Days Of Antibiotic Treatment Research Articles

Characteristics of bloodstream infections in burn patients: An 11-year retrospective study

AimsThe principal aim of this study was to describe infection related characteristics of blood stream infections (BSI) in patients with burns. We sought to determine the organisms that caused BSI and factors that could predict the outcome of BSI. MethodsData was collected on admitted patients with burns from January 1998 to December 2008. Selected information from databases was analysed using SPSS version 17 (SPSS Inc., Chicago). Descriptive, univariate and multivariate analysis was undertaken to determine factors predictive of clinical outcome. The factors analysed by univariate analysis were selected on clinical plausibility. Multivariate analysis used a crosstabs procedure initially to estimate maximum likelihood. Factors that were associated with a p value <0.15 were entered into a binary logistic regression to detect which factors were independent predictors of mortality in BSI and outcome according to specific organisms. ResultsNinety-nine out of 2364 (4%) patients developed 212-documented BSI. The median time from burn to BSI was 7 (interquartile range 3–16) days. Gram-positive organisms, in particular Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Coagulase negative Staphylococci, were the most common bacteria associated with BSI in the first week of hospital admission. The mortality rate for all admissions over the data collection period was 3%. Of the 99 patients with BSI, 13 died giving a mortality rate, in the presence of BSI, of 13%. Univariate analysis found that the factors predictive of P. aeruginosa mortality were inhalational injury, higher total body surface area burns, total days of antibiotic treatment and elevated Acute Physiological and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores. Multivariate analysis identified inhalational injury to be the only factor associated with BSI-related mortality. ConclusionWhilst the overall mortality in our cohort was low, the presence of BSI increased this four-fold. Whilst infections caused by Gram-positive pathogens occurred earlier in the patient stay than Gram-negative organisms, the highest mortality was associated with P. aeruginosa infections. This study highlights the negative effects of BSI on clinical outcomes in burn patients.

AIEC colonization and pathogenicity: Influence of previous antibiotic treatment and preexisting inflammation

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) patients are abnormally colonized by adherent-invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC). NOD2 gene mutations impair intracellular bacterial clearance. We evaluated the impact of antibiotic treatment on AIEC colonization in wildtype (WT) and NOD2 knockout mice (NOD2KO) and the consequences on intestinal inflammation. After 3 days of antibiotic treatment, mice were infected for 2 days with 10⁹ CFU AIEC and sacrificed 1, 5, and 60 days later. In parallel, mice were challenged with AIEC subsequent to a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) treatment and sacrificed 9 days later. Ileum, colon, and mesenteric tissues were sampled for AIEC quantification and evaluation of inflammation. Without antibiotic treatment, AIEC was not able to colonize WT and NOD2KO mice. Compared with nontreated animals, antibiotic treatment led to a significant increase in ileal and colonic colonization of AIEC in WT and/or NOD2KO mice. Persistent AIEC colonization was observed until day 5 only in NOD2KO mice, disappearing at day 60. Mesenteric translocation of AIEC was observed only in NOD2KO mice. No inflammation was observed in WT and NOD2KO mice treated with antibiotics and infected with AIEC. During DSS-induced colitis, colonization and persistence of AIEC was observed in the colon. Moreover, a dramatic increase in clinical, histological, and molecular parameters of colitis was observed in mice infected with AIEC but not with a commensal E. coli strain. Antibiotic treatment was necessary for AIEC colonization of the gut and mesenteric tissues and persistence of AIEC was dependent on NOD2. AIEC exacerbated a preexisting DSS-induced colitis in WT mice.

