Changes in bacterial epidemiology and antibiotic resistance among veterans with spinal cord injury/disorder over the past 9 years

Urinary Tract Infection Diagnostic and Management Considerations in People with Spinal Cord Injury and Neurogenic Bladder

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common complications in people with neurogenic bladder. Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are challenging for several reasons, including a high prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria and catheter use, frequent ambiguous nonlocalizing signs and symptoms, increased risk for complications and difficult-to-treat pathogens, and a lack of effective preventative methods. Current research aims to improve elicitation and evaluation of signs and symptoms, implement algorithms to avoid urine cultures in asymptomatic patients and use appropriate antibiotics for UTI, and identify novel effective prevention methods.

14-Year Epidemiologic study of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infection incidence and resistance in the Veterans Health Administration system, 2009-2022

Background

Multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) represents a serious threat to hospitalized patients. Characterizing the incidence of PA infection and degree of resistance can inform empiric treatment and preventative measures.

Objectives

We sought to describe trends in incidence and resistance characteristics of PA bloodstream infections (BSI) observed within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) system and identify factors contributing to higher observed mortality within this population.

Methods

We characterized demographic and clinical features of unique patients among the VHA population presenting with their first episode of PA-BSI between 2009 and 2022 and summarized trends related to mortality and resistance phenotype based on year and geographical location. We additionally used logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of 30-day mortality among this cohort.

Results

We identified 8039 PA-BSIs during the study period, 32.7% of which were hospital onset. Annual PA-BSI cases decreased by 35.8%, and resistance among all antimicrobial classes decreased during the study period, while the proportion of patients receiving early active treatment based on susceptibility testing results increased. Average 30-day mortality rate was 23.3%. Higher Charlson Comorbidity Index, higher mAPACHE score, VHA facility complexity 1b and hospital-onset cases were associated with higher mortality, and early active treatment was associated with lower mortality.

Conclusions

PA-BSI resistance decreased across the VHA system during the study period. Further investigation of antimicrobial stewardship measures possibly contributing to the observed decreased resistance in this cohort and identification of measures to improve on the high mortality associated with PA-BSI in the VHA population is warranted.

Identifying prescribers of antibiotics in a primary care spinal cord injury cohort

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE

To identify who prescribes outpatient antibiotics among a primary care spinal cord injury (SCI) cohort.

SETTING

ICES databases in Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

A cohort of individuals with SCI were retrospectively identified using a tested-algorithm and chart reviews in a primary care electronic medical records database. The cohort was linked to a drug dispensing database to obtain outpatient antibiotic prescribing information, and prescriber details were obtained from a physician database.

RESULTS

Final cohort included three hundred and twenty individuals with SCI. The average annual number of antibiotic courses dispensed for the SCI cohort was 2.0 ± 6.2. For dispensed antibiotics, 58.9% were prescribed by rostered-primary care practice physicians, compared to 17.9% by emergency and non-rostered primary care physicians, 17.4% by specialists and 6.1% by non-physician prescribers. Those who lived in urban areas and rural areas, compared to those who lived in suburban areas, were more likely to receive antibiotics from emergency and non-rostered primary care physicians than from rostered-primary care practice physicians.

CONCLUSION

Although individuals with SCI received outpatient antibiotic prescriptions from multiple sources, physicians from an individual's rostered-primary care practice were the main antibiotic prescribers. As such, interventions to optimize antibiotics use in the SCI population should target the primary care practice.

Management of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria and Urinary Tract Infections in Patients With Neurogenic Bladder and Factors Associated With Inappropriate Diagnosis and Treatment

OBJECTIVE

Inappropriate diagnosis and treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and urinary tract infection (UTI) are leading causes of antibiotic overuse but have not been well-studied in patients with risks for complicated UTI such as neurogenic bladder (NB). Our aim was to describe ASB and UTI management in patients with NB and assess factors associated with inappropriate management.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Four Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) medical centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults with NB due to spinal cord injury/disorder (SCI/D), multiple sclerosis (MS), or Parkinson disease (PD) and encounters with an ASB or UTI diagnosis between 2017 and 2018. Clinical and encounter data were extracted from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse and medical record reviews for a stratified sample of 300 encounters from N=291 patients.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of appropriate and inappropriate ASB and UTI diagnosis and treatment was summarized. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed factors associated with inappropriate management.

RESULTS

N=200 UTI and N=100 ASB encounters were included for the 291 unique patients (SCI/D, 39.9%; MS, 36.4%; PD, 23.7%). Most patients were men (83.3%), >65 years (62%), and used indwelling or intermittent catheterization (68.3%). Nearly all ASB encounters had appropriate diagnosis (98%). 70 (35%) UTI encounters had inappropriate diagnosis, including 55 (27.5%) with true ASB, all with inappropriate treatment. Among the remaining 145 UTI encounters, 54 (27%) had inappropriate treatment. Peripheral vascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and cerebrovascular disease were associated with increased odds of inappropriate management; indwelling catheter (aOR 0.35, P=.01) and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation provider (aOR 0.29, P<.01) were associated with decreased odds.

