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Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess Jordanian physicians' awareness about venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk among COVID-19 patients and its treatment protocol. Method(s): This was a cross-sectional-based survey that was conducted in Jordan in 2020. During the study period, a convenience sample of physicians working in various Jordanian hospitals were invited to participate in this study. Physicians' knowledge was evaluated and physicians gained one point for each correct answer. Then, a knowledge score out of 23 was calculated for each. Key Findings: In this study, 102 physicians were recruited. Results from this study showed that most of the physicians realize that all COVID-19 patients need VTE risk assessment (n = 69, 67.6%). Regarding VTE prophylaxis, the majority of physicians (n = 91, 89.2%) agreed that low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is the best prophylactic option for mild-moderate COVID-19 patients with high VTE risk. Regarding severe/critically ill COVID-19 patients, 75.5% of physicians (n = 77) recognized that LMWH is the correct prophylactic option in this case, while 80.4% of them (n = 82) knew that mechanical prevention is the preferred prophylactic option for severe/critically ill COVID-19 patients with high bleeding risk. Moreover, 77.5% of physicians (n = 79) knew that LMWH is the treatment of choice for COVID-19 patients diagnosed with VTE. Finally, linear regression analysis showed that consultants had an overall higher knowledge score about VTE prevention and treatment in COVID-19 patients compared with residents (P = 0.009). Conclusion(s): All physicians knew about VTE risk factors for COVID-19 patients. However, consultants showed better awareness of VTE prophylaxis and treatment compared with residents. We recommend educational workshops be conducted to enhance physicians' knowledge and awareness about VTE thromboprophylaxis and management in COVID-19 patients.Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. All rights reserved.
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The prone position is extensively used to improve oxygenation in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Occasionally, these patients exhibit cardiac and respiratory functions so severely compromised they cannot tolerate lying in the supine position, not even for the time required to insert a central venous catheter. The authors describe three cases of successful ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein cannulation in prone position. The alternative approach here described enables greater safety and well-being for the patient, reduces the number of episodes of decompensation, and risk of tracheal extubation and loss of in-situ vascular lines.
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History: A 20 year old D1 men's basketball player with a history of COVID the month prior presented with worsening low back pain. He denied any injury, but reported the pain started as low back discomfort after a basketball game the week prior. He noted a progression and radiation of pain down his right lower extremity to his toes. He had tried physical therapy and dry needling, as well as cyclobenzaprine and naproxen from team physicians with mild improvement. The pain worsened and he went to the ED for evaluation. He was afebrile and had a lumbar radiograph with no acute fracture, grade 1 anterolisthesis of L5 on S1. He was discharged home with norco. Over the next 2 days, he developed chills and in the context of his worsening back pain, his team physicians ordered an MRI. Physical Exam: BMI 26.9 Temp 97.9degree Heart rate: 73 Respiratory rate 14 BP: 124/64 MSK: Spine- Intact skin with generalized pain over lumbar area, worse over the right paraspinal musculature. 5/5 strength of bilateral lower extremity flexion and extension of his hips, knees, and plantar and dorsiflexion of ankles and toes. Bilateral intact sensibility in the sciatic, femoral, superficial, and deep peroneal, sural, and saphenous nerve distributions. Slightly diminished sensibility over the right deep peroneal nerve distribution compared to left. 2/4 patellar and achilles DTRs. No clonus, downgoing Babinski sign. Positive straight leg raise at 45 degrees with the right lower extremity. Differential Diagnosis: 141. Sciatica 142. Lumbar Muscle Strain 143. Disk Herniation 144. Spondylolisthesis 145. Vertebral Osteomyelitis Test Results: CBC:WBC10, HGB13.2, neutrophils 75.7% (red 45%-74%). Unremarkable CMP. CRP =7.31, ESR 23 Blood culture negative, throat culture negative. TB test negative. COVID test negative. Flu test negative. Urine culture and UDS negative. HIV test negative. Procalcitonin of 0.07. IR guided aspiration and bacterial Culture yielded MSSA. MRI w/contrast: showing L1-L4 facet edema concerning for infectious spondylitis, intramuscular, and epidural abscess. Final Diagnosis: Acute intramuscular abscess, vertebral osteomyelitis, with epidural abscess. Discussion(s): Vertebral osteomyelitis is a serious but quite rare disease in the immunocompetent, elite athlete population. Staphylococcus Aureus is the culprit a majority of the time, with only 50% of cases showing neurologic symptoms. This case was unique given the proximity to a dry needling treatment which is the only explainable vector of infection, normal blood cultures in this disease which hematogenously spreads, negativeHIV and other infectious disease testing, and otherwise benign history. Early recognition of this disease yields better outcomes and reduces incidence of severe debility. 