Can copeptin predict the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 infection?

SUMMARY OBJETIVE Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has quickly turned into a health problem globally. Early and effective predictors of disease severity are needed to improve the management of the patients affected with COVID-19. Copeptin, a 39-amino acid glycopeptide, is known as a C-terminal unit of the precursor pre-provasopressin (pre-proAVP). Activation of AVP system stimulates copeptin secretion in equimolar amounts with AVP. This study aimed to determine serum copeptin levels in the patients with COVID-19 and to examine the relationship between serum copeptin levels and the severity of the disease. METHODS The study included 90 patients with COVID-19. The patients with COVID-19 were divided into two groups according to disease severity as mild/moderate disease (n=35) and severe disease (n=55). All basic demographic and clinical data of the patients were recorded and blood samples were collected. RESULTS Copeptin levels were significantly higher in the patients with severe COVID-19 compared with the patients with mild/moderate COVID-19 (p<0.001). Copeptin levels were correlated with ferritin and fibrinogen levels positively (r=0.32, p=0.002 and r=0.25, p=0.019, respectively), and correlated with oxygen saturation negatively (r=-0.37, p<0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, it was revealed that copeptin (OR: 2.647, 95%CI 1.272-5.510; p=0.009) was an independent predictor of severe COVID-19 disease. A cutoff value of 7.84 ng/mL for copeptin predicted severe COVID-19 with a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 80% (AUC: 0.869, 95%CI 0.797-0.940; p<0.001). CONCLUSION Copeptin could be used as a favorable prognostic biomarker while determining the disease severity in COVID-19.

Label-free quantitative peptidomics-based analysis on glycopeptides in deerhorn gelatin and deer-hide gelatin / 中国中药杂志

Nano-LC-MS/MS was used to analyze trypsin digested deer-horn gelatin( DCG) and deer-hide gelatin( DHG) samples.The glycopeptides in DCG and DHG were quantified by Label-free quantitative( LFQ) peptidomics,on the basis of which the glycopeptides with significant difference in DCG and DHG were determined. As a result,5 736 peptides were identified from DCG samples,including 213 galactosyl-hydroxylysine containing peptides( Gal-Hyl-peptides) and 102 glucosyl-galactosyl-hydroxylysine containing peptides( Glc-Gal-Hyl-peptides),while 6 836 peptides were identified from DHG samples,among which there were 250 Gal-Hyl-peptides and 98 Glc-Gal-Hyl-peptides. With over 3-fold peak area difference and highly significant intergroup difference( P < 0. 01) as the screening criteria,444 differential peptides were determined in DCG and DHG,including 16 Gal-Hyl-peptides and 5 Glc-Gal-Hyl-peptides. Then XIC peak shapes,standard deviation of peak area,and fold change were applied for further screening and 5 glycopeptides with significant differences in DCG and DHG were confirmed,which could serve as potential biomarkers for distinguishing DCG and DHG. The present study provided ideas and strategies for the in-depth investigation on the discrimination of DCG and DHG and is of good theoretical significance and application value for the further research on chemical constituents and quality control of gelatin derived Chinese medicinals.

Predictive value of plasma copeptin level for diagnosis and mortality of pulmonary embolism

