Broad-spectrum Intravenous Antibiotics Research Articles

Impact of antibiotic use before definitive concurrent chemoradiation in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

This study evaluated whether antibiotic treatment before chemoradiotherapy influenced outcomes in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (LA-NSCLC). The records of LA-NSCLC patients treated with chemoradiotherapy between 2010 and 2017 at West China Hospital of Sichuan University were retrospectively examined together with their antibiotic use (antibiotic type, duration of treatment, and time between discontinuation and chemoradiotherapy). The influence of antibiotics on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated with Kaplan-Meier curves and univariate and multivariate Cox regression. Of 522patients, 176 had received intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics in the month before chemoradiotherapy. Antibiotic use was linked to both reduced PFS (7.9 vs. 13.4months, p < 0.001) and OS (20.4 vs. 25.3months, p = 0.049). Multivariate regression demonstrated that antibiotic treatment was an unfavorable independent prognostic factor for LA-NSCLC patients who received chemoradiotherapy (HR 1.234; 95% CI 1.019-1.494; p = 0.031). Prognosis was also influenced by antibiotic type, length of treatment, and interval between discontinuation and chemoradiotherapy initiation. β‑lactamase inhibitors were found to be the most harmful (median OS for β‑lactamase inhibitors/fluoroquinolones/cephalosporins: 16.5/19.9/25.9months, p = 0.045). Cutoff values for interval and duration calculated by the X‑tile procedure showed that intervals of 7-16days or durations ≤ 6days did not significantly affect OS relative to untreated patients (intervals: p = 0.9; duration: p = 0.93). Antibiotic treatment for longer than 6days, especially with β‑lactamase inhibitors, was associated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, delaying chemoradiotherapy for 7-16days after antibiotic discontinuation may reduce these negative effects.

Development of evidence-based UK-wide antimicrobial intravenous-to-oral switch criteria: a DELPHI consensus process

Abstract Introduction Antimicrobial intravenous-to-oral switch (IVOS) is an antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) strategy with patient safety and cost-effectiveness benefits. Studies show that IVOS decisions had no negative impact on patient outcomes,1 and pharmacist involvement brought about more appropriate antibiotic prescribing and 34% reduction in medication costs.2 Healthcare settings have developed individualised local IVOS checklists. Aim To collate IVOS criteria from local checklists, complete a rapid literature review to evaluate IVOS criteria and undertake a 3-step Delphi consensus-gathering process to agree evidence-based, UK-wide IVOS criteria for hospitalised adults. Methods Local IVOS checklists from the UK nations were sought through stratified sampling. The rapid review followed PRISMA guidance and is registered on PROSPERO [CRD42022320343]. Criteria with highest, or over 50%, appearance in checklists and literature were combined for Step 1 of the 3-step Delphi process. Step 1: Pilot/1st round questionnaire: An expert panel appraised each criterion via a 5-point Likert scale for relevance to safe and effective IVOS and ease of assessment in the clinical setting. Step 2: Virtual meeting: Step 1 respondents discussed questionnaire results and attained criteria consensus for Step 3. Step 3: 2nd round questionnaire: Healthcare professionals UK-wide stated level of agreement via a 5-point Likert scale regarding the need of each criterion for safe and effective IVOS. Results Forty-five local IVOS checklists were selected: 42 from English Acute Trusts, two from Scottish Health Boards and the All-Wales checklist. Sixteen of 477 papers were included in the rapid review. Criteria were synthesised into a 5-section framework: 1-Timing of IV antimicrobial review; 2-Clinical signs and symptoms; 3-Infection markers; 4-Enteral route; 5-Infection exclusions. Combination of IVOS criteria resulted in 41 criteria for Step 1. Step 1 had 24 respondents, 15 of those participated in Step 2. Thirty-five criteria went into Step 3, which had 242 respondents (England n=195, Northern Ireland n=18, Scotland n=18, Wales n=11). The majority were female (n=154; n=7 preferred not to say) and based in NHS Acute Teaching Trusts (n=121). Antimicrobial or infection specialist pharmacists were the highest respondents (n=65) followed by general physicians (n=55). Sixty-seven per cent of respondents (n=161) considered IVOS to have a positive impact on outcomes of clinically stable patients. Consensus was achieved for 27 IVOS criteria (66% of initial criteria). Examples of agreed criteria were: ‘IVOS should be considered within 48 hours of first dose of IV antimicrobial being administered’ and ‘Temperature between 36-38°C for past 24 hours’. Discussion/Conclusion Evidence-based consensus was achieved for IVOS criteria from a UK-wide multidisciplinary group and will be used to develop an IVOS tool for hospitalised adults. A study strength was use of the Delphi process to capture consensus; a limitation was no checklist from Northern Ireland was identified at time of the study, however Steps 1-3 had participation from Northern Ireland. Early IVOS initiatives led by ward pharmacists have previously been shown to reduce use of hospital intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics: co-amoxiclav (-27.9%) and cefuroxime (-46.5%).3 Further research is needed to operationalise the nationally agreed criteria in UK hospitals, expand AMS roles of pharmacy and nursing teams and assess impact.

