Change In Antibiotic Prophylaxis Research Articles

Are changes in antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations responsible for an increased risk of cefazolin allergy?

BackgroundThe first line of prevention of surgical site infection relies on the timely administration of antibiotic prophylaxis. First- and second-generation cephalosporins are the most recommended antibiotics in elective surgery. The incidence of cefazolin allergy has increased worldwide over the years. The sensitization mechanism of cefazolin is currently unknown, and data supporting cross-reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins are lacking. Sensitization could occur through previous exposure either to cefazolin or to structurally related chemical agents. The objective of this study was to evaluate sensitization agents towards cefazolin. MethodsThe OpenBabel chemoinformatics toolbox was used to search for similarities between cefazolin and other molecules in an extensive drug database. Using the pholcodine-rocuronium similarity score as a threshold, we selected drugs with the most similar structure to that of cefazolin. Exposure to those drugs and cefazolin was assessed in a cohort of patients with skin test-proven cefazolin allergy at a specialized allergy centre via a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. ResultsUsing the pholcodine-rocuronium similarity score as a threshold (score≥0.7), 42 molecules were found to be similar to cefazolin (all cephalosporins). Only 8 were marketed in France. None of the 14 cefazolin-allergic patients who answered the questionnaire (65% female, median age 56 years) reported exposure to any identified antibiotics. In contrast, 11 (78%) had at least one previous surgery requiring cefazolin before the index case. ConclusionDirect previous cefazolin exposure was identified in 78% of cefazolin-allergic patients. Cefazolin started to take a central place in antibiotic prophylaxis after 2010, when cefamandole usage decreased drastically. Changes in antibiotic prophylaxis over the past 14 years in France could have been the turning point for the increased incidence of cefazolin allergy.

EXTENDED GRAM-NEGATIVE COVER ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS IN ORTHOPAEDIC TRAUMA SURGERY: IS IT TIME TO RECONSIDER CURRENT PRACTICE?

Gram-negative organisms are increasingly seen as causative pathogens in orthopaedic fracture surgery, which might necessitate a change in antibiotic prophylaxis protocols.A single-centre retrospective review of antibiogram results from all patients treated for fracture-related infection (FRI) was conducted. Subgroup analysis was undertaken to identify any host, injury or treatment variables predisposed to Gram-negative infection.The bacteriological results of 267 patients who underwent surgical treatment for FRI were analysed. Pathogens were isolated in 216 cases (81%), of which 118 (55%) were Gram-negative infections. Fractures involving the tibia and femur (p=0.007), the presence of soft tissue defect (p=0.003) and bone defects (p=0.001) were associated with an increased risk of developing a Gram- negative FRI.Gram-negative fracture-related infections were associated with injuries experiencing bone loss and those requiring soft tissue reconstruction. It is, therefore, prudent to consider extended Gram-negative directed antimicrobial prophylaxis in these cases to prevent the development of fracture-related infection

(242) Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery: Trends after Publication of the AUA Best Practice Statement

