with invasive aspergittosis were identified together with 74 control patients. Matching of control (1:2) patients was based on the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II classification: an equal APACHE II score (+/- 1 point) and diagnostic category. This matching procedure results in an equal expected in-hospital mortality for cases and controls. Additionally, control patients were required to have an ICU stay equivalent to or longer than the case before the first culture positive for Aspergillus spp. Patients with invasive aspergillosis were more likely to experience acute renal failure (43.2% versus 20.5%; P = 0.020). They also had a longer ICU stay (median: 13 days versus seven days; P < 0.001) as well as a more extended period of mechanical ventilator dependency (median: 13 days versus four days; P < 0.001). Hospital mortalities for cases and controls were 75.7% versus 56.8%, respectively (P = 0.051). The attributable mortality was 18.9% (95% CI: 1.1 - 36.7). A multivariate survival analysis showed invasive aspergillosis [hazard ratio (HR): 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-3.0; P = 0.004] and acute respiratory failure (HR: 6.5, 95%: 1.4-29.3; P < 0.016) to be independently associated with in-hospital mortality. In conclusion, it was found that invasive aspergiltosis in ICU patients carries a significant attributable mortality of 18.9%. In a muttivariate analysis, adjusting for other co-morbidity factors, invasive aspergillosis was recognized as an independent predictor of mortality. (C) 2004 The Hospital Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Abstract: Background Europe is a continent with strong public healthcare systems, but diverging antibiotic policies and resistance patterns. Aims To describe the performance and methodological approach in a retrospective data collection effort (1997-2001), through an international network of surveillance systems, aiming to collect publicly available, comparable and reliable data on antibiotic use in Europe. Methods A central multidisciplinary management team co-ordinated a network of national representatives, liasing with national data providers and bodies responsible for antibiotic policy. The data collected were screened for bias, using a checklist. We focused on detection bias in sample and census data; errors in assigning medicinal product packages to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification (ATC); errors in calculations of defined daily doses (DDD) per package; bias by over-the-counter sales and parallel trade; and bias in ambulatory care (AC)/hospital care (HC) mix. Datasets were corrected after national feedback, and classified as valid; valid but with minor bias; not valid. Results Of the 31 participating countries, 21 countries delivered AC data suitable for cross-national comparison (14 for all 5 years). Of these, 17 countries provided data on a quarterly basis for at least 1 year. For HC, 14 countries were able to deliver valid data (nine for all 5 years). A valid estimate of the total exposure of national populations to human antibiotic consumption could be made in 17 countries. Conclusion In cross-national comparisons of antibiotic consumption in Europe, methodological rigour in correcting for various sources of bias and checking the validity of ATC/DDD assignment is needed.
Abstract: Introduction There is evidence that postponing surgery in critically ill patients with severe acute pancreatitis ( SAP) leads to improved survival, but previous reports included patients with both sterile and infected pancreatic necrosis who were operated on for various indications and with different degrees of organ dysfunction at the moment of surgery, which might be an important bias. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of timing of surgery and perioperative factors ( severity of organ dysfunction and microbiological status of the necrosis) on mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing surgery for SAP. Methods We retrospectively ( January 1994 to March 2003) analyzed patients admitted to the ICU with SAP. Of 124 patients, 56 were treated surgically; these are the subject of this analysis. We recorded demographic characteristics and predictors of mortality at admission, timing of and indications for surgery, and outcome. We also studied the microbiological status of the necrosis and organ dysfunction at the moment of surgery. Results Patients' characteristics were comparable in patients undergoing early and late surgery, and there was a trend toward a higher mortality in patients who underwent early surgery (55% versus 29%, P = 0.06). In univariate analysis, patients who died were older, had higher organ dysfunction scores at the day of surgery, and had sterile necrosis more often; there was a trend toward earlier surgery in these patients. Logistic regression analysis showed that only age, organ dysfunction at the moment of surgery, and the presence of sterile necrosis were independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions In this cohort of critically ill patients operated on for SAP, there was a trend toward higher mortality in patients operated on early in the course of the disease, but in multivariate analysis, only greater age, severity of organ dysfunction at the moment of surgery, and the presence of sterile necrosis, but not the timing of the surgical intervention, were independently associated with an increased risk for mortality.
