Microbiological profile and antibiotic sensitivity of maxillofacial infections in an emergency hospital

Aim: To investigate the bacteriological profile of oral and maxillofacial infections and the pattern of sensitivity to a specific group of antibiotics in a reference emergency hospital in Brazil. Methods: This is a prospective cohort institutional study that studied patients affected by oral and/ or maxillofacial infections in a Brazilian emergency hospital, over a 12-month period, of different etiologies, through data collection, culture and antibiogram tests, and monitoring of the process of resolution of the infectious condition. The variables were analyzed using the chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests, using a significance level of 5%. Results: The sample consisted of 61 patients, 62.3% male. The mean age of participants was 34.3 years. Odontogenic infection was the most frequent etiology and the submandibular space was the most affected. The bacterial species Streptococcus viridans was isolated in 21.6% of cases. Levofloxacin, vancomycin and penicillin were the antibiotics with the highest frequency of bacterial sensitivity, while clindamycin and erythromycin showed the highest percentages of resistance. Conclusions: The results suggest that, among the most used antibiotics for the treatment of these infections, penicillin remains an excellent option of choice for empirical therapy

The impact of synthetic bone grafting for tissue regeneration: an in vivo study

Aims: This study aimed to examine the biological response of synthetic nanocomposite material on canine mandibular bone. Methods: Nine healthy adult male local breed dogs aged 12 to 18 months and weighing 10.2 to 15.2 kg were used in the study. Based on healing intervals of 1 and 2 months, the dogs were divided into 2 groups. Each group had 3 subgroups with 3 dogs each. The division was based on the grafting material used to fill the created defect: an empty defect (Control-ve), Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate, and nanocomposite (Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate and nanosilver 1%) . Surgery started after the dogs were anaesthetized. The surgical procedure began with a 5 cm parallel incision along the mandible's lower posterior border. After exposing the periosteum, a three 5mm-diameter, 5-mmdeep critical-size holes were made, 5mm between each one. Each group's grafting material had independent 3 holes. The defects were covered with resorbable collagen membranes followed by suturing of the mucoperiosteal flap. Results: Total densitometric analysis showed no significant differences between groups at 1-month intervals, with the nanocomposite group having a higher mean rank (165.66± 31.21) in comparison to other groups while at 2 months intervals that there was a highly significant difference between three groups as the P-value was (0.000) with the nanocomposite group having a higher mean rank (460.66± 26.40). Conclusions: In the current study, the use of nanocomposites improved osteoconductivity by accelerating new bone formation. Moreover, the encorporation of nanosilver enhanced growth factor activity. These attributes make nanocomposites a promising material for enhancing the bone healing process

Antibiotics prophylaxis at the time of catheter removal after radical prostatectomy: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis

Purpose: To conduct a systematic literature review with meta-analysis to identify whether antibiotic prophylaxis after removal of the indwelling urinary catheter reduces posterior infections. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in the databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature, using the keywords "antibiotics" AND "prostatectomy" AND "urinary catheter." Results: Three articles were identified having the scope of our review, with 1,040 patients, which were subjected to our meta-analysis revealing a marginally significant decrease in the risk of urinary infection after indwelling urinary catheter removal (odds ratio-OR = 0.51; 95% confidence interval-95%CI 0.27-0.98; p = 0.04; I2 = 0%). No difference was found regarding the presence of bacteriuria (OR = 0.39; 95%CI 0.12-1.24; p = 0.11; I2 = 73%). Conclusions: In our meta-analysis, there was a significant decrease in urinary tract infection with antibiotic prophylaxis after indwelling urinary catheter removal following radical prostatectomy.

Cytotoxicity evaluation, antibacterial effect, and degree of conversion of QAM-containing adhesives

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of adding quaternary ammonium methacrylates (QAMs) to experimental adhesives by assessing the degree of conversion (DC), cytotoxicity against keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and antibacterial activity against biofilm formation. Two QAMs were added to an experimental adhesive: dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate bromododecane (DMADDM) or dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate bromohexadecane (DMAHDM) at three concentrations each: 1, 2.5, and 5 wt.%. Experimental adhesive without QAMs (control group) and commercially available Transbond XT Primer (3M Unitek, Monrovia, California, USA) were used for comparisons. The adhesives were tested for DC, cytotoxicity against keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and antibacterial activity against biofilm formation. DC, cytotoxicity against fibroblasts, and antibacterial activity were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparisons. Cytotoxicity against keratinocytes was evaluated using the Kruskal Wallis and Dunn's post-hoc (α = 5%) tests. Transbond showed lower DC as compared to 5% DMAHDM, 1% DMADDM, and 5% DMADDM (p < 0.05). However, all groups presented proper DC when compared to commercial adhesives in the literature. In the evaluation of cytotoxicity against keratinocytes, Transbond induced higher viability than 2.5 wt.% groups (p < 0.05). Against fibroblasts, Transbond induced higher viability as compared to 5 wt.% groups (p < 0.05). DMAHDM at 5 wt.% reduced biofilm formation when compared to all the other groups (p < 0.05). Despite their cytotoxic effect against keratinocytes, gingival fibroblasts showed higher viability. DMAHDM at 5 wt.% decreased Streptococcus mutans viability. The incorporation of DMAHDM at 5 wt.% may be a strategy for reducing the development of white spot lesions.

Clasificación de riesgo y tiempo puerta-antibiótico en pacientes con sospecha de sepsis / Risk classification and door-to-antibiotic time in patients with suspected sepsis / Classificação de risco e tempo porta-antibiótico no paciente com suspeita de sepse

Objetivo: evaluar la asociación entre la clasificación de riesgo y el tiempo puerta-antibiótico en pacientes con sospecha de sepsis. Método: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo, con una muestra de 232 pacientes con sospecha de sepsis atendidos en el departamento de emergencias. Se dividieron en 2 grupos: con y sin clasificación de riesgo. Una vez identificado el tiempo puerta-antibiótico, se realizó un análisis de varianza de un factor con la prueba post hoc de Bonferroni o la prueba t de Student independiente para variables cuantitativas continuas; pruebas de correlación de Pearson, correlación biserial puntual o correlación biserial para análisis de asociación; y procedimiento de bootstrap cuando no había distribución normal de variables. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó el software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Resultados: el tiempo puerta-antibiótico no difirió entre el grupo que recibió clasificación de riesgo en comparación con el que no fue clasificado. El tiempo puerta-antibiótico fue significativamente más corto en el grupo que recibió una clasificación de riesgo de alta prioridad. Conclusión: no hubo asociación entre el tiempo puerta-antibiótico y si se realizó o no la clasificación de riesgo, ni con la hospitalización en enfermería y en unidad de cuidados intensivos, ni con la duración de la estancia hospitalaria. Se observó que cuanto mayor era la prioridad, más corto era el tiempo puerta-antibiótico.

