Complicated Soft Tissue Research Articles

Dalbavancin as an alternative to traditional outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy for deep gram-positive infections - an observational, retrospective review.

Treatment of invasive gram-positive infections in complex patient populations is challenging. Dalbavancin, approved for skin and soft tissue infections, offers advantages in this setting due to its long half-life and infrequent dosing. However, less is known about the outcomes of off-label dalbavancin for deeper infections. The objective of this study is to examine the feasibility and outcomes of patients with complex gram-positive infections treated with dalbavancin as an alternative to standard outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT). We conducted a multicenter, retrospective review of adult patients managed within an OPAT program with intravenous dalbavancin for off-label indications. Adult patients were included if they had treatment details and follow-up documented between January 2020 and June 2023. Details of dalbavancin use including indications for prescription were captured. Outcomes of interest included 90-day infection recurrence, prosthesis retention rates, 90-day mortality, and adverse medication events. In all, 61 patients received dalbavancin, mostly as sequential therapy. Twenty-three percent received dalbavancin strictly in the outpatient setting. Dalbavancin was used primarily for hardware (fracture, spine, or joint), native bone or joint, and complicated soft tissue infections. The predominant pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus (61%). Dalbavancin was frequently prescribed as a two-dose 1500 mg regimen (49%) due to persistent infection (23%), difficult line access (30%), difficulty achieving therapeutic vancomycin levels (18%), or substance abuse history (18%). Overall, six patients (10%) had infection recurrence and no patients died during the follow-up period. Three of eight patients with hardware retention had infection recurrence. Adverse effects were minimal and mostly self-limiting. Dalbavancin is an efficacious and safe alternative to standard OPAT, especially in those with barriers to traditional long-term intravenous antibiotics. Improved outcomes may be achieved with hardware removal. Dalbavancin may facilitate early discharge or prevent hospitalizations. Comparative studies of standard OPAT regimens versus dalbavancin are needed.

Severe and complicated soft tissue infections: a single-centre case series.

To assess the demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and economic burden of patients with a diagnosis of complicated skin and soft tissue infection (cSSTI). The demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, surgical interventions, cost of treatment, and outcome of patients diagnosed with cSSTIs between January 2017 and December 2019 were retrospectively analysed. A total of 24 patients with cSSTIs were included in the study. The median age was 53 (22-85) years, and 14 (58%) were female. The most common comorbidity was diabetes (54%). On admission, 75% of patients presented with sepsis, and 70% had a high-grade Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotising Fasciitis (LRINEC) score. The causative microorganism was isolated from 21 (87%) patients, and the multidrug resistance rate of Gram-negative bacteria was 50%. The median number of debridements was 3 (1-12). In all, 11 patients were followed up in the intensive care unit, and the mortality rate was 29%. The presence of confusion (p=0.025), causative Gram-negative microorganisms (p=0.009), hyponatraemia (p=0.034), the need for intensive care (p=0.001), anti-meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus antibiotics (p=0.023) and the rate of antibiotic changes during treatment (p=0.019) were significantly higher in the non-survival patient group. Hyponatraemia was a significant independent risk factor for mortality (p=0.048). The median cost of per-patient treatment was $9453 USD in the non-surviving and $1536 in the surviving group. It is important to know possible factors and local resistance rates at the beginning of empirical antibacterial and surgical treatment. The presence of hyponatraemia, sepsis and a high LRINEC score can be considered to be the mortality predictors.

