Catheter-associated Bacteremia Research Articles

Reduction of hemodialysis catheter-related blood stream infections in intensive care units after systematic use of taurolidine-citrate-heparin locking solution.

Dialysis catheter-associated bacteremia in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) increases morbidity and mortality, prolongs hospital admission and increases admission costs. Taurolidine-Citrate-Heparin Locking Solution (TCHLS) is a catheter-locking solution with a broad antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of systematic sealing of hemodialysis catheters in the ICUs of the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona on the incidence of hemodialysis catheter-related blood stream infections (CRBSI). CRBSI episodes of patients who underwent intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) during ICU admission were reviewed. TCHLS was established as a routine dialysis catheter sealing solution in the hospital ICUs in 2015. As a control group an historic pre-TCHLS group from 2010 to 2014 was used. The post-TCHLS period comprised from 2015 to 2018. A total of 243 and 266 patients required IHD in the pre- and post TCHLS periods, respectively. The number of CRBSI in the pre-TCHLS period was 18 (7.43%) as compared to 9 (3.38%) in the post-TCHLS period (p = 0.043). All infections were from percutaneous catheters except for three catheters that were tunneled. There was no association between the location of the catheter and the incidence of CRBSI. The most frequent isolated microorganisms were Gram positive bacteria (48.38%), with a global predominance of Staphylococcus epidermidis (32.25%). There were no significant differences in the median days from the start of hemodialysis to the onset of bacteremia (23.5 days in pre-TCHLS group vs 21 days in the post-TCHLS). There were also no significant differences between the days of ICU stay in the CRBSI in both groups or in mortality, being the overall mortality of 65.9%. In our population, the systematic application of TCHLS in the sealing of dialysis catheters in critically ill patients reduces the incidence of CRBSI in ICUs.

A case report of lactobacillus bacteremia in a patient on chronic parenteral nutrition

Short bowel syndrome is a malabsorption disorder typically caused by the physical loss of a portion of the intestine, whereafter the body is unable to adequately absorb nutrients, fluids, and electrolytes. Many patients with short bowel syndrome are reliant on home parenteral nutrition through a tunneled or peripherally inserted central catheter to ensure sufficient hydration and nutrition. Central venous catheters are a nidus for bacteria, and patients are at risk for infections associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality. Lactobacillus is a ubiquitous microorganism that most frequently colonizes mucosal surfaces such as the gastrointestinal tract. Lactobacillus bacteremia is rare, with limited occurrence in current medical literature. Our patient is a 60-year-old female with a past medical history significant for multiple abdominal surgeries resulting in short bowel syndrome, with subsequent dependence on home parenteral nutrition via peripherally inserted central catheter. She had type III chronic intestinal failure, category D2, and stage 1 moderate malnutrition. She was originally admitted to the hospital for a presumed pulmonary embolism and was found to have a deep vein thrombosis in the setting of her peripherally inserted central catheter. On admission her abdominal exam was unremarkable, she denied abdominal pain, and her only gastrointestinal complaint was chronic stable diarrhea. During the hospitalization she developed severe left lower quadrant abdominal pain and noted decreased frequency of her bowel movements. A computed tomography scan of her abdomen revealed chronic stable intestinal distension and was concerning for obstruction. Clinically she remained without symptoms of acute obstruction or ileus. During the admission she became febrile, with blood cultures from her peripherally inserted central catheter and peripheral IV growing out gram negative rods determined to be lactobacillus bacteremia. The infectious disease team recommended removal of her peripherally inserted central catheter given their concern for a line infection. The patient was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, did well clinically, and was ultimately discharged following reinsertion of her peripherally inserted central catheter after negative repeat blood cultures. Though she initially did well in the outpatient setting, she ultimately passed away ten months later after re-presenting to the hospital in septic shock, secondary to bowel ischemia and suspected fungemia of her peripherally inserted central catheter. In this case report, we describe an unusual case of a patient with short bowel syndrome on chronic parenteral nutrition who developed catheter-associated lactobacillus bacteremia - the first reported case in an adult patient on parenteral nutrition.

