Diagnosis and management of complicated intra-abdominal infection in adults and children: guidelines by the Surgical Infection Society and the Infectious Diseases Society of America

Assessment of Tedizolid In Vitro Activity and Resistance Mechanisms against a Collection of Enterococcus spp. Causing Invasive Infections, Including Isolates Requiring an Optimized Dosing Strategy for Daptomycin from U.S. and European Medical Centers, 2016 to 2018

High-level aminoglycoside resistance was noted in 30.0% of Enterococcus faecalis and 25.2% of Enterococcus faecium isolates. Only 3.3% and 2.1% of E. faecalis isolates had elevated daptomycin MIC (≥2 mg/liter) and vancomycin resistance, respectively. In contrast, 37.4% to 40.3% of E. faecium isolates exhibited these phenotypes. Tedizolid inhibited 98.9% to 100.0% of enterococci causing serious invasive infections, including resistant subsets. Oxazolidinone resistance was mainly driven by G2576T; however, optrA and poxtA genes were also detected, including poxtA in the United States and Turkey.

Temporary Abdominal Closure Is Associated with Increased Risk for Fungal Intra-Abdominal Infections in Trauma Patients

Background: Fungal infections are associated with increased morbidity and death. Few studies have examined risk factors associated with post-operative fungal intra-abdominal infections (FIAIs) in trauma patients after exploratory laparotomy. In this study, we evaluated potential risk factors for acquiring post-operative FIAIs and their impact on clinical outcomes. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of trauma patients admitted from 2005 to 2018 who underwent exploratory laparotomy and subsequently had development of intra-abdominal infection (IAI). Demographics, comorbidities, culture data, antimicrobial usage, Injury Severity Scores (ISS), and clinical outcomes were abstracted. All post-operative IAIs were evaluated and stratified as either bacterial, fungal, combined, and with or without colonization. All groups were compared. Risk factors for the development of post-operative IAI and clinical outcomes were analyzed by Student t test and chi-square test. Multi-variable logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of post-operative FIAIs. Results: There were 1675 patients identified as having undergone exploratory laparotomy in the setting of traumatic injury, 161 of whom were suspected of having IAI. A total of 105 (6.2%) patients had a diagnosis of IAI. Of these patients, 40 (38%) received a diagnosis of FIAI. The most common fungal pathogens were unspeciated yeast (48.3%), followed by Candida albicans (42.7%), C. glabrata (4.5%), C. dubliniensis (2.25%), and C. tropicalis (2.25%). There were no significant differences in demographics, comorbidities, and percentage of gastric perforations between FIAI and bacterial IAI (BIAI) groups. Patients with FIAIs, however, had a 75% temporary abdominal closure (TAC) rate compared with 51% in BIAIs (p = 0.01). The FIAI group had higher ISS (27 vs. 22, p = 0.03), longer hospital days (34 vs. 25, p = 0.02), and longer intensive care unit (ICU) days (17 vs. 9, p = 0.006) when compared with BIAI. The FIAI group also had a five-fold greater mortality rate. Logistic regression identified TAC as an independent risk factor for the development of post-operative FIAIs (odds ratio [OR] 6.16, confidence interval [CI] 1.14-28.0, p = 0.02). Conclusions: An FIAI after exploratory laparotomy was associated with greater morbidity and death. A TAC was associated independently with increased risk of FIAI after exploratory laparotomy in the setting of traumatic injury. Clinicians should suspect fungal infections in trauma patients in whom post-operative IAI develops after undergoing exploratory laparotomy using TAC techniques.

Clinical and Microbiological Characteristics of Patients with Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections in Intensive Care Unit

In order to investigate the clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients with complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs) in intensive care unit (ICU), the clinical data of 612 cIAIs patients from January 2016 to December 2018 were retrospectively collected. Clinical characteristics, distribution of pathogens and drug resistance were statistically analyzed. It was found that patients with community-acquired intra-abdominal infections (CA-IAIs) made up a majority of cIAIs patients. The positive rate of abdominal drainage fluid culture was 55.56%. Gramnegative bacteria accounted for the majority, the most commonly isolated bacteria of which were Escherichia coli (20.96%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.20%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.57%). The most commonly isolated gram-positive bacteria were Enterococcus (16.88%) and Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, 3.90%). Enterobacter isolates showed high resistance rate to most cephalosporins and low resistance rate to piperacillin/tazobactam and carbapenems. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) screen positive isolates from CA-IAIs patients showed an increasing trend in past three years. Enterococcus and MRSA showed high resistance rate to clindamycin, quinolone, erythromycin and tetracycline, while they showed high sensitivity rate to linezolid, tegacycline, teicoplanin and vancomycin. Our results indicate that isolated bacteria from abdominal drainage fluid show high resistance rates to commonly used antibiotics in ICU patients with cIAIs. The curative effects on diseases should be monitored continuously when antibiotics are used. Meanwhile, we should always keep eyes on drug-resistant bacteria, especially when the treatment efficacy is not good.

Splitting hairs and challenging guidelines: Defining the role of perioperative antibiotics in pediatric appendicitis patients

BACKGROUND

Ambiguity regarding timing and duration of perioperative IV antibiotics in AA and CA exists. We wanted to determine if an association existed between surgical site infections (SSI) in children with acute (AA) or complicated appendicitis (CA) and timing and duration of perioperative antibiotics.

METHODS

We performed a single institution, case control observational study of patients with (n = 988) and CA (n = 561) from 2013 to 2017. The exposure was the timing and/or duration of pre- and postoperative antibiotics. The outcome measure was SSI development within 60 days of surgery.

RESULTS

SSI occurred in 2.5% AA and 19.1% CA patients. We identified 18-70 min before incision (MBI) as the best interval for preoperative antibiotic administration with regards to SSI occurrence with SSI OR = 3.0 (95% CI 1.35, 6.68) p = 0.0356 for antibiotics given 0-17 MBI and OR = 3.21 (95% CI 1.45, 7.09) p = 0.0108) for antibiotics given >70 MBI. Postoperative antibiotics did not confer protection from SSI in AA patients (p = 0.718). CA patients who achieved normal physiologic indices within ≤6 days (Early Responders, ER) had 8.8% SSI while the Late Responders (LR, normal by >6 days) had 49.3% SSI rate (p < 0.001). ER patients who received IV antibiotics for 1-2 postoperative days had higher SSI rates compared to 3, 4, 5, or 6 days, but higher odds of SSI were found only with 1 day. Additional oral antibiotics decreased SSI for ER (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.159, 0.87; p = 0.0145), but not LR patients (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.55, 2.85, p = 0.5951).

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotics given within 18-70 MBI for appendectomy may be associated with decreased SSI. Postoperative antibiotics should not be given for AA. In ER CA patients, additional oral antibiotics may decrease SSI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective comparative study.

Clinical study on the safety and efficacy of high-dose tigecycline in the elderly patients with multidrug-resistant bacterial infections: A retrospective analysis

Multidrug-resistant bacterial (MDRB) infections have been difficult to treat clinically. Tigecycline (TIG) has several advantages, especially in the treatment of severe infections. Many clinicians have considered increasing the TIG dose to improve the efficacy of this molecule. The safety and efficacy of high-dose TIG in elderly patients with MDRB infections were investigated in this study.We conducted a retrospective analysis of the elderly patients with MDRB infections who were treated at the First Affiliated Hospital. A total of 106 patients received a conventional dose (CD-TIG group: 50 mg every 12 hours) of TIG and 51 received a high dose (HD-TIG group: 100 mg every 12 hours). The data from all patients were collected for examining the clinical features and performing the microbiological analysis. The safety profile and efficacy of the HD regimen were investigated.The clinical efficacy and microbiological eradication in the patients with MDRB infection were higher in the HD-TIG group than the CD-TIG group. The independent predictors of clinical cure were the use of TIG at HD (odd ratio [OR], 5.129; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.890, 13.921]; P = .001) and microbiological eradication (OR, 3.049; 95% CI, [1.251, 7.430]; P = .014). In the ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and bloodstream infection (BSI) subgroups, the sole independent predictor of clinical cure was the HD of TIG, and no significant adverse events were observed. The occurrence of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection and an MIC value of 1 to 2 g/mL for TIG were independently associated with clinical failure in the VAP subgroup.HDs of TIG was found to associate with better clinical efficacy and microbiological eradication than its CDs in the elderly patients with MDRB infections. In the VAP and BSIs subgroups, administration of HDs of TIG was associated with better outcomes.

