Complicated intra-abdominal infections in a worldwide context: an observational prospective study (CIAOW Study)

Identification of key genes in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy based on integrated bioinformatical analysis and experiments in vitro and in vivo

Introduction

Sepsis is a life-threatening disease that damages multiple organs and induced by the host's dysregulated response to infection with high morbidity and mortality. Heart remains one of the most vulnerable targets of sepsis-induced organ damage, and sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is an important factor that exacerbates the death of patients. However, the underlying genetic mechanism of SIC disease needs further research.

Methods

The transcriptomic dataset, GSE171564, was downloaded from NCBI for further analysis. Gene expression matrices for the sample group were obtained by quartile standardization and log2 logarithm conversion prior to analysis. The time series, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and functional enrichment analysis via Gene Ontology and KEGG Pathway Databases were used to identify key gene clusters and their potential interactions. Predicted miRNA-mRNA relationships from multiple databases facilitated the construction of a TF-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. In vivo experiments, along with qPCR and western blot assays, provided experimental validation.

Results

The transcriptome data analysis between SIC and healthy samples revealed 221 down-regulated, and 342 up-regulated expressed genes across two distinct clusters. Among these, Tpt1, Mmp9 and Fth1 were of particular significance. Functional analysis revealed their role in several biological processes and pathways, subsequently, in vivo experiments confirmed their overexpression in SIC samples. Notably, we found TPT1 play a pivotal role in the progression of SIC, and silencing TPT1 showed a protective effect against LPS-induced SIC.

Conclusion

In our study, we demonstrated that Tpt1, Mmp9 and Fth1 have great potential to be biomarker of SIC. These findings will facilitated to understand the occurrence and development mechanism of SIC.

Is acute appendicitis more severe in foreign workers of northern Israel? A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Acute appendicitis (AA) is one of the most common surgical emergencies worldwide. It's classified into simple or complicated disease. Due to the high prevalence of the disease, AA has been studied as a marker to assess the quality of care afforded to minority groups. The purpose of this study was to compare AA outcomes in foreign workers (FW) to the general population in northern Israel.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study. We identified all patients aged 18-50 who were admitted to our institution between January 1st, 2013 and October 31st, 2018, with the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. The study group included all FW and the control group included citizens of Israel. Study patients were matched based on age, sex, and co-morbidities. We compared time to presentation, admission parameters and disease outcomes. Our study outcomes were disease severity and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

We identified 20 FW and 97 matched local patients. FW presented with significantly higher heart rate, temperature, and white blood cell count (WBC). Duration of symptoms was comparable between the two groups. The rates of complicated disease were significantly higher among FW (45 vs 17.5%, p < 0.0001). Length of hospitalization was significantly longer in the FW group (4.8 vs. 3.9 days, p = 0.01). The odds ratio of FWs for having a complicated disease was OR = 3.85 [95% CI: 1.38, 10.72], p = 0.01. Multivariate analysis identified FW and duration of symptoms as significantly contributing to a complicated disease outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Although duration of symptoms was comparable to the local population, FW in northern Israel are at increased risk for a complicated disease which resulted in longer hospital stay. Further studies may enlighten the reason for this disparity.

Small bowel anastomosis in peritonitis compared to enterostomy formation: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Anastomotic leakage after small bowel resection in emergency laparotomy is a severe complication. A consensus on the risk factors for anastomotic leakage has not been established, and it is still unclear if peritonitis is a risk factor. This systematic review aimed to evaluate if an entero-entero/entero-colonic anastomosis is safe in patients with peritonitis undergoing abdominal acute care surgery.

METHODS

A systematic literature review based on PRISMA guidelines was performed, searching the databases Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct for studies of anastomosis in peritonitis. Patients with an anastomosis after non-planned small bowel resection (ischemia, perforation, or strangulation), including secondary peritonitis, were included. Elective laparotomies and colo-colonic anastomoses were excluded. Due to the etiology, traumatic perforation, in-vitro, and animal studies were excluded.

RESULTS

This review identified 26 studies of small-bowel anastomosis in peritonitis with a total of 2807 patients. This population included a total of 889 small-bowel/right colonic resections with anastomoses, and 242 enterostomies. All studies, except two, were retrospective reviews or case series. The overall mortality rates were 0-20% and anastomotic leakage rates 0-36%. After performing a risk of bias evaluation there was no basis for conducting a meta-analysis. The quality of evidence was rated as low.

CONCLUSION

There was no evidence to refute performing a primary small-bowel anastomosis in acute laparotomy with peritonitis. There is currently insufficient evidence to label peritonitis as a risk factor for anastomotic leakage in acute care laparotomy with small-bowel resection.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The review was registered with the PROSPERO register of systematic reviews on 14/07/2020 with the ID: CRD42020168670.

Surgical management of appendicitis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positivity: a propensity score-matched analysis in a base hospital for HIV treatment in Japan

PURPOSE

To investigate the impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on surgical outcomes after appendectomy.

METHODS

Data on patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis between 2010 and 2020 at our hospital were investigated retrospectively. The patients were classified into HIV-positive and HIV-negative groups using propensity score-matching (PSM) analysis, adjusting for the five reported risk factors for postoperative complications: age, sex, Blumberg's sign, C-reactive protein level, and white blood cell count. We compared the postoperative outcomes of the two groups. HIV infection parameters, including the number and proportion of CD4 + lymphocytes and the HIV-RNA levels were also compared before and after appendectomy in the HIV-positive patients.

RESULTS

Among 636 patients enrolled, 42 were HIV-positive and 594 were HIV-negative. Postoperative complications occurred in five HIV-positive patients and eight HIV-negative patients, with no significant difference in the incidence (p = 0.405) or severity of any complication (p = 0.655) between the groups. HIV infection was well-controlled preoperatively using antiretroviral therapy (83.3%). There was no deterioration in parameters and no changes in the postoperative treatment in any of the HIV-positive patients.

CONCLUSION

Advances in antiviral drugs have made appendectomy a safe and feasible procedure for HIV-positive patients, with similar postoperative complication risks to HIV-negative patients.

The unrestricted global effort to complete the COOL trial

BACKGROUND

Severe complicated intra-abdominal sepsis (SCIAS) has an increasing incidence with mortality rates over 80% in some settings. Mortality typically results from disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, progressive and self-perpetuating bio-mediator generation, systemic inflammation, and multiple organ failure. A further therapeutic option may be open abdomen (OA) management with negative peritoneal pressure therapy (NPPT) to remove inflammatory ascites and attenuate the systemic damage from SCIAS, although there are definite risks of leaving the abdomen open whenever it might possibly be closed. This potential therapeutic paradigm is the rationale being assessed in the Closed Or Open after Laparotomy (COOL trial) ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03163095 ). Initially, the COOL trial received Industry sponsorship; however, this funding mandated the use of a specific trademarked and expensive NPPT device in half of the patients allocated to the intervention (open) arm. In August 2022, the 3 M/Acelity Corporation without consultation but within the terms of the contract canceled the financial support of the trial. Although creating financial difficulty, there is now no restriction on specific NPPT devices and removing a cost-prohibitive intervention creates an opportunity to expand the COOL trial to a truly global basis. This document describes the evolution of the COOL trial, with a focus on future opportunities for global growth of the study.

METHODS

The COOL trial is the largest prospective randomized controlled trial examining the random allocation of SCIAS patients intra-operatively to either formal closure of the fascia or the use of the OA with an application of an NPPT dressing. Patients are eligible if they have free uncontained intraperitoneal contamination and physiologic derangements exemplified by septic shock OR severely adverse predicted clinical outcomes. The primary outcome is intended to definitively inform global practice by conclusively evaluating 90-day survival. Initial recruitment has been lower than hoped but satisfactory, and the COOL steering committee and trial investigators intend with increased global support to continue enrollment until recruitment ensures a definitive answer.

DISCUSSION

OA is mandated in many cases of SCIAS such as the risk of abdominal compartment syndrome associated with closure, or a planned second look as for example part of "damage control"; however, improved source control (locally and systemically) is the most uncertain indication for an OA. The COOL trial seeks to expand potential sites and proceed with the evaluation of NPPT agnostic to device, to properly examine the hypothesis that this treatment attenuates systemic damage and improves survival. This approach will not affect internal validity and should improve the external validity of any observed results of the intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

National Institutes of Health ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03163095 ).

