Hospital-Acquired Infections in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19

Major candidate variables to guide personalised treatment with steroids in critically ill patients with COVID-19: CIBERESUCICOVID study

Purpose

Although there is evidence supporting the benefits of corticosteroids in patients affected with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there is little information related to their potential benefits or harm in some subgroups of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with COVID-19. We aim to investigate to find candidate variables to guide personalized treatment with steroids in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

Methods

Multicentre, observational cohort study including consecutive COVID-19 patients admitted to 55 Spanish ICUs. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality. Subsequent analyses in clinically relevant subgroups by age, ICU baseline illness severity, organ damage, laboratory findings and mechanical ventilation were performed. High doses of corticosteroids (≥ 12 mg/day equivalent dexamethasone dose), early administration of corticosteroid treatment (< 7 days since symptom onset) and long term of corticosteroids (≥ 10 days) were also investigated.

Results

Between February 2020 and October 2021, 4226 patients were included. Of these, 3592 (85%) patients had received systemic corticosteroids during hospitalisation. In the propensity-adjusted multivariable analysis, the use of corticosteroids was protective for 90-day mortality in the overall population (HR 0.77 [0.65–0.92], p = 0.003) and in-hospital mortality (SHR 0.70 [0.58–0.84], p < 0.001). Significant effect modification was found after adjustment for covariates using propensity score for age (p = 0.001 interaction term), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (p = 0.014 interaction term), and mechanical ventilation (p = 0.001 interaction term). We observed a beneficial effect of corticosteroids on 90-day mortality in various patient subgroups, including those patients aged ≥ 60 years; those with higher baseline severity; and those receiving invasive mechanical ventilation at ICU admission. Early administration was associated with a higher risk of 90-day mortality in the overall population (HR 1.32 [1.14–1.53], p < 0.001). Long-term use was associated with a lower risk of 90-day mortality in the overall population (HR 0.71 [0.61–0.82], p < 0.001). No effect was found regarding the dosage of corticosteroids. Moreover, the use of corticosteroids was associated with an increased risk of nosocomial bacterial pneumonia and hyperglycaemia.

Conclusion

Corticosteroid in ICU-admitted patients with COVID-19 may be administered based on age, severity, baseline inflammation, and invasive mechanical ventilation. Early administration since symptom onset may prove harmful.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00134-022-06726-w.

Long-Term Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on In-Hospital Antibiotic Consumption and Antibiotic Resistance: A Time Series Analysis (2015-2021)

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-pandemic-related overload of health systems has compromised the application of antimicrobial stewardship (AS) models and infection prevention and control (IPC) programs. We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on antimicrobial consumption (AC) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the University Hospital of Modena. A time series analysis with an autoregressive integrated moving average model was conducted from January 2015 to October 2021 to evaluate the AC in the whole hospital and the intensive care unit (ICU), the incidence density (ID) of bloodstream infections (BSIs) due to the main multidrug-resistant organisms, and of C. difficile infections (CDIs). After an initial peak during the COVID-19 period, a decrease in the trend of AC was observed, both at the hospital (CT: -1.104, p = 0.025) and ICU levels (CT: -4.47, p = 0.047), with no significant difference in the single classes. Among the Gram-negative isolates, we observed a significant increase only in the level of BSIs due to carbapenem-susceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CL: 1.477, 95% CI 0.130 to 2.824, p = 0.032). Considering Gram-positive bacteria, an increase in the level of BSIs due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and in the trend of CDIs were observed, though they did not reach statistical significance (CL: 0.72, 95% CI -0.039 to 1.48, p = 0.062; CT: 1.43, 95% CI -0.002 to 2.863, p = 0.051; respectively). Our findings demonstrated that the increases in AMR and AC that appeared in the first COVID-19 wave may be later controlled by restoring IPC and AS programs to pre-epidemic levels. A coordinated healthcare effort is necessary to address the longer-term impact of COVID-19 on AC to avoid irreversible consequences on AMR.

Bacterial and fungal communities in tracheal aspirates of intubated COVID-19 patients: a pilot study

Co-infections with bacterial or fungal pathogens could be associated with severity and outcome of disease in COVID-19 patients. We, therefore, used a 16S and ITS-based sequencing approach to assess the biomass and composition of the bacterial and fungal communities in endotracheal aspirates of intubated COVID-19 patients. Our method combines information on bacterial and fungal biomass with community profiling, anticipating the likelihood of a co-infection is higher with (1) a high bacterial and/or fungal biomass combined with (2) predominance of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. We tested our methods on 42 samples from 30 patients. We observed a clear association between microbial outgrowth (high biomass) and predominance of individual microbial species. Outgrowth of pathogens was in line with the selective pressure of antibiotics received by the patient. We conclude that our approach may help to monitor the presence and predominance of pathogens and therefore the likelihood of co-infections in ventilated patients, which ultimately, may help to guide treatment.

Impact of dexamethasone on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients: a propensity-matched cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of treatment with steroids on the incidence and outcome of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients.

DESIGN

Propensity-matched retrospective cohort study from February 24 to December 31, 2020, in 4 dedicated COVID-19 Intensive Care Units (ICU) in Lombardy (Italy).

PATIENTS

Adult consecutive mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients were subdivided into two groups: (1) treated with low-dose corticosteroids (dexamethasone 6 mg/day intravenous for 10 days) (DEXA+); (2) not treated with corticosteroids (DEXA-). A propensity score matching procedure (1:1 ratio) identified patients' cohorts based on: age, weight, PEEP Level, PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio, non-respiratory Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), C reactive protein plasma concentration at admission, sex and admission hospital (exact matching).

INTERVENTION

Dexamethasone 6 mg/day intravenous for 10 days from hospital admission.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Seven hundred and thirty-nine patients were included, and the propensity-score matching identified two groups of 158 subjects each. Eighty-nine (56%) DEXA+ versus 55 (34%) DEXA- patients developed a VAP (RR 1.61 (1.26-2.098), p = 0.0001), after similar time from hospitalization, ICU admission and intubation. DEXA+ patients had higher crude VAP incidence rate (49.58 (49.26-49.91) vs. 31.65 (31.38-31.91)VAP*1000/pd), (IRR 1.57 (1.55-1.58), p < 0.0001) and risk for VAP (HR 1.81 (1.31-2.50), p = 0.0003), with longer ICU LOS and invasive mechanical ventilation but similar mortality (RR 1.17 (0.85-1.63), p = 0.3332). VAPs were similarly due to G+ bacteria (mostly Staphylococcus aureus) and G- bacteria (mostly Enterobacterales). Forty-one (28%) VAPs were due to multi-drug resistant bacteria. VAP was associated with almost doubled ICU and hospital LOS and invasive mechanical ventilation, and increased mortality (RR 1.64 [1.02-2.65], p = 0.040) with no differences among patients' groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Critically ill COVID-19 patients are at high risk for VAP, frequently caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, and the risk is increased by corticosteroid treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04388670, retrospectively registered May 14, 2020.

Characteristics and outcomes of sepsis patients with and without COVID-19

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to describe and compare clinical characteristics and outcomes in critically ill septic patients with and without COVID-19.

METHODS

From February 2020 to March 2021, patients from surgical and medical ICUs at the University Hospital Dresden were screened for sepsis. Patient characteristics and outcomes were assessed descriptively. Patient survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier estimator. Associations between in-hospital mortality and risk factors were modeled using robust Poisson regression, which facilitates derivation of adjusted relative risks.

RESULTS

In 177 ICU patients treated for sepsis, COVID-19 was diagnosed and compared to 191 septic ICU patients without COVID-19. Age and sex did not differ significantly between sepsis patients with and without COVID-19, but SOFA score at ICU admission was significantly higher in septic COVID-19 patients. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients with 59% compared to 29% in Non-COVID patients. Statistical analysis resulted in an adjusted relative risk for in-hospital mortality of 1.74 (95%-CI=1.35-2-24) in the presence of COVID-19 compared to other septic patients. Age, procalcitonin maximum value over 2 ng/ml, need for renal replacement therapy, need for invasive ventilation and septic shock were identified as additional risk factors for in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19 was identified as independent risk factor for higher in-hospital mortality in sepsis patients. The need for invasive ventilation and renal replacement therapy as well as the presence of septic shock and higher PCT should be considered to identify high-risk patients.

