Risk Factors For Treatment Failure Research Articles

Effect of Orthodontic Treatment on the Outcomes of Endodontically Treated Teeth: a CBCT analysis.

Objective: Often there is the need of moving endodontically treated teeth. Orthodontic movement may have no effect on the prognosis of teeth with root canal treatment (RCT). To verify this subject, we evaluated the effect of orthodontic movement on the prognosis of RCT teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and further explored the influence of orthodontic movement on the prognosis of RCT teeth with and without apical periodontitis (AP). This retrospective study was conducted by evaluating 169 RCT teeth of 100 patients who had undergone fixed orthodontic treatment. AP was assessed and classified using the CBCT periapical index. Univariate analysis of RCT outcome was performed for the total RCT group, RCT without AP group and RCT with AP group. Multivariate logistic regression was performed for the total RCT group and RCT without AP group, respectively, but not for the RCT with AP group. Variables related to the prognosis of RCT were included, such as age, gender, tooth position, RCT quality, coronal restoration quality, periodontal condition, orthodontic traction distance, and orthodontic rotation angle. The orthodontic traction distance and rotation angle were not significantly correlated to the RCT outcomes, regardless of the presence of AP. Among the total RCT group, teeth with unqualified RCT (OR = 3.42, P = 0.004) and inadequate coronal restoration (OR = 4.40, P = 0.031) had a lower success rate. Of the 97 RCT teeth without AP, unqualified RCT was a risk factor for treatment failure (OR = 3.55, P = 0.041). Of the 72 RCT teeth with AP, the univariate analysis showed that RCT quality were significantly related to the outcome (p = 0.042). Orthodontic movement had no effect on the prognosis of RCT teeth regardless of the presence of AP.

Characteristics and Outcome of Vascular Graft Infections - A Risk Factor and Survival Analysis

Abstract Background Vascular graft infection (VGI) is a serious complication after implantation of arterial vascular grafts. Optimal surgical and pathogen-specific antimicrobial treatment regimens for VGI are largely unknown. We evaluated patients with arterial VGI according to onset, location, microbiological and imaging characteristics, surgical and antimicrobial treatment and performed an outcome evaluation. Methods Consecutive patients with VGI treated in two hospitals from 2010 through 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Uniform definition criteria and standardized outcome evaluation were applied. Logistic regression was used for multiple analysis, survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test. Results Seventy-eight patients with VGI were included, consisting of 30 early-onset (<8 weeks after graft implantation) and 48 late-onset cases, involving 49 aortic and 29 peripheral grafts. The median time from initial implantation to diagnosis of VGI was significantly longer in aortic than peripheral VGIs (363 days vs. 56 days, p = 0.018). Late-onset VGI (OR 7.3, p = 0.005) and the presence of surgical site infection/complication (OR 8.21, p = 0.006) were independent risk factors for treatment failure. Surgical site infection/complication was associated with higher risk for early-onset VGI (OR 3.13, p = 0.040). Longer infection-free survival was observed in cases where the infected graft was surgically removed (p = 0.037). Conclusion This study underlines the importance of timely diagnosis of VGI and preventing surgical site infections/complications at graft implantation. It highlights the complexity of infection eradication, especially of late-onset infections, and the importance of adequate antimicrobial and surgical treatment.

Natural resistance to meglumine antimoniate is associated with treatment failure in cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis.