Antimicrobial Prescribing Practices in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care

Background: Antimicrobial use contributes to emergence of antimicrobial resistance. It was hypothesized that antimicrobial prescribing behavior varies between the emergency (ER) and critical care (CC) services in a veterinary teaching hospital. This study aimed to: (i) describe antimicrobial prescribing patterns in the ER and CC services; (ii) assess adherence to stewardship principles; (iii) evaluate the prevalence of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial isolates. Methods: Institution electronic medical records were queried for all antimicrobial prescriptions from the ER and CC services between 1/1/2017 and 12/31/2017. Prescriptions were manually reviewed, and the following data recorded: drug, dosage, duration, diagnosis, outcome, hospitalization duration, culture submission, and susceptibility results. Results: There were 5,091 ER visits, of which 3,125 were not transferred to another service. Of these emergency visits, 516 (16.5%) resulted in 613 antimicrobial drug prescriptions. The most commonly prescribed drugs for the ER were amoxicillin/clavulanate (n = 243, 39.6%), metronidazole (n = 146, 23.8%), and ampicillin/sulbactam (n = 55, 9.0%). The most common reasons for antimicrobial prescriptions were skin disease (n = 227, 37.0%), gastrointestinal disease (n = 173, 28.2%), and respiratory disease (n = 50, 8.2%). For ER patients 18 cultures were submitted, equivalent to a 3.5% submission rate. The CC service managed 311 case visits for 822 patient days. Of these, 133 case visits (42.7%) resulted in 340 prescriptions. The most commonly prescribed drugs for the CC service were ampicillin/sulbactam (n = 103, 30.3%), enrofloxacin (n = 75, 22.1%), and metronidazole (n = 59, 17.4%). The most common reasons for antimicrobial prescriptions were gastrointestinal disease (n = 106, 31.2%), respiratory disease (n = 71, 20.9%), and sepsis (n = 61, 17.9%). On the CC service, 46 patients had ≥1 culture submitted, equivalent to a 34.6% submission rate. Of patients prescribed antimicrobials, 13/38 (34%) with urinary tract disease, 2/28 (7%) with pneumonia, 1/11 (9%) with canine infectious respiratory disease complex and 2/8 (25%) with feline upper respiratory infection were compliant with published guidelines. Conclusions: Antimicrobial prescription was common in both ER and CC services and followed similar patterns. Adherence to published guidelines for urinary and respiratory infections was poor.

Infectious Diseases Consultation Is Associated With Decreased Mortality in Enterococcal Bloodstream Infections

Background

Enterococcus species frequently cause health care-associated bacteremia, with high attributable mortality. The benefit of consultation with infectious disease (ID) specialists has been previously illustrated with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. Whether ID consultation (IDC) improves mortality in enterococcal bacteremia is unknown.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort single-center study from January 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016, that included all patients >18 years of age admitted with a first episode of Enterococcus bacteremia. Patients were excluded if death or transfer to palliative care occurred within 2 days of positive blood culture.

Results

Two hundred five patients were included in the study, of whom 64% received IDC. Participants who received IDC were more likely to undergo repeat cultures to ensure clearance (99% vs 74%; P < .001), echocardiography (79% vs 45%; P < .001), surgical intervention (20% vs 7%; P = 0.01), and have appropriate antibiotic duration (90% vs 46%; P < .001). Thirty-day mortality was significantly higher in the no-IDC group (27 % vs 12 %; P < .007). In multivariate analysis, 30-day in-hospital mortality was associated with both E. faecium bacteremia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-5.23) and IDC (aOR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.16-0.76).

Conclusions

Patients who received IDC for Enterococcus bacteremia had significantly lower 30-day mortality. Further prospective studies are necessary to determine if these outcomes can be validated in other institutions for patients who receive IDC with Enterococcus bacteremia.

Use of Procalcitonin to Guide Discontinuation of Antimicrobial Therapy in Patients with Persistent Intra-Abdominal Collections: A Case Series

Objective

Limited evidence exists for the use of procalcitonin (PCT) to guide the duration of antimicrobial therapy in patients with intra-abdominal abscesses (IAA). In this case series, we describe clinical presentations and outcomes using PCT to guide cessation of antimicrobial therapy in patients with persistent IAA who exhibited clinical improvement.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients with IAA who had PCT levels available to review was performed in a tertiary academic teaching institution in the United States between 2017 and 2018. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were obtained from the medical records. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 180 days after completion of antimicrobial therapy to determine if evidence of recurrence or mortality was present.

Results

We identified four patients with IAA. They underwent early drainage of the source of infection and received empiric antimicrobial therapy according to individual risk factors and clinical scenarios. Antimicrobials were discontinued after clinical and radiographic improvement and evidence of normal PCT levels, regardless of the persistence of fluid collections. No evidence of recurrence or mortality was observed during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

We found PCT to be a useful aid in the medical decision-making process to safely discontinue antimicrobial therapy in a series of patients with persistent intra-abdominal collections despite early drainage and appropriate course of antimicrobial therapy.

Septic pulmonary embolism in China: clinical features and analysis of prognostic factors for mortality in 98 cases

BACKGROUND

To investigate the clinical features of septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) cases and prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality in China.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted of SPE patients hospitalized between January 2007 and June 2018 in the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University.

RESULTS

A total of 98 patients with SPE were identified. All patients had bilateral multiple peripheral nodules on chest computed tomography. The most common pathogen found in blood culture was Staphylococcus aureus (10/33, 30.3%). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in 39 patients and 20 showed vegetations. Bronchoscopy was performed in 24 patients. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was obtained from 15 patients (62.5%) and showed predominantly polymorphonuclear cell infiltration (52%, range of 48%~ 63%). Four patients received transbronchial lung biopsy, and histopathological examinations revealed suppurative pneumonia and organizing pneumonia. The in-hospital mortality rate was 19.4%. Age (odds ratio [OR] 1.100; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.035-1.169), hypotension (OR 7.260; 95% CI 1.126-46.804) and ineffective or delay of empirical antimicrobial therapy (OR 7.341; 95% CI 1.145-47.045) were found to be independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality, whereas drainage treatment was found to be a protective factor (OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.002-0.677).

CONCLUSIONS

SPE cases presented with nonspecific clinical manifestations and radiologic features. Blood cultures and bronchoscopy are important measures for early diagnosis and differential diagnosis. There is relationship between primary infection sites and the type of pathogen. Maintaining normal blood pressure and providing timely and appropriate initial antimicrobial therapy for effective control of the infection could improve prognosis.

Is gentamicin administered to individual patients in optimal doses already at the beginning of therapy?

Introduction A gentamicin dose, which the physicians select, frequently does not take any pharmacokinetic parameters into consideration.

Aim To analyse the results of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of gentamicin for those patients who have not had the gentamicin dose adjusted at the beginning of therapy (first group) and for those patients who had the gentamicin dose adjusted at the beginning of therapy (second group).

Methods We acquired the basic data about patients from the requests for laboratory examination of levels of gentamicin. We measured all the gentamicin concentrations mentioned in this work using the FPIA method.

Results The monitored set included 379 hospitalized patients during a 4-year period. We divided the monitored set into 2 groups. First group was composed of patients without dose adjustment of gentamicin at the beginning of therapy, and the second group was composed of patients with dose adjustment of gentamicin by the clinical pharmacist at the beginning of therapy. In addition, the patients in each group were divided according to the body mass index (BMI). In the first group of patients, a low percentage of patients had both optimal levels (trough, peak levels). As for patients with BMI > 25 m2/kg, there were only 17 % such cases, and the patients with BMI ≤ 25 m2/kg were only 18.8 %. In the second group, the patients had all trough and peak levels in optimal therapeutic range at obese patients, overweight patients and also at patients with normal weight (p < 0.001).