Synergistic Effects of Gentamicin, Cefepime, and Ciprofloxacin on Biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen involved in number of hospital-acquired infections such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections, bacteremia, septicemia, skin infections, and ventilator-associated pneumoniae. Biofilm formation is an important trait implicated in chronic infections, such as cystic fibrosis and chronic pulmonary obstruction. We evaluated effects of gentamicin, cefepime, and ciprofloxacin on biofilm of P. aeruginosa. A total of 266 isolates were collected from the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP). Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed by double disk synergy testing. ESBL and carbapenemase detection was performed by phenotypic testing. Molecular screening of the genes was done by PCR. Micro-dilution broth method was used to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics. Biofilm formation was done by micro-titer plate assay. Overall, 20% of the P. aeruginosa isolates were extensively drug-resistant (XDR-PA), and 25% were multi-drug-resistant (MDR-PA). Likewise, 43% of the isolates were ESBL producers, and carbapenemase production was detected in 40% of the isolates. Molecular analysis confirmed occurrence of different resistant factors in ESBL-positive isolates; 67% carried blaTEM, 62% blaCTXM-15, 41% blaSHV, 34% blaCTXM-14, and 33% blaOXA-1. In addition, 68% of the carbapenem-resistant isolates were positive for blaNDM-1, 25% for blaOXA-48, and 22% for blaKPC-2. Biofilm formation was assessed for 234 isolates, out of which 28% were strong biofilm formers. Moderate and weak biofilm formers constituted 46% and 23%, respectively. Overall, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and cefepime showed inhibitory effects on P. aeruginosa biofilms. Antibiotics in combination showed strong synergistic effects (ciprofloxacin and cefepime), while gentamicin and cefepime resulted in complete eradication of P. aeruginosa biofilm. We confirm strong synergistic effects of gentamicin and cefepime that completely eradicated P. aeruginosa biofilm. We further confirm inhibitory effects of ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and cefepime on P. aeruginosa biofilms. Hence, combination therapy can be more effective against biofilm-associated infections.

#4245 CATHETER-ASSOCIATED BLOODSTREAM INFECTIONS IN A HOSPITAL DIALYSIS UNIT – SEASONAL INFLUENCE AND COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract Background and Aims Catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CRBSI) are an important source of morbidity and mortality among patients receiving hemodialysis through a central venous catheter (CVC). Despite of the efforts to choose the arteriovenous fistula as the first vascular access, a large proportion of end stage kidney disease population initiates dialysis using these catheters. Thus, efforts to prevent catheter-associated bloodstream infections remain important. The aim of our study is to analyze the outcomes of the episodes of CRBSI in our dialysis unit. Secondly, we evaluated the seasonal distribution and the possible impact of infection-control measures implemented during COVID-19 pandemic. Method We conducted a single-center retrospective observational study of all cases of tunneled dialysis catheter-associated bacteremia that need hospitalization during a nine-year period (January 2013 – December 2022). Results A total of 67 episodes of catheter-associated bloodstream infections in 52 hemodialysis patients were registered. This translates into a total of 2 episodes per 1000 catheter-days. Among all patients, the mean age was 68.5 years, 74.6% were men and 25.4% women. Five patients (9.6%) had any type of immunosuppressive treatment. Nearly 88% used a tunneled jugular catheter as definite vascular access and the remainder used a femoral one. Eighteen of all episodes (26.9%) occurred during the first thirty days of catheter implantation. Ten of all patients (19.2%) suffer at least a second infection during the follow-up period, without differences in clinical and demographic characteristics. The microbial etiology of the infections were Gram-positive organisms in 67.2% and, within these, 83% were Staphylococcus Aureus. The catheter had to be removed in 65.7% of all cases and there were significant difference (p<0.01) between Gram negative infections (preservation of 70%, successfully treated with prolonged antibiotic therapy) and Gram positive ones (preservation 12%, 3 cases of S. epidermidis and 2 cases of S. Aureus due to limited vascular tree). Admission to the intensive care unit was required in five patients and there were only two cases of endocarditis as metastasic complication. There was no death related to CRBSI. About the seasonal distribution, the majority of episodes occurs in summer and spring (43.3% and 23.9% respectively), whereas in autumn and winter there were fewer cases registered (16.4% and 16.4% in both). Despite of the increasing use of CVC as definite vascular access in our dialysis unit (almost 60%), the rate of CRBSI has been declining in parallel over the years. Since 2018, we reported less than 0.5 episodes per 1000 catheter-days. Conclusion This study shows a low frequency of CRBSI compared to previous studies. Among all episodes, the predominant infecting organism was methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus Aureus (14.7% were methicillin-resistant). The early catheter removal, especially in aggressive strains as S. Aureus, reflects a low number of serious complications, with uncommon metastatic infections and no death directly related to CRBSI. A large proportion of infections were in summer; it may be attributable to hiring of less experienced professionals. We identified a substantial decline in rates of CRBSI coincident with COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, this reduction was apparent beginning nearly two years before pandemic. This suggests that factors other than changes in infection-control practices during the pandemic are partially responsible of that.