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Early diagnosis and risk stratification may provide a better prognosis in pulmonary embolism (PE). Copeptin has emerged as a valuable predictive biomarker in various cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of copeptin in patients with acute PE and to evaluate its relationship with disease severity and PE-related death. METHODS: Fifty-four patients and 60 healthy individuals were included in this study. Copeptin concentrations and right ventricular dysfunction were analyzed. The correlation between copeptin levels and hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters was examined. After these first measurements, patients were evaluated with PE-related mortality at the one-year follow-up. RESULTS: The copeptin levels were higher in PE patients than in the control group (8.3 ng/mL vs 3.8 ng/mL, p<0.001). Copeptin levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with PE-related death and right ventricular dysfunction (10.2 vs 7.5 ng/ml, p=0.001; 10.5 vs 7.5 ng/ml, p=0.002, respectively). When the cut-off value of copeptin was ≥5.85, its sensitivity and specificity for predicting PE were 71.9% and 85.0%, respectively (AUC=0.762, 95% CI=0.635-0.889, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The copeptin measurement had moderate sensitivity and specificity in predicting the diagnosis of PE, and the copeptin level was significantly higher in patients with PE-related death at the one-year follow-up. Copeptin may be a useful new biomarker in predicting diagnosis, risk stratification, and prognosis of PE.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: O diagnóstico precoce e a estratificação de risco podem proporcionar um melhor prognóstico em casos de embolia pulmonar (EP). A copeptina surgiu como um valioso biomarcador preditivo de várias doenças cardiovasculares. O objetivo deste estudo é determinar os níveis de copeptina em pacientes com EP aguda e avaliar a sua relação com a severidade da doença e mortes relacionadas à EP. MÉTODOS: Um total de 54 pacientes e 60 indivíduos saudáveis foram incluídos neste estudo. As concentrações de copeptina e disfunções ventriculares direitas foram analisadas. A correlação entre os níveis de copeptina e parâmetros ecocardiográficos e hemodinâmicos foi examinada. Após essas primeiras medições, os pacientes foram avaliados em relação à mortalidade relacionada à EP após um ano. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de copeptina foram maiores em pacientes com EP do que no grupo de controle (8,3 ng/mL vs 3,8 ng/mL, p<0,001). Os níveis de copeptina eram significativamente maiores em pacientes com mortes relacionadas à EP e disfunção ventricular direita (10,2 vs 7,5 ng/ml, p=0,001; 10,5 vs 7,5 ng/ml, p=0,002, respectivamente). Com um valor de corte ≥5,85 para a copeptina, sua sensibilidade e especificidade preditivas para EP foram 71,9% e 85,0%, respectivamente (AUC=0,762, 95% IC=0,635 - 0,889, p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A medição da copeptina teve sensibilidade e especificidade preditivas moderadas para o diagnóstico de EP, e o nível de copeptina foi significativamente maior em pacientes com mortes relacionadas à EP após um ano. A copeptina pode ser um novo biomarcador preditivo útil para o diagnóstico, a estratificação de risco e o prognóstico de PE.

Pediatric adverse drug reactions collected by an electronic reporting system in a single tertiary university hospital

PURPOSE: The incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) is increasing. However, studies on the prevalence of ADRs in children are rare. The aim of this study was to investigate the causative drugs and clinical features of ADRs for children in a tertiary university hospital of Korea. METHODS: We retrospectively collected ADRs by a computerized self-reporting system in Asan Medical Center. ADRs of children under the age 18 were collected from January 2005 to August 2015, and we analyzed only ADRs containing current symptoms among total ADR data. RESULTS: A total of 1,408 ADR cases were reported, There were 764 male (54.3%) and 644 female patients (45.7%), and the mean age was 11.5±5.8 years (range, 0–18 years). Antibiotics (n=479, 34.0%) were the most common causative drugs, followed by tramadol (n=173, 12.3%), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) and acetylsalicylic acid (n=103, 7.3%), narcotics (n=91, 6.5%), antineoplastics (n=87, 6.2%), and sedatives (n=82, 5.8%). The most common clinical features were skin manifestations (n=500, 34.4%). Gastrointestinal symptoms (n=435, 29.9%) were the second most common clinical features, followed by neuropsychiatric symptoms (n=155, 10.7%) and respiratory symptoms (n=123, 8.5%). Among antibiotics, glycopeptides (n=110, 23.0%), third-generation cephalosporins (n=83, 17.3%), and penicillin/β-lactamase inhibitors (n=60, 12.7%) were the most frequently reported causative drugs. CONCLUSION: Antibiotics were the most reported common causative drugs of ADRs in children, followed by tramadol, NSAID, and narcortics. Compared with adults, the prevalence of contrast medium-induced ADR was lower in children with a higher prevalence of sedative-associated ADR. Greater attention to possible ADRs in children is needed among medical personnel.