Objective: to evaluate the association between risk classification and door-to-antibiotic time in patients with suspected sepsis. Method: retrospective cohort study, with a sample of 232 patients with suspected sepsis treated at the emergency department. They were divided into 2 groups: with and without risk classification. Once the door-to-antibiotic time was identified, one-way analysis of variance was performed with Bonferroni post hoc test or independent Student's t-test for continuous quantitative variables; Pearson correlation tests, point-biserial correlation or biserial correlation for association analyses; and bootstrap procedure when there was no normal distribution of variables. For data analysis, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software was used. Results: the door-to-antibiotic time did not differ between the group that received risk classification compared to the one that was not classified. Door-to-antibiotic time was significantly shorter in the group that received a high priority risk classification. Conclusion: there was no association between door-to-antibiotic time and whether or not the risk classification was performed, nor with hospitalization in infirmaries and intensive care units, or with the length of hospital stay. It was observed that the higher the priority, the shorter the door-to-antibiotic time.

Objetivo: avaliar a associação entre a realização de classificação de risco e o tempo porta-antibiótico no paciente com suspeita de sepse. Método: estudo de coorte retrospectivo, com amostra de 232 pacientes com suspeita de sepse atendidos no pronto atendimento. Foram distribuídos em 2 grupos: com e sem classificação de risco. Identificado o tempo porta-antibiótico, realizou-se análise de variância de um fator com post hoc de Bonferroni ou teste T-Student independente para variáveis quantitativas contínuas; testes de correlação de Pearson, correlação bisserial por pontos ou correlação bisserial para análises de associação; e procedimento de bootstrap quando não havia distribuição normal de variáveis. Para a análise dos dados foi utilizado o software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Resultados: o tempo porta-antibiótico não diferiu entre o grupo que recebeu classificação de risco comparado ao que não foi classificado. O tempo porta-antibiótico foi significativamente menor no grupo que recebeu classificação de risco de alta prioridade. Conclusão: não houve associação entre o tempo porta-antibiótico e a realização ou não da classificação de risco, tampouco com internação em enfermaria e em unidade de terapia intensiva, ou com o tempo de internação hospitalar. Observou-se que quanto maior a prioridade, menor o tempo porta-antibiótico.

Terapia con antibióticos versus apendicectomía en la apendicitis aguda no complicada: Una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis

Introducción: Existe una controversia acerca del mejor enfoque para el tratamiento de la apendicitis aguda no complicada. Este metaanálisis buscó evaluar la eficacia, recurrencia de la patología, presencia de complicaciones mayores, y duración de la estancia hospitalaria en adultos con apendicitis aguda no complicada. Materiales y Método: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de ensayos clínicos aleatorizados en las bases de datos PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase y Cochrane Library hasta finales de octubre del 2022. El riesgo de sesgo y calidad de los estudios incluidos en el estudio fueron evaluados mediante la herramienta RoB 2.0. de la Colaboración Cochrane. La síntesis de datos fue realizada a través del software Cochrane Review Manager (RevMan; version 5.3). Resultados: 6 estudios fueron incluidos, con un total de 1.862 pacientes. La probabilidad de presentar una mejoría clínica definitiva en el grupo que recibió antibioticoterapia fue menor (RR 0,5; IC95% 0,92-0,98; p = 0,004; IC2 = 44%). La probabilidad de presentar una recurrencia de la apendicitis en el grupo que recibió antibioticoterapia fue notablemente superior (RR 94,86; IC95% 30,73-292,81; p < 0,00001; IC2 = 0%). El grupo conservador presentó un menor riesgo de presentar una complicación mayor (RR 0,55; IC95% 0,36-0,85; p = 0,007; IC2 = 0%). El tratamiento conservador presentó una duración de la estancia hospitalaria superior que la apendicectomía (MD 0,34; IC95% 0,25-0,42; p < 0,00001; IC2 = 64%). Conclusiones: Esta revisión sistemática demuestra que, en términos de eficacia, recurrencia del cuadro y duración de la estancia hospitalaria, la antibioticoterapia es inferior a la apendicectomía en adultos con apendicitis aguda no complicada y superior en evitar la presencia de complicaciones mayores.

Introduction: There is controversy about the best approach for the treatment of uncomplicated acute appendicitis. This meta-analysis sought to assess efficacy, disease recurrence, presence of major complications, and length of hospital stay in adults with uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Materials and Method: A systematic search for randomized clinical trials was performed in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to the end of October 2022. The risk of bias and quality of the studies included in the study were assessed. using the RoB 2.0 tool. of the Cochrane Collaboration. Data synthesis was performed using the Cochrane Review Manager software (RevMan; version 5.3). Results: 6 studies were included, with a total of 1.862 patients. The probability of presenting a definitive clinical improvement in the group that received antibiotic therapy was lower (RR 0.5; CI95% 0.92-0.98; p = 0.004; CI2 = 44%). The probability of presenting a recurrence of appendicitis in the group that received antibiotic therapy was notably higher (RR 94.86; 95%CI 30.73-292.81; p < 0.00001; CI2 = 0%). The conservative group presented a lower risk of presenting a major complication (RR 0.55; CI95% 0.36-0.85; p = 0.007; CI2 = 0%). Conservative treatment had a longer hospital stay than appendectomy (MD 0.34; 95%CI 0.250.42; p < 0.00001; CI2 = 64%). Conclusions: This systematic review shows that, in terms of efficacy, recurrence of the condition, and length of hospital stay, antibiotic therapy is inferior to appendectomy in adults with uncomplicated acute appendicitis, and superior in avoiding the presence of major complications.