CONCLUSION

Up to half of UTI encounters for patients with NB had inappropriate management, largely due to inappropriate UTI diagnosis in patients with true ASB. Interventions to improve ASB and UTI management in patients with NB should target complex patients with comorbidities being seen by non-rehabilitation providers.

Impact of a sustained, collaborative antimicrobial stewardship programme in spinal cord injury patients

Background

In patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), infections continue to be a leading cause of morbidity, mortality and hospital admission.

Objectives

This study evaluated the long-term impact of a weekly, multidisciplinary Spinal/Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) meeting for acute-care SCI inpatients, on antimicrobial prescribing over 3 years.

Methods

A retrospective, longitudinal, pre-post comparison of antimicrobial prescribing was conducted at our tertiary hospital in Melbourne. Antimicrobial prescribing was audited in 6 month blocks pre- (25 April 2017 to 24 October 2017), immediately post- (27 March 2018 to 25 September 2018) and 3 years post-implementation (2 March 2021 to 31 August 2021). Antimicrobial orders for patients admitted under the spinal unit at the meeting time were included.

Results

The number of SCI patients prescribed an antimicrobial at the time of the weekly meeting decreased by 40% at 3 years post-implementation [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.63; 95% CI 0.51-0.79; P ≤ 0.001]. The overall number of antimicrobial orders decreased by over 22% at 3 years post-implementation (IRR 0.78; 95% CI 0.61-1.00; P = 0.052). A shorter antimicrobial order duration in the 3 year post-implementation period was observed (-28%; 95% CI -39% to -15%; P ≤ 0.001). This was most noticeable in IV orders at 3 years (-36%; 95% CI -51% to -16%; P = 0.001), and was also observed for oral orders at 3 years (-25%; 95% CI -38% to -10%; P = 0.003). Antimicrobial course duration (days) decreased for multiple indications: skin and soft tissue infections (-43%; 95% CI -67% to -1%; P = 0.045), pulmonary infections (-45%; 95% CI -67% to -9%; P = 0.022) and urinary infections (-31%; 95% CI -47% to -9%; P = 0.009). Ninety-day mortality rates were not impacted.

Conclusions

This study showed that consistent, collaborative meetings between the Spinal and AMS teams can reduce antimicrobial exposure for acute-care SCI patients without adversely impacting 90 day mortality.

Impact of routine urine cultures on antibiotic usage in those undergoing a routine annual spinal cord injury evaluation

OBJECTIVE

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the largest single provider of spinal cord injury and disorder (SCI/D) care in the United States, currently mandates that every patient receives a screening urine culture during the annual evaluation, a yearly comprehensive history and physical examination. This testing has shown in a small subset of patients to overidentify asymptomatic bacteriuria that is then inappropriately treated with antibiotics. The objective of the current analysis was to assess the association of the annual evaluation on urine testing and antibiotic treatment in a national sample of Veterans with SCI/D.

DESIGN/METHOD

A retrospective cohort study using national VHA electronic health record data of Veterans with SCI/D seen between October 1, 2017-September 30, 2019 for their annual evaluation.

RESULTS

There were 9447 Veterans with SCI/D who received an annual evaluation; 5088 (54%) had a urine culture obtained. 2910 cultures (57%) were positive; E. coli was the most common organism obtained (12.9% of total urine cultures). Of the patients with positive urine cultures, 386 were prescribed antibiotics within the 7 days after that encounter (13%); of the patients with negative cultures (n = 2178), 121 (6%) were prescribed antibiotics; thus, a positive urine culture was a significant driver of antibiotic use (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The urine cultures ordered at the annual exam are often followed by antibiotics; this practice may be an important target for antibiotic stewardship programs in SCI.

Identifying Patterns of Primary Care Antibiotic Prescribing for a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Cohort Using an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Database

Background

Individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) are considered higher users of antibiotics. However, to date there have been no detailed studies investigating outpatient antibiotic use in this population.

Objectives

(1) To describe primary care antibiotic prescribing patterns in adults with SCI rostered to a primary care physician (PCP), and (2) to identify patient or PCP factors associated with number of antibiotics prescribed and antibiotic prescription duration.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study using linked health administrative and electronic medical records (EMR) databases from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2015 among 432 adults with SCI in Ontario, Canada. Negative binomial regression analyses were conducted to identify patient or physician factors associated with number of antibiotics prescribed and prescription duration.

