Evaluating metal phytorremediation and biondication potential of Spartina alterniflora in a South American estuary

Soil metal pollution has been widely studied in salt marshes but mainly regarding non-essential metals. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of two essential metals (Fe and Mn) and one non-essential one (Cd) in Spartina alterniflora salt marshes in a South American estuary in order to evaluate the potential of this species as a phytoremediator and/or bioindicator of Fe, Mn and Cd and to analyze the distribution of these metals according to the edaphic conditions. The metals present in the soils varied among the three sites studied according to the content of organic matter and fine sediments. In comparison with other Spartina-dominated salt marshes worldwide, in this study Fe and Mn were approximately in the same range, whereas Cd levels were always lower, with a high number of samples below the method detection limit (MDL). All metals were highly correlated with each other suggesting an association of Cd with Mn and Fe oxides/hydroxides or sulfides and/or a common anthropogenic source. Metals in plant tissues also varied from site to site and between the aboveground and belowground tissues. Compared to the metal levels in Spartina tissues in other salt marshes, our levels of Fe and Mn were in the same range, whereas the Cd levels were lower, among most samples, especially those from aboveground tissues that were below the MDL. The bioconcentration factor (metal in belowground tissues/metal in soil) was always lower than one for Fe and Mn meaning that there is no accumulation of these metals in belowground tissues, but this factor for Cd was sometimes higher than one, even as high as 3.45, implying that S. alterniflora can accumulate this metal in its tissues, pointing to a potential role of this species in Cd phytoremediation. Translocation factors (metal in aboveground tissues/metal in belowground tissues) were always lower than one for Fe and could not be calculated for Cd but were usually higher than one for Mn, showing the role of this element in photosynthetic tissues and a possible function of this species for phytoextraction of Mn. In most samples the Fe levels in plant tissues were higher than the permissible levels reported in the literature, suggesting a potential role of S. alterniflora in Fe phytoremediation. No correlation was observed between metal concentrations in soils and aboveground tissues; therefore, S.alterniflora is not a good bioindicator for the metals studied. Although our results are not conclusive, they reinforce the importance of local edaphic conditions on the behavior of metals in salt marshes and shed light on the potential role of S. alterniflora in the phytoremediation of highly toxic metals such as Cd or poorly studied metals such as Fe and Mn.

Implementation of a new surveillance system for dialysis-associated infection events in outpatient dialysis facilities in Germany

INTRODUCTION

Patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis are at risk of catheter-related infections. Up to now, there has been no standardized surveillance tool in Germany to evaluate infection events in haemodialysis outpatients. As such, this study aimed to implement an online-based surveillance tool in outpatient dialysis facilities, and to report the first national surveillance data for haemodialysis patients in Germany from October 2019 until September 2021.

METHODS

Outpatient dialysis facilities reported three types of dialysis-associated infection event (DAIE): bloodstream infections, intravenous antimicrobial starts, and local access site infections. Denominator data were provided by the number of haemodialysis treatments at each facility per month. DAIE rates stratified by vascular access type were calculated.

RESULTS

In total, 43 outpatient dialysis facilities reported 723 DAIEs, including 63 bloodstream infections, 439 intravenous antimicrobial starts, and 221 local access site infections. The overall incidence of DAIEs was 0.51 per 1000 dialysis treatments (723/1,413,457) during the surveillance period. The overall incidence of DAIEs was 0.13 per 1000 dialysis treatments among patients with arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs; 126/990,392), 0.41 per 1000 dialysis treatments among patients with arteriovenous grafts (41/99,499), and 1.68 per 1000 dialysis treatments among patients with central venous catheters (CVCs; 535/318,757). The rate ratio of DAIEs between CVC and AVF rates was 13.2 (95% confidence interval 10.9-16.0; P<0.001).

DISCUSSION

These 2-year infection data represent the first standardized data of outpatient dialysis facilities in Germany. Rates of infection were highest among patients with CVCs compared with other vascular access types. This online-based surveillance tool may be helpful to identify effective targets for infection prevention measures in haemodialysis patients.

Sinks in patient rooms in ICUs are associated with higher rates of hospital-acquired infection: a retrospective analysis of 552 ICUs

BACKGROUND

Sinks in hospitals are a possible reservoir for healthcare-related pathogens. They have been identified as a source of nosocomial outbreaks in intensive care units (ICU); however, their role in non-outbreak settings remains unclear.

