Development Of Hospital-acquired Infections Research Articles

The immune suppressive properties of damage associated molecular patterns in the setting of sterile traumatic injury.

Associated with the development of hospital-acquired infections, major traumatic injury results in an immediate and persistent state of systemic immunosuppression, yet the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Detected in the circulation in the minutes, days and weeks following injury, damage associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are a heterogeneous collection of proteins, lipids and DNA renowned for initiating the systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Suggesting additional immunomodulatory roles in the post-trauma immune response, data are emerging implicating DAMPs as potential mediators of post-trauma immune suppression. Discussing the results of in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies, the purpose of this review is to summarise the emerging immune tolerising properties of cytosolic, nuclear and mitochondrial-derived DAMPs. Direct inhibition of neutrophil antimicrobial activities, the induction of endotoxin tolerance in monocytes and macrophages, and the recruitment, activation and expansion of myeloid derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells are examples of some of the immune suppressive properties assigned to DAMPs so far. Crucially, with studies identifying the molecular mechanisms by which DAMPs promote immune suppression, therapeutic strategies that prevent and/or reverse DAMP-induced immunosuppression have been proposed. Approaches currently under consideration include the use of synthetic polymers, or the delivery of plasma proteins, to scavenge circulating DAMPs, or to treat critically-injured patients with antagonists of DAMP receptors. However, as DAMPs share signalling pathways with pathogen associated molecular patterns, and pro-inflammatory responses are essential for tissue regeneration, these approaches need to be carefully considered in order to ensure that modulating DAMP levels and/or their interaction with immune cells does not negatively impact upon anti-microbial defence and the physiological responses of tissue repair and wound healing.

Risk Factors Associated with the Development of Hospital-Acquired Infections in Hospitalized Patients with Severe COVID-19.

Recognition of risk factors for hospital-acquired infections (HAI) in patients with COVID-19 is warranted. We aimed to describe factors associated with the development of HAI in patients with severe COVID-19. We conducted a retrospective cohort study including all adult patients admitted with severe COVID-19 between March 2020 and November 2020. The primary outcome was HAI development. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression models were constructed. Among 1540 patients, HAI occurred in 221 (14%). A total of 299 episodes of HAI were registered. The most common HAI were hospital-acquired/ventilation-associated pneumonia (173 episodes) and primary bloodstream infection (66 episodes). Death occurred in 387 (35%) patients and was more frequent in patients with HAI (38% vs. 23%, p < 0.01). Early mechanical ventilation (aOR 18.78, 95% CI 12.56-28.07), chronic kidney disease (aOR 3.41, 95% CI 1.4-8.27), use of corticosteroids (aOR 2.95, 95% CI 1.92-4.53) and tocilizumab (aOR 2.68, 95% CI 1.38-5.22), age ≥ 60 years (aOR 1.91, 95% CI 1.27-2.88), male sex (aOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.03-2.24), and obesity (aOR 1.49, 95% CI 1.03-2.15) were associated with HAI. In patients with severe COVID-19, mechanical ventilation within the first 24 h upon admission, chronic kidney disease, use of corticosteroids, use of tocilizumab, age ≥ 60 years, male sex, and obesity were associated with a higher risk of HAI.

Study of the gut microbiome as a novel target for prevention of hospital-associated infections in intensive care unit patients.

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are increasing due to the spread of multi-drugresistant organisms. Gut dysbiosis in an intensive care unit (ICU) patients at admission showed an altered abundance of some bacterial genera associated with the occurrence of HAIs and mortality. In the present study, we investigated the pattern of the gut microbiome in ICU patients at admission to correlate it with the development of HAIs during ICU stay. Twenty patients admitted to an ICU with a cross-matched control group of 30 healthy subjects of matched age and sex. Quantitative SYBR green real-time polymerase chain reaction was done for the identification and quantitation of selected bacteria. Out of those twenty patients, 35% developed ventilator-associated pneumonia during their ICU stay. Gut microbiome analysis showed a significant decrease in Firmicutes and Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio in ICU patients in comparison to the control and in patients who developed HAIs in comparison to the control group and patients who did not develop HAIs. There was a statistically significant increase in Bacteroides in comparison to the control group. There was a statistically significant decrease in Bifidobacterium and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and an increase in Lactobacilli in comparison to the control group with a negative correlation between Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score and Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes and Prevotella to Bacteroides ratios. Gut dysbiosis of patients at the time of admission highlights the importance of identification of the microbiome of patients admitted to the ICU as a target for preventing of HAIs.