Results

During the study period, 61.1% of the SCI cohort received an antibiotic prescription from their PCP. There were 59.8% of prescriptions for urinary tract infections (UTI) and 24.6% of prescriptions for fluoroquinolones. Regression analysis found catheter use was associated with increased number of antibiotics prescribed (relative risk [RR] = 3.1; 95% CI, 2.3-4.1; p < .001) and late career PCPs, compared to early-career PCPs, prescribed a significantly longer duration (RR = 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-3.1; p = .02).

Conclusion

UTIs were the number one prescription indication, and fluoroquinolones were the most prescribed antibiotic. Catheter use was associated with number of antibiotics, and PCP's years of practice was associated with duration. The study provided important information about primary care antibiotic prescribing in the SCI population and found that not all individuals received frequent antibiotics prescriptions.

Clinical outcomes associated with guideline-discordant management of asymptomatic bacteriuria and urinary tract infection in hospitalized patients with neurogenic bladder

Objective

To compare clinical outcomes associated with appropriate and inappropriate management of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) and urinary tract infection (UTI) among inpatients with neurogenic bladder (NB).

Design

Multicenter, retrospective cohort.

Setting

The study was conducted across 4 Veterans' Affairs hospitals.

Participants

The study included veterans with NB due to spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D), multiple sclerosis (MS), or Parkinson's disease (PD) hospitalized between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018, with diagnosis of ASB or UTI.

Interventions

In a medical record review, we classified ASB and UTI diagnoses and treatments as appropriate or inappropriate based on national guidelines.

Main outcome measures

Frequencies of Clostridioides difficile infection, acute kidney injury, 90-day hospital readmission, postculture length-of-stay (LOS), and multidrug-resistant organisms in subsequent urine cultures were compared between those who received appropriate and inappropriate management.

Results

We included 170 encounters with ASB (30%) or UTI (70%) diagnoses occurring for 166 patients. Overall, 86.1% patients were male, 47.6% had SCI/D and 77.6% used bladder catheters. All ASB encounters had appropriate diagnoses, and 96.1% had appropriate treatment. In contrast, 37 UTI encounters (31.1%) had inappropriate diagnoses and 61 (51.3%) had inappropriate treatment, including 30 encounters with true ASB. Among patients with SCI/D or MS, appropriate ASB or UTI diagnosis was associated with a longer postculture LOS (median, 14 vs 7.5 days; P = .02). We did not detect any significant associations between appropriate versus inappropriate diagnosis and treatment and other outcomes.

Conclusions

Almost one-third of UTI diagnoses and half of treatments in hospitalized patients with NB are inappropriate. Opportunities exist to improve ASB and UTI management in patients with NB to minimize inappropriate antibiotic use.

Host gut resistome in Gulf War chronic multisymptom illness correlates with persistent inflammation

Chronic multisymptom illness (CMI) affects a subsection of elderly and war Veterans and is associated with systemic inflammation. Here, using a mouse model of CMI and a group of Gulf War (GW) Veterans' with CMI we show the presence of an altered host resistome. Results show that antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are significantly altered in the CMI group in both mice and GW Veterans when compared to control. Fecal samples from GW Veterans with persistent CMI show a significant increase of resistance to a wide class of antibiotics and exhibited an array of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) distinct from normal healthy controls. The altered resistome and gene signature is correlated with mouse serum IL-6 levels. Altered resistome in mice also is correlated strongly with intestinal inflammation, decreased synaptic plasticity, reversible with fecal microbiota transplant (FMT). The results reported might help in understanding the risks to treating hospital acquired infections in this population.

The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant and multidrug-resistant bacteria in urine cultures from inpatients with spinal cord injuries and disorders: an 8-year, single-center study

Background

Patients, especially inpatients, with spinal cord lesions and disorders (SCI/D) have an elevated risk of recurrent urinary tract infections with multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria. This study evaluated antimicrobial resistance and the prevalence of multidrug resistance and determined the risk factors for multidrug resistance.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, urine culture results were used to calculate the antimicrobial resistance rate and the incidence of infection with MDR bacteria in the SCI/D population. MDR was defined as acquired nonsusceptibility to at least one agent from three or more antimicrobial categories. The cohort included 402 inpatients from 2013 to 2020, with 1385 urine isolates. We included only the first isolate; duplicate isolates, defined as positive cultures of the same strain within 14 days, were excluded from the evaluation.

