Administration Of Intravenous Antibiotics Research Articles

Clinical Efficacy of the Antibiotic-Loaded Collagen Sponge During Arthroscopic Treatment of Acute Septic Arthritis of the Native Knee.

Background:To completely eliminate an infection, the antibiotic concentration must exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration for the causative pathogens. The antibiotic-loaded collagen sponge (ALCS) has been used to manage an infection through a high local concentration of antibiotics.Purpose:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of ALCS in the arthroscopic treatment of patients with acute septic arthritis of the native knee.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:The authors retrospectively reviewed the data for 132 consecutive patients with acute septic arthritis of the knee who underwent arthroscopic debridement between 2013 and 2019. Patients with a history of surgery in the affected joint, concomitant osteomyelitis, or accompanying medical infection were excluded. The study patients were divided into 2 groups based on the use of ALCS during surgery. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were temporally measured to normalization and the duration of intravenous antibiotic administration was recorded, and the mean length of hospital stay was compared between the groups. Independent t test and chi-square test were performed to assess differences between the groups, and univariate analysis was used to analyze factors affecting recurrence of septic arthritis.Results:Of the 132 patients, 88 were ultimately included in this study; 51 patients were managed without ALCS and 37 were treated with ALCS. There were statistically significant differences between groups in the mean period for CRP-level normalization (15.2 ± 8.2 days [ALCS] vs 26.2 ± 14.7 days [without ALCS]; P = .004), mean duration of intravenous antibiotic use (18.4 ± 7.3 days [ALCS] vs 26.6 ± 16.1 days [without ALCS]; P = .046), and mean length of hospital stay (21.1 ± 11.6 days [ALCS] vs 30.3 ± 18.3 days [without ALCS]; P = .045). The preoperative CRP level was the only significant risk factor for recurrence or treatment failure after single arthroscopic debridement.Conclusion:The results of this study indicated that ALCS was able to reduce the duration of CRP-level normalization, intravenous antibiotic use, and hospitalization in patients who underwent arthroscopic irrigation and debridement for acute septic arthritis of the native knee.

Intravenous antibiotics at the index emergency department visit as an independent risk factor for hospital admission at the return visit within 72 hours.

IntroductionAlthough infection was the most common symptom in patients returning to the ED, whether intravenous antibiotic administration at the index visit could serve as an indicator of patients with infectious diseases at high risk for hospital admission after returning to the ED within a short period of time remains unclear. The study aimed to investigate the potential risk factors for hospital admission in patients returning to the ED within 72 hours with a final diagnosis of infectious diseases.Material and methodsThis retrospective cohort study analyzed return visits to the ED from January to December 2019. Adult patients aged >20 years who had a return visit to the ED within 72 hours with an infectious disease were included herein. In total, 715 eligible patients were classified into the intravenous antibiotics and non-intravenous antibiotics group (reference group). The outcome studied was hospital admission to general ward and intensive care unit (ICU) at the return visits.ResultsPatients receiving intravenous antibiotics at index visits had significantly higher risk—approximately two times—for hospital admission at the return visits than those did not (adjusted odds ratio = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.34–4.57, p = 0.004). For every 10 years increase in age, the likelihood for hospital admission increased by 38%. Other factors included abnormal respiratory rate and high C-reactive protein levels.ConclusionsIntravenous antibiotic administration at the index visit was an independent risk factor for hospital admission at return visits in patients with an infection disease. Physicians should consider carefully before discharging patients receiving intravenous antibiotics.