Conclusion Adjustment of dosage regimens immediately at the beginning of therapy will provide for administering sufficient doses of antibiotics at the beginning of therapy, which is a pre-condition for a successful anti-infective therapy. Therapeutic monitoring of levels allows for administration of sufficient dose of gentamicin without fear of any undesirable effects.

Sensibilidad antimicrobiana en aislamientos de líquido peritoneal de niños intervenidos por abdomen agudo e infección intraabdominal

Introducción. La apendicitis aguda es causa frecuente de infección intraabdominal en pediatría. La elección del antibiótico se basa en los hallazgos quirúrgicos macroscópicos, el criterio médico, las guías locales o internacionales y, en pocas ocasiones, en el resultado de los aislamientos bacterianos en cultivos de líquido peritoneal y las tasas locales de resistencia. Se analizaron la frecuencia y la sensibilidad microbiológica de los cultivos de muestras de líquido peritoneal de pacientes de un mes a 16 años de edad con manejo quirúrgico por abdomen agudo con sospecha de infección intraabdominal. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio prospectivo de cohorte con análisis de las historias clínicas y de resultados de laboratorio de niños sometidos a cirugía por abdomen agudo, en la que el cirujano tomó muestra del líquido peritoneal para la tipificación y determinación de los perfiles de sensibilidad de los microorganismos aislados. Los datos se analizaron con el programa Stata™, versión15.0. Resultados. Se identificaron 303 casos, de los cuales el 93,6 % recibió profilaxis antibiótica con ampicilina-sulbactam y clindamicina-amikacina. El 95,3 % de los procedimientos fueron apendicectomías. Se tomó cultivo del 50 % de las apendicitis perforadas. Se aislaron 48 microorganismos; el más frecuente (2,7 %) fue Escherichia coli positiva para BLEE. El 100 % de los microorganismos resultaron ser sensibles a la amikacina, el 97,2 % al meropenem, y el 94,4 %, a la ciprofloxacina, el cefepime y el ceftazidime. La resistencia más frecuente (37,1 %) fue contra la combinación de ampicilina y sulbactam, en los gérmenes Gram negativos. Discusión. La evaluación de la sensibilidad antimicrobiana de los aislamientos de líquido peritoneal de los procedimientos quirúrgicos en pediatría, es una buena práctica clínica que orienta al cirujano en la adecuada selección del esquema antibiótico y, además, disminuye el riesgo de falla terapéutica temprana y la posibilidad de mayor resistencia o complicaciones infecciosas.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Microorganisms Isolated from Patients with Intraabdominal Infection in Korea: a Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the antimicrobial susceptibility of pathogens isolated from Korean patients with intraabdominal infections (IAIs).

METHODS

This multicenter study was conducted at 6 university-affiliated hospitals in Korea between 2016 and 2018. All patients with microbiologically proven IAIs were retrospectively included, while patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis or continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis peritonitis were excluded. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using automated microbiology systems.

RESULTS

A total of 2,114 non-duplicated clinical isolates were collected from 1,571 patients. Among these pathogens, 510 (24.1%) were isolated from nosocomial infections, and 848 isolates (40.1%) were associated with complicated IAIs. The distribution of the microorganisms included aerobic gram-negative (62.6% of isolates), aerobic gram-positive (33.7%), anaerobic (0.9%), and fungal (2.8%) pathogens. The most common pathogens were Escherichia coli (23.8%), followed by Enterococcus spp. (23.1%) and Klebsiella spp. (19.8%). The susceptibility rates of E. coli and Klebsiella spp. to major antibiotics were as follows: amoxicillin/clavulanate (62.5%, 83.0%), cefotaxime (61.4%, 80.7%), ceftazidime (63.7%, 83.1%), cefepime (65.3%, 84.3%), ciprofloxacin (56.4%, 86.3%), piperacillin/tazobactam (99.0%, 84.8%), amikacin (97.4%, 98.3%), and imipenem (99.8%, 98.8%). The susceptibility rates of Enterococcus spp. to ampicillin were 61.0%, amoxicillin/clavulanate, 63.6%; ciprofloxacin, 49.7%; imipenem, 65.2%; and vancomycin, 78.2%. The susceptibility rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. to imipenem were 77.4% and 36.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Enterococcus spp. with susceptibility to limited antibiotics was one of the main pathogens in Korean IAIs, along with E. coli and Klebsiella spp., which were highly susceptible to imipenem, amikacin, and piperacillin/tazobactam. Meanwhile, the low susceptibilities of E. coli or Klebsiella spp. to amoxicillin/clavulanate, advanced-generation cephalosporins, and ciprofloxacin should be considered when determining empirical antibiotic therapy in clinical practice.

Clinical implications of multidrug-resistant microorganisms and fungi isolated from patients with intra-abdominal infections in the Republic of Korea: a multicenter study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of fungi and multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) isolated from patients with intra-abdominal infections (IAIs). This multicenter study included consecutive patients admitted for microbiologically proven IAIs at 6 university-affiliated hospitals in South Korea between 2016 and 2018. A total of 1571 patients were enrolled. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the isolation of MDROs, isolation of Candida spp., underlying renal diseases, Charlson comorbidity score ≥ 3, septic shock, failure to receive a required surgery or invasive intervention, secondary bacteremia due to IAIs, and lower body mass index were found to be independent predictors for 28-day mortality. However, the isolation of Enterococcus spp. was not identified as a significant risk factor. MDROs and Candida spp. were found in 42 (2.7%) and 395 (25.1%), patients respectively. The isolation of MDROs or Candida spp. was a surrogate marker of 28-day mortality.

Dosage Regimens for Meropenem in Children with Pseudomonas Infections Do Not Meet Serum Concentration Targets

There have been literature reports that some recommended meropenem dosage regimens may fail to meet therapeutic targets in some high‐risk children and adults. We evaluated this observation in children using literature studies conducted in infants and children. Observed and, as necessary, simulated data from the literature were combined, yielding a data set of 288 subjects (1 day to ~ 17 years). A population pharmacokinetic model was fit to the data and then used to simulate the recommended dosing regimens and estimate the proportion of subjects achieving recommended target exposures. A two‐compartment model best fit the data with weight, postnatal age, gestational age, and serum creatinine as covariates. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved dosing regimens achieved targets in ~ 90% or more of subjects less than 3 months of age for organisms with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)'s of 2 and 4 mg/L; however, only 68.4% and 41.7% of subjects older than 3 months and weighing < 50 kg achieved target exposures for organisms with MIC's of 2 and 4 mg/L, respectively [Correction added on January 23, 2020, after first online publication: "> 3 months" corrected to "less than 3 months".]. Moreover, for subjects weighing more than 50 kg, only 41.3% and 17% achieved these respective targets. Simulation studies were used to explore the impact of changing dose, dosing interval, and infusion duration on the likelihood of achieving therapeutic targets in these groups. Our findings illustrate that current dosing recommendations for children over 3 months of age fail to meet therapeutic targets in an unacceptable fraction of patients. Further investigation is needed to develop new dosing strategies in these patients.

Gallbladder and Biliary Disease in Pregnancy

Diseases of the gallbladder and biliary tract are extremely common in developed nations. Because of the physiology of pregnancy, their incidence increases during gestation. This article represents a review of the existing literature on the entire spectrum of biliary disease. The physiology, clinical presentation, and diagnostic evaluation of a variety of conditions are reviewed. Historical and contemporary data regarding pregnancy implications and treatment options are discussed.

Epidemiology of intra-abdominal infection and sepsis in critically ill patients: "AbSeS", a multinational observational cohort study and ESICM Trials Group Project

Purpose

To describe the epidemiology of intra-abdominal infection in an international cohort of ICU patients according to a new system that classifies cases according to setting of infection acquisition (community-acquired, early onset hospital-acquired, and late-onset hospital-acquired), anatomical disruption (absent or present with localized or diffuse peritonitis), and severity of disease expression (infection, sepsis, and septic shock).

Methods

We performed a multicenter (n = 309), observational, epidemiological study including adult ICU patients diagnosed with intra-abdominal infection. Risk factors for mortality were assessed by logistic regression analysis.

