Infection Requiring Hospital Admission Research Articles

Association between MASLD and increased risk of serious bacterial infections requiring hospital admission: A meta-analysis.

Previous studies have reported an association between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and the risk of serious bacterial infections. However, the magnitude of the risk and whether this risk varies with the severity of MASLD remains uncertain. We performed a meta-analysis of observational studies to quantify the association between MASLD and serious bacterial infections requiring hospital admission. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase from database inception to 1 April 2024, using predefined keywords to identify studies examining the risk of serious bacterial infections among individuals with and without MASLD. MASLD was diagnosed using liver biopsy, imaging or International Classification of Diseases codes. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects modelling. We identified six cross-sectional and two prospective cohort studies with aggregate data on ~26.6 million individuals. MASLD was significantly associated with higher odds of serious bacterial infections (pooled random-effects odds ratio 1.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44-2.58; I2 = 93%). Meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies showed that MAFLD was associated with an increased risk of developing serious bacterial infections (pooled random-effects hazard ratio 1.80, 95% CI 1.62-2.0; I2 = 89%). This risk further increased across the severity of MASLD, especially the severity of fibrosis (pooled random-effects hazard ratio 2.42, 95% CI 1.89-2.29; I2 = 92%). These results remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, obesity, diabetes and other potential confounders. Sensitivity analyses did not modify these findings. The funnel plot did not reveal any significant publication bias. This meta-analysis shows a significant association between MASLD and an increased risk of serious bacterial infections requiring hospital admission.

Chronic granulomatous disease: A single-center experience in Central Anatolia

BackgroundChronic granulomatous disease (CGD), one of the phagocytic cell defects, is the primary immunodeficiency caused by dysfunction of the NADPH oxidase complex in neutrophils. MethodsThe clinical, demographic and laboratory findings of 17 CGD patients who were followed-up between 2002 and 2021 were obtained retrospectively from the records of the patients. ResultsThe number of male and female patients was 10/7. The median age at diagnosis was 5.3 months (range 4–120) for 3 patients with X-CGD, and 42.4 months (range 8–350) for 14 patients with AR-CGD. We have investigated rare CYBA exon 3–6 deletion in 7 patients and hotspot mutation with delGT at the beginning of exon 2 of NCF1 in 5 patients. The most common clinical findings were pneumonia and lymphadenitis with recurrent fever, respectively (41.2%, 35.3%). A total of 154 microbial infections requiring hospital admission (27 in 3 XL and 127 in 14 AR patients) were detected in the follow-up of the patients and median infection number for a patient was 9 in both groups. Eight of 17 patients had stem cell transplantation and the survival rate was 87.5%. ConclusionsX-CGD patients are more rapidly recognized by family history and severe infections than those with AR-CGD and early prophylaxis may decrease infectious episodes. We have investigated the large deletion suggesting a possible founder effect for CYBA exon 3–6 deletion in Central Anatolia. Additionally, HSCT transplantation leads to a high survival rate for the patients with CGD.

Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and respiratory tract infections requiring hospital admission: analysis of ethnic groups from the UK Biobank cohort

Vitamin D status has been found to be inversely associated with risk of respiratory tract infections (RTIs)(1). It varies by ethnicity, with several ethnic minority groups in the United Kingdom (UK) reported to be at a higher risk of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations <25 nmol/L) compared to their white counterparts(2, 3). However, the relationship between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and incidence of RTIs by ethnicity in the UK remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and likelihood of hospitalisation for RTI in UK ethnic groups.A nested, case-control study was conducted using data from UK Biobank, which has data for 500k adults for serum 25(OH)D and hospital episodes from linked records. Binary logistic regression models were used to explore the association between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and likelihood of RTIs overall, and by ethnicity.Of the 36,772 participants included in the analysis, 12,638 (34%) were white Caucasian, 10,311 (28%) Asian, 7,138 (19%) black, 4,034 (11%) other, and 2,651 (7%) of mixed ethnicity. In fully adjusted models, compared to participants with a serum 25(OH)D concentration <15 nmol/L (severe deficiency), those with 25-49 nmol/L, 50-74 nmol/L, and ≥75 nmol/L were found to have statistically significantly lower odds of RTI hospitalisation, with odds ratios (ORs) of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.37, 0.75), 0.61 (95% CI: 0.40, 0.92) and 0.54 (95% CI: 0.30, 0.97), respectively. In the subgroup analysis, ethnic minorities and white individuals with vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L) were more likely to be hospitalised with RTI compared to those that were not deficient, with ORs of 1.36 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.81) and 2.03 (95% CI: 1.30, 3.17), respectively. This association was not statistically significant within ethnic minority subgroups when analysed separately.Serum 25(OH)D concentrations above 25 nmol/L are associated with lower likelihood of RTI hospitalisation among UK adults. This finding was noted across white and ethnic minority groups, although ethnic minorities with vitamin D deficiency had a lower likelihood of RTIs compared to white individuals. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings and explore the mechanisms underlying the association between vitamin D status and RTIs in different ethnic groups.AcknowledgementsThis project was conducted using the UK Biobank resource under project 15168.