Trends in the epidemiological and microbiological profiles of infectious keratitis in southeastern Brazil / Perfil epidemiológico e microbiológico das ceratites infecciosas no sudeste do Brasil

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the antibiotic susceptibility as well as the clinical, epidemiological, and microbiological profiles of microbial keratitis. Methods: This was a longitudinal retrospective study, and we retrospectively reviewed medical and laboratory records from 2015 to 2019. Results: In total, 380 pathogens (321 bacteria and 59 fungi) were isolated from the corneas of 352 patients. Staphylococcus species (45%) were most abundant within the organisms that were isolated, followed by Pseudomonas (18.4%), fungi (15.5%), Streptococcus (7.9%), and Serratia species (3.2%). The isolated gram-positive bacteria were not resistant to amikacin or vancomycin, although 14.8% of the gram-positive isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin (p<0.05). All the gram-negative isolates were susceptible to amikacin. Male patients represented 62.8% of the 129 cases with accessible clinical data. The mean age of the patients was 53.17 ± 21 years. The time to presentation (from onset of symptoms) was 14.9 ± 19.4 days (median: 7 days). Large ulcers (>5 mm in any dimension) were present in 49.6% (64 eyes) of the cases. The duration of treatment was 49 ± 45.9 days (median: 38 days). Direct ocular trauma was reported by 48 (37.2%) patients, and 15 patients (11.6%) reported using contact lenses. For 72 (55.8%) patients, topical treatment had been previously prescribed, and 16 (12.4%) patients reported using other classes of drugs. Hospitalizations were required for 79 (61.2%) patients, and in terms of major complications, 53 (41.1%) patients had corneal perforations. A total of 40 patients (31%) underwent tectonic penetrating keratoplasty, and 28 (21.7%) developed secondary glaucoma. A progression to endophthalmitis occurred in 8 (6.2%) patients, with 50% of those patients' (3.1% of the total) endophthalmitis evolving to evisceration. The patients' microbial keratitis was largely treated empirically, with 94 (72.9%) patients prescribed moxifloxacin and 56 (43.4%) prescribed ciprofloxacin before receiving their culture results. Conclusions: For the most part, our hospital treated patients with severe microbial keratitis. Despite identifying gram-positive bacteria in most of the isolates, we also frequently identified gram-negative rods and fungi. Our susceptibility results support prescribing a combination of vancomycin and amikacin as an effective empirical therapeutic regimen to treat microbial keratitis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a susceptibilidade a antibió­ticos, o perfil clínico, epidemiológico e microbiológico das ce­ratites infecciosas. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo longitu­dinal. Registros médicos e laboratoriais de 2015 a 2019 fo­ram revisados retrospectivamente. Resultados: Trezentos e oitenta patógenos (321 bactérias e 59 fungos) foram isolados das córneas de 352 pacientes. As espécies de Staphylococcus foram os microorganismos mais isolados (45%), seguidos de Pseudomonas (18,4%), fungos (15,5%), Streptococcus (7,9%) e Serratia (3,2%). Não houve resistência das bactérias Gram-positivas à amicacina ou vancomicina, enquanto 14,8% isolados Gram-positivos foram resistentes à ciprofloxacina (p<0,05). Todos os organismos Gram-negativos eram suscetíveis à amicacina. Pacientes do sexo masculino representaram 62,8% de 129 casos com dados clínicos acessíveis. A média de idade foi 53,17 ± 21 anos. O tempo até a apresentação (desde o início dos sintomas) foi de 14,9 ± 19,4 dias (mediana: 7 dias). Úlceras grandes (>5mm em qualquer extensão) representaram 49,6% (64 olhos) dos casos. A duração do tratamento foi de 49 ± 45,9 dias (mediana: 38 dias). Trauma ocular direto foi relatado por 48 (37,2%) pacientes e uso de lentes de contato por 15 (11,6%) pacientes. Foi prescrito tratamento prévio para 72 (55.8%) pacientes. Outras classes de medicamentos foram prescritas para 16 (12.4%). Setenta e nove (61,2%) pacientes tiveram que ser hospitalizados. Como complicações maiores, 53 (41,1%) pacientes apresentaram perfuração corneana, 40 pacientes (31%) foram submetidos à ceratoplastia penetrante tectônica e 28 (21,7%) desenvolveram glaucoma secundário. Oito pacientes (6,2%) evoluíram para endoftalmite. O tratamento empírico da ceratite microbiana foi amplamente empregado, com 94 (72,9%) pacientes em uso de moxifloxacina e 56 (43,4%) em uso de ciprofloxacina antes do resultado da cultura. Conclusões: Nosso hospital tratou predominantemente de pacientes com úlceras microbianas graves. Embora bactérias Gram-po­sitivas constituíssem a maioria dos isolados, bacilos e fungos Gram-negativos também foram frequentemente identificados nas ceratites microbianas. Os resultados de suscetibilidade sugerem a combinação de vancomicina e amicacina como um regime terapêutico empírico eficaz para essa condição grave com risco de perda visual permanente.

One week pre-operative oral antibiotics for percutaneous nephrolithotomy reduce risk of infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy of extended dose of preoperative antibiotics to reduce infectious risk in patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Materials and Methods A literature search for prospective case-control studies or randomized controlled trials was done. PICO framework was used. Population: adult patients that underwent to PCNL; Intervention: extended dose preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis before PCNL; Control: short dose preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis before PCNL; and Outcome: systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) or sepsis, fever after PCNL and positive intraoperative urine and stone culture. This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO database under the number: CRD42022359589. Results Three RCT and two prospective studies (475 patients) were included. SIRS/sepsis outcome was retrieved from all studies included. Seven days preoperative oral antibiotics for PCNL was a protective factor for developing SIRS/sepsis (OR 0.366, 95% CI 0.234 - 0.527, p < 0.001). There was no statistical association between seven-day use of antibiotics and fever (OR 0.592, 95% CI 0.147 - 2.388, p = 0.462). Patients who received seven days preoperative antibiotics had lower positive intraoperative urine culture (OR 0.284, 95% CI 0.120 - 0.674, p = 0.004) and stone culture (OR 0.351, 95% CI 0.185 - 0.663, p = 0.001) than the control group. Conclusion one week of prophylactic oral antibiotics based on local bacterial sensitivity pattern plus a dose of intravenous antibiotics at the time of surgery in patients undergoing PCNL reduces the risk of infection.

