Comparison of postsurgical and community acquired bacterial meningitis--analysis of 372 cases within a nationwide survey

The aim of this study was to assess if differences in etiology and risk factors among 372 cases of bacterial meningitis acquired after surgery (PM) or in community (CBM) have impact on outcome of infected patients. Among 372 cases of bacterial meningitis within last 17 years from 10 major Slovak hospitals, 171 were PM and 201 CBM. Etiology, risk factors such as underlying disease, cancer, diabetes alcoholism, surgery, VLBW, ENT infections, trauma, sepsis were recorded and mortality, survival with sequellae, therapy failure were compared in both groups. Significant differences in etiology and risk factors between both groups were reported. Those after neurosurgery had more frequently Coagulase negative staphylococci (p<0.001), Enterobacteriaceae (p=0.01) and Acinetobacter baumannii (p=0.0008) isolated from CSF and vice versa Streptococcus pneumoniae (p<0.001), Neisseria meningitis (p<0.001) and Haemophillus influenza (p=0.0009) were more commonly isolated from CSF in CBM. Neurosurgery (p<0.001), sepsis (p=0.006), VLBW neonates (p=0.00002) and cancer (p=0.0007) were more common in PM and alcohol abuse (p<0.001) as well as otitis/sinusitis (p<0.001) and Roma ethnic group (p=0.001) in CAM. Initial treatment success was significantly more frequently observed among CAM (p<0.001) but cure after modification was more common in PM (p=0.002). Therefore outcome in both groups was similar (14.6% vs. 12.4%, p=NS).

Bacteremic meningitis is associated with inferior outcome in comparison to community acquired meningitis without bacteremia

Meningitis associated with bacteremia is rare. Bacteremic form of meningitis occurred in 28 of 201 cases of community acquired meningitis (14%) in Slovakia within last 17 years. Bacteremic meningitis was associated with diabetes (21.4% vs. 7.5%, p=0.02) and with higher treatment failures (32.1% vs. 9.5%, p=0.01) and higher mortality (25% vs. 12.4%, NS). In univariate analysis comparing 28 cases of bacteremic community acquired bacterial meningitis (BCBM) to all CBM, no significant risk factor concerning underlying disease (cancer, ENT infection, alcohol abuses, trauma, splenectomy, etc.) or etiology was observed apart of diabetes mellitus, which was more common among bacteremic meningitis (21.4% vs. 7.5%, p=0.02). Mortality (25% vs. 12.4%, NS) insignificantly but therapy failure (32.1% vs. 9.5%, p=0.01) was significantly more frequently observed among meningitis with bacteremia. N. meningitis was the commonest causative agent (8 of 28 cases) followed by Str. pneumoniae (6), gram-negative bacteria (6), S. aureus (4) and H. influenzae (2).

Midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide as a prognostic marker in pneumonia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the usefulness of midregional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) measurement in the stratification of severity in community-acquired pneumonia.

METHODS

The population studied was three hundred patients admitted to Emergency Department of a tertiary university hospital presenting clinical signs of lower respiratory tract infection, a new infiltrate on the chest radiograph and a confirmed pneumonia by clinical evolution. Patients were stratified by the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI), by CURB-65 score and by the development of complications. Serum samples were obtained at the moment of admission and prior to antibiotic therapy, and stored until analysis. MR-proANP was measured by B.R.A.H.M.S MR-proANP KRYPTOR.

RESULTS

Serum levels of MR-proANP increased with the severity of pneumonia, according to PSI score and CURB-65 score. Median MR-proANP levels were significantly higher (p<0.0001) in patients with high PSI risk class (IV-V) than in those with low PSI risk class (I-III). MR-proANP levels were also significantly higher (p=0.029) in those patients that developed complications or died. There was no association between MR-proANP and etiology of pneumonia and the radiographic extent.

CONCLUSION

We can conclude that MR-proANP measurement was helpful for individual risk assessment in patients with pneumonia admitted to the emergency department.