Abstract: Invasive aspergillosis is a rare disease in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and carries a poor prognosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the attributable mortality due to invasive aspergillosis in critically ill patients. In a retrospective, matched cohort study (July 1997-December 1999), 37 ICU patients with invasive aspergittosis were identified together with 74 control patients. Matching of control (1:2) patients was based on the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II classification: an equal APACHE II score (+/- 1 point) and diagnostic category. This matching procedure results in an equal expected in-hospital mortality for cases and controls. Additionally, control patients were required to have an ICU stay equivalent to or longer than the case before the first culture positive for Aspergillus spp. Patients with invasive aspergillosis were more likely to experience acute renal failure (43.2% versus 20.5%; P = 0.020). They also had a longer ICU stay (median: 13 days versus seven days; P < 0.001) as well as a more extended period of mechanical ventilator dependency (median: 13 days versus four days; P < 0.001). Hospital mortalities for cases and controls were 75.7% versus 56.8%, respectively (P = 0.051). The attributable mortality was 18.9% (95% CI: 1.1 - 36.7). A multivariate survival analysis showed invasive aspergillosis [hazard ratio (HR): 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-3.0; P = 0.004] and acute respiratory failure (HR: 6.5, 95%: 1.4-29.3; P < 0.016) to be independently associated with in-hospital mortality. In conclusion, it was found that invasive aspergiltosis in ICU patients carries a significant attributable mortality of 18.9%. In a muttivariate analysis, adjusting for other co-morbidity factors, invasive aspergillosis was recognized as an independent predictor of mortality. (C) 2004 The Hospital Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Abstract: Background Europe is a continent with strong public healthcare systems, but diverging antibiotic policies and resistance patterns. Aims To describe the performance and methodological approach in a retrospective data collection effort (1997-2001), through an international network of surveillance systems, aiming to collect publicly available, comparable and reliable data on antibiotic use in Europe. Methods A central multidisciplinary management team co-ordinated a network of national representatives, liasing with national data providers and bodies responsible for antibiotic policy. The data collected were screened for bias, using a checklist. We focused on detection bias in sample and census data; errors in assigning medicinal product packages to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification (ATC); errors in calculations of defined daily doses (DDD) per package; bias by over-the-counter sales and parallel trade; and bias in ambulatory care (AC)/hospital care (HC) mix. Datasets were corrected after national feedback, and classified as valid; valid but with minor bias; not valid. Results Of the 31 participating countries, 21 countries delivered AC data suitable for cross-national comparison (14 for all 5 years). Of these, 17 countries provided data on a quarterly basis for at least 1 year. For HC, 14 countries were able to deliver valid data (nine for all 5 years). A valid estimate of the total exposure of national populations to human antibiotic consumption could be made in 17 countries. Conclusion In cross-national comparisons of antibiotic consumption in Europe, methodological rigour in correcting for various sources of bias and checking the validity of ATC/DDD assignment is needed.
Abstract: Study objective: To evaluate the clinical impact of nosocomial Enterobacter bacteremia in critically ill patients. Design: Retrospective (January 1992 to December 2000) matched cohort study. Setting: Fifty-four-bed ICU (including medical, surgical, cardiosurgical ICU, and burns unit) from a university hospital. Patients: Sixty-seven ICU patients with Enterobacter bacteremia (case patients) and 134 control patients. Intervention: Matching of control patients (1:2 ratio) was on the basis of the APACHE (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation) II system. As expected, mortality can be derived from this severity-of-disease classification system; this matching procedure results in an equal expected mortality rate for patients with Enterobacter bacteremia and control patients. Results: The overall rate of appropriate antibiotic therapy in patients with Enterobacter bacteremia was high (96%) and initiated soon after the onset of the bacteremia (0.5 +/- 0.9 days). Patients with Enterobacter bacteremia had more hemodynamic instability (p = 0.015), longer ICU stay (p < 0.001), and ventilator dependence (p < 0.001). No differences between case and control patients were found in age (52 years vs 53 years, p = 0.831), prevalence of acute renal failure (16% vs 16%, p = 0.892), and acute respiratory failure (93% vs 84%, respectively; p = 0.079). In-hospital mortality rates for case and control patients were not different (34% vs 39%, respectively; p = 0.536). Conclusion: After accurate adjustment for severity of underlying disease and acute illness, no difference was found between ICU patients with Enterobacter bacteremia and matched control patients. In the presence of fast and appropriate antibiotic therapy, Enterobacter bacteremia does not adversely affect the outcome in ICU patients.
