Air pollution exposure, SARS-CoV-2 infection, and immune response in a cohort of healthcare workers of a large university hospital in Milan, Italy

Several studies have examined the possible relationship between air pollutants and the risk of COVID-19 but most returned controversial findings. We tried to assess the association between (short- and long-term) exposure to particulate and gaseous pollutants, SARS-CoV-2 infections, and immune response in a population of healthcare workers (HCWs) with well-characterized individual data. We collected occupational and clinical characteristics of all HCWs who performed a nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) for detecting SARS-CoV-2 at the Policlinico Hospital in Milan (Lombardy, Italy) between February 24, 2020 (day after first documented case of COVID-19 in our hospital) and December 26, 2020 (day before start of the vaccination campaign). Each subject was assigned daily average levels of particulate matter ≤10 μm (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) retrieved from the air quality monitoring station closest to his/her residential address. Air pollution data were treated as time-dependent variables, generating person-days at risk. Multivariate Poisson regression models were fit to evaluate the rate of positive NPS and to assess the association between air pollution and antibody titer among NPS-positive HCWs. Among 3712 included HCWs, 635 (17.1%) had at least one positive NPS. A 10 μg/m3 increase in NO2 average concentration in the four days preceding NPS was associated with a higher risk of testing positive [Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) = 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01; 1.16)]. When considering a 1 μg/m3 increase in 2019 annual NO2 average, we observed a higher risk of infection (IRR: 1.02, 95%CI: 1.00; 1.03) and an increased antibody titer (+2.4%, 95%CI: 1.1; 3.6%). Findings on PM10 and O3 were less consistent and, differently from NO2, were not confirmed in multipollutant models. Our study increases the body of evidence suggesting an active role of air pollution exposure on SARS-CoV-2 infection and confirms the importance of implementing pollution reduction policies to improve public health.

Characterization of Immunogenicity and Safety of COVID-19 mRNA-1273 in HIV-Positive Italian Patients with Hemophilia: A Prospective Single-Center Cohort Study

To characterize the immunogenicity of mRNA-1273 (Moderna, Cambridge, MA, USA) vaccine in HIV-positive hemophilic patients during the third COVID-19 wave in Italy and to investigate biomarkers of coagulation and endothelial perturbation before and after complete vaccination schedule, twenty-three consecutive adult HIV-positive patients with hemophilia were included. Blood was collected before and two weeks after vaccination. We measured anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodies to assess immunogenicity; circulating biomarkers of coagulation (protein C and D-dimer), endothelial perturbation (von Willebrand factor (VWF)) and anti-Platelet Factor 4 (PF4) antibodies were analyzed. Flow-based analysis of thrombus formation was performed in nine patients using a flow-chamber device. Two weeks after completing the vaccination schedule, all patients had anti-spike antibodies values consistent with an effective immunization. Mean (±standard deviation) basal values of protein C and VWF (106 ± 21% and 171 ± 45%, respectively) were not significantly different from data obtained two weeks after the second dose (103 ± 20%, 162 ± 43%, respectively). D-dimer median values (interquartile range) were not significantly different at baseline (442 (603-142) ng/mL) and after the second dose (477 (654-262) ng/mL). Anti-PF4 antibodies were detected in three patients with no associated clinical manifestations. No significant differences were found in flow-based analysis of thrombus formation. Our data demonstrate that in HIV-positive patients with hemophilia, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is effective and safe, with no effects on coagulation and endothelial perturbation.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and Delta variants in patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission for COVID-19, Northern Italy, December 2021 to January 2022

This multicenter observational study included 171 COVID-19 adult patients hospitalized in the ICUs of nine hospitals in Lombardy (Northern Italy) from December, 1st 2021, to February, 9th 2022. During the study period, the Delta/Omicron variant ratio of cases decreased with a delay of two weeks in ICU patients compared to that in the community; a higher proportion of COVID-19 unvaccinated patients was infected by Delta than by Omicron whereas a higher rate of COVID-19 boosted patients was Omicron-infected. A higher number of comorbidities and a higher comorbidity score in ICU critically COVID-19 inpatients was positively associated with the Omicron infection as well in vaccinated individuals. Although people infected by Omicron have a lower risk of severe disease than those infected by Delta variant, the outcome, including the risk of ICU admission and the need for mechanical ventilation due to infection by Omicron versus Delta, remains uncertain. The continuous monitoring of the circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants remains a milestone to counteract this pandemic.