The multifactorial basis of therapeutic response can obscure the relation between antimicrobial drug susceptibility and clinical outcome. To discern the relationship between parasite susceptibility to meglumine antimoniate (SbV) and therapeutic outcome of cutaneous leishmaniasis, risk factors for treatment failure were considered in evaluating this relationship in ninety-one cutaneous leishmaniasis patients and corresponding clinical strains of Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis. Parasite susceptibility to 32 μg SbV/mL (plasma Cmax) was evaluated in primary human macrophages, PBMCs, and U937 macrophages. Early parasitological response to treatment was determined in lesions of a subgroup of patients, and pathogenicity of Sb-resistant and sensitive clinical strains was compared in BALB/c mice. Parasite survival in cell models and patient lesions was determined by qRT-PCR of Leishmania 7SLRNA transcript. Parasite loads in BALB/c mice were quantified by limiting dilution analysis. The disparate Sb-susceptibility of parasite subpopulations distinguished by isoenzyme profiles (zymodemes) was manifest in all cell models. Notably, Sb-resistance defined by parasite survival, was most effectively discerned in U937 macrophages compared with primary human host cells, significantly higher among strains from patients who failed treatment than cured and, significantly associated with treatment failure. Each unit increase in transformed survival rate corresponded to a 10.6-fold rise in the odds of treatment failure. Furthermore, treatment failure was significantly associated with naturally Sb-resistant zymodeme 2.3 strains, which also produced larger lesions and parasite burdens in BALB/c mice than Sb-sensitive zymodeme 2.2 strains. The confounding effect of host risk factors for treatment failure in discerning this association was evidenced in comparing strains from patients with and without the defined risk factors for treatment failure. These results establish the association of natural resistance to meglumine antimoniate with treatment failure, the importance of host risk factors in evaluating drug susceptibility and treatment outcome, and the clinical and epidemiological relevance of natural Sb-resistance in L. (V.) panamensis subpopulations.

Evaluation of photoactivated chromophore for keratitis-corneal cross-linking (PACK-CXL) in feline infectious keratitis-patient demographics, treatment protocols, risk factors, and treatment outcome: a retrospective study.

To describe patient demographics and treatment protocols in a population of feline patients undergoing photoactivated chromophore for keratitis-corneal cross-linking (PACK-CXL) as an adjunctive treatment for infectious keratitis. Furthermore, to determine the proportion of PACK-CXL treatment success in the population studied, explore risk factors for treatment failure, and provide recommendations for future PACK-CXL clinical studies. Records from four veterinary ophthalmology practices were reviewed to identify eligible patients and extract data. Recorded variables included patient-related factors, ocular examination findings, PACK-CXL protocol parameters, and treatment outcome. Records for 153 cats (154 eyes) were included. Median age in the treatment success group was 8 years (interquartile range (IQR) 4-12), with a median ulcer depth of 30% (IQR 30-40). Median age in the treatment failure group was 10.5 years (IQR 4.75-12) with a median ulcer depth of 45.9% (IQR 30-75). Persian cats were the most represented brachycephalic breed (52 out of 64 cats). Modified PACK-CXL protocols were used, including fast energy delivery (134 eyes), and increased fluence (52 eyes). The overall proportion of success was 88% (95% CI 84-93), which was variable between clinics. Eighty-two of 89 mesocephalic cat eyes (92%), and 54 of 65 brachycephalic cat eyes (83%) were classified as treatment successes. PACK-CXL appeared to be a useful, adjunctive therapeutic modality for the treatment of infectious keratitis in the feline patient population presented here. Brachycephalic cats, older cats, and those with deeper ulcers may be at increased risk for treatment failure.

Second-line anti-retroviral treatment failure and its predictors among patients with HIV in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment failure remains a major public health concern, with multidimensional consequences, including an increased risk of drug resistance, compromised quality of life, and high healthcare costs. However, little is known about the outcomes of second-line ART in Ethiopia. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the incidence and determinants of second-line ART treatment failure. Articles published in PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Scopus databases were systematically searched. All observational studies on the incidence and predictors of treatment failure among patients with HIV on second-line ART were included. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled incidence, and subgroup analysis was performed to identify the possible sources of heterogeneity. Publication bias was checked using forest plot, Begg's test, and Egger's test. The pooled odds ratio was also computed for associated factors. Seven studies with 3,962 study participants were included in this study. The pooled incidence of second-line antiretroviral treatment failure was 5.98 (95% CI: 4.32, 7.63) per 100 person-years of observation. Being in the advanced WHO clinical stage at switch (AHR = 2.98, 95% CI: 2.11, 4.25), having a CD4 count <100 cells/mm3 (AHR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.57, 2.91), poor drug adherence (AHR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.4, 2.25), and tuberculosis co-infection (AHR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.93, 4.34) were risk factors for treatment failure. In conclusion, this study revealed that that out of 100 person-years of follow-up, an estimated six patients with HIV who were on second-line antiretroviral therapy experienced treatment failure. The risk of treatment failure was higher in patients who were in an advanced WHO clinical stage, CD4 count <100 cells/mm3, and presence tuberculosis co-infection. Therefore, addressing predictors reduces the risk of treatment failure and maximizes the duration of stay in second-line regimens.

