Severe Infections In Patients Research Articles

Adequacy of the Dosing and Infusion Time of Ceftazidime/Avibactam for the Treatment of Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections: A PK/PD Simulation Study.

Recent studies suggested the potential benefits of extended infusion times to optimize the treatment efficacy of ceftazidime/avibactam, which indicated that the current pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) target may not be sufficient, especially for severe infections. The purpose of this study is to assess the adequacy of dosing strategies and infusion durations of ceftazidime/avibactam when applying higher PK/PD targets. This study utilized published PK parameters to conduct Monte Carlo simulations. Different dosages including the recommended regimen based on renal function were simulated and evaluated by the probability of target attainment (PTA) and cumulative fraction of response (CFR). Different PK/PD targets were set for ceftazidime and avibactam. MIC distributions from various sources were used to calculate the CFR. Multiple PK/PD targets have been set in this study, All recommended dosage could easily achieve the target of 50%fT ≥ MIC (ceftazidime) and 50%fT ≥ CT=1.0 mg/L (avibactam). However, for severe infection patients with normal renal function and augmented renal clearance at the recommended dosage (2000 mg/500 mg, every 8 hours), the infusion duration needs to be extended to 3 hours and 4 hours to achieve the targets of 100%fT ≥ MIC and 100%fT ≥ CT=1.0 mg/L. Only continuous infusion at higher dosages achieved 100%fT ≥ 4×MIC and 100%fT ≥ CT=4.0 mg/L targets to all currently recommended regimens. According to the varying MIC distributions, higher concentrations are needed for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with the attainment rates vary across different regions. The current recommended dosing regimen of ceftazidime/avibactam is insufficient for severe infection patients, and continuous infusion is suggested.

Clinical effectiveness of coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination in patients with multiple sclerosis stratified by disease-modifying treatment.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination has been associated with a dampened humoral and/or cellular immune response in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who were concurrently on disease-modifying treatment (DMT) with B-cell depleting agents or sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulators (S1PRMs). Our main goal was to investigate the impact of these DMT classes on the clinical effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination. Since March 2020, demographics and clinical data of patients with MS who developed COVID-19 have been collected at the Belgian National MS Centre in Melsbroek. Patients were considered to be 'protected by vaccination' if they were (i) fully vaccinated and (ii) tested positive for COVID-19 in the period ranging from 14 days to 6 months after the last administered vaccine. On 19 December 2022, 418 COVID-19 cases were retrospectively identified in 389 individual patients. Hospitalization and mortality rates resulting from the infection were 10.8% and 2.4%, respectively. Being 'unprotected by vaccination' was significantly associated with a worse COVID-19 outcome (i.e., hospitalization and/or death) in the total cohort (N = 418, odds ratio [OR] 3.96), in patients on ongoing DMT other than anti-CD20 agents or S1PRMs (N = 123, OR 31.75) and in patients without DMT (N = 182, OR 5.60), but not in those receiving anti-CD20 agents (N = 91, OR 0.39); the S1PRMs subgroup was considered too small (22 infections) for any meaningful analysis. Coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination protects against severe infection in patients with MS but it was not possible to confirm this effect in those on DMT with B-cell depleting agents.

The Potential Role of Presepsin in Predicting Severe Infection in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

Background/Objectives: Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the complications in patients with diabetes, which can be caused by infection, neuropathy, and blood vessel disorder. Among them, infection is the most common cause, and if it becomes worse, amputation may be necessary. So, it is important to detect and treat infections early, and determining indicators that can confirm infection is also important. Known infection markers include white blood cells (WBCs), the erythrocyte sediment rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin, but they are not specific to diabetic foot ulcers. Presepsin, also known as soluble CD14, is known to be an early indicator of sepsis. Recent studies have reported that presepsin can be used as an early indicator of infection. This study investigated whether presepsin could be used as an early marker of severe infection in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: We retrospectively studied 73 patients who were treated for diabetic foot ulcerations from January 2021 to June 2023 at Yeungnam University Hospital. Results: Out of a total of 73 patients, 46 patients underwent amputations with severe infections, and the WBC level, ESR, and CRP, procalcitonin, and presepsin levels were significantly higher in the group of patients who underwent amputations. The cutoff of presepsin, which can predict serious infections that need amputation, was 675 ng/mL. A regression analysis confirmed that presepsin, HbA1c, and osteomyelitis significantly increased the risk of severe infections requiring amputation. Conclusions: Presepsin will be available as an early predictor of patients with severe infections requiring amputations for diabetic foot ulcerations.

