Exclusive Oral Antibiotic Treatment for Hospitalized Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Post-Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of different ways of administration and types of beta-lactams for hospitalized community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

METHODS

In this post-hoc analysis of a RCT on patients hospitalized for CAP (PTC trial) comparing 3-day versus 8-day durations of beta-lactams, which concluded to non-inferiority, we included patients who received either amoxicillin-clavulanate (AMC) or third-generation cephalosporin (3GC) regimens, and exclusively either intravenous or oral treatment for the first 3 days (followed by either 5 days of oral placebo or AMC according to randomization). Choice of route and molecule was left to the physician in charge. The main outcome was failure at 15 days after first antibiotic intake, defined as temperature>37.9°C, and/or absence of resolution/improvement of respiratory symptoms, and/or additional antibiotic treatment for any cause. The primary outcome according to route of administration was evaluated through logistic regression. Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) with a propensity score model was used to adjust for non-randomization of treatment route and potential confounders. The difference in failure rates was also evaluated among several sub-populations (AMC versus 3GC treatments, or intravenous versus oral AMC, patients with multi-lobar infection, patients aged ≥ 65 years old, and patients with CURB65 scores of 3-4).

RESULTS

We included 200 patients from the original trial, with 93/200 (46.5%) patients only treated with intravenous treatment and 107/200 (53.5%) patients only treated with oral therapy. Failure rate at Day 15 was not significantly different among patients treated with initial intravenous versus oral treatment (25/93 (26.9%) versus 28/107 (26.2%), aOR 0.973 (95%CI 0.519-1.823), p=0.932). Failure rates at Day 15 were not significantly different among the subgroup populations.

CONCLUSIONS

Among hospitalized patients with CAP, there was no significant difference in efficacy between initial intravenous and exclusive oral treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01963442.

Real-life use of ceftobiprole for severe infections in a French intensive care unit

Ceftobiprole (CBP) is an anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) cephalosporin with a wide spectrum of activity. We aimed to describe our experience of real-life use of CBP for the treatment of severe infections of critically ill patients with multiple infected sites and related trough CBP concentrations. We performed a retrospective, observational, monocentric study in our intensive care unit (ICU) that included all patients treated with CBP for documented infections between January 2016 and December 2021. We collected demographic, clinical, and microbiological data. When available, we report the CBP trough concentrations. The primary endpoint was clinical cure at the end of treatment. The secondary endpoints were in-hospital mortality and documentation of the carriage of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria not present before CBP treatment. Between January 2016 and December 2021, 47 patients were treated in the ICU with CBP. The main indication for treatment was pneumonia (51%) and most patients presented with associated bacteremia (72%). All infections were polymicrobial. A clinical cure was achieved for nearly 80% of the patients. Only five patients presented new carriage of MDR bacteria. In-hospital mortality was 32%. Out of 21 strains of Enterobacterales for which the MIC was available, 33% were considered to be resistant to CBP according to the EUCAST 2023 clinical breakpoint. Trough CBP concentrations were reported for 16 patients. In our real-life experience, treatment of ICU patients with CBP for polymicrobial severe infections resulted in most cases in a clinical cure. Monitoring of trough concentrations is critical, especially in cases of high MIC.

Cerebrospinal fluid features in comatose survivors of cardiac arrest: A pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Lumbar puncture is among the investigations used to identify various neurological conditions, including some that can cause cardiac arrest (CA). However, CA per se may alter cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) characteristics. Few studies have investigated CSF findings after CA. In this descriptive work, we assessed the frequency and risk factors of abnormal CSF findings after CA and the contribution of CSF analysis to the etiological diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively studied data from prospectively established databases of consecutive patients who were admitted to two French ICUs in 2007-2016 with sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after CA and who underwent lumbar puncture as an etiological investigation.

RESULTS

Of 1984 patients with sustained ROSC, 55 (2.7%) underwent lumbar puncture and were included. Lumbar puncture identified a neurological cause of CA in 2/55 (3.6%) patients. Nonspecific CSF abnormalities were noted in 37/53 (69.8%) patients. By multivariate analysis, postresuscitation shock was positively associated with CSF abnormalities (OR, 6.92; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1.62-37.26; P = 0.013). A no-flow time above 6 minutes (OR, 0.19; 95%CI, 0.03-1.11; P = 0.076) and a respiratory cause of CA (OR, 2.91; 95%CI, 0.53-23.15; P = 0.24) were not statistically associated with CSF abnormalities. Nonspecific CSF abnormalities were not significantly associated with poor outcomes (Cerebral Performance Category ≥3; P = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Lumbar puncture, although infrequently performed, may contribute to the etiological diagnosis of CA, albeit rarely. Nonspecific CSF abnormalities seem common after CA, notably with postresuscitation shock, and may be related to blood-brain barrier disruption. These findings may help to interpret CSF findings after CA. Further studies are warranted to assess our results.

Ischemic injury of the upper gastrointestinal tract after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a prospective, multicenter study

Background

The consequences of cardiac arrest (CA) on the gastro-intestinal tract are poorly understood. We measured the incidence of ischemic injury in the upper gastro-intestinal tract after Out-of-hospital CA (OHCA) and determined the risk factors for and consequences of gastrointestinal ischemic injury according to its severity.

Methods

Prospective, non-controlled, multicenter study in nine ICUs in France and Belgium conducted from November 1, 2014 to November 30, 2018. Included patients underwent an esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy 2 to 4 d after OHCA if still intubated and the presence of ischemic lesions of the upper gastro-intestinal tract was determined by a gastroenterologist. Lesions were a priori defined as severe if there was ulceration or necrosis and moderate if there was mucosal edema or erythema. We compared clinical and cardiac arrest characteristics of three groups of patients (no, moderate, and severe lesions) and identified variables associated with gastrointestinal ischemic injury using multivariate regression analysis. We also compared the outcomes (organ failure during ICU stay and neurological status at hospital discharge) of the three groups of patients.

Results

Among the 214 patients included in the analysis, 121 (57%, 95% CI 50–63%) had an upper gastrointestinal ischemic lesion, most frequently on the fundus. Ischemic lesions were severe in 55/121 (45%) patients. In multivariate regression, higher adrenaline dose during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (OR 1.25 per mg (1.08–1.46)) was independently associated with increased odds of severe upper gastrointestinal ischemic lesions; previous proton pump inhibitor use (OR 0.40 (0.14–1.00)) and serum bicarbonate on day 1 (OR 0.89 (0.81–0.97)) were associated with lower odds of ischemic lesions. Patients with severe lesions had a higher SOFA score during the ICU stay and worse neurological outcome at hospital discharge.

Conclusions

More than half of the patients successfully resuscitated from OHCA had upper gastrointestinal tract ischemic injury. Presence of ischemic lesions was independently associated with the amount of adrenaline used during resuscitation. Patients with severe lesions had higher organ failure scores during the ICU stay and a worse prognosis.

Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT02349074.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13054-022-03939-9.

Comparison of prognostic factors between bacteraemic and non-bacteraemic critically ill immunocompetent patients in community-acquired severe pneumococcal pneumonia: a STREPTOGENE sub-study

Background

The presence of bacteraemia in pneumococcal pneumonia in critically ill patients does not appear to be a strong independent prognostic factor in the existing literature. However, there may be a specific pattern of factors associated with mortality for ICU patients with bacteraemic pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We aimed to compare the factors associated with mortality, according to the presence of bacteraemia or not on admission, for patients hospitalised in intensive care for severe pneumococcal CAP.

Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of data from the prospective, observational, multicentre STREPTOGENE study in immunocompetent Caucasian adults admitted to intensive care in France between 2008 and 2012 for pneumococcal CAP. Patients were divided into two groups based on initial blood culture (positive vs. negative) for Streptococcus pneumoniae. The primary outcome was hospital mortality, which was compared between the two groups using odds ratios according to predefined variables to search for a prognostic interaction present in bacterial patients but not non-bacteraemic patients. Potential differences in the distribution of serotypes between the two groups were assessed. The prognostic consequences of the presence or not of initial bi-antibiotic therapy were assessed, specifically in bacteraemic patients.

Results

Among 614 included patients, 274 had a blood culture positive for S. pneumoniae at admission and 340 did not. The baseline difference between the groups was more frequent leukopaenia (26% vs. 14%, p = 0.0002) and less frequent pre-hospital antibiotic therapy (10% vs. 16.3%, p = 0.024) for the bacteraemic patients. Hospital mortality was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.11). We did not observe any prognostic factors specific to the bacteraemic patient population, as the statistical comparison of the odds ratios, as an indication of the association between the predefined prognostic parameters and mortality, showed them to be similar for the two groups. Bacteraemic patients more often had invasive serotypes but less often serotypes associated with high case fatality rates (p = 0.003). The antibiotic regimens were similar for the two groups. There was no difference in mortality for patients in either group given a beta-lactam alone vs. a beta-lactam combined with a macrolide or fluoroquinolone.

Conclusion

Bacteraemia had no influence on the mortality of immunocompetent Caucasian adults admitted to intensive care for severe pneumococcal CAP, regardless of the profile of the associated prognostic factors.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13613-021-00936-z.

Factors Associated With Treatment Failure in Moderately Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Failure of treatment is the most serious complication in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).

OBJECTIVE

To assess the potential risk factors for treatment failure in clinically stable patients with CAP.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This secondary analysis assesses data from a randomized clinical trial on CAP (Pneumonia Short Treatment [PTC] trial) conducted from December 19, 2013, to February 1, 2018. Data analysis was performed from July 18, 2019, to February 15, 2020. Patients hospitalized at 1 of 16 centers in France for moderately severe CAP who were clinically stable at day 3 of antibiotic treatment were included in the PTC trial and analyzed in the per-protocol trial population.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) on day 3 of antibiotic treatment to receive β-lactam (amoxicillin-clavulanate [1 g/125 mg] 3 times daily) or placebo for 5 extra days.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcome was failure at 15 days after first antibiotic intake, defined as a temperature greater than 37.9 °C and/or absence of resolution or improvement of respiratory symptoms and/or additional antibiotic treatment for any cause. The association among demographic characteristics, baseline clinical and biological variables available (ie, at the first day of β-lactam treatment), and treatment failure at day 15 among the per-protocol trial population was assessed by univariate and multivariable logistic regressions.

RESULTS

Overall, 310 patients were included in the study; this secondary analysis comprised 291 patients (174 [59.8%] male; mean [SD] age, 69.6 [18.5] years). The failure rate was 26.8%. Male sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.74; 95% CI, 1.01-3.07), age per year (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05), Pneumonia Severe Index score (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02), the presence of chronic lung disease (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.03-3.30), and creatinine clearance (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-1.00) were significantly associated with failure in the univariate analysis. When the Pneumonia Severe Index score was excluded to avoid collinearity with age and sex in the regression model, only male sex (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.08-3.49) and age (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.05) were associated with failure in the multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial, among patients with CAP who reached clinical stability after 3 days of antibiotic treatment, only male sex and age were associated with higher risk of failure, independent of antibiotic treatment duration and biomarker levels. Another randomized clinical trial is needed to evaluate the impact of treatment duration in populations at higher risk for treatment failure.

Invasive Aspergillosis associated with Covid-19: A word of caution

INTRODUCTION

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a well-known complication of acute respiratory distress syndrome, the most serious manifestation of COVID-19. Four recent studies have reported its incidence among ICU COVID-19 patients. However, they do not share the same case definition, and have provided conflicting results. In this paper we have aimed at reported the incidence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis for COVID-19 patients in our ICU, and at comparing the different definitions in order to assess their respective relevance.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of critically ill patients with severe COVID-19 requiring ICU management between 1st March and 30th April 2020.

RESULTS

Our results showed significantly lower incidence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (1.8%;1/53), compared to three out of four previous studies, and wide variation in the numbers of cases with regard to the different definitions.

CONCLUSION

Large-scale studies are needed for a better definition and a more accurate estimation of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis coinfection during COVID-19.

Discontinuing β-lactam treatment after 3 days for patients with community-acquired pneumonia in non-critical care wards (PTC): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Shortening the duration of antibiotic therapy for patients admitted to hospital with community-acquired pneumonia should help reduce antibiotic consumption and thus bacterial resistance, adverse events, and related costs. We aimed to assess the need for an additional 5-day course of β-lactam therapy among patients with community-acquired pneumonia who were stable after 3 days of treatment.

METHODS

We did this double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, non-inferiority trial (the Pneumonia Short Treatment [PTC]) in 16 centres in France. Adult patients (aged ≥18 years) admitted to hospital with moderately severe community-acquired pneumonia (defined as patients admitted to a non-critical care unit) and who met prespecified clinical stability criteria after 3 days of treatment with β-lactam therapy were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive β-lactam therapy (oral amoxicillin 1 g plus clavulanate 125 mg three times a day) or matched placebo for 5 extra days. Randomisation was done using a web-based system with permuted blocks with random sizes and stratified by randomisation site and Pneumonia Severity Index score. Participants, clinicians, and study staff were masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was cure 15 days after first antibiotic intake, defined by apyrexia (temperature ≤37·8°C), resolution or improvement of respiratory symptoms, and no additional antibiotic treatment for any cause. A non-inferiority margin of 10 percentage points was chosen. The primary outcome was assessed in all patients who were randomly assigned and received any treatment (intention-to-treat [ITT] population) and in all patients who received their assigned treatment (per-protocol population). Safety was assessed in the ITT population. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01963442, and is now complete.

FINDINGS

Between Dec 19, 2013, and Feb 1, 2018, 706 patients were assessed for eligibility, and after 3 days of β-lactam treatment, 310 eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive either placebo (n=157) or β-lactam treatment (n=153). Seven patients withdrew consent before taking any study drug, five in the placebo group and two in the β-lactam group. In the ITT population, median age was 73·0 years (IQR 57·0-84·0) and 123 (41%) of 303 participants were female. In the ITT analysis, cure at day 15 occurred in 117 (77%) of 152 participants in the placebo group and 102 (68%) of 151 participants in the β-lactam group (between-group difference of 9·42%, 95% CI -0·38 to 20·04), indicating non-inferiority. In the per-protocol analysis, 113 (78%) of 145 participants in the placebo treatment group and 100 (68%) of 146 participants in the β-lactam treatment group were cured at day 15 (difference of 9·44% [95% CI -0·15 to 20·34]), indicating non-inferiority. Incidence of adverse events was similar between the treatment groups (22 [14%] of 152 in the placebo group and 29 [19%] of 151 in the β-lactam group). The most common adverse events were digestive disorders, reported in 17 (11%) of 152 patients in the placebo group and 28 (19%) of 151 patients in the β-lactam group. By day 30, three (2%) patients had died in the placebo group (one due to bacteraemia due to Staphylococcus aureus, one due to cardiogenic shock after acute pulmonary oedema, and one due to heart failure associated with acute renal failure) and two (1%) in the β-lactam group (due to pneumonia recurrence and possible acute pulmonary oedema).