Results

The most common MDR strains were Klebsiella spp. (29%) and Escherichia coli (24%). MDR isolates were detected in 50% of the samples and extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing isolates were detected in 26%, while carbapenem resistance was found in 0.1%. Significantly higher rates of infection with MDR bacteria were identified in groups of patients with indwelling urethral/suprapubic catheters (p = 0.003) and severity scores of C1–C4/AIS A–C (p = 0.01). We identified age (OR: 0.99, 95% CI; 0.98–0.99, p = 0.000), sex (OR: 1.55, 95% CI; 1.16–2.06, p = 0.003), management with urethral/suprapubic catheters (OR: 2.76, 95% CI; 2.04–3.74, p = 0.000), and spontaneous voiding (OR: 1.84, 95% CI; 1.03–3.29, p = 0.038) as independent predictors of multidrug resistance in our study population.

Conclusions

We identified a high antibiotic resistance rate and an increasing prevalence of infection with MDR bacteria in the SCI/D inpatient population. Particular attention should be given to bladder management, with an emphasis on minimizing the use of indwelling catheters.

Multidrug-resistant bacteria in urine culture among patients with spinal cord injury and disorder: Time to first detection and analysis of risk factors

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the time to first detection of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) in urine culture and identify risk factors associated with the first detection of MDRB (1^st MDRB).

SETTING

Spinal Care Ward and Department of Microbiology, Regional Hospital Liberec a.s., Liberec, Czech Republic.

METHOD

We cultured urine samples from patients in the acute phase of spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was defined as acquired nonsusceptibility to at least one agent from three or more antimicrobial categories. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association of bladder management, broad-spectrum antibiotic exposure, mechanical ventilation, pressure ulcers, positive urine culture on admission, and other risk factors with 1^st MDRB. We used only the first urine culture with MDRB for evaluation.

RESULTS

A total of 655 urine cultures from 246 individuals were evaluated, and 829 isolates were obtained. The MDRB prevalence among all isolates was 40.2%. MDRB was detected in 146 (59.3%) patients for the first time, and 76.0% of these isolates were from patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria. The median time to 1^st MDRB was 37 days (95% CI, 33-41). According to multivariate logistic regression, 1^st MDRB was associated with bladder management with urethral or suprapubic catheterization (OR: 2.8, 95% CI, 1.1-7.2).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of infections caused by MDRB was high among the SCI/D population, with three-quarters from patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria. Bladder management with an indwelling catheter is associated with an increased risk of 1^st MDRB.

Experiences of veterans with spinal cord injury related to annual urine screening and antibiotic use for urinary tract infections

INTRODUCTION

Antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections are an increasing public health threat and people with spinal cord injury (SCI) are disproportionally at higher risk. National guidelines concerning urine testing after SCI are conflicting. Unnecessary urine testing in the SCI population (with high asymptomatic bacteriuria prevalence) leads to unnecessary antimicrobial use, propagating resistant infections, especially urinary tract infections (UTIs).

OBJECTIVES

(a) Describe UTI antimicrobial adherence in patients with SCI. (b) Explore SCI patient knowledge and attitudes toward current urine testing and treatment practices.

DESIGN

Mixed methods.

SETTING

Veterans Health Administration (VHA) patients with SCI.

PARTICIPANTS

Veterans identified as having SCI seen at a VHA facility nationwide.

INTERVENTIONS

N/A.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Self-reported medication adherence, patient beliefs and behaviors toward UTIs and antimicrobial use.

RESULTS

A total of 105 Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8) surveys were completed out of 369 distributed surveys (28% response rate). Overall, patients reported high medication adherence (mean score of 7.2/8, with 8 being a perfect adherence score). Ten qualitative interviews were completed. Themes identified include generally high adherence to prescribed antimicrobial courses and high levels of patient satisfaction with current outpatient VHA SCI bladder care. The quantitative findings converge with these themes observed in the qualitative interviews; patients were satisfied with current urine testing and treatment practices.

CONCLUSIONS

Veterans with SCI are generally satisfied with their current UTI management and self-report taking antimicrobials for UTIs as prescribed. Veterans with SCI typically report high trust in their SCI providers and value their advice on bladder care management. Therefore, it is imperative for clinicians to provide evidence-based education to patients, as well as ensure that each prescribed course of antibiotics for UTI is clinically necessary. Information from this study will guide an intervention promoting appropriate urine testing and antimicrobial prescription practices by SCI providers.

Should We Delay Urodynamic Study When Patients With Spinal Cord Injury Have Asymptomatic Pyuria?

Objective

To assess the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) with post-urodynamic study (post-UDS) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and study its relationship with pre-UDS pyuria.

Methods

Patients with SCI who were hospitalized and underwent UDS during a 4-year period were reviewed. Patients with pre-test lower urinary tract symptoms were excluded. Urinalysis and urine culture were performed before and 24 hours after UDS. Prophylactic antibiotics were administered for 5 days starting from the morning of the UDS. UTI was defined as bacteriuria with accompanying symptoms.