Estimated Impact of Nirsevimab on the Incidence of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections Requiring Hospital Admission in Children < 1 Year, Weeks 40, 2023, to 8, 2024, Spain.

Data from the sentinel surveillance system of severe acute respiratory infections in Spain were used to estimate the impact of administration of nirsevimab to children born from 1 April 2023 onwards. Estimated RSV hospitalisations in < 1-year-olds during weeks 40, 2023, to 8, 2024, were compared to the number that would be expected after accounting for the background change in RSV circulation in the 2023/24 season, compared to 2022/23. We estimated 9364-9875 RSV hospitalisations less than expected, corresponding to a 74%-75% reduction.

Income and immunity: The consequences of a pre- and neo-natal income shock on childhood infection risk

ObjectivesThe experiences and conditions that children are exposed to in utero and early infancy impact their health in adulthood. Understanding the channels through which these effects emerge is important, because this may help us to anticipate which children are at highest risk of adverse effects, and provide early interventions to help. In this paper, we test a new channel linking perinatal experiences to later-life health: immunity.&#x0D; MethodWe use administrative birth records, linked with hospital admissions episodes and primary care consultations for children in the Northern Territory of Australia. This data forms part of the Child and Youth Development Partnership data linkage project. We analyse the impact of a shock to household income in Aboriginal communities, resulting from a change in government transfer policy. We estimate the impact of exposure to this shock in utero or in the first 3 months of life, relative to exposure later in childhood, to isolate the impact of an income shock during this key developmental period.&#x0D; ResultsWe find that children who were exposed to the shock in utero or in their first three months of life were at higher risk of severe infection requiring hospital admission. They spend, on average, 4.5 more days in hospital from birth to their 6th birthday (a 45 percent increase). Most of this impact is concentrated in admissions for infection. Only a small share of the effect can be explained by the immediate impact of the policy on birthweight.&#x0D; ConclusionOur findings are consistent with the explanation that an income shock worsens nutrition, and that worse nutrition during key developmental stages can permanently weaken children’s immune systems. This finding speaks to the importance of attention to key phases in childhood development, when designing policies that affect households’ financial resources. Furthermore, we find birthweight is a poor predictor of childhood hospital admission. However, use of longitudinal administrative data helps us to identify alternative markers of new-born health that are better predictors.

Considerations and clinical management of infections in sarcoidosis.

To summarize data from recent reports about risks and outcomes of the infections most often reported in patients with sarcoidosis. Rates of fungal infections and other severe infections are higher in patients with sarcoidosis compared to controls. Immunosuppression further increases the risk for an infection requiring hospitalization. In contrast, outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are not worse unless lung impairment or other comorbidities are present. Tuberculosis, fungal infections, and other severe infections requiring hospital admission are, fortunately, relatively rare in patients with sarcoidosis who live in nonendemic regions. However, ongoing vigilance is required when the course of sarcoidosis is atypical or inexplicably progressive, as costs are high when these infections are missed. In contrast, COVID-19 and other respiratory viral illnesses are common, including among patients with sarcoidosis. When organ impairment is minimal, an underlying diagnosis of sarcoidosis does not appear to increase the risk of severe COVID-19, but patients may have higher risks due to comorbidities, which are important factors to address in routine sarcoidosis care. The burden from respiratory viral events, including impacts on quality of life and life functionality including work capacity, is unknown and is important to measure.