The unrestricted global effort to complete the COOL trial

BACKGROUND

Severe complicated intra-abdominal sepsis (SCIAS) has an increasing incidence with mortality rates over 80% in some settings. Mortality typically results from disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, progressive and self-perpetuating bio-mediator generation, systemic inflammation, and multiple organ failure. A further therapeutic option may be open abdomen (OA) management with negative peritoneal pressure therapy (NPPT) to remove inflammatory ascites and attenuate the systemic damage from SCIAS, although there are definite risks of leaving the abdomen open whenever it might possibly be closed. This potential therapeutic paradigm is the rationale being assessed in the Closed Or Open after Laparotomy (COOL trial) ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03163095 ). Initially, the COOL trial received Industry sponsorship; however, this funding mandated the use of a specific trademarked and expensive NPPT device in half of the patients allocated to the intervention (open) arm. In August 2022, the 3 M/Acelity Corporation without consultation but within the terms of the contract canceled the financial support of the trial. Although creating financial difficulty, there is now no restriction on specific NPPT devices and removing a cost-prohibitive intervention creates an opportunity to expand the COOL trial to a truly global basis. This document describes the evolution of the COOL trial, with a focus on future opportunities for global growth of the study.

METHODS

The COOL trial is the largest prospective randomized controlled trial examining the random allocation of SCIAS patients intra-operatively to either formal closure of the fascia or the use of the OA with an application of an NPPT dressing. Patients are eligible if they have free uncontained intraperitoneal contamination and physiologic derangements exemplified by septic shock OR severely adverse predicted clinical outcomes. The primary outcome is intended to definitively inform global practice by conclusively evaluating 90-day survival. Initial recruitment has been lower than hoped but satisfactory, and the COOL steering committee and trial investigators intend with increased global support to continue enrollment until recruitment ensures a definitive answer.

DISCUSSION

OA is mandated in many cases of SCIAS such as the risk of abdominal compartment syndrome associated with closure, or a planned second look as for example part of "damage control"; however, improved source control (locally and systemically) is the most uncertain indication for an OA. The COOL trial seeks to expand potential sites and proceed with the evaluation of NPPT agnostic to device, to properly examine the hypothesis that this treatment attenuates systemic damage and improves survival. This approach will not affect internal validity and should improve the external validity of any observed results of the intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

National Institutes of Health ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03163095 ).

Effectiveness of intraoperative peritoneal lavage with saline in patient with intra-abdominal infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Intraoperative peritoneal lavage (IOPL) with saline has been widely used in surgical practice. However, the effectiveness of IOPL with saline in patients with intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) remains controversial. This study aims to systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of IOPL in patients with IAIs.

Methods

The databases of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library, CNKI, WanFang, and CBM databases were searched from inception to December 31, 2022. Random-effects models were used to calculate the risk ratio (RR), mean difference, and standardized mean difference. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to rate the quality of the evidence.

Results

Ten RCTs with 1318 participants were included, of which eight studies on appendicitis and two studies on peritonitis. Moderate-quality evidence showed that the use of IOPL with saline was not associated with a reduced risk of mortality (0% vs. 1.1%; RR, 0.31 [95% CI, 0.02–6.39]), intra-abdominal abscess (12.3% vs. 11.8%; RR, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.70–1.48]; I2 = 24%), incisional surgical site infections (3.3% vs. 3.8%; RR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.18–2.86]; I2 = 50%), postoperative complication (11.0% vs. 13.2%; RR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.39–1.41]; I2 = 64%), reoperation (2.9% vs. 1.7%; RR,1.71 [95% CI, 0.74–3.93]; I2 = 0%) and readmission (5.2% vs. 6.6%; RR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.48–1.87]; I2 = 7%) in patients with appendicitis when compared to non-IOPL. Low-quality evidence showed that the use of IOPL with saline was not associated with a reduced risk of mortality (22.7% vs. 23.3%; RR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.45–2.09], I2 = 0%) and intra-abdominal abscess (5.1% vs. 5.0%; RR, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.16–6.98], I2 = 0%) in patients with peritonitis when compared to non-IOPL.

Conclusion

IOPL with saline use in patients with appendicitis was not associated with significantly decreased risk of mortality, intra-abdominal abscess, incisional surgical site infection, postoperative complication, reoperation, and readmission compared with non-IOPL. These findings do not support the routine use of IOPL with saline in patients with appendicitis. The benefits of IOPL for IAI caused by other types of abdominal infections need to be investigated.

Transferrin decorated PLGA encumbered moxifloxacin nanoparticles and in vitro cellular studies

PURPOSE

Complicated intra-abdominal infection (cIAI) management involves administering antibiotics that destroy the cell wall and the genesis of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). During the infectious state, the expression of transferrin receptors upregulates on the intestinal epithelial cells, which are considered the site of infection. In the present research, transferrin decorated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated moxifloxacin (MOX) were developed for possible targeting of the receptors in the colon.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study will explore more about the incorporation of transferrin as effective coating material in targeted drug delivery.

METHODS

Nanoparticles were prepared using nano-emulsification and surface modification with transferrin was done by layer-by-layer methodology and evaluated by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), FTIR, SEM, antibacterial activity, and cellular uptake studies.

RESULTS

The formulated NPs exhibit a size of ≈170 nm, PDI ≈ 0.25, zeta potential ≈-4.0 mV, drug loading ≈ 6.8%, and entrapment efficiency of 82%. Transferrin-decorated NPs exhibit tailored release for almost 12 h and in vitro antibacterial activity for 14 h. The cellular uptake studies were done on a RAW264.7 cell line for better determination of transferrin uptake of fabricated NPs.

CONCLUSION

The above study circumvents around the preparation of transferrin decorated PLGA encumbered MOX NPs intended for cIAI-induced sepsis. PLGA NPs provide tailored release of MOX with primary burst and followed by sustained release. These observations confines with antibacterial activity studies. The prepared transferrin-coated NPs were stable and effectively uptaken by RAW264.7 cells. However, future studies include the preclinical investigation of these NPs in sepsis-induced murine models.

Klebsiella pneumoniae Bacteremia is Associated with Higher Mortality in Acute Calculous Cholangitis as Compared to Escherichia coli Bacteremia

BACKGROUND

Acute cholangitis (AC) is a potentially life-threatening infection involving the biliary system. The two commonest bacteria involved are Escherichia coli (EC) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP). Microbiology is a prognostic factor for several pathologies but not for AC. We aim to investigate clinical outcomes between KP bacteremia vs. EC bacteremia in AC.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with calculous AC (January-December 2016). Study outcomes include the length of hospitalization stay, in-hospital mortality, 30-day, and 90-day mortality. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to establish correlations.

RESULTS

We included 141 patients (KP (n = 29), EC (n = 112)) with overall median age of 82.2 and similar gender distribution. Most patients had Grade II AC (n = 59, 41.8%). Patient demographics were comparable. KP bacteremia had lower median platelet count (KP:168 × 10⁹/L vs. EC:200 × 10⁹/L; p = 0.025). Overall 30-day and 90-day mortality were 9.2 and 10.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed KP bacteremia had higher 30-day (Odds ratio (OR) 6.09, (95% Confidence Interval (CI):1.27-29.10), p = 0.024) and 90-day mortality (OR 6.10, 95% CI: 1.39-26.76, p = 0.017). The length of hospitalization stay was comparable. Subgroup analysis of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatogram patients showed comparable outcomes.

CONCLUSION

KP bacteremia is associated with lower platelet count and higher 30-day and 90-day mortality than EC. More studies are required to establish if inferior outcomes of KP bacteremia are associated with antimicrobial resistance.

Time to source control and outcome in community-acquired intra-abdominal infections: The multicentre observational PERICOM study

BACKGROUND

Optimal management of community-acquired intra-abdominal infections (IAI) requires timely surgical source control and adequate anti-infective treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the initial management of community-acquired IAI admitted to the emergency department and assess the association between the length of time to either diagnosis or therapeutic procedures and patient outcomes.

DESIGN

A prospective, multicentre, observational study.

SETTING

Thirteen teaching hospitals in France between April 2018 and February 2019.

PATIENTS

Two hundred and five patients aged at least 18 years diagnosed with community-acquired IAI.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was hospital length of stay. The secondary outcome was hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Patients had a mean age of 56 (± 21) years and a median [interquartile] SAPS II of 26 [17 to 34]. Among the study cohort, 18% were postoperatively transferred to intensive care unit and 7% had died by day 28. Median [IQR] time to imaging, antibiotic therapy and surgery were 4 [2 to 6], 7.5 [4 to 12.5] and 9 [5.5 to 17] hours, respectively. The length of time to surgical source control [0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.98 to 0.99], SOFA greater than 2 [0.36 (95% CI, 0.26 to 0.651)], age greater than 60 years [0.65 (95% CI, 0.45 to 0.94)], generalized peritonitis [0.7 (95% CI, 0.56 to 0.89)] and laparotomy surgery [0.657 (95% CI, 0.42 to 0.78)] were associated with longer hospital length of stay. The duration of time to surgical source control [1.02 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.04)], generalized peritonitis [2.41 (95% CI, 1.27 to 4.61)], and SOFA score greater than 2 [6.14 (95% CI, 1.40 to 26.88)] were identified as independent risk factors for 28-day mortality.