Successful Management of Neonatal Orbital Cellulitis: A Rare Case Report

Objective: To report a rare case of neonatal orbital cellulitis along with the successful management. Introduction: Orbital cellulitis is a sight- and life-threatening infection of the post-septal tissues of the orbit, and is a considerably rare finding in neonates. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential, as 11-26% of cases of orbital cellulitis result in death and visual loss. Case Presentation: A one-month-old neonate presented with rapidly progressive swelling and redness of the right eyelid along with persistent subfebrile fever seven days before admission to the hospital. Blinking reaction to light stimulation was good on the left eye. Ocular motility was difficult to be evaluated. Conjunctival appearance on the right eye showed severe chemosis, while the other parts of both eyes were within normal limit. Orbital Computed Tomography (CT) scan revealed diffuse soft-tissue swelling at the superior and inferior palpebra of the right eye and partial erosion of the lateral wall of the right ethmoidal sinus, suggesting sino-orbital inflammation. Diagnosis of orbital cellulitis was confirmed on the right eye in this patient. Incision and drainage surgery of the right eyelids were done immediately as improvement was only seen on the upper eyelid after empirical intravenous (IV) antibiotic administration. Strain of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) was found from the discharge’s culture. At one month follow up, the swelling of the right eyelid had markedly decreased with no signs of inflammation. Conclusion: This case highlights and showed a rare case and successful management of neonatal orbital cellulitis. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of neonatal orbital cellulitis may benefit patient and prevent sight- and life-threatening condition.

350 New Service of Intravenous Antibiotics Administration at Home- a Single Centre Experience

Abstract Introduction Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotics Therapy (OPAT) provides a safe and effective alternative to prevent a long-term hospital stay. If used efficiently, it is beneficial and cost-effective. Method 199 patients from January 2017 since the services started to March 2021 were included in this retrospective observational study. Demographics, clinical management and OPAT outcome data were studied and compared with local guidelines. Patients receiving services for oral medications or ambulant to reach AECU were excluded. Results 205 patients received the service with a total of 248 patient episodes. 6 patients were excluded because of inadequate data availability. 199 cases were analysed with a mean age of 72±13.9 years (age ≥60 years: 79.8%; M:F 3:2). 24.6% cases were osteomyelitis followed by 12% prosthetic infections. The average duration of antibiotics received was 38.4 days (3–187 days). We assumed 3 days as a benchmark for duration deviated from the planned duration and found 45% of patients got more antibiotics than they were planned: with an average of 20 days excess. 65.8% of patients had microbiological investigations done before antibiotics. Flucloxacillin was the first-choice antibiotic. When compared to the trust guidelines, 29% of patients were managed in line with the recommended duration, proper investigations, and choice of antibiotics. 14.5% of patients developed side effects. Conclusions With this being a new service, there are a lot of opportunities to improve monitoring, patient experience and safe clinical practice. We have already started the improvement by changing our record-keeping for clinical governance and are working on the clinical pathway.

Choque séptico de origen biliar en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos

Se presenta un caso de choque séptico de origen biliar en un paciente de sexo masculino de 76 años, con antecedente de colecistitis aguda y su correspondiente resolución quirúrgica. Ingresa a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) del Hospital General San Vicente de Paúl, de Ibarra, con apoyo de dispositivo de ventilación con presión positiva, RASS -5 con efectos de sedoanalgesia, presencia de acceso venoso central yugular derecho, abdomen con presencia de bolsa de Bogotá y sonda vesical permeable. Luego de 16 días en UCI, a pesar de tratamiento médico, evoluciona tórpidamente y fallece. Cabe recalcar que no se efectuaron exámenes post mortem. En términos generales, la sepsis biliar constituye la disfunción multiorgánica originada en el contexto de infección de la vía biliar principal (VBP) o vía biliar accesoria (VBA). En este caso se revisa la cronología de un paciente con diagnóstico de choque séptico de origen biliar, la clínica y el manejo. En efecto, establecer el diagnóstico tardío de colecistitis aguda determina consecuencias graves como la perforación vesicular, sepsis grave o choque séptico de origen biliar con el mal pronóstico consecuente. El tratamiento es quirúrgico y consiste en colecistectomía, lavado quirúrgico y drenaje, e incluso en la reparación de las complicaciones que se presenten. Gran parte de la mejora en la mortalidad asociada con el shock séptico está relacionada con el reconocimiento precoz combinado con la reanimación con líquidos intravenosos y la administración de antibióticos.

Murine Soft Tissue Infection Model to Study Group A Streptococcus (GAS) Pathogenesis in Necrotizing Fasciitis.

