Transrectal prostate biopsy-associated prophylaxis and infectious complications: report of a query to the emerging infections network of the infectious diseases society of america

[Prostate Biopsy: General Consideration and Systematic Biopsy]

Korea is rapidly entering into an aging society, and an increasing socioeconomic burden related to prostate cancer is inevitable. Therefore, the need for early detection and accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer is becoming increasingly critical. Ideally, a biopsy should accurately detect cancers using a minimum number of cores. However, as prostate cancer is often indistinguishable on imaging, image-guided targeted biopsies alone are insufficient for diagnosis. After decades of trial and error, the diagnosis of prostate cancer relies heavily on systematic biopsy, which is characterized by random and repetitive core acquisition throughout the gland. This review will provide an overview of the historical aspects of prostate cancer diagnosis. Moreover, the review will also address the general considerations involved in prostate biopsy, and discuss the periprocedural management of the patients.

ESCMID/EUCIC clinical practice guidelines on perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in patients colonized by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria before surgery

SCOPE

The aim of the guidelines is to provide recommendations on perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) in adult inpatients who are carriers of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) before surgery.

METHODS

These evidence-based guidelines were developed after a systematic review of published studies on PAP targeting the following MDR-GNB: extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), aminoglycoside-resistant Enterobacterales, fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacterales, cotrimoxazole-resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), extremely drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, and pan-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. The critical outcomes were the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSIs) caused by any bacteria and/or by the colonizing MDR-GNB, and SSI-attributable mortality. Important outcomes included the occurrence of any type of postsurgical infectious complication, all-cause mortality, and adverse events of PAP, including development of resistance to targeted (culture-based) PAP after surgery and incidence of Clostridioides difficile infections. The last search of all databases was performed until April 30, 2022. The level of evidence and strength of each recommendation were defined according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Consensus of a multidisciplinary expert panel was reached for the final list of recommendations. Antimicrobial stewardship considerations were included in the recommendation development.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The guideline panel reviewed the evidence, per bacteria, of the risk of SSIs in patients colonized with MDR-GNB before surgery and critically appraised the existing studies. Significant knowledge gaps were identified, and most questions were addressed by observational studies. Moderate to high risk of bias was identified in the retrieved studies, and the majority of the recommendations were supported by low level of evidence. The panel conditionally recommends rectal screening and targeted PAP for fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacterales before transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy and for extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales in patients undergoing colorectal surgery and solid organ transplantation. Screening for CRE and CRAB is suggested before transplant surgery after assessment of the local epidemiology. Careful consideration of the laboratory workload and involvement of antimicrobial stewardship teams before implementing the screening procedures or performing changes in PAP are warranted. High-quality prospective studies to assess the impact of PAP among CRE and CRAB carriers performing high-risk surgeries are advocated. Future well-designed clinical trials should assess the effectiveness of targeted PAP, including the monitoring of MDR-GNB colonization through postoperative cultures using European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing clinical breakpoints.

Antimicrobial resistance profiles for bacteria isolated from rectal swabs in patients candidate for prostate biopsy

Objective:

Infection is one of the common complications of post-prostate biopsy. Therefore, prophylaxis with fluoroquinolones and/or cephalosporins is recommended. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolated from rectal swabs in candidates for transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) biopsy. The possible patient’s related risk factors attributing to resistance to antibiotics were also assessed.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was performed on 126 male patients who were candidates for TRUS biopsy. Rectal swabs were collected and the samples were transferred to the laboratory in Amies transport medium during 2 hours and cultured on MacConkey agar with ciprofloxacin 1 mg/L and ciprofloxacin-resistant strains were identified. Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates.

Results:

In total, 59 bacterial isolates were obtained, which were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively, in terms of frequency. They showed the lowest resistance to levofloxacin. Smoking was associated with positive culture results. Age was a factor with a significant effect on carrying ciprofloxacin-resistant strains.

Conclusion:

Ciprofloxacin resistance was high in almost all strains, but post-biopsy infectious complications were very low.