5% to 10%of patients experience recurrence of back pain or osteomyelitis later on in life. Outcome(s): Patient was hospitalized and started on Cefepime and Vancomycin. Had an echocardiogram revealing changes consistent with athlete's heart without signs of vegetation on his cardiac valves. Neurosurgery declined to treat surgically. He continued to improve until he was ultimately discharged on hospital day 4 with a picc line and Nafcillin and was later changed to oral augmentin per ID. Follow-Up: By his 6 week follow-up visit with infectious disease and the team physicians, his back pain had completely resolved and was cleared to start a return to play protocol. There was no progression of disease since starting antibiotics, and no recurrence of back pain since treatment.
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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.
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Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread fast globally comprising a great variety of clinical presentations. It was reported that 15% of patients required admission to intensive care units (ICU). Previous epidemiological studies have reported higher risk of healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) in those patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (iMV) due to COVID-19. Aim(s): To analyze the incidence of HCAI in adults under iMV admitted to ICU of Anchorena San Martin Clinic during COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): Retrospective cohort study, the analysis of normality was carried out using the Shapiro-Wilk test. The multiple regression analysis was performed automatically, based on backward elimination of the variables (backward selection). For the comparison between the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 groups, the T test or Wilcoxon test was used, as appropriate;and the chi2 or Fisher's exact test. All cumulative incidence function estimates were made with the cmprsk package. Result(s): 252 patients were included, 40 patients developed HCAI (accumulated incidence was 15.9%), counting for 60 total HCAI events. Age (OR 0.96), number of central venous access devices (CVAD) (OR 2.01), COVID-19 (OR 2.96) and prone positioning (OR 2.78) were associated with HCAI. HCAI was associated with more days of iMV and ICU stay. The accumulated incidence of HCAI in non-COVID-19 patients was lower than in COVID-19 patients. iMV days and mortality were higher in COVID-19. 29.6% of COVID-19 patients developed HCAIs vs 7.1% of non-COVID-19 ones. Conclusion(s): We describe the incidence of HCAI. Age, COVID-19, CVAD, prone positioning and ICU stay were associated with higher probability of HCAIs.Copyright © 2022, Sociedad Chilena de Infectologia. All rights reserved.
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Background: Central venous catheter (CVC) related infection is associated with high morbidity and mortality. It has also been linked to CVC-associated bacteremia, catheter dysfunctions, as well as handling and hygienic measures taken during that time. Objective: The aim of the present study is to compare the bacteremia rate between 2019 and 2020, the last one during which the SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic started. The study was accomplished in a hemodialysis unit at the Comunidad Autonoma de Madrid hospital. Material and Method: An observational retrospective cross-sectional study has been carried out in which data related to the management and functioning of the catheter were compared to the bacteremia rate linked to the catheter between 2019 and 2020 through the unit's database. Results: In 2019, thirty-five patients were included, who had a bacteraemia rate of 1.42/1,000 catheter days, and twenty-nine patients in 2020, with a bacteraemia rate of 1.82/1,000 catheter days, finding no significant differences (p=0.54), as well as not finding an increased or decreased bacteremia risk during the first year of the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Conclusions: As the main conclusion of this case of study, we are able to confirm that there is no evidence of the coronavirus pandemic and the measures adopted against the SARS-CoV-2 virus (both organizational and preventives), being a risk or protection factor in regard to the bacteraemia rate, most likely due to the low number of events found. © 2023, Sociedad Espanola de Enfermeria Nefrologica. All rights reserved.