Abstract: Data from an 8-year period for 46 patients with severe acute pancreatitis and infected pancreatic necrosis were analyzed to determine the incidence of fungal infection, to identify risk factors for the development of fungal infection, and to assess the use of early fluconazole treatment. Intraabdominal fungal infection was found in 17 (37%) of 46 patients. Candida albicans was isolated most frequently (15 patients); Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei were found in 1 patient each. Characteristics of patients with fungal infection were not different from patients without fungal infection. The difference in mortality was not statistically significant between patients with fungal infection and patients without fungal infection. Early antifungal therapy (prophylactic or preemptive antifungal therapy) was administered to 18 patients, and only 3 of them developed fungal infection. In this cohort of critically ill patients, no risk factors for fungal infection could be demonstrated, and mortality among patients who received early antifungal therapy was not different. Early treatment with fluconazole seems to prevent fungal infection in these high-risk patients.
Abstract: Study objective: To evaluate the clinical impact of nosocomial Enterobacter bacteremia in critically ill patients. Design: Retrospective (January 1992 to December 2000) matched cohort study. Setting: Fifty-four-bed ICU (including medical, surgical, cardiosurgical ICU, and burns unit) from a university hospital. Patients: Sixty-seven ICU patients with Enterobacter bacteremia (case patients) and 134 control patients. Intervention: Matching of control patients (1:2 ratio) was on the basis of the APACHE (acute physiology and chronic health evaluation) II system. As expected, mortality can be derived from this severity-of-disease classification system; this matching procedure results in an equal expected mortality rate for patients with Enterobacter bacteremia and control patients. Results: The overall rate of appropriate antibiotic therapy in patients with Enterobacter bacteremia was high (96%) and initiated soon after the onset of the bacteremia (0.5 +/- 0.9 days). Patients with Enterobacter bacteremia had more hemodynamic instability (p = 0.015), longer ICU stay (p < 0.001), and ventilator dependence (p < 0.001). No differences between case and control patients were found in age (52 years vs 53 years, p = 0.831), prevalence of acute renal failure (16% vs 16%, p = 0.892), and acute respiratory failure (93% vs 84%, respectively; p = 0.079). In-hospital mortality rates for case and control patients were not different (34% vs 39%, respectively; p = 0.536). Conclusion: After accurate adjustment for severity of underlying disease and acute illness, no difference was found between ICU patients with Enterobacter bacteremia and matched control patients. In the presence of fast and appropriate antibiotic therapy, Enterobacter bacteremia does not adversely affect the outcome in ICU patients.
Abstract: In a retrospective study, population characteristics and outcome were investigated in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with hospital-acquired Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia admitted over a seven-year period (January 1992 through December 1998). A matched cohort study was performed in which all ICU patients with P. aeruginosa bacteraemia were defined as cases (N = 53). Matching (1:2 ratio) of the controls (N = 106) was based on the APACHE II classification: an equal APACHE II score ( 1 point) and an equal diagnostic category. Patients with P. aeruginosa bacteraemia had a higher incidence of acute respiratory failure, haemodynamic instability, a longer ICU stay and length of ventilator dependence (P<0.05). In-hospital mortalities for cases and controls were 62.3 vs. 47.2% respectively (P = 0.073). Thus, the attributable mortality was 15.1% (95% confidence intervals: -1.0-31.2). In a multivariate survival analysis the APACHE II score was the only variable independently associated with mortality. In conclusion, P. aeruginosa bacteraemia is associated with a clinically relevant attributable mortality (15%). However, we could not find statistical evidence of P. aeruginosa being an independent predictor of mortality. (C) 2003 The Hospital Infection Society.