Results

The cohort included 2621 patients. Setting of infection acquisition was community-acquired in 31.6%, early onset hospital-acquired in 25%, and late-onset hospital-acquired in 43.4% of patients. Overall prevalence of antimicrobial resistance was 26.3% and difficult-to-treat resistant Gram-negative bacteria 4.3%, with great variation according to geographic region. No difference in prevalence of antimicrobial resistance was observed according to setting of infection acquisition. Overall mortality was 29.1%. Independent risk factors for mortality included late-onset hospital-acquired infection, diffuse peritonitis, sepsis, septic shock, older age, malnutrition, liver failure, congestive heart failure, antimicrobial resistance (either methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria, or carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria) and source control failure evidenced by either the need for surgical revision or persistent inflammation.

Conclusion

This multinational, heterogeneous cohort of ICU patients with intra-abdominal infection revealed that setting of infection acquisition, anatomical disruption, and severity of disease expression are disease-specific phenotypic characteristics associated with outcome, irrespective of the type of infection. Antimicrobial resistance is equally common in community-acquired as in hospital-acquired infection.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00134-019-05819-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of Beta-lactam Allergy on Treatment of Outpatient Infections

PURPOSE

The most commonly reported medication allergies in the United States involve beta-lactam antibiotics, creating an important consideration for prescribers when choosing optimal treatment of infections. Currently, few data exist on outpatient prescribing patterns in response to patients with a beta-lactam allergy. This study sought to evaluate the appropriateness of outpatient antibiotic therapy in patients with documented beta-lactam allergies within a Veterans Affairs health care system to evaluate areas of improvement in prescribing practices.

METHODS

Patients receiving outpatient oral antibiotics were prospectively identified through real-time electronic alerts from June 2017 through February 2018. Prescriptions were then reviewed retrospectively to identify appropriateness of antibiotic, drug choice, dose, and duration based on current guideline recommendations. Data were compared between patients with a listed beta-lactam allergy and patients without a beta-lactam allergy to determine the impact on prescribing patterns and outcomes. Baseline characteristics were compared by using descriptive statistics. Significant risk factors for inappropriate prescribing were identified through a multivariable analysis.

FINDINGS

The cohort included 1844 antibiotic prescriptions (documented beta-lactam allergy, 221; no beta-lactam allergy, 1623). Appropriate drug, dose, and duration for antibiotics prescribed in patients reporting a beta-lactam allergy versus nonallergic patients were 44.3% versus 53.0% (P = 0.02), 91.4% versus 86.2% (P = 0.03), and 75.1% versus 76.2% (P = 0.83), respectively. Patients with a reported beta-lactam allergy were 31% less likely to receive the correct drug for indication empirically (95% CI, 0.52-0.92) in the multivariable regression model when adjusted for fluoroquinolone use. In addition, patients reporting a beta-lactam allergy were 2.2 times (95% CI, 1.6-3.0) more likely to receive a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Antibiotics were considered overall inappropriate based on at least one aspect of therapy in 79.6% of patients reporting a beta-lactam allergy and in 71% of nonallergic patients.

IMPLICATIONS

Antibiotic therapy in patients with a documented beta-lactam allergy was less likely to be appropriate overall, suggesting an area of improvement for prescribing habits. Future interventions should focus on prescriber education regarding first-line and alternative treatments for patients with beta-lactam allergies to ensure that optimal treatment is being provided.

Bacteria and fungi in acute cholecystitis. A prospective study comparing next generation sequencing to culture

OBJECTIVES

Guidelines for antibiotic treatment of acute cholecystitis are based on studies using culture techniques for microbial identification. Microbial culture has well described limitations and more comprehensive data on the microbial spectrum may support adjustments of these recommendations. We used next generation sequencing to conduct a thorough microbiological characterization of bile-samples from patients with moderate and severe acute cholecystitis.

METHODS

We prospectively included patients with moderate and severe acute cholecystitis, undergoing percutaneous or perioperative drainage of the gall bladder. Bile samples were analyzed using both culture and deep sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA and rpoB genes and the fungal ITS2-segment. Clinical details were evaluated by medical record review.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients with moderate and severe acute cholecystitis were included. Bile from 31 (86%) of these contained bacteria (29) and/or fungi (5) as determined by sequencing. Culture identified only 40 (38%) of the 106 microbes identified by sequencing. In none of the 15 polymicrobial samples did culture detect all present microbes. Frequently identified bacteria often missed by culture included oral streptococci, anaerobic bacteria, enterococci and Enterobacteriaceae other than Klebsiella spp. and Escherichia coli.

CONCLUSIONS

Culture techniques display decreased sensitivity for the microbial diagnostics of acute cholecystitis leaving possible pathogens undetected.

Coagulative biomarkers on admission to the ICU predict acute kidney injury and mortality in patients with septic shock caused by intra-abdominal infection

Purpose

Sepsis-associated coagulopathy (SAC) contributes to the development of multiple organ failure (MOF) and increasing mortality. The present study was conducted to investigate whether coagulative biomarkers on admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) can predict acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality in patients with septic shock caused by intra-abdominal infection (IAI).

Patients and methods

An observational retrospective study was conducted in the surgical ICU. We studied patients who met the criteria of septic shock (Sepsis-3) caused by IAI between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2016. By adjusting for baseline characteristics, multivariate regression analyses were employed to identify independent risk factors for predicting AKI and mortality.

Results

Of the 138 enrolled patients, 65 patients developed AKI. The patients who developed AKI exhibited a dramatically higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (median, 12), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (median, 27.5) and mortality rate. In both models, we found that activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (odds ratio (OR)=1.074, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.030-1.120, p=0.001), prothrombin time (PT) (OR=1.162, 95% CI 1.037-1.302, p=0.010) and D-dimer level (OR=1.098, 95% CI 1.002-1.202, p=0.045) on admission to the ICU were significant risk factors for AKI. Moreover, Cox regression analysis showed that prolonged APTT (OR=1.065, 95% CI 1.025-1.107, p=0.001) was independently associated with high mortality.

Conclusion

In patients with septic shock caused by IAI, APTT, PT and D-dimer level on admission to the ICU were significantly associated with AKI. Furthermore, APTT was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality.

Microbial findings, sensitivity and outcome in patients with postoperative peritonitis a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Acute postoperative peritonitis resulting from previous abdominal surgery is still a severe and potentially fatal disease, which is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to evaluate patients' outcome after postoperative peritonitis and identify the most effective empiric antibiotic regimes.

METHODS

422 patients with acute postoperative peritonitis as a result to earlier abdominal operation (e.g. anastomotic leakage) were analyzed retrospectively focusing on the origin of the peritonitis, microbial flora and resistance patterns. Furthermore, mortality was estimated according to sensitivity results of the tested antibiotics.

RESULTS

In 50% of the patients, anastomotic leakage was located in the colon. The predominantly cultured microorganisms were Escherichia coli and Enterobacteriaceae. The combination of meropenem and vancomycin was effective in 96% of these microbes. The frequently used combinations of piperacillin/sulbactam and cefotaxime/metronidazole were effective in only 67% and 43%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We were able to show that the currently used antibiotic regimes with piperacillin/sulbactam and cefotaxime/metronidazole are ineffective in a relevant number of patients with anastomotic leakage. Only meropenem or meropenem/vancomycin cover most of the microbes predominant in postoperative peritonitis.

Safety and Efficacy of Ceftazidime-Avibactam Plus Metronidazole in the Treatment of Children ≥3 Months to <18 Years With Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infection: Results From a Phase 2, Randomized, Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Ceftazidime-avibactam plus metronidazole is effective in the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infection (cIAI) in adults. This single-blind, randomized, multicenter, phase 2 study (NCT02475733) evaluated the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime-avibactam plus metronidazole in children with cIAI.

METHODS

Hospitalized children (≥3 months to <18 years) with cIAI were randomized 3:1 to receive intravenous ceftazidime-avibactam plus metronidazole, or meropenem, for a minimum of 72 hours (9 doses), with optional switch to oral therapy thereafter for a total treatment duration of 7-15 days. Safety and tolerability were assessed throughout the study, along with clinical and microbiologic outcomes, and pharmacokinetics. A blinded observer determined adverse event (AE) causality, and clinical outcomes up to the late follow-up visit.