INTERPRETATION

Among patients admitted to hospital with community-acquired pneumonia who met clinical stability criteria, discontinuing β-lactam treatment after 3 days was non-inferior to 8 days of treatment. These findings could allow substantial reduction of antibiotic consumption.

FUNDING

French Ministry of Health.

Early identification and optimal management of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative infection

BACKGROUND

Carbapenem resistance in Gram-negative bacteria is associated with severe infections in the hospital setting. No uniform screening policy or agreed set of criteria exists within the EU to inform treatment decisions for infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

AIM

To develop a range of consensus statements to survey experts in carbapenem resistance, to identify potential similarities and differences across the EU and across specialties.

METHODS

The survey contained 43 statements, covering six key topics relating to carbapenem-resistant organisms: microbiological screening; diagnosis; infection control implementation; antibiotic stewardship; use of resources; and influencing policy.

FINDINGS

In total, 136 survey responses were received (66% infectious disease specialists, 18% microbiologists, 11% intensive care specialists, 4% other/unknown) from France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, and the UK. High, or very high, levels of agreement were seen for all 43 consensus statements, indicating good alignment concerning early identification and optimal management of infection due to carbapenem-resistant organisms.

CONCLUSION

We offer the following recommendations: (1) screening is required when a patient may have been exposed to the healthcare system in countries/hospitals where carbapenem-resistant organisms are endemic; (2) rapid diagnostic tools should be available in every institution; (3) all institutions should have a specific policy for the control of carbapenem-resistant organisms, which is routinely audited; (4) clear strategies are required to define both appropriate and inappropriate use of carbapenems; (5) priority funding should be allocated to the management of infections due to carbapenem-resistant organisms; and (6) international co-operation is required to reduce country-to-country transmission of carbapenem-resistant organisms.

Acyclovir for Mechanically Ventilated Patients With Herpes Simplex Virus Oropharyngeal Reactivation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

The role of herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation on morbidity and mortality in patients in the intensive care unit requiring mechanical ventilation remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether preemptive treatment with intravenous acyclovir reduces the duration of mechanical ventilation in patients with HSV oropharyngeal reactivation.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted in 16 intensive care units in France. Participants included 239 adults (age, >18 years) who received mechanical ventilation for at least 96 hours and continued to receive mechanical ventilation for 48 hours or more, with HSV oropharyngeal reactivation. Patients were enrolled between February 2, 2014, and February 22, 2018.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomized to receive intravenous acyclovir, 5 mg/kg, 3 times daily for 14 days or a matching placebo.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary end point was ventilator-free days from randomization to day 60. Prespecified secondary outcomes included mortality at 60 days. Main analyses were conducted on an intention-to-treat basis.

RESULTS

Of 239 patients enrolled and randomized, 1 patient withdrew consent, leaving 238 patients, with 119 patients in both the acyclovir and placebo (control) groups (median [IQR] age, 61 [50-70] years; 76 [32%] women) available for primary outcome measurement. On day 60, the median (IQR) numbers of ventilator-free days were 35 (0-53) for acyclovir recipients and 36 (0-50]) for controls (P = .17 for between-group comparison). Among secondary outcomes, 26 patients (22%) and 39 patients (33%) had died at day 60 (risk difference, 0.11, 95% CI, -0.004 to 0.22, P = .06). The adverse event frequency was similar for both groups (28% in the acyclovir group and 23% in the placebo group, P = .40), particularly acute renal failure post randomization affecting 3 acyclovir recipients (3%) and 2 controls (2%). Four patients (3%) in the acyclovir group vs none in the placebo group stopped the study drug for treatment-related adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In patients receiving mechanical ventilation for 96 hours or more with HSV reactivation in the throat, use of acyclovir, 5 mg/kg, 3 times daily for 14 days, did not increase the number of ventilator-free days at day 60, compared with placebo. These findings do not appear to support routine preemptive use of acyclovir in this setting.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02152358.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Procalcitonin for Early Aspiration Pneumonia in Critically Ill Patients with Coma: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

Early diagnostic orientation for differentiating pneumonia from pneumonitis at the early stage after aspiration would be valuable to avoid unnecessary antibiotic therapy. We assessed the accuracy of procalcitonin (PCT) in diagnosing aspiration pneumonia (AP) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients requiring mechanical ventilation after out-of-hospital coma.

METHODS

Prospective observational 2-year cohort study in a medical-surgical ICU. PCT, C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell count (WBC) were measured at admission (H0) and 6 h (H), H12, H24, H48, H96, and H120 after inclusion. Lower respiratory tract microbiological investigations performed routinely in patients with aspiration syndrome were the reference standard for diagnosing AP. Performance of PCT, CRP, and WBC up to H48 in diagnosing AP was compared based on the areas under the ROC curves (AUC) and likelihood ratios (LR+ and LR-) computed for the best cutoff values.

RESULTS

Of 103 patients with coma, 45 (44%) had AP. Repeated PCT assays demonstrated a significant increase in patients with AP versus without AP from H0 to H120. Among the three biomarkers, PCT showed the earliest change. ROC-AUC values were poor for all three biomarkers. Best ROC-AUC values for diagnosing AP were for CRP at H24 [0.73 (95%CI 0.61-0.84)] and PCT at H48 [0.73 (95%CI 0.61-0.84)]. LR+ was best for PCT at H24 (3.5) and LR- for CRP and WBC at H24 (0.4 and 0.4, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Early and repeated assays of PCT, CRP, and WBC demonstrated significant increases in all three biomarkers in patients with versus without AP. All three biomarkers had poor diagnostic performance for ruling out AP. Whereas PCT had the fastest kinetics, PCT assays within 48 h after ICU admission do not help to diagnose AP in ICU patients with coma.

Impact of species and antibiotic therapy of enterococcal peritonitis on 30-day mortality in critical care-an analysis of the OUTCOMEREA database

Introduction

Enterococcus species are associated with an increased morbidity in intraabdominal infections (IAI). However, their impact on mortality remains uncertain. Moreover, the influence on outcome of the appropriate or inappropriate status of initial antimicrobial therapy (IAT) is subjected to debate, except in septic shock. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether an IAT that did not cover Enterococcus spp. was associated with 30-day mortality in ICU patients presenting with IAI growing with Enterococcus spp.

Material and methods

Retrospective analysis of French database OutcomeRea from 1997 to 2016. We included all patients with IAI with a peritoneal sample growing with Enterococcus. Primary endpoint was 30-day mortality.

Results

Of the 1017 patients with IAI, 76 (8%) patients were included. Thirty-day mortality in patients with inadequate IAT against Enterococcus was higher (7/18 (39%) vs 10/58 (17%), p = 0.05); however, the incidence of postoperative complications was similar. Presence of Enterococcus spp. other than E. faecalis alone was associated with a significantly higher mortality, even greater when IAT was inadequate. Main risk factors for having an Enterococcus other than E. faecalis alone were as follows: SAPS score on day 0, ICU-acquired IAI, and antimicrobial therapy within 3 months prior to IAI especially with third-generation cephalosporins. Univariate analysis found a higher hazard ratio of death with an Enterococcus other than E. faecalis alone that had an inadequate IAT (HR = 4.4 [1.3–15.3], p = 0.019) versus an adequate IAT (HR = 3.1 [1.0–10.0], p = 0.053). However, after adjusting for confounders (i.e., SAPS II and septic shock at IAI diagnosis, ICU-acquired peritonitis, and adequacy of IAT for other germs), the impact of the adequacy of IAT was no longer significant in multivariate analysis. Septic shock at diagnosis and ICU-acquired IAI were prognostic factors.