Results

Of 399 patients reviewed, 209 (52.4%) had pyuria in pre-UDS urinalysis, and 257 (64.4%) had bacteriuria in pre-UDS culture. Post-UDS UTI occurred in 6 (1.5%) individuals who all complained of fever: 5 (2.4%) of the post-UDS UTI cases occurred in patients with pre-UDS pyuria, and 1 (0.5%) in a person without. The differences between groups were not statistically significant (p=0.218). Of 221 patients with bacteriuria (gram-negative isolates) on pre-UDS culture, resistance to ciprofloxacin, cephalosporin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMT) was noted in 52.9% (117 cases), 57.0% (126 cases), and 38.9% (86 cases), respectively.

Conclusion

No difference was found in the prevalence of post-UDS UTI based on the presence of pyuria in pre-UDS urinalysis. UDS may be performed even in SCI cases of pre-UDS pyuria without increasing the prevalence of post-UDS UTI if prophylactic antibiotics are administered. TMP/SMT could be used as a first-line antibiotic for the prevention of post-UDS UTI in Korea.

Risk Factors Associated with Carbapenemase Producing Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CP-CRE) Positive Cultures in a Cohort of U.S. Veterans

INTRODUCTION

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) cause approximately 13,100 infections with 8% mortality in the United States annually. The subset of carbapenemase-producing CRE (CP-CRE) infections have much higher mortality rates (40% -50%). There has been little research on characteristics unique to CP-CRE. The goal of this study was to assess differences between those with nonCP-CRE and CP-CRE cultures in U.S. Veterans.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of Veterans with CRE cultures from 2013-2018 and their demographic, medical, and facility level covariates were collected. Clustered multiple logistic regression models were used to assess independent factors associated with CP-CRE.

RESULTS

3,096 unique patients with cultures positive for either nonCP-CRE or CP-CRE were included. Being African American (Odds Ratio (OR)=1.44 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.15,1.80), diagnosis in 2017 (OR=3.11 (95% CI 2.13,4.54)) or 2018 (OR=3.93 (95%CI 2.64,5.84)), congestive heart failure (OR=1.35 (95%CI 1.11,1.64)), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (OR=1.39 (95%CI 1.03,1.87)) were associated with CP-CRE cultures. 752 (24.3%) patients had no known antibiotic exposure in the year before culture; these individuals had a comparatively increased frequency of prolonged PPI use (17.3% vs 5.6%).

DISCUSSION

Among a cohort of patients with CRE, African Americans, individuals with congestive heart failure, and patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease had greater odds of having a CP-CRE culture. Roughly one in four patients with CP-CRE had no known antibiotic exposure in the year before their positive culture.

Acute post-injury blockade of α2δ-1 calcium channel subunits prevents pathological autonomic plasticity after spinal cord injury

After spinal cord injury (SCI), normally innocuous visceral or somatic stimuli can trigger uncontrolled reflex activation of sympathetic circuitry, causing pathological dysautonomia. We show that remarkable structural remodeling and plasticity occur within spinal autonomic circuitry, creating abnormal sympathetic reflexes that promote dysautonomia. However, when mice are treated early after SCI with human-equivalent doses of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug gabapentin (GBP), it is possible to block multi-segmental excitatory synaptogenesis and abolish sprouting of autonomic neurons that innervate immune organs and sensory afferents that trigger pain and autonomic dysreflexia (AD). This “prophylactic GBP” regimen decreases the frequency and severity of AD and protects against SCI-induced immune suppression. These benefits persist even 1 month after stopping treatment. GBP could be repurposed to prevent dysautonomia in at-risk individuals with high-level SCI.

Brennan et al. show that α2δ−1 calcium channel subunits drive remarkable structural reorganization of autonomic circuitry and autonomic dysfunction after spinal cord injury. Early (prophylactic) post-injury treatment with gabapentin, an FDA-approved drug, prevents α2δ−1-dependent structural changes and autonomic dysfunction. Prophylactic gabapentin could be repurposed clinically for at-risk individuals.

A Primary Care Provider's Guide to Management of Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction and Urinary Tract Infection After Spinal Cord Injury

Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD), previously termed neurogenic bladder dysfunction, is a common secondary complication of spinal cord injury (SCI). It is associated with significant morbidity, reduced quality of life, increased health care costs, and mortality. Primary care providers (PCPs) play an important role in optimizing urohealth over the life span. This article will review NLUTD in SCI, its complication, surveillance, and management. PCPs should be aware of SCI-related NLUTD, its complications, management, and surveillance recommendations, and when to refer to a specialist.

Cranberry for Bacteriuria in Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) and in veterans with SCI who use antibiotics improperly for asymptomatic bacteriuria. Cranberry (CB) has been suggested for UTI prevention.