CONCLUSION

This multicentre observational study revealed that the time to surgical source control, patient severity and generalized peritonitis were identified as independent risk factors for increased hospital LOS and mortality in community-acquired IAI. Organisational strategies to reduce the time to surgical management of intra-abdominal infections should be further evaluated.

STUDY REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov on 1 April 2018, NCT03544203.

[The variants of enteral distress syndrome correction with peritonitis]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of a new treatment regimen for patients with widespread peritonitis with an accent on enteroprotection based on the use of a drug of the metabolic type of action of remaxol and physiotherapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Clinical and laboratory studies of 82 patients with widespread peritonitis, mainly with grade 2 severity according to the Mannheim peritonitis Index, severe form - according to the ARASNE II scale. In the 1st group (28) patients underwent intraoperative intestinal intubation in the traditional way; in the 2nd (22) - intestinal intubation according to the original method; in the 3rd (32) - intestinal intubation according to the original method and combined use of remaxol (parenterally, enterally and intraperitoneally). An intestinal tube of an original design was used, which allows electrical stimulation of the duodenum in the postoperative period. The study evaluates clinical data, the results of instrumental and laboratory studies: ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity, assessment of the functional state of the small intestine, a number of indicators of homeostasis.

RESULTS

It was shown that in patients with acute widespread peritonitis who underwent intestinal intubation according to the original method (group 2), as well as in combination with remaxol (group 3), the postoperative period was relatively more favorable. One of the factors optimizing the course of the disease was the relatively rapid restoration of the structural and functional state of the small intestine due to its electrical stimulation. The clinical and laboratory positive effect was especially significant in the 3rd group of patients, in which the use of remaxol, which has a membrane-stabilizing effect, played a special role in the enteroprotective effect. Timely correction of enteral distress syndrome resulted in a significant decrease in the severity of the syndrome of endogenous intoxication and oxidative stress, which was important in significantly improving the results of treatment of patients.

CONCLUSION

The use of technical innovations in the form of an original nasointestinal tube, which allows to quickly restore intestinal motility due to electrical stimulation, as well as the use of remaxol (parenterally, enterally and intraperitoneally) significantly optimize the course of the early postoperative period of patients with acute widespread peritonitis.

Using Nomograms to Predict the PPCs of Patients With Diffuse Peritonitis Undergoing Emergency Gastrointestinal Surgery

Objective: To develop and validate a nomogram model for predicting postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in patients with diffuse peritonitis undergoing emergency gastrointestinal surgery.

Methods: We used the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression model to analyze the independent risk factors for PPCs in patients with diffuse peritonitis who underwent emergency gastrointestinal surgery. Using R, we developed and validated a nomogram model for predicting PPCs in patients with diffuse peritonitis undergoing emergency gastrointestinal surgery.

Results: The LASSO regression analysis showed that AGE, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA), DIAGNOSIS, platelets (on the 3rd day after surgery), cholesterol (on the 3rd day after surgery), ALBUMIN (on the first day after surgery), and preoperative ALBUMIN were independent risk factors for PPCs in patients with diffuse peritonitis undergoing emergency gastrointestinal surgery. The area under the curve (AUC) value of the nomogram model in the training group was 0.8240; its accuracy was 0.7000, and its sensitivity was 0.8658. This demonstrates that the nomogram has a high prediction value. Also in the test group, the AUC value of the model established by the variables AGE, ASA, and platelets (on the 3rd day after surgery), cholesterol (on the 3rd day after surgery), ALBUMIN (on the first day after surgery), and preoperative ALBUMIN was 0.8240; its accuracy was 0.8000; and its specificity was 0.8986. In the validation group, the same results were obtained. The results of the clinical decision curve show that the benefit rate was also high.

Conclusion: Based on the risk factors AGE, ASA, DIAGNOSIS, platelets (on the 3rd day after surgery), cholesterol (on the 3rd day after surgery), ALBUMIN (on the first day after surgery), and preoperative ALBUMIN, the nomogram model established in this study for predicting PPCs in patients with diffuse peritonitis undergoing emergency gastrointestinal surgery has high accuracy and discrimination.

Rare cause of chronic abdominal pain: left paraduodenal hernia and its surgical management

A 30-year-old man presented with colicky abdominal pain for 2 months, associated with occasional episodes of bilious vomiting. He had a history of similar complaints at the age of 16 and 26 years. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography abdomen was consistent with a diagnosis of left paraduodenal hernia. On laparoscopy a 3 × 3 cm hernial defect was identified in the left paraduodenal fossa (fossa of Landzert). Contents were jejunal, and proximal ileal loops which were dilated and edematous. Anterior border of the sac was formed by the inferior mesenteric vein and left branch of the left colic artery. Initial reduction of contents was easy. However, complete reduction proved to be difficult due to adhesions with the sac opening, the hernial sac instead laid open by dividing the Inferior Mesentric Vein (IMV) (anterior border of defect) using a vascular stapler. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 3 in a stable condition. On follow-up the patient is doing well.

Modern Management of the Appendix: So Many Options

Nonoperative management (NOM) of acute appendicitis is becoming more popular, especially in resource-strapped locations, to minimize hospital system costs. In uncomplicated cases of appendicitis, NOM can effectively treat the patient. It does carry a 39.1% risk of recurrence in 5 years, and operative management (OM) does not increase morbidity or risk of complication, so the authors recommend laparoscopic OM for uncomplicated appendicitis. For complicated cases of appendicitis, the authors recommend initial NOM with interval appendectomy in all patients. All appendicitis patients should undergo surveillance endoscopy if older than 40 years to rule out a contributing neoplasm.

Prevalence of methicillin resistance and superantigenic toxins in Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from patients with cancer

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the frequency of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), antibiotic resistance patterns, superantigenic toxins profile, and clonality of this pathogen in patients with cancer.

RESULTS

In total, 79 (25.7%) isolates were confirmed as Staphylococcus species, from which 38 (48.1%) isolates were S. aureus, and 29 (76.3%) isolates were confirmed as MRSA. The highest resistance in MRSA strains was seen against ciprofloxacin (86.2%) and erythromycin (82.8%). Teicoplanin, and linezolid were the most effective antibiotics. From all MRSA isolates, 3 strains (10.3%) were resistant to vancomycin with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 128 μg/ml. The prevalence of superantigenic toxins genes was as follows: pvl (10.5%), tsst-1 (36.8%), etA (23.7%), and etB (23.7%). The t14870 spa type with frequency of 39.5% was the most prevalent clone type circulating in the cancer patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed the circulating of spa t14870 as the most predominant MRSA clone in cancer patients of southwest Iran. Also, a diverse antibiotic resistance pattern and toxin profiles were seen among MRSA isolates.

Developing Machine Learning Algorithms to Predict Pulmonary Complications After Emergency Gastrointestinal Surgery

Objective: Investigate whether machine learning can predict pulmonary complications (PPCs) after emergency gastrointestinal surgery in patients with acute diffuse peritonitis.

Methods: This is a secondary data analysis study. We use five machine learning algorithms (Logistic regression, DecisionTree, GradientBoosting, Xgbc, and gbm) to predict postoperative pulmonary complications.

Results: Nine hundred and twenty-six cases were included in this study; 187 cases (20.19%) had PPCs. The five most important variables for the postoperative weight were preoperative albumin, cholesterol on the 3rd day after surgery, albumin on the day of surgery, platelet count on the 1st day after surgery and cholesterol count on the 1st day after surgery for pulmonary complications. In the test group: the logistic regression model shows AUC = 0.808, accuracy = 0.824 and precision = 0.621; Decision tree shows AUC = 0.702, accuracy = 0.795 and precision = 0.486; The GradientBoosting model shows AUC = 0.788, accuracy = 0.827 and precision = 1.000; The Xgbc model shows AUC = 0.784, accuracy = 0.806 and precision = 0.583. The Gbm model shows AUC = 0.814, accuracy = 0.806 and precision = 0.750.

Conclusion: Machine learning algorithms can predict patients' PPCs with acute diffuse peritonitis. Moreover, the results of the importance matrix for the Gbdt algorithm model show that albumin, cholesterol, age, and platelets are the main variables that account for the highest pulmonary complication weights.

Novel Multiparametric Nomogram for Overall Survival Prediction in Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infection: A Multicenter Study in China

Background: Complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs) in the abdominal cavity or within an abdominal organ are numerous and frequent dangerous entities in the treatment of critically ill patients. Early clinical evaluation is necessary.

