A consensus statement on when to start clean intermittent self-catheterization: An untapped resource?

BACKGROUND: Clean intermittent self-catheterisation (CISC or ISC) is used by patients/carers to empty the bladder if needed. Sometimes the urethral lumen leading out of the bladder is blocked; sometimes, the bladder (detrusor) muscle itself or the autonomic motor nerves innervating the bladder are damaged, resulting in a failure of the detrusor muscle to work, leading to a failure of the bladder being able to empty adequately. Prior consensus as to the indications and timing of CISC has yet to be provided. This article aims to provide a multidisciplinary consensus view on this subject. CONCLUSION: It is evident that every patient needs to be considered individually, bearing in mind the symptoms and investigations to be considered. We emphasise the importance of considering the term Bladder Voiding Efficiency (BVE). One group of patients who might find CISC helpful are those with a neurological disorder; these include spinal injury patients, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, and a condition called cauda equina. Sometimes bladder problems are treated with anticholinergics, and others may be treated with Botox. These may cause the bladder not to empty at all, which is good for leaks but needs self-catheterisation to empty the bladder. In the past, hospitals used a permanent catheter called an 'indwelling' or a 'suprapubic' catheter. These can have side effects, including infections, stones, and pain. For CISC, disposable catheters are the best option for patients as they come in different sizes and styles to provide individualised care. In conclusion, we would like hospitals to consider each patient separately and not use a general 'one-size-fits-all' bladder function for these patients.

Mixed Bacterial Growth in Prenatal Urine Cultures; An Investigation into Prevalence, Contributory Factors and the Impact of education-based Interventions.

PURPOSE: Undiagnosed urinary tract infections (UTIs) in pregnancy are associated with adverse perinatal outcome. Urine microbiology cultures reported as 'mixed bacterial growth' (MBG) frequently present a diagnostic dilemma for healthcare providers. We investigated external factors contributing to elevated rates of (MBG) within a large tertiary maternity centre in London, UK, and assessed the efficacy of health service interventions to mitigate these. DESCRIPTION: This prospective, observational study of asymptomatic pregnant women attending their first prenatal clinic appointment aimed to establish (i) the prevalence of MBG in routine prenatal urine microbiology cultures, (ii) the association between urine cultures and the duration to laboratory processing and (iii) ways in which MBG may be reduced in pregnancy. Specifically we assessed the impact of patient-clinician interaction and that of an education package on optimal urine sampling technique. ASSESSMENT: Among 212 women observed over 6 weeks, the negative, positive and MBG urine culture rates were 66%, 10% and 2% respectively. Shorter duration from urine sample collection to laboratory arrival correlated with higher rates of negative cultures. Urine samples arriving in the laboratory within 3 hours of collection were most likely to be reported as culture negative (74%), and were least likely to be reported as MBG (21%) or culture positive (6%), compared to samples arriving > 6 hours (71%, 14% and 14% respectively; P < 0.001). A midwifery education package effectively reduced rates of MBG (37% pre-intervention vs 19% post-intervention, RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.89). Women who did not receive verbal instructions prior to providing their sample had 5-fold higher rates of MBG (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: As many as 24% of prenatal urine screening cultures are reported as MBG. Patient-midwife interaction before urine sample collection and rapid transfer of urine samples to the laboratory within 3 hours reduces the rate of MBG in prenatal urine cultures. Reinforcing this message through education may improve accuracy of test results.

Nosocomial transmission of hepatitis E virus and development of chronic infection: The wider impact of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Transmission of hepatitis E virus (HEV) within the healthcare setting is extremely rare. Additionally, the development of chronic HEV infection in association with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and/or its immunomodulatory therapy has not been reported previously. AIMS: To describe the investigation and management of a nosocomial HEV transmission incident during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS: Epidemiological and molecular investigation of two individuals hospitalised with COVID-19 who were both diagnosed with HEV infection. RESULTS: Findings from our investigation were consistent with transmission of HEV from one patient with a community-acquired HEV infection to another individual (identical HEV sequences were identified in the two patients), most likely due to a breach in infection control practices whilst both patients shared a bed space on the intensive care unit (ICU). Chronic HEV infection requiring treatment with ribavirin developed in one patient with prolonged lymphopaenia attributable to COVID-19 and/or the immunomodulators received for its treatment. Further investigation did not identify transmission of HEV to any other patients or to healthcare workers. CONCLUSIONS: The extraordinary demands that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on all aspects of healthcare, particularly within ICU settings, has greatly challenged the ability to consistently maintain optimal infection prevention and control practices. Under the significant pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic a highly unusual nosocomial HEV transmission incident occurred complicated further by progression to a chronic HEV infection in one patient.