Streptococcal infections (Strep A) in primary care settings

In December 2022, there was a reported increase in the number of infections in the UK, resulting in deaths of young children, occurring as a result of invasive Strep A infections. Margaret Perry explains how these infections can be managed in a general practice setting. Group A streptococcal infections (GAS) are reported to be common and are often carried on the skin or in the throat and are harmless. However, in some cases they cause infection which may be mild, or in some cases the problem becomes invasive (iGAS) resulting in a more serious infection requiring hospital admission and treatment. This article will give an overview of the commonest infections arising as a result of GAS and will look at signs and symptoms, treatment, and complications, with the aim of increasing confidence among practice nurses and non-medical prescribers in the recognition and management of these conditions.

#6809 PULSE VERSUS DAILY ORAL CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE IN ANCA-ASSOCIATED VASCULITIS WITH RENAL INVOLVEMENT: A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

Abstract Background and Aims We aimed to compare the risk of death, relapse and infections requiring hospital admission of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients according to the induction of remission scheme used: daily oral (PO) cyclophosphamide or pulse intravenous (IV) cyclophosphamide. Method We identified all newly diagnosed AAV patients treated with PO or IV cyclophosphamide between January 1998 and December 2022 admitted to the CHVNGE Nephrology Department. Data were analyzed with SPSS v28® using parametric and non-parametric tests and Kaplan Meyer survival analysis. Results We identified 74 cases of de novo vasculitis, 50 of them received PO cyclophosphamide and 24 received IV cyclophosphamide. Median age at presentation was 68,50 ± 16,06 years PO and 68,00 ± 10,41 years IV. Median duration of follow-up was 3,8 years ± 2,98 for both groups, 6,21 years PO and 3,88 years IV. One-year survival was 84% in PO and 91,3% in IV patients; 15 (30%) PO and 5 (20,8%) pulse patients had at least one relapse. Neoplasms occurred in 3 (6%) patients in the PO group and 1 (4,2%) patient in the IV group. The number of patients admitted with one or more infections was 22 (44%) in the PO group and 9 (37,5%) in the IV group. Renal survival was 26 (52%) PO and 15 (62,5%) IV. There was no difference in survival (p = 0,176), renal survival (p = 0,113), risk of relapse (p = 0,283) and infection (p = 0,196) between the two groups. Conclusion There was no difference in renal or overall survival, confirming the previous published data. Contrasting with CYCLOPS, our analysis does not confirm an increased risk of relapse in the IV group. One particularly interesting data is that the number of infections in IV route was lower than PO, corroborating the data on lower cumulative doses and therefore lower risk of infection in previous studies. Potential bias of this study is the small sample of patients enrolled in the two groups and the duration of follow up. Despite the reduction in the cumulative dose of cyclophosphamide, we continue to have significant adverse effects, which can also be explained by the dose of corticosteroid previously used, therefore strategies to reduce the toxicity associated with treatment without compromising efficacy are important goals for future research. Treatments need to be optimized and customized according to the severity of the patient's disease and the risk of recurrence.

Risk of Severe Infection in Patients With Biopsy-proven Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease – A Population-based Cohort Study