Evaluation of toxin-antitoxin genes, antibiotic resistance, and virulence genes in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Toxin-antitoxin genes RelBE and HigBA are known to be involved in the formation of biofilm, which is an important virulence factor for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of toxin-antitoxin genes and exoenzyme S and exotoxin A virulence genes in P. aeruginosa isolates and whether there is a relationship between toxin-antitoxin genes and virulence genes as well as antibiotic resistance. METHODS: Identification of the isolates and antibiotic susceptibilities was determined by a VITEK 2 (bioMérieux, France) automated system. The presence of toxin-antitoxin genes, virulence genes, and transcription levels were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: RelBE and HigBA genes were detected in 94.3% (82/87) of P. aeruginosa isolates, and exoenzyme S and exotoxin A genes were detected in all of the isolates (n=87). All of the isolates that harbor the toxin-antitoxin and virulence genes were transcribed. There was a significant increase in the RelBE gene transcription level in imipenem- and meropenem-sensitive isolates and in the HigBA gene transcription level in amikacin-sensitive isolates (p<0.05). There was a significant correlation between RelBE and exoenzyme S (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that antibiotic resistance may be linked to toxin-antitoxin genes. Furthermore, the relationship between RelBE and exoenzyme S indicates that toxin-antitoxin genes in P. aeruginosa isolates are not only related to antibiotic resistance but also play an influential role in bacterial virulence. Larger collections of comprehensive studies on this subject are required. These studies should contribute significantly to the solution of the antibiotic resistance problem.

Tratamento de dados do Sistema Nacional de Gerenciamento de Produtos Controlados para estudos de utilização de medicamentos com antimicrobianos / Data processing of the Brazilian National System of Controlled Product Management for drug utilization research with antimicrobials / Procesamiento de datos del Sistema Nacional de Gestión de Productos Controlados para estudios de utilización medicamentos con antimicrobianos

Resumo: O Sistema Nacional de Gerenciamento de Produtos Controlados (SNGPC) armazena dados de dispensação de medicamentos industrializados, manipulados e insumos farmacêuticos sob controle especial e antimicrobianos, a partir dos registros de farmácias e drogarias privadas. Este trabalho explorou a qualidade dos dados inseridos no SNGPC, a partir dos registros de dispensação de antibióticos industrializados, com o objetivo de propor seu emprego em estudos de utilização de medicamentos (DUR). A pesquisa foi desenvolvida por meio de desenho descritivo e retrospectivo, examinando o conjunto dados brutos do sistema, para o período de janeiro de 2014 a dezembro de 2020. Um total de 475.805.207 registros de dispensação de medicamentos foi coletado. Os antibióticos corresponderam em média a 54,5% do total de registros. A dimensão de qualidade "não informado" foi identificada, sistematicamente, nas variáveis "princípio ativo", "sexo", "idade" e "CID-10". As quantidades de frascos e caixas variaram de 1 a 536 unidades, e as quantidades de formas farmacêuticas dispensadas de 1 a 7.500 unidades. Os resultados mostram que 25% dos registros extrapolam uma terapia individual e que o sistema não apresenta um mecanismo de crítica para evitar dispensações não conformes ao padrão terapêutico para a classe. Apesar das vulnerabilidades decorrentes da qualidade dos dados, que podem ser superadas, o SNGPC possibilita construir diferentes planos analíticos, envolvendo tempo e outras agregações, na investigação de uso comunitário de antimicrobianos e medicamentos sob controle especial, o que faz dele uma potente fonte de dados para DUR.

Abstract: The Brazilian National System of Controlled Product Management (SNGPC) stores data on the dispensing of manufactured and compounded drugs and pharmaceutical inputs, whether controlled and antimicrobial, based on the records of private pharmacies and drugstores. This study assessed the quality of SNGPC data from the dispensing records of manufactured antibiotics, aiming to propose their use in drug utilization researchs (DURs), with a descriptive and retrospective design, analyzing the raw dataset of the SNGPC from January 2014 to December 2020. A total of 475,805,207 drug-dispensing records were collected. On average, antibiotics corresponded to 54.5% of the total records. The quality dimension "unreported" was systematically identified in the variables "active ingredient", "sex", "age" and "ICD-10". The amount of vials/bottles and packages ranged from one to 536 units and the amount of pharmaceutical inputs dispensed, from one to 7,500 units. Results show that 25% of the records exceed an individual therapy and the SNGPC has no critical mechanism to avoid dispensations outside the therapeutic standard for the class. Despite vulnerabilities due to data quality, which can be overcome, the SNGPC allows for the construction of different analytical plans, involving time and other aggregations, in the analysis of community use of antimicrobials and controlled drugs, which makes it a powerful source of data for DUR.

Resumen: El Sistema Nacional de Gestión de Productos Controlados (SNGPC) almacena datos sobre la dispensación de medicamentos industrializados, manipulados, insumos farmacéuticos bajo control especial y de antimicrobianos con base en los registros de farmacias y de boticas privadas. Este trabajo analizó la calidad de los datos ingresados en el SNGPC relacionados a los registros de la dispensación de antibióticos industrializados, para proponer su posible aplicación en estudios sobre el uso de medicamentos (DUR); para ello, realizó un análisis descriptivo y retrospectivo del conjunto de datos brutos para el periodo de enero de 2014 a diciembre de 2020. Se recogieron un total de 475.805.207 registros de dispensación de medicamentos. Los antibióticos correspondieron en promedio al 54,5% del total de los registros. La dimensión de calidad "no informado" se identificó sistemáticamente en las variables "principio activo", "sexo", "edad" y "CIE-10". Las cantidades de viales y cajas oscilaron entre 1 y 536 unidades, y las cantidades de formas farmacéuticas dispensadas entre 1 y 7.500 unidades. Los resultados muestran que el 25% de los registros exceden una terapia individual y que el sistema no tiene un mecanismo crítico para evitar la dispensación que no se ajusta al patrón terapéutico de la clase. A pesar de las vulnerabilidades derivadas de la calidad de los datos, que pueden ser superadas, el SNGPC permite la construcción de diferentes planes analíticos, involucrando tiempo y otras agregaciones, en la investigación del uso comunitario de antimicrobianos y medicamentos bajo control especial, lo que hace que el Sistema sea una potente fuente de datos para DUR.