Level of evidence:

Not applicable

Comparison of Fluoroquinolones and Other Antibiotic Prophylaxis Regimens for Preventing Complications in Patients Undergoing Transrectal Prostate Biopsy

Our study aimed to compare the incidence of infective complications after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUSBx) when adopting different antimicrobial prophylaxis regimens. A multi-institutional cohort of 1150 patients who underwent TRUSBx was retrospectively analyzed. Procedures were performed between 2017 and 2019 (before and after the EMA warning about the use of fluoroquinolones for the antibiotic prophylaxis of patient candidates to TRUSBx). The primary endpoint was the occurrence of infective complications, including sepsis and/or fever. The population was stratified according to the antibiotic prophylaxis adopted: fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, prulifloxacin), cephalosporins (cefixime, ceftriaxone) or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Univariable and multivariable binomial logistic regression models were used to assess the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) testing of the risk of infective complication after adjusting for each prebiopsy covariate. In total, 478 (41.6%) patients received fluoroquinolone-based prophylaxis. Among these, 443 (38.5%), 25 (2.2%) and 10 (0.9%) patients received levofloxacin prophylaxis, ciprofloxacin and prulifloxacin, respectively while 14.6% received cefixime, 20.7% received the comedication of ceftriaxone/fosfomycin and 23.1% received trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. The trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and fluoroquinolone regimens were significantly associated with a lower risk of infective complications (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03−0.48, p = 0.003 and OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.06−0.43, p < 0.001, respectively). The ceftriaxone/fosfomycin (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.04−0.92, p = 0.04) and fluoroquinolone (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.00−0.70, p = 0.048) prophylaxis were associated with a lower risk of infective sequelae. Fluoroquinolone-based prophylaxis was associated with a lower risk of infective complications after TRUSBx compared to other prophylaxis regimens although its clinical application was recently forbidden by European Medical Agency restrictions.

Highly effective prophylaxis with ertapenem for transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy: effects on overall antibiotic use and inpatient hospital exposure

BACKGROUND

Ertapenem prophylaxis for transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TRUS-PB) has proven highly effective at our institution. A subsequent study showed no selection for carbapenem resistance, but antimicrobial stewardship concerns remained.

AIM

To assess the effects of this prophylaxis on overall antibiotic consumption and exposure to the hospital environment.

METHODS

All men undergoing TRUS-PB from November 2006 to July 2019 were included. Hospital records of men presenting within 30 days of biopsy were searched to determine whether post-biopsy infection (PBI) occurred, antibiotic usage, and duration of hospitalization. Prophylaxis during the pre-ertapenem period (period 1: 2006 to 2012) was oral ciprofloxacin for three days, with oral amoxicillin-clavulanate added in 2009. During the subsequent period (period 2: 2012 to 2019) a single intramuscular dose of ertapenem was used.

FINDINGS

From periods 1 and 2, 1663 and 2357 men, respectively, were included. Median age was 65 years for both groups. Between periods 1 and 2, PBI incidence decreased from 2.65% to 0.34% (risk ratio: 0.13; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.06, 0.27), and PBI-related bacteraemia from 1.14% to 0.04% (0.04; 0.01, 0.22), with a single bacteraemia during period 2. PBI treatment antibiotic consumption decreased from 57.6 to 4.3 defined daily doses (DDDs) per 100 biopsies (mean difference: -53.3; 95% CI: -73.1, -33.5) and overall consumption (treatment plus prophylaxis) decreased from 580.8 to 104.3 DDDs per 100 biopsies (mean difference: -476.5). PBI-related hospitalized bed-days per 100 biopsies decreased from 9.44 to 0.89 (mean difference: -8.55; 95% CI: -12.31, -4.79).

CONCLUSION

Ertapenem prophylaxis was highly effective and resulted in marked reductions in overall antibiotic consumption and inpatient bed-days. Effective prophylaxis has advantages from an antimicrobial stewardship perspective.

Prostate biopsy techniques and pre-biopsy prophylactic measures: variation in current practice patterns in the Netherlands

BACKGROUND

The clinical landscape of prostate biopsy (PB) is evolving with changes in procedures and techniques. Moreover, antibiotic resistance is increasing and influences the efficacy of pre-biopsy prophylactic regimens. Therefore, increasing antibiotic resistance may impact on clinical care, which probably results in differences between hospitals. The objective of our study is to determine the (variability in) current practices of PB in the Netherlands and to gain insight into Dutch urologists' perceptions of fluoroquinolone resistance and biopsy related infections.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was prepared using SurveyMonkey® platform and distributed to all 420 members of the Dutch Association of Urology, who work in 81 Dutch hospitals. Information about PB techniques and periprocedural antimicrobial prophylaxis was collected. Urologists' perceptions regarding pre-biopsy antibiotic prophylaxis in an era of antibiotic resistance was assessed. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-one responses (38.3%) were analyzed representing 65 (80.3%) of all Dutch hospitals performing PB. Transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy (TRUSPB) was performed in 64 (98.5%) hospitals. 43.1% of the hospitals (also) used other image-guided biopsy techniques. Twenty-three different empirical prophylactic regimens were reported among the hospitals. Ciprofloxacin was most commonly prescribed (84.4%). The duration ranged from one pre-biopsy dose (59.4%) to 5 days extended prophylaxis. 25.2% of the urologists experienced ciprofloxacin resistance as a current problem in the prevention of biopsy related infections and 73.6% as a future problem.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a wide variation in practice patterns among Dutch urologists. TRUSPB is the most commonly used biopsy technique, but other image-guided biopsy techniques are increasingly used. Antimicrobial prophylaxis is not standardized and prolonged prophylaxis is common. The wide variation in practice patterns and lack of standardization underlines the need for evidence-based recommendations to guide urologists in choosing appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis for PB in the context of increasing antibiotic resistance.