256. Coinfection and Secondary Bacterial Infection in Hospitalized Patients with COVID 19 in a Fourth Reference Level Institution in Colombia: Incidence, Microbiology and Bacterial Resistance.

Abstract Background The presence of coinfection and superinfection in hospitalized patients with COVID 19 varies, ranging between 3-14% in case of bacterial coinfection and 3 - 58% for superinfection. The objective of the study is to describe the incidence, type of infection and etiology in a cohort of patients with COVID 19 who required hospitalization. Methods A retrospective series of adult patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID 19 who required hospitalization in the general ward or ICU and who presented coinfection or superinfection, between March and November 2020. The clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients who presented coinfection or superinfection are described Results During the study period, 788 patients with COVID 19 who required hospitalization were evaluated. 6.2% presented coinfection, 49 coinfections were documented, 84% detected in patients who required admission to the ICU. The coinfections detected were pneumonia 74%, tracheitis 11%, urinary tract infection 2% and soft tissue infection 2%. Gram negative bacilli were isolated in 58% of cases (K. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, E. cloacae, E. coli), 29% were gram positive (S aureus. S pneumoniae, S. agalactiae). Among gram negative bacilli, 12% showed resistance to 3 generation cephalosporins (3GCephR), no resistance to carbapenems (CR) was found. Superinfection was detected in 18%, with 142 documented infectious events. 98% were hospitalized in the ICU with a mean hospitalization time of 9 days at the time of infection diagnosis. The most frequent infections were tracheitis 49%, pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation 21%, bloodstream infections 17%, pneumonia 8%, catheter-associated bacteremia 3.6%, urinary tract infection 0.7% and others 0.7%. 80% were gram negative (K. pneumoniae, E. coli, E. cloacae, P. aeruginosa), 16% gram positive and fungi 4% Among the isolated gram negative bacilli, 3% showed 3GCephR and 9% were CR. Table 1.Types of superinfection and microbiological isolation Conclusion The incidence of coinfection in patients with COVID 19 in this series is similar to that reported in the literature. Superinfection occurred in 18% of hospitalized patients, the majority hospitalized in the ICU. 78% of superinfections were from the respiratory tract. Gram-negative bacilli are the most frequently isolated germs in superinfection, with CR of the 9%. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections, Bacteremia, and Infection Control Interventions in a Hospital: A Six-Year Time-Series Study.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are among the most common healthcare-associated infections. Urine catheters are often reservoirs of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and sources of pathogens transmission to other patients. The current study was conducted to investigate the correlation between CAUTIs, MDR bacteremia, and infection control interventions, in a tertiary-care hospital in Athens, from 2013 to 2018. The following data were analyzed per month: 1. CAUTI incidence; 2. consumption of hand hygiene disinfectants; 3. incidence of isolation of MDR carrier patients, and 4.incidence of bacteremia/1000 patient-days [total resistant a.Gram-negative: carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae; b.Gram-positive: vancomycin-resistant Enterococci and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus]. The use of scrub disinfectant solutions was associated with decreased CAUTI rate in Total Hospital Clinics (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96–0.98, p-value: <0.001) and in Adults ICU (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.65–0.96, p-value:0.018) while no correlation was found with isolation rate of MDR-carrier pathogens. Interestingly, an increase in total bacteremia (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.75–0.87, p-value:<0.001) or carbapenem-resistant bacteremia correlated with decreased incidence of CAUTIs (OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94–0.99, p-value: 0.008). Hand hygiene measures had a robust and constant effect on infection control, reducing the incidence of CAUTIs.