Immunogenicity and effectiveness of BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine in a cohort of healthcare workers in Milan (Lombardy Region, Northern Italy)

OBJECTIVES

to evaluate immunogenicity and effectiveness of BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine in a cohort of healthcare workers (HCWs).

DESIGN

cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

in a hospital in Milan (Lombardy Region, Northern Italy) HCWs without ("negative cohort") and with ("positive cohort") history of SARS-CoV-2 infection or elevated serum antibody before the vaccination campaign (27.12.2020) were included. Data collection and follow-up covered the period 27.12.2020-13.05.2022.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

1. serum anti-spike-1 (anti-S1) antibody levels after vaccination; 2. vaccine effectiveness (VE) against SARS-CoV-2 infections (either symptomatic or not) in the negative cohort. Data on infections were extracted from multiple sources (laboratory, accident reports, questionnaires). Vaccination was treated as a time-dependent variable. Using unvaccinated person-time as reference, hazard ratios (HR) of infections and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated with a Cox regression model adjusted for gender, age, and occupation. VE was calculated as (1 - HR)×100.

RESULTS

5,596 HCWs were included, 4,771 in the negative and 825 in the positive cohort. In both cohorts, serum anti-S1 antibodies were high one months after the second dose, halved after six months, and returned to high levels after the third dose. In the negative cohort, 1,401 SARS-CoV-2 infections were identified. VE was 70% (95%CI 54-80; 46 infected) in the first four months after the second dose and later declined to 16% (95%CI 0-43; 97 infected). After the third dose, VE increased to 57% (95%CI 35-71; 61 infected) in the first month but rapidly declined over time, particularly after three months (24% in the fourth month and 1% afterwards). The number of infections avoided by vaccination was estimated to be 643 (95%CI 236-1,237).

CONCLUSIONS

in spite of rapidly declining effectiveness, vaccination helped to avoid several hundred infections in the considered hospital.

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in HIV-negative patients, a frequently overlooked problem. A case series from a large Italian center

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) still has substantial morbidity and mortality. For non-HIV patients, the course of infection is severe, and management guidelines are relatively recent. We collected all PCP cases (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria) diagnosed in HIV-negative adult inpatients in 2019-2020 at our center in northern Italy.

RESULTS

Of 20 cases, nine had microbiologic evidence of probable (real-time polymerase chain reaction, RT-PCR) and 11 proven (immunofluorescence) PCP on respiratory specimens. Half were female; the median age was 71.5 years; 14 of 20 patients had hematologic malignancies, five had autoimmune/hyperinflammatory disorders, and one had a solid tumor. RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) was 24-37 for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and 32-39 for sputum; Ct was 24-33 on BAL proven cases. Of 20 cases, four received additional diagnoses on BAL. At PCP diagnosis, all patients were not on anti-pneumocystis prophylaxis. We retrospectively assessed prophylaxis indications: 9/20 patients had a main indication, 5/9 because of prednisone treatment ≥ 20 mg (or equivalents) for ≥4 weeks. All patients underwent antimicrobial treatment according to guidelines; 18/20 with concomitant corticosteroids. A total of 4/20 patients died within 28 days from diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Despite appropriate treatment, PCP is still associated to high mortality (20%) among non-HIV patients. Strict adherence to prophylaxis guidelines, awareness of gray areas, and prompt diagnosis can help manage this frequently overlooked infection.

Epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus in children in a tertiary care pediatric hospital in Milan, Italy, 2017-2021

Background

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is highly prevalent worldwide and can cause severe diseases. MRSA is associated with other antibiotic resistance. COVID-19 pandemic increased antimicrobial resistance in adult patients. Only a few data report the antimicrobial susceptibility of S. aureus in the Italian pediatric population, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We included all the S. aureus positive samples with an available antibiogram isolated from pediatric patients (< 18 years old) in a tertiary care hospital in Milan, Italy, from January 2017 to December 2021. We collected data on demographics, antimicrobial susceptibility, and clinical history. We compared methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and MRSA strains. We calculated the frequency of isolation by year. The incidence of isolates during 2020 was compared with the average year isolation frequency using the univariate Poisson test. We compared the proportion of MRSA isolates during 2020 to the average proportion of other years with the Chi-squared test.

Results

Our dataset included a total of 255 S. aureus isolated from 226 patients, 120 (53%) males, and 106 (47%) females, with a median age of 3.4 years (IQR 0.8 – 10.5). The mean isolation frequency per year was 51. We observed a significant decrease of isolations during 2020 (p = 0.02), but after adjusting for the total number of hospitalization per year there was no evidence that the incidence changed. Seventy-six (30%) S. aureus were MRSA. Twenty (26%) MRSA vs 23 (13%) MSSA (p = 0.02) were hospital-acquired. MRSA strains showed higher resistance to cotrimoxazole, clindamycin, macrolides, levofloxacin, gentamicin, and tetracyclin than MSSA strains. None of MRSA were resistant to linezolid and vancomycin, one was resistant to daptomycin. The proportion of MRSA did not change during the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall clindamycin resistance was high (17%). Recent antibiotic therapy was related to MRSA infection.

Conclusion

The proportion of MRSA did not change during the COVID-19 pandemic and remained high. Clindamycin should not be used as an empirical MRSA treatment due to its high resistance.

Clinical characteristics of healthcare workers with SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination with BNT162b2 vaccine

Background

The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), had a significant impact worldwide. Vaccines against COVID-19 appear as a tool able to curb out mortality and reduce the circulation of the virus. Little is known so far about the clinical characteristics of individuals who developed SARS-CoV-2 infection after having received the vaccination, as well as the temporal relationship between vaccine administration and symptoms onset.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study among the 3219 healthcare workers (HCWs) of the Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milano who received a full immunization with the BNT162b2 vaccine and who developed SARS-CoV-2 infection (documented through positive RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal swab) in March–April 2021.

Results

Overall, we have identified 15 HCWs with SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination, 7 (46.7%) of them were male and the mean age was 38.4 years (SD 14). In 4 of them, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N) antibodies was assessed before vaccination and resulted positive in 1 case. In all HCWs the presence of SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike (anti-S1) antibodies was assessed, on average 42.2 days after the completion of vaccination, with a mean value of 2055 U/mL (SD 1927.3). SARS-CoV-2 infection was ascertained on average 56.2 days after vaccination. The mean cycle threshold (Ct) of SARS-CoV-2 PCR was 26.4, the lineage was characterized in 9 HCWs. None of the HCWs reported a primary or secondary immunodeficiency. Regarding symptoms, they were reported only by 7 (46.7%) HCWs and appeared on average 55 days after the second dose of vaccination. Of those who reported symptoms, one (14.3%) had fever, 7 (100%) rhinitis/conjunctivitis, 4 (57.1%) taste and smell alterations, none had respiratory symptoms, 4 headache/arthralgia (57.1%) and 1 gastrointestinal symptom (14.3%). All symptoms disappeared in a few days and no other unclassified symptoms were reported.

Conclusions

Infections occurring after vaccination with the BNT162b2 vaccine are mostly asymptomatic and are not associated with the serum titre of anti-S1 antibodies. We did not find a predominance of specific viral variants, with several lineages represented.

Hospital acquired infections in COVID-19 patients in sub intensive care unit: analysis of two waves of admissions

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The pandemic caused by SARS-COV-2 has increased Semi-Intensive Care Unit (SICU) admission, causing an increase in healthcare-associated infection (HAI). Mostly HAI reveals the same risk factors, but fewer studies have analyzed the possibility of multiple coinfections in these patients. The study aimed was to identify patterns of co-presence of different species describing at the same time the association between such patterns and patient demographics and, finally, comparing the patterns between the two cohorts of COVID-19 patients admitted at Policlinico during the first wave and the second one).

