ABSTRACT
Introduction: It is important to know the risk factors for death in reducing mortality in patients with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections. The purpose of this study was to examine the risk factors associated with mortality in hospitalized patients with S. maltophilia infections. Material(s) and Method(s): Patients with S. maltophilia infections aged 18 years and older who were hospitalized in Haseki Research and Training between January 1, 2017, and April 30, 2022, were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups, non-survivors and survivors, and the clinical features and laboratory parameters of the groups were compared. Mortality risk factors were analyzed by logistic and Cox regression analyses. Result(s): A total of 75 patients with S. maltophilia infections were included. The mortality rate was 38.6% (n= 29). Advanced age (OR= 1.05, 95% CI= 1.012-1.085, p= 0.009), COVID-19 pneumonia (OR= 9.52, 95% CI= 1.255-72.223, p= 0.029), and presence of central venous catheter (CVC) (OR= 18.25, 95% CI= 2.187-152.323, p= 0.007) were risk factors for death. Conclusion(s): Physicians should be aware of the potential risk of S. maltophilia infections for mortality, particularly in patients with predefined risk factors such as advanced age, the presence of CVC, and COVID-19. Performing CVC care in accordance with infection prevention and control measures and timely removal of CVC may be beneficial in reducing deaths due to S. maltophilia infection.Copyright © 2023 Bilimsel Tip Yayinevi. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: In the beginning of March 2020 with first case of COVID-19 reported in Turkey, measures that were assumed to decrease the spread of SARS-CoV-2 were taken quickly. Use of personel protective equipments and limiting number of people contacting with the patients were some of the most important precautions. Although these precautions protected medical student from risk of infection, they limited their practical learning oportunities and probably negatively effected their education. Aim of our study was to measure the effect of pandemic on medical education of grade 6 medical students. Material(s) and Method(s): We had 6th grade medical students that finished their education between July 2020 and June 2021 fill out a questionnaire that measures their self-esteem on evaluation and procedural practice in pediatric patients and presents their subjective opinions on this period and their solution suggestions with closed and open ended questions. Result(s): Forty nine grade 6 student was included in the study. Their self-esteem was average (general competency in pediatric patients was 2.31+/-0.94 and general self reported competency in clinical practices was 2.65+/-1.42). The practice they feel most confident was hand washing (4.44+/-1.16), and the practice the feel least confident was establishment of vascular access (1.94+/-1.09). When they were asked to evaluate their self-competency in pediatric patients from 1 to 5,the procedure they most frequently observed was establishment of vascular access (74%) and least frequently observed was lumbar puncture (12%). Most frequently performed procedure was urinary catheterization (20%). 80.9% them stated that they felt unlucky to be 6th grade in COVID-19 pandemic and they would like to have more opportunities to contact with the patients with personal protective equipment (PPE). Conclusion(s): Education of 6th grade medical students affected negatively with decreasing number and diversity of patients and limited opportunity to evaluate patients and observe and perform procedures. Improvements should be made in pediatric departments to increase possibility of student to encounter patients and continue hands on learning with the right precautions. Copyright © 2022, Galenos Publishing House. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Aim and background: The COVID-19 pandemic has raised significant concerns over secondary infections because of the widespread use of steroids, immunomodulators, and empiric antimicrobials as part of the recommended treatment protocol. Various studies have shown that COVID-19 infection by itself predisposes to secondary infections. During the 2nd wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an unprecedented epidemic of secondary invasive fungal infections. This study analyses the prevalence, details, and outcomes of secondary infections in critical COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary intensive care unit (ICU) in India. Materials and methods: Retrospective study of secondary infections in ICU patients between April and June 2021. Demographic data, details of immunomodulator therapy, secondary bacterial and fungal infections, antimicrobial susceptibility data, and clinical outcomes of these patients were analyzed. Results: 71/238 (29.83%) ICU patients developed secondary bacterial and fungal infections. The mortality in patients with secondary infections was significantly higher [80.28% (p < 0.05)], compared to overall ICU mortality of 51.68%. In patients with secondary infections, 67.6% were referred from other hospitals after receiving initial treatment and 64.79% had received various immunomodulator therapies. Patients on prolonged mechanical ventilation (>7 days) and indwelling central venous (>7 days) and urinary catheters (>7.5 days) had higher secondary infection rates and higher mortality. There was positive significant growth in 80 respiratory samples, 34 blood samples, and 17 urine samples. Gram-negative bacteria were isolated in 85.91% and 32.39% had fungal isolates. Klebsiella pneumoniae followed by Acinetobacter baumannii were the predominant bacteria and Candida spp followed by Mucormycosis were the predominant fungal pathogens. Multi-drug resistant (MDR) infections were common among the isolates (70.59%). 49.3% of secondary infection patients had polymicrobial infections including fungal infections with higher mortality of 83%. Conclusion: There is a significantly high incidence of secondary MDR bacterial and fungal infection including Mucormycosis in critically ill COVID-19 patients, with an adverse impact on mortality. Risk factors included the use of steroids, immunomodulators, severe COVID-19 infection, empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics, invasive ventilation, and central venous and urinary catheterization, and prolonged ICU stay.