LBSAT309 Recurrent Nephrolithiasis As A Presenting Feature Of Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Abstract Introduction Primary hyperparathyroidism entails hyperfunctioning of the parathyroid gland and is characterized by hypercalcemia in the setting of inappropriately normal or elevated PTH. Evidence of nephrolithiasis is an indication for surgical intervention. We present a case of primary hyperparathyroidism presenting as recurrent nephrolithiasis. Case presentation A 57 year old female with past medical history significant for hypertension, pre-diabetes and recurrent nephrolithiasis presented to the ED with subjective fever, chills and dysuria. Of note, she had a long standing history of nephrolithiasis with multiple instances of cystoscopic lithotripsy and stent placement with recurrent UTIs over the past decade. She was noted to be in septic shock secondary to urosepsis. She was managed in the ICU with broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics and pressor support. Her workup revealed hypercalcemia with serum calcium 12 mg/dL (8.6 - 10.3), albumin 3.4 g/dL (3.5 - 5.7) in the setting of inappropriately elevated parathormone PTH at 120.4 pg/ml (12 - 88). Endocrinology was consulted. Extensive chart review revealed that she had a long standing history of hypercalcemia and prior urinary calculi analysis were consistent with calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones. She endorsed polyuria, polydipsia, constipation and low mood. Medications were reviewed and she had not been on any agents known to cause hypercalcemia. 25 Hydroxyvitamin D was low at 20 ng/ml (30 -100) and appropriately 24 hour urine calcium was low - suppressed at 157 mg (100 - 300). The Sestamibi scan did not show an adenoma. A parathyroid ultrasound showed a possible hypoechoic area bilaterally in the parathyroid region. She underwent parathyroid exploration with excision of right superior parathyroid adenoma. Pathology report showed hypercellular parathyroid tissue consistent with a parathyroid adenoma. Post operatively, calcium and PTH value normalized. Discussion Primary hyperparathyroidism is associated with nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis. Nephrolithiasis is an indication for surgical intervention. Our patient had the classic signs of primary hyperparathyroidism for at least a decade; however, it was not diagnosed until she presented with urosepsis and ended up in the ICU. Primary hyperparathyroidism is often thought of as a disease commonly seen in the outpatient setting. However, a high radar of suspicion must be maintained in both inpatient and outpatient settings as this disorder, when left untreated can have dangerous consequences. Similarly, in patients presenting with nephrolithiasis, a thorough history and physical examination in addition to a complete review of systems and medication review must be carried out to effectively rule out primary hyperparathyroidism. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

PSUN139 Leukemoid Reaction in Severe Diabetic Ketoacidosis: An Indicator of Severity or Predictor of Infection?