It has been suggested that patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) might be at increased risk of severe infections, but large-scale data from cohorts with biopsy-proven NAFLD are lacking. Population-based cohort study including all Swedish adults with histologically confirmed NAFLD (n= 12,133) from 1969 to 2017. NAFLD was defined as simple steatosis (n= 8232), nonfibrotic steatohepatitis (n= 1378), noncirrhotic fibrosis (n= 1845), and cirrhosis (n= 678). Patients were matched to ≤5 population comparators (n= 57,516) by age, sex, calendar year, and county. Swedish national registers were used to ascertain incident severe infections requiring hospital admission. Multivariable adjusted Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios in NAFLD and histopathological subgroups. Over a median of 14.1 years, 4517 (37.2%) patients with NAFLD vs 15,075 (26.2%) comparators were hospitalized for severe infections. Patients with NAFLD had higher incidence of severe infections than comparators (32.3 vs. 17.0/1000 person-years; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval, 1.63-1.79). The most frequent infections were respiratory (13.8/1000 person-years) and urinary tract infections (11.4/1000 person-years). The absolute risk difference at 20 years after NAFLD diagnosis was 17.3%, equal to one extra severe infection in every 6 patients with NAFLD. Risk of infection increased with worsening histological severity of NAFLD (simple steatosis [aHR, 1.64], nonfibrotic steatohepatitis [aHR, 1.84], noncirrhotic fibrosis [aHR, 1.77], and cirrhosis [aHR, 2.32]. Also compared with their full siblings, patients with NAFLD were at increased risk of severe infections (aHR, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-1.70). Patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD were at significantly higher risk of incident severe infection requiring hospitalization both compared with the general population and compared with siblings. Excess risk was evident across all stages of NAFLD and increased with worsening disease severity.

Endogenous Endophthalmitis in COVID-19 Patients: A Case Series and Literature Review

ABSTRACT Purpose To report outcomes in cases of endogenous endophthalmitis (EE) following COVID-19 infection. Material and methods In a retrospective study, patients with EE, who had a recent history of COVID-19 infection requiring hospital admission were recruited. Necessary demographic details, details of ocular examination, and microbiological details were collected. Results Six patients (10 eyes), with a mean age of 48 + 19.80 years were included. The mean duration of onset of ocular symptoms from the time of diagnosis of COVID was 28.16 + 16.15 days. 8 eyes required surgical intervention, whereas 2 eyes were managed conservatively. Three patients were positive for Candida albicans, two patients were positive for Aspergillus fumigatus, and one patient was a presumed bacterial EE. The majority of the eyes had favorable functional and anatomical outcomes during the post-operative period. Conclusion High-dose corticosteroid therapy in the management of moderate and severe COVID-19 infection may be associated with EE, predominantly fungal.

Predictors of hospitalization due to infection in rituximab-treated MS patients.

Rituximab is extensively used off-label to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), and long-term vigilance for adverse events is needed. This study was conducted to determine frequencies and predictors of hematological adverse events, including hypogammaglobulinemia, severe lymphopenia, neutropenia, and infections leading to hospitalization. This retrospective cohort study included all patients with MS initiating rituximab treatment at Haukeland University Hospital between January 1st, 2017, and July 1st, 2021. Patients were followed by clinical monitoring and repeated blood sampling every six months. Clinical outcomes and laboratory results were retrieved from the Norwegian MS Registry and Biobank and the patient administrative system at Haukeland University Hospital. Five hundred and fifty-six patients were included, 515 with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and 41 with progressive MS. Overall, 33 patients (5.9%) experienced 56 episodes of infections requiring hospital admission. Sixty patients (10.8%) had confirmed hypogammaglobulinemia, 17 (3.1%) had confirmed severe lymphopenia, and 10 (1.8%) had confirmed severe neutropenia. Predictors of infection requiring hospital admission were progressive MS (adjusted OR (aOR): 4.81; 95%CI: 1.25-18.48), duration of treatment with rituximab (aOR: 1.52; 95%CI: 1.11-2.09) and confirmed severe lymphopenia (aOR: 13.58; 95%CI: 3.41-54.06) and neutropenia (aOR: 13.40; 95%CI: 2.93-61.25). Of the hematological abnormalities, only hypogammaglobulinemia was associated with treatment duration (aOR: 1.35; 95%CI: 1.09-1.69). The risk of hospitalization due to infection is associated with time on rituximab treatment, in patients with lympho- or neutropenia, and in patients with primary progressive MS. We observed a time-dependent decline in IgG values, in contrast to neutrophil and lymphocyte count, suggesting a cumulative dose-dependent response. These predictors can assist clinicians in assessing and monitoring MS patients receiving rituximab.