Causative Agents of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia and Resistance to Antibiotics in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review

Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have an increased risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). This systematic review updates information on the causative agents of VAP and resistance to antibiotics in COVID-19 patients. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed/MEDLINE, and LILACS databases from December 2019 to December 2021. Studies that described the frequency of causative pathogens associated with VAP and their antibiotic resistance patterns in critically ill COVID-19 adult patients were included. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used for critical appraisal. The data are presented according to the number or proportions reported in the studies. A total of 25 articles were included, involving 2766 VAP cases in COVID-19 patients (range 5–550 VAP cases). Most of the studies included were carried out in France (32%), Italy (20%), Spain (12%) and the United States (8%). Gram-negative bacteria were the most frequent causative pathogens of VAP (range of incidences in studies: P. aeruginosa 7.5–72.5%, K. pneumoniae 6.9–43.7%, E. cloacae 1.6–20% and A. baumannii 1.2–20%). S. aureus was the most frequent Gram-positive pathogen, with a range of incidence of 3.3–57.9%. The median incidence of Aspergillus spp. was 6.4%. Few studies have recorded susceptibility patterns among Gram-negative causative pathogens and have mainly reported extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), AmpC, and carbapenem resistance. The median frequency of methicillin resistance among S. aureus isolates was 44.4%. Our study provides the first comprehensive description of the causative agents and antibiotic resistance in COVID-19 patients with VAP. Gram-negative bacteria were the most common pathogens causing VAP. Data on antibiotic resistance patterns in the published medical literature are limited, as well as information about VAP from low- and middle-income countries.

Evolving outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used extensively for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Reports early in the pandemic suggested that mortality in patients with COVID-19 receiving ECMO was comparable to non-COVID-19-related ARDS. However, subsequent reports suggested that mortality appeared to be increasing over time. Therefore, we conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis, to characterise changes in mortality over time and elucidate risk factors for poor outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis (CRD42021271202), searching MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus databases, from 1 December 2019 to 26 January 2022, for studies reporting on mortality among adults with COVID-19 receiving ECMO. We also captured hospital and intensive care unit lengths of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation and ECMO, as well as complications of ECMO. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses, assessed risk of bias of included studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist and evaluated certainty of pooled estimates using GRADE methodology.

Results

Of 4522 citations, we included 52 studies comprising 18,211 patients in the meta-analysis. The pooled mortality rate among patients with COVID-19 requiring ECMO was 48.8% (95% confidence interval 44.8–52.9%, high certainty). Mortality was higher among studies which enrolled patients later in the pandemic as opposed to earlier (1st half 2020: 41.2%, 2nd half 2020: 46.4%, 1st half 2021: 62.0%, 2nd half 2021: 46.5%, interaction p value = 0.0014). Predictors of increased mortality included age, the time of final patient enrolment from 1 January 2020, and the proportion of patients receiving corticosteroids, and reduced duration of ECMO run.

Conclusions

The mortality rate for patients receiving ECMO for COVID-19-related ARDS has increased as the pandemic has progressed. The reasons for this are likely multifactorial; however, as outcomes for these patients evolve, the decision to initiate ECMO should include the best contextual estimate of mortality at the time of ECMO initiation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13054-022-04011-2.

Clinical features, laboratory characteristics and risk factors for mortality of COVID-19 patients in a secondary hospital in Oman during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Background

The changing epidemiological profile of the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertain clinical picture of patients characterise this ongoing and most challenging health event.

Objectives

To report clinical features, laboratory characteristics, and mortality risk factors among COVID-19 patients admitted to a secondary hospital in Oman.

Methods

A retrospective study for the first 455 patients admitted with COVID-19 to Rustaq hospital from 12th April, 2020 to 27th September, 2020. A predesigned questionnaire collected data from the hospital medical electronic system.

Results

The mean age was 42.84 (SD = 19.86) years, and the majority of patients were aged 30 to 59 and 60 or above; 207 (45.5%) and 189 (41.5%), respectively. Male patients constituted approximately two-thirds of the subjects. Fever, dyspnea and cough were the most common presenting symptoms (69%, 66%, and 62%, respectively), while comorbidities with diabetes mellitus and hypertension were 47% and 44%, respectively. Bacterial growth was identified at approximately 10%. Bivariate analysis turned out to be significant with a number of factors. However, multivariate analysis showed significance with patients aged over 60 (OR = 7.15, 95% CI 1.99-25.63), dyspnea (OR = 2.83, 95% CI 1.5-5.33), dyslipidemia (OR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.02-3.66) and being bed-ridden (OR = 5.01, 95% CI 1.73-14.44). Durations from onset of symptoms to admission and respiratory distress were lower among patients who died; p = 0.024 and p = 0.001, respectively. Urea, Troponin and LDH may act as potential diagnostic biomarkers for severity or mortality.

Conclusions

This study identified groups of patients with a higher risk of mortality, with severe disturbance in the laboratory markers while some could act as potential diagnostic biomarkers.

Corticosteroids and superinfections in COVID-19 patients on invasive mechanical ventilation

Objectives

To determine the incidence and characteristics of superinfections in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients, and the impact of dexamethasone as standard therapy.

Methods

This multicentre, observational, retrospective study included patients ≥ 18 years admitted from March 1^st 2020 to January 31^st 2021 with COVID-19 infection who received mechanical ventilation. Patient characteristics, clinical characteristics, therapy and survival were examined.

Results

155/156 patients (115 men, mean age 62 years, range 26-84 years) were included. 67 patients (43%) had 90 superinfections, pneumonia dominated (78%). Superinfections were associated with receiving dexamethasone (66% vs 32%, p<0.0001), autoimmune disease (18% vs 5.7%, p<0.016) and with longer ICU stays (26 vs 17 days, p<0,001). Invasive fungal infections were reported exclusively in dexamethasone-treated patients [8/67 (12%) vs 0/88 (0%), p<0.0001]. Unadjusted 90-day survival did not differ between patients with or without superinfections (64% vs 73%, p=0.25), but was lower in patients receiving dexamethasone versus not (58% vs 78%, p=0.007). In multiple regression analysis, superinfection was associated with dexamethasone use [OR 3.7 (1.80–7.61), p<0.001], pre-existing autoimmune disease [OR 3.82 (1.13–12.9), p=0.031] and length of ICU stay [OR 1.05 p<0.001].

Conclusions

In critically ill COVID-19 patients, dexamethasone as standard of care was strongly and independently associated with superinfections.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Respiratory Failure Related to COVID-19: A Nationwide Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Despite expanding use, knowledge on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support during the COVID-19 pandemic remains limited. The objective was to report characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with a diagnosis of COVID-19 in France and to identify pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation factors associated with in-hospital mortality. A hypothesis of similar mortality rates and risk factors for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients on venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was made.

METHODS

The Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Respiratory Failure and/or Heart failure related to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (ECMOSARS) registry included COVID-19 patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in France. This study analyzed patients included in this registry up to October 25, 2020, and supported by venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure with a minimum follow-up of 28 days after cannulation. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 494 extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients included in the registry, 429 were initially supported by venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and followed for at least 28 days. The median (interquartile range) age was 54 yr (46 to 60 yr), and 338 of 429 (79%) were men. Management before extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation included prone positioning for 411 of 429 (96%), neuromuscular blockage for 419 of 427 (98%), and NO for 161 of 401 (40%). A total of 192 of 429 (45%) patients were cannulated by a mobile extracorporeal membrane oxygenation unit. In-hospital mortality was 219 of 429 (51%), with a median follow-up of 49 days (33 to 70 days). Among pre-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation modifiable exposure variables, neuromuscular blockage use (hazard ratio, 0.286; 95% CI, 0.101 to 0.81) and duration of ventilation (more than 7 days compared to less than 2 days; hazard ratio, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.07 to 2.83) were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. Both age (per 10-yr increase; hazard ratio, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.50) and total bilirubin at cannulation (6.0 mg/dl or more compared to less than 1.2 mg/dl; hazard ratio, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.09 to 6.5) were confounders significantly associated with in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In-hospital mortality was higher than recently reported, but nearly half of the patients survived. A high proportion of patients were cannulated by a mobile extracorporeal membrane oxygenation unit. Several factors associated with mortality were identified. Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support should be considered early within the first week of mechanical ventilation initiation.

EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Mortality due to respiratory infections: an alert study before COVID-19 pandemic

Objective

Respiratory tract infections remain a common problem in clinical practice with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Portugal, pneumonia was the third leading death cause in 2018. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, there is a growing concern about the burden of respiratory diseases and preventable risk factors. The present study started before the pandemic and its aim was to determine the occurrence of pneumonia/bronchopneumonia in a postmortem series and to characterize its circumstantial context.

Methods

A retrospective anatomopathological study was performed on cases with acute pneumonia/bronchopneumonia at the Medicolegal Portuguese Institute (2011-2017).

Results

In an autopsy series of 737 patients, 521 were male and 675 presented comorbidities. The mean age was 63.87 ± 19.8 years. The most common acquisition site was community (65.1%), as natural death (65.5%). Concerning the manner of death, most cases (48.0%) were sudden deaths, followed by accidents (29.2%). A statistically significant association was observed between the medicolegal etiology and the place of infection acquisition, with higher prevalence of natural obitus (91.0%) in community-acquired pneumonia/bronchopneumonia versus higher prevalence of violent obitus in hospital-acquired pneumonia/bronchopneumonia (82.1%) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Forensic anatomopathological postmortem data may contribute to better understand community and hospital pulmonary infections.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Clinical Profile of Candidemia and the Incidence of Fungemia Due to Fluconazole-Resistant Candida parapsilosis

Severely ill COVID-19 patients are at high risk of nosocomial infections. The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of candidemia during the pre-pandemic period (January 2019−February 2020) compared to the pandemic period (March 2020−September 2021). Antifungal susceptibilities were assessed using the EUCAST E.Def 7.3.2 broth dilution method. Fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis isolates (FRCP) were studied for sequencing of the ERG11 gene. The incidence of candidemia and C. parapsilosis bloodstream infection increased significantly in the pandemic period (p = 0.021). ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, parenteral nutrition and corticosteroids administration were more frequent in patients with candidemia who had been admitted due to COVID-19. Fifteen cases of FRCP fungemia were detected. The first case was recorded 10 months before the pandemic in a patient transferred from another hospital. The incidence of FRCP in patients admitted for COVID-19 was 1.34 and 0.16 in all other patients (p < 0.001). ICU admission, previous Candida spp. colonization, arterial catheter use, parenteral nutrition and renal function replacement therapy were more frequent in patients with candidemia due to FRCP. All FRCP isolates showed the Y132F mutation. In conclusion, the incidence of candidemia experienced an increase during the COVID-19 pandemic and FRCP fungemia was more frequent in patients admitted due to COVID-19.

Bacterial Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in COVID-19 Patients: Data from the Second and Third Waves of the Pandemic

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, many patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation were admitted to intensive care units (ICU) for COVID-19-related severe respiratory failure. As a matter of fact, ICU admission and invasive ventilation increased the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), which is associated with high mortality rate and a considerable burden on length of ICU stay and healthcare costs. The objective of this review was to evaluate data about VAP in COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU that developed VAP, including their etiology (limiting to bacteria), clinical characteristics, and outcomes. The analysis was limited to the most recent waves of the epidemic. The main conclusions of this review are the following: (i) P. aeruginosa, Enterobacterales, and S. aureus are more frequently involved as etiology of VAP; (ii) obesity is an important risk factor for the development of VAP; and (iii) data are still scarce and increasing efforts should be put in place to optimize the clinical management and preventative strategies for this complex and life-threatening disease.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for the treatment of ARDS in Covid-19 and influenza patients: Does etiology matter?

At the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic, the outcome of patients treated with ECMO was discouraging. Subsequently, it became clear that a certain group of patients may benefit from ECMO treatment. The primary objective of this study was to compare the outcome of ECMO treatment in COVID-19 and influenza patients referred to a tertiary care center. A total of 119 adult patients required ECMO treatment following ARDS secondary to H1N1 (49) and SARS-CoV-2 (70) in the referral ECMO Center based in Zagreb between October 2009 and October 2021. Our study revealed a significantly higher mortality in COVID-19 patients compared to H1N1 influenza when the onset of ARDS was severe enough to require ECMO support. Based on these results and current knowledge, we argue that ECMO treatment for ARDS in COVID-19 patients is more challenging compared to H1N1 influenza patients. Therefore, referral to the most experienced ECMO centers should be considered. Additionally, patient selection and timing for ECMO treatment play a key role in relation to outcome. Mortality rate in COVID-19 patients requiring ECMO treatment may be used as a reference frame for ECMO centers to ensure best possible care and outcome.

Comparison of Clinical Features and Outcomes between SARS-CoV-2 and Non-SARS-CoV-2 Respiratory Viruses Associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Retrospective Analysis

Although a few studies comparing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses have been reported, clinical features and outcomes comparing SARS-CoV-2 and non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are still lacking. We retrospectively identified patients with SARS-CoV-2 (November 2020 to January 2022) and non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses associated ARDS (February 2015 to November 2020) at a single tertiary hospital. Their clinical data were obtained by medical record review. All viral infections were confirmed by RT-PCR. Thirty-one SARS-CoV-2 and seventy-one patients with non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses associated ARDS patients were identified. Influenza (62%) was the most common in non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses associated ARDS patients. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 were more likely to be female and had higher body mass index, lower clinical frailty, APACHE II, and SOFA score than those with non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses. All patients with SARS-CoV-2 were treated with corticosteroids and used more high-flow nasal oxygen than those with non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses. The concomitant respiratory bacterial infection was significantly higher in non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses than SARS-CoV-2. Although there were no significant differences in the 28-, 60-day, and in-hospital mortality rates between SARS-CoV-2 and non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses associated ARDS, the duration of mechanical ventilation and length of hospital stay were significantly longer in patients with SARS-CoV-2 than those with non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses. Although the severity of illness and the concomitant bacterial infection rate were lower in patients with SARS-CoV-2 associated ARDS, mortality rates did not differ from non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viruses associated ARDS.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus lung infection in coronavirus disease 2019: how common?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Some patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may develop pulmonary bacterial coinfection or superinfection, that could unfavorably impact their prognosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

The exact burden of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) lung infection in peculiar populations such as patients with COVID-19 remains somewhat elusive, possibly because of wide heterogeneity in methods and endpoints across studies.

SUMMARY

There was important heterogeneity in the retrieved literature on the epidemiology of MRSA lung infection in patients with COVID-19, both when considering all other bacteria as the denominator (relative prevalence ranging from 2% to 29%) and when considering only S. aureus as the denominator (relative prevalence ranging from 11% to 65%). Overall, MRSA is among the most frequent causative agents of pulmonary infection in patients with COVID-19. Improving our ability to rapidly reach etiological diagnosis of bacterial lung infection in COVID-19 patients remains fundamental if we are to improve the rates of appropriate antibiotic therapy in patients with COVID-19 and concomitant/superimposed MRSA infection, at the same time avoiding antibiotic overuse in line with antimicrobial stewardship principles.

ERS International Congress 2021: highlights from the Respiratory Infections Assembly

The European Respiratory Society International Congress 2021 took place virtually for the second year running due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Congress programme featured more than 400 sessions and 3000 abstract presentations, covering the entire field of respiratory science and medicine. In this article, early career members of the Respiratory Infections Assembly summarise a selection of sessions across a broad range of topics, including presentations on bronchiectasis, non-tuberculosis mycobacteria, tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis and COVID-19.

Predictors and microbiology of respiratory and bloodstream bacterial infection in patients with COVID-19: living rapid review update and meta-regression

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of bacterial infection in patients with COVID-19 is low, however, empiric antibiotic use is high. Risk stratification may be needed to minimize unnecessary empiric antibiotic use.

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors and microbiology associated with respiratory and bloodstream bacterial infection in patients with COVID-19.

DATA SOURCES

We searched MEDLINE, OVID Epub and EMBASE for published literature up to 5 February 2021.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Studies including at least 50 patients with COVID-19 in any healthcare setting.

METHODS

We used a validated ten-item risk of bias tool for disease prevalence. The main outcome of interest was the proportion of COVID-19 patients with bloodstream and/or respiratory bacterial co-infection and secondary infection. We performed meta-regression to identify study population factors associated with bacterial infection including healthcare setting, age, comorbidities and COVID-19 medication.