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During intensive care unit (ICU) management of COVID-19, blood tests are often conducted for close monitoring of patients, a poor prognostic factor for survival, especially in hypoxemic patients. This study aimed to determine the degree of anemia and its effect on prognosis in ICU COVID-19 patients. This retrospective study included COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU between 1 October 2020 and 1 May 2021. All the patients included were aged > 18 years and stayed in the ICU for >=14 days. Patients aged <18 years, those with major bleeding, and those recovering from surgery were excluded. The total blood samples (mL) taken in the ICU were calculated. From among the 395 patients screened for inclusion, 112 patients were included in the study. Mean age of the patients was 71.3 +/- 13.2 years (Male/Female: 1.8). Mean hemoglobin (Hb) at admission was 13.2 +/- 1.8 g dL-1. At the end of the ICU stay mean Hb was 9.74 +/- 1.98 g dL-1. During ICU stay, the mean reduction in Hb was 3.47 +/- 2.11 g dL-1. Age (p= 0.049), drawn blood volume per day (p= 0.001), and higher hemoglobin at admission (p= 0.001) were determined by multivariate analysis as independent risk factors for hemoglobin reduction. Hemoglobin reduction (OR: 1.34), and intubation status (OR: 57.50) were independent risk factors for mortality. Considering that most COVID-19 patients are admitted to the ICU due to acute respiratory failure (ARF), it is vital to maintain the Hb level as high as possible, so as to maintain oxygenation.Copyright © 2022, UHOD - Uluslararasi Hematoloji Onkoloji Dergisi. All rights reserved.
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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted patient and safety issues globally, with special reference to device-associated infection in critical care patients. Objective(s): To describe the incidence of device-associated infections, non-device-associated respiratory tract infections (RTIs), and antimicrobial use in critical COVID-19 patients during the first six months of the pandemic. Method(s): An observational study was conducted in an intensive care unit of a COVID-19-dedicated facility in Western Qatar from April 1 to September 30, 2020. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) were confirmed using the CDC definitions as per the corporate infection control program, except for other RTIs. Antimicrobial consumption was registered as days of therapy. Result(s): During the study period, 30 patients (10.9%) with HAIs were reported from 275 patients admitted. Patients with HAI had a higher median Charlson index, hospital stay, mortality, and APACHE II score on admission. The use of devices (central and peripheral lines, urinary catheters, and ventilators) was more frequent in patients with HAI. The RTI (16 cases) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) (10 cases) were the most frequent localizations. The infection rate for device-associated infections was 7.84, 3.23, and 2.75 per 1000 device days for VAP, central line-associated bloodstream infection, and catheter-associated urinary tract infection, respectively. 49 isolates related to HAI were identified, with 20 isolates being multidrug-resistant organisms (40.8%). A longer duration of antibiotic therapy was observed in HAI patients (34.1 days versus 9.39 days). Conclusion(s): The study provides evidence of the impact of COVID-19 on the incidence of device-associated infections in critically ill patients, antibiotics consumption, and antimicrobial resistance.Copyright © 2022 Garcell, Jimenez, de la Nuez Jimenez, Rivera, Abdi licensee HBKU Press.
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Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), is an acute, life-threatening emergent disease involving the skin and mucous membranes with serious systemic complications. It is characterized by widespread epidermal sloughing. Drugs are the most common triggers of TEN, but infection, vaccination, radiation therapy and malignant neoplasms can all induce it in susceptible patients. We report two cases in whom a hair dye and a COVID-19 vaccine (BioNTech, Pfizer) were believed to be the causative agents. These patients have to undergo repeated debridements of the necrotic tissue. In this manuscript the anesthetic management of TEN patients is discussed. Detailed preoperative evaluation, aggressive fluid and electrolyte replacement, avoidance of hypothermia during debridement, minimizing anesthetic agents and limiting traumatic procedures are key points in the management.Copyright © 2023 Faculty of Anaesthesia, Pain and Intensive Care, AFMS. All rights reserved.