RESULTS

Eighty-three children were randomized and received study drug (61 ceftazidime-avibactam plus metronidazole and 22 meropenem); most (90.4%) had a diagnosis of appendicitis. Predominant Gram-negative baseline pathogens were Escherichia coli (79.7%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (33.3%); 2 E. coli isolates were ceftazidime-non-susceptible. AEs occurred in 52.5% and 59.1% of patients in the ceftazidime-avibactam plus metronidazole and meropenem groups, respectively. Serious AEs occurred in 8.2% and 4.5% of patients, respectively; none was considered drug related. No deaths occurred. Favorable clinical/microbiologic responses were observed in ≥90% of patients in both treatment groups at end-of-intravenous treatment and test-of-cure visits.

CONCLUSIONS

Ceftazidime-avibactam plus metronidazole was well tolerated, with a safety profile similar to ceftazidime alone, and appeared effective in pediatric patients with cIAI due to Gram-negative pathogens, including ceftazidime-non-susceptible strains.

Variation in Classification and Postoperative Management of Complex Appendicitis: A European Survey

Background

Data on common practice in the management of patients with complex appendicitis are scarce, especially for the adult population. Variation in the definition of complex appendicitis, indications for and the type of prolonged antibiotic prophylaxis have not been well studied yet. The aim of this study was to document current practice of the classification and postoperative management of complex appendicitis on an international level.

Methods

An online survey was dispersed among practicing surgeons and surgical residents. Survey questions pertained to the definition of a complex appendicitis, indications for antibiotic prophylaxis after appendectomy, the duration, route of administration and antibiotic agents used.

Results

A total of 137 survey responses were eligible for analysis. Most respondents were from Northern or Western Europe and were specialized in gastrointestinal surgery. Opinion varied substantially regarding the management of appendicitis, in particular for phlegmonous appendicitis with localized pus, gangrenous appendicitis and iatrogenic rupture of appendicitis. The most common duration of postoperative antibiotics was evenly spread over <3, 3, 5 and 7 days. Whereas most respondents indicated a combined intravenous and oral route of administration was common practice, 28% answered a completely intravenous route of administration was standard practice.

Conclusion

Current practice patterns in the classification and postoperative management of complex appendicitis are highly variable.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00268-018-4806-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Antibiotics and chronic kidney disease: Dose adjustment update for infectious disease clinical practice

Antibiotic prescription in chronic kidney disease patients poses a twofold problem. The appropriate use of antibacterial agents is essential to ensure efficacy and to prevent the emergence of resistance, and dosages should be adapted to the renal function to prevent adverse effects. SiteGPR is a French website for health professionals to help with prescriptions to chronic kidney disease patients. A working group of infectious disease specialists and nephrology pharmacists reviewed the indications, dosing regimens, administration modalities, and dose adjustments of antibiotics marketed in France for patients with renal failure. Data available on the SiteGPR website and detailed in the present article aims to provide an evidence-based update of infectious disease recommendations to health professionals managing patients with chronic kidney disease.

Rules of anti-infection therapy for sepsis and septic shock

Objective:

Sepsis is a deadly infection that causes injury to tissues and organs. Infection and anti-infective treatment are the eternal themes of sepsis. The successful control of infection is a key factor of resuscitation for sepsis and septic shock. This review examines evidence for the treatment of sepsis. This evidence is combined with clinical experiments to reveal the rules and a standard flowchart of anti-infection therapy for sepsis.

Data Sources:

We retrieved information from the PubMed database up to October 2018 using various search terms and their combinations, including sepsis, septic shock, infection, antibiotics, and anti-infection.

Study Selection:

We included data from peer-reviewed journals printed in English on the relationships between infections and antibiotics.

Results:

By combining the literature review and clinical experience, we propose a 6Rs rule for sepsis and septic shock management: right patients, right time, right target, right antibiotics, right dose, and right source control. This rule encompasses rational decisions regarding the timing of treatment, the identification of the correct pathogen, the selection of appropriate antibiotics, the formulation of a scientifically based antibiotic dosage regimen, and the adequate control of infectious foci.

Conclusions:

This review highlights how to recognize and treat sepsis and septic shock and provides rules and a standard flowchart for anti-infection therapy for sepsis and septic shock for use in the clinical setting.

An Evaluation of Guideline Concordance in the Management of Intra-Abdominal Infections

Background: Optimal treatment of intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) is multifaceted, typically requiring surgical intervention and antimicrobial therapy. Treatment of IAIs aligned with the 2017 revised Surgical Infection Society (SIS) guidelines may improve patient outcomes. Here we compare clinical outcomes of patients who received guideline concordant and discordant therapy for treatment of IAIs. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of patients admitted from January 2013 to June 2016 with IAIs. Guideline concordant treatment was based on three criteria: source control, antibiotic choice, and antibiotic duration. The primary outcome was a composite of in-hospital mortality and 30-day re-admission. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine independent factors associated with the composite end point. Results: A total of 221 patients were included, with guideline concordant treatment occurring in 117 (53%) patients. In-hospital mortality or 30-day re-admission occurred in 15 (12.8%) patients in the guideline concordant group compared with 24 (23.1%) in the guideline discordant group (p = 0.046). Empiric antibiotic choice was the most common component of discordance to guidelines (61% of patients). In multivariable analysis, guideline concordant treatment was associated with a decrease in the composite outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.461, p = 0.045). In contrast, the presence of empiric methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)/vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) coverage (aOR: 2.645, p = 0.030), and moderate-to-severe liver disease (aOR: 8.081, p = 0.027) were associated with an increased risk for the composite outcome. Conclusions: Concordance to recommendations from the 2017 revised SIS guidelines is of critical importance in the optimal management of IAIs and further investigation of interventions to improve concordance are warranted.

Antimicrobial Polymers: The Potential Replacement of Existing Antibiotics?

Antimicrobial resistance is now considered a major global challenge; compromising medical advancements and our ability to treat infectious disease. Increased antimicrobial resistance has resulted in increased morbidity and mortality due to infectious diseases worldwide. The lack of discovery of novel compounds from natural products or new classes of antimicrobials, encouraged us to recycle discontinued antimicrobials that were previously removed from routine use due to their toxicity, e.g., colistin. Since the discovery of new classes of compounds is extremely expensive and has very little success, one strategy to overcome this issue could be the application of synthetic compounds that possess antimicrobial activities. Polymers with innate antimicrobial properties or that have the ability to be conjugated with other antimicrobial compounds create the possibility for replacement of antimicrobials either for the direct application as medicine or implanted on medical devices to control infection. Here, we provide the latest update on research related to antimicrobial polymers in the context of ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.) pathogens. We summarise polymer subgroups: compounds containing natural peptides, halogens, phosphor and sulfo derivatives and phenol and benzoic derivatives, organometalic polymers, metal nanoparticles incorporated into polymeric carriers, dendrimers and polymer-based guanidine. We intend to enhance understanding in the field and promote further work on the development of polymer based antimicrobial compounds.

Bacterial Cholangitis in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney and Liver Disease

Objective

To describe first episodes of bacterial cholangitis complicating autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease (ADPLD) and to identify risk factors for cholangitis episodes among patients with ADPKD-associated polycystic liver disease (PLD).

Patients and Methods

We searched the electronic medical records at our tertiary referral center for episodes of cholangitis in patients with ADPKD or ADPLD from January 1, 1996, through June 30, 2017. Cases were categorized as suspected or definite cholangitis by expert review. Clinical, laboratory, and radiologic data were manually abstracted. A nested case-control study was conducted to investigate risk factors for cholangitis in patients with ADPKD.

Results

We identified 29 cases of definite or suspected cholangitis complicating PLD (24 with ADPKD-associated PLD and 5 with ADPLD). Among patients with definite cholangitis in ADPKD-associated PLD (n=19) vs ADPLD (n=4), the mean ± SD age was 62.4±12.2 vs 55.1±8.6 years, and 9 (47.4%) vs 0 (0%), respectively, were male. The odds of gallstones (odds ratio [OR], 21.6; 95% CI, 3.17-927; P<.001), prior cholecystectomy (OR, 12.2; 95% CI, 1.59-552; P=.008), duodenal diverticulum (OR, 13.5; 95% CI, 2.44 to not estimable; P=.004), type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR, 6.41; 95% CI, 1.01 to not estimable; P=.05), prior endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (OR, 14.0; 95% CI, 1.80-631; P=.005), and prior kidney transplant (OR, 8.06; 95% CI, 1.72-76.0; P=.004) were higher in patients with ADPKD-associated PLD with definite cholangitis compared to controls.

