Enhancing routine HIV and STI testing among young men who have sex with men: primary outcomes of the get connected clinical randomized trial (ATN 139)

BACKGROUND

Regular HIV and STI testing remain a cornerstone of comprehensive sexual health care. In this study, we examine the efficacy of Get Connected, a WebApp that combines test locators with personalized educational resources, in motivating young men who have sex with men (YMSM) to undergo regular HIV and STI testing.

METHODS

Participants were randomly placed in one of two conditions. The first condition included the full version of GC (GC-PLUS), which included content tailored to users' psychosocial characteristics (e.g., age, race/ethnicity, relationship status, HIV/STI testing history). The second condition served as our attention-control and only included the testing locator (GC-TLO) for HIV/STI testing services. Participants were recruited from three cities (Houston, Philadelphia, and Atlanta) characterized by high HIV incidence. Assessments were collected at 1, 3-, 6-, 9- and 12-month follow-ups.

RESULTS

Both versions of GC were acceptable and efficacious in increasing routine HIV and STI testing over a 12-month period. 40% of the sample reported testing at least twice, with no main effects observed across the two intervention arms (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 0.69, 1.80), p =.66). Greater intervention effects were observed among YMSM who engaged more frequently with the intervention, with regional differences observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings underscore the need to cater to the diverse needs of YMSM through multilevel approaches. Broadly, mHealth HIV/STI testing interventions, such as Get Connected, would benefit from matching technologies to the local context to have the greatest impact.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03132415).

Achievement of Target Gain Larger than Unity in an Inertial Fusion Experiment

On December 5, 2022, an indirect drive fusion implosion on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) achieved a target gain G_{target} of 1.5. This is the first laboratory demonstration of exceeding "scientific breakeven" (or G_{target}>1) where 2.05 MJ of 351 nm laser light produced 3.1 MJ of total fusion yield, a result which significantly exceeds the Lawson criterion for fusion ignition as reported in a previous NIF implosion [H. Abu-Shawareb et al. (Indirect Drive ICF Collaboration), Phys. Rev. Lett. 129, 075001 (2022)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.129.075001]. This achievement is the culmination of more than five decades of research and gives proof that laboratory fusion, based on fundamental physics principles, is possible. This Letter reports on the target, laser, design, and experimental advancements that led to this result.

Cardiovascular Risk Scoring of Hospitalized Chronic Kidney Disease Patients by Framingham Risk Score

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are more likely to have complications due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Medicine and Nephrology, Chittagong Medical College (CMC), Chittagong, Bangladesh from June to December, 2014 and was performed to estimate the risk of cardiovascular events according to Framingham's Risk Score of CKD patients. In this research, 100 patients who was diagnosed as CKD and admitted in the Chittagong Medical College Hospital were enrolled. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated with the MDRD formula. Cardiovascular risk factors were analyzed by Framinghams criteria and after compilation data were analyzed by SPSS-18.0. Among 100 patients, most of patients were under 60 years of age where males (56.0%) were more than females (44.0%). Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Score revealed that most of the male were at high risk group compared to female. Regarding different components of lipid profile with Framingham risk score, higher risk group had high mean total cholesterol (212.17mg/dl) and also low mean HDL level (38.58mg/dl). Patient with different stages of CKD with cardiovascular risk showed stage 5 CKD was 80%, stage 4 was 15.0% and rest 5 was at stage 3 and most were in low risk group (56.0%). There were significant positive correlations found in between age and serum total cholesterol level with the cardiovascular risk scoring but not with HDL and eGFR. The predominant cardiovascular risk factors were age, male gender, smoking and high serum total cholesterol.

A systematic review of the impact of postoperative aerobic exercise training in patients undergoing surgery for intra-abdominal cancers

INTRODUCTION

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes which advocate early mobility after surgery have improved immediate clinical outcomes for patients undergoing abdominal cancer resections with curative intent. However, the impact of continued physical activity on patient-related outcomes and functional recovery is not well defined. The aim of this review was to assess the impact of postoperative aerobic exercise training, either alone or in conjunction with another exercise modality, on patients who have had surgery for intra-abdominal cancer.

METHODS

A literature search was performed of electronic journal databases. Eligible papers needed to report an outcome of aerobic capacity in patients older than 18 years of age, who underwent cancer surgery with curative intent and participated in an exercise programme (not solely ERAS) that included an aerobic exercise component starting at any point in the postoperative pathway up to 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were deemed eligible for inclusion consisting of two inpatient, one mixed inpatient/outpatient and eight outpatient studies. Meta-analysis of four outpatient studies, each reporting change in 6-min walk test (6MWT), showed a significant improvement in 6MWT with exercise (MD 74.92 m, 95% CI 48.52-101.31 m). The impact on health-related quality of life was variable across studies.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative exercise confers benefits in improving aerobic function post surgery and can be safely delivered in various formats (home-based or group/supervised).

A qualitative analysis of health information-sharing networks in the Indonesian poultry sector

Animal production systems are developing into increasingly complex value chains involving a large diversity of actors with multiple and dynamic linkages, concurrently creating many opportunities for disease spread. Access to timely and good-quality animal health information is vital for designing effective disease management strategies. However, several factors may hamper information flows along those chains. Understanding the structure and dynamics of information networks is essential to develop effective and acceptable health information systems. We applied a qualitative network approach to understand how information about poultry health is generated, disseminated and used for decision-making along the poultry value chain in Indonesia. Maps of the value chain and information networks were generated based on data from key informant interviews to illustrate the linkages and information-sharing patterns between stakeholders. Four types of farm business models were identified: company-owned, contract, partnership and independent. Although companies and most independent farmers collected health and production data routinely, their systems were strongly siloed and still relied on a mix of digital and paper-based methods, which impaired their analytical capacity. Technical service providers from the upstream sector and industry associations were identified as key intermediaries in the information-sharing network with the ability to create informal bridges between separate business networks and public actors. These actors can play a strategic role in the development of integrated information systems to improve stakeholders' capacity to monitor, anticipate and manage disease threats at all levels of the value chain. This study contributes to fill an important knowledge gap regarding the layer sector and may help decision-makers to design effective policies and interventions tailored to the type of business model.