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OBJECTIVE: The surge in critically ill patients has pressured hospitals to expand their intensive care unit capacities and critical care staff. This was difficult given the country's shortage of intensivists. This paper describes the implementation of a multidisciplinary central line placement team and its impact in reducing the vascular access workload of ICU physicians during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Vascular surgeons, interventionalists, and anesthesiologists, were redeployed to the ICU Access team to place central and arterial lines. Nurses with expertise in vascular access were recruited to the team to streamline consultation and assist with line placement. RESULTS: While 51 central and arterial lines were placed per 100 ICU patients in 2019, there were 87 central and arterial lines placed per 100 COVID-19 ICU patients in the sole month of April, 2020. The ICU Access Team placed 107 of the 226 vascular access devices in April 2020, reducing the procedure-related workload of ICU treating teams by 46%. CONCLUSIONS: The ICU Access Team was able to complete a large proportion of vascular access insertions without reported complications. Given another mass casualty event, this ICU Access Team could be reassembled to rapidly meet the increased vascular access needs of patients.
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Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bedside peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement under ultrasonography (USG) guidance in the general ward by a surgical intensivist-led vascular access team versus that of PICC placement in the intensive care unit (ICU) or fluoroscopy unit. Materials and Methods: We conducted this retrospective study of all patients who underwent PICC placement between March 2021 and May 2022. Clinical, periprocedural, and outcome data were compared for PICC placement in the ICU, general ward, and fluoroscopy unit groups, respectively. Results: A total of 354 PICC placements were made in 301 patients. Among them, USG-guided PICC placement was performed in 103 and 147 cases in the ICU and general ward, respectively, while fluoroscopy-guided PICC placement was performed in 104 cases. USG-guided PICC placement more often required post-procedural catheter repositioning than fluoroscopy-guided PICC placement (P<0.001), but there was no significant difference in any adverse events (P=0.796). In addition, USG-guided PICC placement in the general ward was more efficient than fluoroscopy-guided PICC placement (0.73 days vs. 5.73 days, respectively; P<0.001). In the multivariate analysis, previous PICC placement within 6 months was an independent risk factor for a PICC-associated bloodstream infection (odds ratio, 2.835; 95% confidence interval, 1.143-7.034; P=0.025). Conclusion: USG-guided PICC placement in the general ward by a surgical intensivist-led vascular access team has comparable safety and efficiency to that of USG-guided PICC placement in the ICU or fluoroscopy-guided PICC placement.
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Introduction: Malnutrition is associated with an increased risk of infection, longer hospital stays, and increased mortality [1]. COVID-19 infection is known to require several days or even weeks in hospital care, leading patients to nutritional risk [2]. Catheter-related infection (CRI) is associated with mortality, prolonged stays, and higher hospital costs [3]. Objetive: To assess the relationship between nutritional status (mNUTRIC) and central venous catheter (CVC) infection. Method(s): In this study we included patients admitted to the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (UCI) in 2020. Two groups were formed: mNUTRIC <5 (low risk) and mNUTRIC >=5 (high risk). The mNUTRIC score (0-9 points) is based on the NUTRIC score without the inclusion of the IL-6 value. It consists of 5 variables: age, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), number of comorbidities and days in the hospital before ICU admission [4]. Two groups were formed: positive blood and catheter tip cultures and the group with negative blood cultures. Pearson's chi-squared test was used to assess the relationship between nutritional status (mNUTRIC) and CVC infection. Result(s): Were admitted 51 patients to the ICU with COVID-19, and seven patients were removed from the final dataset due to lack of data. Of a total of 44, 77.3% were male, with ages ranging between 34 and 90 years, with an average of 70.3 years and a mean ICU stay was 15.05 days. With positive blood and catheter tip cultures, CRI was diagnosed in 8 patients (18.2%). There is a significant relationship between the mNUTRIC Score and CRI with chi2 = 5.5, p < .05. Discussion & conclusion: Nutritional status of COVID- 19 patients is undoubtedly related to complications and increased risk of death [5]. The relationship between high nutritional risk, present in 50% of the patients, and the presence of CRI has been statistically proven. The main recommendation after this study is that, through the mNUTRIC score, patients at risk are identified and nutritional intervention and CRI prevention strategies can be implemented early.