Endocrine and metabolic alterations may underlie mortality of severe sepsis and septic shock patients admitted to ICU

The study evaluated endocrinal and metabolic response to sepsis and its applicability for the prediction of outcome of septic patients. Patients were 39 adult with severe infections and with- in 24 h after onset of suspected clinical tissue hypoperfusion. At enrollment patients were evaluated for acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score [APACHE II] and Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS]. Global hemodynamic parameters including systolic blood pressure [SBP], heart rate [HR] and central venous pressure [CVP] were recorded and monitored. All patients were managed at ICU due to Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines. ELISA estimated serum copeptin, macrophage migration inhibitory factor [MIF] and total cortisol [TC] and blood la ctate levels. Study outcome was survival rate via 28 days [28-D SR] and best predictor for it. The results showed that 22 patients passed total hospital stay uneventfully for a total survival rate of 56.4%. Seventeen patients died; 10 during ICU stay and 7 during word stay. At admission serum markers levels were significantly higher in survivors and nonsurvivors compared to controls and in non-survivors compared to survivors. Survival showed negative significant cor- relation with age, high blood lactate and serum copeptin, TC and MIF levels. Survival showed positive significant correlation with SBP, CVP and urine output. ROC curve and Regression analyses defined high at admission serum copeptin and blood lactate levels as significant predictors for mortality of septic patients

Annual Report on the External Quality Assessment Scheme for Clinical Microbiology in Korea (2015)

Annual proficiency surveys were conducted in March, June, and September in 2015 by the Clinical Microbiology Subcommittee of the Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service. The program covers the sections of bacteriology, advanced bacteriology and mycology, mycobacteriology, and parasitology. Each trial was composed of three sets of different combinations of five bacteria and yeasts. These sets were distributed among laboratories for Gram staining, culture, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Five slides with fixed sputum smears were provided as part of each trial for acid-fast bacilli detection. The survey material distribution was section-based. Two survey materials were provided in each trial, while five specimens for mycobacterial culture and identification, five specimens for anti-tuberculosis susceptibility testing and two Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains for rapid detection of rifampin and isoniazid resistance were distributed in the March and June trials. Five virtual microscopy files for stool parasite examination were availed by registered participants in the June trial. Out of the 334 enrolled laboratories, 328 (98.2%), 328 (98.2%), and 329 (98.5%) submitted responses in trials I, II, and III, respectively. Identification of bacteria, namely, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Vibrio fluvialis by more than 95% of participants was acceptable. Surveillance cultures for vancomycin-resistant enterococci and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae were determined accurately by 75.8%–85.3% and 93.1% of the respondents, respectively. Species-level identification of Candida krusei, Candida lusitanae, and Candida guilliermondii was still low at 79.8%, 55.7%, and 42.7%, respectively. Disk diffusion method revealed an unacceptably high false-positive rate of resistance to glycopeptides in E. faecalis and to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in S. pneumoniae. Advanced bacteriology trials revealed unsatisfactory results for species-level identification of moulds. Mycobacterial culture, identification and susceptibility testing, and molecular detection of rifampin and isoniazid resistance were performed exceedingly well by participants. Hymenolepsis diminuta could not be identified by participants, with a correct answer rate of only 46.5% and ‘no parasite seen’ answer rate of only 31.8% for negative specimens. Species-level identification of Candida and moulds was challenging for clinical microbiology laboratories. Disk diffusion method was found to be problematic in testing the susceptibility of microorganisms to glycopeptides and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Improvement is required in result interpretation of negative specimens in parasitology.

Clinical Usefulness of Arbekacin / 감염과화학요법

Arbekacin is a broad-spectrum aminoglycoside used to treat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Arbekacin has antibacterial activities against high-level gentamicin-resistant Enterococci, multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii et al. Here, we reviewed in vitro data on arbekacin in Staphylococci and Gram-negative microorganisms. We also reviewed clinical studies for clinical efficacy and microbiologic efficacy data in patients with identified MRSA and suspected MRSA infections. The overall clinical efficacy ranged from 66.7% to 89.7%. The microbiologic efficacy rate ranged from 46.2% to 83%. In comparative studies between arbekacin and glycopeptides, arbekacin was similar to other glycopeptides with respect to clinical and microbiological efficacy rates. Combination trials with other antibiotics suggest that arbekacin will be a promising strategy to control Enterococcus spp. multi-drug resistant P. aeruginosa. The major adverse reaction was nephrotoxicity/hepatotoxicity, but patients recovered from most adverse reactions without any severe complications. Based on these results, arbekacin could be a good alternative to vancomycin/teicoplanin in MRSA treatment. Finally, therapeutic drug monitoring is recommended to maximize clinical efficacy and decrease nephrotoxicity.