Lock terapia na prevenção e tratamento da infecção da corrente sanguínea associada ao cateter vascular: revisão integrativa / Terapia de bloqueo en la prevención y tratamiento de infecciones del torrente sanguíneo asociadas al catéter vascular: revisión integradora / Lock therapy in prevention and treatment of catheter-associated bloodstream infection: integrative review

Resumo Objetivo Sintetizar o conhecimento sobre o uso da lock terapia na prevenção e no tratamento da infecção da corrente sanguínea associada ao dispositivo de acesso vascular central de longa permanência em pacientes adultos e idosos hospitalizados. Métodos Revisão integrativa com busca nas bases de dados CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus e Web of Science, no período de 1º janeiro de 2010 a 28 de setembro de 2021 sem restrições de idioma. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva. Resultados Foram identificados 16 estudos sendo seis (37,5%) sobre o uso da lock terapia como prevenção de infecção associada ao dispositivo de acesso vascular central e dez (62,5%) sobre tratamento. Os artigos sobre prevenção relataram o uso de soluções não antibióticas. Nove dos dez estudos que abordaram a lock terapia como tratamento, utilizaram soluções antibióticas. Dois estudos avaliaram a eficácia da lock terapia em curta duração (de três a quatro dias), sete em maior duração (entre 10 e 14 dias) e um não especificou a duração. Cada estudo descreveu uma técnica de intervenção e o tempo de permanência da solução intraluminal. Em relação ao risco de viés, foram avaliados como baixo risco: cinco ensaios clínicos randomizados, dois ensaios clínicos sem randomização e oito estudos observacionais. Apenas um estudo observacional foi classificado como risco moderado. Conclusão Na prevenção, identificou-se o uso de soluções não antibióticas como o etanol. Para o tratamento, foi utilizada a daptomicina endovenosa. Enquanto os estudos incluídos nessa revisão sobre prevenção não demonstraram evidência estatística, os dez estudos sobre tratamento demonstraram que a lock terapia é um complemento eficaz ao tratamento sistêmico, apresentando boas taxas de salvamento do cateter.

Resumen Objetivo Sintetizar el conocimiento sobre el uso de la terapia de bloqueo en la prevención y tratamiento de infecciones del torrente sanguíneo asociadas al dispositivo de acceso vascular central de larga permanencia en pacientes adultos y adultos mayores hospitalizados. Métodos Revisión integradora con búsqueda en las bases de datos CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus y Web of Science, en el período del 1 de enero de 2010 al 28 de septiembre de 2021 sin restricción de idioma. Los datos fueron analizados de forma descriptiva. Resultados Se identificaron 16 estudios, de los cuales seis (37,5 %) trataban sobre el uso de la terapia de bloqueo como prevención de infecciones asociadas al dispositivo de acceso vascular central y diez (62,5 %) sobre tratamiento. En los artículos sobre prevención se relató el uso de soluciones no antibióticas. En nueve de los diez estudios que abordaban la terapia de bloqueo como tratamiento, se utilizaron soluciones antibióticas. En dos estudios se evaluó la eficacia de la terapia de bloqueo de corta duración (de tres a cuatro días), siete de mayor duración (entre 10 y 14 días) y uno sin especificar la duración. En cada estudio se describió una técnica de intervención y el tiempo de permanencia de la solución intraluminal. Con relación al riesgo de sesgo, fueron evaluados con riesgo bajo: cinco ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, dos ensayos clínicos no aleatorizados y ocho estudios observacionales. Solo un estudio observacional fue clasificado con riesgo moderado. Conclusión Para la prevención, se identificó el uso de soluciones no antibióticas como el etanol. Para el tratamiento, se utilizó la daptomicina intravenosa. Aunque los estudios incluidos en esta revisión sobre prevención no hayan demostrado evidencia estadística, los diez estudios sobre tratamiento demostraron que la terapia de bloqueo es un complemento eficaz para el tratamiento sistémico y presentó buenos índices de salvamento del catéter.

Abstract Objective To synthesize knowledge on the use of lock therapy for prevention and treatment of long-term central vascular access devices-associated bloodstream infection in hospitalized adult and elderly patients. Methods Integrative review conducted in CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, from January 1st, 2010 to September 28th, 2021, without language restrictions. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results Sixteen studies were identified, six (37.5%) on the use of lock therapy for prevention of bloodstream infection associated with central vascular access devices, and ten (62.5%) on treatment. The articles on prevention reported the use of non-antibiotic solutions. Nine of the ten studies that addressed lock therapy as treatment used antibiotic solutions. Two studies assessed the effectiveness of lock therapy in a short duration (three to four days), seven in a longer duration (between 10 and 14 days), and one did not specify the length of time. Each study described an intervention technique and the length of stay of the intraluminal solution. Regarding the risk of bias, five randomized clinical trials, two non-randomized clinical trials, and eight observational studies were rated as low risk. Only one observational study was classified as moderate risk. Conclusion The use of non-antibiotic solutions such as ethanol was identified for prevention of bloodstream infection. For treatment, intravenous daptomycin was used. While the studies included in this review on prevention did not show statistical evidence, the ten studies on treatment demonstrated that lock therapy is an effective complement to systemic treatment, showing good catheter salvage rates.

Antibiotic prescription in the management of endodontic infections amongst Iraqi final-year undergraduate dental students

Aim This study aimed to examine the prescription of antibiotics for endodontic infections among undergraduate dental students. Methods Two government Iraqi dental schools [(the University of Baghdad (UOB) (n=99) and University of Babylon (UB) (n=70)], and one private dental school [Osouldeen University College (OUC) (n=103)] were included in this survey study. A paper-based questionnaire composed of seven questions was distributed to students, and collected. A chi-square test was used for data analysis, and the level of significance was set at 0.05 (P=0.05). Results A statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was identified between students' answers in the three dental schools regarding antibiotic selection for endodontic infections in which patients had no known allergies (P=0.001). In comparison to other dental schools, a statistically significantly higher proportion of respondents from UOB (32%) favored Azithromycin 500mg for treating patients with penicillin hypersensitivity (P=0.003). A high percentage of participants (62.1%) selected antibiotic prescription in cases with necrotic pulp and symptomatic apical periodontitis (with swelling and moderate/severe preoperative symptoms). However, there were no significant differences between the 3 dental schools (P>0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, a significantly greater percentage of UB chose amoxicillin for the treatment of endodontic infection in patients with no medical allergies. Azithromycin 500mg was selected by UOB as the preferred option in patients who were sensitive to penicillin. Our findings support the need for the implementation of strategies to raise awareness of good antibiotic prescribing practices among dentists in Iraq.