Abstract Introduction In April 2008, the American Urological Association (AUA) released a Best Practice Statement on antimicrobial use in urologic surgery, in which the combination of an aminoglycoside with either vancomycin or a 1st/2nd generation cephalosporin was recommended as the preferred antimicrobial regimen for inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation. This recommendation has come under scrutiny due to weak evidence supporting these combinations. Objective To assess changes in antibiotic prophylaxis for IPP surgery following publication of the AUA Best Practice Statement in April 2008. Methods The Premier Healthcare Database, an all-payer dataset that captures approximately 20% of hospital discharges in the United States, was queried for IPP surgeries from January 2000 to March 2020. The primary outcome was administration of an AUA-adherent antimicrobial regimen and secondary outcome was 90-day explant. Piecewise linear regression was used to compare antimicrobial trends before vs. after guideline publication. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed for primary and secondary outcomes. Results A total of 26,574 patients who underwent IPP surgery were identified, of whom 17,754 (67%) received AUA-adherent antibiotics. After guideline publication, there was a 42% relative increase in AUA-adherent regimen usage, with an increase in the usage trend on piecewise linear regression (from 0.1% to 0.8% of encounters per quarter, R2=0.75, p<0.001). Increased usage trends were also observed for gentamicin (from 0.0% to 1.0% of encounters per quarter, R2=0.84, p<0.001) and vancomycin (0.1% to 0.7%, R2=0.77, p<0.001). On multivariable regression, odds of AUA-adherence increased after guideline publication (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.54 – 1.80, p<0.001) and with surgery by a high-volume surgeon (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 2.07 – 2.35, p<0.01). The risk of 90-day IPP explant was not associated with adherence to an AUA-recommended regimen (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.75 – 1.18, p=0.6). Conclusions Publication of the AUA Best Practice Statement on Antimicrobial Prophylaxis was associated with a subsequent increase in the usage of AUA-recommended antibiotic regimens, with gentamicin and vancomycin being the most frequently used combination. No association was observed between AUA-adherent regimens and risk of 90-day explant. These findings suggest that the AUA Best Practice Statement, among other relevant communications on antimicrobial use at the time, led to significant changes in prophylactic antibiotic choice in IPP surgery, despite the absence of level-1 evidence regarding a superior choice. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Roman Health.

Trends in Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery From a Large National Cohort

ObjectiveTo assess changes in antibiotic prophylaxis for inflatable penile prosthesis surgery following publication of the American Urological Association (AUA) Best Practice Statement in April 2008. Materials and MethodsThe Premier Healthcare Database was queried for inflatable penile prosthesis surgeries from January 2000 to March 2020. The primary outcome was administration of an AUA-adherent antimicrobial regimen and secondary outcome was 90-day explant. Piecewise linear regression was used to compare antimicrobial trends before vs after guideline publication. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed for primary and secondary outcomes. ResultsA total of 26,574 patients who underwent inflatable penile prosthesis surgery were identified, of whom 17,754 (67%) received AUA-adherent antibiotics. After guideline publication, there was a 42% relative increase in AUA-adherent regimen usage, with an increase in the usage trend on piecewise linear regression (from 0.1% to 0.8% of encounters per quarter, R2 = 0.75, P < .001). Increased usage trends were also observed for gentamicin (from 0.0% to 1.0% of encounters per quarter, R2 = 0.84, P < .001) and vancomycin (0.1%-0.7%, R2 = 0.77, P < .001). On multivariable regression, odds of AUA-adherence increased after guideline publication (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.54-1.80, P < .001) and with surgery by a high-volume surgeon (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 2.07-2.35, P < .01). Nonadherence to an AUA-recommended regimen with use of nonstandard antibiotics (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.78-1.71, P = .5) or excess antibiotics (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.62-1.30, P = .6) was not independently associated with increased risk of 90-day explant. ConclusionsPublication of the AUA Best Practice Statement was associated with subsequent increases in the usage of guideline-adherent antibiotic regimens, particularly vancomycin and gentamicin, despite absence of level-1 evidence supporting this combination.

Bacteriology and Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern of Isolates in Patients who Underwent Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) at the Philippine General Hospital: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background. Despite being a clean-contaminated procedure, performed only in patients with sterile urine preoperatively, percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) is associated with significant infectious perioperative complications. A local antibiogram is of paramount importance in optimizing antibiotic prophylaxis in PCNL because of the substantial variation in bacterial distribution and antibiotic sensitivity worldwide.&#x0D; Objectives. The incidence of post-PCNL infectious complications, microorganism distribution, and antibiotic sensitivities from patients admitted for PCNL was determined. The risk factors associated with positive cultures and the development of fever and bacteremia were also analyzed.&#x0D; Methods. A retrospective study of 102 patients who underwent PCNL under a surveillance protocol was done. The susceptibility of isolates from different specimens was evaluated against the most common antibiotics in the hospital. Chi-square and Student’s t-test were used to determine differences in the frequencies and means for other risk factors for those who developed fever and urosepsis and those who did not.&#x0D; Results. The incidence of fever and urosepsis was 25% and 4%, respectively. The most common organism on urine specimens was Escherichia coli which showed high sensitivity to aminoglycosides. The most common isolate on stones was Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which showed higher sensitivities to the fluoroquinolones. The isolates showed nearly consistent resistance to ceftriaxone. No significant association was found between the clinical variables studied and the occurrence of infectious complications.&#x0D; Conclusion. There are comparable rates of infectious complications to published literature. A change in antibiotic prophylaxis was warranted, given the high resistance to ceftriaxone and the predominance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on stone isolates. Further surveillance is required to identify significant risk factors for the development of post-PCNL infectious complications.