Methods: This retrospective multicenter study included patients from 10 intensive care units (ICUs). Risk factors for the overall survival (OS) of patients with cIAI were selected using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, and a nomogram was constructed subsequently. Calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate the calibration and discriminative ability.

Results: In total, 544 patients diagnosed with cIAI were enrolled and divided into the study (n = 276) and validation (n = 268) sets. Sex, acute gastrointestinal injury, acute kidney injury, rare bacterium infection, Charlson score, and APACHE II score were identified as independent risk factors and were constructed for the nomogram. The nomogram showed marked calibration capability with a concordance index (C-index) of 0.909 and 0.831 in the study and validation set, respectively. Compared with the common clinical prognostic scoring system, the nomogram achieved the highest discrimination ability with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.91 and 0.83 in the study set and validation set, respectively.

Conclusions: Our newly constructed nomogram provides a useful tool for risk stratification and prognosis evaluation of cIAI.

Is the use of endoloops safe and efficient for the closure of the appendicular stump in complicated and uncomplicated acute appendicitis?

INTRODUCTION

There is still controversy regarding the ideal technique to close the appendicular stump in laparoscopic appendectomy (LA). The objective of this study was to determine the safety and efficiency of the use of an endoloop (EL) and endostapler (ES) in complicated and uncomplicated acute appendicitis.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing LA from February 2013 to December 2019. Acute uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis were analysed separately, establishing two groups according to the stump closure technique: EL or ES. Seven hundred-nine patients were included (535 uncomplicated and 174 complicated). In uncomplicated appendicitis, an EL was used in 447 of the patients (83.55%) and an ES was used in 88 patients (16.45%). In complicated appendicitis, an EL was used in 85 patients (48.85%) and an ES was used in 89 patients (51.15%). An analysis of effectiveness and a cost analysis of each technique were performed.

RESULTS

In uncomplicated appendicitis, we found no differences with respect to global complications, although there were significant differences in the total mean hospital stay (EL group 1.55 (SD 1.48) days; ES group 2.21 (SD 1.69) days; p = 0.046). This meant a savings of 514.12€ per patient using the EL p < 0.001). In complicated appendicitis, the reoperations classified as Clavien-Dindo IIIB in the EL group (6.4%) were greater than in the ES group (0%) (p = 0.012), although the rate of postoperative abscesses (p = 0.788) and the mean volume of abscesses (p = 0.891) were similar.

CONCLUSION

The systematic use of an EL could reduce costs in uncomplicated appendicitis, while in complicated cases, both options are valid. Prospective studies with a greater number of patients are needed to observe differences in postoperative complications.

The quality assessment of intraabdominal infection guidelines/consensuses in 2 decades - which are better and any changes?

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Intraabdominal infection (IAI) is a common and important disease worldwide. An increasing number of related guidelines/consensuses have been published in recent years, the quality evaluation for these guidelines/consensuses is necessary to identify lower-quality documents and explore the quality distribution in different time range and areas in this field.

METHODS

The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation Instrument tool was adopted to assess the quality of IAI guidelines/consensuses by 3 researchers independently. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) among the researchers were retrieved to reflect reliability. The quality differences of these guidelines/consensuses issued before and after May 2009, both international and non-international, were compared by a Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

Fourteen IAI guidelines/consensuses published in English were obtained following a literature search. The ICCs among the researchers were all above 0.75, indicating satisfactory reliability. This outcome showed that the overall quality of these guidelines/consensuses was mediocre and considered acceptable in all items. A few guidelines/consensuses were better in their scientific and methodological characteristics than the others. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the scores between the guidelines/consensuses issued before and after May 2009 or between international vs regional guidelines/consensuses.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the quality of the IAI guidelines/consensuses was generally acceptable and applicable, with a few deficiencies. Therefore, continuous improvement is essential. The guideline assessment tools should be applied in guideline/consensus development both widely and strictly to improve the methodological quality.

2020 World Society of Emergency Surgery updated guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute calculus cholecystitis

BACKGROUND

Acute calculus cholecystitis (ACC) has a high incidence in the general population. The presence of several areas of uncertainty, along with the availability of new evidence, prompted the current update of the 2016 WSES (World Society of Emergency Surgery) Guidelines on ACC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The WSES president appointed four members as a scientific secretariat, four members as an organization committee and four members as a scientific committee, choosing them from the expert affiliates of WSES. Relevant key questions were constructed, and the task force produced drafts of each section based on the best scientific evidence from PubMed and EMBASE Library; recommendations were developed in order to answer these key questions. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were reviewed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria (see https://www.gradeworkinggroup.org/ ). All the statements were presented, discussed and voted upon during the Consensus Conference at the 6th World Congress of the World Society of Emergency Surgery held in Nijmegen (NL) in May 2019. A revised version of the statements was voted upon via an online questionnaire until consensus was reached.

RESULTS

The pivotal role of surgery is confirmed, including in high-risk patients. When compared with the WSES 2016 guidelines, the role of gallbladder drainage is reduced, despite the considerable technical improvements available. Early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC) should be the standard of care whenever possible, even in subgroups of patients who are considered fragile, such as the elderly; those with cardiac disease, renal disease and cirrhosis; or those who are generally at high risk for surgery. Subtotal cholecystectomy is safe and represents a valuable option in cases of difficult gallbladder removal.

CONCLUSIONS, KNOWLEDGE GAPS AND RESEARCH RECOMMENDATIONS

ELC has a central role in the management of patients with ACC. The value of surgical treatment for high-risk patients should lead to a distinction between high-risk patients and patients who are not suitable for surgery. Further evidence on the role of clinical judgement and the use of clinical scores as adjunctive tools to guide treatment of high-risk patients and patients who are not suitable for surgery is required. The development of local policies for safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy is recommended.

Open Abdomen and Fluid Instillation in the Septic Abdomen: Results from the IROA Study

Background

Open abdomen (OA) is a surgical option that can be used in patients with severe peritonitis. Few evidences exist to recommend the use of intraperitoneal fluid instillation associated with OA in managing septic abdomen.

Materials and methods

A prospective analysis of adult patients enrolled in the International Register of Open Abdomen (trial registration: NCT02382770) was performed.

Results

A total of 387 patients were enrolled in two groups: 84 with peritoneal fluid instillation (FI) and 303 without (NFI). The groups were homogeneous for baseline characteristics. Overall complications were 92.9% in FI and 86.3% in NFI (p = 0.106). Complications during OA were 72.6% in FI and 59.9% in NFI (p = 0.034). Complications after definitive closure were 70.8% in FI and 61.1% in NFI (p = 0.133). Entero-atmospheric fistula was 13.1% in FI and 12% in NFI (p = 0.828). Fascial closure was 78.6% in FI and 63.7% in NFI (p = 0.02). Analysis of FI in negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) showed: Overall morbidity in NPWT was 94% and in non-NPWT 91.2% (p = 0.622) and morbidity during OA was 68% and 79.4% (p = 0.25), respectively. Definitive fascial closure in NPWT was 87.8% and 96.8% in non-NPWT (p = 0.173). Overall mortality was 40% in NPWT and 29.4% in non-NPWT (p = 0.32) and morality during OA period was 18% and 8.8% (p = 0.238), respectively.

Conclusion

We found intraperitoneal fluid instillation during open abdomen in peritonitic patients to increase the complication rate during the open abdomen period, with no impact on mortality, entero-atmospheric fistula rate and opening time. Fascial closure rate is increased by instillation. Fluid instillation is feasible even when associated with nonnegative pressure temporary abdominal closure techniques.

The Bucharest ESTES consensus statement on peritonitis

INTRODUCTION

Peritonitis is still an important health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients with peritonitis may be an important factor to reduce the risks for patients and improve efficiency, outcome, and the cost of care.

METHODS

Expert panel discussion on Peritonitis was held in Bucharest on May 2017, during the 17th ECTES Congress, involving surgeons, infectious disease specialists, radiologists and intensivists with the goal of defining recommendations for the optimal management of peritonitis.

CONCLUSION

This document is an updated presentation of management of peritonitis and represents the summary of the final recommendations approved by a panel of experts.

[Comparison of laparoscopic and open suturing of perforated peptic ulcer complicated by advanced peritonitis]

AIM

To compare the results of open and laparoscopic interventions for PGDU complicated by advanced peritonitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis enrolled 172 patients with PGDU who underwent surgery for the period 2014-2016. The research was performed at the bases of the Department of Faculty-Based Surgery No. 1 of the Medical Faculty of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University. Further analysis enrolled 138 patients in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria (laparoscopic intervention - 116 patients, open surgery - 22). Propensity score matching (pseudorandomization) was applied after comparative analysis of patients' characteristics and treatment outcomes in order to ensure maximum comparability of both groups.