Group A streptococcus (GAS) necrotizing fasciitis (NF) causes high morbidity and mortality despite prompt intravenous administration of antibiotics, surgical soft-tissue debridement, and supportive treatment in the intensive care unit. Since there is no effective vaccine against GAS infections, a comprehensive understanding of NF pathogenesis is required to design more efficient treatments. To increase our understanding of NF pathogenesis, we need a reliable animal model that mirrors, at least in part, the infectious process in humans. This chapter describes a reliable murine model of human NF that mimics the histopathology observed in humans, namely the destruction of soft tissue, a paucity of infiltrating neutrophils, and the presence of many gram-positive cocci at the center of the infection.

Evaluasi Ketepatan Antibiotik pada Pasien Sepsis

The administration of early intravenous antibiotics was one of the fundamental procedures in sepsis. Inappropriate of antibiotics in septic patients has an impact on mortality and prolongs treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the appropriateness of antibiotics therapy in hospitalized sepsis patients in Central Java based on the parameters right indication, right patient, right drug, and the right dose. This study was observational. Data collected retrospectively and analyzed descriptively. Sampling was done by purposive sampling. The inclusion criteria were inpatients diagnosed with sepsis who received antibiotics therapy with complete medical record data. The exclusion criteria were patients who died of sepsis. Antibiotics analyzed using the DIH 25th edition 2016, IONI 2014, Tata Laksana Sepsis Pada Anak IDAI 2016, Neofax 2014, Kepmenkes PNPK Tata Laksana Sepsis 2017, PPK RS, and SHC Antimicrobial Dosing 2017. Based on data from 108 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria obtained results right indication 100%, right patient 97.22%, right drug 90.74%, and the right dose 48.15%. The most used antibiotic was a combination of ampicillin and gentamicin (41.67%), while the single antibiotic was ceftriaxone (12.96%).

An observational study on the use of long acting buprenorphine (Sublocade) and a Tamper resistant PICC for Outpatient IV antibiotic administration in Patients with serious infections and Opioid Use Disorder; The STOP OUD project

What is STOP OUD?The STOP OUD project is an observational study on the use of long-acting buprenorphine (Sublocade) and a Tamper resistant PICC clamp for Outpatient IV antibiotic administration in Patients with serious infections and Opioid Use Disorder (STOP OUD). BackgroundThe US opioid crisis is driving up serious infections related to intravenous drug use. These infections require prolonged courses of antibiotics, often resulting in lengthy hospital stays. Extended hospitalizations for monitored parenteral antibiotics for patients with opioid use disorder are challenging for patients, reduce bed capacity, and are associated with significant cost. This observational study reviews the administration of intravenous (IV) antibiotics in a monitored outpatient setting using long-acting injectable buprenorphine (Sublocade, Indivior Inc., North Chesterfield, VA) and a tamper resistant clamp in patients with opioid use disorder . MethodsLong-acting buprenorphine and a tamper resistant clamp were used to treat patients with serious infections and opioid use disorder as outpatients. ResultsHospital days avoided were 30-days per STOP OUD project participant. Eleven of thirteen STOP OUD project participants completed their antibiotic courses as prescribed, there was no evidence of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) tampering, and they rated their care as a mean of 4.9/5 (SD 0.4). Institutional savings per STOP OUD patient was $33,000. Outpatient infusion costs were $9,300 for a net savings of $23,700 per STOP OUD project participant. Infections resolved in all participants. ConclusionsThe STOP OUD project reduced hospital length of stay for patients with opioid use disorder and serious infections, and had a favorable financial impact.

Impact of Intrapartum Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Offspring Microbiota.