Central Venous Catheter Related Bloodstream Infections in Medical Intensive Care Unit Patients in a Tertiary Referral Centre

To determine the incidence of central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in the medical intensive care unit (ICU) and ward setting at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The study was conducted in the medical ICU, a 9-bedded ICU at the AIIMS, a tertiary care teaching hospital. The study design was a prospective observational study. One hundred patients admitted to medical ICU and the ward at AIIMS with an indwelling, non-tunnelled central venous catheter (CVC) in place at admission and those with a hospital stay with indwelling CVC for more than 48 hours were monitored. These patients were followed daily for the development of new onset sepsis 48 hours after insertion of CVC, in which case three sets of blood samples for culture were drawn over a span of 24 hours. Incidence of CLABSIs was measured per 1000 central line days. One hundred patients hospitalised for an aggregate 1119 days acquired 29 hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), a rate of 38.8% or 31.2 HAIs per 1000 hospital days. The incidence of bloodstream infections (BSIs) in this group was 6.8%. No case of laboratory confirmed CLABSIs could be demonstrated. Incidence of clinical sepsis was 27.6% or 8.2 per 1000 CVC days. There were 9 cases out of the 29 patients (39.7%) who had evidence of HAIs with no apparent focus of infection. Only one of these cases had evidence of BSI with isolation of Staphylococcus aureus in both CVC tip culture and the simultaneous blood culture; however the antibiograms were different. The low rate of BSIs in the present study and the absence of occurrence of a laboratory confirmed CLABSI should be interpreted in the light of the small sample size of the study and the multitude of antibiotics received before the development of HAI.

Effect of Tocilizumab in Mortality among Patients with Severe and Critical Covid-19: Experience in a Third-Level Medical Center.

Trials evaluating safety and efficacy of tocilizumab in coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) show contradictory results. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of tocilizumab in hospital mortality among patients with severe COVID-19 in a third-level medical center. This prospective cohort study included patients with severe and critical COVID-19. Primary outcome was death during hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), days on IMV, ventilator-free days (VFDs), length of hospital stay (LOS), and development of hospitalacquired infections (HAIs). Bivariate, multivariate, and propensity score matching analysis were performed. During the study period, 99/794 (12%) patients received tocilizumab. Male patients, health care workers, and patients with increased inflammatory markers received tocilizumab more frequently. No difference in hospital mortality was observed between groups (34% vs. 34%, p = 0.98). Tocilizumab was not independently associated with mortality. No significant treatment effects were observed in propensity score analysis. IMV was more frequent (46% vs. 11%, p < 0.01) and LOS was longer (12 vs. 7 days, p < 0.01) in the tocilizumab group, reflecting increased severity. Although HAIs were more frequent in the tocilizumab group (22% vs. 10%, p < 0.01), no difference was seen after adjusting for IMV (38% vs. 40%, p = 0.86). In our study, tocilizumab was not associated with decreased hospital mortality among patients with severe COVID-19.

Outcomes of patients with severe and critical COVID-19 treated with dexamethasone: a prospective cohort study

ABSTRACT Dexamethasone implementation for COVID-19 management represented a milestone but data regarding its impact and safety have not been consistently reproduced. We aimed to evaluate in-hospital mortality before and after the implementation of corticosteroid treatment (CS-T) for severe and critical COVID-19. We conducted a cohort study that included patients admitted with severe and critical COVID-19. The primary outcome was death during hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included the length of stay (LOS), need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), time to IMV initiation, IMV duration, and development of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Bivariate, multivariate, and propensity-score matching analysis were performed. Among 1540 patients, 688 (45%) received CS-T. Death was less frequent in the CS-T group (18 vs 31%, p < .01). Among patients on IMV, death was also less frequent in the CS-T group (25 vs 55%, p < .01). The median time to IMV was longer in the CS-T group (5 vs 3 days, p < .01). HAIs occurred more frequently in the CS-T group (20 vs 10%, p < .01). LOS, IMV, and IMV duration were similar between groups. Multivariate analysis revealed an independent association between CS-T and lower mortality (aOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.19–0.36, p < .001). Propensity-score matching analysis revealed that CS-T was independently associated with lower mortality (aOR 0.33, 95% CI 0.22–0.50, p < .01). Treatment with corticosteroids was associated with reduced in-hospital mortality among patients with severe and critical COVID-19, including those on IMV.