Conclusion

An IAT which does not cover Enterococcus is associated with an increased 30-day mortality in ICU patients presenting with an IAI growing with Enterococcus, especially when it is not an E. faecalis alone. It seems reasonable to use an IAT active against Enterococcus in severe postoperative ICU-acquired IAI, especially when a third-generation cephalosporin has been used within 3 months.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13054-019-2581-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Host-pathogen interactions and prognosis of critically ill immunocompetent patients with pneumococcal pneumonia: the nationwide prospective observational STREPTOGENE study

PURPOSE

To assess the relative importance of host and bacterial factors associated with hospital mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (PCAP).

METHODS

Immunocompetent Caucasian ICU patients with PCAP documented by cultures and/or pneumococcal urinary antigen (UAg Sp) test were included in this multicenter prospective study between 2008 and 2012. All pneumococcal strains were serotyped. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Of the 614 patients, 278 (45%) had septic shock, 270 (44%) had bacteremia, 307 (50%) required mechanical ventilation at admission, and 161 (26%) had a diagnosis based only on the UAg Sp test. No strains were penicillin-resistant, but 23% had decreased susceptibility. Of the 36 serotypes identified, 7 accounted for 72% of the isolates, with different distributions according to age. Although antibiotics were consistently appropriate and were started within 6 h after admission in 454 (74%) patients, 116 (18.9%) patients died. Independent predictors of hospital mortality in the adjusted analysis were platelets ≤ 100 × 10⁹/L (OR, 7.7; 95% CI, 2.8-21.1), McCabe score ≥ 2 (4.58; 1.61-13), age > 65 years (2.92; 1.49-5.74), lactates > 4 mmol/L (2.41; 1.27-4.56), male gender and septic shock (2.23; 1.30-3.83 for each), invasive mechanical ventilation (1.78; 1-3.19), and bilateral pneumonia (1.59; 1.02-2.47). Women with platelets ≤ 100 × 10⁹/L had the highest mortality risk (adjusted OR, 7.7; 2.8-21).

CONCLUSIONS

In critically ill patients with PCAP, age, gender, and organ failures at ICU admission were more strongly associated with hospital mortality than were comorbidities. Neither pneumococcal serotype nor antibiotic regimen was associated with hospital mortality.

Music for pain relief during bed bathing of mechanically ventilated patients: A pilot study

BACKGROUND

Pain is a universal issue and is of particular concern in mechanically ventilated patients, as they require intensive nursing care and multiple invasive procedures, while being unable to communicate verbally. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of music on pain experienced by mechanically ventilated patients during morning bed bathing.

METHODS

Of the 60 mechanically ventilated patients enrolled in this single-center pilot study between March 2013 and October 2015, the first 30 received no music and the next 30 the music intervention, during the morning bed bath. The Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS) score was determined during and at the end of the bath then 30, 60, and 120 minutes after the bath. BPS score changes over time were assessed and the proportions of bath times spent with a BPS score ≥5 and with the maximal BPS score were determined.

RESULTS

At baseline, no patient had pain (defined as a BPS score <5) and the median BPS score was 3 [IQR, 3;3] in both groups (P = 0.43). After bed bath initiation, 88% of patients experienced pain. The maximum BPS value during the bath was lower in the music group (5 [5;6.7] vs. 7 [5;7]). Proportions of total bath time spent with BPS≥5 and with the maximum BPS were significantly lower in the music group than in the control group (2.0 [0.3;4.0] vs. 10 [4.3;18.0]; P < .0001 and 1.5 [0;3.0] vs. 3.5 [2.0;6.0]; P = .005; respectively). Two hours after the end of the bath, the BPS values had returned to baseline in both groups.

CONCLUSION

In our population, music significantly decreased pain intensity and duration during the morning bed bath in mechanically ventilated patients. These results warrant further assessment in a large multicenter randomized controlled trial.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02883959.

Management and outcome of bloodstream infections: a prospective survey in 121 French hospitals (SPA-BACT survey)

Background

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are severe infections that can be community or hospital acquired. Effects of time to appropriate treatment and impact of antimicrobial management team are discussed in terms of outcome of BSI. We sought to evaluate the impact of initial BSI management on short-term mortality.

Patients and methods

A prospective, multicenter survey was conducted in 121 French hospitals. Participants declaring BSI during a 1-month period were included consecutively. Data on patient comorbidities, illness severity, BSI management, and resistance profile of bacterial strains were collected. Predictors of 10-day mortality were identified by multivariate regression for overall BSI, health care-related and hospital-acquired BSI.

Results

We included 1,952 BSIs. More than a third of them were hospital acquired (39%). Multidrug resistance was identified in 10% of cases, mainly in health care-related BSI. Empirical therapy and targeted therapy were appropriate for 61% and 94% of cases, respectively. Increased 10-day mortality was associated with severe sepsis, septic shock, increasing age, and any focus other than the urinary tract. Decreased mortality was associated with receiving at least one active antibiotic within the first 48 hours. Intervention of antimicrobial management team during the acute phase of BSI was associated with a decreased mortality at day 10 in the overall population and in health care-related BSI.

Conclusion

Optimizing BSI management by increasing rapidity of appropriate treatment initiation may decrease short-term mortality, even in countries with low rate of multidrug-resistant organisms. Early intervention of antimicrobial management team is crucial in terms of mortality.

Circulating biomarkers may be unable to detect infection at the early phase of sepsis in ICU patients: the CAPTAIN prospective multicenter cohort study

PURPOSE

Sepsis and non-septic systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) are the same syndromes, differing by their cause, sepsis being secondary to microbial infection. Microbiological tests are not enough to detect infection early. While more than 50 biomarkers have been proposed to detect infection, none have been repeatedly validated.

AIM

To assess the accuracy of circulating biomarkers to discriminate between sepsis and non-septic SIRS.

METHODS

The CAPTAIN study was a prospective observational multicenter cohort of 279 ICU patients with hypo- or hyperthermia and criteria of SIRS, included at the time the attending physician considered antimicrobial therapy. Investigators collected blood at inclusion to measure 29 plasma compounds and ten whole blood RNAs, and-for those patients included within working hours-14 leukocyte surface markers. Patients were classified as having sepsis or non-septic SIRS blindly to the biomarkers results. We used the LASSO method as the technique of multivariate analysis, because of the large number of biomarkers.

RESULTS

During the study period, 363 patients with SIRS were screened, 84 having exclusion criteria. Ninety-one patients were classified as having non-septic SIRS and 188 as having sepsis. Eight biomarkers had an area under the receiver operating curve (ROC-AUC) over 0.6 with a 95% confidence interval over 0.5. LASSO regression identified CRP and HLA-DRA mRNA as being repeatedly associated with sepsis, and no model performed better than CRP alone (ROC-AUC 0.76 [0.68-0.84]).

CONCLUSIONS

The circulating biomarkers tested were found to discriminate poorly between sepsis and non-septic SIRS, and no combination performed better than CRP alone.

Impact of intensive care unit relocation and role of tap water on an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa expressing OprD-mediated resistance to imipenem

BACKGROUND

To assess the impact of the incidental relocation of an intensive care unit (ICU) on the risk of colonizations/infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibiting OprD-mediated resistance to imipenem (PA-OprD).