Cost Comparison of Linezolid Versus Vancomycin for Treatment of Complicated Skin and Skin-Structure Infection Caused by Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusin Quebec

In Canada, complicated skin and skin-structure infection (cSSSI) caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is usually treated with antibiotics in hospital, with a follow-up course at home for stable patients. The cost implications of using intravenous and oral linezolid instead of intravenous vancomycin in Canadian clinical practice have not been examined. To evaluate the potential treatment cost impact for the Quebec health care system of linezolid versus vancomycin for MRSA-related cSSSI therapy, using a net impact analysis approach. Health care resource use associated with linezolid and vancomycin therapy was estimated for patients in Quebec, based on expert opinion. Costs were assigned to health care resources (antibiotics, medical supplies, laboratory testing and health care professional time) based on unit prices. The base-case analysis assumed 14 days of antibiotic treatment for both agents; five days in hospital followed by nine days at home. Therapy duration, length of inpatient treatment and discharge rates were varied in sensitivity analyses. Antibiotic costs were higher for linezolid than for vancomycin, for both inpatient ($874 versus $144, respectively) and outpatient therapy ($1,356 versus $1,242, respectively). Compared with vancomycin, lower costs for antibiotic preparation, administration and monitoring of linezolid offset drug acquisition costs. Total treatment costs were $3,850 for linezolid versus $5,189 for vancomycin. Results were sensitive to the number of treatment days spent at home and the discharge rate. Using linezolid instead of vancomycin to treat MRSA-related cSSSI, for hospital and home courses combined, may reduce health care resource utilization and costs in Quebec.

Seven-day antibiotic courses have similar efficacy to prolonged courses in severe community-acquired pneumonia—a propensity-adjusted analysis

There are no studies to guide the optimal duration of therapy in severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The aim of this study was to determine whether 7 days of antibiotic treatment is equivalent to longer-course therapy in severe CAP. In this prospective observational study, we included patients with severe CAP (CURB65 score 3–5) admitted to the hospital with signs and symptoms consistent with pneumonia. A propensity score, derived through multiple logistic regression, was used to match patients into two groups: treated for 7 days vs. treated for >7 days. Patients who died, were admitted to the intensive-care unit, developed complicated pneumonia, failed to reach clinical stability or had positive cultures for microorganisms requiring prolonged treatment within the first 7 days were excluded. Patients outside the mutual range of the propensity score were also excluded. The primary outcome of this study was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were subsequent requirement for mechanical ventilation and/or inotropic support and the development of complicated pneumonia or re-admission within 30 days. Four hundred and twelve patients were suitable for derivation of the propensity score. After matching on propensity score, 164 patients treated for 7 days were compared with 164 treated for >7 days; they were well matched in terms of age, gender, comorbidities, and physiological parameters. The results showed no significant differences in the primary and the secondary outcomes between the two groups. This study therefore suggests that, in the majority of severe CAP patients who have clinically responded, antibiotics can be safely discontinued at 7 days.

Mucormycosis in Mato Grosso, Brazil: A Case Reports, Caused by Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus and Rhizopus microsporus var. rhizopodiformis

We identified the etiological agents responsible for two fatal cases of rhinocerebral mucormycosis with the classical risk factor for uncontrolled type II diabetes mellitus. Their initial symptoms did not point immediately to the suspicion of mucormycosis. Case 1, caused by Rhizopus microsporus var. oligosporus, was a 52-year-old man who presented with a painful pimple on his nose, which evolved with swelling, erythema, and a central pustule on his right hemiface suspected to be cellulitis. After 7 days of antibiotic treatment, the patient worsened with signs of sepsis and the lesion evolved to necrosis involving all his right face. Case 2, caused by Rhizopus microsporus var. rhizopodiformis, was a 57-year-old woman placed on continuous therapy with azathioprine and corticoids after a renal transplant due to chronic arterial hypertension and uncontrolled type II diabetes mellitus. Because she was suspected to have sepsis, the patient was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and mechanical ventilation, yet she deteriorated. Because Candida spp. were isolated from urine and a BAL, she was treated with fluconazole for 10 days, then substituted by caspofungin. Two weeks later, she presented with exophthalmus of the left eye that was surrounded by a large inflammatory and necrotic area. Both patients were the diagnosed with mucormycosis via direct microscopy of necrotic material prior to their death.