Pseudomonas putida bacteremia in pediatric patients: A case series study

IntroductionBacteria of the genus Pseudomonas act as opportunistic pathogens. Pseudomonas putida has been considered a pathogen of low virulence and susceptible to multiple antibiotics, but in recent years resistant strains have emerged. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics, evolution and antibiotic resistance of P. putida bacteremia documented in pediatric hospitalized patients. MethodsRetrospective cases series. Pediatric patients admitted to the Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan Hospital of Buenos Aires City, Argentina, with isolation in blood cultures of P. putida were included, between August 2015 and August 2020. ResultsSample consisting of 13 patients. Median age: 81 months (IQR 15−163). Ten of the patients were immunocompromised (77%), 11 (85%) had a central venous catheter, 2 (15%) received transfusions prior to the episode of bacteremia, and 6 (46%) had had an invasive procedure within the previous 30 days. Three patients (23%) presented bacteremia secondary to clinical focus and 10 (77%) had central venous catheter-associated bacteremia. All presented fever, 62% (8) evolved with sepsis and 15% (2) with septic shock. Two patients required admission to the intensive care unit (15%), and in 7 (54%) the central venous catheter was removed. None died. The median days of treatment was 14 (IQR 10−14). Resistance to carbapenems was 30%. ConclusionAll children had underlying comorbidities, most of them immunocompromised. Catheter-associated infection predominated. The sensitivity to antibiotics was variable. Given the emergence of multi-resistant strains, it is essential to know the local epidemiology.

Refractory postoperative Staphylococcus hominis bacteremia in a patient with an ACTH-producing pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm: a case report

BackgroundStaphylococcus hominis (S. hominis) is an opportunistic pathogen that is often highly resistant to antibiotics and is difficult to treat. In patients diagnosed with an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-producing tumor that compromises the immune system due to hypercortisolemia, cancer treatment and infection control should be considered simultaneously. This report presents a case of refractory postoperative S. hominis bacteremia requiring the prolonged administration of several antibiotics in a patient with an ACTH-producing pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (pNEN).Case presentationA 35-year-old man visited a neighboring hospital for a thorough examination after experiencing weight gain and lower limb weakness for several months. Enhanced computed tomography revealed a pancreatic tail tumor and bilateral adrenal enlargement. Elevated plasma ACTH and serum cortisol were noted. Biopsy under endoscopic ultrasonography revealed the tumor as an ACTH-producing pNEN. The patient was transferred to our hospital for further treatment. Pneumocystis pneumonia was noted and treated with sulfamethoxazole and adjunctive glucocorticoids. Hypercortisolism was controlled with metyrapone and trilostane. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy and ethoxybenzyl magnetic resonance imaging detected other lesions in the pancreatic head. A total pancreatectomy was performed given that the lesions were found in both the pancreatic head and tail. Plasma ACTH and serum cortisol levels decreased immediately after the resection. Pathological examination revealed that the pancreatic tail tumor was NEN G2 and T3N1aM0 Stage IIB and the pancreatic head lesions were SSTR-positive hyperplasia of the islet of Langerhans cells. On postoperative day 11, catheter-associated bacteremia occurred. Initially, meropenem hydrate and vancomycin hydrochloride were administered empirically. S. hominis was identified and appeared sensitive to these antibiotics according to susceptibility testing. However, S. hominis was repeatedly positive in blood cultures for more than one month, despite treatment with several antibiotics. Eventually, with the combined use of three antibiotics (meropenem hydrate, vancomycin hydrochloride, and clindamycin phosphate) for more than 3 weeks, the S. hominis-associated bacteremia improved. He was discharged 79 days after surgery.ConclusionsOur patient with an ACTH-producing pNEN was immunocompromised and needed meticulous attention for infectious complications even after successful tumor removal. Specifically, S. hominis bacteremia in such patients demands intensive treatments, such as with combinational antibiotics.