Preoperative Anemia is an Independent Risk Factor for Increased Complications and Mortalities After Total Knee Arthroplasty Regardless of Postoperative Transfusions

BackgroundPreoperative anemia is associated with adverse events following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). It remains unknown if this effect is due to comorbid conditions, adverse events associated with transfusions, or the anemia itself. We used propensity-score matching to isolate the effect of anemia on postoperative complications following TKA, regardless of blood transfusions. MethodsPatients undergoing primary TKA from 2010 to 2020 without receiving a perioperative blood transfusion, were identified using a large national database. A 1:1 propensity score matching was used to create cohorts of anemic and nonanemic patients matched on Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) classification, age, sex, and prevalence of bleeding disorders. There were 43,370 patients were included in each group (mean age 68 [range, 29 to 99; 44% male]). The 1:1 matching yielded groups with similar CCI, ASA classification, age, sex, and prevalence of bleeding disorders (all, P > .9). ResultsAnemic patients had a higher incidence of major complications (4.1 versus 2.8%; P < .001), 30-day mortality rate (0.2 versus 0.1%; P < .001), and extended lengths of stay (LOS) (8.3 versus 6.6%; P < .001). Anemic patients also had increased 30-day rates of wound infection requiring hospital admission, renal failure, reintubation, myocardial infarction, and pneumonia (all, P < .001). ConclusionIn matched cohorts of anemic versus nonanemic patients undergoing TKA, all who had no postoperative blood transfusion, anemic patients had higher rates of complications, extended LOS, and mortalities. Thus, anemia should be considered an independent risk factor for complications following TKA.

SARS-CoV-2 infections in pediatric and young adult recipients of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy: an international registry report

BackgroundImmunocompromised patients are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Patients undergoing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for relapsed/refractory B-cell malignancies are uniquely immunosuppressed due to CAR T-mediated B-cell aplasia...

Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccination with mRNA Vaccines for Patients with Cirrhosis in Hungary: Multicentre Matched Cohort Study

Patients with cirrhosis are vulnerable to hepatic decompensation events and death following COVID-19 infection. Therefore, primary vaccination with COVID-19 vaccines is fundamental to reducing the risk of COVID-19 related deaths in patients with cirrhosis. However, limited data are available about the effectiveness of mRNA vaccines compared to other vaccines. The aim of our study was to investigate the efficacy of mRNA vaccines versus other vaccines in cirrhosis. In this retrospective study, we compared clinical characteristics and vaccine effectiveness of 399 COVID-19 patients without cirrhosis (GROUP A) to 52 COVID-19 patients with cirrhosis (GROUP B). 54 hospitalised cirrhosis controls without COVID-19 (GROUP C) were randomly sampled 1:1 and matched by gender and age. Of the cirrhosis cases, we found no difference (p = 0.76) in mortality rates in controls without COVID-19 (11.8%) compared to those with COVID-19 (9.6%). However, COVID-19 patients with cirrhosis were associated with higher rates of worsening hepatic encephalopathy, ascites and esophageal varices. Patients with cirrhosis receiving mRNA vaccines had significantly better survival rates compared to viral vector or inactivated vaccines. Primary vaccination with the BNT162b2 vaccine was the most effective in preventing acute hepatic decompensating events, COVID-19 infection requiring hospital admission and in-hospital mortality.

Group A streptococcal disease in paediatric inpatients: a European perspective.

In an era of observed marked reduction in vaccine-preventable infections, GAS infection requiring hospital admission is still associated with significant severe disease in younger children, and short- and long-term morbidity. Further advances are required in the prevention and early recognition of GAS disease. •Despite temporal and geographical variability, there is an increase of incidence of infection with group A streptococci. However, data on the epidemiology of group A streptococcal infections in European children is limited. •In a large, prospective cohort of children with community-acquired bacterial infection requiring hospitalisation in Europe, GAS was the most frequent pathogen, with 12% disability at discharge, and 2% mortalityin patients with GAS infection. • In children with GAS sepsis, IVIG was used in only 4.6% of patients and clindamycin in 29% of patients.

Are infections in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis more frequent than in healthy children? A prospective multicenter observational study.