Atolls of the world: A reappraisal from an optical remote sensing and global mapping perspective

The Millennium Coral Reef Mapping Project (MCRMP) aimed to map coral reefs worldwide at geomorphological thematic scales using Landsat satellite images at 30 m spatial resolution. The 5-level hierarchical classification scheme implemented by MCRMP identified at Level 2 'Atolls' as one of the main types of coral reef complexes. In this review, the qualitative criteria used by MCRMP to identify atolls are presented. Then, we report on the global census of atolls, from which a consistent geomorphologic GIS database is provided. A total of 598 atolls are identified and mapped. The quantitative database provides surface areas for all geomorphologic units at Level 4 and 5 of the MCRMP classification scheme. It allows further work on atoll and coral reef classifications, regionally and globally, in order to identify geomorphic trends and outliers. It is also a convenient database to use in multivariate analyses with ancillary biodiversity, fishery, socio-economic or climate data.

Effect of managed transition on mental health outcomes for young people at the child-adult mental health service boundary: a randomised clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Poor transition planning contributes to discontinuity of care at the child-adult mental health service boundary (SB), adversely affecting mental health outcomes in young people (YP). The aim of the study was to determine whether managed transition (MT) improves mental health outcomes of YP reaching the child/adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) boundary compared with usual care (UC).

METHODS

A two-arm cluster-randomised trial (ISRCTN83240263 and NCT03013595) with clusters allocated 1:2 between MT and UC. Recruitment took place in 40 CAMHS (eight European countries) between October 2015 and December 2016. Eligible participants were CAMHS service users who were receiving treatment or had a diagnosed mental disorder, had an IQ ⩾ 70 and were within 1 year of reaching the SB. MT was a multi-component intervention that included CAMHS training, systematic identification of YP approaching SB, a structured assessment (Transition Readiness and Appropriateness Measure) and sharing of information between CAMHS and adult mental health services. The primary outcome was HoNOSCA (Health of the Nation Outcome Scale for Children and Adolescents) score 15-months post-entry to the trial.

RESULTS

The mean difference in HoNOSCA scores between the MT and UC arms at 15 months was -1.11 points (95% confidence interval -2.07 to -0.14, p = 0.03). The cost of delivering the intervention was relatively modest (€17-€65 per service user).

CONCLUSIONS

MT led to improved mental health of YP after the SB but the magnitude of the effect was small. The intervention can be implemented at low cost and form part of planned and purposeful transitional care.

Lawson Criterion for Ignition Exceeded in an Inertial Fusion Experiment

For more than half a century, researchers around the world have been engaged in attempts to achieve fusion ignition as a proof of principle of various fusion concepts. Following the Lawson criterion, an ignited plasma is one where the fusion heating power is high enough to overcome all the physical processes that cool the fusion plasma, creating a positive thermodynamic feedback loop with rapidly increasing temperature. In inertially confined fusion, ignition is a state where the fusion plasma can begin "burn propagation" into surrounding cold fuel, enabling the possibility of high energy gain. While "scientific breakeven" (i.e., unity target gain) has not yet been achieved (here target gain is 0.72, 1.37 MJ of fusion for 1.92 MJ of laser energy), this Letter reports the first controlled fusion experiment, using laser indirect drive, on the National Ignition Facility to produce capsule gain (here 5.8) and reach ignition by nine different formulations of the Lawson criterion.

Demographic, clinical, and service-use characteristics related to the clinician's recommendation to transition from child to adult mental health services

PURPOSE

The service configuration with distinct child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and adult mental health services (AMHS) may be a barrier to continuity of care. Because of a lack of transition policy, CAMHS clinicians have to decide whether and when a young person should transition to AMHS. This study describes which characteristics are associated with the clinicians' advice to continue treatment at AMHS.

METHODS

Demographic, family, clinical, treatment, and service-use characteristics of the MILESTONE cohort of 763 young people from 39 CAMHS in Europe were assessed using multi-informant and standardized assessment tools. Logistic mixed models were fitted to assess the relationship between these characteristics and clinicians' transition recommendations.

RESULTS

Young people with higher clinician-rated severity of psychopathology scores, with self- and parent-reported need for ongoing treatment, with lower everyday functional skills and without self-reported psychotic experiences were more likely to be recommended to continue treatment. Among those who had been recommended to continue treatment, young people who used psychotropic medication, who had been in CAMHS for more than a year, and for whom appropriate AMHS were available were more likely to be recommended to continue treatment at AMHS. Young people whose parents indicated a need for ongoing treatment were more likely to be recommended to stay in CAMHS.

CONCLUSION

Although the decision regarding continuity of treatment was mostly determined by a small set of clinical characteristics, the recommendation to continue treatment at AMHS was mostly affected by service-use related characteristics, such as the availability of appropriate services.

POS0068 HIGH LEVELS OF PORPHYROMONAS GINGIVALIS AND PREVOTELLA INTERMEDIA ANTIBODIES IN CHILDREN WITH JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS

Background:

Idiopathic juvenile arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous group of pathologies whose origin remains unknown at present (1). They are characterised by a systemic inflammatory and joint disease affecting children under 16 years of age. The current classification groups the different forms of JIA into 7 distinct entities (systemic forms, polyarticular forms with or without rheumatoid factors, oligoarticular forms, inflammatory arthritis associated with enthesopathies (ERA), arthritis associated with psoriasis and unclassifiable arthritis). Exact etiology of JIA is still unknown. To date, the various hypotheses put forward on the occurrence of JIAs integrate the genetic and environmental framework.

The link between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is largely reported. Recently, Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) infection explained the occurrence of arthritis in rodent and in RA (2). Several studies mention the beneficial effect of P. gingivalis treatment on disease activity.

Currently, there are very few studies on the prevalence of P. gingivalis in patients with JIA and the possible involvement of the germ in the development of inflammatory joint diseases in the pediatric population(3)(4).

Objectives:

The objective of our study is to determine presence of high IgG antibodies against P. gingivalis and Prevotella Intermedia in a cohort of patients with JIA compared to a control population and to determine variation of level according to sub-classes of JIA.