SLESIS-R: an improved score for prediction of serious infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus based on the RELESSER prospective cohort

ObjectiveTo develop an improved score for prediction of severe infection in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), namely, the SLE Severe Infection Score-Revised (SLESIS-R) and to validate it in a...

Risk of Infection in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Treated With Interleukin-Targeting Agents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of infection. The aim of this study was to assess the cumulative incidence and risk of infection in patients with IBD treated with interleukin (IL)-targeting agents. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials including patients with IBD receiving IL-targeting agents compared with patients receiving placebo or treatment that only differed from the intervention arm in the absence of an IL-targeting agent. The primary outcome of interest was the relative risk (RR) of any-grade and severe infection during the induction phase. There was no difference in risk of any-grade (RR, 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89-1.09) or severe (RR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.38-1.10) infection in patients receiving any IL-targeting agent compared with the control group. During the maintenance period, the cumulative incidence of any-grade infection in patients receiving IL-12/23p40-targeting agents (mean follow-up 29 weeks) was 34.82% (95% CI, 26.78%-43.32%), while the cumulative incidence of severe infection was 3.07% (95% CI, 0.93%-6.21%). The cumulative incidence of any-grade infection in patients receiving IL-23p19-targeting agents (mean follow-up 40.9 weeks) was 32.16% (95% CI, 20.63%-44.88%), while the cumulative incidence of severe infection was 1.75% (95% CI, 0.60%-3.36%). During the maintenance phase of the included studies, the incidence of infection was 30.66% (95% CI, 22.12%-39.90%) for any-grade and 1.59% (95% CI, 0.76%-2.63%) for severe infection in patients in the control group. There was no difference in risk of infection between patients with IBD who received IL-targeting agents compared with the control group. Case registries and randomized controlled trials reporting the safety of IL inhibitors should provide detailed information about the risk of specific infectious complications in patients with IBD receiving IL-targeting agents.

Analysis of surgical site infection and tumour-specific survival rate in patients with renal cell carcinoma after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) may pose a significant risk to patients undergoing surgery. This study aims to explore the risk factors for SSIs in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma and the impact of infection on tumour-specific survival (CSS) after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. To explore the risk factors for SSIs in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma and the impact of infection on tumour-specific survival (CSS) after nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 400 patients in our hospital from June 2021 to June 2023. This study divided patients into two groups: those with SSI and those without SSI. Collect general data and information related to the operating room. Clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Select surgical time, laminar mobile operating room use, and intraoperative hypothermia as observation indicators. Perform statistical analysis using SPSS 25.0 software, including univariate, multivariate, and survival analyses of wound-infected and uninfected patients. Out of 400 patients, 328 had no SSIs, 166 died during follow-up, 72 had SSIs, and 30 died during follow-up. There was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in comparing primary data between individuals without SSIs and those with SSIs. There were statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in surgical time, nonlaminar flow operating room use, and intraoperative hypothermia. The postoperative survival time of SSI patients with a tumour diameter of 7.0-9.9 cm was significantly longer than that of SSI patients, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The occurrence of severe infection in patients with other tumour diameters did not affect postoperative survival, and the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). After multiple factor analysis, it was found that severe infection can prolong the postoperative survival of patients with tumour diameter exceeding 7 cm (HR = 0.749, p < 0.05). This study identified nonlaminar flow operating rooms, prolonged surgical time, and intraoperative hypothermia as significant risk factors for SSIs. After nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma patients with a tumour diameter of 7-9.9 μ m, perioperative infection can prolong their survival. However, it has no significant effect on patients with other tumour diameters.