Prevalence of Virulence Genes and Drug Resistance Profiles of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated From Clinical Specimens

Background: Drug resistance and virulence genes are two key factors for the colonization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in settings with high antibiotic pressure, such as hospitals, and the development of hospital-acquired infections. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of drug resistance and virulence gene profiles in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa in Ardabil, Iran. Methods: A total of 84 P. aeruginosa isolates were collected from clinical specimens of Ardabil hospitals and confirmed using laboratory standard tests. The disk diffusion method was used for antibiotic susceptibility testing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the identification of P. aeruginosa virulence genes. Results: The highest and the lowest antibiotic resistance rates of P. aeruginosa strains were against ticarcillin-clavulanate (94%) and doripenem (33.3%), respectively. In addition, the frequency of multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa was 55.9%. The prevalence of virulence factor genes was as follows: algD 84.5%, lasB 86.9%, plcH 86.9%, plcN 86.9%, exoU 56%, exoS 51.2%, toxA 81%, nan1 13.1%, and pilB 33.3%. A significant association was observed between resistance to some antibiotics and the prevalence of virulence genes in P. aeruginosa. Conclusions: Our results revealed a high prevalence of antibiotic resistance, especially MDR, and virulence-associated genes in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa in Ardabil hospitals. Owing to the low resistance rates against doripenem, gentamicin, and tobramycin, these antibiotics are recommended for the treatment of infections caused by highly resistant and virulent P. aeruginosa strains.

Association of nutrition status and hospital-acquired infections in older adult orthopedic trauma patients.

Malnutrition is linked to suboptimal outcomes following elective surgery. Trauma patients do not typically have an opportunity for preoperative nutrition optimization and may be at risk for malnutrition. Our goal was to investigate whether nutrition status is associated with development of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in older adult, orthopedic trauma patients. We performed a retrospective analysis of data between January 1, 2017, and August 30, 2018, from the Massachusetts General Hospital Geriatric Inpatient Fracture Trauma Service. Admission nutrition status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and HAIs were validated through the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database. To investigate whether nutrition status is associated with HAIs, we performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis controlling for age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, glomerular filtration rate, and type of anesthesia. Four hundred sixty-one patients comprised the analytic cohort. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that each unit increment in MNA score was associated with a 13% reduction in risk of HAI (odds ratio, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.79-0.97). Furthermore, adjusting for timing of perioperative antibiotics, perioperative transfusions, or development of pressure injury during hospitalization did not materially change these results. Our results demonstrate that malnutrition is highly prevalent in older adult, orthopedic trauma patients and that nutrition status may influence the risk of developing HAIs in this cohort of patients. Further studies are needed to determine whether optimizing perioperative nutrition in older adult, orthopedic trauma patients can reduce infectious complications and improve overall health outcomes.

1185. Association Between Blood Product Transfusion and Development of Hospital Acquired Infections or Mortality in Patients Admitted to the Hospital Wards. A Retrospective Case-Control Study