Impression cytology in the evaluation of ocular surface tumors: review article / Citologia de impressão na avaliação de tumores da superfície ocular: artigo de revisão

Impression cytology (IC) has been widely used as a method for evaluating the ocular surface and superficial cells layers in the diagnosis and follow-up after treatment of several ocular surface tumors of both epithelial and melanocytic origin. Information regarding this can be found in the English-language literature since 1992. Using either cellulose acetate or Biopore membranes for specimen collection, a high correlation has been found between IC and tissue histology. Compared with exfoliative cytology with spatula, IC is less traumatic to the patient’s eye, provides a precise location of the area being studied, and allows accurate observation of the cells the way they exist in vivo. The additional advantage of IC is the preservation of limbal stem cells responsible for continuous corneal epithelium renewal; these can be affected after incisional or excisional biopsy at the corneoscleral limbus, which is the most frequent site of appearance of tumors in the stratified epithelium. Treatment for ocular surface squamous neoplasia has historically included surgery, but nonsurgical interventions have also been adopted. Hence, in certain cases, ophthalmologists may prefer interventions less invasive than surgical biopsy such as of impression cytology for both initial diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of treatment for ocular surface lesions. Nevertheless, it should be considered that IC may be less helpful if the results conflict with the clinical picture or if the clinical diagnosis is uncertain and results are negative. In such cases, surgical biopsy is required for accurate diagnosis. The purpose of this review is to examine the published literature on the utilization of IC for the diagnosis and management of ocular surface tumors and to discuss the requirement for further investigation on the subject.

A citologia de impressão (CI) tem sido amplamente utilizada como um método de avaliação da superfície ocular e das camadas de células superficiais no diagnóstico e no seguimento após tratamento de vários tumores da superfície ocular de origem epitelial ou melanocítica. As informações podem sem encontradas na literatura em língua inglesa desde 1992. Utilizando-se de membranas de acetato de celulose ou Biopore na coleta dos espécimes, uma alta correlação tem sido encontrada entre a CI e a histologia do tecido. Comparando-se com a citologia esfoliativa, a citologia de impressão é menos traumática para o olho do paciente, fornece uma localização precisa da área estudada e permite ver as células da forma como elas organizam-se in vivo. A vantagem adicional da citologia de impressão é a preservação das células- tronco germinativas responsáveis pela renovação contínua do epitélio da córnea. Elas podem ser afetadas após biópsia cirúrgica na região do limbo que é o sítio mais frequentemente acometido pelos tumores do epitélio estratificado. O tratamento para a neoplasia escamosa da superfície ocular tem sido historicamente a cirurgia, mas intervenções não cirúrgicas também foram adotadas. Por esta razão, em certos casos, oftalmologistas podem recorrer a formas menos invasivas que a biópsia cirúrgica (como a citologia de impressão) tanto para o diagnóstico inicial quanto para o monitoramento terapêutico das lesões da superfície ocular. No entanto, deve-se ter em mente que a citologia de impressão deixa de ser útil quando seu resultado não coincide com o quadro clínico ou quando o diagnóstico clínico é incerto e o resultado da citologia de impressão negativo. Nesses casos, a biópsia cirúrgica deve ser realizada para o diagnóstico. O objetivo desta revisão é examinar a literatura sobre a utilização da citologia de impressão no diagnóstico e tratamento dos tumores da superfície ocular bem como discutir a necessidade de uma investigação mais aprofundada sobre o assunto.