Comparison of Mean Serum Ferritin Levels between Non-severe and Severe COVID-19 Infection Groups During Third Trimester of Pregnancy

Background: Despite the fact that, ferritin is commonly regarded as a representation of total body iron reserves; its predictive value is also connected to COVID-19 severity. COVID-19 disease can manifest itself in pregnant women in a variety of ways. Comorbid conditions have a significant impact on the progression of COVID-19 severity. Several studies have showed that, serum ferritin level was associated with severity of COVID-19 infection. So, we conducted this study to evaluate the comparison of mean serum ferritin levels between non-severe and severe COVID-19 infection groups during third trimester of pregnancy. Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare the mean serum ferritin levels between non-severe and severe COVID-19 infection groups in third trimester of pregnancy. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, COVID-19 Unit, BSMMU and DMCH. Sampling method was purposive. Total 154 cases were included in this study after matching eligibility criteria. After collecting intravenous blood, serum ferritin level was measured. Results: Among 154 cases, 24.7% cases were asymptomatic, 40.3% cases were mild, 24.7% cases were moderate and 10.4% cases were severe COVID-19 infection during third trimester of pregnancy. The non-severe COVID-19 infection group consisted of 100 cases of asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 infected patients, with a mean serum ferritin level of 51.48 ng/ml. The severe COVID-19 infection group consisted of 54 cases of moderate and severe COVID-19 infected patients, with a mean serum ferritin level of 478.37 ng/ml. The independent samples t-test revealed a p-value of ≤0.05 (0.0000000002), when comparing the mean values of these two groups. Conclusion: Serum ferritin level rises significantly in severe COVID-19 infection during third trimester of pregnancy.

Label-free electrochemical immunosensor employing new redox probes/porous organic polymers/graphene oxide nanocomposite towards multiplex detection of three SARS-COV2-induced storming proteins for severe COVID-19 diagnosis

Since an outbreak of severe acute respiratory disease caused by coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the province of Wuhan, China, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has tremendously evolved into a global pandemic. COVID-19 causing serious failures in organ functions is found to be involved in many groups or kinds of “cytokine storm effect” protein biomarkers resulting from the human immunological responses to the virus. The in-body abnormalities and clinical features relevant to COVID-19 exhibit a wide range and it is difficult to forecast the severity of infection in patients. Consequently, the development of a fast and highly accurate method for screening, diagnosis, monitoring, rapid identification, and isolation of COVID-19-infected patients, and monitoring its severity is urgently needed. This work aims to develop a highly sensitive multiplex label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on a porous organic polymer (POP-AQ)/graphene oxide (GO) electrode to screen and diagnose COVID-19 severity. The screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) consisting of three working electrodes is modified by a new POP-AQ/GO nanocomposite to enhance its specific surface area and electrochemical reactivity. The resultant platform is functionalized with three different chitosan-encapsulated redox probes (m-cresol purple (mCP), thymol blue (TMB), and polydopamine (PDA)), followed by three different antibodies, which are employed to quantitatively detect the corresponding proteins from the immunological response. This novel platform allows for the simultaneous measurement of critical illness biomarkers (IL-6, D-dimer, and ferritin), with high sensitivities and low detection limits (LODs). The biosensor displays an excellent analytical performance with wide linear dynamic ranges of 0.005–5, 2.5−100, and 2.5−100 ng mL−1, and LODs of 0.0040, 0.844, and 0.806 ng mL−1 for IL-6, D-dimer, and ferritin, respectively. Moreover, this platform reveals high reproducibility and stability, while maintaining low instrumentation complexity, and cost-effectiveness. This proposed multiplex immunosensor has excellent potential for fast COVID-19 diagnosis and severity screening in infected patients. Additionally, its versatility suggests applicability in diagnosing other diseases and emerging pathogens.