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INTRODUCTION: Indications for the use of central venous catheters (CL) outside the ICU are limited and prolonged use is associated with CL associated infections (CLABSI). This quality improvement study aimed to reduce the number of unnecessary CLs in the non-ICU setting. METHOD(S): A prospective interventional study was performed between April 4 and July 3, 2022, at a large tertiary care center. Daily chart audits were conducted on all non-ICU adult patients who had a non-tunneled CL to include peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC). Discharged patients, CLs removed prior to audit, duplicate documentation, or inaccurately labeled tunneled lines as nontunneled were excluded. Predetermined non-ICU indications for CL use were need for hemodialysis (HD), chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), long-term antibiotics (ABX), inotropes, and lack of IV access as a last resort. If the CL met indications, the chart was re-audited at one-week intervals to assess for ongoing need. Otherwise, the primary teams were advised to remove CLs. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. RESULT(S): Of 1093 charts audited, 536 CLs were addressed (male: 60.1%;mean age: 60.7 +/-14.5). Locations of insertion were the floors (48.5%), the ICUs (24.6%) and the OR (16.6%). PICC lines constituted 62.1% of all CLs. Indications for CL placement were ABX (24.4%), vasopressors (20.9%), TPN (16.9%), inotropes (16.0%) and HD (12.1%). CL use in 9.9% of patients did not meet indications and were removed after prompting. Of 553 CLs placed in the ICU, 23.9% made it to the floor;18.9% of these did not meet indications. Our intervention rate decreased in time: 16.2% in the first two weeks vs 6.8% in the last week of the study period. There was no significant change in the number of CLABSIs in the study period (n=2) as compared to the three months prior (n=3) and a similar pre-COVID-19 time period (2019: n=2). All CLABSIs during the study period had appropriate indications for use. CONCLUSION(S): Approximately 10% of CLs outside the ICU did not have appropriate indications. A daily audit protocol on the floors reduced CL days. A significant proportion of CLs placed in the ICUs were inappropriately continued and should be removed when its use is no longer indicated. Continued education is essential to reduce inappropriate CL use.
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INTRODUCTION: The Mayo Clinic, Mankato Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has seen a steady increase in central line utilization, known to increase risk for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). The "central line" or "device utilization rate" (DUR) for quarter 4 (Q4) 2021 was at 63%, increased from a pre-covid baseline of 45% in 2019. The CLABSI rate in Q4 of 2021 rose to 5.67, the highest in the past 5 years. The aim of this project was to decrease the ICU DUR by 36.5% from a baseline of 63% to 40% by 09/2022 without adversely impacting staff satisfaction. This effort was anticipated to positively impact patient outcomes, patient safety and the patient experience. METHOD(S): A multidisciplinary team conducted a review of current practices and potential contributors to the increased DUR were identified. The root causes of increased central line usage were determined to be lack of awareness on appropriate central line indication and gaps in communication. Interventions were implemented to address the key barriers: (a) Process: A vascular access algorithm was created to suggest the type of access needed based on duration of line and medication infusions. A rounding checklist included indications for central line placement and alternatives for vascular access. (b) Communication: Enhancement of daily interdisciplinary rounds and implementation of evening rounds to discuss central line indication and barriers to removal (c) Education: Central line education was provided during daily nurse huddles and weekly newsletters. An educational poster was created and displayed in the ICU, and (d) Closed Loop Feedback: The result of the post-intervention numeric improvement measure and sample size were monitored. Quarterly data will be reviewed for discussion. Key project milestones were recorded throughout the project. RESULT(S): The pandemic saw a surge in ICU patients, and it caused an uptick in central line placement. The project brought awareness of our DUR. Discussions of appropriate placement and early removal of central lines helped decrease our DUR. By June 2022, our DUR rate has decreased to less than 40%. CONCLUSION(S): Through a defined process we have been able to decrease central line utilization in our ICU. We will continue to monitor to ensure that our improvements are sustained.