Glicopéptidos, origen y desarrollo actual / Glycopeptids, origin and current development

Presidente del capítulo cubano de APUA-Cuba, Alianza para el Uso Prudente de los Antibióticos Lejos estaba de pensar Mc Cormick, en 1955, cuando en tierras de Borneo, aislaba una cepa de Stretomyces orientalis productora de una sustancia con propiedades antimicrobianas, que nombró vancomicina y que 60 años después permanecería en la primera línea de tratamiento contra las infecciones por microorganismo grampositivos multirresistentes. La vancomicina, nombre proveniente de la palabra vanquish, que significa vencedor, recibió el sobrenombre de fango del Missipi, debido a su gran toxicidad, fue relegada a un segundo plano con la aparición, en 1958, de la primera penicilina antiestafilocócica (meticillina). Sin embargo, en fecha tan temprana como el comienzo de la década de los 60, hubo que retomar su uso, debido a la aparición de las primeras cepas de estafilococos meticillina resistente. Estas cepas, con el de cursar de los años, han aumento y diseminado por todo el planeta, robándose el protagonismo de las infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria. En la actualidad, más del 50 por ciento de las cepas de Stafilococcus aureus aisladas en el nosocomio son meticillina resistentes y alcanzan más del 70 por ciento en la mayoría de las unidades de cuidados intensivos. Debido al mecanismo de resistencia presente en estas, a través de una mutación genética (gen mecA), resisten la acción de todos los betalactámicos, incluso de los aminoglucósidos, quinolonas, rifampicina, macrólidos y otros antiestafilócicos, quedando pocos antimicrobianos disponibles para enfrentarlas, entre los que sobresalen, los glicopéptidos, encabezados por la vancomicina.1,2 El desarrollo de la familia de los glicopéptidos ha sido discreto, la aparición, en 1978, de la teicoplanina, aportó algunos avances como la aplicación intramuscular, vida media más prolongada e incluso poder eliminar algunas cepas resistentes a vancomicina (vanB). Posteriormente, hubo que esperar hasta 2009 para que apareciera un nuevo componente de dicha familia, la telavancina, derivada de la vancomicina y con una potente acción sobre las cepas de estafilococos y enterococos resistentes a vancomicina.3,4 Tras más de 10 años de investigación, en el 2014, se introducen en la asistencia médica dos nuevos componentes de dicha familia la oritavancina (derivada de la vancomicina) y dalbavancina (derivada de la teicoplanina), ambas con características farmacológicas...(AU)

Copeptin and ischemia modified albumin in early diagnosis and prognosis of myocardial damage in acute organic phosphorus pesticide poisoning / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the value of combined detection of copeptin and ischemia modified albumin (IMA) in early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of myocardial damage in patients with acute organic phosphorus pesticide poisoning (AOPP).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 126 AOPP patients were examined for blood copepin and IMA levels and myocardial injury markers within 1 h after admission.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Copeptin and IMA levels significantly increased in patients with AOPP compared with those in the control subjects. Copeptin and IMA levels were significantly higher in severe AOPP cases than in mild to moderate cases (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that increased copeptin and IMA levels and severe complications of AOPP were associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Early detection of copeptin and IMA levels has important clinical value in early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of myocardial damage in patients with AOPP, and their levels are positively correlated with the severity of the condition.</p>

Copeptin in Hemodialysis Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction

PURPOSE: Copeptin has been considered as a useful marker for diagnosis and prediction of prognosis in heart diseases. However, copeptin has not been investigated sufficiently in hemodialysis patients. This study aimed to investigate the general features of copeptin in hemodialysis and to examine the usefulness of copeptin in hemodialysis patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LV dysfunction). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 41 patients on regular hemodialysis. Routine laboratory data and peptides such as the N-terminal of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide and copeptin were measured on the day of hemodialysis. Body fluid volume was estimated by bioimpedance spectroscopy, and the E/Ea ratio was estimated by echocardiography. RESULTS: Copeptin increased to 171.4 pg/mL before hemodialysis. The copeptin had a positive correlation with pre-dialysis body fluid volume (r=0.314; p=0.04). The copeptin level decreased along with body fluid volume and plasma osmolality during hemodialysis. The copeptin increased in the patients with LV dysfunction more than in those with normal LV function (218.7 pg/mL vs. 77.6 pg/mL; p=0.01). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that copeptin had a diagnostic value in the hemodialysis patients with LV dysfunction (area under curve 0.737; p=0.02) and that the cut-off value was 125.48 pg/mL (sensitivity 0.7, specificity 0.8, positive predictive value 0.9, negative predictive value 0.6). CONCLUSION: Copeptin increases in hemodialysis patients and is higher in patients with LV dysfunction. We believe that copeptin can be a useful marker for the diagnosis of LV dysfunction in hemodialysis patients.