Outcomes in orthopedic device infections due to Streptococcus agalactiae: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundGroup B streptococci (Streptococcus agalactiae) (GBS) is a rare cause of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) occurring in patients with comorbidities and seems to be associated with a poor outcome. Depiction of GBS PJI is scarce in the literature.MethodsA retrospective survey in 2 referral centers for bone joint infections was done Patients with a history of PJI associated with GBS between 2014 and 2019 were included. A descriptive analysis of treatment failure was done. Risk factors of treatment failure were assessed.ResultsWe included 61 patients. Among them, 41 had monomicrobial (67%) infections. The median duration of follow-up was 2 years (interquartile range 2.35) Hypertension, obesity, and diabetes mellitus were the most reported comorbidities (49%, 50%, and 36% respectively). Death was observed in 6 individuals (10%) during the initial management. The rate of success was 63% (26/41). Removal of the material was not associated with remission (p = 0.5). We did not find a specific antibiotic regimen associated with a better outcome.ConclusionThe results show that S. agalactiae PJIs are associated with high rates of comorbidities and a high treatment failure rate with no optimal treatment so far.

Towards a tailored approach for patients with acute diverticulitis and abscess formation. The DivAbsc2023 multicentre case-control study.

This multicentre case-control study aimed to identify risk factors associated with non-operative treatment failure for patients with CT scan Hinchey Ib-IIb and WSES Ib-IIa diverticular abscesses. This study included a cohort of adult patients experiencing their first episode of CT-diagnosed diverticular abscess, all of whom underwent initial non-operative treatment comprising either antibiotics alone or in combination with percutaneous drainage. The cohort was stratified based on the outcome of non-operative treatment, specifically identifying those who required emergency surgical intervention as cases of treatment failure. Multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors associated with the failure of non-operative treatment was employed. Failure of conservative treatment occurred for 116 patients (27.04%). CT scan Hinchey classification IIb (aOR 2.54, 95%CI 1.61;4.01, P < 0.01), tobacco smoking (aOR 2.01, 95%CI 1.24;3.25, P < 0.01), and presence of air bubbles inside the abscess (aOR 1.59, 95%CI 1.00;2.52, P = 0.04) were independent predictors of failure. In the subgroup of patients with abscesses > 5cm, percutaneous drainage was not associated with the risk of failure or success of the non-operative treatment (aOR 2.78, 95%CI -0.66;3.70, P = 0.23). Non-operative treatment is generally effective for diverticular abscesses. Tobacco smoking's role as an independent risk factor for treatment failure underscores the need for targeted behavioural interventions in diverticular disease management. IIb Hinchey diverticulitis patients, particularly young smokers, require vigilant monitoring due to increased risks of treatment failure and septic progression. Further research into the efficacy of image-guided percutaneous drainage should involve randomized, multicentre studies focussing on homogeneous patient groups.