BackgroundChildren with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) might be at a higher risk of infection. Our objectives are to describe and compare infection rates in patients with JIA vs. healthy patients.MethodsA prospective, multicenter observational study was performed in Spain from January 2017 to June 2019. Patients with JIA from 7 participating hospitals and children without JIA (siblings of patients with JIA, and non-JIA children from primary health centers) were followed up with quarterly questionnaires to record infection episodes. Tuberculosis, herpes zoster, and infections requiring hospital admission were considered severe infections. Rates of infection (episodes/patient/year) were compared using a generalized estimating equations model.ResultsA total of 371 children (181 with and 190 without JIA) were included. The median age was 8.8 years (IQR 5.5–11.3); 75% of the patients with JIA received immunosuppressive treatment (24% methotrexate, 22% biologic, 26% both). A total of 667 infections were recorded; 15 (2.2%) were considered severe. The infection rate was 1.31 (95%CI 1.1–1.5) in JIA and 1.12 (95%CI 0.9–1.3) in non-JIA participants (p = 0.19). Age <4 years increased the infection rate by 2.5 times (2.72 vs. 1.12, p < 0.001) in both groups. The most frequent infection sites were upper respiratory (62.6% vs. 74.5%) and gastrointestinal (18.8% vs. 11.4%). There were no differences in severe infections (2.5% vs. 2%, p = 0.65) between the groups. In children with JIA, younger age and higher disease activity (JADAS71) were associated with a higher infection rate.ConclusionWe found no differences in the infection rate or infection severity between patients with and without JIA. Most infections were mild. An age younger than 4 years increased the infection risk in both groups. Higher disease activity was associated with a higher infection rate.

Celiac Disease and Serious Infections: A Nationwide Cohort Study From 2002 to 2017.

Patients with celiac disease (CD) have an increased risk of encapsulated bacterial infections. Less is known about other serious infections in CD, especially in patients diagnosed in the 21st century. We contacted all 28 pathology departments in Sweden through the Epidemiology Strengthened by histoPathology Reports in Sweden (ESPRESSO) cohort study and identified 20,088 individuals with CD (defined as villous atrophy) diagnosed in 2002-2017. Patients were matched for sex, age, and calendar year to 80,152 general population comparators and followed up until December 31, 2019. Serious infections were defined as having a hospital-based (inpatient and outpatient) diagnosis in the National Patient Register. Cox regression yielded adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) controlling for education, country of birth, and comorbidities. During 173,695 person-years of follow-up, 6,167 individuals with CD (35.5/1,000 person-years) had a serious infection. This was compared with 19,131 infections during 743,260 person-years (25.7/1,000 person-years) in matched comparators, corresponding to an aHR of 1.29 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.25-1.33). aHR were similar when restricted to infection requiring hospital admission (1.23; 95% CI = 1.17-1.29). The excess risk of serious infections also persisted beyond the first year after CD diagnosis (aHR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.20-1.29). Patients with CD were at risk of sepsis (aHR = 1.26; 95% CI = 1.09-1.45) and gastrointestinal infections (1.60; 95% CI = 1.47-1.74). Mucosal healing during CD follow-up did not influence the risk of subsequent serious infections. This nationwide study of patients with celiac disease diagnosed in the 21st century revealed a significantly increased risk of serious infections. While absolute risks were modest, vaccinations should be considered during CD follow-up care.

Infections in children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, more frequent than in healthy children? Prospective multi-center observational study.