AIM

The primary aim was to compare the proportion of PA-OprD among P. aeruginosa samples before and after an incidental relocation of the ICU. The role of tap water as a route of contamination for colonization/infection of patients with PA-OprD was assessed as a secondary aim.

METHODS

A single-centre, observational, before/after comparison study was conducted from October 2013 to October 2015. The ICU was relocated at the end of October 2014. All P. aeruginosa-positive samples isolated from patients hospitalized ≥48 h in the ICU were included. Tap water specimens were collected every three months in the ICU. PA-OprD strains isolated from patients and tap water were genotyped using pulse-field gel electrophoresis.

FINDINGS

A total of 139 clinical specimens of P. aeruginosa and 19 tap water samples were analysed. The proportion of PA-OprD strains decreased significantly from 31% to 7.7% after the relocation of the ICU (P = 0.004). All PA-OprD clinical specimens had a distinct genotype. Surprisingly, tap water was colonized with a single PA-OprD strain during both periods, but this single clone has never been isolated from clinical specimens.

CONCLUSION

Relocation of the ICU was associated with a marked decrease in P. aeruginosa strains resistant to imipenem. The polyclonal character of PA-OprD strains isolated from patients and the absence of tap-water-to-patient contamination highlight the complexity of the environmental impact on the endogenous colonization/infection with P. aeruginosa.

Prior antimicrobial therapy duration influences causative pathogens identification in ventilator-associated pneumonia

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether prior antimicrobial therapy, divided in recent or current antibiotic treatment, influences the identification rate and/or the type of causative pathogens in patients with suspected episodes of ventilator-acquired pneumonia.

DESIGN

Monocentric retrospective study.

SETTING

Intensive car unit in a universitary hospital.

PATIENTS

230 episodes of ventilator-associated pneumonia with a Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score≥6 were retrospectively evaluated. Based on the antimicrobial treatment regimen, we defined 3 groups: the no antimicrobial treatment group (VAP is suspected in patients that has never received antibiotics during the last 90days), group 2: the current antimicrobial therapy (VAP is suspected under antimicrobial therapy) and group 3: the recent antimicrobial therapy (VAP is suspected whereas an antimicrobial treatment has been used during the last 90days but discontinued for >24h).

INTERVENTION

Bacteriologic analysis using a protected distal sampling with microscopic examination, culture and microbial identification using MALDI-TOF.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Suspected episodes of VAP were sorted as follow: 70 suspected episodes in the no antimicrobial therapy group, 106 suspected episodes in the current antimicrobial therapy group and 54 suspected episodes in the recent antimicrobial therapy group. The rate of positive culture was significantly lower in the current antimicrobial treatment group (group 2) when compared to the recent (group 3) and to the no antimicrobial treatment groups (group 1) (42%, 68% and 86%, respectively). When compared to the recent antibiotherapy group, we observed that current antibiotherapy was significantly associated with a higher rate of MDR positive culture, mainly due to higher rate of MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

CONCLUSION

In patients with a high probability of VAP, current but not recent antibiotic use is associated with a lower rate of positive culture with a higher proportion of MDR pathogens, mostly MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Targeted temperature management after intraoperative cardiac arrest: a multicenter retrospective study

PURPOSE

Few outcome data are available about temperature management after intraoperative cardiac arrest (IOCA). We describe targeted temperature management (TTM) (32-34 °C) modalities, adverse events, and association with 1-year functional outcome in patients with IOCA.

METHODS

Patients admitted to 11 ICUs after IOCA in 2008-2013 were studied retrospectively. The main outcome measure was 1-year functional outcome.

RESULTS

Of the 101 patients [35 women and 66 men; median age, 62 years (interquartile range, 42-72)], 68 (67.3%) were ASA PS I to III and 57 (56.4%) had emergent surgery. First recorded rhythms were asystole in 44 (43.6%) patients, pulseless electrical activity in 36 (35.6%), and ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia in 20 (19.8%). Median times from collapse to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) were 0 min (0-0) and 10 min (4-20), respectively. The 30 (29.7%) patients who received TTM had an increased risk of infection (P = 0.005) but not of arrhythmia, bleeding, or metabolic/electrolyte disorders. By multivariate analysis, one or more defibrillation before ROSC was positively associated with a favorable functional outcome at 1-year (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.05-8.95, P = 0.04) and emergency surgery was negatively associated with 1-year favorable functional outcome (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.14-0.95, P = 0.038). TTM use was not independently associated with 1-year favorable outcome (OR 0.82; 95% CI 0.27-2.46, P = 0.72).

CONCLUSIONS

TTM was used in less than one-third of patients after IOCA. TTM was associated with infection but not with bleeding or coronary events in this setting. TTM did not independently predict 1-year favorable functional outcome after IOCA in this study.

Incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury associated with continuous intravenous high-dose vancomycin in critically ill patients: A retrospective cohort study

For vancomycin therapy of severe infections, the Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends high vancomycin trough levels, whose potential for inducing nephrotoxicity is controversial. We evaluated the incidence and risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients given continuous intravenous vancomycin with target serum vancomycin levels of 20 to 30 mg/L.We retrospectively studied 107 continuous intravenous vancomycin treatments of ≥48 hours' duration with at least 2 serum vancomycin levels ≥20 mg/L in critically ill patients. Nephrotoxicity was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Clinical Practice Guideline for AKI (ie, serum creatinine elevation by ≥26.5 μmoL/L or to ≥1.5 times baseline). Risk factors for AKI were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses.AKI developed in 31 (29%) courses. Higher serum vancomycin levels were associated with AKI (P < 0.01). Factors independently associated with AKI were highest serum vancomycin ≥40 mg/L (odds ratio [OR], 3.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.40-10.37; P < 0.01), higher cumulative number of organ failures (OR, 2.63 95%CI, 1.42-5.31; P < 0.01), and cirrhosis of the liver (OR, 5.58; 95%CI, 1.08-31.59; P = 0.04).In this study, 29% of critically ill patients had AKI develop during continuous intravenous vancomycin therapy targeting serum levels of 20 to 30 mg/L. Serum vancomycin level ≥40 mg/L was independently associated with AKI.

Hypothermia for Neuroprotection in Convulsive Status Epilepticus

BACKGROUND

Convulsive status epilepticus often results in permanent neurologic impairment. We evaluated the effect of induced hypothermia on neurologic outcomes in patients with convulsive status epilepticus.

METHODS

In a multicenter trial, we randomly assigned 270 critically ill patients with convulsive status epilepticus who were receiving mechanical ventilation to hypothermia (32 to 34°C for 24 hours) in addition to standard care or to standard care alone; 268 patients were included in the analysis. The primary outcome was a good functional outcome at 90 days, defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score of 5 (range, 1 to 5, with 1 representing death and 5 representing no or minimal neurologic deficit). The main secondary outcomes were mortality at 90 days, progression to electroencephalographically (EEG) confirmed status epilepticus, refractory status epilepticus on day 1, "super-refractory" status epilepticus (resistant to general anesthesia), and functional sequelae on day 90.

RESULTS

A GOS score of 5 occurred in 67 of 138 patients (49%) in the hypothermia group and in 56 of 130 (43%) in the control group (adjusted common odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75 to 1.99; P=0.43). The rate of progression to EEG-confirmed status epilepticus on the first day was lower in the hypothermia group than in the control group (11% vs. 22%; odds ratio, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.79; P=0.009), but there were no significant differences between groups in the other secondary outcomes. Adverse events were more frequent in the hypothermia group than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

In this trial, induced hypothermia added to standard care was not associated with significantly better 90-day outcomes than standard care alone in patients with convulsive status epilepticus. (Funded by the French Ministry of Health; HYBERNATUS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01359332 .).