RESULTS

Out of 33 345 studies screened, 171 were included in the final analysis. Bacterial infection data were available from 171 262 patients. The prevalence of co-infection was 5.1% (95% CI 3.6-7.1%) and secondary infection was 13.1% (95% CI 9.8-17.2%). There was a higher odds of bacterial infection in studies with a higher proportion of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) (adjusted OR 18.8, 95% CI 6.5-54.8). Female sex was associated with a lower odds of secondary infection (adjusted OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.55-0.97) but not co-infection (adjusted OR 1.05, 95% CI 0.80-1.37). The most common organisms isolated included Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci and Klebsiella species.

CONCLUSIONS

While the odds of respiratory and bloodstream bacterial infection are low in patients with COVID-19, meta-regression revealed potential risk factors for infection, including ICU setting and mechanical ventilation. The risk for secondary infection is substantially greater than the risk for co-infection in patients with COVID-19. Understanding predictors of co-infection and secondary infection may help to support improved antibiotic stewardship in patients with COVID-19.

How common is ventilator-associated pneumonia after coronavirus disease 2019?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The first studies on COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) described a high rate of secondary bacterial ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The specificity of VAP diagnoses in these patients are reviewed, including their actual rate.

RECENT FINDINGS

Published studies described high rates of bacterial VAP among COVID-19 patients with ARDS, and these VAP episodes are usually severe and of specifically poor prognosis with high mortality. Indeed, Severe acute respiratory syndrome - coronavirus disease 19 (SARS-CoV2) infection elicits alterations that may explain a high risk of VAP. In addition, breaches in the aseptic management of patients might have occurred when the burden of care was heavy. In addition, VAP in these patients is more frequently suspected, and more often investigated with diagnostic tools based on molecular techniques.

SUMMARY

VAP is frequented and of particularly poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients with ARDS. It can be explained by SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology, and also breaches in the aseptic procedures. In addition, tools based on molecular techniques allow an early diagnosis and unmask VAP usually underdiagnosed by traditional culture-based methods. The impact of molecular technique-based diagnostics in improving antibacterial therapy and COVID-19 prognosis remain to be evaluated.

Outcomes in Temporary ICUs Versus Conventional ICUs: An Observational Cohort of Mechanically Ventilated Patients With COVID-19-Induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of temporary ICUs have been established worldwide. The outcomes and management of mechanically ventilated patients in these areas remain unknown.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate mortality and management of mechanically ventilated patients in temporary ICUs.

DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Observational cohort study in a single-institution academic center. We included all adult patients with severe COVID-19 hospitalized in temporary and conventional ICUs for invasive mechanical ventilation due to acute respiratory distress syndrome from March 23, 2020, to April 5, 2021.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

To determine if management in temporary ICUs increased 30-day in-hospital mortality compared with conventional ICUs. Ventilator-free days, ICU-free days (both at 28 d), hospital length of stay, and ICU readmission were also assessed.

RESULTS

We included 776 patients (326 conventional and 450 temporary ICUs). Thirty-day in-hospital unadjusted mortality (28.8% conventional vs 36.0% temporary, log-rank test p = 0.023) was higher in temporary ICUs. After controlling for potential confounders, hospitalization in temporary ICUs was an independent risk factor associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 1.4; CI, 1.06-1.83; p = 0.016).There were no differences in ICU-free days at 28 days (6; IQR, 0-16 vs 2; IQR, 0-15; p = 0.5) or ventilator-free days at 28 days (8; IQR, 0-16 vs 5; IQR, 0-15; p = 0.6). We observed higher reintubation (18% vs 12%; p = 0.029) and readmission (5% vs 1.6%; p = 0.004) rates in conventional ICUs despite higher use of postextubation noninvasive mechanical ventilation (13% vs 8%; p = 0.025). Use of lung-protective ventilation (87% vs 85%; p = 0.5), prone positioning (76% vs 79%; p = 0.4), neuromuscular blockade (96% vs 98%; p = 0.4), and COVID-19 pharmacologic treatment was similar.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

We observed a higher 30-day in-hospital mortality in temporary ICUs. Although both areas had high adherence to evidence-based management, hospitalization in temporary ICUs was an independent risk factor associated with mortality.

A Narrative Review on the Approach to Antimicrobial Use in Ventilated Patients with Multidrug Resistant Organisms in Respiratory Samples—To Treat or Not to Treat? That Is the Question

Multidrug resistant organisms (MDRO) are commonly isolated in respiratory specimens taken from mechanically ventilated patients. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss the approach to antimicrobial prescription in ventilated patients who have grown a new MDRO isolate in their respiratory specimen. A MEDLINE and PubMed literature search using keywords “multidrug resistant organisms”, “ventilator-associated pneumonia” and “decision making”, “treatment” or “strategy” was used to identify 329 references as background for this review. Lack of universally accepted diagnostic criteria for ventilator-associated pneumonia, or ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis complicates treatment decisions. Consideration of the clinical context including signs of respiratory infection or deterioration in respiratory or other organ function is essential. The higher the quality of respiratory specimens or the presence of bacteremia would suggest the MDRO is a true pathogen, rather than colonization, and warrants antimicrobial therapy. A patient with higher severity of illness has lower safety margins and may require initiation of antimicrobial therapy until an alternative diagnosis is established. A structured approach to the decision to treat with antimicrobial therapy is proposed.

Lack of direct association between oral mucosal lesions and SARS-CoV- 2 in a cohort of patients hospitalised with COVID-19

Background

COVID-19 is a disease affecting various human organs and systems, in which the virus seeks to interact with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors. These receptors are present in the oral cavity, but the direct relationship between such an interaction and possible oral manifestations of COVID-19 is still unclear.

Aim

The present study evaluated oral manifestations in a cohort of COVID-19 patients during the period of hospitalisation.

Methods

In total, 154 patients presenting moderate-to-severe forms of COVID-19 had their oral mucosa examined twice a week until the final outcome, either discharge or death. The oral alterations observed in the patients were grouped into Group 1 (pre-existing conditions and opportunistic oral lesions) and Group 2 (oral mucosal changes related to hospitalization).

Results

Oral lesions found in the patients of Group 1 are not suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 infection as they are mainly caused by opportunistic infections. On the other hand, oral alterations found in the patients of Group 2 were statistically (P < 0.001) related to intubation and longer period of hospitalisation.

Conclusion

It is unlikely that ulcerative lesions in the oral cavity are a direct manifestation of SARS-CoV-2 or a marker of COVID-19 progression.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis (November 2019-June 2021)

BACKGROUND

Pneumonia from SARS-CoV-2 is difficult to distinguish from other viral and bacterial etiologies. Broad-spectrum antimicrobials are frequently prescribed to patients hospitalized with COVID-19 which potentially acts as a catalyst for the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

OBJECTIVES

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis during the first 18 months of the pandemic to quantify the prevalence and types of resistant co-infecting organisms in patients with COVID-19 and explore differences across hospital and geographic settings.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science (BioSIS), and Scopus from November 1, 2019 to May 28, 2021 to identify relevant articles pertaining to resistant co-infections in patients with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2. Patient- and study-level analyses were conducted. We calculated pooled prevalence estimates of co-infection with resistant bacterial or fungal organisms using random effects models. Stratified meta-analysis by hospital and geographic setting was also performed to elucidate any differences.

RESULTS

Of 1331 articles identified, 38 met inclusion criteria. A total of 1959 unique isolates were identified with 29% (569) resistant organisms identified. Co-infection with resistant bacterial or fungal organisms ranged from 0.2 to 100% among included studies. Pooled prevalence of co-infection with resistant bacterial and fungal organisms was 24% (95% CI 8-40%; n = 25 studies: I2 = 99%) and 0.3% (95% CI 0.1-0.6%; n = 8 studies: I2 = 78%), respectively. Among multi-drug resistant organisms, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and multi-drug resistant Candida auris were most commonly reported. Stratified analyses found higher proportions of AMR outside of Europe and in ICU settings, though these results were not statistically significant. Patient-level analysis demonstrated > 50% (n = 58) mortality, whereby all but 6 patients were infected with a resistant organism.