The Association Between Periodontitis and Cardiovascular Disease: an Update.

The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the data regarding periodontitis and its association with cardiovascular disease (CVD), as well as a closer look at the connection between periodontitis and valvular heart disease. The body of literature that demonstrates an association between periodontitis and CVD is growing, and there is increasing evidence that periodontal disease (PD) can have negative cardiovascular effects. Far less data is available for the management of periodontitis specifically in those with valvular heart disease. However, recent studies suggest that routine preoperative dental evaluation practices may not be necessary in all patients and, similar to changes in antibiotic prophylaxis, may only be indicated for a select group of individuals. There is a strong association between PD and CVD, although a causal relationship is yet to be elucidated. Further data is needed in this regard, as well as in determining the appropriate management of PD in those with valvular heart disease.

Reducing sepsis following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: a re-audit following change in antibiotic prophylaxis

Reducing sepsis following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: a re-audit following change in antibiotic prophylaxis

The Impact of Vancomycin and Cefazolin as Standard Preoperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Surgical Site Infections Following Instrumented Spinal Fusion.

Retrospective cohort study. To assess whether administration of prophylactic vancomycin, in addition to cefazolin decreased revision surgeries for postoperative infection (SSI) as well as the need for revisions overall. In 2010 our institution implemented an antibiotic prophylaxis regimen consisting of intravenous vancomycin and cefazolin that applied to all patients receiving surgical implants. The impact of this change in prophylactic antibiotic regimen on SSIs following instrumented spinal fusions remains unknown. We conducted a prepost analysis evaluating the effect of the change in antibiotic prophylaxis on SSIs following instrumented spinal fusions. We collected data on all eligible patients over the course of 2005 to 2009 and 2011 to 2015. We used logistic regression techniques to evaluate unadjusted results for the prophylactic antibiotic protocol on all revision surgeries, as well as those for SSI, followed by sequential adjustments for sociodemographic factors and surgical characteristics. Revision surgeries performed for a diagnosis of infection were reduced from a rate of 4% (n = 57) in the period 2005 to 2009 to 2% (n = 44) over 2011 to 2015 (P < 0.001). At the same time, the incidence of revision surgeries for any cause was also reduced (14% in 2005-2009 vs. 9% in 2011-2015; P < 0.001). In adjusted analysis, the odds of a revision procedure for SSI were reduced by 50% following introduction of the protocol (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.33, 0.76). No significant difference in the organisms responsible for SSI was identified between 2005 and 2009 and 2011 and 2015 (P = 0.22). This natural experiment has shown some utility for a preoperative prophylactic antibiotic regimen of vancomycin and cefazolin, including meaningful reductions in revision procedures performed for SSI. This is the first effort we are aware of to consider a uniform institutional protocol that employs the use of intravenous vancomycin and cefazolin as prophylactic agents. 2.