Abstract Background Acute infectious illness can precipitate episodes of ketoacidosis in patients with diabetes mellitus. For this reason, a diligent search for a focus is essential in the initial evaluation of patients with DKA since patients often appear ill and may have non-specific symptoms. Clinical Case An 18-year old Filipino with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus sought consult due to abdominal pain. He is on premixed NPH/regular insulin twice daily but was lost to follow-up due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has no other comorbidities but asserted a prior history of poor compliance with both diet and insulin therapy besides an erratic sleep-wake cycle. Prior to consult, he reported 5 episodes of vomiting associated with generalized abdominal pain. Due to poor appetite, he missed due doses of insulin with subsequent worsening of condition. On admission, he was lethargic with Kussmaul's breathing. Initial vital signs were stable. He had dry lips and oral mucosa, sunken eyeballs and generalized abdominal tenderness. COVID-19 PCR was negative. Serum lipase (8.79, n: 8-78) and CT scan of abdomen were likewise unremarkable. Initial CBG was HIGH with elevated ketones (5.4, n: &amp;lt;0.6) and arterial blood gas revealed a pH of 7.0, pCO2 22, HCO3 incalculable, lactate 3.9, with high anion gap. The initial WBC was high (44.3×109/uL, n: 4.4-11) with 84% neutrophils, 10% lymphocytes, 1% metamyelocytes, and 5% monocytes. Hemoglobin (18.5 g/dl), hematocrit (51.7%) and platelet count (614k/uL) were also elevated. Peripheral blood smear revealed normal cell morphology. Urinalysis revealed elevated specific gravity, marked glycosuria and ketonuria, negative nitrites and leukocyte esterases. Blood specimen were obtained for culture. Therapy was instituted with intravenous fluids, insulin drip and broad spectrum antibiotics. The following day, glucose was 218 mg/dl, pH 7.16, bicarbonate 7.8 meq/L, hematocrit 44%, WBC 25.21×109/uL and platelet count was 401k/uL. LAP score was requested but was unavailable. On the fourth hospital day, the patient was well and tolerating diet, with normalization of blood glucose, WBC 9.87 (85% neutrophils, 10% lymphocytes, 5% monocytes) and control of acidosis. Since cultures were negative and patient was afebrile, antibiotics were discontinued. He was discharged stable on with basal-bolus insulin. Conclusion The association between DKA and leukocytosis in the absence of infection is described in literature. Exact mechanism is unknown but may in part be attributed to increased catecholamine release in response to stress and hemoconcentration from marked dehydration. Studies show a statistically significant relationship between pH, bicarbonate and leukocytes which denotes that WBC in DKA can be an indicator of the severity of ketoacidosis rather than a predictor of infection. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

LBODP100 A Rare Case Of Pembrolizumab Induced Graves’ Disease

Abstract Cancer immunotherapies have recently changed the therapeutic armamentarium of anti-cancer treatments, particularly for melanoma and cancers of the kidneys, lungs, and colon. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPis) act on various immune checkpoints. Of them, anti-PD-1 antibodies (such as pembrolizumab) are monoclonal antibodies that act against programmed cell death 1 protein. However, by counteracting the regulators of adaptive immunity, this class of drugs may cause immune-related adverse events that involve multiple organs and endocrine glands, such as the thyroid gland. The symptoms of thyroid dysfunction usually present during the first weeks of ICPis therapy. In the current report, we present a case of a 50-year-old male who presented to the emergency department complaining of fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting for one week. The patient had a history of colon cancer with lymph node metastasis status post tumor resection and colostomy. He began Keytruda® (pembrolizumab) treatment after tumor resection, and the presenting symptoms appeared after receiving the first immunotherapy infusion. His medical history was significant for psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. The patient's history was unremarkable for thyroid diseases, and he did not receive thyroid medications with no previous exposure to intravenous contrast media, over-the-counter iodine preparations, or biotin. At the emergency department, the patient had a temperature of 101.4°F, a heart rate of 110 bpm, and blood pressure of 130/70 mm Hg. On examination, tenderness was indicated upon palpating the anterior part of the neck. The patient was treated with intravenous fluids, steroids, beta-blockers, and broad-spectrum antibiotics. A workup for sepsis was requested, and it revealed negative blood culture and urine culture results. His laboratory indices demonstrated a suppressed level of TSH (0. 01 mIU/mL) and elevated Free T4 (3.16 ng/dl). Still, his TSH level reported at the Oncology clinic before Keytruda administration was (0.9 mIU/mL), and Free T4 was (1.7 ng/dl). Thyroid ultrasound revealed a heterogeneous thyroid gland consistent with thyroiditis. Antibody testing showed positive thyroid antithyroglobulin antibodies and elevated thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSI). A radioactive iodine uptake test was ordered, revealing increased contrast uptake. These findings suggested that the cause of thyroid dysfunction was Graves’ disease. The patient was started on Methimazole 20mg per day and discharged home after scheduling an outpatient follow-up appointment with the endocrinologist. This case is one of the rare cases of thyrotoxicosis attributable to Graves’ disease related to pembrolizumab therapy. To the best of our knowledge, two studies in the literature reported three cases of ICPi-induced thyrotoxicosis with thyroid antibody positivity following anti-PD-1 antibody therapy. Presentation: No date and time listed