Conclusion

Gallstones, prior cholecystectomy, duodenal diverticulosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, prior endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and prior kidney transplant constituted risk factors for cholangitis among patients with ADPKD-associated PLD.

Intraperitoneal administration of fosfomycin, metronidazole, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in patients undergoing appendectomy is safe: a phase II clinical trial

We aimed to investigate the safety of intraperitoneal administration of the combination of fosfomycin, metronidazole, and recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) in patients undergoing appendectomy. We conducted a prospective phase II clinical trial in 14 otherwise healthy men suffering from uncomplicated appendicitis. After appendectomy, the trial treatment was administered intraperitoneally and left in the abdominal cavity. Trial treatment consisted of 4 g fosfomycin, 1 g metronidazole, and 50 µg rhGM-CSF in a total volume of 500 ml. Safety was evaluated through white blood cell count where a toxic effect was predefined. We evaluated harms and adverse events, repeated biochemical markers, vital signs, and length of stay. White blood cell count did not drop below the toxic range. The recorded harms were dizziness, discomfort when breathing deeply, no flatus, and bloating. Adverse events included three patients with diarrhoea after discharge and one patient with a hypotensive episode. No serious adverse events or infectious complications occurred. Intraperitoneal administration of fosfomycin, metronidazole, and rhGM-CSF was safe in otherwise healthy men undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy. There were some possible harms and adverse events but we were unable to assess if they were related to anaesthesia, surgery, or the trial treatment.

Retrospective Analysis of Post-Operative Antibiotics in Complicated Appendicitis

Background: There is no consensus regarding the ideal post-operative antibiotic strategy for surgically managed complicated appendicitis. The goal of this study was to investigate different antibiotic regimens used for this purpose at our institution and their association with post-operative outcomes. Methods: The 1,102 patients underwent appendectomy from 2012 to 2016. A detailed chart review was performed on the 188 with complicated appendicitis based on standardized definitions. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze post-operative antibiotic use and complications. Results: Of the 188 cases of complicated appendicitis, 143 (76%) were classified as perforated by the operative surgeon. These patients were significantly more likely to be started on antibiotics after appendectomy (83.9% versus 33.3%; p < 0.001) and have a greater length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.006). The development of a surgical site infection (SSI) was significantly associated with a clinical diagnosis of diabetes (p = 0.04); the presence of free fluid, abscess, or perforation on pre-operative imaging (p = 0.002, 0.039, and 0.012, respectively); and a decision by the surgeon to leave a drain (p = 0.001). On multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted for free fluid on pre-operative imaging and an intra-operative decision to leave a drain, patients receiving one day or three or more days of antibiotics had higher odds of developing an SSI than patients who did not receive any post-operative antibiotics. Conclusions: In this cohort, operative surgeons accurately identified patients with complicated appendicitis who did not require post-operative antibiotics. For patients deemed to require them, two days of treatment was associated with reduced odds of SSI compared with shorter or longer antibiotic courses. The optimal course of antibiotics remains to be identified, but these findings suggest that longer post-operative courses do not avert SSI compared with two days of antibiotics. A prospective trial could clarify the optimal duration and route of antibiotic therapy in the setting of surgical complicated appendicitis.

Treating Surgical Infections in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Source Control, Then What?

Surgical infections present a significant burden of disease globally. Management focuses on source control and appropriate antibiotic therapy. This remains a challenge in low- and middle-income settings, where access to surgical care and antibiotics is limited. This paper discusses the complex challenges facing the management of surgical infections in low- and middle-income countries.

Fluoroquinolone-based versus β-lactam-based regimens for complicated intra-abdominal infections: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs) are common and confer significant morbidity, mortality and costs. In this era of evolving antimicrobial resistance, selection of appropriate empirical antimicrobials is paramount. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials compared the effectiveness and safety of fluoroquinolone (FQ)-based versus β-lactam (BL)-based regimens for the treatment of patients with cIAIs. Primary outcomes were treatment success in the clinically evaluable (CE) population and all-cause mortality in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Subgroup analyses were performed based on specific antimicrobials, infection source and isolated pathogens. Seven trials (4125 patients) were included. FQ-based regimens included moxifloxacin (four studies) or ciprofloxacin/metronidazole (three studies); BL-based regimens were ceftriaxone/metronidazole (three studies), carbapenems (two studies) or piperacillin/tazobactam (two studies). There was no difference in effectiveness in the CE (2883 patients; RR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.95-1.04) or ITT populations (3055 patients; RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.94-1.01). Mortality (3614 patients; RR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.75-1.43) and treatment-related adverse events (2801 patients; RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.70-1.33) were also similar. On subset analysis, moxifloxacin was slightly less effective than BLs in the CE (1934 patients; RR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.99) and ITT populations (1743 patients; RR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.98). Although FQ- and BL-based regimens appear equally effective and safe for the treatment of cIAIs, limited data suggest slightly inferior results with moxifloxacin. Selection of empirical coverage should be based on local bacterial epidemiology and patterns of resistance as well as antimicrobial stewardship protocols.

Early Active Drainage by Fine Tube Bundles Improves the Clinical Outcome of Anastomotic Leak after Abdominal Surgery: A Pilot Randomized, Controlled Trial in Two Tertiary Hospitals in China

BACKGROUND

Post-operative anastomotic leak (PAL) is the most feared complication after abdominal surgery. Timely drainage of enteric effluent is beneficial in the healing of PAL.

METHODS

We introduced a new and feasible approach for early active drainage of PAL using fine tube bundles (FTBs). The therapeutic effects of FTBs were observed prospectively and compared with the traditional drainage tube without FTBs in a non-blinded randomized controlled trial.

RESULTS

Sixty patients with PAL in two tertiary hospitals in China from 2010 to 2016 were included in this study. Of these patients, 30 received FTBs and 30 were treated with a traditional drainage tube. The implantation failure rate was zero in the FTB group. No statistical difference was observed between the two groups in terms of demographic data. After these interventions, patients in the FTB group showed a faster decline in infection-related indictors, a higher ratio of spontaneous PAL closure, and shorter treatment duration of antibacterial agents compared with those in the traditional drainage tube group. Fatal complications and financial cost were also reduced in the FTB group.

CONCLUSION

Fine tube bundles may contribute to the healing of PAL through active drainage. This method should be validated by further clinical trials for wider use.

The Role of Ertapenem for the Treatment of Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections With a Positive Culture for Enterococcus faecalis

Controversy remains as to whether Enterococcus faecalis recovered from intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) requires targeted therapy. In a multicenter study comparing patients with IAIs from which E. faecalis was identified in intra-abdominal cultures, no difference in clinical outcomes was observed between patients receiving ertapenem vs those receiving piperacillin/tazobactam.

Reducing Redundant Anaerobic Therapy Through Spaced Education and Antimicrobial Stewardship Interventions

BACKGROUND

Decreasing the use of redundant anaerobic therapy is a key target for antimicrobial stewardship. Education techniques that optimize knowledge retention could be an important component of reducing these regimens.

METHODS

We implemented a quality improvement project that incorporated spaced education to reduce the use of redundant anaerobic therapy. The initial interventions (November through December 2015) included education in a hospital-wide newsletter and review of redundant anaerobic regimens by the antimicrobial stewardship program. A spaced education module was then developed with the gastroenterology (GI) service, which had a relatively high rate of redundant anaerobic therapy use. Ten questions with teaching points were delivered to GI physicians at spaced intervals over 2 to 4 weeks (February through March 2016). Knowledge scores were compared at initial and final question presentation using generalized estimating equations. Interrupted time-series analysis was used to compare the rates of redundant-metronidazole-days per 1000 patient-days among patients in the patients admitted to the GI service and those in the non-GI group before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

Of 66 GI physicians, 56 (85%) participated in the spaced education activity. After the intervention, their knowledge scores on all the questions improved, and their mean knowledge score increased from 57% to 86% (P < .001). Nearly all (91%) of the participants were very or generally satisfied with the activity. In the GI group, the rate of redundant-metronidazole-days decreased from 26.2 to 13.0 per 1000 patient-days (relative risk [RR], 0.45 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.27-0.73]; P = .001). This rate in the non-GI group also decreased from 5.47 to 2.18 per 1000 patient-days (RR, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.36-0.60]; P < .001) after our interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Spaced education is an effective approach for teaching antimicrobial stewardship topics. Focused provider education was associated with a sustained reduction in the use of redundant anaerobic therapy.