A case-control study of post-operative endophthalmitis diagnosed at a Spanish hospital over a 13-year-period

A retrospective case-control study of patients who had undergone cataract extraction at a Spanish hospital over a 13-year period was conducted to identify the risk factors for developing post-operative endophthalmitis (POE). During the study period, the type of antibiotic prophylaxis was changed from subconjunctival gentamicin to the addition of both vancomycin and gentamicin to the irrigating solution. The overall incidence of POE was 0·19% (35 cases/18 287 operations). For the period prior to the change in antibiotic prophylaxis, the incidence rate of POE was 3·4 cases/1000 operations while in the latter period the incidence rate decreased to 0·34 cases/1000 operations. All patients who presented a virulent microorganism had a final visual acuity worse than 20/200. The only significant risk factor identified was the type of prophylaxis used (odds ratio 1·97, 95% confidence interval 0·94-4·14, P = 0·07). There were no significant differences between cases and controls although choice of surgeon approached significance.

Antibiotic-related acute kidney injury in patients undergoing elective joint replacement

The aim of this study was to determine if a change in antibiotic prophylaxis for routine hip and knee replacement was associated with an increased risk of acute renal impairment. We identified 238 patients (128 knees and 110 hips) who had received a single prophylactic dose of 1.5 g cefuroxime before joint replacement. We compared them with prospectively collected data from 254 patients (117 knees and 137 hips) who received a single prophylactic dose of 2 g flucloxacillin and a height- and gender-determined dose of gentamicin. The primary outcome measure was any new renal impairment as graded by clinically validated criteria. We identified four patients (1.69%) in the cefuroxime group who developed renal impairment. All four had mild impairment and all renal function was normal by the third post-operative day. The incidence of new-onset renal impairment was significantly higher in the flucloxacillin-and-gentamicin group at 9.45% (24 patients) (p < 0.001). Three of these patients remained with acute renal impairment after a week, although the serum creatinine levels in all subsequently returned to normal.

Impact of Changes in Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Postoperative Endophthalmitis in a Spanish Hospital

Objective: This study aims to assess whether changes in antibiotic prophylaxis used in cataract surgery in the La Mancha Centro General Hospital, Spain, were associated with a reduced incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis (POE).Methods: The hospital employed two different antibiotic prophylaxis regimens during two clearly differentiated periods. In the first period (January 2000 to April 2003), subconjunctival injections of gentamicin were used while in the second (May 2003 to December 2008), vancomycin and gentamicin were added to the irrigating solution. During both periods, povidone iodine was used at the site of surgery and aminoglycoside eye drops were administered postoperatively. A Poisson regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between the incidence rate of endophthalmitis and variables such as time trends, seasonality, and change in antibiotic prophylaxis regimen.Results: During the period between 2000 and 2008, 26 cases of POE were detected after 14,285 operations for an incidence rate (IR) of 1.8 cases per 1000 procedures (95% confidence interval 1.2–2.7 cases out of 1000 procedures). In the period prior to the change in prophylaxis, 23 cases were detected (IR 4.5 cases/1000 procedures) while only three cases were observed in the period after the change (IR 0.3 cases/1000 procedures). A total of 84% of the microorganisms isolated were gram-positive, and all were sensitive to vancomycin.Conclusions: The change in antibiotic prophylaxis regimen for cataract surgery was associated with a relevant and significant decrease in the incidence of POE.

Simple Steps to Minimize Spine Infections in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

To examine the surgical site infection (SSI) rates in patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) after implementation of a change in antibiotic prophylaxis and intraoperative irrigation. A retrospective review of all consecutive spinal fusions for AIS from 1996 to 2008 was performed. In 2003, 2 changes in our protocol were implemented: (1) routine antibiotic prophylaxis was changed from cefazolin alone to vancomycin and ceftazidime; (2) intraoperative irrigation technique was changed from bulb syringe to pulse lavage irrigation. We compared the rates of deep SSI requiring irrigation and debridement before institution of these changes (1996 to 2002) to the rates after these changes (2003 to 2008). Before the change in the antibiotic and lavage regimen, 261 spinal fusions were performed. Of these, 28/261 (11%) patients underwent irrigation and debridement for SSI. The most common infecting pathogen was coagulase-negative Staphylococcus aureus (47%). Between the years 2003 and 2008, 263 spinal fusions were performed. Only 2/263 (0.7%) patients underwent irrigation and debridement for SSI. This decrease in infection rate is highly significant (P<0.001). Routine use of vancomycin and ceftazidime and pulsatile lavage for posterior spinal fusion in AIS patients decreased the rates of postoperative infection by 10 fold. As 2 variables were changed, it is impossible to know the relative effect of each. However, as spine infections can be so devastating, and the potential risks of these changes are small, we recommend both the new antibiotic and irrigation protocol. Level III.