Glycopeptide Antibiotics: Structure and Mechanisms of Action

Glycopeptides of the clinically important antibiotic drugs are glycosylated cyclic or polycyclic nonribosomal peptides. Glycopeptides such as vancomycin and teicoplanin are often used for the treatment of gram-positive bacteria in patients. The increased incidence of drug resistance and inadequacy of these therapeutics against gram-positive bacterial infections would be the formation and clinical development of more variable second generation of glycopeptide antibiotics: semisynthetic lipoglycopeptide analogs such as telavancin, dalbavancin, and oritavancin with improved activity and better pharmacokinetic properties. In this review, we describe the development of and bacterial resistance to vancomycin, teicoplanin, and semisynthetic glycopeptides (teicoplanin, dalbavancin, and oritavancin). The clinical influence of resistance to glycopeptides, particularly vancomycin, are also discussed.

A case of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis by Rothia mucilaginosa

Rothia muciliaginosa (R. mucilaginosa) is a facultative, Gram-positive coccus that is considered to be part of the normal flora of the mouth and respiratory tract. There are sporadic reports of the organism causing endocarditis in patients with heart valve abnormalities, as well as meningitis, septicemia, and pneumonia associated with intravenous drug abuse. However, it is an unusual pathogen in cases of peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis. Although R. mucilaginosa is generally susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin, cefotaxime, imipenem, rifampicin, and glycopeptides, there are no guidelines for the treatment of PD-associated peritonitis. Herein, we report a case of PD-associated peritonitis due to R. mucilaginosa that was resolved with intraperitoneal antibiotic treatment.

Risk Factors for Prolonged Carriage and Reacquisition of Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci / 병원감염관리

BACKGROUND: Patients infected with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are kept in isolation to prevent the spread of VRE in medical facilities. However, decision-making regarding isolation can be challenging at the time of re-admission of previously VRE-colonized or infected patients who have not been examined for VRE infections for a long time. This study focused on providing guidelines for isolating VRE patients based on the analysis of risk factors for prolonged carriage and reacquisition of VRE. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on medical records of patients who were diagnosed with VRE infections at a university hospital in 2009. Durations of colonization and negative conversion of VRE were estimated by Kaplan-Meier methods. Prolonged duration of VRE infections and risk factors for reacquisition were analyzed using Cox's proportional hazard model. RESULTS: Among 220 VRE-colonized patients, 132 were cleared, and 30 reacquired after negative conversion of VRE. The median duration of colonization was 33.1 weeks, and the median clearance period was 19.4 weeks. Patients who were admitted via the emergency department and treated with glycopeptides tended to have prolonged duration of VRE colonization. Prolonged hospitalization and metronidazole therapy increased the risk of reacquisition more rapidly. CONCLUSION: Treatment with glycopeptides, metronidazole antibiotic therapy, history of admission via the emergency department, and prolonged hospitalization can affect to prolonged carriage and reacquisition of VRE. Consider carefully the release of isolation of VRE patients with these risk factors.