Patient-Related Predictors of Treatment Failure after Two-Stage Total Hip Arthroplasty Revision for Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

IntroductionPeriprosthetic joint infection (PJI) treatment has high failure rates even after two-stage revision. Risk factors for treatment failure after staged revision for PJI are not well defined, nor is it well established how they correlate with the risks of developing an index PJI. Identifying modifiable risk factors may allow preoperative optimization, while identifying non-modifiable risk factors can influence surgical options or advise against further surgery. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to better define predictors of treatment failure in two-stage revision for PJI. MethodsThe Pubmed, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched from their inception in December 1976 to April 15, 2023. Studies comparing patient-related variables between patients successfully treated who had two-staged revision total hip arthroplasty and patients with persistent infections were included. Studies were screened, and two independent reviewers extracted data, while a third resolved discrepancies. Meta-analysis was performed on these data. There were 10,052 unique studies screened, and 21 studies met the inclusion criteria for data extraction. ResultsThere was good-quality evidence that obesity, liver cirrhosis, and previous failed revisions for PJI are non-modifiable risk factors, while intravenous drug use and smoking are modifiable risk factors for treatment failure after two-stage revision for hip PJI. Reoperation between revision stages was also significantly associated with an increased risk of treatment failure. Interestingly, other risk factors for an index PJI including male gender, American Society of Anaesthesiology score, diabetes mellitus and inflammatory arthropathy did not predict treatment failure. Evidence on Charlson Comorbidity Index was limited. DiscussionPatients with a smoking history, obesity, intravenous drug use, previous failed revision for PJI, reoperation between stages and LC are more likely to experience TF after two-stage revision THA for PJI. Modifiable risk factors include smoking and IVDU and these patients should be referred to services for cessation as early as possible before two-stage revision THA.

The efficacy of machine learning models in forecasting treatment failure in thoracolumbar burst fractures treated with short-segment posterior spinal fixation

BackgroundAlthough short-segment posterior spinal fixation (SSPSF) has shown promising clinical outcomes in thoracolumbar burst fractures, the treatment may be prone to a relatively high failure rate. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of machine learning models (MLMs) in predicting factors associated with treatment failure in thoracolumbar burst fractures treated with SSPSF.MethodsA retrospective review of 332 consecutive patients with traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures who underwent SSPSF at our institution between May 2016 and May 2023 was conducted. Patients were categorized into two groups based on treatment outcome (failure or non-failure). Potential risk factors for treatment failure were compared between the groups. Four MLMs, including random forest (RF), logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), and k-nearest neighborhood (k-NN), were employed to predict treatment failure. Additionally, LR and RF models were used to assess factors associated with treatment failure.ResultsOf the 332 included patients, 61.4% were male (n = 204), and treatment failure was observed in 44 patients (13.3%). Logistic regression analysis identified Load Sharing Classification (LSC) score, lack of index level instrumentation, and interpedicular distance (IPD) as factors associated with treatment failure (P < 0.05). All models demonstrated satisfactory performance. RF exhibited the highest accuracy in predicting treatment failure (accuracy = 0.948), followed by SVM (0.933), k-NN (0.927), and LR (0.917). Moreover, the RF model outperformed other models in terms of sensitivity and specificity (sensitivity = 0.863, specificity = 0.959). The area under the curve (AUC) for RF, LR, SVM, and k-NN was 0.911, 0.823, 0.844, and 0.877, respectively.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the utility of machine learning models in predicting treatment failure in thoracolumbar burst fractures treated with SSPSF. The findings support the potential of MLMs to predict treatment failure in this patient population, offering valuable prognostic information for early intervention and cost savings.

Two Decades of Insights into Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Hand Infections.

The objective of our study is to describe the clinical presentation, management, and outcome of a large cohort with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) hand infection. We reviewed the medical records of all adults (≥18 years) managed at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) for NTM hand infection between 1998 and 2018. Our cohort included 81 patients. The median age was 61.3 (interquartile range 51.7, 69.6) years; 39.5% were immunocompromised, and 67.9% reported a triggering exposure preceding infection. Infection was deep in 64.2% and disseminated in 3.7%. Up to 16.0% received intralesional steroids because of misdiagnosis with an inflammatory process. Immunocompromised patients had deeper infection, and fewer reports of a triggering exposure. Mycobacterium marinum, Mycobacterium avium complex, and Mycobacterium chelonae/abscessus complex were the most common species. The median antibiotic duration was 6.1 (interquartile range 4.6, 9.9) months. Deep infection and infection with species other than M marinum were associated with using a greater number of antibiotics for combination therapy and an extended duration of treatment. Immunosuppression was also associated with longer courses of antibiotic therapy. Surgery was performed in 86.5% and 32.4% required multiple procedures. Ten patients, mostly with superficial infections, were treated with antibiotics alone. The 5-year cumulative rate of treatment failure was 30.3% (95% confidence interval, 20.9-44.0). Immunosuppression and intralesional steroid use were risk factors for failure. Treatment of NTM hand infection usually requires surgery and antibiotics, but antibiotics alone may occasionally be attempted in select cases. Immunosuppression and intralesional steroids are risk factors for treatment failure.