Infants are born into a world filled with microbes and must adapt without undue immune response while exploiting the microbiota's ability to produce otherwise unavailable nutrients. The process by which humans and microbes establish this relationship has only recently begun to be studied with the aid of genomic methods. Nearly half of all pregnant women receive antibiotics during gestation to prevent maternal and neonatal infection. Though this has been largely successful in reducing early-onset sepsis, we have yet to understand the long-term consequences of antibiotic administration during gestation to developing infants. Studies involving antibiotic use in infants suggest that dysbiosis during this period is associated with increased obesity, allergy, autoimmunity, and chronic diseases in adulthood, however, research around the limited doses of intravenous antibiotics used for intrapartum prophylaxis is limited. In this mini review, we focused on the state of the science regarding the effects of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis on the newborn microbial colonization process. Although, the literature indicates that there is wide variety in the specific bacteria that colonize infants from birth, limited parenteral antibiotic administration prior to delivery consistently affects the microbiota of infants by decreasing bacteria in the phylum Bacteroidetes and increasing bacteria in the phylum Proteobacteria, thus altering the normal pattern of colonization that infants experience. Delivery by cesarean section and formula feeding magnify and prolong this effect. Our mini review shows that the impact of intravenous antibiotic administration during gestation has on early colonization, growth, or immune programming in the developing offspring has not been well studied in human or animal models.

Risk Factors Associated With Nephrotoxicity During Outpatient Intravenous Vancomycin Administration.

Background: Many studies have described an association between intravenous vancomycin and nephrotoxicity; however, the majority have evaluated incidence and risk factors among hospitalized patients. Outpatient administration of intravenous antibiotics is a growing practice and presents its own set of unique challenges. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity in the outpatient setting. Methods: A case-control study of patients who received intravenous vancomycin through an Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) program was conducted. Patients were identified who developed an acute kidney injury (AKI) during treatment. The primary outcome was the incidence of AKI during treatment. Results: A total of 37 out of 130 patients (28.5%) met the criteria for AKI. AKI was more likely to occur in patients with a longer duration of therapy, higher maximum trough concentration, co-administration of a fluoroquinolone or metronidazole, and those who received another potentially nephrotoxic medication. Co-administration of a fluoroquinolone (OR = 5.96, P = 0.009, [CI: 1.59, 24.38]), any nephrotoxic medication (OR = 11.17, P < 0.001, [CI 3.14, 51.23]), and a higher maximum vancomycin trough (OR = 1.29, P < 0.001, [CI 1.17, 1.44]) were all indicative of a higher odds of an AKI. Conclusion: In this cohort, vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity was common during outpatient intravenous antibiotic therapy. Co-administration of a fluoroquinolone, any nephrotoxic medication, and a higher maximum vancomycin trough were associated with AKI development. Further study is needed to determine how this impacts long-term clinical outcomes and what measures can be taken to reduce nephrotoxicity risk.

Cerebral Abscess with Cranial Hypertension in Young Infants: A Case Report and Systematic Review

Objective: To report a Central Nervous System infection evolving with brain abscess and to address aspects of the treatment of the disease. Results: even with advances in treatment and diagnosis, the pathology has a high mortality. However, the best prognosis is noticed when there is a suspicion through the clinic, neuroradiological images readily available, antimicrobial therapy against commonly encountered agents, and surgical drainage procedures. One study, which combined antibiotic therapy and surgery to drain the abscess, in most of the cases, studied, demonstrated a mortality rate of 12%, and another study, a 42% mortality rate when using antibiotic therapy alone. Another reference suggests the use of antibiotic therapy alone in less severe cases with less neurological impairment. Neurological clinical sequelae can be found in up to 30% of cases. The time of antibiotic therapy still needs to be debated, as well as the surgical indication for drainage. Final Considerations: Pediatric brain abscess is an uncommon disease, still with high morbidity and mortality. Surgical drainage or excision of pediatric abscesses remains the basis of treatment both to relieve the mass effect and to provide a microbiological diagnosis. The literature demonstrates that broad-spectrum antibiotics and access to CT and MRI images decrease the rates of morbidity and mortality. It is concluded that the therapeutic approach involves the administration of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage in more complex cases.

EP.WE.802Are we over-zealous in our management of acute diverticulitis?