Pneumococcal meningitis in community is frequent after craniocerebral trauma and in alcohol abusers

Aim of this short communication was to assess risk factors and outcome of community acquired pneumococcal meningitis and compare it to all cases of community acquired meningitis. Univariate analysis was used for comparison of 68 pneumococcal to 201 CBM within a Slovak nationwide database of CBM. Significant risk factors for pneumococcal meningitis were previous craniocerebral trauma within 7 days (39.7% vs. 14.9%, p=0.00002), splenectomy (10.3% vs. 3.5%, p=0.03) and alcohol abuse (36.8% vs. 15.4%, p=0.0001). Concerning outcome, mortality was similar (8,8% and 12,4%, NS), proportion of those with neurologic sequellae after CBM due to Str. pneumoniae was insignificantly higher (20.6% vs. 15.4%, NS) in comparison to all CBM. All but 2 strains Str. pneumoniae were susceptible to penicillin and macrolides (3.3% resistance).

Predictors of inferior outcome in community acquired bacterial meningitis

The aim of this study was to assess mortality and sequellae within cases from Nationwide survey of community acquired meningitis and identify risk factors for inferior outcome. Risk factors such as underlying disease (diabetes mellitus, cancer, trauma, neonatal age, splenectomy, alcoholism, sepsis, other infections), etiology, clinical symptoms and outcome (death, improvement and cured after modifications of ATB therapy, cured without change of therapy, cured with neurologic sequellae) were recorded and analysed with univariate analysis (chi2 or t test for trends, CDC Atlanta 2004). Analysing risk factors for inferior outcome (death or cured with neurologic sequellae), we compared patients who died or survived with neurologic sequellae to all patients with community acquired bacterial meningitis. Univariate analysis showed that trauma (p<0.05), alcohol abuse (p<0.05), diabetes, S. aureus (p<0.05) and gram-negative etiology (A. baumannii, Ps. aeruginosa or Enterobacteriaceae) (36% vs. 11,9%, p<0.05) were predicting inferior outcome. Analysing risk factors for treatment failure (death or failed but cured after change of antibiotic treatment) prior sepsis (34.1% vs. 13.9%, p<0.01) and gram-negative etiology (25% vs. 11.9%, p<0.02) were statistically significant predictors of treatment failure. Neisseria meningitis had less failures (p<0.05). Concerning infection associated mortality again diabetes mellitus (p<0.05), alcoholism (p<0.05) staphylococcal and gram-negative etiology (p<0.05) were significant predictors of death. N. meningitis had surprisingly less treatment failures (appropriate and rapid initial therapy). Neurologic sequellae were more common in patients with alcohol abuse (p<0.05), craniocerbral trauma (p<0.05) and less common in meningitis with pneumococcal etiology (p<0.05).

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus causes severe disseminated infection and deep venous thrombosis in children: literature review and recommendations for management

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infection in children is increasingly common and can be associated with dissemination and life-threatening complications. Empiric therapy for presumed severe Staphylococcus aureus infection should be reviewed. Four children with severe invasive CA-MRSA infection causing osteomyelitis and pneumonia complicated by pulmonary embolus and deep venous thrombosis are described. The literature is reviewed and recommendations for management are provided.

Diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for nosocomial pneumonia and associated mortality

BACKGROUND

Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are considered to be more susceptible to several types of infections, including community-acquired pneumonia. However, it is not clear whether DM is a risk factor for development of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), an infection with considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide.

METHODS

We searched PubMed for relevant publications that included data on the possible association between DM and HAP. Cohort studies, case-control studies and observational studies were included in this analysis. Two of the authors performed the literature search independently.

RESULTS

We identified 84 studies designed to identify risk factors and predictors of mortality as a result of HAP. Of these, 13 studied patients in the ward or intensive care unit (ICU), 28 studied patients treated in the ICU only, and 44 studied patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia. Only 14 considered the role of DM for this nosocomial complication. The reviewed data suggest that DM is not a risk factor for development of HAP in patients who require ICU treatment. In addition, patients with DM are not at increased risk for development of ventilator-associated pneumonia. Moreover, DM is not a prognostic factor for mortality in patients with HAP based on data from two out of 84 identified studies that provided relevant information.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a relative scarcity of studies examining DM as a potential risk factor for HAP. Our analysis of the available data supports the conclusion that DM is not a risk factor for development of HAP and mortality associated with this nosocomial infection.