Abstract: Data from an 8-year period for 46 patients with severe acute pancreatitis and infected pancreatic necrosis were analyzed to determine the incidence of fungal infection, to identify risk factors for the development of fungal infection, and to assess the use of early fluconazole treatment. Intraabdominal fungal infection was found in 17 (37%) of 46 patients. Candida albicans was isolated most frequently (15 patients); Candida tropicalis and Candida krusei were found in 1 patient each. Characteristics of patients with fungal infection were not different from patients without fungal infection. The difference in mortality was not statistically significant between patients with fungal infection and patients without fungal infection. Early antifungal therapy (prophylactic or preemptive antifungal therapy) was administered to 18 patients, and only 3 of them developed fungal infection. In this cohort of critically ill patients, no risk factors for fungal infection could be demonstrated, and mortality among patients who received early antifungal therapy was not different. Early treatment with fluconazole seems to prevent fungal infection in these high-risk patients.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate excess mortality in critically ill, patients with Escherichia coli bacteremia after adjustment for severity of illness. DESIGN: Retrospective (1992-2000), pairwise-matched (1:2), risk-adjusted cohort study. SETTING: Fifty-four-bed ICU in a university hospital including a medical and surgical ICU, a unit for care after cardiac surgery, and a burns unit. PATIENTS: ICU patients with nosocomial E. coli bacteremia (defined as cases; n = 64) and control-patients without nosocomial bloodstream infection (n = 128). METHODS: Case-patients were matched with control patients on the basis of the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II system: an equal APACHE II score ( 2 points) and diagnostic category. In addition, control-patients were required to have an ICU stay at least as long as that of the respective case-patients prior to onset of the bacteremia. RESULTS: The overall rate of appropriate antibiotic therapy in patients with E. coli bacteremia was high (93%) and such therapy was initiated soon after onset of the bacteremia (0.6 +/- 1.0 day). ICU patients with E. coli bacteremia had more acute renal failure. No differences were noted between case-patients and control-patients in incidence of acute respiratory failure, hemodynamic instability, or age. No differences were observed in length of mechanical ventilation or length of ICU stay. In-hospital mortality rates for cases and controls were not different (43.8% and 45.3%, respectively; P =.959). CONCLUSION: After adjustment for disease severity and acute illness and in the presence of adequate antibiotic therapy, no excess mortality was found in ICU patients with E. coli bacteremia.
Abstract: Objective: To determine outcome and attributable mortality in critically ill patients with nosocomial bacteremia involving A. baumannii. Design: A retrospective matched cohort study in which all ICU patients with microbiologically documented A. baumannii bacteremia were defined as cases. Matching of the controls was based on equivalent APACHE II score ( 2 points) and diagnostic category. Control patients were required to have an ICU stay equivalent to or longer than the case prior to onset of the bacteremia. Setting: The 54-bed ICU of the 1060-bed Ghent University Hospital. Patients: 45 ICU patients with A. baumannii bacteremia and 90 matched control subjects without clinical or n-microbiological evidence of blood stream infection. Measurements: Population characteristics and in-hospital mortality rates of patients with A. baumannii bacteremia and their controls were compared. Attributable mortality is determined by subtracting the crude mortality rate of the controls from the crude mortality rate of the cases. Results: Patients with A. baumannii bacteremia had significantly more hemodynamic instability, longer ICU stay, and longer length of ventilator dependence than controls. In-hospital mortality rates for cases and controls were, respectively, 42.2% and 34.4%; thus the attributable mortality was 7.8%. Conclusion: In critically ill patients A. baumannii bacteremia is not associated with a significantly increased mortality rate.
Abstract: In order to determine the clinical impact of Klebsiella bacteremia on critically ill patients, a matched cohort study was conducted between January 1992 and December 2000. During the study period, all intensive care unit (ICU) patients with nosocomial Klebsiella bacteremia were defined as cases (n=52), but two of these patients were excluded from the matched cohort due to incomplete medical records. The remaining 50 patients were matched at a ratio of 1:2 with control patients (n=100) on the basis of the APACHE II severity of disease classification system. Patients with Klebsiella bacteremia experienced acute renal failure and hemodynamic instability more often than controls. They also had a longer ICU stay and longer ventilator dependence. In-hospital mortality rates for cases and controls were nearly equal (36% vs. 37%, respectively; P=0.905). In conclusion, after adjusting accurately for severity of underlying disease and acute illness, no difference in mortality was found between ICU patients with Klebsiella bacteremia and their matched control subjects.