AimsOf the 25% of people with diverticula who develop symptomatic diverticular disease, approximately 75% will have at least one episode of diverticulitis. However according to the latest NICE guidance those with diverticulitis who are not systemically unwell may not require either admission or antibiotics. In the financially austere environment facing the NHS within the COVID 19 pandemic, prudence in such resource allocation is of vital importance. We aim to review management of patients with acute diverticulitis over a 6-month period in a district general hospital against the 2019 NICE guidelines.Methods29 patients presenting with acute diverticulitis, M:F ratio 12:17, median age 55 (range 24-82), median ASA 2 (range 0-3) were retrospectively reviewed. Biochemical markers, lactate and vital signs were used to assess if attending patients were systemically unwell.Results23 patients were admitted and 6 managed as outpatients via the surgical ambulatory unit. Of the 29 patient cohort, 9 (31%) were systemically unwell. All 9 unwell patients received antibiotics. Of the 20 patients not considered systemically unwell, 11 (55%) received antibiotics. 16 (80%) that were admitted did not require admission on retrospective review.ConclusionPrompt administration of intravenous antibiotics for septic patients with diverticulitis reduces associated morbidity and mortality and the observed adherence to this principle is encouraging. For systemically well patients, increased clinical discernment is required to consider managing patients in the surgical ambulatory setting, avoiding unnecessary admissions. Similar caution must be used in appropriate use of antimicrobials to avoid unnecessary adverse consequences.

Incidence of gall bladder perforation in cases admitted with acute cholecystitis in tertiary care centre, Puducherry

Aim: To present our clinical experience with gallbladder perforation cases in cases admitted with acute cholecystitis.Methods: Records of 75 patients who received medical andor surgical treatment with the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis in Sri Venkateswara medical college hospital and research centre, Ariyur, Puducherry between November 2020 to August 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Five (6.6%) of those patients had gallbladder perforation. The parameters including age, gender, time from the onset of symptoms to the time of surgery, diagnostic procedures, surgical treatment, morbidity, and mortality were evaluated.Results: One patient had type I gallbladder perforation, 4 type II gallbladder perforation according to Niemeier’s classification. The patients underwent surgery after administration of intravenous fluids, analgesics and antibiotics after admission.Conclusion: Early diagnosis and emergency surgical treatment of gallbladder perforation are of crucial importance. Upper abdominal computerized tomography for acute cholecystitis patients may contribute to the preoperative diagnosis of gallbladder perforation.

Peripheral intravenous catheter failure: A secondary analysis of risks from 11,830 catheters

BackgroundPeripheral intravenous catheters are an essential medical device which are prone to complications and failure. ObjectivesIdentify patient, provider and device risk factors associated with all-cause peripheral intravenous catheter failure as well as individual complications: phlebitis, infiltration/occlusion, and dislodgement to improve patient outcomes. DesignSecondary analysis of twelve prospective studies performed between 2008 and 2020. SettingsAustralian metropolitan and regional hospitals including one paediatric hospital. ParticipantsParticipants were from medical, surgical, haematology, and oncology units. MethodsMultilevel mixed-effects parametric survival regression was used to identify factors associated with all-cause peripheral intravenous catheter failure, phlebitis, occlusion/infiltration, and dislodgement. We studied patient (e.g., age, gender), device (e.g., gauge), and provider (e.g., inserting clinician) variables. Stepwise regression involved clinically and p<0.20 significant variables entered into the multivariable model. Results were expressed as hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI); p<0.01 was considered statistically significant. ResultsOf 11,830 peripheral intravenous catheters (8,200 participants) failure occurred in 36% (n = 4,263). Occlusion/infiltration incidence was 23% (n = 2,767), phlebitis 12% (n = 1,421), and dislodgement 7% (n = 779) of catheters. Patient factors significantly associated with failure and complications were: female gender (phlebitis; (HR 1.98, 95% CI 1.72–2.27), (infiltration/occlusion; HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.33–1.58), (failure; HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.26–1.46); and each year increase in age (phlebitis; 0.99 HR, 95% CI 0.98–0.99), (failure; 0.99 HR, 95% CI 0.99–0.99). The strongest provider risk factor was intravenous antibiotics (infiltration/occlusion; HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.27–1.53), (phlebitis; HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.18–1.56), (failure; HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.17–1.36). Catheters inserted by vascular access teams were less likely to dislodge (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.42–0.67). Device risk factors most associated with all-cause failure were wrist/hand (HR 1.34, 95% CI 1.23–1.46), antecubital fossa peripheral intravenous catheters (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.16–1.44) and 22/24 gauge (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.12–1.45) catheters. ConclusionFactors identified, including the protective aspect of vascular access team insertion, and high catheter failure associated with intravenous antibiotic administration, will allow targeted updates of peripheral intravenous catheter guidelines and models of care.