Bacteriuria asintomática en el embarazo. Serie de casos en una clínica privada de Uruapan, Michoacán / Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy. Cases series in a private clinic in Uruapan Michoacán

Resumen OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de bacteriuria asintomática, su adecuado tratamiento con base en el reporte del antibiograma de pacientes embarazadas que acudieron a control prenatal en una clínica privada. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de una serie de casos, descriptivo y transversal efectuado en mujeres embarazadas que acudieron a control prenatal en la consulta externa del Hospital Fray Juan de San Miguel de Uruapan, Michoacán, entre el 1 de enero de 2019 y el 31 de diciembre de 2021. Variables de estudio: edad de las madres, semanas de embarazo, embarazos, bacteriuria, agente causal, antibiótico indicado y respuesta al tratamiento. Para interpretar los resultados obtenidos se aplicaron estadística descriptiva, medidas de tendencia central y de frecuencias simples. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 227 embarazadas; de ellas, 49 tuvieron un urocultivo positivo. La prevalencia de bacteriuria asintomática fue de 21.59. Escherichia coli fue el agente causal más reportado. De los urocultivos de control 36 de 37 resultaron negativos y solo 1 de 37 fue positivo. CONCLUSIÓN: La prevalencia de bacteriuria asintomática de este estudio fue de 21.59% y el principal agente etiológico asilado E. coli en la mayoría de los casos, con sensibilidad a nitrofurantoína en la mayoría de los casos.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria, its adequate treatment based on the antibiogram report of pregnant patients who attended prenatal control in a private clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of a case series, descriptive and cross-sectional carried out in pregnant women who attended prenatal control in the outpatient clinic of the Hospital Fray Juan de San Miguel de Uruapan, Michoacán, between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2021. Study variables: mothers' age, weeks of pregnancy, pregnancies, bacteriuria, causative agent, indicated antibiotic and response to treatment. Descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency and simple frequencies were used to interpret the results obtained. RESULTS: A total of 227 pregnant women were studied; 49 of them had a positive urine culture. The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria was 21.59. Escherichia coli was the most reported causative agent. Of the control urine cultures 36 of 37 were negative and only 1 of 37 was positive. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in this study was 21.59% and the main etiologic agent was E. coli in most cases, with sensitivity to nitrofurantoin in most cases.

Antibiotic Prescription in Endodontics: A Transversal Observational Study Comparing Dental Students and General Dental Practitioners in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate and compare antibiotic prescriptions for endodontic infections of last-year undergraduate Dentistry students and dental surgeons from Brazil. Material and Methods: A questionnaire comprised of 15 questions was applied, including a series of hypothetical clinical cases through multiple choice questions. The survey respondents had the option to respond in favor or against the prescription of antimicrobials in each case. Afterwards, the commented answer keys of all topics contained in the survey form were released for educational purpose. Results: A total of 42 undergraduates and 115 dental surgeons answered the survey. Regarding the questions about antimicrobial prescriptions, 91.3% of the professional dentists and 69.8% of the dentistry students indicated that they prescribe antibiotics for a limited number of patients. However, when they responded about drug recommendations, most professionals (76.5%) and students (76.7%) chose to recommend antimicrobials without any clinical recommendation. Conclusion: In the groups herein evaluated, many antibiotic prescriptions could have been avoided. The rational use of these drugs is still a conduct that needs further disclosure and commitment among prescribers.

Antibacterial Effect of Hypochlorous Acid on Bacteria Associated with the Formation of Periodontal Biofilms: An in vitro Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the antibacterial effect of electrolytically generated hypochlorous acid on Streptococcus gordonii, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Material and Methods: In this in vitro experiment, the effect of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) on the strains S. gordonii, F. nucleatum, and P. gingivalis was evaluated using 4% sodium hypochlorite, 0.12% chlorhexidine, and distilled water as controls. The four groups were placed on each plate, and each group was replicated five times. The agar diffusion method by zones measurement was used. The data were processed with SPSS using the Kruskal-Wallis test and multiple comparison tests. Results: Hypochlorous acid showed an average inhibition halo of 9.28 mm on S. gordonii. As expected with distilled water, no zone of inhibition was noted for any of the bacteria, nor were zones of inhibition observed with HOCl for F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis. Conclusion: Hypochlorous acid showed antimicrobial properties against only S. gordonii and was less effective than 4% sodium hypochlorite and 0.12% chlorhexidine, although no significant differences were found between the latter.

Evaluation of last-year dental students' knowledge of prescription of analgesics and anti-bacterial agents for pregnant and lactating women

Oral health in pregnant and lactating women can affect maternal and child health. Dental treatments in this period should not have adverse effects on maternal and child health. This study was conducted to investigate the last-year dental students' knowledge of the prescription of analgesics and antibiotics for pregnant and lactating mothers in Isfahan city, Iran. Methods: A total of 104 last-year dental students of Khorasgan Islamic Azad University and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences were recruited in this descriptiveanalytical study. They completed a 16-item questionnaire on the prescription of analgesics and antibiotics for pregnant and lactating mothers. Data were analyzed by SPSS (Version 22) statistical software(t-test). Results: The total mean score of students' knowledge was 9.02±1.91. The highest level of knowledge about the safest analgesic (acetaminophen) was reported for the pregnant patients so that 100% of them had correct information in this regard. Further, the lowest level of knowledge was found for the use of dexamethasone during lactation, as only 10.6% of respondents were able to provide a correct response in this regard. Conclusion: The dental students had average knowledge about the prescription of antibiotics and analgesics for pregnant and lactating patients. To prevent the possible risks for these patients, further information should be provided to dental students