The prevention and management of hospital admissions for urinary tract infection in patients with multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the commonest reasons for patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) presenting to hospital. Management of recurrent UTIs in PwMS can be challenging and characteristics of such patients are not well described. AIMS: To describe the neurological and urological features of PwMS presenting to hospital for UTIs and identify areas of management that could be improved to reduce UTI frequency. METHODS: Health episode statistics data were used to identify PwMS presenting to a tertiary hospital with UTI over a 5-year period. Medical records were reviewed for demographic, MS and urological history. The seven PwMS with the highest numbers of encounters were seen in a multidisciplinary clinic to enable detailed assessments. RESULTS: 52 PwMS (25 female, 27 male) with mean age of 60 had 112 emergency department presentations and 102 inpatient admissions for UTI. 24 presented multiple times and were more likely to be older and male with progressive MS. Almost two-thirds were using a urinary catheter. Less than half were under current urological and neurological follow-up. Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas spp were the commonest organisms cultured. Resistance to antibiotics was more frequent in patients with multiple presentations. CONCLUSIONS: PwMS presenting to hospital for UTIs are more often male, older, with progressive MS and high levels of disability. A small group of PwMS accounted for a large number of encounters. Preventative and management strategies can be applied in primary and secondary care settings, with an emphasis on bladder, catheter and general physical care.

CSF lactate.

Lactate is produced from anaerobic glycolysis, which occurs in most tissues in the human body. Blood lactate is tested in most physiologically unwell patients in the Emergency Department and helps to guide treatment and prognosis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate, however, is not often measured. Various central nervous system (CNS) conditions lead to a rise in CSF lactate, including acute neurological infection, stroke, seizures and mitochondrial pathologies. This article discusses the utility and limitations of CSF lactate, highlighting specific clinical situations where it can help in the diagnosis of CNS infections and unexplained encephalopathy.

Interpretation of lumbar cerebrospinal fluid leukocytosis after cranial surgery: The relevance of aseptic meningitis.

Raised white cell count (WCC) in lumbar CSF is a commonly used marker of meningitis. The effect of cranial neurosurgery per se on lumbar WCC is not established. At this single centre, many patients undergo ICPM followed by lumboperitoneal shunt (LPS), with lumbar CSF WCC samples taken during insertion. We aimed to determine the effect of ICP bolt insertion on lumbar CSF WCC. We undertook a retrospective analysis of lumbar CSF samples in patients who had recently undergone 24-h ICPM. Thirty-three patients (16F:7M) aged 43.31 ± 12.1 years (mean ± SD) had lumbar CSF samples after ICPM. Fourteen had CSF sampled within 6 weeks and 19 after 6 weeks of ICPM. Twenty-five samples were taken during LPS insertion, 5 during lumbar drainage/puncture and 3 during LPS revision. All 33 patients were afebrile at the point of CSF sampling. The mean lumbar WCC within 6 weeks of ICPM was significantly higher than the mean lumbar WCC after 6 weeks, being 15.4 ± 18.0 and 2.32 ± 1.79 cells/microlitre respectively respectively. There was no significant increase in RBC. In patients with raised CSF WCC, 60% of raised WCC were predominantly lymphoctyes and 40% predominantly neutrophils. Only one patient grew an organism (S. aureus). We conclude that lumbar CSF WCC can be raised following minor intracranial surgery, despite no clinical sign of infection. We caution against using lumbar CSF WCC values independently as the only marker of infection following neurosurgery.

Reducing Intrathecal Baclofen Related Infections: Service Evaluation and Best Practice Guidelines.