METHODS

All the patients admitted to SICUs during two COVID-19 waves, from March to June 2020 months and from October to December 2020, were screened following the local infection control surveillance program; whoever manifested fever has undergone on microbiological culture to detect bacterial species. Statistical analysis was performed to observe the existence of microbiological patterns through DBSCAN method.

RESULTS

246 patients were investigated and 83 patients were considered in our study because they presented infection symptoms with a mean age of 67 years and 33.7% of female patients. During the first and second waves were found respectively 10 and 8 bacterial clusters with no difference regarding the most frequent species.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show the importance of an analysis which considers the risk factors for the possibility of co- and superinfection (such as age and gender) to structure a good prognostic tool to predict which patients will encounter severe coinfections during hospitalization.

Corrigendum: Disappearance of seasonal respiratory viruses in children under two years old during COVID-19 pandemic: A monocentric retrospective study in Milan, Italy

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.721005.].

Side effects among healthcare workers from a large Milan university hospital after second dose of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine

BACKGROUND

In Italy, healthcare workers (HCWs) were among the first to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Aim of the present study is to evaluate frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs) following the second dose of BNT162b2 vaccine among HCWs of a large university hospital in Milan, Italy.

METHODS

One month after having received the second dose of vaccine, HCWs filled-in a form about type, severity, and duration of post-vaccination local and systemic symptoms. We calculated the overall frequency of AEs and used multivariable Poisson regression models (adjusted for sex, age, BMI, smoking, allergy history, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, anti-hypertensive therapy, and occupation) to calculate risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of AEs according to selected variables.

RESULTS

We included 3659 HCWs. Overall, 2801 (76.6%) experienced at least one local event, with pain at injection site being the most frequent (2788, 76.2%). Systemic events were reported by 2080 (56.8%) HCWs, with fatigue (52.3%), muscle pain (42.2%), headache (37.7%), joint pain (31.9%), and fever (26.2%) being the most frequent. Risks of systemic events were associated with female gender (RR=1.14, CI: 1.06-1.23), age (strong decrease with increasing age, p-trend<0.001), allergy history (RR=1.13, CI: 1.05-1.20), and current smoking (RR=0.90, CI: 0.84-0.97). HCWs with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection (even if symptomatic) were not at increased risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Both local and systemic acute effects after second dose of BNT162b2 vaccine were frequently reported. However, symptoms were mostly light/mild and of short duration. Thus, our findings support the safety of COVID-19 vaccination in adults in relatively good health.

Increased Risk of Urticaria/Angioedema after BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine in Health Care Workers Taking ACE Inhibitors

Urticarial eruptions and angioedema are the most common cutaneous reactions in patients undergoing mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations. The vasoactive peptide bradykinin has long been known to be involved in angioedema and recently also in urticaria. Bradykinin is mainly catabolized by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which is inhibited by ACE inhibitors, a commonly employed class of antihypertensive drugs. We evaluated the risk of developing urticaria/angioedema after inoculation with the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in a population of 3586 health care workers. The influences of ACE inhibitors and selected potential confounding variables (sex, age, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, and allergy history) were evaluated by fitting univariate and multivariable Poisson regression models. The overall cumulative incidence of urticaria/angioedema was 1.8% (65 out of 3586; 95% CI: 1.4–2.3%). Symptoms were mild, and no subject consulted a physician. Subjects taking ACE inhibitors had an adjusted three-fold increased risk of urticaria/angioedema (RR 2.98, 95% CI: 1.12–7.96). When we restricted the analysis to those aged 50 years or more, the adjusted RR was 3.98 (95% CI: 1.44–11.0). In conclusion, our data indicate that subjects taking ACE inhibitors have an increased risk of urticaria/angioedema after vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Symptoms are mild and self-limited; however, they should be considered to adequately advise subjects undergoing vaccination.