Abstract Background Children with JIA may have a higher risk of infection. Our objectives are to describe and compare infection rates in JIA patients vs non-JIA counterparts. Methods A prospective, multicenter observational study was performed in Spain from 01/2017 to 06/2019. JIA patients from 7 participating hospitals and children without JIA (siblings of JIA patients, and non-JIA children from primary health centers) were followed up with quarterly questionnaires recording infection episodes. Tuberculosis, Herpes Zoster, and infections requiring hospital admission were considered severe infections. Rate of infection (episodes/patient/year) was compared using a Generalized Estimating Equations Model. Results 371 children (181 JIA and 190 non-JIA) were included. Median age was 8.8years (IQR 5.5 – 11.3); 75% of JIA patients received immunosuppressive treatment (24% methotrexate, 22% biologic, 26% both). 667 infections were recorded, 15(2.2%) considered severe. Infection rate was 1.31 (95%CI 1.1 – 1.5) in JIA and 1.12 (95%CI 0.9 – 1.3) in non-JIA participants (p0.19). Age &lt;4 years increased 2.5 times infection rate (2.51 vs. 0.98, p&lt;0.001) in both groups. The most frequent infection sites were upper respiratory (62.6% vs. 74.5%) and gastrointestinal (18.8%vs 11.4%). There were no differences in severe infections (2.5%vs 2%, p0.65) among groups. In JIA children, younger age and higher disease activity (JADAS71) were associated with a higher infection rate. Conclusions Despite being a potential risk group, we found no differences in infection rate, severity, type and antibiotic treatment between patients with and without JIA. Most infections were mild. Age below 4 years increased infection risk in both groups. Higher disease activity was associated with a higher infection rate in JIA patients.

Clinical and financial burden of spinal infections in people who inject drugs.

People who inject drugs (PWID) are known to be at increased risk of infectious diseases including bacterial and blood-borne viral infections. However, there is limited literature surrounding the burden of spinal infections as a complication of injecting drug use (IDU). To quantify the clinical and financial burden of IDU-related spinal infections. Retrospective chart review of adult PWID with spinal infections requiring hospital admission to a tertiary health service in Melbourne, Australia between 2011 and 2019. Fifty-seven PWID with 63 episodes of spinal infections were identified with a median hospital stay of 47 days (interquartile range (IQR) 16; range 4-243 days). One-third of episodes required neurosurgical intervention and 11 (17%) episodes required intensive care unit admission (range 2-17 days). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common causative pathogen, present in three-quarters of all episodes (n=47). The median duration of antibiotic regime was 59 days (IQR 42) and longer courses were associated with known bacteraemia (P=0.048), polymicrobial infections (P=0.001) and active IDU (P=0.066). Predictors of surgery include neurological symptoms at presentation (relative risk (RR) 2.6; P=0.010), inactive IDU status (RR 3.0; P=0.002), a diagnosis of epidural abscess (RR 4.1; P=0.001) and spinal abscess (RR ∞; P < 0.001). Completion of planned antimicrobial therapy was reported in 51 (82%) episodes. Average expenditure per episode was A$61 577. Spinal infections in PWID are an underreported serious medical complication of IDU. Although mortality is low, there is significant morbidity with prolonged admissions, large antimicrobial requirements and surgical interventions generating a substantial cost to the health system.

Efficacy and safety of antimicrobial stewardship prospective audit and feedback in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: A protocol for a pragmatic clinical trial

The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics is widespread in patients with COVID-19 despite a low prevalence of bacterial co-infection, raising concerns for the accelerated development of antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) is vital but there are limited randomized clinical trial data supporting AMS interventions such as prospective audit and feedback (PAF). High quality data to demonstrate safety and efficacy of AMS PAF in hospitalized COVID-19 patients are needed. This is a prospective, multi-center, non-inferiority, pragmatic randomized clinical trial evaluating AMS PAF intervention plus standard of care (SOC) versus SOC alone. We include patients with microbiologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection requiring hospital admission for severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Eligible ward beds and critical care unit beds will be randomized prior to study commencement at each participating site by computer-generated allocation sequence stratified by intensive care unit versus conventional ward in a 1:1 fashion. PAF intervention consists of real time review of antibacterial prescriptions and immediate written and verbal feedback to attending teams, performed by site-based AMS teams comprised of an AMS pharmacist and physician. The primary outcome is clinical status at post-admission day 15 measured using a 7-point ordinal scale. Patients will be followed for secondary outcomes out to 30 days. A total of 530 patients are needed to show a statistically significant non-inferiority, with 80% power and 2.5% one-sided alpha assuming standard deviation of 2 and the non-inferiority margin of 0.5. This study protocol presents a pragmatic clinical trial design with small unit cluster randomization for AMS intervention in hospitalized COVID-19 that will provide high-level evidence and may be adopted in other clinical situations. This study is being performed at the University of Alberta and is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04896866) on May 17, 2021.