Methods

We performed a systematic search up to May 2020 in the following databases: AccessMedicine, BioMed Central, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, and PubMed. Quality assessment was performed using a specifically designed quality score. Risk ratio was calculated with both random effect model analysis (DerSimonian-Laird method) and quality effect model analysis (Doi Thalib method).

Results

Six studies on bacteriuria and SCI were reviewed. From the four studies available for meta-analysis, two of which with individuals taking both CB and control, 477 data from 415 participants were analysed (241 CB and 236 control). No significant differences were detected with meta-analysis. However, bias, limitations, and incompleteness were observed in the reviewed studies.

Conclusion

Although further studies are needed, we suggest an accurate monitoring of diet and fluid intake, the evaluation of risk for potential food or nutraceutical interactions with drugs, and the inclusion of inflammatory markers among the outcomes in addition to UTI.

Multidrug-resistant gram-negative organisms and association with 1-year mortality, readmission, and length of stay in Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to assess the impact of multidrug resistant gram-negative organisms (MDRGNOs) on outcomes in those with SCI/D.

SETTING

VA SCI System of Care, Department of Veterans Affairs, United States.

METHODS

Multidrug resistance (MDR) was defined as being non-susceptible to ≥1 antibiotic in ≥3 antibiotic classes. Multivariable cluster-adjusted regression models were fit to assess the association of MDRGNOs with 1-year mortality, 30-day readmission, and postculture length of stay (LOS) stratified by case setting patients. Only the first culture per patient during the study period was included.

RESULTS

A total of 8,681 individuals with SCI/D had a culture with gram-negative bacteria during the study period, of which 33.0% had a MDRGNO. Overall, 954 (10.9%) died within 1 year of culture date. Poisson regression showed that MDR was associated with 1-year mortality among outpatients (IRR: 1.28, 95% CI, 1.06-1.54) and long-term care patients (OR: 2.06, 95% CI, 1.28-3.31). MDR significantly impacted postculture LOS in inpatients, as evidenced by a 10% longer LOS in MDR vs. non-MDR (IRR: 1.10, 95% CI, 1.02-1.19). MDR was not associated with increased 30-day readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

MDRGNOs are prevalent in SCI/D and MDR may result in poor outcomes. Further attention to prevention of infections, antibiotic stewardship, and management are warranted in this population.

Spinal Cord Injury Provider Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Bacteriuria Management and Antibiotic Stewardship

INTRODUCTION

Bacteriuria, either asymptomatic or urinary tract infection, is common in persons with spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D). In the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), conflicting clinical practice guidelines make appropriate bacteriuria management and antibiotic stewardship challenging.

OBJECTIVE

To explore SCI/D provider knowledge, attitudes, and teamwork around bacteriuria management during the VHA SCI/D annual examination.

DESIGN

Mixed methods.

SETTING

VHA SCI/D centers.

PARTICIPANTS

SCI/D staff providers and physical medicine and rehabilitation resident physicians.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Knowledge, safety, and teamwork scores on bacteriuria management using a validated questionnaire. Themes on barriers and facilitators to bacteriuria management during the SCI/D annual exam, and attitudes toward antibiotic stewardship in general.

RESULTS

We received 84 responses from 344 distributed surveys, with a response rate of 24%. Thirty percent of all participants endorsed incorrect triggers for obtaining a urine culture (change in urine color, cloudiness, or odor). The type of organism identified on culture drove unnecessary antibiotic use; 57% would treat asymptomatic bacteriuria if caused by extended spectrum beta-lactamase Escherichia coli. There were no significant differences between the median (interquartile range [IQR]) knowledge score of the staff providers (70.6 [58.8-82.4]) and the resident physicians (64.7 [58.8-82.4]), but the teamwork climate scores (P = .02) and safety climate scores (P < .01) were higher among staff providers than among resident physicians. Interview analysis identified how the limited recall of content among SCI/D providers of the guidelines for bacteriuria was a potential barrier to their use but attitudes toward guidelines and antibiotic stewardship initiatives were positive.

CONCLUSION

All participants objectively demonstrated actionable gaps in bacteriuria management and expressed uncertainty in their knowledge during qualitative interviews. Through addressing these gaps, we can develop effective antibiotic stewardship programs for the VHA SCI/D system of care.

Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection in the Neuropathic Bladder: Changing the Paradigm to Include the Microbiome

Bacteriuria, a non-specific term that refers to the presence of bacteria in the urine, is common in people with neuropathic bladders. However, accurately determining when bacteriuria represents a urinary tract infection (UTI) as opposed to asymptomatic bacteriuria is difficult. There is currently no widely accepted definition of what constitutes a UTI in people with neuropathic bladders. As a result, there is significant variation in care, which likely leads to unnecessary use of antibiotics for bacteriuria. To improve the clinical management of people with neuropathic bladders, it is important to be able to accurately diagnose and treat UTIs. In this article, we review the difficulties associated with accurately diagnosing UTIs and then review proposed definitions. Finally, we discuss the emerging literature of the urinary microbiome and how this may assist in accurately diagnosing UTIs in people with neuropathic bladders.

Long-term prescribing of nitrofurantoin for urinary tract infections (UTI) in veterans with spinal cord injury (SCI)

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of long-term nitrofurantoin for UTI prophylaxis in veterans with SCI.

DESIGN

Matched pairs study.

SETTING

Veterans cared for at VA facilities from 10/1/2012-9/30/2013.

PARTICIPANTS

Veterans.

INTERVENTIONS

n/a.

OUTCOMES MEASURES

UTI, positive urine cultures, resistant cultures.

METHODS

Cases receiving long-term nitrofurantoin (≥90 days supply) were matched to controls by facility. Controls were patients who did not receive long-term nitrofurantoin with a history of ≥3 positive urine cultures and at least one diagnosis of UTI or asymptomatic bacteriuria in the previous year.

RESULTS

122 SCI cases were identified and matched to 196 controls. After adjusting for differences in baseline demographic characteristics, UTIs were less frequent in cases (OR = 0.60 [95% CI 0.44-0.72]). Cases had a greater mean number of days between positive urine cultures as compared to controls (<0.0001). Cases were more likely to have isolates resistant to nitrofurantoin (P ≤ 0.0001); however, the frequency of multi-drug resistant organisms isolated from the urine was not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term prescription of nitrofurantoin may reduce UTIs in veterans with SCI and there is no evidence that it promotes multi-drug resistance. Future prospective studies should be conducted prior to incorporating routine use of long-term nitrofurantoin into clinical care.

Effective antibiotic stewardship in spinal cord injury: Challenges and a way forward

CONTEXT

Antibiotic stewardship, defined as a multidisciplinary program to reduce the misuse of antibiotics, and in turn, antibiotic resistance, is a high priority. Persons with spinal cord injury/disorder (SCI/D) are vulnerable to receiving multiple courses of antibiotics over their lifetime given frequent healthcare exposure, and have high rates of bacterial infection with multi-drug resistant organisms. Additional challenges to evaluating appropriate use of antibiotics in this population include bacterial colonization in the urine and the differences in the presenting signs and symptoms of infection. Therefore, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities with SCI/D centers need effective antibiotic stewardship programs.

RESULTS

We analyzed the results of a 2012 VHA-wide survey evaluating available antibiotic stewardship resources, and compared the resources present at facilities with SCI/D (n=23) versus non-SCI/D facilities (n=107). VHA facilities with SCI/D centers are more likely to have components of an antibiotic stewardship program that have led to reduced antibiotic use in previous studies. They are also more likely to have personnel with infectious diseases training.

CONCLUSION

VHA facilities with SCI/D centers have the resources needed for antibiotic stewardship. The next step will be to determine how to implement effective antibiotic stewardship tailored for this patient care setting.

Motor Recovery after Chronic Spinal Cord Transection in Rats: A Proof-of-Concept Study Evaluating a Combined Strategy

Background:

The chronic phase of Spinal Cord (SC) injury is characterized by the presence of a hostile microenvironment that causes low activity and a progressive decline in neurological function; this phase is non-compatible with regeneration. Several treatment strategies have been investigated in chronic SC injury with no satisfactory results. OBJECTIVE- In this proof-of-concept study, we designed a combination therapy (Comb Tx) consisting of surgical glial scar removal plus scar inhibition, accompanied with implantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), and immunization with neural-derived peptides (INDP).

Methods:

This study was divided into three subsets, all in which Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to a complete SC transection. Sixty days after injury, animals were randomly allocated into two groups for therapeutic intervention: control group and animals receiving the Comb-Tx. Sixty-three days after treatment we carried out experiments analyzing motor recovery, presence of somatosensory evoked potentials, neural regeneration-related genes, and histological evaluation of serotoninergic fibers.

Results:

Comb-Tx induced a significant locomotor and electrophysiological recovery. An increase in the expression of regeneration-associated genes and the percentage of 5-HT+ fibers was noted at the caudal stump of the SC of animals receiving the Comb-Tx. There was a significant correlation of locomotor recovery with positive electrophysiological activity, expression of GAP43, and percentage of 5-HT+ fibers.

Conclusion:

Comb-Tx promotes motor and electrophysiological recovery in the chronic phase of SC injury subsequent to a complete transection. Likewise, it is capable of inducing the permissive microenvironment to promote axonal regeneration.