Nasopharyngeal Testing among Healthcare Workers (HCWs) of a Large University Hospital in Milan, Italy during Two Epidemic Waves of COVID-19

BACKGROUND

since October 2020, a second SARS-CoV-2 epidemic wave has hit Italy. We investigate the frequency of positive nasopharyngeal swabs among HCWs during the two waves and the association with occupation and demographic characteristics.

METHODS

this is a retrospective, observational study conducted in a large university hospital in Milan, Northern Italy. We defined two epidemic waves: 1st (February 2020-July 2020) and 2nd (August 2020-January 2021). Occupational and demographic characteristics of HCWs who underwent nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 were collected.

RESULTS

in the 1st wave, 242 positive subjects (7.2%) were found among 3378 HCWs, whereas in the 2nd wave, the positive subjects were 545 out of 4465 (12.2%). In both epidemic waves positive NPSs were more frequent among HCWs with health-related tasks and lower among students (p < 0.001). However, in the 2nd wave, workers engaged in non-health-related tasks had a peak of 20.7% positivity. Among 160 positive HCWs in the 1st wave who were tested again in the 2nd wave, the rate of reinfection based on SARS-CoV2 RNA cycle quantification value was 0.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

during the 2nd epidemic wave, we confirmed a significant impact of COVID-19 among HCWs. The rise of infection rate among HCWs seems to reflect the increasing spread of SARS-CoV-2 among the overall population.

SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike antibody titres after vaccination with BNT162b2 in naïve and previously infected individuals

Great expectations are placed in vaccines against COVID-19 to control the pandemic. We reviewed the antibody titres in a cohort of healthcare workers (HCWs) vaccinated with BNT162b2 to assess the influence of a previous infection on them. We stratified the results according to the individual history of nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) and symptoms. Among 3475 HCWs the highest titres were recorded among those infected more than 6 months before vaccination, independently of symptoms, followed by those infected less than 6 months before vaccination, especially in those with symptoms, and by uninfected HCWs. Vaccination with BNT162b2 can boost immunity acquired through infection, particularly in those infected more than 6 months before vaccination.

Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG among healthcare workers of a large university hospital in Milan, Lombardy, Italy: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG among health careworkers (HCWs) in our university hospital and verify the risk of acquiring the infection according to work area.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Monocentric, Italian, third-level university hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

All the employees of the hospital on a voluntary base, for a total of 4055 participants among 4572 HCWs (88.7%).

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Number of anti-SARS-CoV-2 positive serology according to working area. Association of anti-SARS-CoV-2 positive serology to selected variables (age, gender, country of origin, body mass index, smoking, symptoms and contact with confirmed cases).

RESULTS

From 27 April 2020 to 12 June 2020, 4055 HCWs were tested and 309 (7.6%) had a serological positive test. No relevant difference was found between men and women (8.3% vs 7.3%, p=0.3), whereas a higher prevalence was observed among foreign-born workers (27/186, 14.5%, p<0.001), employees younger than 30 (64/668, 9.6%, p=0.02) or older than 60 years (38/383, 9.9%, p=0.02) and among healthcare assistants (40/320, 12.5%, p=0.06). Working as frontline HCWs was not associated with an increased frequency of positive serology (p=0.42). A positive association was found with presence and number of symptoms (p<0.001). The symptoms most frequently associated with a positive serology were taste and smell alterations (OR 4.62, 95% CI: 2.99 to 7.15) and fever (OR 4.37, 95% CI: 3.11 to 6.13). No symptoms were reported in 84/309 (27.2%) HCWs with positive IgG levels. Declared exposure to a suspected/confirmed case was more frequently associated (p<0.001) with positive serology when the contact was a family member (19/94, 20.2%) than a patient or colleague (78/888, 8.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred undetected in a large fraction of HCWs and it was not associated with working in COVID-19 frontline areas. Beyond the hospital setting, exposure within the community represents an additional source of infection for HCWs.