Endobronchial silicone spigot in prolonged air leaks: Nationwide study on outcomes and risk factors for treatment failure

BackgroundThe endobronchial silicone spigot, also known as the endobronchial Watanabe spigot, is used in bronchoscopic interventions to manage prolonged pulmonary air leakage. However, the outcomes of this procedure have not been thoroughly investigated. MethodsUsing a Japanese national inpatient database from April 2014 to March 2022, we assessed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of all eligible patients who received the endobronchial spigot. We also investigated risk factors associated with treatment failure. Treatment failure was defined as in-hospital death or the need for surgery after bronchial occlusion. ResultsWe analyzed data of 1095 patients who underwent bronchial occlusion using the endobronchial spigot. Among them, 252 patients (23.0%) died during hospitalization, and 403 patients (36.8%) experienced treatment failure. Factors associated with treatment failure included age between 85 and 94 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.83; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.04–3.21); male sex (OR 2.43; 95% CI, 1.44–4.11); low Barthel index score; comorbidities of interstitial pneumonia (OR 1.71; 95% CI, 1.18–2.48); antibiotics treatment (OR 1.45; 95% CI, 1.02–2.07); steroids treatment (OR 1.59; 95% CI, 1.07–2.36); and surgery prior to bronchial occlusion (OR 2.08; 95% CI, 1.29–3.35). In contrast, pleurodesis after bronchial occlusion (OR 0.49; 95% CI, 0.32–0.75), and admission to high-volume hospitals were inversely associated with treatment failure (OR 0.58; 95% CI, 0.37–0.90). ConclusionsThe endobronchial Watanabe spigot could be a nonsurgical treatment option for patients with prolonged pulmonary air leaks. Our findings will help identify patients who may benefit from such bronchial interventions.

Demographic and clinical characteristics associated with failure of physical therapy in chronic low back pain: a secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial.

The effect of physical therapy on pain and disability alleviation in patients with chronic low back pain (cLBP) has been demonstrated, but the risk factors for treatment failure remain unknown. To explore the associations of baseline demographic and clinical characteristics with treatment failure after physical therapy intervention for cLBP. A secondary analysis of a single-blind randomized clinical trial. A rehabilitation hospital. A total of 98 patients with cLBP completed the 12-month measurement. Patients were randomly grouped into 3-month therapeutic aquatic exercise or physical therapy modalities. The primary outcome was treatment failure, which was defined as a decrease in the numeric rating scale to less than 2.0 points at 12-month follow-up. Associations between baseline demographic and clinical characteristics with risk of treatment failure were assessed by logistic regressions. The pain intensity in the failure cases was alleviated after 3-month intervention but continuously increased at 6- and 12-month follow-up (P<0.05). Old age was significantly associated with an increased risk of treatment failure (adjusted OR 3.26, 95% CI 1.11-9.60). Compared with those receiving physical therapy modalities, the patients receiving therapeutic aquatic exercise had less risk of treatment failure (adjusted OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.08-0.47), and age (P=0.022) was a modifier for this association. Compared with younger ones, older patients with cLBP had a higher risk of treatment failure after physical therapy and gained a stronger benefit of long-term pain alleviation from therapeutic aquatic exercise. Therapeutic aquatic exercise is an effective therapy for cLBP and more helpful for preventing treatment failure than physical therapy modalities, especially for older patients.