Factors associated with Clostridium difficile diarrhea in a hospital in Beijing, China

Clostridium difficile is the most common cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea in patients treated with antibiotics, chemotherapeutic agents, and other drugs that alter the normal equilibrium of the intestinal flora. A better understanding of the risk factors for C. difficile-associated disease (CDAD) could be used to reduce the incidence of CDAD and the costs associated with its treatment. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for CDAD in a cohort of Chinese patients in a Beijing hospital. Medical charts of a total of 130 inpatients (62 males and 68 females) with hospital-acquired diarrhea (45 with CDAD; 85 without CDAD) were retrospectively reviewed. C. difficile toxins A and B were detected in fecal samples using enzyme-linked fluorescence assays. The drugs used by patients with and without CDAD before the onset of diarrhea were compared. Factors that differed significantly between the two groups by univariate analysis were analyzed by multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model. Multivariate analysis showed that cephalosporin treatment was associated with a significantly higher risk of CDAD in hospitalized patients, while treatment with glycopeptides was significantly associated with a reduction in CDAD (P<0.001 for cephalosporin; P=0.013 for glycopeptides). Our data confirmed previous findings that empirical treatment with cephalosporins is positively associated with CDAD compared to individuals using other CDAD-related drugs. Additionally, we showed that treatment with glycopeptides was negatively associated with CDAD, compared to individuals using other CDAD-related drugs.

Adverse Drug Reactions of Long-term Intravenous Antibiotics in Patients with Pyogenic Spondylitis

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, cause, and influence of the adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with long-term intravenous antibiotics in patients with pyogenic spondylitis (PS). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 84 patients with PS who underwent intravenous antibiotic therapy in our hospital from January 2001 to December 2012. ADRs were categorized to drug eruption, acute renal failure (ARF), hematologic toxicity, toxic hepatitis, pseudomembranous colitis (PMC), drug fever, and neuronal toxicity. Incidence and onset time of each ADR after antibiotic therapy were analyzed with the incidence of ADRs according to types of antibiotics. RESULTS: ADRs occurred in 38 of the 84 patients (incidence: 45.2%). The use of antibiotics was longer in the patients with ADRs (62.7 days) than in the patients without ADRs (44.3 day). The incidence of drug eruption, ARF, hematologic toxicity, toxic hepatitis, PMC, drug fever, and neuronal toxicity were 22.6, 11.9, 11.9, 10.7, 7.1, 3.6%, and 1.2%, respectively. The duration of antibiotics administration was related to the occurrence of PMC (p=0.001). ADRs were more common in patients treated by glycopeptides including vacomycin and teicoplanin. CONCLUSION: The incidence of ADRs due to long-term intravenous antibiotics was as high as 45.2% in patients with PS. Therefore, we speculate that the possibility of delayed ADRs should be considered after long-term use of the antibiotics. Furthermore, close observation is mandatory to identify and treat ADRs promptly, even though PS revealed the improvement after antibiotic therapy.

Oral Antimicrobial Therapy: Efficacy and Safety for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections and Its Impact on the Length of Hospital Stay / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: Carefully switching from intravenous to oral antibiotic therapy has shown to reduce treatment costs and lengths of hospital stay as well as increase safety and comfort in patients with infections. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy and safety between the patients treated with glycopeptides (case group), and the patients given oral antibiotics, as the initial or step-down therapy (control group), in the treatment of patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multicenter observational study was retrospectively performed in 7 teaching hospitals in Korea from January to December 2012. The study included adult patients (> or = 18 years) with infection caused by MRSA isolates, susceptible to clindamycin, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin. The primary end point was treatment outcome, including all-cause mortality and switching of antibiotics. Drug-related adverse events and the lengths of hospital stay were also compared between the two treatment groups. RESULTS: During the study period, 107 patients (43 cases and 64 controls) with MRSA infections were enrolled from the participating hospitals. The most common sites of MRSA infection were skin and soft tissue (n = 28) and bone and joint (n = 26). The median Charlson comorbidity index (P = 0. 560), the frequency of severe sepsis (P = 0.682) or thrombocytopenia (P = 1.000), and median level of serum C-reactive protein (P = 0.157) at the onset of MRSA infections were not significantly different between the case and control groups. The oral antibiotics most frequently prescribed in the case group, were fluoroquinolones (n = 29) and clindamycin (n = 8). The median duration of antibiotic treatment (P = 0.090) and the occurrence of drug-related adverse events (P = 0.460) did not reach statistically significant difference between the two groups, whereas the total length of hospital stay after the onset of MRSA infection was significantly shorter in the case group than the control group [median (interquartile range), 23 days (8-41) vs. 32 days (15-54), P = 0.017]. In multivariate analyses, the type of antibiotic used was not an independent risk factor for treatment failure. The statistically significant factors associated with treatment failure included underlying hepatic diseases, prior receipt of antibiotics, and foreign body retention. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that oral antibiotic therapy with active agents against MRSA isolates can be considered as the initial or step-down therapy for the treatment of MRSA infections and also reduce the length of hospital stay.