Methods:

Sera were obtained from 101 patients satisfying the ILAR classification criteria for JIA and in 25 patients with two other dysimmune disorders (type 1 diabetes and juvenile inflammatory bowel disease). Level of IgG antibodies against P. gingivalis and Prevotella Intermedia were obtained by homemade ELISA already used previously (5).

Results:

In the JIA group, major children were oligarthritis (47.5%), polyarthritis represents 31.7% of JIAs, ERA and systemic forms of JIA are respectively 9 and 11%. For the control group, 10 (40%) children had diabetes and 15 (60%) had IBD.

Levels of anti-P. gingivalis anti-Prevotella Intermedia antibodies were higher in AJI group compared at control groups (P<0.01, P<0.05). Theses difference are mainly related to oligoarthritis and ERA subsets for both P. gingivalis and Prevotella Intermedia.

Figure 1.

Relative titer of antibodies to P. gingivalis and anti Prevotella intermedia. *: P<0.05; **: P<0.01; ***: P<0.001. P. gingivalis (control vs oligoarthritis p= 0.0032. control vs ERA p= 0.0092). Prevotella intermedia (control vs oligoarthritis p= 0.0194. control vs ERA p= 0.0039).

Conclusion:

We confirmed high level of anti-P. gingivalis and anti-Prevotella intermedia antibodies in JIA compared to other inflammatory disorders. For the first time, we observed that this high level was mainly in oligoarthritis and ERA. Further investigations are required to investigate involvement of oral dysbiosis in AJI pathogenesis. As observed in RA, it could be a new way to integrate in JIA therapy management.

References:

[1]Thatayatikom A, De Leucio A. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). StatPearls Publishing; 2020

[2]Cheng Z, Meade J, Mankia K, Emery P, Devine DA. Periodontal disease and periodontal bacteria as triggers for rheumatoid arthritis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2017;31(1):19–30.

[3]Romero-Sánchez C, Malagón C, Vargas C, Fernanda Torres M, Moreno LC, Rodríguez C, et al. Porphyromonas Gingivalis and IgG1 and IgG2 Subclass Antibodies in Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. J Dent Child Chic Ill. 2017 May 15;84(2):72–9.

[4]Lange L, Thiele GM, McCracken C, Wang G, Ponder LA, Angeles-Han ST, et al. Symptoms of periodontitis and antibody responses to Porphyromonas gingivalis in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J. 2016 Feb 9

[5]Rinaudo-Gaujous M, Blasco-Baque V, Miossec P, Gaudin P, Farge P, Roblin X, et al. Infliximab Induced a Dissociated Response of Severe Periodontal Biomarkers in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients. J Clin Med. 2019 May 26;8(5).

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

POS0201 RISK OF MAJOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS IN PATIENTS INITIATING BIOLOGICS/APREMILAST FOR PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: A NATIONWIDE POPULATION-BASED STUDY USING THE FRENCH HEALTH INSURANCE DATABASE

Background:

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is associated with other diseases of the spectrum of spondyloarthritis but also appears to be linked to an increased prevalence of numerous comorbidities and more specifically cardiovascular risk factors and events. Several biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in PsA. However, their comparative cardiovascular safety profiles remain unknown.

Objectives:

Our objective was to assess the relative comparative risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) of different classes of bDMARDs or apremilast for PsA.

Methods:

This nationwide cohort study involved the administrative healthcare database of the French health insurance scheme covering approximately 67 million individuals linked to the hospital discharge database. All adults with PsA who were new users of bDMARDs/apremilast (neither in the year before the index date) during 2015-2019 were included. Patients with previous cardiovascular diseases were excluded. End of follow-up was December 31, 2019. The primary end point was an occurrence of MACE (acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke) in a time-to-event analysis with propensity score-weighted Cox and Fine-Gray models (including age, sex, inflammatory diseases associated, cardiovascular risk biomarkers and other comorbidities). To assess the sensitivity of the estimated weighted hazard ratio (HRw) with respect to several possible models, we performed a per-protocol analysis, a conventional multivariate Cox model, an analysis using a larger definition of MACE, an analysis modifying the new-user definition (as those who had not filled a prescription for a bDMARDs or apremilast for 5 years before the index date) and an analysis modifying the treatment discontinuation definition.

Results:

Between 2015 and 2019, we included 9,510 bDMARD new users (mean age 48.5±12.7 years; 42% men), including 7,289 starting a TNF inhibitor, 1,058 an IL12/23 inhibitor and 1,163 an IL17 inhibitor, with 1,885 apremilast new users (mean age 54.0±12.5 years; 44% men). MACEs occurred in 51 (0.4%) patients (Figure 1). After propensity score weighting, the risk of MACEs was significantly greater with IL12/23 (HRw 2.0, 95%CI 1.3-3.0) and IL17 (HRw 1.9, 95%CI 1.2-3.0) inhibitors than TNF inhibitors, with no significant increased risk with apremilast (HRw 1.3, 95%CI 0.8-2.2). Similar results were observed with the Fine-Gray competing-risks survival model. The sensitivity analyses results were consistent with those of the main analysis.

Conclusion:

Analysis of a large national database revealed an overall small number of MACEs. Using robust methodology from the causal inference field, the risk of MACEs was greater for PsA new users of IL12/23 and IL17 versus TNF inhibitors. The risk of MACEs did not significantly differ between new users of apremilast and new users of TNF inhibitors.

Figure 1.

Flowchart for analytic approach Data are n. bDMARD: biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs; CVD: cardiovascular disease; TNF: tumor necrosis factor; IL: interleukin; MACE: major adverse cardiac events.

Acknowledgements:

L Pina Vegas received a Master 2 grant from the French Society of Rheumatology (Bourse Master 2ème Année 2019)

Disclosure of Interests:

Laura Pina Vegas: None declared, Philippe Le Corvoisier: None declared, Laetitia Penso: None declared, Muriel Paul: None declared, Emilie Sbidian: None declared, Pascal Claudepierre Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Janssen, Lilly, MSD, Novartis, Pfizer, Consultant of: Abbvie, Pfizer, Roche-Chugai, Bristol-Myers Squibb, MSD, UCB, Novartis, Janssen, Lilly, Celgene (consulting fees, less than 10,000 $ each)., Employee of: Roche Chugai, Sanofi Aventis, Celgene, Pfizer, MSD, Novartis and BMS (investigator).