Impact of a Change in Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Total Antibiotic Use in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of reducing the length of antibiotic prophylaxis for cerebro spinal shunts on total antibiotic use and key resistant pathogens. In January 2004, the use of antibiotic prophylaxis was reduced to a single shot dose with cefuroxime in an intensive care unit (ICU). Prior to this intervention, prophylaxis with second-generation cephalosporins was administered during the entire period of external cerebro spinal fluid (CSF) drainage. The effect on the antibiotic use density (AD: DDD [defined daily doses] per 1,000 patient-days[pd]) was calculated prior to (January 2002-December 2003) and following implementation of the intervention(January 2004-December 2006) by segmented regression analysis of an interrupted time series. Resistance proportions(RP) and resistance densities (RD), defined as resistant pathogen/1,000 pd of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis or E. faecium, third-generation-resistant (3GC) Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and imipenem-resistant Pseudomonus aeruginosa, were compared by the Fisher's exact test before and after the intervention. Total antibiotic use by 147 DDD/1,000 pd decreased after the intervention when pre-operative prophylaxis was changed into single shot prophylaxis, from an estimated mean of 1,036 DDD/1,000 pd before the intervention to 887DDD/1,000 pd post-intervention. This decrease was primarily due to a significant reduction in the amount of cefuroxime used for prophylaxis. The reduction in total antibiotic consumption was sustainable, and it did not increase again during the next 36 months. The RR and RD of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant E. coli increased after January 2004, whereas the percentage of MRSA significantly decreased. Change to single shot prophylaxis along with an ongoing antibiotic stewardship program resulted in a cut-back in total antibiotic use amounting to as much as 15%. It would therefore appear that targeting interventions aimed at reducing antibiotic prophylaxis in surgical ICUs may be very worthwhile.