Randomised feasibility study of prehospital recognition and antibiotics for emergency patients with sepsis (PhRASe)

Severe sepsis is a time critical condition which is known to have a high mortality rate. Evidence suggests that early diagnosis and early administration of antibiotics can reduce morbidity and mortality from sepsis. The prehospital phase of emergency medical care may provide the earliest opportunity for identification of sepsis and delivery of life-saving treatment for patients. We aimed to assess the feasibility of (1) paramedics recognising and screening patients for severe sepsis, collecting blood cultures and administering intravenous antibiotics; and (2) trial methods in order to decide whether a fully-powered trial should be undertaken to determine safety and effectiveness of this intervention. Paramedics were trained in using a sepsis screening tool, aseptic blood culture collection and administration of intravenous antibiotics. If sepsis was suspected, paramedics randomly allocated patients to intervention or usual care using scratchcards. Patients were followed up at 90 days using linked anonymised data to capture length of hospital admission and mortality. We collected self-reported health-related quality of life at 90 days. We pre-specified criteria for deciding whether to progress to a fully-powered trial based on: recruitment of paramedics and patients; delivery of the intervention; retrieval of outcome data; safety; acceptability; and success of anonymised follow-up. Seventy-four of the 104 (71.2%) eligible paramedics agreed to take part and 54 completed their training (51.9%). Of 159 eligible patients, 146 (92%) were recognised as eligible by study paramedics, and 118 were randomised (74% of eligible patients, or 81% of those recognised as eligible). Four patients subsequently dissented to be included in the trial (3%), leaving 114 patients recruited to follow-up. All recruited patients were matched to routine data outcomes in the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank. Ninety of the 114 (79%) recruited patients had sepsis or a likely bacterial infection recorded in ED. There was no evidence of any difference between groups in patient satisfaction, and no adverse reactions reported. There were no statistically significant differences between intervention and control groups in Serious Adverse Events (ICU admissions; deaths). This feasibility study met its pre-determined progression criteria; an application will therefore be prepared and submitted for funding for a fully-powered multi-centre randomised trial.Trial registration: ISRCTN36856873 sought 16th May 2017; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN36856873

Push Dose Intravenous Administration of Antibiotics Should Not Be Routine in the Emergency Department

Effective treatment of systemic infections is imperative in the emergency department (ED). There is uncertainty regarding the most effective method of antibiotic administration.1,2 One option is an intravenous push, defined as administration within 5 minutes.1 Alternatively, intravenous piggyback entails administration within 30 minutes in conjunction with other fluid.3 Intravenous piggyback strikes an optimal balance between rapid antibiotic administration and flexibility in attenuating the rate of administration to minimize the risk of provoking higher-severity allergic reactions.

Surgical drainage vs conservative treatment of odontogenic cellulitis in pediatric patients: A systematic review

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two different treatment of odontogenic cellulitis in pediatric patients: conservative treatment (just intravenous antibiotic administration and tooth root treatment or tooth extraction) and surgical treatment (intravenous antibiotic administration, incision, drainage and tooth root treatment or tooth extraction). The search strategy was conducted based on the model of systematic review adopted by PRISMA guidelines. The search strategy included: Pubmed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases seeking clinical trials with, unless, ten pediatric patients, in English and available on-line. The key-words used in the screening were “Infection Control, Dental and Cellulitis OR odontogenic infection and cellulitis”. A total of 404 studies were obtained and the selection of manuscripts was performed based on the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria and four manuscripts were according with review. It was verified that the surgeons of these studies commonly choose the conservative treatment, varying the adherence rate between 75% and 95.2% and no complications were associated with this treatment. Likewise, 75% of the author support the conservative treatment. The conservative treatment of cellulitis in pediatric patients, presents efficacy without having to submit the patient to surgical drainage.