CONCLUSIONS

During the first 18 months of the pandemic, AMR prevalence was high in COVID-19 patients and varied by hospital and geography although there was substantial heterogeneity. Given the variation in patient populations within these studies, clinical settings, practice patterns, and definitions of AMR, further research is warranted to quantify AMR in COVID-19 patients to improve surveillance programs, infection prevention and control practices and antimicrobial stewardship programs globally.

Gut microbiome dysbiosis during COVID-19 is associated with increased risk for bacteremia and microbial translocation

The microbial populations in the gut microbiome have recently been associated with COVID-19 disease severity. However, a causal impact of the gut microbiome on COVID-19 patient health has not been established. Here we provide evidence that gut microbiome dysbiosis is associated with translocation of bacteria into the blood during COVID-19, causing life-threatening secondary infections. Antibiotics and other treatments during COVID-19 can potentially confound microbiome associations. We therefore first demonstrate in a mouse model that SARS-CoV-2 infection can induce gut microbiome dysbiosis, which correlated with alterations to Paneth cells and goblet cells, and markers of barrier permeability. Comparison with stool samples collected from 96 COVID-19 patients at two different clinical sites also revealed substantial gut microbiome dysbiosis, paralleling our observations in the animal model. Specifically, we observed blooms of opportunistic pathogenic bacterial genera known to include antimicrobial-resistant species in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Analysis of blood culture results testing for secondary microbial bloodstream infections with paired microbiome data obtained from these patients indicates that bacteria may translocate from the gut into the systemic circulation of COVID-19 patients. These results are consistent with a direct role for gut microbiome dysbiosis in enabling dangerous secondary infections during COVID-19.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on hospital onset bloodstream infections (HOBSI) at a large health system

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact leading to increases in health care-associated infections, particularly bloodstream infections (BSI).

METHODS

We evaluated the impact of COVID-19 in 69 US hospitals on BSIs before and during the pandemic. Events associated with 5 pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida sp.) were stratified by community onset (CO) if ≤ 3 days from admission or hospital onset (HO) if > 3 days after admission. We compared pre-pandemic CO and HO rates with pandemic periods and the rates of BSI for those with and without COVID-19.

RESULTS

COVID-19 patients were less likely to be admitted with COBSI compared to others (10.85 vs 22.35 per 10,000 patient days; P < .0001). There was a significant increase between pre-pandemic and pandemic HOBSI rates (2.78 vs 3.56 per 10,000 patient days; P < .0001). Also, COVID-19 infected patients were 3.5 times more likely to develop HOBSI compared to those without COVID-19 infection (9.64 vs 2.74 per 10,000 patient-days; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic period was associated with substantial increases in HOBSI and largely attributed to COVID-19 infected patients. Future research should evaluate whether such measures would be beneficial to incorporate in evaluating infection prevention trends.

Infection control in the intensive care unit: expert consensus statements for SARS-CoV-2 using a Delphi method

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, health-care workers and uninfected patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are at risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 as a result of transmission from infected patients and health-care workers. In the absence of high-quality evidence on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, clinical practice of infection control and prevention in ICUs varies widely. Using a Delphi process, international experts in intensive care, infectious diseases, and infection control developed consensus statements on infection control for SARS-CoV-2 in an ICU. Consensus was achieved for 31 (94%) of 33 statements, from which 25 clinical practice statements were issued. These statements include guidance on ICU design and engineering, health-care worker safety, visiting policy, personal protective equipment, patients and procedures, disinfection, and sterilisation. Consensus was not reached on optimal return to work criteria for health-care workers who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 or the acceptable disinfection strategy for heat-sensitive instruments used for airway management of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Well designed studies are needed to assess the effects of these practice statements and address the remaining uncertainties.

Changing Epidemiology of Respiratory Tract Infection during COVID-19 Pandemic

The outbreak of COVID-19 has significantly changed the epidemiology of respiratory tract infection in several ways. The implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) including universal masking, hand hygiene, and social distancing not only resulted in a decline in reported SARS-CoV-2 cases but also contributed to the decline in the non-COVID-19 respiratory tract infection-related hospital utilization. Moreover, it also led to the decreased incidence of previous commonly encountered respiratory pathogens, such as influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Although antimicrobial agents are essential for treating patients with COVID-19 co-infection, the prescribing of antibiotics was significantly higher than the estimated prevalence of bacterial co-infection, which indicated the overuse of antibiotics or unnecessary antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, inappropriate antimicrobial exposure may drive the selection of drug-resistant microorganisms, and the disruption of infection control in COVID-19 setting measures may result in the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). In conclusion, NPIs could be effective in preventing respiratory tract infection and changing the microbiologic distribution of respiratory pathogens; however, we should continue with epidemiological surveillance to establish updated information, antimicrobial stewardship programs for appropriate use of antibiotic, and infection control prevention interventions to prevent the spread of MDROs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ventilator-Associated Lower Respiratory Tract Bacterial Infections in COVID-19 Compared With Non-COVID-19 Patients

Ventilator-associated lower respiratory tract infections (VA-LRTIs) are associated with prolonged length of stay and increased mortality. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of bacterial VA-LRTI among mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients and compare these findings to non-COVID-19 cohorts throughout the first and second wave of the pandemic.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia among SARS-CoV-2 acute respiratory distress syndrome patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We conducted a systematic literature review to summarize the available evidence regarding the incidence, risk factors, and clinical characteristics of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in patients undergoing mechanical ventilation because of acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection (C-ARDS).

RECENT FINDINGS

Sixteen studies (6484 patients) were identified. Bacterial coinfection was uncommon at baseline (<15%) but a high proportion of patients developed positive bacterial cultures thereafter leading to a VAP diagnosis (range 21-64%, weighted average 50%). Diagnostic criteria varied between studies but most signs of VAP have substantial overlap with the signs of C-ARDS making it difficult to differentiate between bacterial colonization versus superinfection. Most episodes of VAP were associated with Gram-negative bacteria. Occasional cases were also attributed to herpes virus reactivations and pulmonary aspergillosis. Potential factors driving high VAP incidence rates include immunoparalysis, prolonged ventilation, exposure to immunosuppressants, understaffing, lapses in prevention processes, and overdiagnosis.

SUMMARY

Covid-19 patients who require mechanical ventilation for ARDS have a high risk (>50%) of developing VAP, most commonly because of Gram-negative bacteria. Further work is needed to elucidate the disease-specific risk factors for VAP, strategies for prevention, and how best to differentiate between bacterial colonization versus superinfection.

Antimicrobial Use in Hospitalised Patients with COVID-19: An International Multicentre Point-Prevalence Study

Studies suggest that the incidence of coinfections in patients with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is low, but a large number of patients receive antimicrobials during hospitalisation. This may fuel a rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We conducted a multicentre point-prevalence survey in seven tertiary university hospitals (in medical wards and intensive care units) in Croatia, Italy, Serbia and Slovenia. Of 988 COVID-19 patients, 521 were receiving antibiotics and/or antifungals (52.7%; range across hospitals: 32.9–85.6%) on the day of the study. Differences between hospitals were statistically significant (χ2 (6, N = 988) = 192.57, p < 0.001). The majority of patients received antibiotics and/or antifungals within 48 h of admission (323/521, 62%; range across hospitals: 17.4–100%), their most common use was empirical (79.4% of prescriptions), and pneumonia was the main indication for starting the treatment (three-quarters of prescriptions). The majority of antibiotics prescribed (69.9%) belonged to the “Watch” group of the World Health Organization AWaRe classification. The pattern of antimicrobial use differed across hospitals. The data show that early empiric use of broad-spectrum antibiotics is common in COVID-19 patients, and that the pattern of antimicrobial use varies across hospitals. Judicious use of antimicrobials is warranted to prevent an increase in AMR.

Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia/Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia and Ventilator-Associated Tracheobronchitis in COVID-19

Although few studies evaluated the incidence of hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) or ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis in COVID-19 patients, several studies evaluated the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in these patients. Based on the results of a large multicenter European study, VAP incidence is higher in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia (36.1%), as compared with those with influenza pneumonia (22.2%), or no viral infection at intensive care unit (ICU) admission (16.5%). Potential explanation for the high incidence of VAP in COVID-19 patients includes long duration of invasive mechanical ventilation, high incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome, and immune-suppressive treatment. Specific risk factors for VAP, including SARS-CoV-2-related pulmonary lesions, and bacteria-virus interaction in lung microbiota might also play a role in VAP pathogenesis. VAP is associated with increased mortality, duration of mechanical ventilation, and ICU length of stay in COVID-19 patients. Further studies should focus on the incidence of HAP especially in ICU non-ventilated patients, better determine the pathophysiology of these infections, and evaluate the accuracy of currently available treatment guidelines in COVID-19 patients.