Outcomes and prognostic factors for severe community-acquired pneumonia that requires mechanical ventilation

BACKGROUND

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a common and serious condition worldwide. The mortality from severe CAP remains high, and this has reached 50% in some series. This study was conducted to determine the mortality and predictors that contribute to in-hospital mortality for patients who exhibit CAP and acute respiratory failure that requires mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 85 patients with severe CAP as a primary cause of acute respiratory failure, and this required mechanical ventilation in a setting of the medical intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary university hospital between 2000 and 2003.

RESULTS

The overall in-hospital mortality was 56% (48/85). A Cox-proportional hazard model revealed that the independent predictive factors of in-hospital mortality included a PaCO2 of less than 45 mmHg (p<0.001, relative risk [RR]: 4.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.16-10.33), a first 24-hour urine output of less than 1.5 L (p=0.006, RR: 2.46, 95% CI: 1.29-4.66) and a high APACHE II score (p=0.004, RR: 1.09, 95% CI: 1.03-1.16).

CONCLUSIONS

Acute respiratory failure caused by severe CAP and that necessitates mechanical ventilation is associated with a high mortality rate. Initial hypercapnia and a large urine output favored survival, whereas a high APACHE II score predicted mortality.

Efficacy of Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Requiring Hospitalization

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggested that administration of corticosteroids may improve clinical outcomes in patients with severe pneumonia.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of corticosteroids as an adjunctive therapy in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) requiring hospitalization.

DESIGN AND SETTING

An open label, prospective, randomized control study was conducted from September 2003 to February 2004 in a community general hospital in Japan.

PATIENTS

Thirty-one adult CAP patients who required hospitalization were enrolled.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Fifteen patients received 40 mg of prednisolone intravenously for 3 days (steroid group). Sixteen patients did not receive prednisolone (control group). Both groups were also evaluated for their adrenal function. The primary endpoint was length of hospital stay. Secondary endpoints were duration of intravenous (IV) antibiotics and time required to stabilize vital signs. Both groups demonstrated similar baseline characteristics and length of hospital stay, and yet a shorter duration of IV antibiotics was observed in the steroid group (p < 0.05). In addition, vital signs were stabilized earlier in the steroid group (p < 0.05). These differences were more prominent in the moderate-severe subgroup but not as significant in the mild-moderate subgroup. The prevalence of relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) in both groups was high (43%), yet there was no difference in baseline characteristics between patients, with or without RAI. In multiple regression models, RAI seemed to have no influence on clinical courses.

CONCLUSIONS

In moderate-severe CAP, administration of corticosteroids promotes resolution of clinical symptoms and reduces the duration of intravenous antibiotic therapy.

Admission is not always necessary for patients with community-acquired pneumonia in risk classes IV and V diagnosed in the emergency room

OBJECTIVE

To determine the factors that allow patients with community-acquired pneumonia who are at high risk of mortality (risk classes IV and V) to be treated at home.

DESIGN

A prospective, observational study.

SETTING

Six hospitals and one free-standing emergency room in Edmonton, Alberta.

PARTICIPANTS

The present study included 2354 patients in risk classes IV and V who had a diagnosis of pneumonia made by an emergency room physician or an internist.

MEASUREMENTS

Symptoms, signs and laboratory findings, as well as outcome measures of length of stay and mortality.

RESULTS

Of the total study group, 319 of the patients (13.5%) were treated on an ambulatory basis. Factors predictive of admission were definite or possible pneumonia on chest radiograph as read by a radiologist, functional impairment, altered mental status, substance abuse, psychiatric disorder, abnormal white blood cell count, abnormal lymphocyte count, oxygen saturation less than 90% and antibiotic administration in the week before admission. If chest pain was present, admission was less likely. Only two of the 319 patients required subsequent admission (both had positive blood cultures) and only two died.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial number of patients in risk classes IV and V can be safely treated at home. Factors that help clinicians to select this subset of patients are discussed.