Catheter-related blood stream infection in hemodialysis patients with symmetric tunneled non-side-hole hemodialysis catheters.

Tunneled hemodialysis catheter-related bloodstream infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in end-stage renal disease patients. Side holes positioned near the tip of catheters have been linked to formation of thrombi, which, in turn, have been implicated in predisposition to infection. In addition, side holes allow spillage of catheter locking solution, including antibiotics, thereby minimizing the lock solution's effect on the catheter tip. This study assessed the infection events that occurred in a series of hemodialysis patients using a non-side-hole catheter. Over a period of 2 years, a novel symmetric-tip non-side-hole catheter was placed in 60 patients. Hemodialysis was performed thrice weekly. Prescribed dialyzer flows were 300-350 mL/min. Catheters were routinely locked with heparin 5000 units/mL between treatments. Patients were followed up for any catheter related complications, specifically infection events. Seven events of catheter-related bloodstream infection occurred for a rate of 0.76 events per 1000 catheter-days, with the first event occurring 9 weeks after insertion. These events were treated by locking the affected catheter with 2 g of clindamycin in 2 mL of heparin 1000 units/mL and administration of intravenous antibiotics, in most cases, for 7-14 days. Two catheters were removed due to infection. Catheter-related bloodstream infections with non-side-hole hemodialysis catheters do occur at a relatively low rate and in this initial preliminary study it seems that most of these infections can be successfully treated without removal of the affected catheters.

Safety and efficacy of a 5-minute infusion versus the standard 30-minute infusion for antibiotics in an outpatient setting

The National University Hospital Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy (OPAT) centre was established in 2004 and now provides for over 350 patients yearly. OPAT refers to the administration of intravenous (IV) antibiotics for the management of infections in the outpatient setting without requiring hospital admission, or as a transition following hospitalization. It is a cost-effective and safe alternative to inpatient care. Depending on the pharmacokinetic profile, antibiotics are generally administered either via 24-hour infusion devices or once-daily infusions (Fisher et al., 2017).

Unusual presentation of a first branchial arch fistula with maxillofacial infection: a case report

BackgroundFirst branchial cleft anomaly (FBCA) is a rare congenital defect that arises due to incomplete closure of the ventral portion of the first and second branchial arches. There are variable complex clinical manifestations for patients with FBCA, which are prone to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. FBCAs usually involve the facial nerve with a consequent increased risk of facial nerve damage. Here, we present an unusual case of FBCA presenting with two preauricular pits in association with an abnormal maxillofacial cyst.Case presentationA 10-month-old girl presented to our department due to recurrent maxillofacial infections accompanied by swelling or abscess of the left cheek and purulent discharge from the preauricular pit for 4 months. A 3D-computed tomography (CT) fistulogram and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed two conjunctive tract lesions: one tract arose from the skin surface anteroinferior to the external auditory canal (EAC), through the deep lobe of the left parotid, and anteriorly extended to the left masseter; the other extended from the superficial lobe of the left parotid to the intertragic notch. After the maxillofacial infection was controlled by intravenous antibiotic administration, surgery was performed. Intraoperative tools, such as facial nerve monitors, microscopes, and methylene blue dyes, were used to facilitate the complete dissection and protection of the facial nerve. On follow-up over one year, the patient recovered well without facial palsy or recurrence.ConclusionFBCA with maxillofacial cysts is rare and prone to misdiagnosis. Physicians should pay attention to this anatomic variant of FBCA with the fistula track located deep inside the facial nerve and projected medially to the masseter.