AB0074 NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SEROLOGIES OF DENTAL GERMS AND THE PHENOTYPES OF SPONDYLOARTHRITIS WITHIN THE DESIR COHORT

Background:

Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG) and Prevotella Intermedia (PI) are two oral pathogens involved in the pathophysiology of chronic periodontopathies. Several studies have determined a role of these periodontal pathologies in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (1) while the link with spondyloarthritis is not clearly established with currently contradictory studies (2,3,4).

Objectives:

The purpose of this work is to investigate a link between spondylarthritis and the presence of chronic periodontopathy evaluated by PG and IP serologies.

Methods:

The positivity and quantity of anti-PG and anti-PI antibodies were determined by ELISA method in patients from the DESIR cohort with one of the spondyloarthritis phenotypes compared to patients with common low back pain (n=50) (population control). Patients with spondyloarthritis were classified according to the following phenotypes (diagnosis chosen at 3 years in the DESIR cohort): axial spondylarthritis (n=126), psoriatic rheumatism (n=101), spondyloarthritis associated with chronic inflammatory bowel disease (n=36), undifferentiated spondylitis (n=241), reactive arthritis (n=2), SAPHO (acronym for Synovite, Acne, Pustulose, Hyperostosis and Osteitis. Correlations between patients’ serological status, and smoking status, body mass index and age were sought.

Results:

According to the general characteristics, the control group was significantly older than the axial spondylarthritis (p<0.001), and the psoriatic rheumatism group had a higher body mass index than the control population (p<0.05). The positivity and concentration of anti-PG and anti-PI antibodies were similar between different groups of spondyloarthritis compared to the control group. However, the subgroups “reactive arthritis” and “SAPHO” could not be analyzed due to insufficient staffing. Smoking status and body mass index were not related to antibody concentrations, however there was a statistical correlation between anti-PG antibody concentrations and age. After adjusting on age, there was no difference between the axial spondylarthritis and control groups.

Conclusion:

Our results therefore suggest the absence of a link between periodontal germs involved in chronic periodontopathies and spondyloarthritis, provided that the two phenotypes involving germs in their pathophysiology could not be analyzed. Our results from a population of beginner spondylitis are therefore not in favour of the involvement of oral flora in the pathophysiology of spondyloarthritis, as is the case in rheumatoid arthritis (1). The associations found previously could therefore be favoured by a systemic inflammatory phenomenon. In conclusion, our study suggests no link between chronic periodontopathy and the occurrence of spondyloarthritis. However, the effect of chronic periodontopathy on the evolution of spondylarthritis remains to be explored.

References:

[1]Detert J, Pischon N, Burmester GR, Buttgereit F. The association between rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease. Arthritis Res Ther. 2010;12(5):218.

[2]Ratz T, Dean LE, Atzeni F, Reeks C, Macfarlane GJ, Macfarlane TV. A possible link between ankylosing spondylitis and periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rheumatology. 2015;54(3):500-10.

[3]Pischon N, Pischon T, Gülmez E, Kröger J, Purucker P, Kleber B-M, et al. Periodontal disease in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Ann Rheum Dis. janv 2010;69(01):34-8.

[4]Sezer U, Erciyas K, Pehlivan Y, Üstün K, Tarakçioğlu M, Şenyurt SZ, et al. Serum cytokine levels and periodontal parameters in ankylosing spondylitis: Ankylosing spondylitis and periodontal diseases. J Periodontal Res. juin 2012;47(3):396-401.

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared

60Fe and 244Pu deposited on Earth constrain the r-process yields of recent nearby supernovae

Half of the chemical elements heavier than iron are produced by the rapid neutron capture process (r-process). The sites and yields of this process are disputed, with candidates including some types of supernovae (SNe) and mergers of neutron stars. We search for two isotopic signatures in a sample of Pacific Ocean crust-iron-60 (⁶⁰Fe) (half-life, 2.6 million years), which is predominantly produced in massive stars and ejected in supernova explosions, and plutonium-244 (²⁴⁴Pu) (half-life, 80.6 million years), which is produced solely in r-process events. We detect two distinct influxes of ⁶⁰Fe to Earth in the last 10 million years and accompanying lower quantities of ²⁴⁴Pu. The ²⁴⁴Pu/⁶⁰Fe influx ratios are similar for both events. The ²⁴⁴Pu influx is lower than expected if SNe dominate r-process nucleosynthesis, which implies some contribution from other sources.

Bolus versus continuous feedings following treatment for medical necrotizing enterocolitis

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious, often fatal, disease of neonates. Minimal data exists regarding the optimal method for reintroducing feeds after successful treatment. This study aims to compare outcomes in patients reintroduced to bolus or continuous feeds after treatment for medical NEC.

METHODS

A retrospective review of infants treated for medical NEC in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from 2011-2018 was performed. Demographics, information about initial feeds, clinical diagnosis data, and information about reintroduction of feeds were recorded. Patients with significant congenital heart disease or those who required procedures for treatment were excluded.

RESULTS

Sixty-one patients were analyzed; 45 were reintroduced to bolus feeds and 16 to continuous feeds. There were no differences between the two groups. Bolus-fed patients reached goal feeds quicker (p = 0.007), required fewer days of parenteral nutrition (p = 0.002), had shorter hospital stays (p = 0.013) and were discharged faster from diagnosis to discharge (p = 0.002). Differences were confirmed with multivariate regression.

CONCLUSION

Infants given bolus feeds reached goal feeds faster, required less time on PN, and were discharged quicker than those fed continuously. This suggests that, compared to continuous feeding, bolus feeding is associated with superior clinical outcomes among patients treated for medical NEC.

Efficacy of a hospital policy of selective digestive decontamination for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales carriers: prospective before-after study

A single-centre interrupted time series quasi-experimental study was undertaken to assess whether a hospital policy of selective digestive decontamination (SDD, gentamicin/amikacin with neomycin) administered to carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) carriers would reduce the duration of carriage and contain the spread of CRE. No significant difference in time to CRE eradication was observed between the observation (12 months, 120 patients) and intervention (12 months, 101 patients) periods. No change in the trend of new in-hospital CRE acquisitions or bacteraemia during the intervention was detected. As such, administration of SDD to CRE carriers was not effective for the eradication of carriage or controlling in-hospital CRE transmissions.