Impact of exposure time in awake prone positioning on clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19-related acute respiratory failure treated with high-flow nasal oxygen: a multicenter cohort study

Background

In patients with COVID-19-related acute respiratory failure (ARF), awake prone positioning (AW-PP) reduces the need for intubation in patients treated with high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO). However, the effects of different exposure times on clinical outcomes remain unclear. We evaluated the effect of AW-PP on the risk of endotracheal intubation and in-hospital mortality in patients with COVID-19-related ARF treated with HFNO and analyzed the effects of different exposure times to AW-PP.

Methods

This multicenter prospective cohort study in six ICUs of 6 centers in Argentine consecutively included patients > 18 years of age with confirmed COVID-19-related ARF requiring HFNO from June 2020 to January 2021. In the primary analysis, the main exposure was awake prone positioning for at least 6 h/day, compared to non-prone positioning (NON-PP). In the sensitivity analysis, exposure was based on the number of hours receiving AW-PP. Inverse probability weighting–propensity score (IPW-PS) was used to adjust the conditional probability of treatment assignment. The primary outcome was endotracheal intubation (ETI); and the secondary outcome was hospital mortality.

Results

During the study period, 580 patients were screened and 335 were included; 187 (56%) tolerated AW-PP for [median (p25–75)] 12 (9–16) h/day and 148 (44%) served as controls. The IPW–propensity analysis showed standardized differences < 0.1 in all the variables assessed. After adjusting for other confounders, the OR (95% CI) for ETI in the AW-PP group was 0.36 (0.2–0.7), with a progressive reduction in OR as the exposure to AW-PP increased. The adjusted OR (95% CI) for hospital mortality in the AW-PP group ≥ 6 h/day was 0.47 (0.19–1.31). The exposure to prone positioning ≥ 8 h/d resulted in a further reduction in OR [0.37 (0.17–0.8)].

Conclusion

In the study population, AW-PP for ≥ 6 h/day reduced the risk of endotracheal intubation, and exposure ≥ 8 h/d reduced the risk of hospital mortality.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13054-021-03881-2.

Prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia by noble metal coating of endotracheal tubes: a multi-center, randomized, double-blind study

BACKGROUND

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) causes increased mortality, prolonged hospital stay and increased healthcare costs. Prevention of VAP in intensive care units (ICUs) is currently based on several measures, and application of noble metal coating on medical devices has been shown to inhibit the bacterial adherence of microorganisms to the surface. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential benefit of noble metal coating of endotracheal tubes for the prevention of VAP.

METHODS

This was a multi-center, randomized, controlled, double-blind, prospective study including ventilated patients from nine ICUs from four hospital sites in Belgium. Patients were randomly intubated with identical appearing noble metal alloy (NMA) coated (NMA-coated group) or non-coated (control group) endotracheal tubes (ETT). Primary endpoint was the incidence of VAP. Secondary endpoints were the proportion of antibiotic days during ICU stay and tracheal colonization by pathogenic bacteria.

RESULTS

In total, 323 patients were enrolled, 168 in the NMA-coated group and 155 in the control group. During ventilation, VAP occurred in 11 patients (6.5%) in the NMA-coated group and in 18 patients (11.6%) in the control group (p  = 0.11). A higher delay in VAP occurrence was observed in the NMA-coated group compared with the control group by Cox proportional hazards regression analysis (HR 0.41, 95% CI 0.19-0.88, p  = 0.02). The number of antibiotic days was 58.8% of the 1,928 ICU days in the NMA-coated group and 65.4% of the 1774 ICU days in the control group (p  = 0.06). Regarding tracheal colonization, bacteria occurred in 38 of 126 patients in the NMA-coated group (30.2%) and in 37 of 109 patients in the control group (33.9%) (p  = 0.57).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides preliminary evidence to support the benefit of noble metal coating in the prevention of VAP. A confirmatory study in a larger population would be valuable.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical trial number: NCT04242706 ( http://www.clinicaltrials.gov ).

Determinants of COVID-19-Related Length of Hospital Stays and Long COVID in Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

OBJECTIVES

There is paucity of data on determinants of length of COVID-19 admissions and long COVID, an emerging long-term sequel of COVID-19, in Ghana. Therefore, this study identified these determinants and discussed their policy implications.

METHOD

Data of 2334 patients seen at the main COVID-19 treatment centre in Ghana were analysed in this study. Their characteristics, such as age, education level and comorbidities, were examined as explanatory variables. The dependent variables were length of COVID-19 hospitalisations and long COVID. Negative binomial and binary logistic regressions were fitted to investigate the determinants.

RESULT

The regression analyses showed that, on average, COVID-19 patients with hypertension and diabetes mellitus spent almost 2 days longer in hospital (p = 0.00, 95% CI = 1.42-2.33) and had 4 times the odds of long COVID (95% CI = 1.61-10.85, p = 0.003) compared to those with no comorbidities. In addition, the odds of long COVID decreased with increasing patient's education level (primary OR = 0.73, p = 0.02; secondary/vocational OR = 0.26, p = 0.02; tertiary education OR = 0.23, p = 0.12).

CONCLUSION

The presence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus determined both length of hospitalisation and long COVID among patients with COVID-19 in Ghana. COVID-19 prevention and management policies should therefore consider these factors.

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) during the COVID-19 pandemic

The ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically tested healthcare systems around the world, with serious repercussions on the measures of prevention and control of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Among HAIs, Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) represents one of the most important global public health threats. Although the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CDI remains undetermined, depending on the development of the pandemic in the coming months, in this review literature studies of the last three years have been considered in order to depict the current situation, and make some considerations about possible future developments. If on the one hand, a general reduction in CDI incidence has been reported in several settings, mainly due to the extraordinary reinforcement of infection prevention measures, on the other hand, the critical circumstances experienced in many hospitals have limited the effectiveness of these measures, particularly in the intensive care units (ICUs), increasing the possibility of the occurrence of hospital-acquired CDI (HA-CDI). New concerns have arisen from the decrease in C. difficile testing and the increased use of broad-spectrum antibiotics reported during the pandemic. In particular, overuse of antibiotics and disinfectants may lead to a selection of resistant C. difficile strains not only in hospitals but also in the community. Furthermore, patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and patients that have survived COVID-19 may represent a new group of frail patients potentially at a higher risk of CDI, a group that could potentially increase in size due to SARS-CoV-2 evolution. In the dramatic COVID-19 era, the multifactorial nature of CDI has emerged more clearly than before, highlighting the necessity of a strong refocus on efforts to improve prevention strategies and to integrate CDI surveillance in a One Health prospective in order to curtail the public health threat posed by this infection in the next future.

Microbiological monitoring of COVID-19 patients in the ICU: a prospective observational study

Objective. To study spectrum of pathogens and the time to colonization of respiratory samples in patients with severe and critical COVID-19 as well as to analyze incidence of nosocomial infections and structure of prescribed antibacterial drugs. Materials and Methods. The prospective observational study included patients aged 18 years and older with confirmed severe and critical COVID-19 from December 2021 to February 2022. During the first 48 hours and then every 2–3 days of hospitalization, a respiratory sample was collected: sputum, tracheal aspirate (if intubated), bronchoalveolar lavage (if bronchoscopy was performed) for microscopy and microbiological examination. Some patients were screened for invasive aspergillosis. Clinical and demographic data, comorbidities, pathogenetic therapy for COVID-19, antibiotic therapy, cases of probable/documented bacterial nosocomial infections, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and hospital treatment outcomes were recorded. Results. A total of 82 patients were included in this study. Patients with lung parenchyma involvement of more than 50% by computer tomography predominated; most of them (77%) required intubation and mechanical ventilation due to progression of respiratory failure, and 76% of patients had a lethal outcome. During the first 48 hours, a respiratory sample was obtained from 47 patients; the rest of the patients presented with non-productive cough. No growth of microorganisms was detected in 31 (36.8%) cases; clinically significant pathogens were detected in 16 (19.5%) patients. A subsequent analysis included data from 63 patients with a sufficient number of samples for dynamic observation were used. During the first 3 days of ICU stay, the most common bacterial pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae without acquired antibiotic resistance and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus. From 3rd day and afterwards, an increase in the proportion of Acinetobacter baumannii, other non-fermenting bacteria, and carbapenemresistant Enterobacterales was noted. Among the pathogens causing lower respiratory tract infections, A. baumannii and carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae were predominant pathogens and accounted for 76% of cases. Positive galactomannan test results were obtained in 4 cases. Conclusions. The study confirmed importance of bacterial nosocomial infections in patients with severe and critical COVID-19. In the case of the development of nosocomial lower respiratory tract infections, empirical antimicrobial therapy should take into account the predominance of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteria and A. baumannii, as well as the possibility of invasive aspergillosis.