AIM

To investigate whether sinks in ICU patient rooms are associated with a higher incidence of hospital-acquired infection (HAI).

METHODS

This analysis used surveillance data from the ICU component of the German nosocomial infection surveillance system (KISS) from 2017 to 2020. Between September and October 2021, all participating ICUs were surveyed about the presence of sinks in their patient rooms. The ICUs were then divided into two groups: the no-sink group (NSG) and the sink group (SG). Primary and secondary outcomes were total HAIs and HAIs associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (HAI-PA).

FINDINGS

In total, 552 ICUs (NSG N=80, SG N=472) provided data about sinks, total HAIs and HAI-PA. The incidence density per 1000 patient-days of total HAIs was higher in ICUs in the SG (3.97 vs 3.2). The incidence density of HAI-PA was also higher in the SG (0.43 vs 0.34). The risk of HAIs associated with all pathogens [incidence rate ratio (IRR)=1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.50] and the risk of lower respiratory tract infections associated with P. aeruginosa (IRR=1.44, 95% CI 1.10-1.90) were higher in ICUs with sinks in patient rooms. After adjusting for confounders, sinks were found to be an independent risk factor for HAI (adjusted IRR 1.21, 95% CI 1.01-1.45).

CONCLUSIONS

Sinks in patient rooms are associated with a higher number of HAIs per patient-day in the ICU. This should be considered when planning new ICUs or renovating existing ones.

Reducing urinary catheter use in geriatric patients - results of a single-center champion-led intervention

BACKGROUND

Indwelling urinary tract catheters (UTC) are a well-known risk factor for urinary tract infections (UTI). Because geriatric patients are at high risk of infection, an intervention with a focus on appropriate and minimal UTC use was introduced in 4 acute care geriatric wards.

METHODS

Between 11/2018 and 1/2020, unit-based data on UTC use and nosocomial UTI was collected in accordance with the methods of the German national surveillance system KISS. From 6/2019 to 1/2020, a champion-led intervention was implemented which focused on: (i) feedback of surveillance data, (ii) education and training in aseptic UTC insertion and maintenance, (iii) HCW's daily assessment of UTC necessity based on a checklist and (iv) timely removal of unnecessary UTCs. UTC use, incidence, and incidence densities for catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI) were calculated before and during the intervention. In addition, we analyzed adherence to a scheduled daily assessment of UTC necessity. Rate ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated. Differences based on the quality of checklist completion were evaluated using the Kruskal Wallis test.

RESULTS

We analyzed the data of 3,564 patients with a total 53,954 patient days, 9,208 UTC days, and 61 CAUTI. Surveillance data showed a significant decrease in the pooled UTC utilization rate from 19.1/100 patient days to 15.2/100 patient days (RR = 0.80, 95%CI 0.77-0.83, p < 0.001). CAUTI per 100 patients dropped from 2.07 to 1.40 (RR = 0.68, 95%CI 0.41-1.12, p = 0.1279). Overall, 373 patients received a UTC during the intervention. Of those patients 351 patients had an UTC ≥ 2 days. The analysis of these patients showed that 186 patients (53%) received a checklist as part of their chart for daily evaluation of UTC necessity. 43 (23.1%) of the completed checklists were of good quality; 143 (76.9%) were of poor quality. Patients in the group whose checklists were of good quality had fewer UTC days (median 7 UTC days IQR (3-11)) than patients whose checklists were of poor quality (11 UTC days IQR (6-16), p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that a champion-led, surveillance-based intervention reduces the use of UTC among geriatric patients. Further research is needed to determine to what extent the use of checklists in daily medical UTC assessment affects the prevention of CAUTI. The fact that patients whose checklists were completed well had fewer UTC days should encourage a conscientious and thorough daily review of the need for UTC.

Double-layered anterior colporrhaphy (DAC)-video and mid-term follow-up of 60 patients

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Anterior colporrhaphy (AC) exhibits high recurrence rates, and this issue is not appropriately addressed by alloplastic material, which often necessitates reoperation. Aiming to improve the anatomical cure rate, we implemented double-layered anterior colporrhaphy (DAC). With a retrospective investigation, precise description and video of the surgical technique, we want to contribute to the development of native tissue anterior repair.