Impact of thrombocytopenia on outcome of patients admitted to ICU for severe community-acquired pneumonia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence and the prognostic value of thrombocytopenia in patients admitted to ICU for severe community-acquired pneumonia.

METHODS

Multicentre observational study was conducted in 7 ICUs in the north of France over a 19-year period (1987-2005). The primary outcome measure was the ICU mortality.

RESULTS

Eight hundred and twenty-two patients were studied. A platelet count < 150x10(9)/L was observed at ICU admission in 202 (25%) patients. Admission platelet count was between 101 and 149x10(9)/L, 51 and 100x10(9)/L, 21 and 50x10(9)/L, and < or = 20x10(9)/L in 100, 61, 32 and 9 patients, respectively. ICU mortality rate was 35.4%. Classifying patients into 3 categories with the following cut-offs of platelet count, > or = 150x10(9)/L, 51-149x10(9)/L, and < or = 50x10(9)/L, we observed a significant increase in ICU mortality rates which were 30.8% in the first group, 44.1% in the second group and 70.7% in the last one (p<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, thrombocytopenia < or = 50x10(9)/L appeared as an independent predictor of mortality (AOR=4.386).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients admitted to ICU for severe community-acquired pneumonia, thrombocytopenia has a high prevalence and influences the outcome.

Community-Acquired Bacterial Meningitis in Adults: Antibiotic Timing in Disease Course and Outcome

OBJECTIVES

Despite improvements in diagnostic and therapeutic approach to adult patients with bacterial meningitis, the overall mortality rate is still high. The aim of this study was to evaluate antibiotic timing in the course and outcome of bacterial meningitis.

METHODS

Two hundred and eighty six patients with community-acquired bacterial meningitis aged 14 years and more were included in this retrospective cohort study. Observational period was between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 2004. To assess the association of antibiotic timing and disease outcome we analyzed three timing periods (according to the onset of disease, onset of consciousness disturbance and the time of admission to hospital). Analysis was also performed in a subgroup of culture positive meningitis in 176 patients with altered mental status.

RESULTS

Unfavorable outcome was found in 125 (43,7%) patients. In this group, the start of appropriate antibiotic treatment in relation to the onset of first symptoms and particularly to the onset of consciousness disturbance was significantly delayed (p = 0.018 and p < 0.001, respectively) compared to the favorable group. Logistic regression analysis in a subgroup of culture positive meningitis in patients with altered mental status revealed that early adequate antibiotic treatment related to the onset of overt signs of meningitis was independently associated with favorable outcome (OR = 11.19; 95% CI 4.37-32.57; p < 0.001). Advanced age, lower GCS and seizures (OR = 1.05, OR = 1.45 and OR = 3.65, respectively) were other risk factors of poor outcome. The presence of chronic diseases, pneumococcal etiology and clinical and laboratory variables which are indicators of disease severity (renal and/or liver dysfunction, hypotension and low cerebrospinal fluid glucose) were not confirmed as independent risk factors of poor outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study emphasizes the importance of early and adequate antibiotic treatment in the management of bacterial meningitis which significantly enhances the chances for favorable outcome.

Vital-sign abnormalities as predictors of pneumonia in adults with acute cough illness

PURPOSE

This study examines the strength of the association between vital-sign abnormalities, advanced age, and the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in the evaluation of adults with acute cough illness.

METHODS

A random sample of adult visits for acute cough to 15 EDs during the winter period of 2 consecutive years (2003-2005) was selected for medical record abstraction. Visits were initially sampled based on discharge diagnoses for a broad range of acute respiratory tract infection diagnoses. Participating sites were a national sample of EDs in Veterans Administration and non-Veterans Administration hospitals stratified across the US region.