999. Clinical Outcomes of Off-label Dalbavancin Use within an Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) Program

Abstract Background Dalbavancin is approved for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and soft structure infections (ABSSSI). There is less data on outcomes of off-label use of dalbavancin for orthopedic and other complex infections. In this case series, we aim to analyze clinical outcomes of deep-seated infections treated with IV dalbavancin instead of long-term IV antibiotics post-discharge. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of adult patients treated with off-label IV dalbavancin between January 2020 and February 2022 at an academic center in the Bronx, NY within a long-standing outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) program. Outcomes of interest included 90-d infection recurrence, prothesis retention, mortality, adverse events, and characteristics of antibiotic regimens. Results Nineteen patients received dalbavancin for off-label indications. Dalbavancin was used primarily for hardware, bone and joint, and complicated soft tissue infections (table 1). The predominant pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus. Source control was achieved in 12 (63%) patients via debridement alone (5), debridement with prosthetic device retention (4), or debridement and complete hardware removal (3). The most common dosing regimen was two-doses (1000-mg, 500-mg) one week apart. Two (11%) patients (both with initial prosthesis retention) had infection recurrence within 90 days of dalbavancin and eventually required removal (table 2). One patient experienced recurrence after 90 days and required removal. The remaining patient with prothesis retention has not experienced infection recurrence to date. Concomitant antibiotics while on dalbavancin and suppressive antibiotics following therapy were common. No patient died within 90 days of therapy and no adverse drug effects were reported. Conclusion Dalbavancin use for hardware infections, osteomyelitis, complicated soft tissue infections, and spinal infections is associated with favorable cure rates, safety profile, and tolerability. Improved outcomes may be achieved with hardware removal. Dalbavancin off-label use within an OPAT program may facilitate early discharge or prevent admissions in eligible patients, although further study is needed. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

EVALUATION OF BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF GREENLY SYNTHESIZED SILVER NANOPARTICLES USING ALOE VERA GEL EXTRACT AS ANTIBACTERIAL AGENT IN-VITRO AND IN-VIVO

The present study was carried out to synthesis silver nanoparticles by using Aloe Vera gel and evaluates antibacterial activity in vitro and in vivo. The synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles was confirmed by Ultra Violet Visible- spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transmission Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Reduction of the Ag+ to Ag0 during exposure to the Aloe Vera gel extract was followed by color change of the solution from colorless, yellow to dark brown within 24 hours. It is observed that surface Plasmon resonance peaks of the maximum absorbance of silver-nanoparticles occur at 425 nm, indicating that AgNPs were produced. Later on, using agar well diffusion and tube dilution method against pathogenic methicillin resistance staphylococcus aureus, (MRSA). Pseudomonas. aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, the antimicrobial properties of synthesised AgNPs were investigated. To confirm in-vivo antibacterial activity, after inducing complicated skin and soft tissue infection in mice by injecting S.aureus subcutaneously. 16µg/gm AgNPs were applied skin infected daily for three days. Silver nanoparticles were as succeeded to reduce the lesion volume in infected mice and reduce the acute inflammation symptoms as clindamycin, In conclusion, A new approach can be used to combat serious infections caused by MRSA by Aloe Vera AgNPs.

Dalbavancin for the Treatment of Complicated Gram-Positive Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

New antimicrobial agents have been developed to treat infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other multidrug-resistant pathogens. Dalbavancin is a novel semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide antibiotic, particularly active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Due to its unique pharmacological characteristics and longer half-life, it can be administered once-weekly or every 15 days and in outpatient setting. Currently, it is indicated for complicated skin and soft tissue infections, but accumulating evidence points to its off-label efficacy in osteomyelitis and endocarditis. Further experience is still needed to increase our knowledge on the role of dalbavancin in a wider range of Gram-positive infections requiring prolonged antimicrobial treatment.

Daptomycin: possibilities and prospectives of administration in clinical practice

Daptomycin is the first representative of the class of cyclic polypeptides, reached the application in clinical practice. Unlike most antibiotics, it has rapid bactericidal activity, including against microbial cells in biofilms. The spectrum of activity of daptomycin includes almost all clinically significant gram(+) bacteria, including strains resistant to other classes of antimicrobials. Currently, in the Russian Federation, daptomycin is registered for two indications: complicated skin and soft tissue infections at a dose of 4 mg/kg 1 time per day and blood flow infections caused by S. aureus, including bacteremia and right-sided endocarditis, at a dose of 6 mg/kg 1 time per day.