Perceptions and Information-Seeking Behavior Regarding COVID-19 Vaccination Among Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease in 2023: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

People living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) face an increased risk of severe outcomes such as hospitalization or death from COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccination is a vital approach to mitigate the risk and severity of infection in patients with CKD. Limited information exists regarding the factors that shape COVID-19 vaccine uptake, including health information-seeking behavior and perceptions, within the CKD population. The objectives were to describe among CKD patients, (1) health information-seeking behavior on COVID-19, (2) their capacity to comprehend and trust COVID-19 information from different sources, and (3) their perceptions concerning COVID-19 infection and vaccination. Cross-sectional web-based survey administered in British Columbia and Ontario from February 17, 2023, to April 17, 2023. Chronic kidney disease G3b-5D patients and kidney transplant recipients (CKD G1T-5T) enrolled in a longitudinal COVID-19 vaccine serology study. The survey consisted of a questionnaire that included demographic and clinical data, perceived susceptibility of contracting COVID-19, the ability to collect, understand, and trust information on COVID-19, as well as perceptions regarding COVID-19 vaccination. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data with values expressed as count (%) and chi square tests were performed with a significance level set at P ≤ .05. A content analysis was performed on one open-ended response regarding respondents' questions surrounding COVID-19 infection and vaccination. Among the 902 patients who received the survey via email, 201 completed the survey, resulting in a response rate of 22%. The median age was 64 years old (IQR 53-74), 48% were male, 51% were university educated, 32% were on kidney replacement therapies, and 57% had received ≥5 COVID-19 vaccine doses. 65% of respondents reported that they had sought out COVID-19-related information in the last 12 months, with 91% and 84% expressing having understood and trusted the information they received, respectively. Those with a higher number of COVID-19 vaccine doses were associated with having sought out (P =.017), comprehended (P < .001), and trusted (P =. 005) COVID-19-related information. Female sex was associated with expressing more concern about contracting COVID-19 (P = .011). Most respondents strongly agreed to statements regarding the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination. Respondents' questions about COVID-19 infection and vaccination centered on 4 major themes: COVID-19 vaccination strategy, vaccine effectiveness, vaccine safety, and the impact of COVID-19 infection and vaccination on kidney health. This survey was administered within the Canadian health care context to patients with CKD who had at least 1 COVID-19 vaccine dose. Race/ethnicity of participants was not captured. In this survey of individuals with CKD, COVID-19 information-seeking behavior was high and almost all respondents understood and trusted the information they received. Perceptions toward the COVID-19 vaccine and booster were mostly favorable.

1009 Surgical site infection severity in patients receiving non-cephalosporin antibiotics at time of cesarean section

1009 Surgical site infection severity in patients receiving non-cephalosporin antibiotics at time of cesarean section

Risk of severe infection associated with immunoglobulin deficiency under rituximab therapy in immune-mediated inflammatory disease

ObjectivesWe evaluated the risk of severe infection in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) treated with RTX and with Ig deficiency.MethodsThis was an observational, retrospective single-centre study of patients undergoing...

Alpha Defensin-1 Level Correlates with Periprosthetic Infection Severity following Implant-based Breast Reconstruction.

Accurate diagnosis of periprosthetic infections following breast reconstructions is paramount to reduce morbidity. Alpha defensin-1 (AD-1) is an antimicrobial peptide released by neutrophils. This study evaluates the relationship between quantitative AD-1 levels and infection severity in patients with suspected periprosthetic infection. Retrospective review was conducted of patients with prior breast implant reconstruction undergoing surgery for either suspected infection or prosthesis exchange and revision. The AD-1 level in periprosthetic fluid was sent for quantitative analysis. Association between AD-1 levels with outcomes, management, systemic markers of infection, and overall infection severity was evaluated. Thirty-eight breasts were included. Infected breasts had higher AD-1 levels (3.91 versus 0.14, P < 0.01), greater odds of erythema [odds ratio (OR) 2.98 (1.53-5.82), P = 0.01], purulence [OR 2.84 (1.51-5.35), P = 0.01], fever [OR 1.84 (1.15-2.93), P = 0.01], threatened implant exposure [OR 2.97 (1.48-5.95), P < 0.01], and true implant exposure [OR 1.79 (1.04-3.08), P = 0.04]. Increasing AD-1 was an independent risk factor for washout (P < 0.01), and explant [OR 2.48 (1.47-4.2), P < 0.01]. AD-1 positively correlated with white blood cell count (β = 1.81 cells/µL, P < 0.01), and serum lactate (β = 0.19 meq/L, P < 0.04). Increasing AD-1 level was an independent predictor of infection severity (χ² = 22.77, P < 0.01). AD-1 levels correlate with infection severity, highlighting its potential both when clinical examination is ambiguous and when treatment response is being monitored. Although further evaluation is warranted, AD-1 may demonstrate utility in novel breast implant salvage algorithms.