Abstract: Population characteristics and outcomes were retrospectively compared for critically ill patients with nosocomial bacteremia caused by antibiotic-susceptible (AB-S; n = 208) or antibiotic-resistant (AB-R; n = 120) gram-negative bacteria. No significant differences in severity of illness and comorbidity factors were seen between groups. Patients with bacteremia caused by AB-R strains had a longer hospitalization before the onset of the bacteremia. The in-hospital mortality for patients with bacteremia caused by AB-S strains was 41.8%; for patients infected with AB-R strains, it was 45.0% (P = .576). A multivariate survival analysis demonstrated that older age (P = .009), a high-risk source of bacteremia (abdominal and lower respiratory tract; P = .031), and a high acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II-related expected mortality (P = .032) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality (P<.05). Antibiotic resistance in nosocomial bacteremia caused by gram-negative bacteria does not adversely affect the outcome for critically ill patients.
Abstract: Background: Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia carries high mortality rates. The clinical impact of methicillin resistance remains controversial: outcome comparisons between patients with bacteremia involving methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) S aureus are difficult to perform because of important differences in severity of illness. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis and 2 independent case-control analyses were performed to determine and compare outcomes and attributable mortality rates of MSSA (n = 38) and MRSA bacteremia (n = 47) in critically ill patients. For the case-control studies, matching (1:2 ratio) was based on the APACHE (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation) II classification: APACHE II score (+/-1 point) and diagnostic category. Results: Patients with MRSA bacteremia had more acute renal failure and hemodynamic instability than patients with MSSA bacteremia. They had a longer intensive care unit stay and ventilator dependency. Patients with MRSA bacteremia had a higher 30-day mortality rate (53.2% vs 18.4%) and in-hospital mortality, rate (63.8% vs 23.7%) (P<.05). Multivariate survival ana1ysis demonstrated acute renal failure, length of mechanical ventilation, age, and methicillin resistance to be independently associated with mortality (P<.05). The attributable mortality rate for MSSA bacteremia was 1.3% mortality rates for cases and controls were respectively 23.7% and 22.4% (P = .94). The attributable mortality rate for MRSA bacteremia was 23.4%: mortality rates for cases and controls were respectively 63.8% and 40.4% (P = .02). The difference (22.1%) between both attributable mortality rates was significant (95% confidence interval, 8.8%-35.3%). Conclusion: In critically ill patients, after accurate adjustment for disease severity and acute illness, we found MRSA bacteremia to have a higher attributable mortality than MSSA bacteremia.
Abstract: PURPOSE: To determine whether nosocomial candidemia is associated with increased mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective (1992 to 2000) cohort study of 73 ICU patients with candidemia and 146 matched controls. Controls were matched based on disease severity as measured by the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (+/- 1 point), diagnostic category, and length of ICU stay before onset of candidemia. RESULTS: In comparison with the control group, patients with candidemia developed more acute respiratory failure (97% [n = 71] vs. 88% [n = 129], P = 0.03) during their ICU stay. They were mechanically ventilated for a longer period (29 +/- 26 days vs. 19 +/- 19 days, P<0.01) and had a longer stay in the ICU (36 +/- 33 days vs. 25 +/- 23 days, P = 0.02) as well as in the hospital (177 +/- 81 days vs. 64 +/- 69 days, P = 0.04). There was no difference in in-hospital mortality between the groups (48% [n = 35] vs. 43% [n = 62], P = 0.44), a difference of 5% (95% confidence interval [Cl]: -8% to 19%). In a multivariate analysis, older age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.13 per 10 years; 95% Cl: 1.04 to 1.23; P = 0.004), acute renal failure (HR = 1.4; 95% Cl: 1.1 to 2.0; P = 0.02), and unfavorable APACHE II scores (HR = 1.10 per 5 points; 95% Cl: 1.00 to 1.20; P = 0.05) were independent predictors of mortality. Candidemia was not associated with mortality in a model that adjusted for these factors (HR 0.9; 95% Cl: 0.7 to 1.2; P = 0.53). CONCLUSION: Nosocomial candidemia does not adversely affect the outcome in ICU patients in whom mortality is attributable to age, the severity of underlying disease, and acute illness.