S2k guidelines for skin and soft tissue infections Excerpts from the S2k guidelines for "calculated initial parenteral treatment of bacterial infections in adults - update 2018".

These first German S2k guidelines for bacterial skin and soft tissue infections were developed as one chapter of the recommendations for "calculated initial parenteral treatment of bacterial infections" issued under the auspices of the Paul-Ehrlich Society, of which the main part is presented here. Well-calculated antibiotic therapies require precise diagnostic criteria. Erysipelas is defined as non-purulent infection considered to be caused by beta-hemolytic strepto-cocci. It is diagnosed clinically by its bright-red erythema and early fever or chills at disease onset. Penicillin is the treatment of choice. Limited soft tissue infection (cellulitis) is usually caused by Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, frequently originates from chronic wounds and presents with a more violaceous-red hue and only rarely with initial fever or chills. Treatment consists of first- or second--generation cephalosporins or flucloxacillin (IV). Severe cellulitis is a purulent, partially necrotic infection which extends through tissue boundaries to fascias and requires surgical management in addition to antibiotics. Moreover, it frequently fulfills the criteria for "complicated soft tissue infections", as previously defined by the Food and Drug Administration for use in clinical trials (they include comorbidities such as uncontrolled diabetes, peripheral artery disease, neutropenia). It requires antibiotics which besides S. aureus target anaerobic and/or gramnegative bacteria. The rare so-called necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections represent a distinct entity. They are characterized by rapid, life-threatening progression due to special bacterial toxins that cause ischemic necrosis and shock and need rapid and thorough debridement in addition to appropriate antibiotics. For cutaneous abscesses the first-line treatment is adequate drainage. Additional antibiotic therapy is required only under certain circumstances (e.g., involvement of the face, hands, or anogenital region, or if drainage is somehow complicated). The present guidelines also contain consensus-based recommendations for higher doses of antibiotics than those approved or usually given in clinical trials. The goal is to deliver rational antibiotic treatment that is both effective and well-tolerated and that exerts no unnecessary selection pressure in terms of multidrug resistance.

Cure of recurring Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae septic shock episodes due to complicated soft tissue infection using a ceftazidime and avibactam-based regimen: a case report

BackgroundInfections caused by multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae are hard to treat and life-threatening due to reduced therapeutic options. Systemic infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains have increased in many European regions, becoming frequent in many clinical settings, and are associated with high mortality. The co-formulation of ceftazidime, a third-generation cephalosporin, with avibactam, a new suicide inhibitor beta-lactamase inhibitor able to block most Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemases, has been recently licensed, with promising results in patients with limited or absent therapeutic options. Little is known, however, as to the efficacy of such a combination in patients with soft tissue infections caused by multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae.Case presentationA Caucasian 53-year-old man with paraplegia suffered multiple vertebral fractures due to a car crash. He was treated with external fixators that became infected early after insertion and were repeatedly and inefficiently treated with multiple antibiotics. He suffered repeated septic episodes caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strains with a multidrug-resistant profile. Meropenem, tigecycline, and colistin combinations allowed only temporary improvements, but septic shock episodes recurred, in spite of removal of infected external fixators. After approval of pre-marketing prescription by our local Ethics Committee, full clinical resolution was obtained with a compassionate treatment using meropenem and ceftazidime/avibactam in combination for 16 days.ConclusionsOur experience provides additional evidence that ceftazidime/avibactam, possibly in combination with meropenem rescued by avibactam, may be an efficacious treatment option also for complicated skin and soft tissue infections caused by multidrug-resistant strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Reconstruction of the soft tissue defects of limbs using the free thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps

Objective To investigate the clinical effects of reparing the complicated soft tissue defects of limbs with free thoracodorsal artery perforator(TDAP) flaps. Methods From April, 2009 to March, 2014, 19 limbs (including 8 upper limbs and 11 lower limbs) soft tissue defects with bone and tendon exposure were repaired with free TDAP flaps in the secondary stage. There were 12 thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps, 5 polyfoliate perforator flaps, 1 chimeric muscle flap, and 1 chimeric muscle polyfoliate flap. The sizes of the flaps ranged from 5.0 cm×6.0 cm-20.0 cm×11.0 cm. Seventeen wounds of the dornor site were closed directly, and the other 2 were closed with skin grafts. Results Sixteen flaps survived successfully. Two flaps had venous congestion and survived at last after taking the stitches out. One flap had partial necrosis and repaired by skin graft finally. The clinical results were satisfactory after 12-18 months following-up, and the scars of the dornor sites of all but 3 patients were not obvious. All the shoulder function were normal. Conclusion The TDAP flap has dependable blood supply, good texture, less dornor site morbility. The polyfoliate TDAP flap can be used for repairing irregular defect. The chimeric latissimus TDAP flap can be used for the function reconstruction. The free TDAP flap is suited for repairing soft tissue defects of the limbs. Key words: Thoracodorsal artery perforator flap; Polyfoliate flap; Limbs; Soft tissue defect; Transplantation

Clinical efficacy of piperacillin/tazobactam in the treatment of complicated skin and soft tissue infections

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTIs) are skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) that involve deep soft tissue. cSSTIs often require surgical intervention and/or hospitalization. cSSTIs are associated with significant mortality and morbidity, and carry a significant burden on health care systems. Piperacillin/tazobactam has been regarded as a standard treatment for cSSTIs because of its antibiotic spectrum, safety and clinical efficacy. Several antibiotics, as compared to piperacillin/tazobactam, have been evaluated in the treatment of cSSTIs.Areas covered: This review summarizes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the clinical efficacy of piperacillin/tazobactam for the treatment of cSSTIs.Expert opinion: Piperacillin/tazobactam, which covers most causative organisms in cSSTIs, is the drug of choice for the treatment of cSSTIs. Other options such as ertapenem and moxifloxacin may be reasonable where multiple daily dosing or intravenous administration is inappropriate. But in general, they should be avoided as an empirical treatment because of their highly association with resistant bacteria, which are becoming a global threat. Therefore, piperacilin/tazobactam is appropriate as an empirical therapy for the treatment of SSTIs and should be de-escalated as soon as causative organisms are identified, their drug-sensitivity results are available, and clinical condition becomes stable.

High burden of complicated skin and soft tissue infections in the Indigenous population of Central Australia due to dominant Panton Valentine leucocidin clones ST93-MRSA and CC121-MSSA

BackgroundSuperficial skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are common among the Indigenous population of the desert regions of Central Australia. However, the overall burden of disease and molecular epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus complicated SSTIs has yet to be described in this unique population.MethodsAlice Springs Hospital (ASH) admission data was interrogated to establish the population incidence of SSTIs. A prospective observational study was conducted on a subset of S. aureus complicated SSTIs (carbuncles and furuncles requiring surgical intervention) presenting during a one month period to further characterize the clinical and molecular epidemiology. High resolution melting analysis was used for clonal complex discrimination. Real-time polymerase chain reaction identifying the lukF component of the Panton Valentine leucocidin (pvl) gene determined pvl status. Clinical and outcome data was obtained from the ASH medical and Northern Territory shared electronic health records.ResultsSSTIs represented 2.1% of ASH admissions during 2014. 82.6% occurred in Indigenous patients (n = 382) with an estimated incidence of 18.9 per 1, 000 people years compared to the non-Indigenous population of 2.9 per 1000, with an incident rate ratio of 6.6 (95% confidence interval 5.1–8.5). Clinical and molecular analysis was performed on 50 isolates from 47 patients. Community-associated methicillin-resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) predominated (57% of isolates). The high burden of SSTIs is partly explained by the prevalence of pvl positive strains of S. aureus (90% isolates) for both CA-MRSA and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). ST93-MRSA and CC121-MSSA were the most prevalent clones. SSTIs due to ST93-MRSA were more likely to require further debridement (p = 0.039), however they also more frequently received inactive antimicrobial therapy (p < 0.001).ConclusionsST93-MRSA and CC121-MSSA are the dominant causes of carbuncles and furuncles in Central Australia. Both of these virulent clones harbor pvl but the impact on clinical outcomes remains uncertain. The high prevalence of CA-MRSA supports empiric vancomycin use in this population when antimicrobial therapy is indicated. Prompt surgical intervention remains the cornerstone of treatment.