Disappearance of Seasonal Respiratory Viruses in Children Under Two Years Old During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Monocentric Retrospective Study in Milan, Italy

Background: The containment measures adopted during COVID-19 pandemic have influenced the epidemiology of other respiratory viruses. Aim: We analyzed the modification of the incidence and etiology of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in young children during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Case series of all children under 2 years old hospitalized at a tertiary care Hospital in the Center of Milan, Italy diagnosed with LRTIs in three consecutive winter seasons (from the 1st of November to the last day of February in 2018/2019, 2019/2020 and 2020/2021). We compared the number of hospitalizations and viral detections in the 2020/2021 with the average of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 (pre-COVID-19) using the Poisson distribution. Results: we enrolled 178 patients (66 from 2018/2019, 96 from 2019/2020, 16 from 2020/2021) 94 males (53%) and 84 females (47%), with a median (IQR) age of 5 (2-13) months. The number of hospitalizations during the 2020/2021 season was 80% lower than the average of the pre-COVID-19 seasons (16 vs. 81, p<0.001). Overall, 171 (96%) patient's nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA) detected at least one virus (110, 64%, single-detection, 61, 36%, co-detections). In 2020/2021 we observed the disappearance of Respiratory Syncytial virus (0 vs. 54, p < 0.001), Influenza virus (0 vs. 6.5, p = 0.002), Metapneumovirus (0 vs. 8, p < 0.001), Parainfluenza viruses (0 vs. 3.5, p = 0.03) and a significant reduction of Adenovirus (2 vs. 7, p = 0.03), Bocavirus (2 vs. 7.5, p = 0.02) and Enterovirus (1 vs. 5, p = 0.04). No significant difference was found for Rhinoviruses (14 cases vs. 17, p = 0.2), other Coronaviruses (0 vs. 2, p = 0.1), and Cytomegalovirus (1 vs. 1, p = 0.7). Conclusions: We observed a striking reduction in hospitalizations due to LRTIs and a modification of the etiology, with enveloped viruses mainly affected.

Hospital Acquired Infections in COVID-19 patients in sub intensive care unit

The aim of this study is to assess the association among species of bacteria and to identify the presence of clusters of patients in sub intensive care unit with different profiles of infection, and to study the relationship between such profiles and patient demographics (gender, age), kind of investigations and  material used to detect the infection. The findings need to analyse a bigger amount of data in the same setting to make evident that it is constant the infection only with Escherichia coli and Staphylocossus epidemidis and a third case in which more bacteria are inlvolved.

COVID-19: new scenario old problems

The short paper present the problem of hospital acquired infection in subintensive units og a research and teaching hospital.

Long-term neuropathy and quality of life in colorectal cancer patients treated with oxaliplatin containing adjuvant chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Oxaliplatin, combined with capecitabine (CAPOX) or infused 5-fluorouracil (FOLFOX), is standard of care in the adjuvant treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Prospective data on prevalence of oxaliplatin induced acute and long-term neuropathy in a real-life patient population and its effects on quality of life (QOL) and survival is limited, and scarce in CAPOX versus FOLFOX treated, especially in a subarctic climate.

METHODS

One hundred forty-four adjuvant CRC patients (all 72 CAPOX cases and 72 matched FOLFOX controls) were analyzed regarding oxaliplatin induced sensory neuropathy, which was graded according to NCI-CTCAEv3.0. Ninety-two long-term survivors responded to the QOL (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (EORTC CIPN20) questionnaires and were interviewed regarding long-term neuropathy.

RESULTS

Acute neurotoxicity was present in 94% (136/144) during adjuvant therapy and there was a significant association between acute neurotoxicity and long-term neuropathy (p < .001). Long-term neuropathy was present in 69% (grade 1/2/3/4 in 36/24/8/1%) at median 4.2 years. Neuropathy grades 2-4 did not influence global health status, but it was associated with decreased physical functioning (p = .031), decreased role functioning (p = .040), and more diarrhea (p = .021) in QLQ-C30 items. There were no differences in acute neurotoxicity, long-term neuropathy, or in QOL between CAPOX and FOLFOX treated. Neuropathy showed no pattern of variation according to starting and stopping month or treatment during winter.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuropathy following oxaliplatin containing adjuvant chemotherapy is present in two-thirds, years after cessation, and impairs some QOL scales. There is no difference in severity of acute or long-term neuropathy between CAPOX and FOLFOX treated and QOL is similar. No seasonal variation in neuropathy was noted.