Home treatment of patients with acute cholecystitis

Background Patients with acute cholecystitis are treated in Hospital. The aim of the study was to analyze the security and efficacy of treating not-operated-on patients with acute cholecystitis in Hospital in the Home (HIH). Methods Prospective study from January 2010 to May 2011 including all patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis, not operated on and without comorbidities admitted to HIH Unit from the Emergency Department Short Stay Unit and Observation Unit. Patients were treated with ertapenem for at least one week. Intravenous treatment was followed by oral therapy to complete 14 days of antibiotic treatment. Patient characteristics, clinical course, need for return to hospital during admission to HIH, and admission to hospital in the month after discharge from HIH are analyzed. Results 25 patients were included. Mean age was 59 years (34–82). Upon arrival to the Emergency Department, all patients suffered abdominal pain, 60% had fever, and 32% vomiting. 48% of patients had a leukocyte count over 13,000 cells/μl. All patients had cholelithiasis and a distended gallbladder. 56% showed thickening of the gallbladder wall. Fluid accumulation around the gallbladder was noted in 16% of the cases. Murphy's sign proved positive in 44%. All patients showed a favorable course. No patient required hospital readmission during stay in HIH or in the month after discharge. All patients expressed their satisfaction with treatment at home. Conclusions Patients with acute cholecystitis and without comorbidities can be safely and effectively treated in HIH after a short monitoring period in hospital.

Healthcare access and burden of care for patients with Lyme disease: A large United States survey

Objective To evaluate the challenges faced by Lyme disease patients in obtaining adequate healthcare. Methods A web-based survey conducted over nine months was analyzed for the study. The survey focused on medical status, access to healthcare, and burden of illness. For inclusion in the study, survey respondents had to reside in the United States, be more than 10 years old, and have clinically diagnosed Lyme disease with chronic symptoms and positive laboratory testing. Results Responses from 2424 patients were included in the study. Half of the respondents reported seeing at least seven physicians before the diagnosis of Lyme disease was made. Nearly half had Lyme disease for more than 10 years and traveled over 50 miles to obtain treatment. Most respondents experienced symptoms lasting six months or more despite receiving at least 21 days of antibiotic treatment. A quarter of respondents had been on public support or received disability benefits due to Lyme disease symptoms, and over half had visited an emergency room at least once as a result of these symptoms. Conclusions Lyme disease patients frequently endure extensive delays in obtaining an initial diagnosis, have poor access to healthcare and suffer a severe burden of illness.

Dexamethasone Therapy + Antibiotics for Septic Arthritis in Children

Research Article| June 01 2011 Dexamethasone Therapy + Antibiotics for Septic Arthritis in Children AAP Grand Rounds (2011) 25 (6): 64. https://doi.org/10.1542/gr.25-6-64 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Dexamethasone Therapy + Antibiotics for Septic Arthritis in Children. AAP Grand Rounds June 2011; 25 (6): 64. https://doi.org/10.1542/gr.25-6-64 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search nav search search input Search input auto suggest search filter All PublicationsAll JournalsAAP Grand RoundsPediatricsHospital PediatricsPediatrics In ReviewNeoReviewsAAP NewsAll AAP Sites Search Advanced Search Topics: bacterial arthritis, dexamethasone Source: Harel L, Prais D, Bar-on E, et al. Dexamethasone therapy for septic arthritis in children: results of a randomized doubleblind placebo-controlled study. J Pediatr Orthop. 2011; 31(2): 211– 215; doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/BPO.0b013e3182092869Google Scholar Investigators from Israel designed this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to determine if a four-day course of dexamethasone given at the start of antibiotic treatment in children with septic arthritis is safe, and leads to a more rapid clinical improvement compared to children treated with antibiotics alone. Children with septic arthritis who met the inclusion criteria of 1) an acute swollen, painful, warm joint with limited motion; 2) aspirated joint fluid containing more than 50,000 white blood cells/ mm3; and 3) elevated acute phase reactants, were enrolled. Intravenous cefuroxime 150 mg/kg/dose in three divided doses was initiated in all patients. Study patients were randomized to receive IV dexamethasone, 0.15mg/kg/dose every 6 hours for 16 consecutive doses, or placebo. The primary endpoints of the study were time to clinical and laboratory normalization and duration of hospitalization. The secondary endpoint was evidence of late sequelae. A total of 49 children were enrolled in the study; 25 were randomized to receive dexamethasone and 24 received placebo. The mean patient age was 33 months (range 6–161). The affected joints included hips (21), knees (18), ankles (5), elbows (3), and shoulders (2). There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, duration of symptoms, joint affected, or initial level of acute phase reactants. Bacteria were cultured from the joint fluid in 17 patients (35%) and from the blood in 4 patients (8%). The most common organisms isolated were Kingella kingae in seven patients (41%) and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus in three cases (18%). Compared to the placebo group, patients treated with dexamethasone had a significantly earlier mean first day without fever (1.7 vs 2.8 days, P=.021), mean first day without pain (7.2 vs 10.8 days, P=.021), mean first day of full range of motion (7.0 vs 12.2 days, P=.03), faster return of ESR to less than 25 mm/h (3.8 vs 8.4 days, P=.003), faster return of CRP to less than 0.5 mg/dL (3.1 vs 5.5 days, P=.029), shorter duration of IV treatment (9.9 vs 12.6 days, P=.007), and shorter hospital stay. Duration of follow-up ranged from 2 to 12 months and there were no adverse outcomes such as limitation in range of motion or leg length discrepancies. The authors conclude that dexamethasone given during the first four days of antibiotic treatment of children with septic arthritis is safe and leads to more rapid clinical improvement. Dr Hennrikus has disclosed no financial relationship relevant to this commentary. This commentary does not contain a discussion of an unapproved/investigative use of a commercial product/device. This is a spectacular study that may change pediatric practice. In this well-designed study, a four-day course of dexamethasone given to children with septic arthritis was safe, resulted in... You do not currently have access to this content.