Epidemiology and outcome of invasive fungal infections and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia and complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTI) in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.

The objectives of this retrospective medical chart review study were to document the inpatient incidence, treatment, and clinical outcomes associated with invasive fungal infections (IFI) due to Candida and Aspergillus species, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia and MRSA complicated skin and soft tissue infections (cSSTI) in the Middle East. This study evaluated 2011-2012 data from 5 hospitals in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon with a combined total of 207,498 discharges. Hospital medical chart data were abstracted for a random sample of patients with each infection type (102 patients - IFI, 93 patients - MRSA pneumonia, and 87 patients-MRSA cSSTI). Descriptive analysis found that incidence of IFI (per 1000 hospital discharges) was higher than MRSA cSSTI and MRSA pneumonia (IFI: 1.95 and 2.57; MRSA cSSTI: 2.01 and 0.48; and MRSA pneumonia 0.59 and 0.55 for Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, respectively). Median time from hospital admission to diagnosis and from admission to initiation of active therapy were 6 and 7 days, respectively, in IFI patients; median time from admission to diagnosis was 2days for both MRSA pneumonia and cSSTI, with a median of 4 and 2days from admission to MRSA-active antibiotic start, respectively. The mean hospital LOS was 32.4days for IFI, 32.4days for MRSA pneumonia and 26.3days for MRSA cSSTI. Inpatient mortality was higher for IFI (42%) and MRSA pneumonia (30%) than for MRSA cSSTI (8%). At discharge, 33% of patients with IFI and 27% and 9% of patients with MRSA pneumonia and cSSTI, respectively, were considered to have failed therapy. In conclusion, there is a significant burden of these serious infections in the Middle East, as well as opportunity for hospitals to improve the delivery of patient care for difficult-to-treat infections by promoting expedited diagnosis and initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Risk Minimization Measures for Tigecycline in the European Union

Risk minimization measures (RMM) were implemented from February 2011 in the European Union to address risks of superinfection, off-label use and lack of efficacy associated with tigecycline. The objective of this study was to evaluate RMM effectiveness by describing prescription patterns among adults and children treated with any dose of tigecycline for any indication pre- and post-RMM implementation; incidence proportions of superinfection and lack of efficacy among adults treated with approved doses of tigecycline for complicated intra-abdominal infection and complicated skin and soft tissue infection were also evaluated. This was an observational, retrospective chart-abstraction study, including charts from 777 patients (399 pre-RMM, 378 post-RMM) at 13 sites across Austria, Germany, Italy, Greece and the United Kingdom (UK). Potential superinfection and lack of efficacy cases among those using tigecycline for on-label indication, age, dose, and duration were adjudicated. The distribution of indications for tigecycline was analyzed overall (i.e. across both study periods) and stratified by study period. Numbers and incidence proportions of superinfection and lack of efficacy cases (potential and adjudicated) were calculated overall and by study period. Off-label use (indication or age) decreased from 54.2% [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 49.0, 59.3%] pre-RMM to 35.7% (95% CI 30.4, 41.2%) post-RMM. Overall, 45.7% (95% CI 41.9, 49.5%) of patients were prescribed tigecycline off-label; the most commonly reported off-label indications were characterized as “other” (25.5%), hospital acquired pneumonia (8.2%), other pneumonia (6.3%), bacteremia (5.2%) and diabetic foot infection (1.5%). Across study periods, incidence proportions of definite or probable superinfection and lack of efficacy in adults treated for approved indications, authorized treatment doses and duration were 4.5% (95% CI 2.1, 8.4%) and 5.5% (95% CI 2.8, 9.7%), respectively. Off-label use of tigecycline decreased following RMM implementation. Overall incidence proportions of definite or probable superinfection and lack of efficacy were low. EU PAS register number: EUPAS3674

Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in complicated skin and soft tissue infections and the outcome among patients with diabetes in Bahrain Defence Force Hospital, Bahrain

Prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in complicated skin and soft tissue infections and the outcome among patients with diabetes in Bahrain Defence Force Hospital, Bahrain

Фармакоэкономический анализ применения телаванцина в терапии пациентов с осложненными инфекциями кожи и мягких тканей в условиях здравоохранения РФ

Фармакоэкономический анализ применения телаванцина в терапии пациентов с осложненными инфекциями кожи и мягких тканей в условиях здравоохранения РФ

Study on daptomycin use and implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program.

Treatment of Gram-positive pathogens remains a major health issue due to the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus spp. Daptomycin offers an alternative after therapeutic failure using glycopeptides. Yet its use requires strict control given its financial impact and environmental risks. Since 2014, the use of daptomycin within our hospital has intensified, occasionally outside the scope of its approved indications. The aim of this study is to analyze the appropriateness of daptomycin prescriptions. This work was conducted in a 1500-bed University Hospital. A descriptive retrospective study was conducted from November 2013 to July 2014. All patients having received at least 2 days of treatment were included. Analysis of the appropriateness of daptomycin prescriptions was conducted by a multidisciplinary team comprised of infectious diseases specialists, pharmacists and a microbiologist. The appropriateness of daptomycin prescriptions was established based on Infectious Diseases Society of America recommendations published in 2011. The indicators chosen to determine appropriateness of prescription were: treatment indication, prescribed dose and other antibiotics associated with the daptomycin prescription. 19 patients (14 men/5 women) were included. Observed indications were: bone and joint infection (n = 6; 32 %), infectious endocarditis (n = 5; 26 %), bacteremia (n = 5; 26 %) and complicated skin and soft tissue infection (n = 3; 16 %). Identified pathogens were: MRSA (n = 14; 74 %), methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (n = 4; 21 %) and Streptococcus mitis (n = 1; 5 %). Daptomycin was prescribed as first-line treatment in 32 % of cases (n = 6). The mean dosage was 9 mg/kg/day (5-11 mg/kg/day) for a mean duration of 11 days (2; 55 days). Clinical success was observed in 42 % of cases (n = 8). Appropriateness for daptomycin use was only established for 15 % of prescriptions (n = 3). Faced with a lack of recent recommendations on the subject, our multidisciplinary team issued a local consensus, defining the indications and dosage modalities for this reserve antibiotic. This multidisciplinary approach enables improved use of recent anti-MRSA drugs.

Using the special type of free tissue flap based on radial artery superficial palmar branch from palmar wrist repairing complex soft tissue defects of the digitals