Neutron Capture on the s-Process Branching Point ^{171}Tm via Time-of-Flight and Activation

The neutron capture cross sections of several unstable nuclides acting as branching points in the s process are crucial for stellar nucleosynthesis studies. The unstable ^{171}Tm (t_{1/2}=1.92  yr) is part of the branching around mass A∼170 but its neutron capture cross section as a function of the neutron energy is not known to date. In this work, following the production for the first time of more than 5 mg of ^{171}Tm at the high-flux reactor Institut Laue-Langevin in France, a sample was produced at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland. Two complementary experiments were carried out at the neutron time-of-flight facility (n_TOF) at CERN in Switzerland and at the SARAF liquid lithium target facility at Soreq Nuclear Research Center in Israel by time of flight and activation, respectively. The result of the time-of-flight experiment consists of the first ever set of resonance parameters and the corresponding average resonance parameters, allowing us to make an estimation of the Maxwellian-averaged cross sections (MACS) by extrapolation. The activation measurement provides a direct and more precise measurement of the MACS at 30 keV: 384(40) mb, with which the estimation from the n_TOF data agree at the limit of 1 standard deviation. This value is 2.6 times lower than the JEFF-3.3 and ENDF/B-VIII evaluations, 25% lower than that of the Bao et al. compilation, and 1.6 times larger than the value recommended in the KADoNiS (v1) database, based on the only previous experiment. Our result affects the nucleosynthesis at the A∼170 branching, namely, the ^{171}Yb abundance increases in the material lost by asymptotic giant branch stars, providing a better match to the available pre-solar SiC grain measurements compared to the calculations based on the current JEFF-3.3 model-based evaluation.

Concordance between epidemiological evaluation of probability of transmission and whole genome sequence relatedness among hospitalized patients acquiring Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the concordance between epidemiologically determined transmission and genetic linkage of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp).

METHODS

We included consecutive KPC-Kp carriers between December 2016 and April 2017 in a hospital endemic for KPC-Kp. We assessed epidemiological relatedness between patients by prospective investigations by the infection control team. The probability of epidemiological relatedness was classified into four groups: no suspected transmission, low, moderate and high probability of transmission. Whole-genome sequencing of isolates was performed. Genetic linkage between KPC-Kp isolates was expressed by distance between isolates in single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We established an SNP cut-off defining a different strain based on the reconstructed phylogenetic tree. We compared the epidemiological and genetic linkage of all isolates from all patients.

RESULTS

The study included 25 KPC-Kp carriers with 49 isolates. SNP variance was available for 1129 crossed patient-isolate pairs. Genomic linkage, based on a cut-off of 80 SNPs to define related isolates, was found in 115/708 (16.2%) of isolates with no transmission suspected epidemiologically, 27/319 (8.5%) of low, 11/26 (42.3%) of moderate and 64/76 (84.2%) of high epidemiological transmission risk determination (p < 0.001 for trend). Similar results and significant trends were shown on sensitivity analyses using a lower SNP cut-off (six SNPs) and patient-isolate unique pairs, analysing the first isolate from each patient.

CONCLUSIONS

While significant concordance between epidemiological and genomic transmission patterns was found, epidemiological investigations of transmission are limited by the possibility of unidentified transmissions or over-estimation of associations. Genetic linkage analysis is an important aid to epidemiological transmission assessment.

Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgG avidity testing in pregnant women

BACKGROUND

The parasite Toxoplasma gondii can cause congenital toxoplasmosis following primary infection in a pregnant woman. It is therefore important to distinguish between recent and past infection when both T. gondii-specific IgM and IgG are detected in a single serum in pregnant women. Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgG avidity testing is an essential tool to help to date the infection. However, interpretation of its results can be complex.

OBJECTIVES

To review the benefits and limitations of T. gondii-specific avidity testing in pregnant women, to help practitioners to interpret the results and adapt the patient management.

SOURCES

PubMed search with the keywords avidity, toxoplasmosis and Toxoplasma gondii for articles published from 1989 to 2019.

CONTENT

Toxoplasma gondii-specific IgG avidity testing remains a key tool for dating a T. gondii infection in immunocompetent pregnant women. Several commercial assays are available and display comparable performances. A high avidity result obtained on a first-trimester serum sample is indicative of a past infection, which occurred before pregnancy. To date, a low avidity result must still be considered as non-informative to date the infection, although some authors suggest that very low avidity results are highly suggestive of recent infections depending on the assay. Interpretation of low or grey zone avidity results on a first-trimester serum sample, as well as any avidity result on a second-trimester or third-trimester serum sample, is more complex and requires recourse to expert toxoplasmosis laboratories.

IMPLICATIONS

Although used for about 30 years, T. gondii-specific avidity testing has scarcely evolved. The same difficulties in interpretation have persisted over the years. Some authors have proposed additional thresholds to exclude an infection of <9 months, or in contrast to confirm a recent infection. Such thresholds would be of great interest to adapt management of pregnant women and avoid unnecessary treatment; however, they need confirmation and further studies.

Protocol for the development and validation procedure of the managing the link and strengthening transition from child to adult mental health care (MILESTONE) suite of measures

Background

Mental health disorders in the child and adolescent population are a pressing public health concern. Despite the high prevalence of psychopathology in this vulnerable population, the transition from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS) has many obstacles such as deficiencies in planning, organisational readiness and policy gaps. All these factors contribute to an inadequate and suboptimal transition process. A suite of measures is required that would allow young people to be assessed in a structured and standardised way to determine the on-going need for care and to improve communication across clinicians at CAMHS and AMHS. This will have the potential to reduce the overall health economic burden and could also improve the quality of life for patients travelling across the transition boundary. The MILESTONE (Managing the Link and Strengthening Transition from Child to Adult Mental Health Care) project aims to address the significant socioeconomic and societal challenge related to the transition process. This protocol paper describes the development of two MILESTONE transition-related measures: The Transition Readiness and Appropriateness Measure (TRAM), designed to be a decision-making aide for clinicians, and the Transition Related Outcome Measure (TROM), for examining the outcome of transition.