RESULTS

Length of hospital-stay (7.1 vs. 9.8 days), incidence of extra-abdominal complications (6.3%. vs. 41.2%) and adverse events Clavien-Dindo grade II (6.3% vs. 35.3%) were significantly lower after minimally invasive surgery (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Analysis of comparable groups of patients with PGDU complicated by peritonitis revealed that laparoscopic surgery is accompanied by significantly lower incidence of extra-abdominal postoperative complications and shorter hospital-stay compared with open surgery. Mortality and incidence of intra-abdominal postoperative complications were similar in both groups.

Early Active Irrigation-Suction Drainage among Enterocutaneous Fistulas Patients with Chronic Critical Illness: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Enterocutaneous fistulas (ECFs) requiring admission to ICU is a serious surgical complication. A growing number of patients survive ECFs but remain chronically critically ill. The aim of our study was to investigate the risk factors of hospital death in patients with chronic critical illness attributed to ECFs. A retrospective single-center study was conducted in 163 ECF patients between 2013 and 2017. Patient-specific baseline characteristics, outcomes, and process of care variables were collected. Risk factors for hospital mortality were determined using univariate and multi-variate analyses. Patients were divided into the following two groups according to the hospital discharge outcome: group survivors (n = 106) and group nonsurvivors (n = 57). Patients who received active irrigation-suction drainage (AISD) within 24 hours after the diagnosis of ECFs had a significantly lower hospital mortality rate than those who received AISD after more than 24 hours (17.9% vs 46.9%, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that delayed AISD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 10.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.03234.59; P < 0.001) and no rehabilitation therapy (AOR, 4.77; 95% CI, 1.43215.98; P = 0.011) were independently associated with a greater risk of hospital mortality. The hospital mortality rate in patients with more than or equal to four risk factors was 92.6 per cent (n = 57), compared with a mortality rate of 9.4 per cent (n = 106) in patients who did not have these risk factors ( P < 0.001). The risk of hospital death is exceptionally high among patients with chronic critical illness attributed to ECFs. Efforts aimed at early AISD and rehabilitation therapy are likely to be associated with improved clinical outcomes.

Efficacy and safety of ceftazidime/avibactam: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Ceftazidime/avibactam is approved for complicated intra-abdominal and urinary tract infections (UTIs) based on results from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data regarding its effectiveness in treating hospital-acquired infections or resistant pathogens have not been systematically compiled.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis including RCTs evaluating ceftazidime/avibactam versus comparator for the treatment of any infection. Primary outcome was 30 day all-cause mortality. Subgroups of hospital-acquired infections and specific resistance phenotypes were planned.

Results

Seven publications (eight trials, 4093 patients) were included, reporting a baseline ∼25% of ESBL-carrying Enterobacteriaceae. No significant difference between ceftazidime/avibactam and comparator (mostly carbapenem) was demonstrated for 30 day all-cause mortality, late follow-up mortality and clinical response [relative risk (RR) 1.10, 95% CI 0.70-1.72, P = 0.69; RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.87-1.76, P = 0.25; RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-1.01, P = 0.21, respectively, without significant heterogeneity]. Higher microbiological response rate was demonstrated with ceftazidime/avibactam in patients with UTI (RR 1.14, 1.0-1.29, P = 0.05, I2 = 51%). No significant difference in clinical response was demonstrated for patients with ceftazidime-resistant pathogens (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.94-1.10, P = 0.66, I2 = 0%). Results for other subgroups of resistant pathogens or hospital-acquired infection were not available. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were significantly more common with ceftazidime/avibactam (RR 1.24, 95% CI 1.00-1.54, P = 0.05, I2 = 0%).

Conclusions

Ceftazidime/avibactam is clinically and microbiologically as effective as carbapenems for treatment of infections in a setting of ∼25% ESBL-carrying Enterobacteriaceae. Safety of the drug should be further evaluated owing to a higher rate of SAEs compared with carbapenems. Further studies should assess the drug's effectiveness in the treatment of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae.

Prevalence, predictors, and consequences of inappropriate empiric antimicrobial therapy for complicated urinary tract and intra-abdominal infections in Winnipeg hospitals

Information on inappropriate empiric antimicrobial therapy (ET) in Canadian hospitals is scarce. All Manitobans 18 years of age and over who were admitted to a hospital in Winnipeg with a complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI) or complicated intra-abdominal infection (cIAI) from January 2006 to December 2014 were eligible for inclusion in this cohort study. The prevalence of inappropriate ET was 11% for cUTI patients and 9% for cIAI patients. The risk of receiving inappropriate ET was higher for older patients (cUTI patients 65 or older had 2-fold increased risk compared to younger patients; odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.3-3.6; this was 1.6 [0.7-3.5] for cIAI patients) and those hospitalized in the previous year: 1.5 (1.0-2.4) in cUTIs and 1.5 (0.6-3.4) in cIAIs. The risk for a hospital stay over 3 weeks was increased for inappropriate ET in cUTI patients, 2.3 (1.4-3.7), but not in cIAI patients, 0.9 (0.4-2.1).

Emergency repair of complicated abdominal wall hernias: WSES guidelines

PURPOSE

In July 2013, the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) held the first Consensus Conference on emergency repair of abdominal wall hernias in adult patients with the intention of producing evidence-based guidelines to assist surgeons in the management of complicated abdominal wall hernias. Guidelines were updated in 2017 in keeping with varying clinical practice: benefits resulting from the increased use of biological prosthesis in the emergency setting were highlighted, as previously published in the World Journal of Emergency Surgery. This executive summary is intended to consolidate knowledge on the emergency management of complicated hernias by providing the broad readership with a practical and concise version of the original guidelines.

METHODS

This executive manuscript summarizes the WSES guidelines reporting on the emergency management of complicated abdominal wall hernias; statements are highlighted focusing the readers' attention on the main concepts presented in the original guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency repair of complicated abdominal hernias remains one of the most common and challenging surgical emergencies worldwide. WSES aims to provide an essential version of the evidence-based guidelines focusing on the timing of intervention, laparoscopic approach, surgical repair following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wound classification, antimicrobial prophylaxis and anesthesia in the emergency setting.

Ethical considerations in conducting surgical research in severe complicated intra-abdominal sepsis

Background

Severe complicated intra-abdominal sepsis (SCIAS) has high mortality, thought due in part to progressive bio-mediator generation, systemic inflammation, and multiple organ failure. Treatment includes early antibiotics and operative source control. At surgery, open abdomen management with negative-peritoneal-pressure therapy (NPPT) has been hypothesized to mitigate MOF and death, although clinical equipoise for this operative approach exists. The Closed or Open after Laparotomy (COOL) study (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03163095) will prospectively randomize eligible patients intra-operatively to formal abdominal closure or OA with NPTT. We review the ethical basis for conducting research in SCIAS.

Main body

Research in critically ill incapacitated patients is important to advance care. Conducting research among SCIAS is complicated due to the severity of illness including delirium, need for emergent interventions, diagnostic criteria confirmed only at laparotomy, and obtundation from anaesthesia. In other circumstances involving critically ill patients, clinical experts have worked closely with ethicists to apply principles that balance the rights of patients whilst simultaneously permitting inclusion in research. In Canada, the Tri-Council Policy Statement-2 (TCPS-2) describes six criteria that permit study enrollment and randomization in such situations: (a) serious threat to the prospective participant requires immediate intervention; (b) either no standard efficacious care exists or the research offers realistic possibility of direct benefit; (c) risks are not greater than that involved in standard care or are clearly justified by prospect for direct benefits; (d) prospective participant is unconscious or lacks capacity to understand the complexities of the research; (e) third-party authorization cannot be secured in sufficient time; and (f) no relevant prior directives are known to exist that preclude participation. TCPS-2 criteria are in principle not dissimilar to other (inter)national criteria. The COOL study will use waiver of consent to initiate enrollment and randomization, followed by surrogate or proxy consent, and finally delayed informed consent in subjects that survive and regain capacity.

Conclusions

A delayed consent mechanism is a practical and ethical solution to challenges in research in SCIAS. The ultimate goal of consent is to balance respect for patient participants and to permit participation in new trials with a reasonable opportunity for improved outcome and minimal risk of harm.

What is the Long-Term Follow-Up of Nonoperatively Treated Patients with Appendicitis?