Paediatric cardiology: Looking back, looking forward

With the publication of Maude Abbott’s Atlas of Congenital Cardiac Disease in 1936, the field of paediatric cardiology was born in Canada, but in those early days, it was understandably confined to the description and taxonomy of heart defects in the young. Since that time, the reliable palliation and repair of increasingly complex cardiac conditions has become commonplace, and simple survival is no longer the only goal; with the increasing number of survivors, there is an increasing need to ensure long-term quality of life. Coinciding with these changes has been the growing realization that children born with healthy hearts are in danger of acquiring cardiovascular risk factors that were found exclusively in adults in past generations. There are children and youth with heart disease, and at risk of heart disease, in every paediatric and primary care practice in Canada. With these thoughts in mind, we welcome you to the Cardiology focus issue of Paediatrics & Child Health. You will not find articles on classification, reviews of surgical procedures or images of the latest catheter technologies in the present issue. Instead, we have gathered manuscripts that cover a variety of topics of interest to child and youth health care providers, including a collaborative approach to diagnosis, current outcomes for complex patients and thought-provoking controversies in management and prevention strategies. The realities of our country’s geography (and our profession’s numbers) have necessitated innovative means of communication and collaboration to bring diagnostic expertise to patients with suspected heart disease, wherever they may be. In the first article, Dr John Finley gives us an introduction to a Canadian success story – the Maritime telecardiology program ( pages 156–158). The earlier diagnosis and institution of treatment that this program offers is one of many ways that paediatricians can positively influence outcomes in complex congenital heart disease, especially for those in rural areas. Earlier diagnosis is one reason that patient outcomes have improved; other reasons include ever-evolving techniques of catheter intervention, cardiac surgery and the associated pre- and postoperative care. We counsel families not only on the short-term expectations of these procedures, but also need to address families’ questions and uncertainties that extend well beyond the first catheterization, the first surgery and the first outpatient visit. Dr Derek Human provides a comprehensive update on current outcomes for these patients, providing answers for paediatricians for families’ questions not only about life expectancy, but also about the quality of that life ( pages 161–166). As the survival rate increases, new fields of enquiry emerge, such as the effects of physical activity on children with heart disease. This is a subject that prompts questions from parents, schools and patients themselves. Moola et al ( pages 167–170) explains the demonstrated benefits for the majority, the occasions when restrictions are appropriate and the need for further exploration of this rapidly changing area of medicine. Children with congenital heart disease will experience a number of firsts that parallel those of their nonaffected peers: first steps, first words, first teeth and a first visit to the dentist. The recent change in antibiotic prophylaxis for dental procedures has come under scrutiny and has given rise to new questions and debates, perhaps more in terms of the philosophy underlying the change, rather than the pragmatics of its application. The point-counterpoint provided by Drs Marie Beland ( pages 171–172) and Roland Beaulieu ( pages 173–175) provides differing viewpoints on this topic. In addition to dealing with the increasing frequency and complexity of congenital heart disease patients in paediatric practice, child and youth health practitioners are now being faced with the challenges of the rising epidemic of obesity and the secondary complications that ensue. Diseases once considered to be adult-onset are now being diagnosed in children, introducing a whole new era in the practice of paediatric medicine. Dr Tracey Bridger’s overview ( pages 177–182) provides paediatricians with practical information to guide investigation, management and prevention of these complications. The sudden death of a young person, particularly one without a history of known heart disease, is a tragedy on multiple levels, and seizes both media and medical attention. These apparently healthy young people, who may have undiagnosed cardiomyopathies, conduction defects or other conditions, have no idea that they are at risk. Limited resources lead to debate about the most effective methods of prevention and intervention; Drs Stuart Berger ( pages 183–184) and Robert Gow ( pages 185–188) reflect on two possible approaches to saving lives. We trust that you, the reader, will find the articles informative, thought-provoking and will join us in thanking the authors, reviewers and staff at Paediatrics & Child Health for their hard work on the present issue. We hope that the diversity of topics discussed will make this theme issue a continuing reference for all.

Single-dose cefuroxime with gentamicin reduces Clostridium difficile-associated disease in hip-fracture patients

Antibiotic-associated Clostridium difficile diarrhoea may complicate recovery from surgery for proximal femoral fracture. We undertook a four-year case-control study to evaluate a change in antibiotic prophylaxis in our department. During the period January 2003 to January 2005, patients received three doses of prophylactic cefuroxime (1.5g). We then introduced a new regimen, comprising of one single dose of cefuroxime (1.5g) with gentamicin (240mg) at induction. Prior to the change in prophylaxis, 912 patients underwent surgery for neck of femur fracture, and from March 2005 to March 2007, 899 patients had surgery under the new regimen. Thirty-eight patients developed C. difficile infection (4.2%) in the initial group, compared with 14 patients (1.6%) in the group with the new regimen (P=0.009). The incidence of C. difficile infection increased throughout the rest of the hospital over the same time period. Patients with C. difficile infection had a statistically significant increase in antibiotic exposure, inpatient stay, morbidity and inpatient mortality. The main challenges regarding prophylactic antibiotic selection are infection due to meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and C. difficile-associated diarrhoea. We advocate the use of the new regimen as an alternative to multiple-dose cephalosporin antibiotics for the prevention of C. difficile infection in this group of high-risk patients.

Clinical, microbiological, and economic benefit of a change in antibiotic prophylaxis for cardiac surgery.

Vancomycin and rifampicin replaced cephazolin as antibiotic prophylaxis for coronary artery bypass surgery at our institution. Following this intervention, there was a significant decrease (P < .001) in the surgical-site infection rate from 10.5 (95% confidence interval, 8.2 to 13.3) to 4.9 (95% confidence interval, 3.2 to 7.1) infections per 100 procedures. An estimated $576,655 (Australian) was saved between two 12-month periods.