METHODS

Women treated by DAC and vaginal hysterectomy were included. Primary outcome was anatomic cure defined as prolapse < stage 2. Secondary outcomes were complication rate, resolution of postvoid residual urine, reoperation for prolapse and patient satisfaction. Follow-up encompassed a clinical gynecologic examination, the German Pelvic Floor Questionnaire and a response scale for postoperative quality of life (QoL). The key difference between DAC and AC is the continuous suture followed by the traditional interrupted sutures.

RESULTS

One hundred one patients were eligible, and 60 patients attended follow-up. Cure was achieved in 49 cases (81.7%) of cystocele with a median follow-up of 19.3 months. Fifty-five patients (91.7%) indicated an improvement in QoL.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed high anatomic cure rate and satisfaction after DAC. With description and video of the technique, it is reproducible and comparable to other methods. Randomized controlled trials should follow.

Low volumetric bone density is a risk factor for early complications after spine fusion surgery

This study aims to investigate lumbar spine (LS) volumetric bone density (vBMD) as a risk factor for complications (pseudoarthrosis, instrumentation failure, adjacent fractures), re-operation, and time to complication after fusion.

INTRODUCTION

Lumbar spine (LS) fusion surgery is increasingly performed worldwide. Complications after fusion result in significant morbidity and healthcare costs. Multiple factors, including osteoporosis, have been suggested to contribute to risk of complications and re-operation. However, most studies have used DXA, which is subject to artifact in patients with spine pathology, and none have investigated the relationship between BMD and timing of post-operative complications. This study aims to investigate LS volumetric bone density (vBMD) as a risk factor for complications (pseudoarthrosis, instrumentation failure, adjacent fractures), re-operation, and time to complication after fusion.

METHODS

We evaluated a cohort of 359 patients who had initial LS fusion surgery at our institution, had pre-operative LS CTs and post-operative imaging available for review. Demographic factors, smoking status, vBMD, and details of surgical procedure were related to likelihood and timing of post-operative complications.

RESULTS

Mean age was 60 ± 14 years, vBMD 122 ± 37 g/cm³. Median follow-up was 11 months. Skeletal complications occurred in 47 patients (13%); 34 patients (10%) required re-operation. Low vBMD (directly measured and estimated using HU) and smoking were associated with increased risk of skeletal complications. Each increase in baseline vBMD of 10 g/cm³ decreased the complication hazard and increased the complication-free duration in time-to-event analysis (hazard ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.83-0.98, p < 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Low vBMD was a significant risk factor for early post-operative complications in patients undergoing LS fusion. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate the optimal timing for follow-up and strategies for prevention of post-operative complications in this population.

Infections caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales after rectal colonization with ESBL-producing Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae

OBJECTIVES

Infections as a result of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) are considered infections with a high public health burden. In this study, we aimed to identify incidences of and risk factors for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) after rectal colonization with ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) or Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-KP).

METHODS

This prospective cohort study was performed in 2014 and 2015. Patients colonized with ESBL-EC or ESBL-KP were monitored for subsequent HAI with ESBL-E and other pathogens. In the case of an ESBL-E infection, rectal and clinical isolates were compared using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for ESBL-KP isolates. Proportional hazard models were applied to identify risk factors for HAIs, and to analyse competing risks.

RESULTS

Among all patients admitted to the hospital during the study period, 13.6% were rectally screened for third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (3GCREB). A total of 2386 rectal carriers of ESBL-EC and 585 of ESBL-KP were included in the study. Incidence density (ID) for HAI with ESBL-E was 2.74 per 1000 patient days at risk (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.16-3.43) among carriers of ESBL-EC, while it was 4.44 per 1000 patient days at risk (95% CI 3.17-6.04) among carriers of ESBL-KP. In contrast, ID for HAI with other pathogens was 4.36 per 1000 patient days at risk (95% CI 3.62-5.21) among carriers of ESBL-EC, and 5.00 per 1000 patient days at risk (95% CI 3.64-6.69) among carriers of ESBL-KP. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses identified colonization with ESBL-KP (HR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.068-2.325) compared with ESBL-EC as independent risk factor for HAI with ESBL-E. The results were consistent over all competing risk analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk of ESBL-E infections among patients colonized with ESBL-KP compared with ESBL-EC that might be caused by underlying diseases, higher pathogenicity of ESBL-KP and other factors.