In this study, we determine outcomes after nonoperative treatment of appendicitis. First, we abstracted data for patients discharged with a diagnosis of appendicitis from a tertiary care facility from August 1, 2007, through June 30, 2017. For patients treated nonoperatively, we collected additional medical treatment for appendicitis, future surgical treatment, and date of last follow-up. In our study, we identified 487 patients treated for appendicitis. From this group, 66 patients were successfully treated nonoperatively. Eight patients (12%) had an interval appendectomy at a mean follow-up time of two months. Of the 58 remaining patients, 20 (34%) did not have any further appendicitis-related issues over a mean follow-up period of 25 months. A total of 38 (66%) had recurring or additional concerns requiring further treatment or emergent surgery within a mean time of four months. A large proportion, 76 per cent (n = 29), required unscheduled or emergent appendectomy. There were more patients diagnosed with an abscess (55%) in the group that had further appendicitis issues. In conclusion, nonoperative treatment of appendicitis is associated with significant likelihood of future appendicitis-related treatment or emergency surgery (66%). In addition, patients diagnosed with an abscess are at particularly high risk of future appendicitis-related issues.

Clinical Practice Guidelines in Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infection 2018: An Indonesian Perspective

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) remains high despite system improvement in accordance with Joint Commission International because of heterogeneity of management. However, published clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) were not feasible to be implemented because these guidelines were not specific to Indonesian characteristics. Thus, a national CPG should be developed to minimize heterogeneity in the management of cIAI in Indonesia.

METHODS

We developed a CPG on cIAI through the adaptation of published CPGs. The process proceeded in steps recommended by ADAPTE. Published CPGs were critically appraised using Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II critical appraisal tools. For a specific updated CPG, the analysis was performed using Checklist for the Reporting of Updated Guidelines (CheckUp). Appropriate statements and recommendations in selected CPGs were adapted into our CPG with consideration of Indonesian characteristics. The recommendations were established by the hierarchy of evidence on Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). The approval of the recommendation draft was performed using the Delphi method.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight full-text guidelines were downloaded from several sites. Thirty-three CPGs were related to intra-abdominal infection and 18 others were specific on CPG on intra-abdominal infection and cIAI. On review of these 18 CPGs, 13 were strongly recommended, three were recommended, and two were not recommended. On review updated CPGs, five updated CPGs were found, all with the same score. Two of the strongly recommended updated CPGs had been published in 2016 and 2017, i.e. recommendations by the World Society of Emergency Surgery 2016 consensus conference and revised CPG of the Surgical Site Infection Society. There were a total of 84 statements and recommendations developed and approved by the task force through using the Delphi method.

CONCLUSIONS

This guideline summarizes the definition, classification, pathophysiology, etiology, risk factors, assessments, and management of cIAI. Evidence-based recommendations have been developed with consideration of Indonesian-specific characteristics.

Complicated intra-abdominal infections: a prospective validation study of the WSES Sepsis Severity Score

INTRODUCTION

The World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) recently developed and validated a sepsis severity score for complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs). We aimed to prospectively study the validity of this score in our local setting and compare it with global findings.

METHODS

In a prospective study of 100 consecutive adult patients with cIAIs treated at Al-Ain Hospital, United Arab Emirates, from October 2014 to January 2016, we studied patients' demographics, disease, risk factors, WSES Sepsis Severity Score, management, hospital stay and mortality. Our findings were compared with those from a recent global multicentre prospective study from 53 countries (n = 4,496).

RESULTS

Compared with global data, our patients were more likely to be male (p < 0.0001) and younger (p < 0.0001), with more appendicitis and perforated peptic ulcers (p < 0.0001), significantly lower sepsis severity score (p < 0.0001) and more delays in surgical intervention (p = 0.001). Nevertheless, they had similar adequate source control (p = 0.54) and surgical reinterventions (p = 0.63). Overall, our patients had a significantly lower mortality rate (1.0% vs. 9.3% in global data; p = 0.001). A direct logistic regression model showed that the WSES Sepsis Severity Score significantly predicted mortality (p < 0.0001), but our hospital's setting was not predictive of mortality compared with other hospitals (p = 0.18).

CONCLUSION

Although our patient demographics and hospital's setting significantly differed from those of other international hospitals, the WSES Sepsis Severity Score was very accurate in predicting mortality among our patients, which supports its generalisability for all patient populations worldwide.

Ceftazidime-Avibactam Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Pharmacodynamic Target Attainment Across Adult Indications and Patient Subgroups

Ceftazidime‐avibactam is a novel β‐lactam/β‐lactamase inhibitor combination for the treatment of serious infections caused by resistant gram‐negative pathogens. Population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) models were built to incorporate pharmacokinetic (PK) data from five phase III trials in patients with complicated intra‐abdominal infection (cIAI), complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI), or nosocomial (including ventilator‐associated) pneumonia. Ceftazidime and avibactam pharmacokinetics were well‐described by two‐compartment disposition models, with creatinine clearance (CrCL) the key covariate determining clearance variability. Steady‐state ceftazidime and avibactam exposure for most patient subgroups differed by ≤ 20% vs. healthy volunteers. Probability of PK/pharmacodynamic (PD) target attainment (free plasma ceftazidime > 8 mg/L and avibactam > 1 mg/L for ≥ 50% of dosing interval) was ≥ 94.9% in simulations for all patient subgroups, including indication and renal function categories. No exposure‐microbiological response relationship was identified because target exposures were achieved in almost all patients. These modeling results support the approved ceftazidime‐avibactam dosage regimens (2000‐500 mg every 8 hours, adjusted for CrCL ≤ 50 mL/min).

Severe persistent hypocholesterolemia after emergency gastrointestinal surgery predicts in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with diffuse peritonitis

Background

Plasma cholesterol acts as a negative acute phase reactant. Total cholesterol decreases after surgery and in various pathological conditions, including trauma, sepsis, burns, and liver dysfunction. This study aimed to determine whether hypocholesterolemia after emergency gastrointestinal (GI) surgery is associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with diffuse peritonitis.

Methods

The medical records of 926 critically ill patients who had undergone emergency GI surgery for diffuse peritonitis, between January 2007 and December 2015, were retrospectively analyzed. The integrated areas under the curve (iAUCs) were calculated to compare the predictive accuracy of total cholesterol values from postoperative days (PODs) 0, 1, 3, and 7. Cox proportional hazard regression modeling was performed for all possible predictors identified in the univariate and multivariable analyses.

Results

The total cholesterol level measured on POD 7 had the highest iAUC (0.7292; 95% confidence interval, 0.6696–0.7891) and was significantly better at predicting in-hospital mortality than measurements on other days. The optimal total cholesterol cut-off value for predicting in-hospital mortality was 61 mg/dL and was determined on POD 7. A Cox proportional hazard regression analysis revealed that a POD 7 total cholesterol level < 61 mg/dL was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality after emergency GI surgery (hazard ratio, 3.961; 95% confidence interval, 1.786–8.784).

Conclusion

Severe persistent hypocholesterolemia (<61 mg/dL) on POD 7 independently predicted in-hospital mortality, after emergency GI surgery, in critically ill patients with diffuse peritonitis.

Closed Or Open after Source Control Laparotomy for Severe Complicated Intra-Abdominal Sepsis (the COOL trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Severe complicated intra-abdominal sepsis (SCIAS) has an increasing incidence with mortality rates over 80% in some settings. Mortality typically results from disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, progressive and self-perpetuating bio-mediator generation, systemic inflammation, and multiple organ failure. Principles of treatment include early antibiotic administration and operative source control. A further therapeutic option may be open abdomen (OA) management with active negative peritoneal pressure therapy (ANPPT) to remove inflammatory ascites and ameliorate the systemic damage from SCIAS. Although there is now a biologic rationale for such an intervention as well as non-standardized and erratic clinical utilization, this remains a novel therapy with potential side effects and clinical equipoise.

Methods

The Closed Or Open after Laparotomy (COOL) study will constitute a prospective randomized controlled trial that will randomly allocate eligible surgical patients intra-operatively to either formal closure of the fascia or use of the OA with application of an ANPTT dressing. Patients will be eligible if they have free uncontained intra-peritoneal contamination and physiologic derangements exemplified by septic shock OR a Predisposition-Infection-Response-Organ Dysfunction Score ≥ 3 or a World-Society-of-Emergency-Surgery-Sepsis-Severity-Score ≥ 8. The primary outcome will be 90-day survival. Secondary outcomes will be logistical, physiologic, safety, bio-mediators, microbiological, quality of life, and health-care costs. Secondary outcomes will include days free of ICU, ventilation, renal replacement therapy, and hospital at 30 days from the index laparotomy. Physiologic secondary outcomes will include changes in intensive care unit illness severity scores after laparotomy. Bio-mediator outcomes for participating centers will involve measurement of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10, procalcitonin, activated protein C (APC), high-mobility group box protein-1, complement factors, and mitochondrial DNA. Economic outcomes will comprise standard costing for utilization of health-care resources.

Discussion

Although facial closure after SCIAS is considered the current standard of care, many reports are suggesting that OA management may improve outcomes in these patients. This trial will be powered to demonstrate a mortality difference in this highly lethal and morbid condition to ensure critically ill patients are receiving the best care possible and not being harmed by inappropriate therapies based on opinion only.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03163095.