RESULTS

Of 4464 charts reviewed, 421 had a diagnosis of CAP based on physician discharge diagnosis and radiographic findings. Age greater than 50 years and vital-sign abnormality (including fever, hypoxemia, tachycardia, or tachypnea) were the only significant predictors of CAP. Hypoxemia had the strongest association with CAP diagnosis (odds ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval, 2.4-5.0). A greater number of abnormalities were associated with a higher prevalence of CAP, from 12% with 1 abnormality to 69% with 4 vital-sign abnormalities (P < .001). Most vital-sign abnormalities were predictive of CAP regardless of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Increases in vital-sign abnormalities are associated with a greater probability of CAP, and the strength of the association does not vary substantially by age.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Experience in an Adult Medical ICU

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a technology that can provide extracorporeal gas exchange to patients with severe pulmonary or cardiac dysfunction. We report on our clinical experience with ECMO in critically ill patients.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 23 patients treated with ECMO in a medical intensive care unit in a tertiary referral academic centre.

RESULTS

13 patients were considered immunocompetent and 10 were immunocompromised when extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was started. 16 patients presented with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), 2 patients had intractable cardiac failure, and 5 patients had combined respiratory and cardiac failure. In 16 patients, a veno-venous bypass was constructed; in 7 patients, the initial bypass was venoarterial. 11 patients survived. In 2 patients technical complications were fatal.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that patients with community-acquired pneumonia and no underlying disease will benefit most from this technique. However, long-term survival is possible in immunocompromised patients. Venoarterial bypass can carry a higher risk for technical complications. Increasing experience apparently also reduces the risk of technical complications.

Combination antibiotic therapy improves survival in patients with community-acquired pneumonia and shock*

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether combination antibiotic therapy improves outcome of severe community-acquired pneumonia in the subset of patients with shock.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of a prospective observational, cohort study.

SETTING

Thirty-three intensive care units (ICUs) in Spain.

PATIENTS

Patients were 529 adults with community-acquired pneumonia requiring ICU admission.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS

Two hundred and seventy (51%) patients required vasoactive drugs and were categorized as having shock. The effects of combination antibiotic therapy and monotherapy on survival were compared using univariate analysis and a Cox regression model. The adjusted 28-day in-ICU mortality was similar (p = .99) for combination antibiotic therapy and monotherapy in the absence of shock. However, in patients with shock, combination antibiotic therapy was associated with significantly higher adjusted 28-day in-ICU survival (hazard ratio, 1.69; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-2.60; p = .01) in a Cox hazard regression model. Even when monotherapy was appropriate, it achieved a lower 28-day in-ICU survival than an adequate antibiotic combination (hazard ratio, 1.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-2.64).

CONCLUSIONS

Combination antibiotic therapy does not seem to increase ICU survival in all patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia. However, in the subset of patients with shock, combination antibiotic therapy improves survival rates.

Monotherapy versus combination antibiotic therapy for patients with bacteremic Streptococcus pneumoniae community-acquired pneumonia

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of antimicrobial monotherapy vs combination therapy on length of stay and mortality for patients with Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia. Thirty-nine percent of patients received monotherapy, while 61% received combination therapy. Although there was no significant difference in mortality (OR 1.25, 95% CI = 0.25-6.8), there was a significant increase in length of stay for patients who received combination therapy (p = 0.02). Patients with bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia treated with empiric combination therapy had no significant difference in mortality; however, they did have increased length of stay after adjusting for severity of illness. Randomized controlled trials are needed to determine what is the optimal empiric antimicrobial regime for patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

Influence of comorbid conditions on long-term mortality after pneumonia in older people

OBJECTIVES

To test the hypothesis that increased long-term mortality after hospitalization for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is independent of comorbid conditions.

DESIGN

Prospective observational cohort study in metropolitan areas.

SETTING

Memphis, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

PARTICIPANTS

Three thousand seventy-five subjects aged 70 to 79 over 5.2 years.

MEASUREMENTS

Unadjusted and adjusted mortality from an initial hospitalization for CAP were compared with mortality from different causes of hospitalization, including cancer, fracture, congestive heart failure (CHF), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and other causes. Demographics, smoking, nutritional markers, functional status, inflammatory markers, and chronic health conditions were adjusted for.