Cervical spine alignment following surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS): a pre-to-post analysis of 81 patients

Background

Several studies have emphasized the importance of restoring thoracic kyphosis (TK) in the setting of AIS, but very few have discussed changes in cervical spine alignment following surgery. Aim of this study was to evaluate reciprocal cervical alignment change after modification of global and regional thoracolumbar alignment with surgery in the setting of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods

Baseline and 2-yrs follow-up radiographs of AIS patients (n = 81) were analysed measuring cervical parameters (upper cervical: C2-C0, McGregor Slope; lower cervical: C2-C7, C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), C2-T3, C2-T3SVA, C2-T1Harrison (C2-T1Ha), T1 Slope (T1S)), thoracic, lumbar, pelvic and global alignment parameters. Post-operatively, patients were grouped twice; based on changes in TK and SVA. Cervical alignment was compared between groups. Pearson correlation was conducted to examine the relationship between changes in TK, SVA, and cervical alignment.

Results

Stratification by change in TK, revealed significant alteration of lower cervical alignment T1S [p < 0.001]), C2-T3 [p = 0.019], C2-T1Ha [p = 0.043]), but there was no reciprocal change in the upper cervical spine. Stratification by SVA revealed a significant coexisting change in the lower cervical spine (T1S [p < 0.001], C2-C7SVA [p = 0.034], C2-T3 [p = 0.023], C2-T3SVA [p = 0.001]). SVA change was not associated to a change in the upper cervical spine. The correlation analysis showed that with a post-operative increase in TK, the cervical spine became more lordotic. Changes in TK were significantly correlated with: ΔT1S, ΔC2-C7, ΔC2-T3, and ΔC2-T3SVA. Similarly, increased cervical kyphosis was found when SVA was decreased post-operatively. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between change of SVA and both ΔC2-T3 and ΔC2-T3SVA.

Conclusions

In surgically treated AIS patients, changes in global and regional alignment of the thoracolumbar and cervical spinal segments exhibit interdependence. Thus, surgical planning with regard to sagittal deformity in AIS patients should account for the post-operative impact on cervical alignment.

Association of national and hospital factors to hospitals' alcohol-based handrub consumption in Europe: results of the European PROHIBIT study

OBJECTIVES

Hand hygiene is considered the most effective way to reduce the transmission of (multidrug-resistant) organisms and to prevent healthcare-associated infections. Hand rubbing with alcohol-based handrub (AHR) has become the reference standard for hand hygiene. Data on AHR consumption are easy to obtain and can serve as an approximation for hand hygiene compliance. As described earlier, AHR consumption varies among European hospitals. In the current study the role of various hospital and country indicators for AHR consumption is analysed.

METHODS

As part of the European Prevention of Hospital Infections by Intervention and Training (PROHIBIT) project hospital-based data on infection prevention and control (IPC) structure and organization and hospital-wide AHR consumption were obtained from acute care hospitals. National indicators such as income, public health expenditure, national hand hygiene campaigns, IPC training and the six Hofstede dimensions were identified. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses using generalized linear models were performed to estimate the association between AHR consumption and indicators at both hospital and country levels.

RESULTS

Data from 232 hospitals from 22 European countries were analysed. Multivariate risk factor analysis showed independent associations between AHR consumption and private and university-affiliated hospitals (multiplicative effect, 95% CI: 1.76, 1.21-2.55; and 1.39, 1.17-1.64, respectively), high-income countries (3.61, 2.94-4.43), and countries offering national curricula for the training of IPC nurses (3.77, 2.32-6.13). However, no cultural dimension was independently associated with AHR consumption.

CONCLUSION

Country indicators such as high-income, national training on IPC, and hospital type and status are positively associated with AHR consumption in Europe.

Clinical relevance of neurological evaluation in patients suffering urinary retention in the absence of subvesical obstruction

PURPOSE

Clinical relevance of neurological evaluation in patients suffered urinary retention in the absence of subvesical obstruction. Determining whether (1) women complaining residual bladder volume without prolapse and obstruction always suffer pudendal nerve damage; (2) neurogenic damage can be linked to patients history/clinical examination; (3) therapy alters regarding to neurological findings; and (4) electromyography (EMG) of musculus sphincter ani externus (MSAE) can be omitted with electronically stimulated pudendal nerve latency (ESPL) as the standard investigation.