S1933 Acute Pancreatitis Attributed to COVID-19: An Unusual Infectious Etiology

Introduction: COVID-19 can affect multiple organs and has various presentations, including respiratory symptoms and fever being the most common. Gastrointestinal symptoms can be reported in up to 25% of patients, with diarrhea, nausea, and emesis the usual presentation. However, abdominal pain is less than 6.8% of cases, and of those, only 27% presented with Acute Pancreatitis (AP). Here we present a case of severe AP with multiorgan involvement as the initial presentation of COVID19. Case Description/Methods: Case of a 19 y/o Female with a medical history of Obesity class I arrived at the ED with recurrent emesis and altered mental status. Symptoms began around four days prior with 6-7 episodes of non-bloody, non-bilious emesis, fatigue, subjective fever, and decreased oral intake, followed by acute onset of diffuse abdominal pain. Upon arrival, the patient was found encephalopathic with dry oral mucosa, tachycardic and tachypneic. Laboratories were remarkable for lipase 2483, amylase 382, LDH 315, ALP 219 U/L, sodium 155 mEq/L, creatinine 1.33 mg/dL, bicarbonate < 9 mmol/L, pH 7.0, pO2Sat 96%, hematocrit 51.8%, WBC 14.9 cells/L, glucose 774 mg/dL, and COVID 19 PCR positive. Abdominal US and CT with no findings suggestive of gallstones or intraabdominal pathology. Aggressive intravenous fluid, insulin, broad-spectrum antibiotics, bicarbonate replacement, analgesia, and antiemetics were implemented. Hospitalization was complicated as the patient did not tolerate PO intake, and the high anion gap metabolic acidosis was difficult to close for several days. After almost two weeks in the ICU, the patient was discharged home without apparent pancreatitis or COVID-19 repercussions. Discussion: Our case did not have any risk factors for AP, and extensive investigations did not reveal a clear etiology. Viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections are less common causes of AP. There are limited data on COVID-19 and pancreatitis; however, recent studies suggest a higher mortality rate with a 20% increased chance of dying and worse clinical outcomes. The mechanism of pancreatic injury is not well understood, but there is a link between COVID-19 and the precipitation of autoimmune and systemic diseases. Our case is an example of severe pancreatic injury with multiorgan involvement in mild symptomatic COVID 19.

Non‐neutropenic fever in children with cancer: Management, outcomes and clinical decision rule validation

Fever and infection are an important complication of childhood cancer therapy. Most research and guideline development has focussed on febrile neutropenia, with a paucity directed at non-neutropenic fever (NNF). We describe the clinical presentation, management and outcomes of NNF in children with cancer, and externally validate the Esbenshade Vanderbilt (EsVan) clinical decision rules (CDR) to predict bacteraemia. Using a prospective database, retrospective data were collected on consecutive NNF episodes (fever ≥38.0°C and absolute neutrophil count >1.0cells/mm3 ). Sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) of the CDR were compared to derivation study. There were 203 NNF episodes occurring in 125 patients. Severe sepsis was uncommon (n=2, 1%) and bacteraemia occurred in 10 (4.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7%-8.8%) episodes. A confirmed or presumed bacterial infection requiring antibiotics occurred in 31 (15%) patients. Total 202 (99%) episodes received at least one dose of intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotic and 141 (70%) episodes were admitted to hospital. Six (3%) episodes required intensive care unit (ICU)-level care and there were no infection-related deaths. The EsVan 1 rule had an AUC-ROC of 0.67, 80% were identified as low risk, and sensitivity and specificity were 50% and 81.5%, respectively, for a risk threshold of 10%. Serious infection and adverse outcome are uncommon in children with NNF. Many children did not have a bacterial cause of infection identified, but were still treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and admitted to hospital. National clinical practice guidelines should be developed for this important cohort to enable risk stratification and optimise antibiotic management. Further research is required to determine appropriateness of EsVan CDR in our cohort.