Accuracy of bacterial DNA testing for central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infection in children with cancer

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are widely used for children with cancer and are a major risk factor for bloodstream infection. Early and specific diagnosis of CVC-associated bloodstream infection allows early targeted treatment, reducing the risk of CVC removal and avoiding the operative risks and trauma of reinsertion, but peripheral vein sampling, as used in adults, improves specificity but is not usually acceptable in children. To improve the detection and treatment of CVC-associated bloodstream infection in children (aged 0-18 years) with cancer admitted with fever. There were four main studies: (1) evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of a quantitative molecular method for the detection of bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), based solely on blood samples drawn through the CVC; (2) analysis of the prognostic risk of CVC removal and duration of intravenous (i.v.) antibiotic treatment days in relation to presenting clinical features, blood culture results and bacterial DNA test results; (3) systematic reviews of treatment options for CVC-associated infection and a questionnaire survey of current practice in paediatric oncology centres; (4) evaluation of the clinical effectiveness of different test-treatment strategies to reduce i.v. antibiotic treatment days and unnecessary CVC removals. (1) The bacterial DNA test detected two-thirds [95% confidence interval (CI) 44% to 83%] of children classified with probable CVC-associated infection - specificity was 88% (95% CI 84% to 92%). Although high bacterial DNA concentrations were associated with subsequent CVC removal and long duration of i.v. antibiotic treatment, the test did not improve the prediction of these outcomes over and above clinical signs of CVC-associated infection combined with blood culture results. (2) High DNA load was predictive of CVC removal and i.v. treatment duration, before blood culture results became available at 48 hours after sampling. (3) There was limited evidence that antibiotic lock treatment reduces the risk of recurrent CVC-associated infection or CVC removal (pooled relative risk 0.7, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.05), but prophylactic use of antimicrobial locks halved the risk of bloodstream infection (pooled incidence rate ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.51). Contrary to this, the national survey of paediatric oncology centres found that locks are being used for treatment rather than prevention and that problems related to the formulation of lock solutions currently impede a shift to their prophylactic use in children. (4) Most i.v. treatment days would be saved by early stopping of treatment for children at low risk of infection. The accuracy study was limited primarily by the lack of an adequate reference standard, and the main limitation of the series of systematic reviews was the poor quality of included studies and lack of randomised controlled trials of CVC removal or antimicrobial locks for treatment of infection. There is strong evidence to support the use of antimicrobial locks for prevention of CVC-associated infection; however, few of these studies involved children with cancer. The analysis does not support routine bacterial DNA testing on admission to detect CVC-associated infection, but repeated testing (as a marker of microbial load) should be evaluated in high-risk groups. Further research should determine the effectiveness of antibiotic locks for treating CVC-associated infection. Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN68138140. This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 15, No. 7. See the HTA programme website for further project information.