Infectious complications of prostate biopsy: winning battles but not war

BACKGROUND

Prostate biopsy is a standard tool for diagnosing prostate cancer, with more than 4 million procedures performed worldwide each year. Infectious complications and economic burden are reportedly rising with continued use of trans-rectal ultrasound-guided biopsy, despite the transperineal approach being associated with less infectious complications.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

In this review, the contemporary literature on pathophysiology, epidemiology, risk factors, causative organisms and emerging approaches for prevention of infectious complications are outlined.

RESULTS

Management of infectious complications after TRUSB has caused significant financial burden on health systems. The most frequent causative agents of infectious complications after prostate biopsy are Gram-negative bacilli are particularly concerning in the era of antibiotic resistance. Increasing resistance to fluoroquinolones and beta-lactam antibiotics has complicated traditional preventive measures. Patient- and procedure-related risk factors, reported by individual studies, can contribute to infectious complications after prostate biopsy.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent literature shows that the transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy results in higher infectious complication rate than the transperineal prostate biopsy. NAATs, recently introduced technique to detect FQr may detect all antibiotic-resistant rectal microbiota members-included MDRs-although the technique still has limitations and economical burdens. Transient solutions are escalating antibiotic prophylaxis and widening the indications for TPB.

Diagnosis and Management of Osteomyelitis Associated With Stage 4 Pressure Ulcers: Report of a Query to the Emerging Infections Network of the Infectious Diseases Society of America

Background

Few studies exist to guide the management of patients with stage 4 pressure ulcers with possible underlying osteomyelitis. We hypothesized that infectious disease (ID) physicians would vary widely in their approach to such patients.

Methods

The Emerging Infections Network distributed a 10-question electronic survey in 2018 to 1332 adult ID physicians in different practice settings to determine their approach to such patients.

Results

Of the 558 respondents (response rate: 42%), 17% had managed no such patient in the past year. Of the remaining 464 respondents, 60% usually felt confident in diagnosing osteomyelitis; the strongest clinical indicator of osteomyelitis reported was palpable or visible bone at the ulcer base. Approaches to diagnosing osteomyelitis in patients with visible and palpable bone varied: 41% of respondents would assume osteomyelitis, 27% would attempt pressure off-loading first, and 22% would perform diagnostic testing immediately. Preferred tests for osteomyelitis were bone biopsy (for culture and histopathology) and magnetic resonance imaging. Respondents differed widely on favored route(s) (intravenous, oral, or both) and duration of antimicrobial therapy but would treat longer in the absence, vs presence, of full surgical debridement (P < .001). Overall, 62% of respondents opined that osteomyelitis under stage 4 pressure ulcers is usually or almost always treated excessively, and most (59%) suggested multiple topics for future research.

Conclusions

Regarding osteomyelitis underlying stage 4 pressure ulcers, ID physicians reported widely divergent diagnostic and treatment approaches. Most of the reported practice is not supported by the available evidence, which is quite limited and of low quality.

Antibacterial Prophylaxis for Surgical Site Infection in the Elderly: Practical Application

Surgical site infections are among the most common healthcare-associated infections and are linked with increased length of hospitalization, re-admission, mortality and significant financial burden. Risk factors for the occurrence of surgical site infections include variables related to the surgical procedure as well as host factors. Increasing age is associated with the occurrence of surgical site infections. The aim of this review is to give an update on the antibiotic prophylaxis for surgical site infection in elderly people. We focused on specific issues and practical applications, such as the importance of targeting the antimicrobial agent to the susceptibility pattern of colonizing flora in selected cases and the need for dosage modifications.