Deeper may not be better: relationship between catheter dysfunction and location of the catheter tip in right-sided tunnelled haemodialysis catheters

To examine the relationship between catheter tip location and catheter dysfunction in the context of tunnelled central venous catheters (CVCs) for haemodialysis. This was a retrospective study of 993 haemodialysis patients who underwent insertion of tunnelled CVCs of step-tip design via the right internal jugular vein (IJV). Based on intra-procedural radiographs, the catheter tip was characterised as being in the superior vena cava (SVC), cavo-atrial junction (CAJ), or deep right atrium (DRA). Patients were tracked for 90 days post-procedure for complications resulting in catheter replacement, and these were compared between cohorts. Statistical analysis was performed with Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables and two-sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for continuous variables. Ninety-five patients (9.6%) experienced catheter dysfunction necessitating replacement within 90 days of insertion. Tip location in SVC was associated with lower occurrence of catheter dysfunction (1.9%) as compared with the CAJ (8%) and DRA (11%; p=0.049). Catheter replacement due to other complications (catheter-associated bacteraemia, cuff dislodgement, exit-site infection, external catheter damage) showed no statistically significant relation to location of the CVC tip. When utilising tunnelled CVCs with a step-tip design inserted via the right IJV, location of the catheter tip in the SVC is associated with reduced occurrence of catheter dysfunction as compared to either the CAJ or DRA.

Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters Versus Central Venous Catheters for in-Hospital Parenteral Nutrition.

Our objective was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the use of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) by a vascular access team (VAT) versus central venous catheters (CVCs) for in-hospital total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The study used a cost-effectiveness analysis based on observational data retrospectively obtained from electronic medical records from 2018 to 2019 in a teaching hospital. We included all interventional procedures requiring PICCs or CVCs with the indication of TPN. We recorded the costs of insertion, maintenance, removal, and complications. The main outcome measure was the incidence rate of catheter-associated bacteremia per 1000 catheter days. Cost-effectiveness analysis was performed from the hospital perspective within the context of the publicly funded Spanish health system. Confidence intervals for costs and effectiveness differences were calculated using bootstrap methods. We analyzed 233 CVCs and 292 PICCs from patients receiving TPN. Average duration was longer for PICC (13 versus 9.4 days, P &lt; 0.001). The main reason for complications in both groups was suspected infection (9.77% CVC versus 5.18% PICC). Complication rates due to bacteremia were 2.44% for CVC and 1.15% for PICC. The difference in the incidence of bacteremia per 1000 catheter days was 1.29 (95% confidence interval, -0.89 to 3.90). Overall, costs were lower for PICCs than for CVCs: the difference in mean overall costs was -€559.9 (95% confidence interval, -€919.9 to -€225.4). Uncertainty analysis showed 86.37% of results with lower costs and higher effectiveness for PICC versus CVC. Placement of PICC by VAT compared with CVC for TPN reduces costs and may decrease the rate of bacteremia.

MO783: Reduction of the Incidence of Dialysis Catheter-Associated Bacteraemia in Intensive Care Units after Systematic Application of Taurolock in the Sealing of the Catheter

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Dialysis catheter-associated bacteraemia in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) increases morbidity and mortality, prolongs hospital admission and increases admission costs. TauroLock™ is a lock solution containing (cyclo)-taurolidine (1.35%) and citrate (4%). (Cyclo)-taurolidine has broad antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The objective of this study was to analyse the effect of systematic sealing of haemodialysis catheters in the ICUs of the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona on the incidence of bacteraemia associated with haemodialysis catheters (BACH). METHOD BACH episodes of patients who underwent intermittent haemodialysis (IHD) during ICU admission were reviewed. The period analysed as pre-Taurolock™ was from 2010 to 2014 and post-TauroLock™ from 2015 to 2018. Patients who only received renal replacement therapy with continuous techniques were excluded. RESULTS A total of 279 patients received IHD in the pre-TauroLock™ period and 331 in the post-TauroLock™ period. The number of BACH in the pre-TauroLock™ period was 18 (6.45%) and 9 (2.72%) in the post-TauroLock™ period. All infections were from percutaneous catheters (acute patients) except three catheters that were tunnelled. In the pre-TauroLock™ period, femoral catheters predominated (61.1%) while in the post-TauroLock they were jugular (66.7%). There was no association between the location of the catheter and the incidence of BACH. Of the 27 patients with BACH, 14 (51.8%) were men with a mean age of 63 years, with no significant differences between the two groups. The most frequent reasons for admission to the ICU in the pre-TauroLock™ period were post-cardiac surgery, cardiogenic, septic or hypovolemic shock and acute myocardial infarction (3 patients per group) and in the post-TauroLock™ period, septic shock and pancreatitis (3 and 2 patients respectively). The most frequent isolated bacteria were Gram-positive (in total 48.38%: pre-TauroLock™ 47.61% and post-TauroLock™ 50%), with a global predominance of staphylococcus epidermidis (32.25%) (Table). There were no significant differences in the median days from the start of haemodialysis to bacteraemia (23.5 pre-TauroLock™ versus 21 post-TauroLock™). There were also no significant differences between the days of ICU stay in the BACH in both groups or in mortality, being the overall mortality of 70.4%. CONCLUSION In our cohort, the systematic application of TauroLock™ in the sealing of dialysis catheters in critically ill patients reduces the incidence of BACH in ICUs.