Time to antibiotics is unrelated to outcome in pediatric patients with fever in neutropenia presenting without severe disease during chemotherapy for cancer

Fever in neutropenia (FN) remains an unavoidable, potentially lethal complication of chemotherapy. Timely administration of empirical broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics has become standard of care. But the impact of time to antibiotics (TTA), the lag period between recognition of fever or arrival at the hospital to start of antibiotics, remains unclear. Here we aimed to analyze the association between TTA and safety relevant events (SRE) in data from a prospective multicenter study. We analyzed the association between time from recognition of fever to start of antibiotics (TTA) and SRE (death, admission to intensive care unit, severe sepsis and bacteremia) with three-level mixed logistic regression. We adjusted for possible triage bias using a propensity score and stratified the analysis by severity of disease at presentation with FN. We analyzed 266 FN episodes, including 53 (20%) with SRE, reported in 140 of 269 patients recruited from April 2016 to August 2018. TTA (median, 120 min; interquartile range, 49–180 min) was not associated with SRE, with a trend for less SREs in episodes with longer TTA. Analyses applying the propensity score suggested a relevant triage bias. Only in patients with severe disease at presentation there was a trend for an association of longer TTA with more SRE. In conclusion, TTA was unrelated to poor clinical outcome in pediatric patients with FN presenting without severe disease. We saw strong evidence for triage bias which could only be partially adjusted.

Azathioprine-induced hypersensitivity reaction mimicking sepsis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus.

A 21-year-old woman with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus presented to the emergency department with acute-onset nausea, vomiting, and fevers. Two weeks prior, she was started on azathioprine 50 mg daily by her outpatient rheumatologist; the dose was up-titrated to 100 mg when repeat blood work showed no drug toxicity. The morning after increasing her dose, she was awoken by recurrent emesis. At presentation, she was febrile, tachycardic, and hypotensive. Her exam showed mild, generalised abdominal tenderness but was otherwise unremarkable. Lab work demonstrated elevated inflammatory markers, elevated liver transaminases, and stable hypocomplementemia. Chest X-ray and computed tomography abdomen/pelvis were unrevealing. She was given intravenous fluids and broad-spectrum antibiotics, and azathioprine was held. A thorough infectious workup returned negative. A flare of her systemic lupus erythematosus was considered but deemed an unlikely explanation of her systemic inflammatory response syndrome. With azathioprine discontinuation, she made a rapid, near-complete recovery within 24 h of admission, suggesting a diagnosis of azathioprine hypersensitivity syndrome. This case exemplifies the difficulty in distinguishing azathioprine hypersensitivity from mimickers such as infection and underlying autoimmune disease flare. Prompt recognition of hypersensitivity can lead to appropriate discontinuation of the drug and prevent future morbidity.

Mechanism of Abnormal Coagulation Induced by Tigecycline in Cancer Patients.

Tigecycline is a broad-spectrum active intravenous antibiotic that is active against methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. In Phase 3 and 4 clinical trials, increased all-cause mortality was observed in patients treated with tigecycline compared to patients in the control group. The reason for the increase is unclear. In this study, we found that tigecycline cause abnormal coagulation in tumor patients, especially in patients with hematological malignancies. The main manifestations were decreased fibrinogen and prolonged activated prothrombin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), and D-dimer. In addition, through functional studies, we found that tigecycline inhibit platelet adhesion and aggregation, and the coagulation function of patients gradually recover after discontinuation. Gene sequencing results suggested that tigecycline significantly regulate the expression of genes related to platelet function pathways and increase the incidence of single nucleotide polymorphisms and the number of alternative splices in the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells treated with tigecycline. An abnormal function and low numbers of platelets are common in patients with hematological malignancies. Our study can explain the mechanism of abnormal coagulation caused by tigecycline. Additionally, doctors who apply tigecycline to cure infections in tumor patients should be warned.