RESULTS

Of the 106 subjects hospitalized for CAP, 22 (20.8%) and 38 (35.8%) died at 1 and 5 years. Subjects hospitalized with CAP had higher mortality than nonhospitalized subjects (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=7.8, 95% confidence interval (CI)=4.2-14.4). One- and 5-year mortality after CAP hospitalization were higher than mortality from other causes requiring hospitalization and remained unchanged in multivariable analysis (adjusted OR=3.5, 95% CI=1.5-8.1; adjusted OR=5.6, 95% CI=2.8-11.2, respectively). One- and 5-year mortality after hospitalization for CAP were similar to or higher than mortality after an initial hospitalization for CHF, CVA, or fracture. Rehospitalization was common in subjects hospitalized for CAP and may explain greater long-term mortality.

CONCLUSION

In this high-functioning cohort of older persons, an initial hospitalization for CAP was associated with greater long-term mortality, independent of prehospitalization comorbid conditions. Hospitalization for CAP has as serious a prognosis as hospitalization for CHF, stroke, or major fracture.

Severe sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome from community-acquired legionella pneumonia: case report

A case of a young man with community-acquired pneumonia, severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, and sepsis is reported. Treatment with antibiotics and various modes of mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit were unsuccessful. A urinary legionella antigen test was positive for Legionella pneumophila.

Gamma-Glutamyltransferase Activity and Total Antioxidant Status in Serum and Platelets of Patients with Community-acquired Pneumonia

BACKGROUND

We undertook this study to analyze serum and platelet gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity and total antioxidant status (TAS) concentration during the course of pneumonia and to compare them between patients with normal platelet count and those who developed reactive thrombocytosis.

METHODS

Platelet count, GGT activity and TAS concentration in serum (S) and platelet (Plt) isolates were measured in 60 patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) on admission and at discharge.

RESULTS

At the end of treatment, platelet count increased significantly from the value recorded on admission. By the end of treatment, 42% of patients developed reactive thrombocytosis. Serum and platelet GGT activity was higher, whereas (S)TAS was significantly lower in CAP patients than in control subjects. On admission, (Plt)TAS was significantly higher in CAP patients as compared with control subjects; at discharge, (Plt)TAS was lower in comparison with either patient admission and control subjects. GGT activity and TAS concentration in serum and platelet isolate on admission did not differ significantly between patients with and without thrombocytosis. At discharge, (S)GGT activity showed no significant changes, whereas (Plt)GGT decreased significantly in patients with thrombocytosis as compared with those without thrombocytosis. In patients with thrombocytosis, (S)TAS concentration showed no significant difference, whereas (Plt)TAS concentration measured at discharge was significantly lower in patients with thrombocytosis as compared to those with normal platelet count.

CONCLUSIONS

The pattern of changes in (Plt)GGT catalytic activity and TAS concentration might be indicative of a certain role of thrombocytosis during treatment in patients with CAP. Further investigations are necessary to clarify these changes.

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin infections: a review of epidemiology, clinical features, management, and prevention

Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CAMRSA) infection is a global problem of epidemic proportions. Many of the patients who develop CAMRSA skin lesions do not have infection-associated risk factors. Abscess, abscess with accompanying cellulitis, and cellulitis are the most common presentations of cutaneous CAMRSA infection; occasionally, these CARMSA-related lesions are misinterpreted as spider or insect bites. Other manifestations of cutaneous CAMRSA infection include impetigo, folliculitis, and acute paronychia. The management of CAMRSA skin infection includes incision and drainage, systemic antimicrobial therapy, and adjuvant topical antibacterial treatment. In addition, at the initial visit, bacterial culture of the lesion should be considered. Direct skin-to-skin contact, damage to the skin surface, sharing of personal items, and a humid environment are potential mechanisms for the acquisition and transmission of cutaneous CAMRSA infection. Measures that strive to eliminate these causes are useful for preventing the spread of CAMRSA skin infection.