Treatment of infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato

Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Bbsl) infections, which are transmitted by Ixodes ticks, cause a wide variety of clinical manifestations and are of public health importance in parts of North America, Europe and Asia. A literature review of pertinent articles published up untill July 6th 2010 was performed on the use of antimicrobials in the treatment and prevention of Bbsl infections. The clinical outcome with 10–28 days of antibiotic treatment is generally excellent, but in view of the experience with other infections, future studies might address whether the duration of antibiotic therapy could be shortened.

Short-course antibiotics for acute otitis media.

Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common illness during childhood, for which antibiotics are frequently prescribed. To determine the effectiveness of a short course of antibiotics (less than seven days) in comparison to a long course of antibiotics (seven days or greater) for the treatment of AOM in children. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2009, issue 4) which contains the Acute Respiratory Infections Group's Specialised Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, CINAHL, BIOSIS Previews, OCLC Papers First and Proceedings First, Proquest Dissertations and Theses (inception to November 2009); International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, the NLM Gateway, ClinicalTrials.gov and Current Controlled Trials (inception to August 2008). Trials were included if they met the following criteria: participants aged one month to 18 years; clinical diagnosis of ear infection; no previous antimicrobial therapy; and randomisation to treatment with less than seven days versus seven days or more of antibiotics. The primary outcome of treatment failure was defined as the absence of clinical resolution, relapse or recurrence of AOM during one month following initiation of therapy. Treatment outcomes were extracted from individual studies and combined in the form of a summary odds ratio (OR). A summary OR of 1.0 indicates that the treatment failure rate following less than seven days of antibiotic treatment was similar to the failure rate following seven days or more of treatment. This update included 49 trials containing 12,045 participants. Risk of treatment failure was higher with short courses of antibiotics (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.55) at one month after initiation of therapy (21% failure with short-course treatment and 18% with long-course; absolute difference of 3% between groups). There were no differences found when examining treatment with ceftriaxone for less than seven days (30% failure in those receiving ceftriaxone and 27% in short-acting antibiotics administered for seven days or more) or azithromycin for less than seven days (18% failure in both those receiving azithromycin and short-acting antibiotics administered for seven days or more) with respect to risk of treatment failure at one month or less. Significant reductions in gastrointestinal adverse events were observed for treatment with short-acting antibiotics and azithromycin. Clinicians need to evaluate whether the minimal short-term benefit from longer treatment of antibiotics is worth exposing children to a longer course of antibiotics.

Case Report-Right iliac fossa mass in an HIV-positive woman

A 35 year old woman was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) with fever, abdominal pain and vomiting for 3 days. A week earlier she had started antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a clinical trial in Blantyre, Malawi, after meeting all the requirements of the study. At the time of enrolment, her CD4 count was 19/µl, and viral load >400,000 copies/ml. She was started on a combination of amtricitabine (FTC), tenofivir (TDF) and atazanavir (ATV). At the present admission, she looked ill. Her axillary temperature was 38°C, blood pressure 110/70 mmHg, pulse rate 100/minute, weight 56Kg. The abdomen was tender to touch without any palpable enlarged organs. A full blood count showed a haemoglobin concentration of 9.8g/dl, other parameters being within normal limits. Blood biochemistry and liver function tests were normal. A blood sample for culture was taken which remained sterile after 7 days of incubation. The patient was started on empirical intravenous broad spectrum antibiotic (ceftriaxone 2g once a day) for possible sepsis. Two days later the patient remained ill and examination now revealed a right iliac fossa mass which was tender to touch. A bimanual pelvic examination suggested that the mass was arising from the pelvis. A gynecological review confirmed the findings. An ultrasound of the abdomen and pelvis identified a mass arising from the pelvis but was unable to define the organ of origin. Intravenous metronidazole was added to ceftriaxone. After ten days of antibiotic treatment, there was no clinical response. The gynecologists decided to take the patient for surgical exploration. During the procedure a mass was found affecting the ileocaecal junction and the whole of the ascending colon. The visual findings were suggestive of a carcinoma of the ascending colon with areas of perforation. A hemi-colectomy was done (see figure 1-gross specimen of the colon) Figure 1 Part of the resected tumor The patient remained unwell and died two weeks later in hospital after repeated breakdown of the anastomosis site. A histology report came out two days after the patient died. What is the diagnosis?