Influence of body mass index on the prognosis of patients successfully resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treated by therapeutic hypothermia

BACKGROUND

Obesity prevalence has dramatically increased over recent years and is associated with cardiovascular diseases, but data are lacking on its prognostic impact in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients.

METHODS

Data of all consecutive OHCA patients admitted in two cardiac arrest centers from Paris and suburbs between 2005 and 2012 were prospectively collected. Patients treated by therapeutic hypothermia (TH) were included in the analysis. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to quantify the association between body mass index (BMI) at hospital admission and day-30 and 1-year mortality respectively.

RESULTS

818 patients were included in the study (median age 60.9 [50.8-72.7] year, 70.2% male). Obese patients (BMI>30kgm^-2) were older, more frequently male and evidenced more frequently cardiovascular risk factors than normally (18.5<BMI<25kgm^-2) or overweight patients (25<BMI<30kgm^-2). Post-resuscitation shock and therapeutic hypothermia failure were more frequent in obese patients. Overall mortality at day-30 and one-year was 63.8 and 67.2%, respectively. After multivariate adjustment, BMI>30kgm^-2 was independently associated with day-30 mortality (Odds ratio [OR] in comparison with normally weight patients 2.45; 95% confidence interval [95%CI: 1.32-4.56; p<0.01]). Obesity was not associated with one-year mortality (Hazard ratio [HR] 0.99, 95%CI 0.21,4.67; p=0.99) while underweight was associated with one-year mortality in this subgroup of patients (Hazard ratio [HR] 3.94, 95%CI 1.11,14.01; p=0.03).

CONCLUSION

In the present study, obesity was independently associated with day-30 mortality in successfully resuscitated ICU TH OHCA patients. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms that underpin this finding.

Neuroprotective effect of therapeutic hypothermia versus standard care alone after convulsive status epilepticus: protocol of the multicentre randomised controlled trial HYBERNATUS

Convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) is a major medical emergency associated with a 50 % morbidity rate. CSE guidelines have recommended prompt management for many years, but there is no evidence to date that they have significantly improved practices or outcomes. Developing neuroprotective strategies for use after CSE holds promise for diminishing morbidity and mortality rates. Hypothermia has been shown to afford neuroprotection in various health conditions. We therefore designed a trial to determine whether 90-day outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients with CSE requiring management in the intensive care unit (ICU) are improved by early therapeutic hypothermia (32-34 °C) for 24 h with propofol sedation. We are conducting a multicentre, open-label, parallel-group, randomised, controlled trial (HYBERNATUS) of potential neuroprotective effects of therapeutic hypothermia and routine propofol sedation started within 8 h after CSE onset in ICU patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Included patients are allocated to receive therapeutic hypothermia (32-34 °C) plus standard care or standard care alone. We plan to enrol 270 patients in 11 ICUs. An interim analysis is scheduled after the inclusion of 135 patients. The main study objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic hypothermia (32-34 °C) for 24 h in diminishing 90-day morbidity and mortality (defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale score <5). The HYBERNATUS trial is expected to a decreased proportion of patients with a Glasgow Outcome Scale score lower than 5 after CSE requiring ICU admission and mechanical ventilation. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01359332 (registered on 23 May 2011).

Ilio-psoas hematoma in the intensive care unit: a multicentric study

Background

Clinical features and outcomes of patients with spontaneous ilio-psoas hematoma (IPH) in intensive care units (ICUs) are poorly documented. The objectives of this study were to determine epidemiological, clinical, biological and management characteristics of ICU patients with IPH.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective multicentric study in three French ICUs from January 2006 to December 2014. We included IPH diagnosed both at admission and during ICU stay. Surgery and embolization were available 24 h a day for each center, and therapeutic decisions were undertaken after pluridisciplinary discussion. All IPHs were diagnosed using CT scan.

Results

During this period, we identified 3.01 cases/1000 admissions. The mortality rate of the 77 included patients was 30 %. In multivariate analysis, we observed that mortality was independently associated with SAPS II (OR 1.1, 95 % CI [1.013–1.195], p = 0.02) and with the presence of hemorrhagic shock (OR 67.1, 95 % CI [2.6–1691], p = 0.01). We found IPH was related to anticoagulation therapy in 56 cases (72 %), with guideline-concordant reversal performed in 33 % of patients. We did not found any association between anticoagulant therapy type and outcome.

Conclusion

We found IPH is an infrequent disease, with a high mortality rate of 30 %, mostly related to anticoagulation therapy and usually affecting the elderly. Management of anticoagulation-related IPH includes a high rate of no reversal of 38 %.

Antibiotic use and good practice in 314 French hospitals: The 2010 SPA2 prevalence study

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess antibiotic prescriptions to identify potential targets for improvement.

METHODS

We conducted a point prevalence survey (November 2010) of antibiotic use in 314 voluntary hospitals recruited by the French Infectious Diseases Society (SPILF) and the National Observatory for Epidemiology of Bacterial Resistance to Antimicrobials (ONERBA). Data were entered online, immediately analyzed and exported.

RESULTS

The prevalence of antibiotic use was 19.5% (9059/46,446patients). A higher prevalence was observed in the infectious disease (58.4%), hematology (58%), and intensive care (48.7%) units. The three most frequently used antibiotic classes were aminopenicillins (23.8%), fluoroquinolones (17.9%), and 3rd-generation cephalosporins (16.7%). A monotherapy was prescribed to 64% of patients. The reasons for the antibiotic prescription were written in the medical records of 74% of patients and 62% were consistent with the local guidelines.

CONCLUSION

Our results are similar to that of other studies. Various local targets for improvement have been identified to help hospitals define a better antibiotic stewardship.

Carbapenem use in French hospitals: A nationwide survey at the patient level

The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of carbapenem use in French healthcare settings in order to guide future actions. Healthcare facilities voluntarily participated in a nationwide cross-sectional survey in 2011. Medical data and reasons for carbapenem treatment (CPR) and discontinuation were recorded for all patients treated with carbapenems. A total of 2338 patients were recorded by 207 facilities. The median duration of CPR was 8 days, and 31.4% of patients received CPR for >10 days. An antibiotic consultant was involved in the initial choice of CPR in 36.8% of cases. CPR was chosen on an empirical (EP) basis for 1229 patients (52.6%), mainly because of severe sepsis (48.6%) or a perceived risk of bacterial resistance (33.7%). Among EP patients, de-escalation was more frequent in the case of intervention of an antibiotic consultant (35.1%) than without intervention (22.9%) (P<0.01). Among the 1109 patients receiving CPR initially based on bacteriological results, 607 (54.7%) had ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and 397 (35.8%) had Gram-negative bacilli susceptible to at least one β-lactam other than carbapenems or to fluoroquinolones. Among the latter, de-escalation was performed in 59 cases (14.9%). The intervention of an antibiotic consultant did not favour de-escalation in this group. In conclusion, carbapenems are frequently used for treating suspected or confirmed multidrug-resistant bacteria, and overall CPR duration is long. De-escalation is frequently not implemented despite isolates being susceptible to other drugs. More frequent antibiotic consultant intervention may help to decrease carbapenem use in the case of EP treatment.