OBJECTIVES: Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) pumps are an effective treatment for spasticity; however infection rates have been reported in 3-26% of patients in the literature. The multidisciplinary ITB service has been established at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCLH, Queen Square, London for over 20 years. Our study was designed to clarify the rate of infection in our ITB patient cohort and secondly, to formulate and implement best practice guidelines and to determine prospectively, whether they effectively reduced infection rates. METHODS: Clinical record review of all patients receiving ITB pre-intervention; January 2013-May 2015, and following practice changes; June 2016-June 2018. RESULTS: Four of 118 patients receiving ITB during the first time period (3.4%, annual incidence rate of infection 1.4%) developed an ITB-related infection (three following ITB pump replacement surgery, one after initial implant). Infections were associated with 4.2% of ITB-related surgical procedures. Three of four pumps required explantation. Following change in practice (pre-operative chlorhexidine skin wash and intraoperative vancomycin wash of the fibrous pocket of the replacement site), only one of 160 ITB patients developed infection (pump not explanted) in the second time period (0.6%, annual incidence rate 0.3%). The infection rate related to ITB surgical procedures was 1.1%. In cases of ITB pump replacement, the infection rate was reduced to 3.3% from 17.6%. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that a straightforward change in clinical practice may lower infection rates in patients undergoing ITB therapy.

Screening for urinary tract colonisation prior to corticosteroid administration in acute multiple sclerosis relapses: Validation of an updated algorithm.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate an updated algorithm in the detection of urinary tract infection (UTI) prior to high-dose corticosteroid treatment in acute relapses in multiple sclerosis (MS). This updated algorithm aimed to decrease the unnecessary use of antibiotics, whilst maintaining accuracy and safety. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of 471 consecutive patients with MS relapses in a hospital-based outpatient acute relapse clinic. 172 patients met exclusion criteria, leaving 299 patients for analysis. Patients underwent urine dipstick and were treated for UTI if 2 or more of: nitrites, leukocyte esterase and cloudy urine were positive. Patients with confirmed acute MS relapse were treated with high dose intravenous or oral methylprednisolone. RESULTS: Significant bacteriuria (>105 colony forming units/mL) was present in 33 (11%, 95% CI 8-15) patients. The algorithm sensitivity and specificity was 24% and 94% respectively; the negative predictive value was 91%. The overall accuracy of the algorithm was 87%. No adverse sequelae were identified in 25 patients who received high dose methylprednisolone in the presence of an untreated UTI. CONCLUSION: With an improved specificity, this updated algorithm addresses previous issues concerning the unnecessary prescription of antibiotics, whilst improving accuracy and maintaining safety.

Simulation workshops as an adjunct to perioperative care bundles in the management of external ventricular drains: improving surgical technique and reducing infection.

OBJECTIVETemporary CSF diversion through an external ventricular drain (EVD) comes with the risk of EVD-related infections (ERIs). The incidence of ERIs varies from 0.8% to 22%. ERIs increase mortality, morbidity, length of stay, and costs; require prolonged courses of antibiotics; and increase the need for subsequent permanent CSF diversion. The authors report the results of a quality improvement project designed to improve infection rates and EVD placement using simulation training in addition to a standardized perioperative care bundle. This project resulted not only in a decrease in ERIs, but also a significant improvement in surgical outcomes.METHODSA best-practice standardized perioperative approach and care bundle was approved by consensus among the senior neurosurgeons at the authors' institution, and a standardized operative note was designed to encourage adherence to policy and improve documentation. This approach was adapted from the bundle previously described by Kubilay et al. Simulation workshops were introduced to teach safe sampling technique, administration of intrathecal drugs, and a standardized operative technique using the Rowena head surgical model. Effects of the interventions on placement, infection rates, and displacement were measured at two distinct time points over a 2-year period.RESULTSBaseline audits demonstrated satisfactory EVD placement in 74%, an infection rate of 8.5%, and displacement occurring in 20%. In the 2 years following the interventions, satisfactory placement improved to 96%, infection rate fell to 4.8%, and inadvertent displacement occurred in only 1.7%.CONCLUSIONSSimulation training and standardizing the perioperative care of patients requiring EVDs dramatically improved placement accuracy, reduced infection rates, and reduced EVD displacement rate.