The treatment and outcome of postmeningitic subdural empyema in infants

The management of subdural empyema (SDE) has been debated in the literature for decades. Craniotomy and bur hole drainage have been shown to achieve a favorable outcome. However, there is a lack of comparative data for these modes of management of SDE subsequent to meningitis in infants. The authors conducted a retrospective review of 33 infants identified with SDE due to meningitis at the Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital between 2000 and 2006. Preoperative clinical presentation, duration of symptoms, radiological investigations, CSF data, and postoperative outcome were analyzed and compared between these 2 surgical groups. At diagnosis, there were no differences between the groups in age, weight, degree of consciousness, CSF analysis, or duration of fever. The outcome data showed no difference in the number of days until afebrile, number of days of postsurgical antibiotic treatment, neurological outcome, recurrence rate, or complication rate. There was only 1 death in the series. Subdural empyema due to meningitis in infants is unique with respect to the pathophysiology, presentation, and treatment of SDE. Early detection and removal of SDE provide a favorable outcome in both surgical intervention groups. Bur hole drainage is less invasive, and it is possible to expect a clinical outcome as good as with craniotomy in postmeningitic SDE.

Partial wedge resection of nail, nail bed and nail matrix in ingrown toenail treatment

Objectives: Ingrown toenail is a frequent problem which can be seen in all ages. There are many treatment methods both surgical and nonsurgical. In this study we evaluated the results of wedge resection of ingrown toe nail. Patients and Methods: A total of 80 toenails of 74 patients (55 female, 19 male) who complaint with discharge and deformity of their toenail underwent partial wedge resection of the nail and nail matrix. According to the Heifetz\'s staging system, 34 toenails were grade II, 46 toenails were grade III. There was active drainage due to an infectious process in all effected toe nails. All patients were operated after 10 day of oral antibiotic treatment. We evaluated the recurrence, postoperative infection, patient satisfaction and time to return to work. Results: The mean follow up period was 8 months (4-12 months). There was no recurrence in any patient. Two patients came with wound drainage in postoperative 14th day. Intravenous antibiotic treatment, debridement and wound dressing with rifampicine every other day were accomplished. All patients expressed their satisfaction with surgery. Conclusion: In treatment of ingrown toenail; wedge resection of nail, nail matrix and nail bed is a very effective treatment. Recurrence rate following this technique is negligible if it is done properly and it has high patient satisfaction.

Infectious olecranon and patellar bursitis: short-course adjuvant antibiotic therapy is not a risk factor for recurrence in adult hospitalized patients

No evidence-based recommendations exist for the management of infectious bursitis. We examined epidemiology and risk factors for recurrence of septic bursitis. Specifically, we compared outcome in patients receiving bursectomy plus short-course adjuvant antibiotic therapy (<or=7 days) with that of patients receiving bursectomy plus longer-course antibiotic therapy (>7 days). Retrospective study of adult patients with infectious olecranon and patellar bursitis requiring hospitalization at Geneva University Hospital from January 1996 to March 2009. We identified 343 episodes of infectious bursitis (237 olecranon and 106 patellar). Staphylococcus aureus predominated among the 256 cases with an identifiable pathogen (85%). Three hundred and twelve cases (91%) were treated surgically; 142 (41%) with one-stage bursectomy and closure and 146 with two-stage bursectomy. All received antibiotics for a median duration of 13 days with a median intravenous component of 3 days. Cure was achieved in 293 (85%) episodes. Total duration of antibiotic therapy [odds ratio (OR) 0.9; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.8-1.1] showed no association with cure. In multivariate analysis, only immunosuppression was linked to recurrence (OR 5.6; 95% CI 1.9-18.4). Compared with <or=7 days, 8-14 days of antibiotic treatment (OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.1-2.9) or >14 days of antibiotic treatment (OR 0.9; 95% CI 0.1-10.7) was equivalent, as was the intravenous component (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0-1.3). In severe infectious bursitis requiring hospitalization, adjuvant antibiotic therapy might be limited to 7 days in non-immunosuppressed patients.