Streptococcus pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila pneumonia in HIV-infected patients

We compared the epidemiological data, clinical features and mortality of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Legionella in HIV-infected patients and determined discriminative features. An observational, comparative study was performed (January 1994 to December 2004) in 15 HIV patients with CAP by Legionella and 46 by S. pneumoniae. No significant differences were observed in delay until initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy. Smoking, cancer and chemotherapy were more frequent in patients with Legionella pneumonia (p=0.03, p=0.00009 and p=0.01). Patients with Legionella pneumonia had a higher mean CD4 count (p=0.04), undetectable viral load (p=0.01) and received highly active antiretroviral therapy more frequently (p=0.004). AIDS was more frequent in patients with S. pneumoniae pneumonia (p=0.03). Legionella pneumonia was more severe (p=0.007). Extrarespiratory symptoms, hyponatraemia and increased creatine phosphokinase were more frequent in Legionella pneumonia (p=0.02, p=0.002 and p=0.006). Respiratory failure, need for ventilation and bilateral chest X-ray involvement were of note in the Legionella group (p=0.003, p=0.002 and p=0.002). Mortality tended to be higher in the Legionella group (6.7 vs 2.2%). In conclusion, CAP by Legionella has a higher morbimortality than CAP by S. pneumoniae in HIV-infected patients. Detailed analysis of CAP presentation features allows suspicion of Legionnaires' disease in this subset.

Circulating high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) concentrations are elevated in both uncomplicated pneumonia and pneumonia with severe sepsis*

OBJECTIVE

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has been proposed as a late mediator of sepsis, but human data are sparse and conflicting. We describe plasma HMGB1 concentrations in humans with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), the most common cause of severe sepsis, and test the hypotheses that HMGB1 levels are higher in CAP than healthy controls, higher in CAP with severe sepsis than CAP without severe sepsis, and higher in severe sepsis nonsurvivors than survivors.

DESIGN

Random, outcome-stratified sample from a prospective study of 1,895 subjects hospitalized with CAP.

SETTING

Twenty-eight U.S. teaching and community hospitals.

PATIENTS

There were 122 CAP subjects (43 never developed severe sepsis, 49 developed severe sepsis and survived hospitalization, and 30 developed severe sepsis and died) and 38 healthy controls.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Median day of onset of severe sepsis was day of admission. HMGB1 was measured daily for the first week and analyzed using repeated-measures models with and without multivariable adjustment for baseline characteristics. HMGB1 concentrations were higher in CAP subjects compared with controls (median concentration on day of admission vs. controls, 190 vs. 0 ng/mL, p = .0001; 93.7% of all CAP measurements were elevated). HMGB1 remained elevated throughout the hospital course with no significant trend (p = .64) and did not differ between those with and without severe sepsis (p = .30). HMGB1 concentrations were higher in severe sepsis nonsurvivors than survivors (p = .001). HMGB1 concentrations remained elevated at discharge (median final HMGB1 measure, 176 ng/mL). Findings persisted in multivariable models and were robust to sensitivity analyses using alternative definitions of severe sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

HMGB1 is elevated in almost all CAP subjects, and higher circulating HMGB1 is associated with mortality. But immunodetectable HMGB1 levels were also persistently elevated in those patients who fared well. Thus, additional work is needed to understand the biological activities of serum HMGB1 in sepsis.

Community-acquired Haemophilus influenzae meningitis in adults

Haemophilus influenzae is an uncommon cause of bacterial meningitis in adults. This report describes a prospective evaluation of 16 episodes of community-acquired H. influenzae meningitis in a nationwide study on bacterial meningitis. Predisposing conditions were present in eight (50%) of the 16 episodes; the most common predisposing conditions were otitis or sinusitis (five episodes; 31%) and remote neurosurgery or head trauma (three episodes; 19%). One (6%) episode was fatal and hearing loss occurred in four (25%) episodes. It was concluded that H. influenzae meningitis in adults is a disease with a rather benign clinical course and a relatively good prognosis compared with pneumococcal meningitis.