Infecciones por microorganismos del grupo HACEK y otros bacilos gramnegativos infrecuentes

There are a multitude of uncommon Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) capable of causing various infections in human beings; it is an extremely heterogeneous group of pathogens. Of note are those known as HACEK (Haemophilus, Aggregatibacter, Cardiobacterium, Eikenella, and Kingella) group GNB. They are slow-growing bacteria that are an infrequent cause of infective endocarditis with a subacute course and embolic complications. The majority are oral flora, causing infection following dental procedures. New microbiological techniques such as better culture media, MALDI-TOF, or molecular techniques such as DNA sequencing or the use of 16S rRNA PCR represent advances in their diagnosis. Treatment for them varies; amoxicillin-clavulanic acid or third-generation cephalosporins tend to be used. Of the uncommon non-HACEK GNB, the majority are ubiquitous bacteria that contaminate water and hospital surfaces, giving rise to nosocomial outbreaks of infections, including pneumonias, catheter-associated bacteremias, and other device-related infections. Of note are the genera Achromobacter, Alcaligenes, Chryseobacterium, and Elizabethkingia. Some genera, such as Actinobacillus, Aeromonas, or Chromobacterium, can give rise to infections following exposure to dirty water. Capnocytophaga and Pasteurella can produce infections following animal bites. Their treatment varies and tends to be based on beta-lactams with beta-lactamase inhibitors.

Anti-CD25 radioimmunotherapy with BEAM autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation conditioning in Hodgkin lymphoma

AbstractHigh-risk relapsed or refractory (R/R) classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is associated with poor outcomes after conventional salvage therapy and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT). Post-AHCT consolidation with brentuximab vedotin (BV) improves progression-free survival (PFS), but with increasing use of BV early in the treatment course, the utility of consolidation is unclear. CD25 is often expressed on Reed-Sternberg cells and in the tumor microenvironment in HL, and we hypothesized that the addition of 90Y-antiCD25 (aTac) to carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan (BEAM) AHCT would be safe and result in a transplantation platform that is agnostic to prior HL-directed therapy. Twenty-five patients with high-risk R/R HL were enrolled in this phase 1 dose-escalation trial of aTac-BEAM. Following an imaging dose of 111In-antiCD25, 2 patients had altered biodistribution, and a third developed an unrelated catheter-associated bacteremia; therefore, 22 patients ultimately received therapeutic 90Y-aTac-BEAM AHCT. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed, and 0.6 mCi/kg was deemed the recommended phase 2 dose, the dose at which the heart wall would not receive >2500 cGy. Toxicities and time to engraftment were similar to those observed with standard AHCT, though 95% of patients developed stomatitis (all grade 1-2 per Bearman toxicity scale). Seven relapses (32%) were observed, most commonly in patients with ≥3 risk factors. The estimated 5-year PFS and overall survival probabilities among 22 evaluable patients were 68% and 95%, respectively, and non-relapse mortality was 0%. aTac-BEAM AHCT was tolerable in patients with high-risk R/R HL, and we are further evaluating the efficacy of this approach in a phase 2 trial. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01476839.