Modalities of Invasive Arterial Pressure Monitoring in Critically Ill Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

Few studies assessed modalities of invasive arterial pressure monitoring (IAPM). We evaluated effects on measured values of various combinations of transducer level, catheter access site, and patient position. Prospective observational study in consecutive adults admitted to a French intensive care unit in 2009 to 2011 and fulfilling our inclusion criteria. Four combinations (B-E) of transducer level, catheter access site, and patient position were compared with a reference combination (A) (A: patient supine with all catheters in the same plane and a single transducer level (M) for zero point reference (Z) aligned on the phlebostatic axis; B: 45° head-of-bed elevation with M and Z aligned on the phlebostatic axis; C: 45° head-of-bed elevation with M aligned on the catheter access site and Z on the phlebostatic axis; D: 45° head-of-bed elevation with M and Z aligned on the catheter access site; and E: 45° head-of-bed elevation with M aligned on the phlebostatic axis and Z on the catheter access site). We included 103 patients, 68 men and 35 women, with a median age of 69 years (interquartile range [IQR], 56-78); at inclusion, 91 (88.3%) received mechanical ventilation, 45 (43.7%) catecholamines, and 66 (64.1%) sedation. The IAPM access site was femoral in 49 (47.6%) and radial in 54 (52.4%) patients, with 62 of 103 (60.2%) catheters on the right side. Measured absolute mean arterial pressure values were significantly higher with 3 study combinations (C-E) than with the reference combination (A). After adjustment, the differences versus A (median, 83 [IQR, 74-92] mm Hg) remained significant for D (median, 91 [IQR, 85-100] mm Hg, P < 0.001) and E (median, 88 [IQR, 77-99] mm Hg, P < 0.001). The difference versus A was not significant for B (median, 85 [IQR, 76-94] mm Hg, P = 0.21) or C (median, 90 [IQR, 84-100] mm Hg, P = 0.006). Several modalities used for zeroing and/or transducer leveling during IAPM may result in statistically and clinically significant overestimation of measured mean arterial pressure values. For patients in the 45° head-of-bed elevation position, aligning the Z on the phlebostatic axis provides values that are not significantly different from those obtained using the reference supine modality.

Role of biomarkers in the management of antibiotic therapy: an expert panel review: I - currently available biomarkers for clinical use in acute infections

In the context of worldwide increasing antimicrobial resistance, good antimicrobial prescribing in more needed than ever; unfortunately, information available to clinicians often are insufficient to rely on. Biomarkers might provide help for decision-making and improve antibiotic management. The purpose of this expert panel review was to examine currently available literature on the potential role of biomarkers to improve antimicrobial prescribing, by answering three questions: 1) Which are the biomarkers available for this purpose?; 2) What is their potential role in the initiation of antibiotic therapy?; and 3) What is their role in the decision to stop antibiotic therapy? To answer these questions, studies reviewed were limited to recent clinical studies (<15 years), involving a substantial number of patients (>50) and restricted to controlled trials and meta-analyses for answering questions 2 and 3. With regard to the first question concerning routinely available biomarkers, which might be useful for antibiotic management of acute infections, these are currently limited to C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT). Other promising biomarkers that may prove useful in the near future but need to undergo more extensive clinical testing include sTREM-1, suPAR, ProADM, and Presepsin. New approaches to biomarkers of infections include point-of-care testing and genomics.

Role of biomarkers in the management of antibiotic therapy: an expert panel review II: clinical use of biomarkers for initiation or discontinuation of antibiotic therapy

Biomarker-guided initiation of antibiotic therapy has been studied in four conditions: acute pancreatitis, lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), meningitis, and sepsis in the ICU. In pancreatitis with suspected infected necrosis, initiating antibiotics best relies on fine-needle aspiration and demonstration of infected material. We suggest that PCT be measured to help predict infection; however, available data are insufficient to decide on initiating antibiotics based on PCT levels. In adult patients suspected of community-acquired LRTI, we suggest withholding antibiotic therapy when the serum PCT level is low (<0.25 ng/mL); in patients having nosocomial LRTI, data are insufficient to recommend initiating therapy based on a single PCT level or even repeated measurements. For children with suspected bacterial meningitis, we recommend using a decision rule as an aid to therapeutic decisions, such as the Bacterial Meningitis Score or the Meningitest®; a single PCT level ≥0.5 ng/mL also may be used, but false-negatives may occur. In adults with suspected bacterial meningitis, we suggest integrating serum PCT measurements in a clinical decision rule to help distinguish between viral and bacterial meningitis, using a 0.5 ng/mL threshold. For ICU patients suspected of community-acquired infection, we do not recommend using a threshold serum PCT value to help the decision to initiate antibiotic therapy; data are insufficient to recommend using PCT serum kinetics for the decision to initiate antibiotic therapy in patients suspected of ICU-acquired infection. In children, CRP can probably be used to help discontinue therapy, although the evidence is limited. In adults, antibiotic discontinuation can be based on an algorithm using repeated PCT measurements. In non-immunocompromised out- or in- patients treated for RTI, antibiotics can be discontinued if the PCT level at day 3 is < 0.25 ng/mL or has decreased by >80-90%, whether or not microbiological documentation has been obtained. For ICU patients who have nonbacteremic sepsis from a known site of infection, antibiotics can be stopped if the PCT level at day 3 is < 0.5 ng/mL or has decreased by >80% relative to the highest level recorded, irrespective of the severity of the infectious episode; in bacteremic patients, a minimal duration of therapy of 5 days is recommended.

Protective effects of FCGR2A polymorphism in invasive pneumococcal diseases

BACKGROUND

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of pneumonia and meningitis. Several genetic polymorphisms have been described to explain differences in susceptibility and severity of encapsulated pathogen-related diseases. Among them, a functional FCGR2A polymorphism leading to amino acid change of histidine (H) to arginine (R) at position 131 appears to be a major candidate in adult invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPDs). However, previous reports need confirmation in a large, well-defined population.

METHODS

This prospective genetic association study was carried out in a 24-bed medical ICU of a tertiary teaching hospital over 7 years. DNA from all white patients with IPD (pneumonia or meningitis) was genotyped for the FcγRIIa-R/H131 polymorphism.

RESULTS

A total of 243 patients with IPD were enrolled; 202 (82%) had pneumonia, and 55 (22%) had meningitis. Mean age was 61 years, and mean Simplified Acute Physiology Score II was 50.4. One-half of the patients had bacteremia, and 84% of the cohort received mechanical ventilation. The hospital mortality rate was 31%. In the IPD group, the distribution of the FcγRIIa-R/H131 genotypes (H/H, 25%; H/R, 53%; R/R, 22%) was comparable with that in the white control group. Comparison of the FcγRIIa-R/R131 and the FcγRIIa-R/H131 + FcγRIIa-H/H131 groups did not demonstrate any difference for age, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, origin of sepsis, and other comorbid conditions. However, the variant FcγRIIa-R/R131 genotype was independently associated with decreased hospital mortality (OR, 0.251; 95% CI, 0.098-0.645; P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

In a well-defined population of patients with IPD, the frequency of the variant FcγRIIa-R131 does not differ from that of other critically ill patients. However, the FcγRIIa-R/R131 genotype was independently associated with increased survival, regardless of site of infection.

Determinants of recovery from severe posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Few outcome data are available about posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). We studied 90-day functional outcomes and their determinants in patients with severe PRES.

DESIGN

70 patients with severe PRES admitted to 24 ICUs in 2001-2010 were included in a retrospective cohort study. The main outcome measure was a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) of 5 (good recovery) on day 90.