The impact of different antibiotic injection regimens on patients with severe infections: A meta-analysis.

Severe infection is a critical health threat to humans, and antibiotic treatment is one of the main therapeutic approaches. Nevertheless, the efficacy of various antibiotic injection regimens in severe infection patients remains uncertain. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the impact of various antibiotic injection strategies on patients with severe infection through a meta-analysis. Relevant research literature was collected by searching databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The retrieved literature was screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant data, including study design, sample size, and antibiotic regimens, were extracted from the included studies. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool was employed to assess the risk of bias in each study. Statistical analysis was performed based on the results of the included studies. A total of 15 articles were included, covering various types of severe infection patients, including pulmonary and abdominal infections. The analysis provided insights into mortality rates, treatment efficacy, adverse reactions (ARs), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) scores, among other outcomes. The results indicated that combination therapy was superior to monotherapy in terms of mortality rate, treatment efficacy, and APACHE scores, while the incidence of ARs was lower in the monotherapy group compared to the combination therapy group (p < 0.05). Combination therapy showed better treatment efficacy compared to monotherapy, although it was associated with a higher incidence of ARs.

Сучасні підходи до вакцинації в дітей з різними варіантами первинних та вторинних імунодефіцитів (огляд літератури)

Chronic disease and immunosuppression increase the risk of vaccine-preventable infections, complications, and mortality from infectious diseases. Safe vaccination and achieving an adequate serological response to vaccination are crucial aspects of the management of such patients. Purpose - to analyze data from domestic and foreign medical literature regarding modern approaches to vaccination of children with various primary and secondary immunodeficiency diseases. The majority of children with primary immunodeficiency who have preserved antibody production can demonstrate an immune response to vaccination, but this response can be rapidly lost over time. Limitations to vaccinating children with primary immunodeficiency are related to the use of live vaccines in conditions where the cellular immune system is compromised. Patients with primary antibody deficiency are treated with immunoglobulin preparations and depend on the presence of specific antibodies at a protective level against infectious pathogens, including vaccine-preventable infections. Several studies have shown the effectiveness of intravenous immunoglobulin treatment in reducing the number and severity of infections in patients with humoral deficiency. The majority of children with rheumatic diseases vaccinated according to the Schedule of Routine Immunisations before starting immunosuppressive therapy have protective antibody levels against vaccine-preventable infections. All non-live vaccines can be administered without restrictions, but should be administered two weeks before immunosuppressive therapy to increase immunogenicity. Children receiving high doses of immunosuppressive therapy should avoid receiving live attenuated vaccines. No conflict of interests was declared by the author.

Comparison of two apheresis systems for granulocyte collection without hydroxyethyl starch.

Granulocyte transfusion (GTX) is a treatment option for severe infections in patients with neutropenia. In previous studies, hydroxyethyl starch (HES) was used to enhance red blood cell sedimentation for granulocyte collection (GC). However, there are safety concerns about HES, and HES is not readily available in some countries. Therefore, we compared the granulocyte counts and GC efficiency achieved by two apheresis systems without HES. All consecutive GC procedures performed between July 2011 and March 2018 at our hospital were analysed. COBE Spectra was used until 5 February 2016, and Spectra Optia was used afterwards. HES was not used. Twenty-six GC procedures were performed, including 18 performed using COBE Spectra and 8 using Spectra Optia. When Spectra Optia was used, >1 × 1010 neutrophils were collected from seven of the eight (88%) procedures. Although there was no significant difference in the granulocyte yield between COBE Spectra-based and Spectra Optia-based GC procedures, the collection efficiency of Spectra Optia was significantly higher than that of COBE Spectra (p = 0.021). Furthermore, the granulocyte yields of Spectra Optia-based GC tended to be more strongly correlated with the peripheral blood neutrophil count on the day of apheresis than those of COBE Spectra-based GC. Our results suggest that Spectra Optia achieves greater GC efficiency than COBE Spectra, even without HES. GTX may be a therapeutic option for severe neutropenia, even in places where HES is not available.