Hyponatremia associates with poor outcome in metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with everolimus: prognostic impact

BACKGROUND

The prognostication of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is based on Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium (IMDC) risk classifications. Research has shown that hyponatremia is associated with worse prognosis in cancer. We analyzed the association of hyponatremia and outcome in everolimus-treated mRCC patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Baseline and on-treatment (≤12 weeks) sodium in 233 mRCC patients was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier, Cox regression and logistic regression. Baseline sodium was correlated with baseline thrombocyte and neutrophil values.

RESULTS

65 (28%) and 41 (18%) patients had sodium < lower limit of normal (LLN) at baseline and on-treatment, respectively. Baseline sodium < LLN was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) (6.1 vs. 10.3 months; p < .001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (2.8 vs. 3.5 months; p = .04). On-treatment sodium < LLN was associated with shorter OS (5.4 vs. 9.9 months; p < .001) and PFS (2.8 vs. 4.0 months; p < .001). In multivariate analyses adjusted for IMDC factors, baseline and on-treatment sodium < LLN were significantly associated with shorter OS (adjusted HR 1.46 (95% CI 1.04-2.05); p = .02; adjusted HR 1.80 (95% CI 1.23-2.61); p = .002; respectively). On-treatment sodium < LLN was significantly associated with progressive disease (OR 0.23 (95% CI 0.10-0.56); p = .001). A landmark analysis demonstrated that on-treatment hyponatremia was significantly associated with shorter OS and PFS (p = .01 and p = .03, respectively). On-treatment normalization of hyponatremia was associated with improved OS (unadjusted HR 0.61 (95% CI 0.35-0.98); p = .04), as compared to patients with sustained hyponatremia throughout follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyponatremia associates with poor outcome in mRCC patients treated with everolimus. On-treatment normalization of hyponatremia to normal sodium values associates with favorable outcome.

FilmArray™ GI panel performance for the diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis or hemorragic diarrhea

Background

Acute gastroenteritis is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in humans worldwide. The rapid and specific identification of infectious agents is crucial for correct patient management. However, diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis is usually performed with diagnostic panels that include only a few pathogens. In the present bicentric study, the diagnostic value of FilmArray™ GI panels was assessed in unformed stool samples of patients with acute gastroenteritis and in a series of samples collected from pediatric patients with heamorragic diarrhea. The clinical performance of the FilmArray™ gastrointestinal (GI) panel was assessed in 168 stool samples collected from patients with either acute gastroenteritis or hemorragic diarrhea. Samples showing discordant results between FilmArray and routine methods were further analyzed with an additional assay.

Results

Overall, the FilmArray™ GI panel detected at least one potential pathogen in 92/168 (54.8%) specimens. In 66/92 (71.8%) samples, only one pathogen was detected, while in 26/92 (28.2%) multiple pathogens were detected.

The most frequent pathogens were rotavirus 13.9% (22/168), Campylobacter 10.7% (18/168), Clostridium difficile 9.5% (16/168), and norovirus 8.9% (15/168). Clostridium difficile was identified only in patients with acute gastroenteritis (p < 0.01), while STEC was detected exclusively in patients with hemorragic diarrhea (p < 0.01). In addition, Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., EPEC and E. coli producing Shiga-like toxin were more frequently detected in patients with hemorragic diarrhea (p < 0.05). The overall percent agreement calculated in samples was 73.8% and 65.5%, while 34.5% were discordant. After additional confirmatory analyses, the proportion of discordant samples decreased to 7.7%. Rotavirus and astrovirus were the most frequently unconfirmed pathogens.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the FilmArray™ GI panel has proved to be a valuable new diagnostic tool for improving the diagnostic efficiency of GI pathogens.