Methods

The TRAM and TROM have been developed and were validated following the US FDA Guidance for Patient-reported Outcome Measures which follows an incremental stepwise framework. The study gathers information from service users, parents, families and mental health care professionals who have experience working with young people undergoing the transition process from eight European countries.

Discussion

There is an urgent need for comprehensive measures that can assess transition across the CAMHS/AMHS boundary. This study protocol describes the process of development of two new transition measures: the TRAM and TROM. The TRAM has the potential to nurture better transitions as the findings can be summarised and provided to clinicians as a clinician-decision making support tool for identifying cases who need to transition and the TROM can be used to examine the outcomes of the transition process.

Trial registration

MILESTONE study registration: ISRCTN83240263 Registered 23-July-2015 - ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03013595 Registered 6 January 2017.

Population pharmacokinetics of colistin and the relation to survival in critically ill patients infected with colistin susceptible and carbapenem-resistant bacteria

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to analyse the population pharmacokinetics of colistin and to explore the relationship between colistin exposure and time to death.

METHODS

Patients included in the AIDA randomized controlled trial were treated with colistin for severe infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. All subjects received a 9 million units (MU) loading dose, followed by a 4.5 MU twice daily maintenance dose, with dose reduction if creatinine clearance (CrCL) < 50 mL/min. Individual colistin exposures were estimated from the developed population pharmacokinetic model and an optimized two-sample per patient sampling design. Time to death was evaluated in a parametric survival analysis.

RESULTS

Out of 406 randomized patients, 349 contributed pharmacokinetic data. The median (90% range) colistin plasma concentration was 0.44 (0.14-1.59) mg/L at 15 minutes after the end of first infusion. In samples drawn 10 hr after a maintenance dose, concentrations were >2 mg/L in 94% (195/208) and 44% (38/87) of patients with CrCL ≤120 mL/min, and >120 mL/min, respectively. Colistin methanesulfonate sodium (CMS) and colistin clearances were strongly dependent on CrCL. High colistin exposure to MIC ratio was associated with increased hazard of death in the multivariate analysis (adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI): 1.07 (1.03-1.12)). Other significant predictors included SOFA score at baseline (HR 1.24 (1.19-1.30) per score increase), age and Acinetobacter or Pseudomonas as index pathogen.

DISCUSSION

The population pharmacokinetic model predicted that >90% of the patients had colistin concentrations >2 mg/L at steady state, but only 66% at 4 hr after start of treatment. High colistin exposure was associated with poor kidney function, and was not related to a prolonged survival.

Non-contact sensing of neonatal pulse rate using camera-based imaging: a clinical feasibility study

OBJECTIVE

Neonates and infants are patients who would benefit from less invasive vital sign sensing, especially from fewer cables and the avoidance of adhesive electrodes. Photoplethysmography imaging (PPGI) has been studied for medical applications in recent years: it is possible to assess various vital signs remotely, non-invasively, and without contact by using video cameras and light. However, studies on infants and especially on neonates in clinical settings are still rare. Hence, we conducted a single-center study to assess heart activity by estimating the pulse rate (PR) of 19 neonates.

APPROACH

Time series were generated from tracked regions of interest (ROIs) and PR was estimated via a joint time-frequency analysis using a short-time Fourier transform. Artifacts, for example, induced by movement, were detected and flagged by applying a signal quality index in the frequency domain.

MAIN RESULTS

The feasibility of PR estimation was demonstrated using visible light and near-infrared light at 850 nm and 940 nm, respectively: the estimated PR was as close as 3 heartbeats per minute in artifact-free time segments. Furthermore, an improvement could be shown when selecting the best performing ROI compared to the ROI containing the whole body. The main challenges are artifacts from motion, light sources, medical devices, and the detection and tracking of suitable regions for signal retrieval. Nonetheless, the PR extracted was found to be comparable to the contact-based photoplethysmography reference and is, therefore, a viable replacement if robust signal retrieval is ensured.

SIGNIFICANCE

Neonates are seldom measured by PPGI and studies reporting measurements on darker skin tones are rare. In this work, not only a single camera was used, but a synchronized camera setup using multiple wavelengths. Various ROIs were used for signal extraction to examine the capabilities of PPGI. In addition, qualitative observations regarding camera parameters and noise sources were reported and discussed.

A119 AN EX VIVO MODEL TO STUDY THE GUT SEROTONERGIC SYSTEM RESPONSE TO LIVE AND HEAT-KILLED LACTOBACILLUS RHAMNOSUS STRAIN JB-1

Background

Enterochromaffin (EC) cells are one of the most abundant enteroendocrine cells in the intestinal epithelium, responsible for producing and storing the largest pool of serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the body. 5-HT has been shown to be important for modulating a large number of gastrointestinal reflexes in health and disease. 5-HT can stimulate extrinsic (vagal and spinal afferents) or intrinsic primary afferent neurons (IPANs) which are involved in motility, secretion and vasodilation within the intestines. Where EC cell localized enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase (TpH) isoform 1 is responsible for 5-HT synthesis, serotonin reuptake transporter (Sert) and monoamine oxidase A (Mao A) are responsible for termination by uptake and metabolism of 5-HT respectively. Our previous research has demonstrated the effects Lactobacillus rhamnosus (JB-1) on the firing frequency of spinal nerve fibres and motility. Increasing interest is being focused on potential health benefits of heat-inactivated microbes and purified bacterial components. However, the effect of these heat-killed bacteria on the intestinal epithelium cells, particularly on EC cells, is unknown.

Aims

Small intestinal organoids are shown to recapitulate in vivo characteristics of the small intestine epithelium. The present study aims to assess the suitability of intestinal organoids to study bacterial effects on the serotonergic system in the gut. Here we determined changes in the gene expression of key mediators in the serotonergic system [serotonin reuptake transporter (Sert), tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (Tph-1) and monoamine oxidase A (Mao A)] in response to live and heat-killed JB-1.