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Background. Central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) are serious healthcare associated infections. During the COVID pandemic, we observed an increased incidence of CLABSIs in our healthcare system. We sought to identify risk factors for CLABSI among patients with COVID. Methods. We performed a single-center, matched case-control study in patients admitted between Mar 2020 and Dec 2020 who were 1) diagnosed with COVID based on laboratory results or diagnosis code, and who were 2) at risk for developing a CLABSI based on the presence of a central line for >=3 days. Cases were those diagnosed, based on National Healthcare Safety Network criteria, with CLABSI;controls were patients not diagnosed with CLABSI. Cases and controls were 1:4 matched based on age at admission (+/- 5 years) and COVID diagnosis date (+/- 45 days). Descriptive statistics were calculated for continuous and categorical variables. For comparisons, p values are from generalized estimating equations accounting for clustering by casecontrol matches. All analyses were performed in SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Approval was granted by our institutional IRB. Results. Characteristics of the patients who were diagnosed with COVID and at risk for developing a CLABSI are presented in table 1. Compared to patients with COVID and no CLABSI, patients with a CLABSI were more likely to be of a non-white race (p=0.0435). A longer length of stay was observed among CLABSI patients, (p=0.0011) and patients with CLABSI were less likely to be discharged to home (p=0.0084). There was a non-statistically significant trend toward a history of diabetes (p=0.0554), receipt of corticosteroids (p=0.052) and receipt of tocilizumab (p=0.0952) among CLABSI patients. Conclusion. Patients hospitalized for COVID who developed a CLABSI had longer hospitalizations and were less likely to be discharged home. Race other than white was a risk factor for CLABSI among patients with COVID. The relationships between race, racism, and CLABSI should be further explored. (Table Presented).
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Background. Increases in central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates have been reported in association with the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among Candida species and coagulase-negative Staphylococcal species (CoNS). We sought to further validate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CLABSI trends and perform a microbiologic analysis. Methods. This is an IRB-approved retrospective analysis of CLABSIs across a network of 38 community hospitals in southeastern United States. CLABSI rates were compared between pre-pandemic (1/1/2018-3/30/2020) and pandemic periods (4/1/2020-12/31/2021). Regression models were developed to evaluate CLABSI incidence over time. Likelihood ratio tests were used to compare models that were exclusively time-dependent to segmented regression models that also accounted for the COVID-19 pandemic. Results. A total of 1,167 CLABSIs over 1,345,062 central line days were analyzed (Table 1). The mean monthly CLABSI rate per hospital increased from 0.63 to 1.01 per 1,000 central line days (p< 0.001) in the pandemic period (Table 1). CLABSIs secondary to Candida (0.16 to 0.33, p< 0.001), CoNS (0.09 to 0.22, p< 0.001), and Enterococcal species (0.06 to 0.18, p=0.001) increased, while Escherichia coli CLABSIs decreased (0.04 to 0.01, p< 0.001). Upon regression modeling, the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increases in monthly CLABSI rates by Candida and Enterococcus species (Figure 1). In contrast, the changes in CoNS and Escherichia coli CLABSI rates were better explained by exclusively timedependent models (Figure 1;Table 2). Non-sustained changes in Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae CLABSI rates were also noted (Table 2). Gray areas denote COVID-19 pandemic period. Statistically significant level changes in CLABSI rates were observed among Candida and Enterococcus spp. (RR=1.92, CI 1.16-3.20 and 2.42, CI 1.09-5.38). Staphylococcus aureus CLABSI rates had a non-sustained but significant increase at the onset of COVID-19 (RR 2.20, CI 1.16-4.20). CoNS and E. coli rate changes occurred independent of COVID-19 (see Table 2). Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with substantial increases in CLABSIs, driven in part by Candida and Enterococcus species across this network of hospitals. However, the observed increase in CoNS CLABSIs and decrease in Escherichia coli CLABSIs appear to have occurred independently of COVID-19, which only became apparent upon regression analysis. Interpretation of pre-post statistics without assessment of pre-existing trends should be done cautiously. Additional analyses may help elucidate other factors influencing these CLABSI trends by organism.