Aqueous misdirection syndrome: clinical outcomes and risk factors for treatment failure.

To evaluate the outcomes of postoperative aqueous misdirection and factors predicting failure of interventions. This retrospective study included 49 eyes from 47 patients with aqueous misdirection following glaucoma or cataract surgery. Resolution of aqueous misdirection (AM) was deepening of the central anterior chamber (AC) and intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 21mmHg. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to evaluate risk factors for failure of various treatments. 10/49 eyes (20%) resolved with conservative management, and 39/49 eyes (80%) needed multiple intervention, of which 95% (37/39) eyes achieved resolution of aqueous misdirection. Pseudophakia predicted the need for multiple interventions with a hazard ratio of 2.391 (1.158-4.935), p = 0.02). Among the risk factors assessed for resolution of AM, longer axial length (HR: 0.61 (0.414-0.891), p < 0.01) and eyes with prior glaucoma surgery predicted resolution (HR: 0.142 (0.027-0.741), p < 0.01) and delayed presentation predicted failure (HR: 1.002 (1.0002-1.0031), p < 0.02). Pseudophakic eyes were more refractory and predicted the need for multiple interventions. Eyes with prior glaucoma surgery and those with longer axial length had achieved resolution faster, and delayed presentation was a risk factor for failure to resolve.

A retrospective study for long-term oncologic and obstetric outcomes in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia treated with loop electrosurgical excision procedure: focus on surgical margin and human papillomavirus

BackgroundThe present study aimed to evaluate the long-term oncological and obstetric outcomes following the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and investigate the risk factors for recurrence and preterm birth.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent LEEP for CIN 2–3 between 2011 and 2019. Demographic information, histopathological findings, postoperative cytology, and human papillomavirus (HPV) status were collected and analyzed. The Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan-Meier curves with the log-rank test were used for risk factor analysis.ResultsA total of 385 patients treated with the LEEP were analyzed. Treatment failure, including recurrence or residual disease following surgery, was observed in 13.5% of the patients. Positive surgical margins and postoperative HPV detection were independent risk factors for CIN1 + recurrence or residual disease (HR 1.948 [95%CI 1.020–3.720], p = 0.043, and HR 6.848 [95%CI 3.652–12.840], p-value < 0.001, respectively). Thirty-one patients subsequently delivered after LEEP, and the duration between LEEP and delivery was significantly associated with preterm-related complications, such as a short cervix, preterm labor, and preterm premature rupture of the membrane (p = 0.009). However, only a history of preterm birth was associated with preterm delivery.ConclusionsPositive HPV status after LEEP and margin status were identified as independent risk factors for treatment failure in patients with CIN who underwent LEEP. However, combining these two factors did not improve the prediction accuracy for recurrence.

Risk factors for treatment failure in multidrug resistant tuberculosis in Tunisia: An analytic study.

The emergence of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a threat to global public health. The aim of our study was to determine risk factors for treatment failure in MDR-TB. Retrospective study conducted between January 2000 and March 2019 including patients with MDR-TB. Characteristics of patients with therapeutic failure were compared to cured ones. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for treatment failure. Our study included 140 patients aged of 42±13 years (18-80). Fifty-seven percent of patients had treatment success and 12% had treatment failure. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, treatment failure was associated with age over 45 years (OR=1.05; 95%CI, 1.024-7.736;p=0.014), primary education level and illiteracy (OR=5.022; 95%CI, 1.316-19.161;p=0,018), history of incarceration (OR=3.291; 95%CI, 1.291-21.083;p=0.016), undernutrition (OR=4.544; 95%CI, 2.304-54.231;p=0,027), extensive TB (OR=6.406; 95%CI, 1.761-23.922; p=0.038), initial high grade positive smears (OR=1.210; 95%CI, 1.187-32.657; p=0.045), positive smear culture at 90 days of treatment (OR=6.871, 95%CI, 3.824-23.541; p=0.003), poor adherence (OR=6.110; 95%CI, 2.740-12.450; p=0.021) and occurrence of psychiatric adverse events (OR=3.644 95%CI, 2.560- 27.268; p=0.041). Therapeutic education, nutritional and psychological support and close follow-up are strongly recommended to optimize the prognosis of MDR-TB.