54-Year-Old Woman With Altered Mental Status and Abdominal Pain

54-Year-Old Woman With Altered Mental Status and Abdominal Pain

Necrotizing fasciitis: a severe complication of odontogenic infection

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare complication of dental infection and is associated with a significant mortality rate. Prompt recognition and urgent referral are therefore essential. Surgical debridement and broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic therapy are the mainstay of management. This report outlines a case of necrotizing fasciitis of odontogenic origin in an otherwise healthy 32-year-old patient. CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article highlights odontogenic necrotizing fasciitis to the dental team, discusses its management and serves as a reminder of the potential severe complications of unmanaged dental infection.

CARDIOEMBOLIC STROKE SECONDARY TO CULTURE-NEGATIVE AORTIC VALVE ENDOCARDITIS REVEALED AFTER INITIALLY PRESENTING WITH DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS

TYPE: Case Report TOPIC: Cardiovascular Disease INTRODUCTION: Native-valve infective endocarditis (IE) has been increasing in incidence over the past several decades. This report describes a patient initially presenting with a relatively “routine” case of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), treatment of which unmasked an acute cerebrovascular accident, likely provoked by subacute, culture-negative aortic valve endocarditis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 67-year-old Caucasian male with a past medical history of diabetes mellitus, chronic lacunar infarctions, and hypertension was found unresponsive and in DKA at his home by EMS. Upon transfer to our intensive care unit (ICU) he was intubated and started on a DKA treatment protocol, however the patient remained unresponsive and a brain MRI revealed acute to subacute, bilateral basal ganglia and left cerebellar infarcts. Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed a 0.75 cm by 0.66 cm aortic valve vegetation, and with associated fevers and leukocytosis the patient was started on broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics. Sequential blood cultures grew no microorganisms, and autoimmune workup was negative. The patient was extubated on Day 4 but remains encephalopathic with plans for discharge to subacute rehabilitation. DISCUSSION: Literature review did not find any other cases of an insulin-dependent diabetic developing culture-negative endocarditis in the absence of intravenous drug abuse or other major risk factors. In this case, successful diagnosis hinged on acknowledging the potential for “anchoring bias”, as well as an understanding of the diagnostic criteria for infective endocarditis. CONCLUSIONS: This unusual case presentation reflects the importance of bias awareness and cognitive flexibility in developing a differential diagnosis and guiding treatment. The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Eleanora Feketeova. DISCLOSURE: Nothing to declare. KEYWORD: Endocarditis

Acute Submandibular Sialadenitis in a 9-Month-Old Infant: A Case Report

In the pediatric population, sialadenitis accounts for nearly 10% of all salivary gland diseases. In this case, the patient is a 9-month-old boy who had acute sialadenitis accompanied by systemic symptoms which made the patient’s condition weak and required hospitalization. Transmission of bacteria from the oral cavity to the salivary ducts and salivary glands (retrograde bacterial contamination of the oral flora) and decreased saliva production due to lack of fluid intake due to cough and cold were suspected as risk factors in this patient. The patient came to the hospital with complaints of swelling of the left neck under the left lower jaw since 10 days before being admitted to the hospital with fever and malaise, accompanied by nausea, vomiting and decreased appetite. Laboratory examination revealed leukocytosis with increased levels of C-reactive protein. Submandibular ultrasound examination revealed multiple bilateral submandibular lymph nodes, especially the left. The results of blood culture examination did not reveal the growth of aerobic bacteria. Fine-needle aspiration examination of left submandibular lymph node biopsy revealed non-specific chronic lymphadenitis. The patient was diagnosed with acute submandibular sialadenitis caused by bacterial infection and received therapy such as hydration, empirical broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, and symptomatic treatment. Int J Clin Pediatr. 2022;11(2):45-50 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/ijcp484

Synchronous cervical necrotizing fasciitis and pharyngocutaneous fistula: A case report