Bacteriemia por Pseudomonas putida en niños: serie de casos

IntroductionBacteria of the genus Pseudomonas act as opportunistic pathogens. Pseudomonas putida has been considered a pathogen of low virulence and susceptible to multiple antibiotics, but in recent years resistant strains have emerged. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics, evolution and antibiotic resistance of P. putida bacteremia documented in pediatric hospitalized patients. MethodsRetrospective cases series. Pediatric patients admitted to the Prof. Dr. Juan P. Garrahan Hospital of Buenos Aires City, Argentina, with isolation in blood cultures of P. putida were included, between August 2015 and August 2020. ResultsSample consisting of 13 patients. Median age: 81 months (IQR 15-163). Ten of the patients were immunocompromised (77%), 11 (85%) had a central venous catheter, 2 (15%) received transfusions prior to the episode of bacteremia, and 6 (46%) had had an invasive procedure within the previous 30 days. Three patients (23%) presented bacteremia secondary to clinical focus and 10 (77%) had central venous catheter-associated bacteremia. All presented fever, 62% (8) evolved with sepsis and 15% (2) with septic shock. Two patients required admission to the intensive care unit (15%), and in 7 (54%) the central venous catheter was removed. None died. The median days of treatment was 14 (IQR 10-14). Resistance to carbapenems was 30%. ConclusionAll children had underlying comorbidities, most of them immunocompromised. Catheter-associated infection predominated. The sensitivity to antibiotics was variable. Given the emergence of multi-resistant strains, it is essential to know the local epidemiology.

Experience in the use of midclavicular catheters: An inception cohort study.

To describe the outcomes of midclavicular catheters related to first insertion success rate, catheter dwell time, rate of catheter survival until the end of the treatment, and complication rates, as well as identify risk factors associated with early catheter removal. Midclavicular catheters are peripheral venous catheters that are typically 20-25cm in length. Inception cohort study. We included all the midclavicular lines inserted in patients who met any of the following criteria: (a) difficult venous access; (b) administration of intravenous therapy expected to last between 6 and 30days with non-irritant (pH=5-9) and/or non-vesicant drugs; or (c) contraindications to central venous catheter placement. The incidence of adverse events was calculated using percentages and episodes per 1,000 catheter days. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant risk factors for unexpected catheter removal by calculating odds ratios. Catheter survival was assessed using Cox regression analysis. The STROBE guidelines were followed. Overall, 2,275midclavicular lines were placed in 1,841 participants. The insertion success rate was 99.4% and the mean catheter dwell time was 21.82days. The rate of adverse events was .7 per 1,000 catheter days, the most common complications being thrombosis (.39) and catheter-associated bacteraemia (.14). No significant association was found between adverse events and the administration of irritant drugs. The incidence of unexpected removal was 6.7 per 1,000 catheter days. The multivariate analysis showed that both age ≤70years and home therapy were associated with a lower likelihood of catheter failure. Midclavicular catheters are associated with a high rate of insertion success and low rates of adverse events and unplanned removal. Midclavicular lines are a safe alternative for intravenous therapy lasting more than 6days, even with irritant drugs.

Evaluation of extensively drug-resistant gram-negative bacteremia among solid-organ transplant recipients: a multicenter study

The aim of this study is to evaluate the distribution, sources, clinical features, and mortality rates of bacteremia due to evaluation of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) gram negative among solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients. A retrospective study of SOT recipients with bacteremia due to XDR gram-negative pathogens in 11 centers between 2016 and 2018 was conducted. Patients’ records were evaluated. Of 171 bacteremia that occurred in 164 SOT recipients, 93 (56.7%) were liver, 46 (28%) kidney, 14 (8.5%) heart, and 11 (6.7%) lung recipients. Bacteremia episodes were recorded in the first year in 63.7% of the patients (n = 109), early-onset bacteremia was recorded in 45% (n = 77) of the episodes. In multivariate analysis, catheter-associated bacteremia was an independent risk factor for 7-day mortality (p = 0.037), and early-onset bacteremia was found as an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality (p = 0.017). Difficult-to-treat infections due to XDR bacteria in SOT recipients shadow the success of transplantation. Central venous catheters seem to be the main risk factor. Judicious use of medical devices is of pivotal importance.