BackgroundTransfusion of blood products has been shown to be associated with increased mortality and risk of infections in critically ill patients and following cardiac surgery [1-2]. However, there is scarce data evaluating this association in patients admitted to hospital wards. Here we seek to see if transfusion of blood products carries the same risk of infection and mortality in more stable patients.MethodsThis was a retrospective case-control study of patients admitted to the internal medicine wards who received packed red blood cells (PRBC), fresh frozen plasma (FFP) or platelet transfusions, using data from the HCA Healthcare administrative database from 2016 to 2019. Patients admitted with an infection, on steroids or other immunosuppressant medications were excluded. ICD-10 codes at discharge were used to determine hospital acquired infections (HAI). The presence of HAI was the dependent variable. A multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the effects of the independent variables on development of HAI after adjusting for age and Carlson’s Comorbidity Index. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Primary outcome of study was presence of HAI, while secondary outcome was mortality in transfused vs. non-transfused patients.ResultsA total of 1952 subjects were included in the study analysis. Of these, 653 or 33.4% had a HAI during their admission. Adjusted multivariable model showed transfusion of PRBC (OR 1.14, 95%CI 0.85-1.52), platelets (OR 1.41, 95% CI 0.93-2.10) or FFP (OR 1.27 95%CI 0.90-1.75) was not associated with increased odds of having a HAI. The multivariable model however, did show an increase in odds of mortality in patients who were transfused with PRBC (OR 2.51, 95%CI 1.78-3.54), platelets (OR 3.17, 95%CI 2.01-5.0) or FFP (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.89-4.08) compared to non-transfused.ConclusionOur data failed to show association between transfusion of blood products and HAI. However, it showed there was significant increase in mortality in patients that had received blood products during their admission.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Plasma glucagon-like peptide 1 was associated with hospital-acquired infections and long-term mortality in burn patients

BackgroundAlthough glucagon-like peptide 1 levels have been closely associated with inflammation and mortality in septic patients, the clinical importance of glucagon-like peptide 1 on hospital-acquired infections and long-term mortality after burn injury remains unexplored. MethodsPlasma samples from 144 burn patients were collected on admission to determine total glucagon-like peptide 1, interleukin 6, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 levels. Hospital-acquired infections were determined by positive microbial culture. One-year mortality was assessed by telephone interview. Factors associated with glucagon-like peptide 1 were determined by multivariable linear logistic regression. Predicting the clinical importance of glucagon-like peptide 1 on the development of hospital-acquired infections and mortality were determined by Cox proportional hazards models and further by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to examine whether the mean glucagon-like peptide 1 level of the cohort could discriminate the hospital-acquired infections-free survival. ResultsMedian burn size was 41% (19%−70%) of total body surface area. Hospital-acquired infections developed in 36 (25%) patients after a mean of 10 ± 1 days after injury. Interleukin 6, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and blood urea nitrogen levels and thrombin time were independently associated with increased glucagon-like peptide 1 levels. Levels of glucagon-like peptide 1 (median, interquartile range) were greater in patients who developed hospital-acquired infections than in those who did not (237 pmol/L, 76−524 vs 80 pmol/L, 51−158; P < .001) and in patients who died (536 pmol/L, interquartile range: 336−891 pmol vs 98 pmol/L, 47−189; P < .001). Although the glucagon-like peptide 1 level could not predict hospital-acquired infections-free survival in individual patients, it could predict 1-year mortality independently (P = .021). Moreover, a glucagon-like peptide 1 level of 200 pmol/L could discriminate hospital-acquired infections-free survival (P < .001). ConclusionAdmission glucagon-like peptide 1 level can discriminate hospital-acquired infections-free survival and predict long-term mortality in a group of patients with burn injury. Our data suggests that glucagon-like peptide 1 may be a predictive biomarker for hospital-acquired infections and mortality in burn patients.

Epidemiological Features of Hospital Acquired Infection in a Tertiary Military Hospital