Microbial Characteristics of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Patients Referred from Primary Care Hospitals

Objective: This study investigated the microbiological characteristics of severe lower respiratory tract infection patients not respond to initial treatment, and were transferred to a tertiary-level hospital.Material and Methods: This was a multicenter, prospective study conducted across four hospitals: Cho Ray, Pham Ngoc Thach, Gia Dinh People’s Hospital, and Can Tho Central General Hospital. Sputum specimens were collected shortly after admission and subjected to culture and real-time PCR testing.Results: Out of the 252 patients, 170 (67.4%) met the criteria for analysis and identification of pathogenic microorganisms. The most frequently isolated pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumonia) and Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae), comprising of 27.0% and 13.1%, respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted on 55 patients (32.3%). Among these cases, there were 16 instances of S. pneumoniae, 10 cases of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), 10 cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), 14 cases of gram-negative enteric bacteria, 2 cases of H. influenzae, 1 case of Moraxella catarrhalis (M. catarrhalis), 1 case of Enterococcus faecium, and 1 case of M. pneumoniae. The antibiogram results revealed significant findings; including a 70% prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and 90% occurrence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The data also indicated high resistance rates; such as 90% resistance to erythromycin, 40-80% to ciprofloxacin, 30-80% to ceftazidime, and 30-40% to imipenem.Conclusion: Pathogens associated with LRTIs referred from primary care hospitals encompass S. pneumonia, H. influenza, and S. aureus. At our facility, piperacillin, imipenem, amikacin, vancomycin, and linezolid emerged as the most effective antibiotics for addressing these LRTIs.

COVID-19 vaccination and infection status: a cross-sectional survey of patients with rheumatic diseases in China.

To evaluate the vaccination status and clinical practice of patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) during the COVID-19 pandemic in China and to explore the impact of vaccination on infection severity in patients with RD. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among RD patients in outpatient and inpatient settings of the Rheumatology and Immunology Department in our hospital. Participants' characteristics, vaccination status, COVID-19 infection status, and medication for acute COVID-19 were collected. A total of 749 valid surveys were included in the study. A total of 271 (36.2%) patients were not vaccinated, and 478 (63.8%) patients received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. 83.3% of patients were vaccinated with inactivated vaccines. Several patients with RD experienced the disease flare (57, 11.9%) and some adverse reactions (31, 6.5%) after COVID-19 vaccination. The COVID-19 infection rate was 84.1% in our study, which was not reduced by vaccination. However, vaccinated patients with RD showed decreased frequencies of pneumonia and hospitalization, compared with those of unvaccinated patients. Independent factors associated with hospitalization were COVID-19 vaccination (OR = 0.422, 95% CI 0.227-0.783), advanced age (OR = 1.070, 95% CI 1.046-1.095), ILD (OR = 1.245, 95% CI 1.082-1.432), and glucocorticoid (OR = 4.977, 95% CI 2.326-10.647). Adverse reactions to vaccines and disease flare are not common in RD patients. Although COVID-19 vaccination could not reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection in RD patients, it may effectively decrease the frequencies of pneumonia and hospitalization after infection. It is recommended that patients with RD should receive COVID-19 vaccination if there are no contraindications because the benefits outweigh the risks.

Lymphopenia is a risk factor for severe infections in older patients with microscopic polyangiitis: a retrospective cohort study in Japan.