Effect of varying federal definitions on prevalence and characteristics associated with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in veterans with spinal cord injury

BACKGROUND

Patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) have a high risk for multidrug-resistant organisms, including carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Accurate and easily applied definitions are critical to identify CRE. This study describes CRE and associated characteristics in veterans with SCI per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) definitions.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of veterans with SCI and more than 1 culture with Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp and/or Enterobacter spp between 2012 and 2013 was examined. Antibiotic susceptibility criteria of pre-2015 (CDC1) and post-2015 (CDC2) CDC definitions and pre-2017 (VA1) and post-2017 (VA2) VA definitions were used to identify CRE. CRE prevalence and characteristics are described for isolates meeting each definition, and agreement was assessed with the Cohen kappa.

RESULTS

We reviewed 21,514 isolates cultured from 6,974 veterans; 423 isolates met any CRE definition. Although agreement among definitions was high (kappa = 0.82-0.93), definitions including ertapenem resistance led to higher CRE prevalence (VA1 = 1.7% and CDC2 = 1.9% vs VA2 = 1.4% and CDC1 = 1.5%). Forty-four of 142 VA facilities had more than 1 CRE case defined by VA2; 10 facilities accounted for 60% of CRE cases. Almost all CRE was isolated from high-complexity, urban facilities, and the South had the highest proportion of CRE.

CONCLUSIONS

Varying federal definitions give different CRE frequencies in a high-risk population. Definitions including ertapenem resistance resulted in higher CRE prevalence but may overemphasize noncarbapenemase isolates. Thus, both federal definitions now highlight the importance of carbapenemase testing.

Spinal Cord Injury Creates Unique Challenges in Diagnosis and Management of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection

Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and influences the quality of life of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Objectives: This clinical review aims to highlight the unique surveillance, prevention, diagnosis, and management challenges of CAUTI in the SCI population. Methods: Narrative review of the current literature on catheter use in persons with SCI was conducted to determine gaps in knowledge and opportunities for improvement. Results: Surveillance of CAUTI is challenging in the SCI population as the ability to detect symptoms used to diagnose CAUTI (ie, suprapubic pain, dysuria) is impaired. In terms of prevention of CAUTI, current strategies refocus on appropriate catheter insertion and care and early removal of catheters, which is not always feasible for persons with SCI. Prophylactic antibiotics, nutraceuticals, and coated catheters show limited efficacy in infection prevention. Diagnosing CAUTI after SCI is challenging, often resulting in an overdiagnosis of CAUTI when truly asymptomatic bacteriuria exists. In the management of CAUTI in patients with SCI, the use of multiple antibiotics over time in an individual increases the rate of multidrug-resistant organisms; therefore, the exploration of novel non-antibiotic treatments is of importance. The patient experience should be at the center of all these efforts. Conclusion: Better diagnostic tools or biomarkers are needed to define true CAUTI in people with SCI. SCI-specific evidence to inform catheter management and CAUTI treatment guidelines is needed, with the goal to minimize catheter-related harm, reduce antibiotic resistance, and improve satisfaction and overall quality of life for SCI patients.

Routine Urine Testing at the Spinal Cord Injury Annual Evaluation Leads to Unnecessary Antibiotic Use: A Pilot Study and Future Directions

OBJECTIVES

To measure the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) at the time of their annual examination and to examine the effect on urine testing during the annual examination on subsequent antibiotic use.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

A major SCI center.

PARTICIPANTS

Veterans (N=393) with SCI seen for an outpatient annual evaluation in 2012 or 2013.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Antibiotic use for bacteriuria within 7 days of the annual evaluation encounter.

RESULTS

There were 327 clinic visits that met inclusion criteria; of these 327 veterans, 249 had a urine culture performed. A total of 171 urine cultures (69%) were positive for bacteria, of which 22 (13%) represented urinary tract infection (UTI) cases and 149 (87%) were ASB cases. More than a third of the ASB cases (n=53 [36%]) were treated with antibiotics. None of the 78 visits with negative urine cultures received antibiotics to treat the UTI; thus, a positive urine culture alone was associated with antibiotic use (P<.01). Factors predicting antibiotic use were higher age, nitrite presence on urinalysis, and urease-producing organism on culture media. When comparing bladder management strategies, indwelling catheterization was found to be associated with higher levels of pyuria and hematuria than did spontaneous voiding or intermittent catheterization (P<.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Two-thirds of the urine cultures of persons with SCI presenting for their annual examination were positive. Most of the positive cultures represented ASB cases, and more than a third of these were treated with antibiotics. A better understanding of the mandate for urine testing at the annual examination and the outcomes of this practice is an important first step in developing antibiotic stewardship for UTI in persons with SCI.