Methods

Male C57bl/6 mice aged 6–8 weeks were used for both ex vivo and in vivo experiments. Jejunal organoids were grown from whole crypts isolated using DTT-EDTA solution. Live and heat-killed JB-1 bacteria were used as treatments. Gene expression analysis was performed on jejunal organoids and jejunum tissue using qRT-PCR.

Results

JB-1 induced a significant increase in gene expression of Sert, Mao A and Tph-1. No significant difference was observed between the effects of live and heat-killed bacteria. In contrast the JB-1 increased expression of the peptide hormone CCK. Effects of JB-1 on gene expression in organoid culture were reflective of changes observed in in vivo experiments involving feeding of the bacteria.

Conclusions

Ex vivo organoid culture could be a useful tool in studying mechanisms underlying bacterial effects on serotonergic signalling. The observation that heat-killed bacteria produced comparable effects to the live organism suggests the possibility of isolating active 5-HT modulating components from these strains. Future research will focus on identifying such bacterial components and how their effects on gene expression influence serotonin availability

Funding Agencies

None

[Is the medication reconciliation achievable and relevant in Psychiatry?: Feedback on the implementation of medication reconciliation on hospital admission]

OBJECTIVE

The health care pathway of patients suffering from mental disorders is complex and includes a risk of interruption of treatment. We implemented medication reconciliation at patients' admission to mental health care service in February 2017. The aim of this study was to achieve a feedback experience answering our questions about the feasibility and relevance of this process.

METHOD

A prospective analysis of medication reconciliations over the first 7 months of implementation was carried out according to 3 activity indicators and 6 performance indicators.

RESULTS

A total of 39 patients were reconciled and 56.4 % of them were in enforced hospitalization unit. All patients were interviewed by the pharmacist. Collected information during this interview was concordant with at least one of the other sources in 70.4 % of the cases. Thirteen patients were not reconciled within 72h after their admission because of their psychiatric pathology. The average number of unintentional medication discrepancy (UMD) detected was 0.97 per reconciled patient. The rate of major gravity UMD was 23.7 %. The number of UMDs per patient was significantly higher in enforced hospitalization unit (P<0.05). UMDs were essentially related to somatic drugs (81.6 %). Nearly 95 % of the detected UMDs resulted in a modification of prescription.

CONCLUSION

These results show that medication reconciliation at patients' admission is feasible and relevant in psychiatry. To limit constraints related to psychiatric pathology, we propose to perform medication reconciliation of patients more than 72 hours after patient admission provided that their clinical condition allows it.

Q fever during pregnancy: a narrative review

BACKGROUND

Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, causes abortions in animals. Its effects on pregnancy in humans and the management of Q fever in pregnancy are uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

To summarize data on the effects of Q fever on pregnancy in women, the effects of pregnancy on Q fever complications and the optimal screening and management of Q fever during pregnancy.

SOURCES

We searched for studies reporting on Q fever during pregnancy in women. We included randomized and observational studies, seroprevalence studies, case series and case reports, including clinical and histopathological studies.

CONTENT

The accumulating data seems convincing that Q fever increases the risk of abortions in early pregnancy and prematurity or intrauterine fetal demise in late pregnancy. Data are based on sero-epidemiological associations of Q fever and adverse pregnancy outcomes and case reports showing the presence and effects of C. burnetii on the placenta and the fetus. Based on observational studies, acquisition of Q fever during pregnancy also increases the risk for maternal chronic Q fever. Treatment of recently infected women seems to improve these outcomes, based on case series only, but the optimal duration of treatment has not been studied. The efficacy of active surveillance during pregnancy, timing and frequency have not been determined in high-endemicity settings. Obstetricians should be aware of the risk for transmission of the disease during delivery. Currently available data are based mostly on case series and case reports, with some discrepancy between the French experience in chronic endemicity settings and Dutch experience in outbreak settings.

IMPLICATIONS

Since infection with Q fever is largely asymptomatic, we believe that the accumulating information linking Q fever to adverse pregnancy outcomes justifies screening in the high-endemicity setting and treatment of infected women. High-quality research addressing the questions raised by this review is needed to determine the optimal public health policy.

Cross-reactivity in beta-lactams after a non-immediate cutaneous adverse reaction: experience of a reference centre for toxic bullous diseases and severe cutaneous adverse reactions

BACKGROUND

Cross-reactivity among beta-lactam antibiotics (BL) is essentially reported in immediate hypersensitivity.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate cross-reactivity beyond BLs in patients with non-immediate cutaneous adverse drug reaction (non-immediate CADR) managed in a dermatology reference centre of toxic bullous and severe CADRs.

PATIENTS/MATERIALS/METHODS

We conducted a retrospective single-centre study in consecutive patients consulting between 2010 and 2018 with an active BL-suspected non-immediate CADR and explored by cutaneous tests [patch tests (PT) and intradermal tests (P-IDR)] for at least three penicillin's subclasses and amino- and non-amino-cephalosporins (at least one aminocephalosporin). Cross-reactivity among subclasses was investigated for patients with positive tests.

RESULTS

We included 56 patients, among whom 46 amoxicillin-suspected were and seven cephalosporin-suspected. Twenty-nine had severe CADR, and 27 had non-immediate maculopapular exanthema (MPE). Twenty-two had positive tests (18 for AS and four for CS). Among the 18 positive amoxicillin-suspected, 10 (55.6%) showed cross-reactivity with one or more other BL: 9 (50%) with another penicillin and 3 (16.5%) with a non-aminocephalosporin. No amoxicillin- or cephalosporin-suspected patient showed cross-reactivity with aztreonam or carbapenems. P-IDR showed cross-reactivity only once.

CONCLUSION

After a suspected BL-induced non-immediate CADR, a large allergologic exploration is needed to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate cross-reactivity. In our population including cases of severe CADRs and MPE with late delay of onset, cross-reactivity was frequent and PT was sufficient to this purpose. The frequent cross-reactivity among penicillins encourages stopping this whole family and to test cephalosporins, aztreonam and carbapenems for which cross-allergies are rarer.

Anti-herpesvirus prophylaxis, pre-emptive treatment or no treatment in adults undergoing allogeneic transplant for haematological disease: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Herpesviridae infections incur significant morbidity and indirect effects on mortality among allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) recipients.