Introduction and importanceNecrotizing fasciitis is a fulminant infection that spreads along the fascial planes. It is a rare entity with potentially fatal outcomes. The head and neck involvement is infrequent, with primary source either odontogenic or pharyngeal infection by single or mixed bacterial flora. To our knowledge, synchronous cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) and pharyngocutaneous fistula is rarely reported in pieces of literature.Case presentationWe present a 38-years-old female patient who presented with CNF and pharyngocutaneous fistula. Diabetes mellitus was accidentally discovered during the investigation. The patient was successfully treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, serial surgical debridement sessions, wound irrigation, and multiple muscular and myocutaneous skin flaps.Clinical discussionRapid diagnosis, radical surgical debridement of all necrotic tissue, intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics, and close monitoring of patients with CNF are crucial to avoid critical complications and better patient survival. Due to the poor healing process in the neck area, the pharyngocutaneous fistula should be repaired with good musculocutaneous flaps such as the pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. Meticulous suturing of the flap to the mucosa, reinforcement of the repair with muscle, and suturing of the skin without tension are essential to obtaining a successful outcome.ConclusionSynchronous CNF and pharyngocutaneous fistula are rare events. Initial diagnosis and serial surgical debridement, along with aggressive broad-spectrum antibiotics and adequate resuscitation with great attention to the poor healing process in the diabetic patients' neck area, are critical for a beneficial result. In our case, the reconstruction was performed successfully using multiple muscular and skin flaps.

Colonic perforation during percutaneous nephrolithotomy: can we predict it

Background: Colonic perforation though rare but is one of the most dangerous complications of Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) which may lead to increase significant post operative morbidity in worldwide, therefore, the aim of this study was to explore colonic perforation during percutaneous nephrolithotomy- Can we predict it.Methods: We reviewed retrospectively the data of 1270 PCNL procedures performed between April 2013 and April 2019 at Ayushyaman kidney hospital, Palanpur, North Gujarat, India. All parameters including demography, history, stone parameters, site of skin puncture and punctured calyx, were reviewed in all these patients.Results: Colonic perforation was found in 10 patients (7 males and 3 females) and the mean age was 40.5±20.0. The left side was affected in 4 patients and the right side was injured in 6 cases. Conservative administration was the treatment planned for all patients. It included withdrawal of the nephrostomy tube outside the kidney to the colon as a percutaneous colostomy, insertion of a double-J ureteral stent, intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics, bowel rest and total parenteral nutrition. Under this conservative management, entire healing of the colon was achieved in all cases.Conclusions: Colonic perforation is rare complication in PCNL. High degree of suspicion, early diagnosis and timely management can prevent sepsis and peritonitis and minimize patient morbidity and mortality.

Exogenous lipoid pneumonia in two Ghanaian infants - case report

BackgroundExogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP) is uncommon in infants. It is caused by inhalation or aspiration of oils and can lead to unresolving pneumonia. Diagnosis of ELP requires a high index of suspicion and confirmation oil ingestion. We report on two term infants, HIV unexposed, with no history of contact with persons with tuberculosis, presenting with persistent cough and history of melted shea butter ingestion.&#x0D; Case 1A 2-month-old infant weighing 4.6kg, presented with a three-week history of persistent cough and intermittent fever. The cough occurred in paroxysms and was not associated with feeding. Further history, mother admitted to giving the baby a teaspoon of melted shea butter orally daily to aid bowel movement since birth.Baby was tachypneic with normal saturation. Induced sputum sample was negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Xpert MTB/RIF. Chest radiograph showed bilateral dense consolidations. She spent 16 days on admission, received broad spectrum intravenous antibiotics for 10 days and oral azithromycin for 14 days.&#x0D; Case 2A 3-month-old infant weighing 3.8kg, with an uneventful neonatal period and up to date immunizations was referred as a case of unresolving pneumonia with persistent cough, fast breathing, and intermittent fever for four weeks. Baby was tachypneic and hypoxic, SpO2 80% in room air with reduced air entry bilaterally and crepitations. Other physical examination findings were unremarkable. All initial investigations were normal.An enhanced chest computed tomography (CT) ruled out the possibility of a congenital airway malformation and suggested dense consolidation with bronchiectatic changes. She required a second admission in which shea butter ingestion was established, she gradually improved on antibiotics and was discharged. &#x0D; Conclusion&#x0D; Among infants with unresolving pneumonia ELP must be considered early as part of differential diagnosis.