Improving management and antimicrobial stewardship for bacterial and fungal infections in hospitalized patients with COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) infection is being one of the most significant challenges of health care systems worldwide. Bacterial and fungal infections in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are uncommon but consumption of antibiotics and antifungals has increased dramatically during the ongoing pandemic resulting in increased selective pressure for global antimicrobial resistance. Nosocomial bacterial superinfections appear to be more frequent than community-acquired coinfections, particularly among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and those receiving immunosuppressive treatment. Fungal infections associated with COVID-19 might be missed or misdiagnosed. Existing and new antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes can be utilized directly in COVID-19 pandemic and are urgently needed to contain the high rates of misdiagnosis and antimicrobial prescription. The aim of this review is to describe the role of bacterial and fungal infections and possible strategies of AMS to use in daily practice for optimal management of COVID-19.

Impact of dry hydrogen peroxide on hospital-acquired infection at a pediatric oncology hospital

BACKGROUND

This study aims to describe the effect of Dry Hydrogen Peroxide (DHP), as an adjunct to environmental cleaning and disinfection, on the incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) at Unidad Nacional de Oncologia Pediatrica (UNOP) in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

METHODS

A retrospective study of all HAI data from the hospital's surveillance system, which follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols, was conducted from January 2019 to November 2020. DHP was installed in all Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) rooms in January 2020, but nowhere else in the hospital, including the Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU).

RESULTS

There were 189 HAI cases during the study period, with 173 occurring in either the PICU or IMCU. A statistically significant decrease in HAI incidence rates occurred in the PICU in 2020 compared to 2019 (P = .028), including Clostridiodes-associated gastroenteritis (P = .048). Logistic multivariate regression yielded a significant association between DHP exposure and reduced odds of developing an HAI during the study (OR = 0.3857, P = .029).

CONCLUSION

The use of DHP as an adjunct technology for environmental cleaning and disinfection contributed to the reduction in HAIs in the PICU. Our study highlights the value of such an approach as an addition to manual cleaning to decrease the risk of infection from environmental contamination.

Multiple Secondary Healthcare-Associated Infections Due to Carbapenem-Resistant Organisms in a Critically Ill COVID-19 Patient on Extensively Prolonged Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support-A Case Report

Patients with severe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are at high risk for secondary infection with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). Secondary infections contribute to a more severe clinical course and longer intensive care unit (ICU) stays in patients with COVID-19. A man in his 60s was admitted to the ICU at a university hospital for severe COVID-19 pneumonia requiring mechanical ventilation. His respiratory condition worsened further due to persistent bacteremia caused by imipenem-non-susceptible Klebsiella aerogenes and he required VV-ECMO. Subsequently, he developed a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) due to Candida albicans, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) due to multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRP), and a perianal abscess due to carbapenem-resistant K. aerogenes despite infection control procedures that maximized contact precautions and the absence of MDRO contamination in the patient’s room environment. He was decannulated from VV-ECMO after a total of 72 days of ECMO support, and was eventually weaned off ventilator support and discharged from the ICU on day 138. This case highlights the challenges of preventing, diagnosing, and treating multidrug-resistant organisms and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in the critical care management of severe COVID-19. In addition to the stringent implementation of infection prevention measures, a high index of suspicion and a careful evaluation of HAIs are required in such patients.

Current pharmacotherapy for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia

INTRODUCTION

Currently, several antibiotics are active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and can be used for the treatment of pneumonia. They show great variability in terms of antibiotic class, indication, pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic properties, type of available formulations, spectrum of activity against bacteria other than MRSA, and toxicity profile.

AREAS COVERED

In this narrative review, the authors discuss the characteristics of currently available agents for the treatment of MRSA pneumonia.

EXPERT OPINION

The availability of different agents with anti-MRSA activity, and approved for the treatment of pneumonia can allow a personalized approach for any given patient based on the severity of the disease, the setting of occurrence, the patient's baseline risk of toxicity and drug interactions, and the possibility of oral therapy whenever early discharge or outpatient treatment are possible. Although some gray areas still remain, like the lack of high certainty evidence on the efficacy of some old agents and on the precise role of companion agents with toxin inhibitory activity in the case of necrotizing pneumonia, the frequent availability of different treatment choices, each with peculiar characteristics, is already allowing an important step toward a precision medicine approach for the treatment of MRSA pneumonia.

Enterococcal bloodstream infections in critically ill patients with COVID-19: a case series

BACKGROUND

An unexpected high prevalence of enterococcal bloodstream infection (BSI) has been observed in critically ill patients with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit (ICU).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The primary objective was to describe the characteristics of ICU-acquired enterococcal BSI in critically ill patients with COVID-19. A secondary objective was to exploratorily assess the predictors of 30-day mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients with ICU-acquired enterococcal BSI.

RESULTS

During the study period, 223 patients with COVID-19 were admitted to COVID-19-dedicated ICUs in our centre. Overall, 51 episodes of enterococcal BSI, occurring in 43 patients, were registered. 29 (56.9%) and 22 (43.1%) BSI were caused by Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, respectively. The cumulative incidence of ICU-acquired enterococcal BSI was of 229 episodes per 1000 ICU admissions (95% mid-p confidence interval [CI] 172-298). Most patients received an empirical therapy with at least one agent showing in vitro activity against the blood isolate (38/43, 88%). The crude 30-day mortality was 42% (18/43) and 57% (4/7) in the entire series and in patients with vancomycin-resistant E. faecium BSI, respectively. The sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score showed an independent association with increased mortality (odds ratio 1.32 per one-point increase, with 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.66, p = .021).

CONCLUSIONS

The cumulative incidence of enterococcal BSI is high in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Our results suggest a crucial role of the severity of the acute clinical conditions, to which both the underlying viral pneumonia and the enterococcal BSI may contribute, in majorly influencing the outcome.KEY MESSAGESThe cumulative incidence of enterococcal BSI is high in critically ill patients with COVID-19.The crude 30-day mortality of enterococcal BSI in critically ill patients with COVID-19 may be higher than 40%.There could be a crucial role of the severity of the acute clinical conditions, to which both the underlying viral pneumonia and the enterococcal BSI may contribute, in majorly influencing the outcome.

The interface between COVID-19 and bacterial healthcare-associated infections

BACKGROUND

A wide range of bacterial infections occur in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, particularly in those with severe coronaviral disease. Some of these are community-acquired co-infections.

OBJECTIVE

To review recent data that indicate the occurrence of hospital-onset bacterial infections, including with antibiotic-resistant isolates, in COVID-19 patients.

SOURCES

Using PubMed, the literature was searched using terms including: 'COVID-19'; 'SARS-CoV-2'; 'bacterial infection'; 'healthcare-associated infection'; 'antibiotic resistance'; 'antimicrobial resistance'; 'multi-drug resistance'; 'Streptococcus'; 'Staphylococcus'; 'Pseudomonas'; 'Escherichia'; 'Klebsiella'; 'Enterococcus'; 'Acinetobacter'; 'Haemophilus'; 'MRSA'; 'VRE'; 'ESBL'; 'NDM-CRE'; 'CR-Ab'; 'VRSA'; 'MDR'.