Home intravenous versus oral antibiotics following appendectomy for perforated appendicitis in children: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

To compare the effect of home intravenous (IV) versus oral antibiotic therapy on complication rates and resource utilization following appendectomy for perforated appendicitis.

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled trial of patients aged 4-17 with surgically treated perforated appendicitis from January 2011 to November 2013. Perforation was defined intraoperatively and divided into three grades: I-contained perforation, II-localized contamination to right gutter/pelvis, and III-diffuse contamination. Patients were randomized to complete a ten-day course of home antibiotic therapy with either IV ertapenem or oral amoxicillin-clavulanate. Thirty-day postoperative complication rates including abscess, readmission, wound infection, and charges were compared.

RESULTS

Eighty-two patients were enrolled. Forty four (54%) were randomized to the IV group and 38 (46%) to the oral group. IV patients were older (12.3 ± 3.6 versus 10.1 ± 3.6, p < 0.05) with higher BMI (20.9 ± 5.8 versus 17.9 ± 3.5, p < 0.05). There were no differences in gender, comorbidities, or perforation grade (I-20.4% vs. 26.3%, II-36.4% vs. 34.2%, III-43.2% vs. 39.5%, all p > 0.05). Comparing IV to oral, there was no difference in length of stay (4.4 ± 1.5 versus 4.4 ± 2.0 days, p > 0.05), postoperative abscess rate (11.6% vs. 8.1%, p > 0.05), or readmission rate (14.0% vs. 16.2%, p > 0.05). Hospital and outpatient charges were higher in the IV group (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Oral antibiotics had equivalent outcomes and incurred fewer charges than IV antibiotics following appendectomy for perforated appendicitis.

Improved survival with continuation of statins in bacteremic patients

Objectives:

Varying statin exposures in bacteremic patients have different impacts on mortality. Among patients with adherent statin use, we sought to evaluate the impact of statin continuation on inpatient mortality in bacteremic patients.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using Optum Clinformatics^TM with matched Premier Hospital data (October 2009–March 2013). Patients with a primary diagnosis of bacteremia and 6 months of continuous enrollment prior to the admission, receiving antibiotics at least 2 days of antibiotics during the first 3 days of admission, were selected for inclusion. Furthermore, patients demonstrating adherent statin use based on 90 days of continuous therapy prior to admission were included. We then compared those continuing statin therapy for at least the first 5 days after admission and those not continuing during the admission.

Results:

Simvastatin (53.2%) and atorvastatin (33.8%) were the most commonly used statins among the 633 patients who met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Propensity score adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models demonstrated significantly lower inpatient mortality among those continuing statin therapy compared with those not continuing (n = 232 vs 401, adjusted hazard ratio 0.25, 95% confidence interval 0.08–0.79).

Conclusion:

Among patients adherent to their statin therapy prior to a bacteremia hospitalization, continued statin use after admission increased survival by 75% compared with those not continuing.

Recent advances in management of acalculous cholecystitis

Acalculous cholecystitis is a life-threatening gallbladder infection that typically affects the critically ill. A late diagnosis can have devastating outcomes because of the high risk of gallbladder perforation if untreated. The diagnosis is not straightforward as Murphy’s sign is difficult to illicit in the critically ill and many imaging findings are either insensitive or non-specific. This article reviews the current imaging literature to improve the interpretation of findings. Management involves a percutaneous cholecystostomy, surgical cholecystectomy, or more recently an endoscopically placed metal stent through the gastrointestinal tract into the gallbladder. This article reviews the current literature assessing the outcomes of each treatment option and suggests a protocol in determining the modality of choice on the basis of patient population. Specifically, endoscopic ultrasound-guided gallbladder drainage is a novel drainage approach for patients who are poor candidates for surgery and obviates the need for a percutaneous drain and all its complications. It has promising results but has caveats in its uses.

A New Scoring System to Predict Blood Stream Infections in Patients with Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infections: Experience from a Tertiary Referral Hospital in China

BACKGROUND

This purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of blood stream infections (BSIs) on the prognosis of patients with complicated intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) and to make predictions based on patients' characteristics on admission.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred eighty-seven patients with complicated IAI in 2014 and 2015 were included in our retrospective analysis, except for those diagnosed with central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSIs). Patients with BSIs were compared with patients without BSIs. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with BSIs and also the subtypes of BSIs. The predictive score systems were established further.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients (39.6%) with complicated IAIs developed BSIs after admission. Four factors evaluated on admission were associated independently with BSIs including alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≥66 U/L (two scores), insensitivity to initial empirical antibiotic agents (IIEA; three scores), Sepsis-Related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score of two or more (three scores), and generalized peritonitis (four scores). A total score of five or more was regarded as the critical value in the combined test to predict BSIs, with a sensitivity of 0.78 and a specificity of 0.73. Blood stream infections were further divided as secondary BSIs and non-secondary BSIs. The risk factors of secondary BSIs included IIEA (three scores), SOFA score of two or more (five scores), and generalized peritonitis (eight scores), where a total score of nine or more was regarded as the critical value in the combined test, with a sensitivity of 0.68 and a specificity of 0.87, whereas the risk factors of non-secondary BSIs included IIEA (three scores), SOFA score of two or more (three scores) and procalcitonin (PCT) ≥0.43 mcg/L (three scores), where a total score of six or more was regarded as the critical value in the combined test, with a sensitivity of 0.75 and a specificity of 0.70. Moreover, BSIs were linked with the worse clinical outcomes in organ functions, hospitalization costs, and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Our new scoring methods may have potential advantages on the early prediction and recognition of BSIs in patients with complicated IAIs.

Optimal duration for continuation of statin therapy in bacteremic patients

Background

Evidence suggests statins may improve survival in patients with bloodstream infections. However, there is no consensus on optimal timing and duration of exposure.

Objectives

To quantify statin therapy duration associated with decreased mortality in bacteremic statin users.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study using OptumClinformatics™ with matched Premier hospital data (1 October 2009-31 March 2013). Cases who died during the hospitalization were matched 1:1 to survivors on disease risk scores (DRSs). Post-admission statin therapy duration was evaluated in patients with at least 90 days of pre-admission continuous statin use. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was conducted to identify the optimal duration of statin continuation which provided the lowest inpatient mortality. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds of mortality.

Results

We included 58 DRS matched pairs of cases and controls: 47 patients (41%) continued statin therapy during the hospital admission, 15 (32%) cases and 32 (68%) controls. The CART analysis partitioned the continuation of statin therapy at ⩾2 days, representing lower mortality for patients who continued statins for 2 days or more and higher mortality for patients who did not continue or remained on statins for only 1 day. Inpatient mortality was 76% lower among those with at least 2 days of continued statin use (odds ratio 0.24, 95% confidence interval 0.11-0.55).

Conclusion

Among matched cases and controls with at least 90 days of baseline statin use prior to the admission, the continuation of statins for at least 2 days after admission demonstrated a survival benefit among bacteremic patients.