MAIN RESULTS

Consciousness impairment was the most common clinical sign, occurring in 66 (94%) patients. Clinical seizures occurred in 57 (81%) patients. Median mean arterial pressure was 122 (105-143) mmHg on scene. Cerebral imaging abnormalities were bilateral (93%) and predominated in the parietal (93%) and occipital (86%) white matter. Median number of brain areas involved was 4 (3-5). Imaging abnormalities resolved in 43 (88%) patients. Ischaemic and/or haemorrhagic complications occurred in 7 (14%) patients. The most common causes were drug toxicity (44%) and hypertensive encephalopathy (41%). On day 90, 11 (16%) patients had died, 26 (37%) had marked functional impairments (GOS, 2 to 4), and 33 (56%) had a good recovery (GOS, 5). Factors independently associated with GOS<5 were highest glycaemia on day 1 (OR, 1.22; 95%CI, 1.02-1.45, p = 0.03) and time to causative-factor control (OR, 3.3; 95%CI, 1.04-10.46, p = 0.04), whereas GOS = 5 was associated with toxaemia of pregnancy (preeclampsia/eclampsia) (OR, 0.06; 95%CI, 0.01-0.38, p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

By day 90 after admission for severe PRES, 44% of survivors had severe functional impairments. Highest glycaemia on day 1 and time to causative-factor control were strong early predictors of outcomes, suggesting areas for improvement.

Epidemiology and outcome of severe pneumococcal pneumonia admitted to intensive care unit: a multicenter study

INTRODUCTION

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) account for a high proportion of ICU admissions, with Streptococcus pneumoniae being the main pathogen responsible for these infections. However, little is known on the clinical features and outcomes of ICU patients with pneumococcal pneumonia. The aims of this study were to provide epidemiological data and to determine risk factors of mortality in patients admitted to ICU for severe S. pneumoniae CAP.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of two prospectively-acquired multicentre ICU databases (2001-2008). Patients admitted for management of severe pneumococcal CAP were enrolled if they met the 2001 American Thoracic Society criteria for severe pneumonia, had life-threatening organ failure and had a positive microbiological sample for S. pneumoniae. Patients with bronchitis, aspiration pneumonia or with non-pulmonary pneumococcal infections were excluded.

RESULTS

Two hundred and twenty two patients were included, with a median SAPS II score reaching 47 [36-64]. Acute respiratory failure (n = 154) and septic shock (n = 54) were their most frequent causes of ICU admission. Septic shock occurred in 170 patients (77%) and mechanical ventilation was required in 186 patients (84%); renal replacement therapy was initiated in 70 patients (32%). Bacteraemia was diagnosed in 101 patients. The prevalence of S. pneumoniae strains with decreased susceptibility to penicillin was 39.7%. Although antibiotherapy was adequate in 92.3% of cases, hospital mortality reached 28.8%. In multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for mortality were age (OR 1.05 (95% CI: 1.02-1.08)), male sex (OR 2.83 (95% CI: 1.16-6.91)) and renal replacement therapy (OR 3.78 (95% CI: 1.71-8.36)). Co-morbidities, macrolide administration, concomitant bacteremia or penicillin susceptibility did not influence outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In ICU, mortality of pneumococcal CAP remains high despite adequate antimicrobial treatment. Baseline demographic data and renal replacement therapy have a major impact on adverse outcome.

Strategies of initiation and streamlining of antibiotic therapy in 41 French intensive care units

INTRODUCTION

Few studies have addressed the decision-making process of antibiotic therapy (AT) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

METHODS

In a prospective observational study, all consecutive patients admitted over a one-month period (2004) to 41 French surgical (n = 22) or medical/medico-surgical ICUs (n = 19) in 29 teaching university and 12 non-teaching hospitals were screened daily for AT until ICU discharge. We assessed the modalities of initiating AT, reasons for changes and factors associated with in ICU mortality including a specific analysis of a new AT administered on suspicion of a new infection.

RESULTS

A total of 1,043 patients (61% of the cohort) received antibiotics during their ICU stay. Thirty percent (509) of them received new AT mostly for suspected diagnosis of pneumonia (47%), bacteremia (24%), or intra-abdominal (21%) infections. New AT was prescribed on day shifts (45%) and out-of-hours (55%), mainly by a single senior physician (78%) or by a team decision (17%). This new AT was mainly started at the time of suspicion of infection (71%) and on the results of Gram-stained direct examination (21%). Susceptibility testing was performed in 261 (51%) patients with a new AT. This new AT was judged inappropriate in 58 of these 261 (22%) patients. In ICUs with written protocols for empiric AT (n = 25), new AT prescribed before the availability of culture results (P = 0.003) and out-of-hours (P = 0.04) was more frequently observed than in ICUs without protocols but the appropriateness of AT was not different. In multivariate analysis, the predictive factors of mortality for patients with new AT were absence of protocols for empiric AT (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.64, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.01 to 2.69), age ≥60 (OR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.19 to 3.26), SAPS II score >38 (OR = 2.78, 95% CI: 1.60 to 4.84), rapidly fatal underlying diseases (OR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.52 to 5.56), SOFA score ≥6 (OR = 4.48, 95% CI: 2.46 to 8.18).

CONCLUSIONS

More than 60% of patients received AT during their ICU stay. Half of them received new AT, frequently initiated out-of-hours. In ICUs with written protocols, empiric AT was initiated more rapidly at the time of suspicion of infection and out-of-hours. These results encourage the establishment of local recommendations for empiric AT.

Amoxicillin is effective against penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae strains in a mouse pneumonia model simulating human pharmacokinetics

High-dose oral amoxicillin (3 g/day) is the recommended empirical outpatient treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in many European guidelines. To investigate the clinical efficacy of this treatment in CAP caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae strains with MICs of amoxicillin > or =2 microg/ml, we used a lethal bacteremic pneumonia model in leukopenic female Swiss mice with induced renal failure to replicate amoxicillin kinetics in humans given 1 g/8 h orally. Amoxicillin (15 mg/kg of body weight/8 h subcutaneously) was given for 3 days. We used four S. pneumoniae strains with differing amoxicillin susceptibility and tolerance profiles. Rapid bacterial killing occurred with an amoxicillin-susceptible nontolerant strain: after 4 h, blood cultures were negative and lung homogenate counts under the 2 log(10) CFU/ml detection threshold (6.5 log(10) CFU/ml in controls, P < 0.01). With an amoxicillin-intermediate nontolerant strain, significant pulmonary bacterial clearance was observed after 24 h (4.3 versus 7.9 log(10) CFU/ml, P < 0.01), and counts were undetectable 12 h after treatment completion. With an amoxicillin-intermediate tolerant strain, 24-h bacterial clearance was similar (5.4 versus 8.3 log(10) CFU/ml, P < 0.05), but 12 h after treatment completion, lung homogenates contained 3.3 log(10) CFU/ml. Similar results were obtained with an amoxicillin-resistant and -tolerant strain. Day 10 survival rates were usually similar across strains. Amoxicillin with pharmacokinetics simulating 1 g/8 h orally in humans is bactericidal in mice with pneumonia due to S. pneumoniae for which MICs were 2 to 4 microg/ml. The killing rate depends not only on resistance but also on tolerance of the S. pneumoniae strains.

Therapeutic hypothermia for coma after cardiorespiratory arrest caused by hanging

We report a case in which mild therapeutic hypothermia was used successfully in a patient with coma after cardiorespiratory arrest induced by hanging.