Getting the invite list right: a discussion of sepsis severity scoring systems in severe complicated intra-abdominal sepsis and randomized trial inclusion criteria

Background

Severe complicated intra-abdominal sepsis (SCIAS) is a worldwide challenge with increasing incidence. Open abdomen management with enhanced clearance of fluid and biomediators from the peritoneum is a potential therapy requiring prospective evaluation. Given the complexity of powering multi-center trials, it is essential to recruit an inception cohort sick enough to benefit from the intervention; otherwise, no effect of a potentially beneficial therapy may be apparent. An evaluation of abilities of recognized predictive systems to recognize SCIAS patients was conducted using an existing intra-abdominal sepsis (IAS) database.

Methods

All consecutive adult patients with a diffuse secondary peritonitis between 2012 and 2013 were collected from a quaternary care hospital in Finland, excluding appendicitis/cholecystitis. From this retrospectively collected database, a target population (93) of those with either ICU admission or mortality were selected. The performance metrics of the Third Consensus Definitions for Sepsis and Septic Shock based on both SOFA and quick SOFA, the World Society of Emergency Surgery Sepsis Severity Score (WSESSSS), the APACHE II score, Manheim Peritonitis Index (MPI), and the Calgary Predisposition, Infection, Response, and Organ dysfunction (CPIRO) score were all tested for their discriminant ability to identify this subgroup with SCIAS and to predict mortality.

Results

Predictive systems with an area under-the-receiving-operating characteristic (AUC) curve > 0.8 included SOFA, Sepsis-3 definitions, APACHE II, WSESSSS, and CPIRO scores with the overall best for CPIRO. The highest identification rates were SOFA score ≥ 2 (78.4%), followed by the WSESSSS score ≥ 8 (73.1%), SOFA ≥ 3 (75.2%), and APACHE II ≥ 14 (68.8%) identification. Combining the Sepsis-3 septic-shock definition and WSESSS ≥ 8 increased detection to 80%. Including CPIRO score ≥ 3 increased this to 82.8% (Sensitivity-SN; 83% Specificity-SP; 74%. Comparatively, SOFA ≥ 4 and WSESSSS ≥ 8 with or without septic-shock had 83.9% detection (SN; 84%, SP; 75%, 25% mortality).

Conclusions

No one scoring system behaves perfectly, and all are largely dominated by organ dysfunction. Utilizing combinations of SOFA, CPIRO, and WSESSSS scores in addition to the Sepsis-3 septic shock definition appears to offer the widest "inclusion-criteria" to recognize patients with a high chance of mortality and ICU admission.

Trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03163095; Registered on May 22, 2017.

Update of incidence and antimicrobial susceptibility trends of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Chinese intra-abdominal infection patients

Background

To evaluate in vitro susceptibilities of aerobic and facultative Gram-negative bacterial (GNB) isolates from intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) to 12 selected antimicrobials in Chinese hospitals from 2012 to 2014.

Methods

Hospital acquired (HA) and community acquired (CA) IAIs were collected from 21 centers in 16 Chinese cities. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) status and antimicrobial susceptibilities were determined at a central laboratory using CLSI broth microdilution and interpretive standards.

Results

From all isolated strains the Enterobacteriaceae (81.1%) Escherichia coli accounted for 45.4% and Klebsiella pneumoniae for 20.1%, followed by Enterobacter cloacae (5.2%), Proteus mirabilis (2.1%), Citrobacter freundii (1.8%), Enterobacter aerogenes (1.8%), Klebsiella oxytoca (1.4%), Morganella morganii (1.2%), Serratia marcescens (0.7%), Citrobacter koseri (0.3%), Proteus vulgaris (0.3%) and others (1.0%). Non- Enterobacteriaceae (18.9%) included Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.8%), Acinetobacter baumannii (6.7%), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (0.9%), Aeromonas hydrophila (0.4%) and others (1.1%). ESBL-screen positive Escherichia coli isolates (ESBL+) showed a decreasing trend from 67.5% in 2012 to 58.9% in 2014 of all Escherichia coli isolates and the percentage of ESBL+ Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates also decreased from 2012 through 2014 (40.4% to 26.6%), which was due to reduced percentages of ESBL+ isolates in HA IAIs for both bacteria. The overall susceptibilities of all 5160 IAI isolates were 87.53% to amikacin (AMK), 78.12% to piperacillin-tazobactam (TZP) 81.41% to imipenem (IMP) and 73.12% to ertapenem (ETP). The susceptibility of ESBL-screen positive Escherichia coli strains was 96.77%–98.8% to IPM, 91.26%–93.16% to ETP, 89.48%–92.75% to AMK and 84.86%–89.34% to TZP, while ESBL-screen positive Klebsiella pneumoniae strains were 70.56%–80.15% susceptible to ETP, 80.0%–87.5% to IPM, 83.82%–87.06% to AMK and 63.53%–68.38% to TZP within the three year study. Susceptibilities to all cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones were less than 50% beside 66.5% and 56.07% to cefoxitin (FOX) for ESBL+ Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains respectively.

Conclusions

The total ESBL+ rates decreased in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae IAI isolates due to fewer prevalence in HA infections. IPM, ETP and AMK were the most effective antimicrobials against ESBL+ Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae IAI isolates in 2012–2014 and a change of fluoroquinolone regimens for Chinese IAIs is recommended.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-017-2873-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

2017 update of the WSES guidelines for emergency repair of complicated abdominal wall hernias

Emergency repair of complicated abdominal wall hernias may be associated with worsen outcome and a significant rate of postoperative complications. There is no consensus on management of complicated abdominal hernias. The main matter of debate is about the use of mesh in case of intestinal resection and the type of mesh to be used. Wound infection is the most common complication encountered and represents an immense burden especially in the presence of a mesh. The recurrence rate is an important topic that influences the final outcome. A World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) Consensus Conference was held in Bergamo in July 2013 with the aim to define recommendations for emergency repair of abdominal wall hernias in adults. This document represents the executive summary of the consensus conference approved by a WSES expert panel. In 2016, the guidelines have been revised and updated according to the most recent available literature.

Updated comprehensive epidemiology, microbiology, and outcomes among patients with acute cholangitis

BACKGROUND

The international practice guidelines for patients with acute cholangitis and cholecystitis were released in 2007 (TG07) and revised in 2013 (TG13). This study investigated updated epidemiology and outcomes among patients with acute cholangitis on a larger scale for the first time.

METHODS

This is an international multi-center retrospective observational study in Japan and Taiwan. All consecutive patients older than 18 years of age and given a clinical diagnosis of acute cholangitis by clinicians between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2012 were enrolled. Those who met the diagnostic criteria of acute cholangitis by TG13 were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 7,294 patients were enrolled and 6,433 patients met the TG13 diagnostic criteria. The severity distribution was Grade I (37.5%), Grade II (36.2%), and Grade III (26.2%). The 30-day all-cause mortality was 2.4%, 4.7%, and 8.4% in Grade I, II, III severity, respectively (P < 0.001). The incidence of liver abscess and endocarditis as complications of acute cholangitis was 2.0% and 0.26%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first large scale study to investigate patients with acute cholangitis. This study provides the basis to define the best practices to manage patients with acute cholangitis in future studies.

Major publications in the critical care pharmacotherapy literature in 2015

PURPOSE

Recently published practice guidelines and research reports on pharmacotherapy in critical care patient populations are summarized.

SUMMARY

The Critical Care Pharmacotherapy Literature Update (CCPLU) Group is composed of over 50 experienced critical care pharmacists who evaluate 31 peer-reviewed journals monthly to identify literature pertaining to pharmacotherapy in critical care populations. Articles are chosen for summarization in a monthly CCPLU Group publication on the basis of applicability and relevance to clinical practice and strength of study design. From January to December 2015, a total of 121 articles were summarized; of these, 3 articles presenting clinical practice guidelines and 12 articles presenting original research findings were objectively selected for inclusion in this review based on their potential to change or reinforce current evidence-based practice. The reviewed guidelines address the management of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), adult advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and post-cardiac arrest care, and the management of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). The reviewed research reports address topics such as nutrition in critically ill adults, administration of β-lactams for severe sepsis, anticoagulant selection in the context of continuous renal replacement therapy, early goal-directed therapy in septic shock, magnesium use for neuroprotection in acute stroke, and progesterone use in patients with traumatic brain injury.

CONCLUSION

Important recent additions to the critical care pharmacy literature include updated joint clinical practice guidelines on the management of spontaneous ICH, ACLS, and SVT.