Abstract: Background. There is debate as to whether, in patients with acute lung injury, continuous renal replacement therapy has beneficial effects on pulmonary gas exchange by mechanisms other than fluid removal. Because continuous renal replacement therapy is associated with potential morbidity and mortality, it seems unethical to perform a randomized trial in patients with acute lung injury without renal failure. Therefore, the effects of continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration with zero volume balance on gas exchange were evaluated in patients with acute renal failure and acute lung injury. Because haemofilter conditions should be comparable between patients, we opted for an evaluation of the effects during a 24-h period. Results of this trial can guide future studies in non-renal patients with acute lung injury. Methods. In all 37 patients with acute renal failure and acute lung injury, treated with continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration with zero fluid balance during a 1 year period, ventilatory and haemodynamic parameters were measured every 8 h during the 24 h preceding therapy and during the first 24 It of therapy. Results. We found a slight, although not statistically significant, increase in the PaO2/FIO2 ratio and the oxygenation index, in the total group of patients, and in the subgroups of patients with acute lung injury of extrapulmonary and pulmonary causes. Conclusions. During the first 24 h of treatment, continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration with zero volume balance did not result in a significant improvement of the respiratory status in patients with acute renal failure and acute lung injury, nor in the subgroups of patients with acute lung injury with extrapulmonary causes.
Abstract: In a retrospective study (1 January 1992-12 December 1998), we investigated population characteristics and outcome in critically ill patients with fungaemia involving C. albicans (n=41) and C. glabrata (n=15). Patients with C. glabrata fungaemia were significantly older compared with patients in the C. albicans group (P=0.024). There were no other differences in population characteristics or severity of illness. Logistic regression analysis showed age (P=0.021), the presence of a polymicrobial blood stream infection (P=0.039), and renal failure (P=0.044) to be independent predictors of mortality. There was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between the C. glabrata and C. albicans groups (60.0% vs. 41.5%; P=0.24). Since age was an independent predictor of mortality, the trend towards a higher mortality in patients with C. glabrata can be explained by this population being significantly older. In conclusion, ne found no difference in mortality between patients with fungaemia involving C. albicans and C. glabrata. (C) 2001 The Hospital Infection Society.
Abstract: Objective: To investigate prevalence and determine risk factors for colonisation with Cram-negative bacteria in ICU patients. Design: Prospective, surveillance study. Setting: 26-bed surgical and paediatric ICU. Patients: 159 patients - whereof 22 infants - admitted to the surgical/paediatric ICU over a two-month period. Intervention: In all patients routine microbiological monitoring was performed by thrice weekly oral swabs, urine sampling and, additionally, tracheal aspirates in patients on mechanical ventilation (MV) and by anal swabs once weekly. Results: Population characteristics: Mean age of the adult population was 51.1+/-17.6 year. Mean age of the paediatric population was 6.3+/-5.3 year. The mean APACHE II-score was 18+/-9.1. The mean PRISM-score was 9.7+/-5.4. The mean ICU stay was 7.5+/-11.4 days. 43.4 percent of patients received mechanical ventilation (MV). The mean number of mechanical ventilation days was 11.1+/-14.7 days. 32.1% of patients experienced colonisation with Gramnegative bacteria. Prevalence of colonisation increased with length of ICU stay. The probability of colonisation was 24% after an ICU stay of 3 days (=median ICU stay). Time to colonisation was not different between the controlled sites (p>0.05). 47% of colonisations were due to multiresistant strains. Higher APACHE II-scores and MV were associated with a higher prevalence of colonisation (p<0.01). The ICU mortality was 8%among adult and 4% among paediatric patients. Conclusion: Patients with high APACHE II-scores, on mechanical ventilation and with an ICU stay of more than 3 days are most at risk for colonisation with Gramnegative bacteria. These patients should be cared with the optimal precautions in the prevention of colonisation and infection.