Fatty Acid Supplementation Improves Respiratory, Inflammatory and Nutritional Parameters in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis

Introduction and aims Chronic inflammation plays a major role in lung deterioration in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and anti-inflammatory strategies have beneficial effects. To study the changes seen after a oneyear course of low-dose dietary supplements with a mixture of fatty acids in adult patients with CF in chronic inflammation, pulmonary status (lung function, respiratory exacerbations and antibiotic consumption), quality of life and anthropometric parameters. Patients and method Seventeen adult subjects with CF received 324mg of eicosapentaenoic, 216mg of docosahexaenoic, 480mg of linoleic and 258mg of gammalinolenic acid daily. We assessed inflammation markers, spirometry parameters, number and severity of respiratory exacerbations, antibiotic consumption, quality of life (St George's QoL), anthropometric parameters and serum phospholipid fatty acid composition. Results At the end of the treatment period TNF alpha levels fell significantly and its soluble receptors (60 and 80) rose significantly. Levels of IgG and IgM anti-oxidised LDL antibodies fell significantly. Spirometry improved significantly. Annual respiratory exacerbations and days of antibiotic treatment fell significantly. The improvement in QoL was not significant. Serum levels of docosahexaenoic, total omega-3 and linoleic acid rose significantly and more favourable profiles were seen in monoenoic acids, arachidonic acid and the arachidonic/docosahexaenoic ratio. The fat-free mass and hand grip dynamometry improved significantly. Conclusions Low-dose supplements of n-3 and gammalinolenic fatty acids over a long period (one year) appears to improve pulmonary status (lung function, respiratory exacerbations and antibiotic consumption), inflammatory and anthropometric parameters in adults with CF.

La suplementación con ácidos grasos mejora parámetros respiratorios, inflamatorios y nutricionales en adultos con fibrosis quística

Introduction and aims Chronic inflammation plays a major role in lung deterioration in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and anti-inflammatory strategies have beneficial effects. To study the changes seen after a one-year course of low-dose dietary supplements with a mixture of fatty acids in adult patients with CF in chronic inflammation, pulmonary status (lung function, respiratory exacerbations and antibiotic consumption), quality of life and anthropometric parameters. Patients and method Seventeen adult subjects with CF received 324 mg of eicosapentaenoic, 216 mg of docosahexaenoic, 480 mg of linoleic and 258 mg of gammalinolenic acid daily. We assessed inflammation markers, spirometry parameters, number and severity of respiratory exacerbations, antibiotic consumption, quality of life (St George's QoL), anthropometric parameters and serum phospholipid fatty acid composition. Results At the end of the treatment period TNF alpha levels fell significantly and its soluble receptors (60 and 80) rose significantly. Levels of IgG and IgM anti-oxidized LDL antibodies fell significantly. Spirometry improved significantly. Annual respiratory exacerbations and days of antibiotic treatment fell significantly. The improvement in QoL was not significant. Serum levels of docosahexaenoic, total omega-3 and linoleic acid rose significantly and more favourable profiles were seen in monoenoic acids, arachidonic acid and the arachidonic/docosahexaenoic ratio. The fat-free mass and hand grip dynamometry improved significantly. Conclusions Low-dose supplements of n-3 and gammalinolenic fatty acids over a long period (one year) appears to improve pulmonary status (lung function, respiratory exacerbations and antibiotic consumption), inflammatory and anthropometric parameters in adults with CF.

Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis due to subclinical Lyme borreliosis

We report an extremely rare case of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis due to subclinical Lyme borreliosis. Case report presenting a 15-year-old girl referred with hoarseness and soft voice. Right-sided recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis was observed using videolaryngoscopy. Imaging was used to exclude intracranial, cervical and intrathoracic embryological lesions, vascular malformations and tumours. Laboratory and electrophysiological investigations were used to exclude inflammatory and paraneoplastic processes, endocrinopathy and metabolic disorders. Serological testing was positive for Lyme disease. Parenteral ceftriaxone therapy was commenced. The patient's nerve paralysis showed complete recovery on the seventh day of antibiotic treatment; this was confirmed by videolaryngoscopy. Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis is an extremely rare complication of neuroborreliosis associated with Lyme disease. In patients with recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis in whom the clinical history is uncertain and the usual diagnostic methods give negative results, screening with anti-borrelia immunoglobulin M is suggested.

Comparison of Methods To Test Antibiotic Combinations against Heterogeneous Populations of Multiresistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa from Patients with Acute Infective Exacerbations in Cystic Fibrosis

Multiresistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates can chronically infect patients with cystic fibrosis. Acute infective exacerbations are treated with combinations of two antipseudomonal antibiotics. Patients may respond clinically even if the bacteria are resistant, possibly due to antimicrobial synergy. The challenge for testing for synergy in vitro is that there is no standardized method, and the antibiotic susceptibility in a population of P. aeruginosa isolates in a single sputum sample can vary. We therefore compared (i) antibiotic combinations with different examples of resistant bacteria from the same sputum sample and (ii) the results of synergy testing by different methods. Antibiotic synergy was tested by using resistant P. aeruginosa isolates recovered from sputum samples taken just before the start of treatment for an acute infective exacerbation. Several examples of each morphotype of P. aeruginosa were tested by cidal checkerboard, time-kill curve, and multiple-combination bactericidal testing. The isolates were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The results were compared with the clinical and microbiological responses to 14 days of antibiotic treatment. Forty-four resistant isolates from nine patients were tested. Some P. aeruginosa isolates with the same morphotype and PFGE pulsotype had different results by synergy testing. There was a poor correlation between the results of the different methods of synergy testing, and no one method would have predicted the response to treatment in all patients. The in vitro effects of antibiotic combinations against different isolates from the same sputum sample can vary, and the results depend on the methodology used. The role of combination testing for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa in acute exacerbations of chronic infection in patients with cystic fibrosis needs to be reviewed.

URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN SPINAL CORD INJURY: PREVENTION AND TREATMENT GUIDELINES

Objectives and Methods: The literature on prevention and therapy of urinary tract infection (UTI) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) was reviewed using 3 levels of evidence. Results: Antibiotic therapy is only indicated in symptomatic bacteriuria or in symptomatic exacerbations of chronic UTI. During the acute phase of a SCI, UTI’s are more prevalent and bacteria are different and more resistant to antibiotics compared with the chronic phase of SCI. In SCI in general, routine screening urine cultures are not valuable as a high species turn over is seen. Intermittent catheterisation, tapping or Crédé manoeuvre coincide significantly with lower frequency of UTI compared to permanent catheter drainage. No measures are proven efficient in the long term in prevention of bacteriuria or UTI. Methenamine salts are perhaps useful in the prevention of UTI but not in patients with a permanent catheter (level III). Antibiotic prophylaxis was found useful in reducing asymptomatic bacteriuria but not in the prevention of symptomatic infections (level I). However, during prophylaxis a doubling of antibiotic resistance was found. In patients with augmented bladder antibiotic prophylaxis is useless (level II). In chronic SCI the first choice antibiotics are nitrofurantoin or trimethoprim, the second choice are fluoroquinolones (level III) whereas in acute SCI a higher resistance profile to antibiotics is frequent and therefore fluoroquinolones or cefuroxime are suggested (level III). There is no consensus in the literature but we suggest 5 days of antibiotic treatment in UTI during chronic SCI without fever, 7 days in acute SCI without fever and a minimum of 14 days in patients with UTI and fever (level III).