Head and neck infection, clinicopathological outline

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Despite the antimicrobial drugs, a significant percentage of head and neck infection still can be recorded, this study try to identify the causes of recorded cases of head and neck infection in antibiotics era by focusing on the clinical presentation and the predisposing factors. &lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; A retrospective study was conducted in the department of otolaryngology in university of Benghazi including 84 patients who were diagnosed as head and neck infection. Clinical data, risk factors and managements were discussed in this study. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The 84 patients with deep cervical infection were studied. The mean age of our patients was 33 years, most of them were males. Some had other co-diseases. Their main complains was severe throat pain. The most common space involved was peritonsillar space and the most common source of infection was tonsillar infection. Only third of the cases showed positive culture results. The most common organism cultured was &lt;em&gt;Staphylococci&lt;/em&gt;. The range of hospital stay was 4-11 days. There was no mortality in our series of patients.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Cervical infection is associated with high rate of morbidity and mortality specially in immune-compromised patients, therefore early detection of the disease followed by quick and appropriate management are life-saving measurements. All patients need early broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, and most of them need different surgical intervention. As bad oral hygiene, smoking and low immunity are the major risk factors for neck infection, education of the community, especially in rural area, is required.&lt;/p&gt;

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting with pulmonary involvement

A 25-year-old woman presented with a history of episodes of fever with night sweats, multiple joint pains and breathlessness for 5 months. Eight months before the present episode, she had developed a generalised rash and transient swellings in the groin on both sides. Physical examination revealed pallor, pedal oedema and a hyperpigmented rash over the chest, back and thighs. Pulse was 126 beats per minute and respirations 38/min; while breathing ambient air, the oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry was 83%. On auscultation of the chest, breath sounds were diminished bilaterally and crepitations were heard in both the lung bases. Neurological examination revealed weakness of proximal muscles of both upper and lower limbs on both sides with a power of grade 3/5. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated total leucocyte count with neutrophilic leucocytosis; band forms and metamyelocytes were seen in the peripheral blood smear. Oxygen inhalation and broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics were initiated. Echocardiogram showed severe tricuspid regurgitation with moderate pulmonary arterial hypertension. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed patchy consolidation in both the lungs, bilateral pleural effusions and pericardial effusion. Bone marrow biopsy showed normocellular normoblastic marrow with erythroid hyperplasia. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-CT showed metabolically active lymphadenopathy both above and below the diaphragm and bilateral patchy lung infiltrates. Biopsy of the inguinal lymph node along with immunohistochemistry staining confirmed the diagnosis as T-cell lymphoma.

A case-control study evaluating the unnecessary use of intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics in presumed sepsis and septic-shock patients in the emergency department.

Recognition of sepsis frequently occurs in emergency departments. To evaluate the appropriateness of empiric antibiotic use in the setting of suspected sepsis in emergency department, the percentages of bacterial infection and antibiotic-related adverse drug effects were quantified in an emergency department at an academic medical center. We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records of adults who presented to the emergency department between January 2018 and June 2018 with suspected sepsis (defined as having ≥2 systemic inflammatory response syndrome [SIRS] criteria) and received ≥1 dose of intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotic. In total, 218 patients were included in the final analysis. Moreover, 19.3% of these patients had confirmed bacterial infections; 44.5% had suspected bacterial infections; and 35.9% did not have bacterial infection. Elevated SIRS score (ie, ≥2) and Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score (ie, ≥2) were not associated with the presence of bacterial infections. We identified 90-day Clostridioides difficile infections in 7 patients and drug-resistant organism infections in 6 patients, regardless of the presence of bacterial infections. A high number of patients received intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics in the emergency department without confirmed or suspected bacterial infections that were supported by microbiologic cultures, radiographic imaging, or other symptoms of infections. Most patients who were initially admitted to the emergency department with suspected sepsis were discharged home after receiving 1 dose of intravenous antibiotic. Patients who were initially screened using SIRS score and who received broad-spectrum antibiotics in the emergency department were without confirmed or suspected bacterial infection.