CONTENT

There is a growing number of reports of bacterial infections acquired by patients with severe COVID-19 after hospital admission. Antibiotic-resistant pathogens found to cause healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in COVID-19 patients include methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, extended-spectrum β-lactamase Klebsiella pneumoniae and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. COVID-19 has impacted bacterial HAIs in a number of ways with an increase in the incidence of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii reported at some hospital sites compared with before the pandemic. Recommended guidelines for antimicrobial stewardship in COVID-19 patient treatment are discussed regarding minimization of empiric broad-spectrum antibiotic use. Other studies have reported a decrease in methicillin-resistant S. aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci cases, which has been attributed to enhanced infection prevention and control practices introduced to minimize intra-hospital spread of COVID-19.

IMPLICATIONS

Poorer outcomes have been observed in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with an antibiotic-resistant infection. Although heightened IPC measures have been accompanied by a reduction in some HAIs at specific sites, in other situations, COVID-19 has been associated with an increase in bacterial HAI incidence. Further research is needed to define the cost-benefit relationship of maintaining COVID-19-related infection prevention and control protocols beyond the pandemic to reduce the burden of HAIs. In addition, the longer-term impact of high usage of certain broad-spectrum antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic requires evaluation.

Tracheostomy in Mechanically Ventilated Patients With SARS-CoV-2-ARDS: Focus on Tracheomalacia

BACKGROUND

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic increased the number of patients needing invasive mechanical ventilation, either through an endotracheal tube or through a tracheostomy. Tracheomalacia is a rare but potentially severe complication of mechanical ventilation, which can significantly complicate the weaning process. The aim of this study was to describe the strategies of airway management in mechanically ventilated patients with respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2, the incidence of severe tracheomalacia, and investigate the factors associated with its occurrence.

METHODS

This retrospective, single-center study was performed in an Italian teaching hospital. All adult subjects admitted to the ICU between February 24, 2020, and June 30, 2020, treated with invasive mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure caused by SARS-CoV-2 were included. Clinical data were collected on the day of ICU admission, whereas information regarding airway management was collected daily.

RESULTS

A total of 151 subjects were included in the study. On admission, ARDS severity was mild in 21%, moderate in 62%, and severe in 17% of the cases, with an overall mortality of 40%. A tracheostomy was performed in 73 (48%), open surgical technique in 54 (74%), and percutaneous Ciaglia technique in 19 (26%). Subjects who had a tracheostomy performed had, compared to the other subjects, a longer duration of mechanical ventilation and longer ICU and hospital stay. Tracheomalacia was diagnosed in 8 (5%). The factors associated with tracheomalacia were female sex, obesity, and tracheostomy.

CONCLUSIONS

In our population, approximately 50% of subjects with ARDS due to SARS-CoV-2 were tracheostomized. Tracheostomized subjects had a longer ICU and hospital stay. In our population, 5% were diagnosed with tracheomalacia. This percentage is 10 times higher than what is reported in available literature, and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood.

Current opinion in management of septic shock due to Gram-negative bacteria

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused multiple challenges to ICUs, including an increased rate of secondary infections, mostly caused by Gram-negative micro-organisms. Worrying trends of resistance acquisition complicate this picture. We provide a review of the latest evidence to guide management of patients with septic shock because of Gram-negative bacteria.

RECENT FINDINGS

New laboratory techniques to detect pathogens and specific resistance patterns from the initial culture are available. Those may assist decreasing the time to adequate antimicrobial therapy and avoid unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotic overuse. New antimicrobials, including β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations, such as ceftolozane-tazobactam, imipenem-relebactam or meropenem-vaborbactam and cephalosporins, such as cefiderocol targeted to specific pathogens and resistance patterns are available for use in the clinical setting. Optimization of antibiotic dosing and delivery should follow pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles and wherever available therapeutic drug monitoring. Management of sepsis has brought capillary refill time back to the spotlight along with more reasoned fluid resuscitation and a moderate approach to timing of dialysis initiation.

SUMMARY

Novel rapid diagnostic tests and antimicrobials specifically targeted to Gram-negative pathogens are available and should be used within the principles of antimicrobial stewardship including de-escalation and short duration of antimicrobial therapy.

Nosocomial outbreak of monoclonal VIM carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter cloacae complex in an intensive care unit during the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrated approach

Background

An outbreak of VIM carbapenemase-expressing Enterobacter cloacae complex occurred between March and October 2020 in an intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary care and teaching hospital in France. At the same time, the hospital was facing the COVID-19 first wave.

Aim

To describe the management of an outbreak caused by a VIM-producing Enterobacter cloacae complex strain during the COVID-19 pandemic in an ICU and to show the importance of an integrated approach.

Methods

A multi-focal investigation was conducted including descriptive and molecular epidemiology, environmental screening, and assessment of infection prevention and control measures.

Findings

A total of 14 cases were identified in this outbreak with a high attributable mortality rate (85.7%). The outbreak management was coordinated by a crisis cell, and involved the implementation of multi-disciplinary actions such as: enhanced hygiene measures, microbiological and molecular analysis of patients and environmental E. cloacae complex strains, and simulation-based teaching. All 23 E. cloacae complex strains isolated from patients and environment samples belonged to multi-locus sequence type ST78 and carried bla-_VIM4 gene. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, all but two isolates were also found to belong to a single cluster. Although the source of this outbreak could not be pinpointed, the spread of the strain was controlled thanks to this multi-focal approach and multi-disciplinary implementation.

Conclusion

This investigation highlighted the usefulness of Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy in the rapid typing of outbreak strains as well as the importance of an integrated approach to successfully fight against multidrug-resistant micro-organism dissemination and healthcare-associated infections.

Outcomes of patients with severe and critical COVID-19 treated with dexamethasone: a prospective cohort study

Dexamethasone implementation for COVID-19 management represented a milestone but data regarding its impact and safety have not been consistently reproduced. We aimed to evaluate in-hospital mortality before and after the implementation of corticosteroid treatment (CS-T) for severe and critical COVID-19. We conducted a cohort study that included patients admitted with severe and critical COVID-19. The primary outcome was death during hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included the length of stay (LOS), need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV), time to IMV initiation, IMV duration, and development of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Bivariate, multivariate, and propensity-score matching analysis were performed. Among 1540 patients, 688 (45%) received CS-T. Death was less frequent in the CS-T group (18 vs 31%, p < .01). Among patients on IMV, death was also less frequent in the CS-T group (25 vs 55%, p < .01). The median time to IMV was longer in the CS-T group (5 vs 3 days, p < .01). HAIs occurred more frequently in the CS-T group (20 vs 10%, p < .01). LOS, IMV, and IMV duration were similar between groups. Multivariate analysis revealed an independent association between CS-T and lower mortality (aOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.19-0.36, p < .001). Propensity-score matching analysis revealed that CS-T was independently associated with lower mortality (aOR 0.33, 95% CI 0.22-0.50, p < .01). Treatment with corticosteroids was associated with reduced in-hospital mortality among patients with severe and critical COVID-19, including those on IMV.

Procalcitonin Increase Is Associated with the Development of Critical Care-Acquired Infections in COVID-19 ARDS

Secondary bacterial infection in COVID-19 patients is associated with increased mortality and disproportionately affects critically ill patients. This single-centre retrospective observational study investigates the comparative efficacy of change in procalcitonin (PCT) and other commonly available biomarkers in revealing or predicting microbiologically proven secondary infection in critical COVID-19 patients. Adult patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between 9 March 2020 and 5 June 2020 were recruited to the study. For daily biomarker and secondary infection, laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (LCBI) and ventilator-associated pneumonia/tracheobronchitis (VAP/VAT) data were collected. We observed a PCT rise in 53 (81.5%) of the patients, a C-reactive protein (CRP) rise in 55 (84.6%) and a white blood cell count (WBC) rise in 61 (93.8%). Secondary infection was confirmed in 33 (50.8%) of the patients. A PCT rise was present in 97.0% of patients with at least one confirmed VAP/VAT and/or LCBI event. CRP and WBC rises occurred in 93.9% and 97.0% of patients with confirmed VAP/VAT and/or LCBI, respectively. Logistic regression analysis found that, when including all biomarkers in the same model, there was a significant association between PCT rise and the occurrence of LCBI and/or VAP/VAT (OR = 14.86 95%CI: 2.20, 342.53; p = 0.021). Conversely, no statistically significant relationship was found between either a CRP rise (p = 0.167) or a WBC rise (p = 0.855) and the occurrence of VAP/VAT and/or LCBI. These findings provide a promising insight into the usefulness of PCT measurement in predicting the emergence of secondary bacterial infection in ICU.