Treatment Failure and Clinical Stability in Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

Treatment failure and clinical stability are important outcomes in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). It is essential to know the causes and risk factors for treatment failure and delay in reaching clinical stability in CAP. The study of both as well as the associated underlying mechanisms and host response are key to improving outcomes in pneumonia.

Surgery for Vertebral Osteomyelitis Lowers 1-Year Mortality and Failure Rates Compared with Nonsurgical Treatment: A Propensity-Matched Analysis.

The aim of this study was to determine differences between patients who underwent surgical treatment and those who underwent nonsurgical treatment of vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) and to identify potential factors influencing treatment failure (death and/or recurrence within 1 year). We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical data prospectively collected from patients treated for VO between 2008 and 2020. The decision between surgical and nonsurgical treatment was made for each patient based on defined criteria. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed to exclude confounders between the 2 treatments. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for death and/or recurrence within the first year after VO diagnosis. Forty-two patients (11.8%) were treated nonsurgically and 313 patients (88.2%) underwent surgery. A higher percentage of the surgically treated patients than the nonsurgically treated patients had an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of >2 (69.0% versus 47.5%; p = 0.007), and the thoracic spine was affected more often in the surgical group (30.4% versus 11.9%; p = 0.013). Endocarditis was detected significantly more often in the nonsurgically treated patients (14.3% versus 4.2%; p = 0.018). The recurrence rate was 3 times higher in the nonsurgically treated patients (16.7% versus 5.4%; p = 0.017), but this difference was no longer detectable after propensity matching. After matching, the nonsurgically treated patients showed an almost 7-fold higher 1-year mortality rate (25.0% versus 3.7%; p = 0.018) and an almost 3-fold higher rate of treatment failure (42.9% versus 14.8%; p = 0.022). Multivariable analysis revealed nonsurgical treatment and bacteremia to be independent risk factors for treatment failure. In our matched cohort of patients with VO, surgical intervention resulted in a significantly lower rate of treatment failure (death and/or recurrence within 1 year) compared with nonsurgical intervention. Furthermore, nonsurgical treatment was an independent risk factor for treatment failure. Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Oral Antibiotics for Bacteremia and Infective Endocarditis: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives.

Bacteremia and endocarditis are two clinical syndromes that, for decades, were managed exclusively with parenteral antimicrobials, irrespective of a given patient's clinical condition, causative pathogen, or its antibiotic susceptibility profile. This clinical approach, however, was based on low-quality data and outdated expert opinions. When a patient's condition has improved, gastrointestinal absorption is not compromised, and an oral antibiotic regimen reaching adequate serum concentrations is available, a switch to oral antibacterials can be applied. Although available evidence has reduced the timing of the oral switch in bacteremia to three days/until clinical improvement, there are only scarce data regarding less than 10-day intravenous antibiotic therapy in endocarditis. Many standard or studied oral antimicrobial dosages are smaller than the approved doses for parenteral administration, which is a risk factor for treatment failure; in addition, the gastrointestinal barrier may affect drug bioavailability, especially when the causative pathogen has a minimum inhibitory concentration that is close to the susceptibility breakpoint. A considerable number of patients infected by such near-breakpoint strains may not be potential candidates for oral step-down therapy to non-highly bioavailable antibiotics like beta-lactams; different breakpoints should be determined for this setting. This review will focus on summarizing findings about pathogen-specific tailoring of oral step-down therapy for bacteremia and endocarditis, but will also present laboratory and clinical data about antibiotics such as beta-lactams, linezolid, and fosfomycin that should be studied more in order to elucidate their role and optimal dosage in this context.

Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies for the prevention of severe COVID-19: a retrospective study during Omicron BA.1 variant surge

Among treatment options for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) showed to be effective in preventing disease progression, but real-world data during the Omicron variant surge are still lacking. Multicentre retrospective study evaluating the effectiveness of sotrovimab and casirivimab-imdevimab in fragile patients with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection between November 2021 and March 2022. Unfavourable outcome was defined as increased need for oxygen supplementation and/or death. Of 268 study-participants, 12 (4.48%) previously needed supplemental oxygen, while 6 (2.24%) had active solid neoplasia (2.24%); 186 (69%) have previously received SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Overall, 22 (8%) had unfavourable outcomes (42% versus 6% of patients with and without previous oxygen need and 50% versus 7% of patients with and without active solid neoplasia). Both supplemental oxygen therapy before SARS-CoV-2 infection and solid malignant tumour have shown to be risk factors for treatment failure. Log-rank test did not identify differences between sotrovimab and casirivimab-imdevimab treatment. Despite diffusion of Omicron variant, the rate of unfavourable outcome was higher than expected. The presence of underlying risk factors, including solid cancer and previous oxygen therapy are independently associated with risk of COVID-19 progression, suggesting the need for antiviral treatments not limited to mAbs and implementation of vaccine campaign.

Success of Helicobacter pylori Guideline-based Treatment of Newly Diagnosed and Previously Treated Patients During 2007–2021 in Edmonton, Alberta

Abstract Background Updated 2016 Helicobacter pylori consensus guidelines recommend treatment for 14 days with concomitant therapy (proton-pump inhibitor (PPI)-amoxicillin-metronidazole-clarithromycin (PAMC) or bismuth-based quadruple therapy (PPI-bismuth-metronidazole-tetracycline, PBMT)) as first line, PBMT or PPI-amoxicillin-levofloxacin (PAL) as second or third line, and PPI-amoxicillin-rifabutin (PAR) as fourth line for 10 days. Objectives This was a retrospective cohort study to describe and compare the efficacy of anti-Helicobacter treatment regimens over the periods 2007–2015 and 2016–2021 as well as antibiotic resistance. Methods A modified intention-to-treat (mITT) analysis was used to analyze the success rate of therapies. mITT includes all patients who were prescribed H. pylori treatment and had at least one follow-up test-of-cure. This included patients who could not complete treatment or were non-adherent with treatment. Risk factors for treatment failures were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Resistance testing was done in a small subset of patients. Results H. pylori-positive patients who received treatment in Edmonton, Alberta were included in a mITT analysis: 334/387(86%) from 2007 to 2015 and 193/199 (97%) from 2016 to 2021. During 2016–2021, 78% (150/193) of patients underwent cumulative guideline-based treatment with a successful cure in 80% (120/150) of patients. In those who were newly diagnosed, the cure rate was 88% (52/59) versus those with previous treatment failure 75% (68/91) (P &amp;lt; 0.05, risk difference [RD] 14%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7–26.3%). The most effective first-line regimens were PAMC for 14 days (87% [45/52]) in 2016–2021 and sequential therapy in 2007–2015 (83% [66/80]) (P = 0.535, RD 4%, 95% CI −8.5–16.5%). When other treatments failed, success with PAR was 50% (2/4) from 2007 to 2015 and 57% (21/37) from 2016 to 2021. Recent (2016–2021) resistance rates to clarithromycin and metronidazole are high at 78% (50/64) and 56% (29/52), respectively. From 2007 to 2015, clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance rates were 80% (36/45) and 83% (38/46), respectively. Levofloxacin resistance increased significantly from 2007–2015 to 2016–2021 (28% [13/46] to 61% [35/57], P &amp;lt; 0.05, RD 33%, 95% CI 11.6–54.4%). Conclusions Algorithmic treatment with PAMC first line followed by PBMT, PAL, and PAR cures H. pylori in 88% of newly diagnosed patients. PAR therapy shows suboptimal cure rates (50–57% success) but can be considered as third instead of fourth line given increasing levofloxacin resistance rates. Antibiotic resistance in H. pylori is common to clarithromycin, metronidazole, and levofloxacin and frequently accounts for treatment failures.