Background &amp; objective: Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) are the major concern in developing countries commonly affecting the ill patients in hospital settings. This study was conducted among the surgical patients admitted in the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka to see the prevalence of HAI and factors influencing it.&#x0D; Method: The present cross-sectional study was carried out on patients admitted in the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka between 01 July to 31 December 2018 to find the epidemiological features of Hospital Acquired Infection (HAI). Patients who acquired infection while admitted in CMH in whom the infection was not present at admission or who were incubating pathogenic microorganisms at the time of admission and manifested signs and symptoms after discharge were the study population. However, psychologically abnormal patients were excluded. A total of 200 patients were selected consecutively. The variables included in the study were demographic characteristics, co-morbidity, immunosuppressive conditions, immunosuppressive therapy.&#x0D; Result: Out 200 patients, 24(12%) developed HAI. Analysis of demographic features revealed that age and sex of the patients did not act as determinants of HAI (0.378 and p = 0.635 respectively). Patients dependent on others for most of their day-to-day activities tend to develop HAI more often than those who did not require assistance in their daily activities (p = 0.005). Patients inserted with an invasive device were more likely to develop HAI (14.9%) than those who were not inserted with such devices (7.6%) (p = 0.121). The patients of chronic respiratory disease and diabetes mellitus frequently develop HAI than the patients with other illnesses (p = 0.040). Colostomy tube was the prime source of HAI (50%) followed by gastrostomy tube (33.3%), urinary catheter (20.6%), orthopedic fixation device (20%) and mechanical ventilation (16.7%) (p&lt; 0.001) with longer the use of invasive devices the higher is the chance of HAI (p = 0.001). No association was observed between immunosuppressive condition of the patients and development of HAI (p = 0.558). Association between immunosuppressive therapy and HAI was not found to be significant (p = 0.495). HAI demonstrated their significant presence in patients with emergency operation compared to that in patients with routine operation (p = 0.047).&#x0D; Conclusion: The study concluded that every one in eight patients admitted in CMH may develop HAI. Patients dependent on others for their daily activities and patients inserted with an invasive device more often develop HAI than those who are independent or without an invasive device. Patients of chronic respiratory disease and diabetes mellitus are more prone to develop HAI. Colostomy and gastrostomy tube also act as the main source of HAI. So does the urinary catheter, orthopedic fixation device and mechanical ventilation with longer the use of invasive devices the higher is the chance of HAI. Emergency operation also tends to be associated with HAI.&#x0D; Ibrahim Card Med J 2019; 9 (1&amp;2): 29-35

Nosocomial infections in the Intensive care unit: global problem of modern medicine

Increased volume of surgical interventions, improvement of efficiency of special treatment modalities and modes of respiratory support, as well as development of new generation antibiotic medications has led to significant improvement of clinical outcomes of intensive therapy for critical conditions. At the same time, introduction of innovative and largely invasive interventions resulted in the emergence of new disease entities.&#x0D; Presently, the development of hospital-acquired infections (HAI) has become one of the riveting and serious problems of modern hospitals. These infections often lead to prolonged hospital stay, which in turn adds to the morbidity and mortality, worsen patient quality of life and also has significant economic consequences [1-5].&#x0D; There are number of varying definitions of infections related to medical care [6]. According to the WHO, infections that develop 48 hours after hospitalization, excluding the incubation period, are called hospital-acquired or nosocomial infections. Some authors also include here infections that develop 4 weeks after patient’s discharge from hospital or 30 days after surgical interventions are also included in this category. Infections that develop within 30 days after last chemotherapy in patients with metastatic cancer are also included as additional criteria according to a medical literature [7]. Other authors conclude that readmission of patients with established infection that was the result of previous hospitalization as well as any infectious diseases of hospital employee that develops secondary to the work in the hospital, irrespective to the time of onset of symptoms (during or after the hospital visit or stay) shall also be regarded as the hospital-acquired infections (HAI) [8-10].&#x0D; The average prevalence of HAI is around 3.5-10.5% or 9.0-91.7 cases per 1000 patient-days [11]. It is estimated that the probability of infectious complications increases after five days of hospitalization [12]. According to the modern medical knowledge, the prevalence of HAI of various causes among the hospitalized patients in North America and Europe is around 5-10% and those in Latin America and Asia is around 40% [13,14]. The mortality among patients with HAI is seven times higher than among other patients aligned based on age, sex, main disease and comorbidities and severity of disease. According to the official statistics, HAIs are fourth most common cause of mortality in the US leading to 90.000 deaths annually. Annual economic burden and additional costs associated with the treatment of HAIs in the US is about 2.4-4.5 billion US dollars [15-17].