METHODS

Women with urinary retention without ≥stage 2 prolapse or obstruction have neurological investigation including vaginally and anally pudendal terminal nerve latency (PTNL) (>2.4 ms considered abnormal) and EMG seen 7/2005-04/2010.

RESULTS

(1) 148/180 (82.2%) suffered at least moderate neurogenic damage and (2) severe neurogenic damage occurs with urge odds ratio (OR) = 3.1 or age (OR = 3.2). Correlations: spasticity with therapy changes (OR = 11.1), latencies. (a) Anally: (i) right and peripheral neuropathy (PNP) (OR = 2.5), chemotherapy (OR = 5.0); (ii) left and PNP (OR = 3.9), chemotherapy (OR = 4.8); (iii) left or right with PNP (OR = 3.9), chemotherapy (OR = 6.8); and (iv) left and right with chemotherapy (OR = 5.0). (b) Vaginally: (i) right with age >60 (OR = 3.2), radical operation (OR = 10.6); (ii) left with diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.5); and (iii) left or right with age (OR = 3.3), radical operation (OR = 8.7). (3) 19.6% therapy changes (36 patients). (4) Neither EMG nor ESPL can be replaced one by another (p = 0.12 anal, p = 0.05 vaginal).

CONCLUSION

Red flags are neurogenic damage, age >60, chemotherapy, PNP, radical operation or diabetes. In unclear situations, EMG and ESPL need to be performed to gain relevant information.

[Development of antimicrobial resistance in Germany : What is the current situation?]

BACKGROUND

The frequency of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) is increasing in Germany and worldwide.

OBJECTIVES

Presentation of MDRO resistance rates and prevalence in Germany MATERIALS AND METHODS: Results from the Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance (ARS) and Hospital Infection Surveillance Systems (Krankenhausinfektions-Surveillance-Systems, KISS) and from recent prevalence surveys are presented.

RESULTS

MRSA-resistance rates and the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have remained at a stable level over the last few years. In contrast, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and multidrug-resistant gramnegative (MRGN) bacteria have increased considerably. VRE prevalence has more than tripled in the past 5 years, and Escherichia coli resistant to third-generation cephalosporins, acylureidopenicillins, and fluoroquinolones increased by 43% in 2015 compared with the previous year.

CONCLUSIONS

New policies to control MDRO should focus on VRE and the heterogeneous group of MRGN bacteria. In the case of the latter, the different bacterial species' characteristics should be taken into consideration.

ICU ward design and nosocomial infection rates: a cross-sectional study in Germany

BACKGROUND

There is increasing interest in the effects of hospital and ward design on multi-faceted infection control. Definitive evidence is rare and the state of knowledge about current ward design is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To collect data on the current status of ward design for intensive care units (ICUs) and to analyse associations between particular design factors and nosocomial infection rates.

METHODS

In 2015, operational infrastructure data were collected via an online questionnaire from ICUs participating voluntarily in the German nosocomial infection surveillance system (KISS). A multi-variate analysis was subsequently undertaken with nosocomial infection rates from the KISS database from 2014 to 2015.

FINDINGS

In total, 534 ICUs submitted data about their operational infrastructure. Of these, 27.1% of beds were hosted in single-bed rooms with a median size of 18m² (interquartile range 15-21m²), and 73.5% of all ICU beds had a hand rub dispenser nearby. The authors were able to match 266 ICUs in the multi-variate analysis. ICUs with openable windows in patient rooms were associated with lower device-associated lower respiratory tract infections [odds ratio (OR) 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-0.90]. ICUs with >40% two-bed rooms were associated with lower primary bloodstream infection rates (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.51-0.86).

CONCLUSION

Only minor associations were found between design factors and ICU infection rates. Most were surrogates for other risk factors.