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Background. Hospital-onset bloodstream infection (HOBSI) incidence has been proposed as a complementary quality metric to central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) surveillance. Several recent studies have detailed increases in median HOBSI and CLABSI rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. We sought to understand trends in HOBSI and CLABSI rates at a single health system in the context of COVID-19. Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of HOBSIs and CLABSIs at a three-hospital health system from 2017 to 2021 (Figure 1). We compared counts, denominators, and demographic data for HOBSIs and CLABSIs between the prepandemic (1/1/2017-3/30/2020) and pandemic period (4/1/2020-12/31/2021) (Table 1). We applied Poisson or negative binomial regression models to estimate the monthly change in incidence of HO-BSI and CLABSI rates over the study period. Figure 1: Definitions applied for hospital-onset bloodstream infections (HO-BSIs) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). Potentially contaminated blood cultures were identified by microbiology laboratory technicians as any set of blood culture in which a single bottle was positive for organisms typically considered as skin contaminants. Uncertain cases undergo secondary review by senior lab technicians. Table 1: Count, denominator, and device utilization ratio data for hospital-onset bloodstream infections (HO-BSIs) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) Note that central line utilization increased upon regression analysis (p<0.001). Results. The median monthly HOBSI rate per 1,000 patient days increased from 1.0 in the pre-pandemic to 1.3 (p< 0.01) in the pandemic period, whereas the median monthly CLABSI rate per central line days was stable (1.01 to 0.88;p=0.1;Table 2). Our regression analysis found that monthly rates of HO-BSIs increased throughout the study, but the increase was not associated with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic based on comparisons of model fit (Figure 2;Table 3). Despite an increase in central line utilization, regression modelling found no changes in monthly CLABSIs rates with respect to time and the COVID-19 pandemic. Incidence of HOBSIs and CLABSIs by common nosocomial organisms generally increased over this time period, though time to infection onset remained unchanged in our studied population (Table 2). Conclusion. HOBSIs rates did not correlate with CLABSI incidence across a three-hospital health system from 2017 and 2021, as rates of HOBSI increased but CLABSI rates remained flat. Our observed increase in HOBSI rates did not correlate with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and caution should be used in modeling the effects of COVID-19 without time-trended analysis. Further evaluation is needed to understand the etiology, epidemiology, and preventability of HO-BSI.
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Background. Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has been associated with an increase in healthcare-associated infections (HAI). This increase is likely multifactorial (i.e. higher hospitalization rates, COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 complications, lower staffing, delayed care among others). The objective of this study was to determine the association between COVID-19 hospitalization rates and central line- associated blood stream infections (CLABSI). Methods. We conducted a retrospective study in acute care unit hospitalizations in a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital in San Antonio, Texas from October 2017 to December 2021. Individuals over 18 years of age admitted with a new diagnosis of COVID-19, determined by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were included in the study. CLABSIs were defined by the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) criteria for laboratory confirmed bloodstream infections. Pearson correlation was used to determine correlation of CLABSI and COVID-19 disease hospitalization rates. CLABSI rates were also compared pre-COVID-19 (Oct 2017-Feb 2020) to COVID-19 (Mar 2020-Dec 2021) periods using the chi-square test. Results. During the study period, a total of 0.69 CLABSIs per 1,000 central line days occurred in the pre-COVID-19 period compared to 1.98 per 1,000 in the COVID-19 period (p=0.004). There was a significant correlation between CLABSI and ICU COVID-19 hospitalization rates (R=0.459;p=0.001) as well as CLABSI and acute care COVID-19 hospitalization rates (R=0.341;p=0.014). During the COVID-19 period only, there continued to be a significant correlation between CLABSI and COVID-19 ICU hospitalization rates (R=0.426;p=0.048). Conclusion. CLABSI rates significantly increased during the COVID-19 period compared to the pre-COVID-19 period and CLABSI rates were significantly correlated with COVID-19 ICU and acute care hospitalizations. Accounting for this variable allows us to factor in impact of post-COVID-19 related complications and association with CLABSI rate. We urge for careful implementation of HAI prevention strategies during the pandemic. Awareness of anticipated increase is important in allocating resources essential for prevention of HAIs.