Antibiotic stewardship in the newborn surgical patient: A quality improvement project in the neonatal intensive care unit

There is significant diversity in the utilization of antibiotics for neonates undergoing surgical procedures. Our institution standardized antibiotic administration for surgical neonates, in which no empiric antibiotics were given to infants with surgical conditions postnatally, and antibiotics are given no more than 72hours perioperatively. We compared the time periods before and after implementation of antibiotic protocol in an institution review board-approved, retrospective review of neonates with congenital surgical conditions who underwent surgical correction within 30days after birth. Surgical site infection at 30days was the primary outcome, and development of hospital-acquired infections or multidrug-resistant organism were secondary outcomes. One hundred forty-eight infants underwent surgical procedures pre-protocol, and 127 underwent procedures post-protocol implementation. Surgical site infection rates were similar pre- and post-protocol, 14% and 9% respectively, (P=.21.) The incidence of hospital-acquired infections (13.7% vs 8.7%, P=.205) and multidrug-resistant organism (4.7% vs 1.6%, P=.143) was similar between the 2 periods. Elimination of empiric postnatal antibiotics did not statistically change rates of surgical site infection, hospital-acquired infections, or multidrug-resistant organisms. Limiting the duration of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis to no more than 72hours after surgery did not increase the rate of surgical site infection, hospital-acquired infections, or multidrug-resistant organism. Median antibiotic days were decreased with antibiotic standardization for surgical neonates.

Avoidance of Hospital-Acquired Infections in Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Patients

The objectives of this review are to discuss the prevalence and risk factors associated with the development of hospital-acquired infections in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery and the published antimicrobial prophylaxis regimens and rational approaches to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of nosocomial infections in these patients. MEDLINE and PubMed. Hospital-acquired infections remain a significant source of potentially preventable morbidity and mortality in pediatric cardiac surgical patients. Through improved understanding of these conditions and implementation of avoidance strategies, centers caring for these patients may improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.

The Effects of Initial cortisol levels and Vitamin D on Mortality and Hospital Infection Development in Geriatric Patients at Intensive Care Unit

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem throughout the world. Also vitamin D deficiency has been reported in up to 82% of patients in intensive care unit (ICU). In addition, corticosteroid insufficiency is a common problem in ICU patients. In this study, we investigated the effects of initial cortisol and vitamin D levels on mortality, hospital infection development and intubation status in geriatric ICU patients. Methods: This study was conducted in a tertiary ICU. In a one-year period, 117 consecutive ICU patients older than 65 years of age were evaluated retrospectively. Looking at the first with Vitamin D and cortisol levels of the patients were collected in the first 24 hours of hospitalization. At follow up period, relationship between these data’s and mortality, hospital infection, and intubation conditions were evaluated. Results: Initial Vitamin D, the morning cortisol, and albumin levels were found to be significantly lower (respectively; p <0.001, p <0.001 and p <0.001), and lactate levels were found to be significantly higher (p <0.001) in patients who died in ICU than alive patients. Development rate of hospital-acquired infection was found to be significantly higher (p = 0.025) in patients with low vitamin D levels than alive patients. Vitamin D and cortisol levels were found to be lower and lactate levels were found to be higher (respectively: p <0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.035) in intubated patients than alive patients. Conclusion: In geriatric patients, relationship between initial vitamin D and cortisol levels and mortality, hospital infection and intubation conditions were evaluated in our study for the first time. The low level of vitamin D is seen as an important risk factor for the mortality, development of hospital-acquired infections and intubation. Also it is determined that the low cortisol creates a negative situation in terms of mortality and intubation.

Anaesthesia and associated cross infection: An unrecognized source

Hospital acquired infections (HAIs) are preventable diseases and a place ofenomrous socio-economic burden on an economy. It is well known that intensive care units (ICU) are epicenters of cross infections, but a little is known about the role of anaesthesia atmosphere in this process. Intraoperative environment due to several reasons serve risk factors for HAIs [1, 2] . Immune suppression associated with general anaesthesia, particulate matters and medical equipment used in anaesthesia may also be linked with the development of HAIs [3] . HAIs are more common in countries with poor socio-economic status where disposable or single use only items are re-used many times. Hospital acquired infections caused by various infectious organisms all of which flourish on suitable reservoirs, such as medical equipment.