OBJECTIVES

To study the effects of antiviral prevention strategies among haemato-oncological individuals undergoing allo-HCT.

DATA SOURCES

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase and LILACS. We further searched for conference proceedings and trial registries.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

PARTICIPANTS

Adults with haematological malignancy undergoing allo-HCT.

INTERVENTIONS

Antiviral prophylaxis versus no treatment/placebo or pre-emptive treatment and pre-emptive treatment versus prophylaxis with the same agent.

METHODS

Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted computing pooled risk ratios (RR) with 95% CI and the inconsistency measure (I²). The certainty of the evidence was appraised by GRADE.

RESULTS

We included 22 RCTs. Antiviral prophylaxis reduced all-cause mortality (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.7-0.99; 15 trials, I² = 0%), cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.34-0.85; n = 15, I² = 20%) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) disease (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.2-0.43; n = 13, I² = 18%) compared with no treatment/placebo or pre-emptive treatment, all with high-certainty evidence. Furthermore, antivirals reduced HSV infection, CMV pneumonitis, CMV infection and varicella zoster virus disease. Anti-CMV prophylaxis (+/- pre-emptive treatment) compared with pre-emptive treatment alone reduced non-significantly all-cause mortality (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.6-1.02; n = 8, I² = 0%), CMV disease (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.23-0.97; n = 9, I² = 30%) and HSV disease (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.24-0.67; n = 4, I² = 0%) with high-certainty evidence, as well as CMV and HSV infections. Antiviral prophylaxis did not result in increased adverse event rates overall or more discontinuation due to adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Antiviral prophylaxis directed against herpesviruses is highly effective and safe, reducing mortality, HSV and CMV disease, as well as herpesvirus reactivations among allo-HCT recipients. Anti-CMV prophylaxis is more effective than pre-emptive treatment alone with respect to HSV and CMV disease and infection.

[Anesthesia, ventilation and pain treatment in thoracic trauma]

The management of anesthesia plays a central role in the treatment of thoracic trauma, both in the initial phase when safeguarding the difficult airway and in the intensive care unit. A rapid transfer to a trauma center should be considered in order to recognize and treat organ dysfunction in time. Development of atelectasis, pneumonia and acute lung failure are common pulmonary complications. Non-invasive ventilation combined with physiotherapy and respiratory training can help to minimize these pulmonary complications. If single lung ventilation is necessary as part of the operative patient care, a double-lumen tube, a bronchial blocker and the Univent®-Tubus (Fuji Systems Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) can be used. Special attention should be paid to the hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction that occurs in this maneuver. Pain therapy is ideally carried out patient-adapted with epidural anesthesia. In addition, intraoperatively inserted catheters in the sense of a continuous intercostal block or serratus plane block are good alternatives. The aim of these therapies should be early mobilization and transfer of the patient to rehabilitation.

Impact of vaccination on antibiotic usage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Vaccines may reduce antibiotic use and the development of resistance.

OBJECTIVES

To provide a comprehensive, up-to-date assessment of the evidence base relating to the effect of vaccines on antibiotic use.

DATA SOURCES

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO Trials Registry.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies published from January 1998 to March 2018.

PARTICIPANTS

Any population.

INTERVENTIONS

Vaccines versus placebo, no vaccine or another vaccine.

METHODS

Titles, abstracts and full-texts were screened independently by two reviewers. Certainty of RCT evidence was assessed using GRADE.

RESULTS

In all, 4980 records identified; 895 full-text reports assessed; 96 studies included (24 RCTs, 72 observational). There was high-certainty evidence that influenza vaccine reduces days of antibiotic use among healthy adults (one RCT; n = 4253; rate reduction 28·1%; 95% CI 16·0-38·4); moderate-certainty evidence that influenza vaccines probably reduce antibiotic use in children aged 6 months to 14 years (three RCTs; n = 610; ratio of means 0·62; 95% CI 0·54-0·70) and probably reduce community antibiotic use in children aged 3-15 years (one RCT; n = 10 985 person-seasons; risk ratio 0·69, 95% CI 0·58-0·83); and moderate-certainty evidence that pneumococcal vaccination probably reduces antibiotic use in children aged 6 weeks to 6 years (two RCTs; n = 47 945; rate ratio 0·93, 95% CI 0·87-0·99) and reduces illness episodes requiring antibiotics in children aged 12-35 months (one RCT; n = 264; rate ratio 0·85, 95% CI 0·75-0·97). Other RCT evidence was of low or very low certainty, and observational evidence was affected by confounding.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence base is poor. Although some vaccines may reduce antibiotic use, collection of high-quality data in future vaccine trials is needed to improve the evidence base.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION

CRD42018103881.

Reporting infections in clinical trials of patients with haematological malignancies

BACKGROUND

Infections are common among patients treated for haematological malignancies and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The completeness of reporting infectious complications in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing treatments for haematological malignancies is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the completeness of reporting infectious complications in RCTs assessing treatments for haematological malignancies.

DATA SOURCE

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed database.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND PARTICIPANTS

All primary published phase II/III RCTs between September 2016 and September 2018 evaluating treatments for haematological malignancies in adult patients were included.

INTERVENTION

Reporting infectious complications.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the completeness of reporting. Study characteristics and data concerning reporting of infectious complications were collected by two independent reviewers. Quality of reporting was assessed using a modification of the CONSORT extension checklist for harms, including 15 items.

RESULTS

One-hundred and seven RCTs were included. Most trials (97; 91%) provided some report on infections. Approximately half reported on each of pneumonia, sepsis and neutropenic fever; 12 trials (11%) reported on fungal infections. Only nine trials (8%) listed infections by type of pathogen (i.e. bacterial, fungal or viral) and 48 (45%) by source/type of infection (i.e. pneumonia, urinary tract infection, etc.). Most trials did not address infections in their title, abstract, introduction or discussion. Median number of items of the CONSORT modification reported was 7 points, (interquartile range (IQR) 6-9) for all included trials, with lower median for 34 acute leukaemia trials (median 6, IQR 5-8).

CONCLUSIONS

Most trials evaluating treatment for haematological malignancies provide some data relating to infectious complications. The reports are mostly incomplete and rarely provided in a structured presentation.