Routine Ertapenem Prophylaxis for Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Prostate Biopsy does Not Select for Carbapenem Resistant Organisms: A Prospective Cohort Study

PURPOSE

Sepsis after transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy is an increasing problem in this era of rising antibiotic resistance. Although ertapenem prophylaxis has proved effective at our institution to reduce this, it has raised local and regional antimicrobial stewardship concerns. We investigated the possible selective effect of single dose ertapenem prophylaxis on fecal colonization with carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients underwent a rectal swab prior to receiving prebiopsy ertapenem prophylaxis. A second swab was obtained at followup 4 to 6 weeks later. Swabs were screened for carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae using an enhanced CDC (Centers for Disease Control) method. Prebiopsy swabs were also screened for extended spectrum β-lactamase producing and ciprofloxacin resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Patients were monitored for post-biopsy sepsis.

RESULTS

A total of 326 patients were enrolled in the study. At baseline 6.4% and 9.0% of patients had colonization with extended spectrum β-lactamase producing and ciprofloxacin resistant Enterobacteriaceae, respectively. Carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae were not detected at baseline or followup in any patients. Colonization with nonfermentative organisms with intrinsic ertapenem resistance was detected in 29.4% of patients at baseline and followup (p = 1.0). Three cases (0.9%, 95% CI 0.2-2.8) of probable post-biopsy sepsis were identified during the study period. None was bacteremic or required intensive care unit admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Single dose ertapenem prophylaxis did not appear to have a significant selective effect on fecal colonization with carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae or other ertapenem resistant gram-negative organisms in this outpatient group. It is highly effective prophylaxis for transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy. In the right setting ertapenem may represent a useful prophylactic option to prevent post-transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy sepsis.

Regional variations in fluoroquinolone non-susceptibility among Escherichia coli bloodstream infections within the Veterans Healthcare Administration

Objectives

We sought to define regional variations in fluoroquinolone non-susceptibility (FQ-NS) among bloodstream isolates of Escherichia coli across the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in the United States.

Methods

We analyzed a retrospective cohort of patients managed at 136 VHA hospitals who had a blood culture positive for E.coli between 2003 and 2013. Hospitals were classified based on US Census Divisions, and regional variations in FQ-NS were analyzed.

Results

Twenty-four thousand five hundred twenty-three unique E.coli bloodstream infections (BSIs) were identified between 2003 and 2013. 53.9 % of these were community-acquired, 30.7 % were healthcare-associated, and 15.4 % were hospital-onset BSIs. The proportion of E.coli BSIs with FQ-NS significantly varied across US Census Divisions (p < 0.001). During 2003–2013, the proportion of E.coli BSIs with FQ-NS was highest in the West South-Central Division (32.7 %) and lowest in the Mountain Division (20.0 %). Multivariable analysis showed that there were universal secular trends towards higher FQ-NS rates (p < 0.001) with significant variability of slopes across US Census Divisions (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

There has been a universal increase in FQ-NS among E.coli BSIs within VHA, but the rate of increase has significantly varied across Census Divisions. The reasons for this variability are unclear. These findings reinforce the importance of using local data to develop and update local antibiograms and antibiotic-prescribing guidelines.

Cutting to the Core of the Issue: Emerging Strategies To Reduce Prostate Biopsy-Related Infections

Over 1 million men undergo biopsy in the United States each year to evaluate for prostate cancer (S. Loeb, H. B. Carter, S. I. Berndt, W. Ricker, and E. M. Schaeffer, J Urol 186:1830-1834, 2011, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2011.06.057). In recent years, there has been a rise in infectious complications related to these procedures. This review aims to provide an overview of the guidelines that direct transrectal prostate biopsy, to describe associated infection, and to evaluate the published data driving the current trend toward prebiopsy screening for resistant organisms.

A circulating miRNA assay as a first-line test for prostate cancer screening

Background:

Prostate cancer (PCa) screening currently relies on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and digital rectal examination. However, recent large-scale studies have questioned the long-term efficacy of these tests, and biomarkers that accurately identify PCa are needed.

Methods:

We analysed the levels of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in patients with elevated PSA who were diagnosed with either localised PCa (n=36) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, n=31) upon biopsy. Real-time RT–PCR with Taqman probes was used to measure plasma levels of miRNAs. To circumvent problems associated with circulating miRNA quantitation, we computed the expression ratios of upregulated and downregulated miRNAs.

Results:

The miR-106a/miR-130b and miR-106a/miR-223 ratios were significantly different between the biopsy-positive and BPH groups (P<0.0001), and yielded statistical power values that were >0.99. Both miRNA ratios were highly sensitive and more specific than PSA in discriminating localised PCa from BPH. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed area under curve values of 0.81 (miR-106a/miR-130b) and 0.77 (miR-106a/miR-223).