Infectious Outcomes Assessment for Health System Strengthening in Low-Resource Settings: The Novel Use of a Trauma Registry in Rwanda

More than 90% of injury deaths occur in low-income countries where a shortage of personnel, infrastructure, and materials challenge health system strengthening efforts. Trauma registries developed regionally have been used previously for injury surveillance in resource-limited settings, but scant outcomes data exist. A 31-item, two-page registry form was developed for use in Rwanda, East Africa. Data were collected over a one-year period from April 2011 to April 2012 at two university referral hospitals. Inpatient 30-d follow up data were abstracted from patient charts, ward reports, and operating room logs. Complications tracked included surgical site infection (SSI), pneumonia, urinary tract infection (UTI), decubitus ulcers, transfusion, cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, and blood thromboses. Univariate analysis with chi-square and the Fisher exact test was performed to determine the association between complications and hospital stay and complications and mortality. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for age, gender, hospital, mechanism of injury (penetrating versus blunt), and Glasgow Coma scale score (GCS). A total of 2,227 patients were recorded prospectively. One thousand five hundred nineteen patients were admitted for inpatient care (69%) with a 4% (n=67) 30-d mortality. One hundred thirteen patients developed a hospital-acquired infection (88 SSI, 15 UTI, 12 pneumonia). For admitted patients, 25% (n=387) were still in-hospital at 30-d. Whereas the development of any complication was associated with an increased mortality (p<0.0001, unadjusted OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.8-5.7), there was no association between the development of an infection and mortality (p=0.6). Hospital-acquired infection was associated with an increased length of stay (p<0.0001, adjusted odds ratio (OR) 7.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.7-11.2). Surgical site infection and UTI were individually associated with an increased length of stay. The development of hospital-acquired infections is associated with an increased hospital stay in the trauma population in Rwanda. This has important implications in improving a health system already strained by limited infrastructure, personnel, and finances.

Can Copper Lower Infection Rates

Contamination of the hospital environment contributes to the acquisition of multidrug-resistant organisms and the development of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) — a realization that has led to increasing emphasis on disinfection. But might changing surface materials also be beneficial? Two new studies suggest that the use of copper-alloy surfaces could be effective in decreasing HAIs. (One of the authors, who participated in both studies, is employed by the Copper Development Association.) Schmidt and colleagues compared the bacterial burden (BB) on copper-covered and …

Chlorhexidine Bathing and Microbial Contamination in Patients’ Bath Basins

Research has demonstrated the hazards associated with patients' bath basins and microbial contamination. In a previous study, soap and water bath basins in 3 acute care hospitals were found to be reservoirs for bacteria and potentially associated with the development of hospital-acquired infections. Bacteria grew in 98% of the basin samples; the most common were enterococci (54%), and 32% were gram-negative organisms. To assess the presence of bacterial contaminants in wash basins when chlorhexidine gluconate solution is used in place of standard soap and water to wash patients. Bathing with chlorhexidine gluconate is the standard of practice for all patients in intensive care units at St Vincent Hospital. Specimens from 90 bath basins used for 5 days or more were cultured for bacterial growth to assess contamination of basins when chlorhexidine gluconate is used. Of the 90 basins cultured, only 4 came back positive for microbial growth; all 4 showed growth of gram-positive organisms. Three of the 4 organisms were identified as coagulase-negative staphylococcus, which is frequently found on the skin. This translates into a 95.5% reduction in bacterial growth when chlorhexidine gluconate is used as compared with soap and water in the previous study (Fisher exact test, P < .001). The only factor that was related to positive cultures of samples from basins was the sex of the patient. Compared with the previous study examining microbial contamination of basins when soap and water was used to bathe patients, bacterial growth in patients' bath basins decreased significantly with the use of chlorhexidine gluconate, drastically reducing the risk for hospital-acquired infections. Such reduced risk is especially important for critically ill patients at high risk for bacterial infection.

Hydrocortisone Therapy for Patients with Multiple Trauma: The Randomized Controlled HYPOLYTE Study

Stress-related adrenal insufficiency associated with polytrauma has been postulated as a factor in the development of hospital-acquired infections. This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled study conducted in seven separate intensive care units (ICUs) in France from November 15, 2006 to August 4, 2009 was designed to test the idea that steroid treatment could reduce the prevalence of hospital-acquired pneumonia in trauma patients. All multiple-trauma patients, defined as having two or more traumatic injuries and injury severity score>15, aged>15 years who were expected to require mechanical ventilation for more than 48h, were included.