Evaluation of Tigecycline Efficacy and Post-Discharge Outcomes in a Clinical Practice Population with Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infection: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

Background: The utility of tigecycline as compared with other antibiotic therapies in the treatment of patients with complicated intra-abdominal infection (cIAI) and the short- and long-term outcomes of a large cohort of severely ill patients were examined. We provide the first published data on post-discharge events for these patients.

Methods: Retrospective data for the cIAI cohort were obtained from a large clinical database. Patients aged ≥18 y were selected for inclusion based on hospitalization with a relevant diagnosis code and procedure code, and guideline-compliant antimicrobial therapy. Propensity scoring was used to reduce treatment-selection bias introduced by the use of observational data. Tigecycline patients were placed into quintiles based on propensity score and were matched 1:3.

Results: The final model based on propensity score matching included 2,424 patients: Tigecycline (n = 606) and other antibiotic therapy (n = 1,818). Treatment was successful in 426 (70.3%) tigecycline-treated patients and in 1,294 (71.2%) patients receiving other antibiotics. Similar treatment success occurred across all infection sites. Among survivors, treatment failure was associated with a greater need for all-cause re-hospitalization at 30 d and 180 d. No differences in cIAI-related re-hospitalization and discharge status were observed.

Conclusions: Using propensity scores to match populations, similar outcomes were demonstrated between treatment with tigecycline and other antibiotics as expressed by treatment success, the need for re-admission, similar 30-d discharge status, and the need for re-admission at 180 d.

Ceftolozane/tazobactam for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections

INTRODUCTION

Decisions regarding empirical antimicrobial therapy for complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs) are increasingly difficult because of the threat of antimicrobial resistance. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae are a particular challenge, as is multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, both of which are encountered in cIAI. Ceftolozane/tazobactam is a new antimicrobial that provides an effective solution for treating cIAI.

AREAS COVERED

Evidence concerning the mechanism of action of ceftolozane/tazobactam, its in vitro activity against common cIAI pathogens, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties are reviewed. The clinical efficacy and safety of ceftolozane/tazobactam plus metronidazole, as determined by the Phase II and III clinical trials in hospitalized adults with cIAI, are discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Ceftolozane/tazobactam has demonstrated efficacy and safety in patients with cIAI, including those who are infected with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and P. aeruginosa. High rates of clinical cure by ceftolozane/tazobactam in Phase II and III trials suggest that this antimicrobial will be valuable for treating infections caused by MDR Gram-negative bacteria. In recent years, clinicians have become dependent on carbapenems for treating MDR infections. There is concern that this could lead to emergence of carbapenem-resistant strains, emphasizing the importance of antimicrobial stewardship. Ceftolozane/tazobactam appears to be an effective carbapenem-sparing alternative for treating cIAI.

Multifaceted intervention to optimize antibiotic use for intra-abdominal infections

OBJECTIVES

Implementing evidence-based practice guidelines is challenging. We used a multifaceted, continuous educational approach to disseminate an up-to-date internal guideline adapted from published guidelines for management of intra-abdominal infections (IAI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The intervention consisted of continuing educational sessions, internal guideline pocket cards and posters with collaboration among all key stakeholders starting in December 2010. We emphasized risk stratification and the use of ceftriaxone/metronidazole for treatment of low-risk IAI, and discouraged the use of fluoroquinolones due to the high local resistance rates. We then compared patients with IAI before the intervention (April-November 2010) to those after implementation of the guideline (April-November 2011) in a surgical unit at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Antibiotic use was measured in in-hospital days of antibiotic therapy (DOT) per 1000 patient days (PD).

RESULTS

152 and 145 patients with IAI were included in the pre- and post-intervention periods, respectively. There was a significant reduction in the proportion of patients who received ciprofloxacin therapy from 74% to 34% (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.11-0.31) and in DOT/1000 PD from 221 to 74 (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.2-0.3). Also, a reduction in the DOT/1000 PD for piperacillin/tazobactam was seen (from 116 to 67; OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.5-0.7). There was an increase in the use of ceftriaxone from 1.3% to 53% of patients (OR 85, 95% CI 20-515) and from 6 to 92 DOT/1000 PD (OR 17, 95% CI 10-25). This change in practice was sustained over >2 years since the end of the active intervention, as shown in the unit-wide antimicrobial utilization data.

CONCLUSIONS

A multifaceted intervention aimed at all key stakeholders resulted in a high adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines for IAI and has initiated a sustained culture change in prescribing of antibiotics.

Complicated intra-abdominal infections worldwide: the definitive data of the CIAOW Study

The CIAOW study (Complicated intra-abdominal infections worldwide observational study) is a multicenter observational study underwent in 68 medical institutions worldwide during a six-month study period (October 2012-March 2013). The study included patients older than 18 years undergoing surgery or interventional drainage to address complicated intra-abdominal infections (IAIs).

1898 patients with a mean age of 51.6 years (range 18-99) were enrolled in the study. 777 patients (41%) were women and 1,121 (59%) were men. Among these patients, 1,645 (86.7%) were affected by community-acquired IAIs while the remaining 253 (13.3%) suffered from healthcare-associated infections. Intraperitoneal specimens were collected from 1,190 (62.7%) of the enrolled patients.

827 patients (43.6%) were affected by generalized peritonitis while 1071 (56.4%) suffered from localized peritonitis or abscesses.

The overall mortality rate was 10.5% (199/1898).

According to stepwise multivariate analysis (PR = 0.005 and PE = 0.001), several criteria were found to be independent variables predictive of mortality, including patient age (OR = 1.1; 95%CI = 1.0-1.1; p < 0.0001), the presence of small bowel perforation (OR = 2.8; 95%CI = 1.5-5.3; p < 0.0001), a delayed initial intervention (a delay exceeding 24 hours) (OR = 1.8; 95%CI = 1.5-3.7; p < 0.0001), ICU admission (OR = 5.9; 95%CI = 3.6-9.5; p < 0.0001) and patient immunosuppression (OR = 3.8; 95%CI = 2.1-6.7; p < 0.0001).

Procalcitonin as a marker of Candida species detection by blood culture and polymerase chain reaction in septic patients

Background

The aim of our study is to test procalcitonin (PCT) as surrogate marker of identification of Candida spp. by blood culture (BC) and real-time-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), whether alone or in association with bacteria, in septic patients.

Methods

We performed a single-centre retrospective study. We reviewed the clinical charts of patients with a diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock treated at our general intensive care unit from March 2009 to March 2013. We analysed all diagnostic episodes consisting of BC, real-time PCR assay and dosage of PCT. We registered age, sex, white blood count, sequential organ failure assessment score and type of admission between medical or surgical. When inclusion criteria were met more than once, we registered the new diagnostic episode as subsequent diagnostic episode. The diagnostic performance of PCT to predict Candida spp. identification alone or in mixed infections by either BC or PCR was tested using the receiver-operative characteristic curve. Logistic regression was constructed using presence of Candida spp. as the dependent variable.

Results

A total of 260 diagnostic episodes met the inclusion criteria. According to BC results classification, a significantly lower value of PCT was observed in Candida spp. BSI (0.99 ng/ml, 0.86 - 1.34) than in BSI caused by bacteria (16.7 ng/ml, 7.65 - 50.2) or in mixed infections (4.76 ng/ml, 2.98 - 6.08). Similar findings were observed considering PCR results. A cut-off of ≤ 6.08 ng/ml for PCT yielded a sensitivity of 86.8%, a specificity of 87.4%, a positive predictive value of 63.9%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 96.3% and an area under the curve of 0.93 for Candida spp. identification by BC. A similar high NPV for a cut-off ≤ 6.78 ng/ml was observed considering the classification of diagnostic episodes according to PCR results, with an AUC of 0.85. A subsequent diagnostic episode was independently associated with Candida spp. detection either by BC or PCR.

Conclusion

PCT could represent a useful diagnostic tool to exclude the detection of Candida spp. by BC and PCR in septic patients.

Surgical pathology and the diagnosis of invasive visceral yeast infection: two case reports and literature review

Invasive mycoses are life-threatening opportunistic infections that have recently emerged as a cause of morbidity and mortality following general and gastrointestinal surgery.Candida species are the main fungal strains of gut flora. Gastrointestinal tract surgery might lead to mucosal disruption and cause Candida spp. to disseminate in the bloodstream.Here we report and discuss the peculiar clinical and morphological presentation of two cases of gastrointestinal Candida albicans lesions in patients who underwent abdominal surgery.Although in the majority of cases reported in the literature, diagnosis was made on the basis of microbiological criteria, we suggest that morphological features of fungi in histological sections of appropriate surgical specimens could help to detect the degree of yeast colonization and identify patients at risk of developing severe abdominal Candida infection.Better prevention and early antifungal treatments are highlighted, and relevant scientific literature is reviewed.