Fibrin sheath disruption during guidewire exchange for bacteremia: Low recurrence of infection and preservation of vascular access sites.

Catheter-associated bacteremia (CAB) often leads to removal of tunneled dialysis catheters with delayed insertion (RDI). Exchange over a guidewire (ExW) can be considered for access site preservation. Fibrin sheath disruption (FSD) during exchange is not standard practice for infected catheters. Here we present the first analysis of outcomes after such exchanges (ExW-FSD). Retrospective analysis of catheter exchanges and removals performed by interventional nephrology for bacteremia in 2008-2011 observed for 20.5 months. Charts were reviewed for recurrent or new bacteremia and death at 3 months, and for occurrence of thrombosis or stenosis along the catheter site. Catheter exchange with central venogram and fibrin sheath disruption was our standard of care in all patients presenting for CAB. RDI was performed either for tunnel infection, non-clearing of infection or at the request of referring physicians. Over 4 years, 66 patients were treated for CAB. Forty-two patients underwent ExW-FSD, which was performed even for Staph. aureus, gram negative bacteremia or candidemia. RDI was performed in 24 cases. Bacteremia recurred in 3 (7%) patients after ExW-FSD, and in 7 (30%) cases after RDI (p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in new infections: 5 (12%) after ExW-FSD and 2 (8%) after RDI. There was no death within 3 months after ExW-FSD and 4 (27%) (p = 0.005) deaths in the RDI group.There was one new central venous stenosis in the ExW-FSD group (2%) with no loss of access site, and 8 (33%) patients developed thrombosis/stenosis along the prior catheter track after RDI (33%) (p = 0.006) with loss of access site in (21%). In this retrospective analysis of treatment of CAB, ExW-FSD was associated with lower recurrence of bacteremia, lower death rate and a lower incidence of access site loss compared to RDI. These data support ExW-FSD use in patients with CAB.

‘We tend to get pad happy’: a qualitative study of health practitioners’ perspectives on the quality of continence care for older people in hospital

BackgroundBladder and bowel control difficulties affect 20% and 10% of the UK population, respectively, touch all age groups and are particularly prevalent in the older (65+ years) population. However, the...

Severe Infection in Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease: A Retrospective Multicenter French Study.

In patients presenting with anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease with advanced isolated kidney involvement, the benefit of intensive therapy remains controversial due to adverse events, particularly infection. We aim to describe the burden of severe infections (SI) (requiring hospitalization or intravenous antibiotics) and identify predictive factors of SI in a large cohort of patients with anti-GBM disease. Among the 201 patients (median [IQR] age, 53 [30–71] years) included, 74 had pulmonary involvement and 127 isolated glomerulonephritis. A total of 161 SI occurred in 116 patients during the first year after diagnosis. These infections occurred during the early stage of care (median [IQR] time, 13 [8–19] days after diagnosis) with mainly pulmonary (45%), catheter-associated bacteremia (22%) and urinary tract (21%) infections. In multivariable analysis, positive ANCA (HR [95% CI] 1.62 [1.07−2.44]; p = 0.02) and age at diagnosis (HR [95% CI] 1.10 [1.00–1.21]; p = 0.047) remained independently associated with SI. Age-adjusted severe infection during the first three months was associated with an increased three-year mortality rate (HR [95% CI] 3.13 [1.24–7.88]; p = 0.01). Thus, SI is a common early complication in anti-GBM disease, particularly in the elderly and those with positive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). No significant association was observed between immunosuppressive strategy and occurrence of SI.

Bacteriemia asociada a catéter tunelizado por Chryseobacterium indologenes, en un paciente de hemodiálisis

Catheter-associated bacteremia represent an important part of the morbidity in patients with renal replacement therapy, Chryseobacterium indologenes is a gram-negative bacterium that mainly affects patients with prolonged hospitalization; the majority of cases reported until now occurred in Asia. This article presents a case identified in Cali, Colombia, in a patient receiving hemodialysis, with the purpose of establishing the risk factors for the patients affected by C. indologenes, and know more about the microbiological characteristics, the spectrum of sensitivity and resistance of this bacterium, in order to establish treatment protocols for catheter-associated bacteremia.