The Clinical Impact of Echocardiography on Antibiotic Prophylaxis Use in Patients with Suspected Mitral Valve Prolapse

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of echocardiography on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with suspected mitral valve prolapse (MVP).PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 147 consecutive patients who were referred for “rule out mitral valve prolapse” to a university hospital echocardiography laboratory. Chart review and phone contact were used to determine the demographic characteristics of the patients; past diagnosis of MVP, symptoms, and exam at referral; practice specialty of referring MD; echocardiographic findings; and change in prophylaxis usage as a result of the echocardiogram (ECHO). Prophylaxis was considered to be indicated if the echocardiogram demonstrated MVP with at least mild regurgitation or abnormal thickening of at least one mitral leaflet.RESULTS: Based on the ECHO a change in antibiotic prophylaxis was indicated in 20 of 147 (14%) patients including initiation of prophylaxis in 6, and discontinuation of prophylaxis in 14. However, only 4 of 20 patients (20%) actually changed their prophylaxis habits leading to an actual yield of 4 management changes per 131 ECHOs ordered (3%). This corresponded to 1 change in management per $36,250 in hospital and physician costs. Younger age, female gender, and presence of symptoms were associated with a benign ECHO. Indications for a change in management were not significantly different between physician specialties: 18% for generalists (internal medicine and family practice), 12% for cardiologists, and 7% for other specialists, P = 0.3.CONCLUSIONS: In patients referred for evaluation of MVP, echocardiography infrequently resulted in changes in antibiotic prophylaxis management and was associated with significant expense.

Analysis of nosocomial outbreaks with multiply and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Germany: implications for hospital hygiene.

Two outbreaks of nosocomial infections with MRSA, one in a urological unit in connection with transurethral prostatectomy and the other in an orthopaedic clinic with infections after implantation of prosthetic hips, have been analyzed on the basis of typing MRSA by phage-patterns, plasmid profiles and genomic DNA fragment patterns. Main reasons for these outbreaks were obviously mistakes in hospital hygiene and an inappropriate antibiotic prophylaxis (in the first outbreak a quinolone over about 7 days, in the second a third generation cephalosporin). Both outbreaks could be stopped by measures of hospital hygiene including isolated or cohort nursing of affected patients, and change in antibiotic prophylaxis. Intensive care units (ICUs) are more often affected by MRSA than other clinical settings. As described by the example of an outbreak with MRSA in a municipal hospital, ICUs can play a special role in intrahospital spread of MRSA. The recently observed inter-regional clonal interhospital dissemination of MRSA in Germany is mainly due to a transfer of patients between hospitals; prewarning of the hospital of destination and a number of hygiene measures can prevent further spread.

Audit of major colorectal and biliary surgery to reduce rates of wound infection.

To reduce the rates of wound infection for major colorectal and biliary surgery. Prospective audit of antibiotic prophylaxis by keeping copies of typed notes of operations and annotating them at discharge and at first follow up visit and annual review of prophylactic regimen according to yearly rate of wound infection and modification if necessary. The work of one consultant surgeon working in a district general hospital. All patients having major colorectal resection during 1976-89 (400) and cholecystectomy during 1981-9 (500). Wound infection, defined as any discharge from the wound as detected by observation during inpatient stay and by specific questioning at the first follow up visit six weeks later. Serial changes in prophylaxis for colorectal surgery resulted in a progressive reduction in the rate of wound infection from 43% in 1976, with no prophylaxis, to 1% during 1986-9 with single intravenous doses of metronidazole and cefuroxime intraoperatively and with lavage of the peritoneal cavity and wound with 0.1% tetracycline. During 1981-7, with no prophylaxis, the rate of infection in biliary surgery was 12% whereas in 1988-9, after the introduction of lavage with tetracycline alone, the rate was reduced to 2%. Simple prospective audit identified the need for changes in antibiotic prophylaxis; successive rounds of audit resulted in improved rates of wound infection, and lavage with 0.1% tetracycline seemed to be a major factor in achieving this.