Effects of breast milk intake ratio during hospitalization on antibiotic therapy duration in preterm infants less than 34 gestational weeks: a multicenter retrospective cohort study / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of breast milk to total milk intake ratio during hospitalization on the duration of antibiotic therapy in preterm infants less than 34 weeks of gestation.Methods:Clinical data of preterm infants ( n=1 792) less than 34 gestational weeks were retrospectively collected in 16 hospitals of Jiangsu Province Neonatal-Perinatal Cooperation Network from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021. The days of therapy (DOT) were used to evaluate the duration of antibiotic administration. The median DOT was 15.0 d (7.0-27.0 d). The patients were divided into four groups based on the quartiles of DOT: Q 1 (DOT≤7.0 d), Q 2 (7.0 d<DOT≤15.0 d), Q 3 (15.0 d<DOT≤27.0 d) and Q 4 (DOT>27.0 d) groups. According to the breast milk intake ratio (breast milk intake to total milk intake during hospitalization×100%), they were also divided into four groups: very-low-ratio breastfeeding group (breast milk intake ratio≤25%), low-ratio breastfeeding group (25%<breast milk intake ratio≤50%), medium-ratio breastfeeding group (50%<breast milk intake ratio≤75%) and high-ratio breastfeeding group (breast milk intake ratio>75%). Univariate analysis ( Chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test) was used to analyze the factors influencing DOT. Spearman correlation analysis and trend Chi-square test were used to explore the relationship between breast milk intake ratio and DOT. After using multiple imputations to address missing data, two models were constructed after adjusting for different factors, and multinomial logistic regression model was applied to evaluate the effects of the breast milk intake ratio on DOT. Finally, sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the stability of the models. Results:(1) Of the 1 792 preterm infants, there were 507 (28.3%) in the Q 1 group, 422 (23.5%) in the Q 2 group, 438 (24.4%) in the Q 3 group and 425 (23.7%) in the Q 4 group. (2) The median values of DOT in the very-low-ratio, low-ratio, medium-ratio and high-ratio breastfeeding groups were 20.0 d (11.0-31.0 d), 20.0 d (11.0-32.0 d), 13.0 d (6.0-25.8 d) and 10.0 d (4.0-21.0 d), respectively. Compared with the very-low-ratio and low-ratio breastfeeding groups, the medium-ratio and high-ratio breastfeeding groups had shorter DOT (all P<0.05). (3) After adjusting for factors with P<0.1 (prenatal glucocorticoid exposure, antimicrobial use within 24 h before delivery, gestational age at delivery, birth weight, Apgar score≤7 at 1 min, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, infectious pneumonia and early-onset neonatal sepsis) between the DOT quartile groups, it showed that medium-ratio and high-ratio breastfeeding were protective factors in contrast to very-low-ratio breastfeeding in the Q 2, Q 3 and Q 4 groups as compared with the Q 1 group [Q 2 group: OR=0.50 (95% CI: 0.30-0.85) and OR=0.36 (95% CI: 0.26-0.51); Q 3 group: OR=0.31 (95% CI: 0.18-0.55) and OR=0.20 (95% CI: 0.14-0.29); Q 4 group: OR=0.22 (95% CI: 0.12-0.42) and OR=0.17 (95% CI: 0.12-0.26)]. Conclusion:Breast milk intake accounting for over 50% of total milk intake has a positive impact on reducing DOT in premature infants requiring antibiotics, which suggests that breastfeeding should be actively encouraged.

Necessity of asymptomatic bacteriuria screening during pregnancy / 中华围产医学杂志

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) refers to the presence of one or more species of bacteria in an individual's urine without the symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Previous studies have shown that untreated ASB during pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Many international guidelines recommend a single screen-and-treat approach to ASB during pregnancy. Still, this approach has not been proven favorable to pregnancy outcomes in low-risk populations by recent studies. ASB screening is not a routine obstetric examination in clinical practice in China. Given this, this article will review the evidence of ASB screening during pregnancy and analyze the recommendations and existing problems in the guidelines from various academic organizations. Clinical studies should be carried out according to the situation in the region, and the basic risks and treatment benefits of ASB in pregnancy should be analyzed in combination with specific data to establish a proper screening and treatment plan for ASB during pregnancy. Screening for ASB is recommended for pregnant women with high-risk factors at this stage.