Quantification of Core Antigen Monitors Efficacy of Direct-acting Antiviral Agents in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Widespread use of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents to treat patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has reduced the need for monitoring of HCV RNA levels, because viral kinetics do not predict sustained virologic response (SVR) to these drugs. However, the performance of cheaper tests such as the assay to quantify HCV core antigen (HCV Ag) has not been determined. We investigated the accuracy of the HCV Ag test in predicting which patients receiving DAAs will achieve SVRs at week 12 (SVR12).

METHODS

We performed a prospective study of 58 patients infected with HCV genotypes 1-5 (45% with HCV genotype 1, 72% with cirrhosis) receiving DAA therapy from the Liver Center at the Università degli Studi of Milan in Italy from January to March 2015. We collected blood samples and measured levels of HCV Ag and HCV RNA at baseline, after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, the end of treatment, and 12 weeks after treatment ended. We compared the ability of these assays to predict which patients would have SVR12.

RESULTS

The median baseline level of HCV RNA was 5.79 log10 IU/mL (range, 3.51-7.31 log10 IU/mL) and of HCV Ag was 3226.87 fmol/L (range, 17.30-54,927.00 fmol/L). HCV Ag became undetectable in 71% of patients at week 2, 84% at week 4, and 93% at the end of treatment. HCV RNA became undetectable in 10% of patients at week 2, 43% at week 4, and 100% at the end of treatment (P < .0001). Concordance between the tests in identifying patients who would achieve SVR12 was 40% at week 2, 55% at week 4, and 95% at the end of treatment. Fifty-three of 58 patients (91%) achieved an SVR12; the test for HCV Ag identified 97% of these patients. The tests for HCV Ag and HCV RNA predicted which patients would have SVR12 with positive predictive values of 90% vs 83%, respectively, at week 2 and 89% vs 92%, respectively, at week 4.

CONCLUSIONS

Tests that measure HCV Ag monitor efficacy of DAA therapy for HCV infection as well as assays that measure HCV RNA and can be recommended for clinical practice. However, measurement of HCV RNA after treatment can rule out relapse in HCV Ag-positive patients.

Le alterazioni radiografiche nelle compressioni spinali in età infantile

Viene preso in esame il gruppo di 20 neoplasie intrarachidee in età infantile osservate presso la Clinica Neurochirurgica dell'Università di Firenze e si sottolinea la frequenza di alterazioni morfologiche riscontrate all'esame radiografico nei casi di compressioni spinali. In un'epoca in cui gli esami neuroradiologici più complessi (TC ed RM) hanno in gran parte risolto il quesito diagnostico delle compressioni spinali, gli autori sottolineato l'importanza di una accurata valutazione dell'esame radiografico diretto della colonna che potrà meglio indirizzare gli esami neuroradiologici più fini per giungere ad una diagnosi precoce delle compressioni spinali.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome in adenovirus type 4 pneumonia: A case report

Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) cause a wide spectrum of clinical syndromes, depending on species and types, from mild respiratory infections to deadly pneumonia: in particular, severe infections occur in immunocompromised patients. In this report, we describe the case of a 36 years-old woman admitted to our intensive care unit (ICU) with severe respiratory distress syndrome caused by adenovirus pneumonia, that required invasive respiratory support (mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). Molecular assays detected the virus in respiratory and plasma specimen and sequencing procedure identified HAdV type 4. Patient improved after cidofovir administration. Leukopenia and subsequent bacterial infection occurred, but the patient recovered completely and was discharged from the hospital after 54days.

Excellent translational research in oncology: A journey towards novel and more effective anti-cancer therapies

Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs) serve as critical drivers for improving cancer survival. In Europe, we have developed an Excellence Designation System (EDS) consisting of criteria to assess "excellence" of CCCs in translational research (bench to bedside and back), with the expectation that many European CCCs will aspire to this status.