[Spectrum of pathogens in postoperative complications of visceral surgery : The problem of multidrug resistance]

In general surgery the etiology of surgical site infections has not significantly changed over the last 30 years. Gram-positive bacteria, e.g. coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS), Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. as well as Gram-negative bacteria, e.g. Escherichia coli, Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are the most common findings. Although in general surgery 10% of the S. aureus causing postoperative wound infections were methicillin resistant (MRSA), no cases of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative (MRGN) bacteria were reported. Yeasts (particularly Candida spp.) are rarely the pathogen causing surgical site infections (≤3%) and concomitant risk factors are typical (e.g. diabetes, chemotherapy, immunosuppression and malnutrition). Viruses are rarely the cause of surgical site infections. Transmission can occur by HBV, HCV or HIV positive surgical staff or in organ transplantations and postoperative reactivation of persistent infections is possible (especially for HBV, HCV, CMV, EBV and HIV). The principles for prevention of surgical site infections are dealt with as consequences of preoperative colonization by MRSA, methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) and MRGN and reviewed with respect to screening, perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis and decolonization. In nosocomial peritonitis, the selection of antibiotics should consider previous antibiotic treatment. A single intra-abdominal detection of Candida spp. usually does not require antimycotic treatment in postoperatively stable and immunocompetent patients but is recommended in severe community-acquired or nosocomial peritonitis. Viral infections can be avoided by screening of organ donors and serological surveillance of surgery personnel.

Early Versus Delayed Source Control in Open Abdomen Management for Severe Intra-abdominal Infections: A Retrospective Analysis on 111 Cases

BACKGROUND

Time to source control plays a determinant prognostic role in patients having severe intra-abdominal infections (IAIs). Open abdomen (OA) management became an effective treatment option for peritonitis. Aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between time to source control and outcome in patients presenting with abdominal sepsis and treated by OA.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 111 patients affected by abdominal sepsis and treated with OA from May 2007 to May 2015. Patients were classified according to time interval from first patient evaluation to source control. The end points were intra-hospital mortality and primary fascial closure rate.

RESULTS

The in-hospital mortality rate was 21.6% (24/111), and the primary fascial closure rate was 90.9% (101/111). A time to source control ≥6 h resulted significantly associated with a poor prognosis and a lower fascial closure rate (mortality 27.0 vs 9.0%, p = 0.04; primary fascial closure 86 vs 100%, p = 0.02). We observed a direct increase in mortality (and a reduction in closure rate) for each 6-h delay in surgery to source control.

CONCLUSION

Early source control using OA management significantly improves outcome of patients with severe IAIs. This damage control approach well fits to the treatment of time-related conditions, particularly in case of critically ill patients.

The rates of quinolone, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and aminoglycoside resistance among Enterobacteriaceae isolated from urinary tract infections in Azerbaijan, Iran

Aim: Antibiotic susceptibility patterns help to select appropriate empirical treatments of urinary tract infections (UTIs). This study aimed to investigate antibiotic resistance among Enterobacteriaceae isolated from UTIs in Azerbaijan, Iran. Methods: This study was carried out during 2016 in hospitals located in Tabriz, Urmia, and Khoy. Midstream urine specimens were cultured and identified by the standard methods. Susceptibility testing was carried out using the disk diffusion agar method for cefotaxime, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefoxitin, imipenem, meropenem, ertapenem, cefepime, ampicillin, cefazolin, cefuroxime, aztreonam, nitrofurantoin, and fosfomycin and the agar dilution method for MIC determination of aminoglycosides, quinolones, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim. Results: A total of 219 non-duplicated Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from UTIs. According to the agar dilution assay, the following resistance rates were determined: trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole) 69.8%, nalidixic acid 68.9%, ciprofloxacin 66.2%, levofloxacin 58.5%, tobramycin 47.9%, kanamycin 39.3%, gentamicin 27.8%, and amikacin 5.5%. High levels of resistance were observed to trimethoprim (78.5%), sulfamethoxazole (88.1%), ampicillin (86.3%), and cephazoline (79.4%). Conclusion: The most effective agents against Enterobacteriaceae were fosfomycin, carbapenems, and amikacin. Quinolones, trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole are not appropriate for empirical therapy due to high levels of resistance. Amikacin is more effective among aminoglycosides and may be more effective, in complicated cases, when used in combination with fosfomycin and carbapenems.

[Bacterial sepsis : Diagnostics and calculated antibiotic therapy]

The mortality of patients with sepsis and septic shock is still unacceptably high. An effective antibiotic treatment within 1 h of recognition of sepsis is an important target of sepsis treatment. Delays lead to an increase in mortality; therefore, structured treatment concepts form a rational foundation, taking relevant diagnostic and treatment steps into consideration. In addition to the assumed focus and individual risks of each patient, local resistance patterns and specific problem pathogens must be taken into account for selection of anti-infection treatment. Many pathophysiological alterations influence the pharmacokinetics of antibiotics during sepsis. The principle of standard dosing should be abandoned and replaced by an individual treatment approach with stronger weighting of the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) index of the substance groups. Although this is not yet the clinical standard, prolonged (or continuous) infusion of beta-lactam antibiotics and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) can help to achieve defined PK targets. Prolonged infusion is sufficient without TDM but for continuous infusion TDM is basically necessary. A further argument for individual PK/PD-oriented antibiotic approaches is the increasing number of infections due to multidrug resistant pathogens (MDR) in the intensive care unit. For effective treatment antibiotic stewardship teams (ABS team) are becoming more established. Interdisciplinary cooperation of the ABS team with infectiologists, microbiologists and clinical pharmacists leads not only to a rational administration of antibiotics but also has a positive influence on the outcome. The gold standards for pathogen detection are still culture-based detection and microbiological resistance testing for the various antibiotic groups. Despite the rapid investigation time, novel polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based procedures for pathogen identification and resistance determination, are currently only an adjunct to routine sepsis diagnostics due to the limited number of studies, high costs and limited availability. In complicated septic courses with multiple anti-infective treatment or recurrent sepsis, PCR-based procedures can be used in addition to therapy monitoring and diagnostics. Novel antibiotics represent potent alternatives in the treatment of MDR infections. Due to the often defined spectrum of pathogens and the practically absent resistance, they are suitable for targeted treatment of severe MDR infections (therapy escalation).

Damage control surgery in perforated diverticulitis: ongoing peritonitis at second surgery predicts a worse outcome

PURPOSE

Damage control strategy (DCS) is a two-staged procedure for the treatment of perforated diverticular disease complicated by generalized peritonitis. The aim of this retrospective multicenter cohort study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of an ongoing peritonitis at the time of second surgery.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent DCS for perforated diverticular disease of the sigmoid colon with generalized peritonitis at four surgical centers were included. Damage control strategy is a two-stage emergency procedure: limited resection of the diseased colonic segment, closure of oral and aboral colon, and application of a negative pressure assisted abdominal closure system at the initial surgery followed by second laparotomy 48 h later. Therein, decision for definite reconstruction (anastomosis or Hartmann's procedure (HP)) is made. An ongoing peritonitis at second surgery was defined as presence of visible fibrinous, purulent, or fecal peritoneal fluid. Microbiologic findings from peritoneal smear at first surgery were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Between 5/2011 and 7/2017, 74 patients underwent a DCS for perforated diverticular disease complicated by generalized peritonitis (female: 40, male: 34). At second surgery, 55% presented with ongoing peritonitis (OP). Patients with OP had higher rate of organ failure (32 vs. 9%, p = 0.024), higher Mannheim Peritonitis Index (25.2 vs. 18.9; p = 0.001), and increased operation time (105 vs. 84 min., p = 0.008) at first surgery. An anastomosis was constructed in all patients with no OP (nOP) at second surgery as opposed to 71% in the OP group (p < 0.001). Complication rate (44 vs. 24%, p = 0.092), mortality (12 vs. 0%, p = 0.061), overall number of surgeries (3.4 vs. 2.4, p = 0.017), enterostomy rate (76 vs. 36%, p = 0.001), and length of hospital stay (25 vs. 18.8 days, p = 0.03) were all increased in OP group. OP at second surgery occurred significantly more often in patients with Enterococcus infection (81 vs. 44%, p = 0.005) and with fungal infection (100 vs. 49%, p = 0.007). In a multivariate analysis, Enterococcus infection was associated with increased morbidity (67 vs. 21%, p < 0.001), enterostomy rate (81 vs. 48%, p = 0.017), and anastomotic leakage (29 vs. 6%, p = 0.042), whereas fungal peritonitis was associated with an increased mortality (43 vs. 4%, p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION

Ongoing peritonitis after DCS is a predictor of a worse outcome in patients with perforated diverticulitis. Enterococcal and fungal infections have a negative impact on occurrence of OP and overall outcome.