Surveys on management of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome in ten hospitals in Northwest China in 2016 and 2021 / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To analyze the status of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) management in 10 hospitals in Northwest China over the past five years and to investigate the strategies for improving the prevention and treatment of RDS.Methods:This retrospective study involved premature infants with RDS who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of 10 hospitals (six in Shaanxi Province, three in Gansu Province, and one in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region) of the Northwest China Neonatal Collaborative Group within 3 d after birth from January 1 to December 31, 2016, and from January 1 to December 31, 2021. Basic information, perinatal condition, treatment approaches, complications, and prognosis of the patients were compared. T-test, rank sum, and Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis. Result:(1) This study enrolled 322 premature infants with RDS in 2016 and 349 in 2021. Premature infants at the gestational age of 30 to 33 weeks were mainly affected, and the majority were male [64.3% (207/322) and 57.3% (200/349)]. The average maternal age in 2021 was older than that in 2016 [(30.6±4.8) years vs (28.6±5.4) years, t=24.02, P<0.001], and the proportion of women at advanced maternal age was also higher in 2021 [19.2% (67/349) vs 12.4% (40/322), χ2=4.18, P<0.05]. (2) The proportions of pregnancies conceived with assisted reproductive technologies [11.7% (41/349) vs 1.9% (6/322), χ2=25.12], underwent routine prenatal examinations [58.5% (204/349) vs 30.4% (98/322), χ2=53.33], exposed to steroids [62.2% (217/349) vs 28.6% (92/322), χ2=82.58] and delivered by cesarean section or elective cesarean section [73.6% (257/349) vs 51.6% (166/322), χ2=35.06; 24.1% (84/349) vs 6.5% (21/322), χ2=39.07], as well as the ratio of cesarean scar pregnancy [7.4% (26/349) vs 3.4% (11/322), χ2=5.23] were all higher in 2021 than those in 2016 (all P<0.05). Moreover, the incidence of fetal distress [30.1% (105/349) vs 20.2% (65/322), χ2=8.68], gestational hypertension [24.6% (86/349) vs 13.0% (42/322), χ2=14.59], premature rupture of membranes [16.0% (56/349) vs 10.2% (33/322), χ2=4.89], meconium-stained amniotic fluid [12.6% (44/349) vs 5.6% (18/322), χ2=9.83], placental abruption [10.3% (36/349) vs 5.3% (17/322), χ2=5.84], gestational diabetes mellitus [10.3% (36/349) vs 1.6%(5/322), χ2=22.41], chorioamnionitis [4.6%(16/349) vs 0.9% (3/322), χ2=8.12], thyroid dysfunction [4.3% (15/349) vs 0.6% (2/322), χ2=7.88] and heart disease [4.3% (15/349) vs 0.3% (1/322), χ2=9.17] were higher in 2021 than in 2016 (all P<0.05). (3) In 2021, the rate of pulmonary surfactant (PS) usage, the dosage of porcine PS, and the proportion of bovine PS usage were all significantly higher than those in 2016 [73.6% (257/349) vs 67.1% (216/322), χ2=11.62; (178.5±38.0) mg/kg vs (165.2±42.8) mg/kg, t=7.85; 47.9% (123/257) vs 19.4% (42/216), χ2=41.72; all P<0.01]. No significant difference in the incidence of intubation-surfactant-extubation (INSURE), early PS administration (≤2 h after birth), or the arterial blood gas values before and after PS treatment was found between the cases enrolled in 2021 and 2016. The duration of antibiotic treatment [7.0 d (5.0-14.0 d) vs 5.0 d (1.0-8.0 d), Z=7.55] and assisted ventilation [144 h (81-264 h) vs 73 h (47-134 h), Z=8.20] and the median hospital stay [24 d(14-42 d) vs 16 d (10-25 d), Z=6.74] were significantly longer in 2021 than in 2016 (all P<0.01). More patients required nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation [29.6% (100/338) vs 1.0% (3/306), χ2=97.81] and conventional ventilation [42.6% (144/338) vs 30.1% (92/306), χ2=10.87] in 2021 as compared with those five years ago (both P<0.01). (4) In 2021, the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus [15.5% (54/349) vs 6.2% (20/322), χ2=63.40], bronchopulmonary dysplasia [9.2% (32/349) vs 2.8% (9/322), χ2=12.88], persistent pulmonary hypertension [5.4% (19/349) vs 0.6% (2/322), χ2=12.85], periventricular leukomalacia [4.3% (15/349) vs 1.2% (4/322), χ2=7.52] and pneumothorax [3.4% (12/349) vs 0.3% (1/322), χ2=9.68] increased as compared with those in 2016 (all P<0.05), while the incidence of nosocomial infection decreased significantly [7.4% (26/349) vs 19.6% (63/322), χ2=21.37, P<0.001]. (5) The cure rate of premature infants with RDS was 70.8% (247/349) in 2021, which was significantly higher than that in 2016 [56.2% (181/322), χ2=15.37, P<0.001]. Moreover, the rate of withdrawing treatment and the total mortality rate was lower in 2021 than in 2016 [7.7% (27/349) vs 14.3% (46/322), χ2=7.41; in-hospital: 1.4% (5/349) vs 5.6% (18/322), χ2=8.74; out of hospital: 8.3% (29/349) vs 13.7% (44/322), χ2=4.96; all P<0.05]. Conclusions:The clinical management of RDS in premature infants in the involved hospitals has been improved. However, there is room for improvement in prenatal examinations.

High-frequency ultrasonography-assisted evaluation of treatment outcomes of erysipelas: a prospective controlled study / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To measure the skin thickness in patients with erysipelas by high-frequency ultrasonography (HF-USG), and to compare the clinical efficacy of systemic antibiotics alone versus their combination with glucocorticoids in the treatment of erysipelas.Methods:Hospitalized patients with erysipelas were enrolled from Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University from January to December in 2021, and randomly divided into the study group and control group according to the order of visits. The study group was treated with systemic cefathiamidine for 7 days followed by oral methylprednisolone at a dose of 0.4 mg·kg -1·d -1, while the control group was treated with cefathiamidine alone. Before and after the treatment for 10 days, the thicknesses of the epidermis-dermis layers and subcutaneous tissues were measured by HF-USG at the sites of the most severe skin lesions on the affected limbs and at the corresponding sites on the healthy limbs, and white blood cell (WBC) counts, neutrophil (NEU) counts, as well as C-reaction protein (CRP) levels were determined. The t test and non-parametric test were used to compare the efficacy between two groups. Results:A total of 23 patients with erysipelas were enrolled. Among the 12 patients in the study group, 8 were males and 4 were females, and their age was 71.4 ± 11.4 years. Among the 11 patients in the control group, 7 were males and 4 were females, and their age was 67.4 ± 11.1 years. Before treatment, the thicknesses of the epidermis-dermis layers (0.33 ± 0.12 cm) and subcutaneous tissues (1.08 ± 0.49 cm) in the study group were not significantly different from those in the control group (0.25 ± 0.09 cm, 0.98 ± 0.46 cm; t = -1.83, -0.49, P = 0.081, 0.626, respectively). After the 10-day treatment, the thicknesses of the epidermis-dermis layers and subcutaneous tissues of the skin lesions on the affected limbs significantly decreased in both groups compared with those before treatment (both P < 0.05), and the decrease in the thicknesses of subcutaneous tissues was significantly stronger in the study group (0.32 ± 0.33 cm) than in the control group (0.10 ± 0.07 cm; t = 2.20, P = 0.039). Before treatment, the WBC counts ([11.16 ± 4.42] × 10 9/L), NEU counts ([8.26 ± 4.16] × 10 9/L) and CRP levels (median [ Q1, Q3]: 72.20 [19.28, 140.50] mg/L) in the study group were not significantly different from those in the control group ([10.10 ± 4.53] × 10 9/L, [7.21 ± 3.00] × 10 9/L, 34.40 [8.00, 74.20] mg/L, respectively; t or Z = 0.60, 0.71, -0.85, P = 0.578, 0.496, 0.196, respectively). After the 10-day treatment, the WBC counts, NEU counts, and CRP levels significantly decreased in both groups compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05) . Conclusion:The combined treatment with systemic antibiotics and glucocorticoids could effectively alleviate skin inflammation, and more rapidly reduce the thicknesses of inflamed subcutaneous tissues in patients with erysipelas compared with systemic antibiotics alone.