Conclusions:

Testing for circulating miR-106a/miR-130b and miR-106a/miR-223 ratios may reduce the costs and morbidity of unnecessary biopsies and is feasible for large-scale screening, as it requires measuring only three miRNAs.

A single dose of meropenem is superior to ciprofloxacin in preventing infections after transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsies in the era of quinolone resistance

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of meropenem single dose before transrectal prostate biopsy, instead of ciprofloxacin in the era of fluoroquinolones resistance.

METHODS

This prospective study included patients with indications for prostatic biopsy from January to December 2014. Those with known resistance in fluoroquinolones or meropenem or with decreased creatinine clearance were excluded. Patients were randomized into two groups, and statistical analysis was carried out. Group A received a 3-day course of ciprofloxacin 500 bid per os starting the day before biopsy. Group B received 1 g meropenem intravenously 1 h prior to the procedure. Patients were followed up for 15 days, and those with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and fever were called for hospitalization. Urine and blood cultures were obtained.

RESULTS

A total of 110 patients, 52-75 years old (mean 67.5, median 66) participated in the study, allocated in Groups A and B. After the procedure, 18 patients (32.7 %) of Group A reported macroscopic hematuria, while 10 (18.2 %) reported rectal blood loss. Nine patients (16.3 %) presented because of fever and LUTS. One of them developed septic shock and died in the ICU. Cultures revealed multi-resistant E. coli with high sensitivity to meropenem, and patients were treated accordingly. In Group B, 20 (36.3 %) patients presented with macroscopic hematuria and 9 (16.3 %) with rectal blood loss. One patient returned to hospital with LUTS and fever. Cultures revealed Klebsiella pneumoniae sensitive to colimycine.

CONCLUSIONS

A single dose of meropenem prior to prostate biopsy is a safe and effective way to avoid the possible infectious complications in high-risk patients.

Enterococcus faecalis Septicemia and Vertebral Osteomyelitis after Transrectal Ultrasound Guided Biopsy of the Prostate

Transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy (TRUS) has rarely been associated with disseminated infection, yet the occurrence appears to be increasing. Resistance to fluoroquinolones, the most commonly used prophylaxis, is one of the likely causes, with Escherichia coli being the most commonly reported cause of these infections. Herein we present what is, to our knowledge, the first case of Enterococcus faecalis septicemia and vertebral osteomyelitis after TRUS. Previously reported cases of this condition are referenced also.

Potential burden of antibiotic resistance on surgery and cancer chemotherapy antibiotic prophylaxis in the USA: a literature review and modelling study

BACKGROUND

The declining efficacy of existing antibiotics potentially jeopardises outcomes in patients undergoing medical procedures. We investigated the potential consequences of increases in antibiotic resistance on the ten most common surgical procedures and immunosuppressing cancer chemotherapies that rely on antibiotic prophylaxis in the USA.

METHODS

We searched the published scientific literature and identified meta-analyses and reviews of randomised controlled trials or quasi-randomised controlled trials (allocation done on the basis of a pseudo-random sequence-eg, odd/even hospital number or date of birth, alternation) to estimate the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing infections and infection-related deaths after surgical procedures and immunosuppressing cancer chemotherapy. We varied the identified effect sizes under different scenarios of reduction in the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis (10%, 30%, 70%, and 100% reductions) and estimated the additional number of infections and infection-related deaths per year in the USA for each scenario. We estimated the percentage of pathogens causing infections after these procedures that are resistant to standard prophylactic antibiotics in the USA.

FINDINGS

We estimate that between 38·7% and 50·9% of pathogens causing surgical site infections and 26·8% of pathogens causing infections after chemotherapy are resistant to standard prophylactic antibiotics in the USA. A 30% reduction in the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis for these procedures would result in 120,000 additional surgical site infections and infections after chemotherapy per year in the USA (ranging from 40,000 for a 10% reduction in efficacy to 280,000 for a 70% reduction in efficacy), and 6300 infection-related deaths (range: 2100 for a 10% reduction in efficacy, to 15,000 for a 70% reduction). We estimated that every year, 13,120 infections (42%) after prostate biopsy are attributable to resistance to fluoroquinolones in the USA.

INTERPRETATION

Increasing antibiotic resistance potentially threatens the safety and efficacy of surgical procedures and immunosuppressing chemotherapy. More data are needed to establish how antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations should be modified in the context of increasing rates of resistance.

FUNDING

DRIVE-AB Consortium.