Brain natriuretic peptide and copeptin levels are associated with cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We explored the relationship between CVD, plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and copeptin in non-dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>BNP and copeptin were measured using ELISA in 86 non-dialysis patients with different degrees of CKD and in 20 control patients. The effects of BNP, copeptin levels and other biochemical indices on carotid ultrasound echocardiography and CVD history were determined using correlation analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>BNP and copeptin levels were significantly higher in the CKD group than in the control group. Both indices increased progressively, in parallel with the decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). BNP levels were (184.25 ± 65.18) ng/L in early phase CKD, (975.245 ± 354.09) ng/L in middle phase CKD, and (1463.51 ± 614.92) ng/ml in end phase CKD compared with levels of (101.56 ± 42.76) ng/L in the control group (all P < 0.01). Copeptin levels in the middle phase ((20.36 ± 9.47) pmol/L) and end phase groups ((54.26 ± 18.23) pmol/L were significantly higher than in the control group ((9.21 ± 2.64) pmol/L; both P < 0.01). There was no difference in copeptin levels between early phase CKD ((10.09 ± 5.23) pmol/L) and control patients. Stepwise multiple regression analysis identified GFR, intima-media thickness (IMT), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and previous history of CVD as independent risk factors for elevated BNP and copeptin levels.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BNP and copeptin appear to provide sensitive biological markers for the evaluation of atherosclerosis in non-dialysis patients with CKD.</p>

Clinical and Microbiologic Characteristics of Clostridium difficile Infection Caused by Binary Toxin Producing Strain in Korea / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: Binary toxin-producing Clostridium difficile infections (CDI) are known to be more severe and to cause higher case fatality rates than those by binary toxin-negative isolates. There has been few data of binary toxin-producing CDI in Korea. Objective of the study is to characterize clinical and microbiological trait of CDI cause by binary-toxin producing isolates in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2008 through January 2010, clinical characteristics, medication history and treatment outcome of all the CDI patients were collected prospectively. Toxin characterization, PCR ribotyping and antibiotic susceptibility were performed with the stool isolates of C. difficile. RESULTS: During the period, CDI caused by 11binary toxin-producing isolates and 105 toxin A & toxin B-positive binary toxin-negative isolates were identified. Comparing the disease severity and clinical findings between two groups, leukocytosis and mucoid stool were more frequently observed in patients with binary toxin-positive isolates (OR: 5.2, 95% CI: 1.1 to 25.4, P = 0.043; OR: 7.6, 95% CI: 1.6 to 35.6, P = 0.010, respectively), but clinical outcome of 2 groups did not show any difference. For the risk factors for acquisition of binary toxin-positive isolates, previous use of glycopeptides was the significant risk factor (OR: 6.2, 95% CI: 1.4 to 28.6, P = 0.019), but use of probiotics worked as an inhibitory factor (OR: 0.1, 95% CI: 0.0 to 0.8; P = 0.026). PCR ribotypes of binary toxinproducing C. difficile showed variable patterns: ribotype 130, 4 isolates; 027, 3 isolates; 267 and 122, 1 each isolate and unidentified C1, 2 isolates. All 11 binary toxin-positive isolates were highly susceptible to clindamycin, moxifloxacin, metronidazole, vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam, however, 1 of 11 of the isolates was resistant to rifaximin. CONCLUSIONS: Binary toxin-producing C. difficile infection was not common in Korea and those isolates showed diverse PCR ribotypes with high susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. Glycopeptide use was a risk factor for CDI by those isolates.