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Background. COVID-19 can cause serious illness requiring multimodal treatment of the viral infection and its associated complications, including the potential for secondary infections. Studies have suggested an increased risk of fungal infections, including candidemia following severe COVID-19 though understanding of risk factors and clinical outcomes remains unclear. Methods. A multi-center, case-control study of patients with severe COVID-19 was conducted to evaluate risk factors and clinical outcomes in patients who developed candidemia between August 2020 to August 2021. Risk factors associated with candidemia and mortality were characterized using multivariate analyses. Results. A total of 275 patients were enrolled in the study, including 91 patients with severe COVID-19 and subsequent candidemia and 184 patients with severe COVID-19 without candidemia. Most patients received antibiotics prior to candidemia episode (93%), while approximately one-quarter of all patients received biologic for COVID-19. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the case group compared to the control group (68% vs 40%, P < 0.01). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that the use of central lines, biologic and paralytic therapy were independent risk factors for candidemia. The presence of candidemia, older age, central line use, and intensive care unit admission were significantly associated with mortality. Demographics and Baseline Characteristics of Study Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Positive With or Without Candidemia Hospitalization Details and Outcomes Conclusion. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of development of candidemia in hospitalized older patients with severe COVID-19 and should closely monitor those patients at risk. Risk factors for developing candidemia in the setting of COVID-19 are largely consistent with classic risk factors previously identified.
ABSTRACT
Background. Invasive fungal diseases (IFD) have been described in patients (pts) with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID), albeit with geographic variability in rates. Methods. We performed a retrospective study to determine rates of & risk factors for IFD occurring within 30 days (d) of COVID diagnosis (dx) in adults requiring critical care for severe COVID between 5/11/20 & 2/7/21. Mortality was assessed at 90 d following COVID dx and at 84 d after IFD dx, if applicable. ECMM/ISHAM criteria were used for COVID-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) and EORTC/ MSGERC criteria were used for other IFD and treatment response. Results. 218 pts were included;median age was 62 (19 - 91) & 63% were men. Underlying conditions included solid organ transplant (Tx) (16;7%), allogenic stem cell Tx (3;1%), malignancy (21;10%), & exposure to either high-dose steroids (HDS) (11;5%) or T- or B-cell suppressants (29;13%) within 90 d prior to COVID dx. 209 (96%) pts had respiratory failure & 127 (58%) required mechanical ventilation. 15 (7%) required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. COVID treatment consisted of corticosteroids in 205 (96%) & tocilizumab in 10 (5%). 12 (6%) pts developed IFD. 6 pts had CAPA (2 probable, 4 possible);50% were men, median age 64.5 (48 - 83). Mean time to CAPA dx from COVID dx was 17 d (+/- 14d). All pts had received corticosteroids for COVID but only 1 pt received > 30d of HDS by the time of IFD dx. Mortality at 84 d from CAPA dx was 67%. 5 (2%) pts had central venous catheter associated candidemia;80% were men & median age 61 (55 - 77). Mean time from COVID to candidemia dx was 29 d (+/-12 d). All pts with Candida infection had received steroids for COVID. Mortality at 84 d from candidemia dx was 60%. A 35-year-old man with prolonged exposure to HDS had Paecilomyces pneumonia;he was alive at 84 d after IFD dx. No cases of mucormycosis were identified. All-cause mortality in the entire cohort was 38% at 90 d after COVID dx. Mortality among pts who developed IFD was 58% at the same time point. Conclusion. Rates of IFD in pts with severe COVID were low and most pts with IFD after COVID had CAPA or catheter-associated candidemia. All but one pt with CAPA had no risk factors for IFD. In pts with severe COVID, mortality was higher among pts who developed IFD than those who did not.