Previous studies have identified the predictors of severe infections in ANCA-associated vasculitis. However, lymphopenia has not been fully evaluated as a predictor of subsequent severe infections in patients with microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). The aim of this study was to assess the association between lymphopenia and severe infections requiring hospitalization after receiving immunosuppressive therapy for MPA. This single-centre retrospective cohort study included 130 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed MPA from Aichi Medical University Hospital, Japan, who received immunosuppressive therapy between March 2004 and December 2020. The relationship between lymphopenia and subsequent severe infections was assessed using time-dependent multivariate Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for clinically relevant factors. During the follow-up period (median: 38 months; interquartile range: 15-63 months), 56 severe infectious episodes occurred in 51 patients (39.2%). Time-dependent multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses identified older age [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.74 per 10 years, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.67], methylprednisolone pulse therapy (adjusted HR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.03, 4.02), moderate lymphopenia (vs normal, adjusted HR = 7.17, 95% CI: 3.10, 16.6) and severe lymphopenia (vs normal, adjusted HR = 36.1, 95% CI: 11.8, 110.9) as significant predictors of severe infection. Lymphopenia is a predictor of subsequent severe infections in patients with MPA who receive immunosuppressive therapy. These results suggest the importance of sustained infection surveillance, particularly in older patients who develop lymphopenia during strong immunosuppressive therapy.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INFLAMMATORY MARKERS LEVELS IN PATIENTS OF TUBERCULOSIS AND COVID-TB COINFECTION

Objective: The outbreak of COVID-19 has increased the vulnerability of global population to diseases; above all, the patients suffering from tuberculosis (TB) COVID-19. Both being diseases of the respiratory tract, a confection of the two might cause severe implications. The WHO has set a goal of eradicating TB globally by the year 2035 (END-TB program). To achieve this goal, various initiatives are being taken with respect to early diagnosis, screening – research and development of new diagnostic as well as treatment tools. Although, the pandemic largely interrupted these initiatives setting back progress by approximately a decade; it should not be overlooked that COVID-19 has unlocked new doors to research and development in the niche of infectious diseases. This study was aimed at analyzing of inflammatory markers in patients of TB, COVID-19, and COVID-TB confection. Methods: A total of 164 patients aged between 18 years to 85 years were included in this study. Total patients (164) were, then, divided into three groups on the basis of their disease diagnosis. The patient groups are as follows: 57 COVID-19-positive patients, 53 COVID-TB coinfection-positive patients, and 54 TB-positive patients. Serological analysis data of C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and SGOT were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: The results of analysis of variance showed significant results for all three inflammatory markers with p&lt;0.05. The levels of CRP, D-dimer, and SGOT underwent the highest increase among COVID-TB coinfection patient. Conclusion: Through this study, it can be concluded that the addition of inflammatory markers testing in TB patients and diagnostic protocols may prove to be of significant assistance in diagnosis of TB and also to estimate the severity of infection in patients of active TB. It is also noteworthy that the levels of these markers were found to be highest in patients suffering from a coinfection of both the diseases.

Comparative clinical evaluation of anti biotics on kerala zone

Medication use research expects to evaluate if sedate treatment is sane. To look through the objective techniques for inspecting drug treatment towards discernment are vital. Many of these modern day synthetic drugs were treated for infection associated diseases condition to expelled unwanted effects and also unknowing unwanted effects found in the present survey. Questionnaire format will be prepared with the help of standard guidelines. This study was planed 1500 infected patients collected from 350 bedded tertiary care hospital- PVS Hospital (P) LTD Calicut. The survey conducted by different zones of Kerala by using questionnaire. Analysis of different demographical parameters. Results expressed that the survey only with findings expressed that the patients which are not associated with infection but they affected infection (498 numbers &amp; 33.2%) for lesser percentage and numbers when compared with infection associated diseases (802 Numbers &amp; 53.5%). The severe infection patients percentage 13.3%) and numbers (200) were very low when compared to infection associated diseases (802 Numbers &amp; 53.5%) and single diseases (498 Numbers &amp; 33.2%). In our conclusion above demographical parameter will be helps to develop medical facilities for reduce the infected patients level in kerala zone.