E. coli bacteremia in comparison to K. pneumoniae bacteremia: influence of pathogen species and ESBL production on 7-day mortality

In a previous study, we demonstrated prolonged length of hospital stay in cases of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-positive K. pneumoniae bacteremia compared to bacteremia cases due to E. coli (ESBL-positive and –negative) and ESBL-negative K. pneumoniae. The overall mortality was significantly higher in bacteremia cases resulting from ESBL-positive pathogens but also in K. pneumoniae cases disregarding ESBL-production. In order to examine whether pathogen species rather than multidrug resistance might affect mortality risk, we reanalyzed our dataset that includes 1.851 cases of bacteremia.

Colonization with third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae on hospital admission: prevalence and risk factors

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study were to prospectively assess the rectal carriage rate of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (3GCREB) in non-ICU patients on hospital admission and to investigate resistance mechanisms and risk factors for carriage.

METHODS

Adult patients were screened for 3GCREB carriage at six German tertiary care hospitals in 2014 using rectal swabs or stool samples. 3GCREB isolates were characterized by phenotypic and molecular methods. Each patient answered a questionnaire about potential risk factors for colonization with MDR organisms (MDROs). Univariable and multivariable risk factor analyses were performed to identify factors associated with 3GCREB carriage.

RESULTS

Of 4376 patients, 416 (9.5%) were 3GCREB carriers. Escherichia coli was the predominant species (79.1%). ESBLs of the CTX-M-1 group (67.3%) and the CTX-M-9 group (16.8%) were the most frequent β-lactamases. Five patients (0.11%) were colonized with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. The following risk factors were significantly associated with 3GCREB colonization in the multivariable analysis (P < 0.05): centre; previous MDRO colonization (OR = 2.12); antibiotic use within the previous 6 months (OR = 2.09); travel outside Europe (OR = 2.24); stay in a long-term care facility (OR = 1.33); and treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (OR = 1.22).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the largest admission prevalence study of 3GCREB in Europe. The observed prevalence of 9.5% 3GCREB carriage was higher than previously reported and differed significantly among centres. In addition to previously identified risk factors, the treatment of GERD proved to be an independent risk factor for 3GCREB colonization.

[Sagittal Balance of the Spine--Clinical Importance and Radiographic Assessment]

Sagittal deformities of the spine frequently result in back pain, as patients have to expend much energy in compensation. The sagittal alignment of the spine is defined by its curvatures (lordosis and kyphosis) relative to the position of the pelvis. Diagnostic assessment is based on full spine a. p. and lateral X-rays. The sagittal balance is primarily described by different angles that can be measured, e.g. lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt and thoracic kyphosis. The quality of life can best be estimated by subtracting lumbar lordosis from the pelvic incidence. However, initial evaluation of the sagittal balance can also be based on the sagittal vertical axis. The severity of imbalance can be described by the sagittal vertical axis and the pelvic tilt, but surgical therapy necessitates a more profound analysis, which can be based on the SRS-Schwab classification.

Organization of infection control in European hospitals

BACKGROUND

The Prevention of Hospital Infections by Intervention and Training (PROHIBIT) survey was initiated to investigate the status of healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) prevention across Europe.

AIM

This paper presents the methodology of the quantitative PROHIBIT survey and outlines the findings on infection control (IC) structure and organization including management's support at the hospital level.

METHODS

Hospitals in 34 countries were invited to participate between September 2011 and March 2012. Respondents included IC personnel and hospital management.

FINDINGS

Data from 309 hospitals in 24 countries were analysed. Hospitals had a median (interquartile range) of four IC nurses (2-6) and one IC doctor (0-2) per 1000 beds. Almost all hospitals (96%) had defined IC objectives, which mainly addressed hand hygiene (87%), healthcare-associated infection reduction (84%), and antibiotic stewardship (66%). Senior management provided leadership walk rounds in about half of hospitals, most often in Eastern and Northern Europe, 65% and 64%, respectively. In the majority of hospitals (71%), sanctions were not employed for repeated violations of IC practices. Use of sanctions varied significantly by region (P < 0.001), but not by countries' healthcare expenditure.

CONCLUSION

There is great variance in IC staffing and policies across Europe. Some areas of practice, such as hand hygiene, seem to receive considerably more attention than others that are equally important, such as antibiotic stewardship. Programmes in IC suffer from deficiencies in human resources and local policies, ubiquitous factors that negatively impact on IC effectiveness. Strengthening of IC policies in European hospitals should be a public health priority.