Objective To investigate the clinical outcomes of repairing complex soft tissue defects of the fingers with transplantation of the special type of free tissue flap based on radial artery superficial palmar branch from palmar wrist. Methods Thirteen cases with complex soft tissue defects of fingers were repaired with free tissue flap based on radial artery superficial palmar branch from palmar wrist between March, 2012 to January, 2015. Skin and soft tissue defect 1.5 cm × 3.0 cm to 2.5 cm × 6.0 cm, accompanied by bilateral segmental artery defect and injured finger blood circulation disorder in 4 cases; with unilateral finger artery and nerve defect in 2 cases; with extensor tendon defect in 4 cases; with of the artery, nerves or tendons. The size of the skin flap was 2.0 cm × 3.0 cm-3.5 cm × 6.5 cm, and the donor site was primary closed, finger flexor tendon defect, finger artery defect in 3 cases, respectively to radial palmar superficial branch of the transverse crease of the wrist portion of the flow-through flap, carrying the median nerve of the palmar cutaneous branch of the chimeric flap, carrying palm longus chimeric flap, carrying palm longus chimeric flow-through flap to repair the wound, and defect and reconstruction. Results All the flaps survived completely, the wounds and the donor sites were healed by first intention. All the patients were followed up from 6 to 15 months (average 9.5 months). The color and appearance of the flaps were satisfactory with tender texture. The scar of donor district was not conspicuous. The twopoint discrimination of the flap was 5.5-9.5 mm (mean, 7.2 mm). According to the Chinese Medical Association Society of hand surgery of thumb and finger reconstruction function evaluation standard trial evaluation, were excellent in 11 cases, good in 1 case, medium in 1 case. Conclusion Using the special type of free tissue flap based on radial artery superficial palmar branch from palmar wrist can repair of finger skin defect, and reconstruction of the defect of digital artery, nerve or tendon tissue in one stage. It is a method for repairing complicated soft tissue defects of finger, with the advantages of shortening the course of disease and satisfied recovering of the appearance and function of the finger. Key words: Superficial palmar branch of the radial artery; Perforate flap; Digitals; Soft tissue defect; Repair

Vancomycin Exposure Predicts Early Clinical Response in Complicated Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Vancomycin Exposure Predicts Early Clinical Response in Complicated Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Frequent bacterial skin and soft tissue infections: diagnostic signs and treatment.

Skin and soft tissue infections rank among the most frequent infections worldwide. Classic erysipelas is defined as a non-purulent infection by beta-hemolytic streptococci. The typical signs are tender, warm, bright erythema with tongue-like extensions and early systemic symptoms such as fever or at least chills. Erysipelas always and best responds to penicillin. Limited soft tissue infection or limited cellulitis are the terms we have introduced for infections frequently caused by S. aureus and often originating from chronic wounds or acute trauma. Clinically, they are marked by tender, erythematous swelling which, unlike erysipelas, exhibit a darker red hue and is not always accompanied by fever or chills at onset. Severe cellulitis is a purulent, partially necrotic infection extending to the fascia, with general symptoms of infection, requiring surgical management in addition to antibiotics. It often fulfils criteria of so-called complicated soft tissue infections according to the definition of the FDA, due to their frequent association with e.g. severe diabetes mellitus, peripheral arterial occlusive disease or severe immunosuppression. In contrast, the rare necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections represent a distinct entity, characterized by rapid progression to ischemic necroses and shock due to special bacterial toxins. Limited cellulitis should be treated with cephalosporins group 1 or 2, or, when S.aureus is the isolated or highly likely causative agent, isoxazolyl-penicillins (exploiting their minimal selection pressure on other bacteria). For severe cellulitis, initial antibiotic treatment (mostly iv) includes - depending on the location - agents also active against gram-negative and/or anaerobic bacteria. (e.g. clindamycine, aminopeniclilline with inhibitors of betalaktamase, fluochinolons, cephalosporines group 4). For cutaneous abscesses, drainage presents the therapy of choice. Only under certain conditions additional antibiotic therapy is required. Adherence to the diagnostic criteria and to evidence-based or consensus-derived treatment recommendations as presented herein should allow for an antibiotic therapy with a good balance of efficacy, tolerability by patients and low selection pressure for highly resistant bacteria.

Biomechanical Study of Distal Radioulnar Joint (DRUJ) Ballottement Test

Introduction The distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) relies heavily on soft tissue support for stability, and dorsal and volar radioulnar ligaments are a primary stabilizer of the joint. Because of the inherently unstable and complicated soft tissue structures of the DRUJ, diagnosis and treatment of the joint instability remains a challenging problem. The instability is assessed by manual stress test in clinical hand surgery practice, but interpretation of the test is merely subjective. There is a lack of information regarding reliability and accuracy of DRUJ ballottement test. The purpose of this study was to investigate the intra- and inter-rater reliability and accuracy of the manual stress test with different techniques in intact and TFCC sectioned wrists using cadaver specimens.