Multiple brain abscesses caused by Rhinocladiella mackenziei in an immunocompetent patient: a case report and literature review.

Primary cerebral phaeohyphomycosis due to Rhinocladiella mackenziei is an extremely rare infection carrying more than 80% mortality, with most cases reported from the Middle East region. This darkly pigmented black yeast is highly neurotropic, aggressive and refractory to most antifungal agents. Here we present an immunocompetent elderly male, presenting with multiple brain abscesses, with R. mackenziei confirmed by nuclear ribosomal repeat region sequencing, who was successfully treated by surgical debridement and intravenous voriconazole. To our knowledge this is the first case reported from the United Kingdom. We also present a review of all such cases so far reported in the English literature world-wide, which we believe is a step further to understanding the pathogenesis and establishing effective treatment of this rare, yet often fatal disease.

When the heart rules the head: ischaemic stroke and intracerebral haemorrhage complicating infective endocarditis.

Sir William Osler meticulously described the clinical manifestations of infective endocarditis in 1885, concluding that: 'few diseases present greater difficulties in the way of diagnosis … which in many cases are practically insurmountable'. Even with modern investigation techniques, diagnosing infective endocarditis can be hugely challenging, yet is critically important in patients presenting with stroke (both cerebral infarction and intracranial haemorrhage), its commonest neurological complication. In ischaemic stroke, intravenous thrombolysis carries an unacceptably high risk of intracranial haemorrhage, while in intracerebral haemorrhage, mycotic aneurysms require urgent treatment to avoid rebleeding, and in all cases, prompt treatment with antibiotics and valve surgery may be life-saving. Here, we describe typical presentations of ischaemic stroke and intracerebral haemorrhage caused by infective endocarditis. We review the diagnostic challenges, the importance of rapid diagnosis, treatment options and controversies.

Changing of the guard: reducing infection when replacing neural pacemakers.

OBJECTIVE Infection of deep brain stimulation (DBS) hardware has a significant impact on patient morbidity. Previous experience suggests that infection rates appear to be higher after implantable pulse generator (IPG) replacement surgery than after the de novo DBS procedure. In this study the authors examine the effect of a change in practice during DBS IPG replacements at their institution. METHODS Starting in January 2012, patient screening for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and, and where necessary, eradication was performed prior to elective DBS IPG change. Moreover, topical vancomycin was placed in the IPG pocket during surgery. The authors then prospectively examined the infection rate in patients undergoing DBS IPG replacement at their center over a 3-year period with at least 9 months of follow-up. RESULTS The total incidence of infection in this prospective consecutive series of 101 IPG replacement procedures was 0%, with a mean follow-up duration of 24 ± 11 months. This was significantly lower than the authors' previously published historical control group, prior to implementing the change in practice, where the infection rate for IPG replacement was 8.5% (8/94 procedures; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that a change in clinical practice can significantly lower infection rates in patients undergoing DBS IPG replacement. These simple measures can minimize unnecessary surgery, loss of benefit from chronic stimulation, and costly hardware replacement, further improving the cost efficacy of DBS therapies.

Open label feasibility study evaluating D-mannose combined with home-based monitoring of suspected urinary tract infections in patients with multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of using D-mannose, a natural food supplement, in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) reporting recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) as a preventative. METHODS: A single-center, open-label, feasibility study enrolled patients with MS, using and not using urinary catheters, experiencing recurrent UTIs (≥3/year or ≥2/6 months). Participants were given D-mannose powder 1.5 grams twice daily for 16-weeks and were instructed to monitor suspected UTIs at home using urine dipsticks. Diaries were used to record compliance, number of prescriptions of antibiotics received for UTIs, results of urine dipsticks and cultures. RESULTS: Overall, 22 patients with MS, median age 50 years (46-59) were enrolled: 10 were not using catheters and 12 were using catheters. The compliance rates for using D-mannose and dipsticks for testing suspected UTIs were 100% and 90.2%, respectively. Sixty-one episodes of suspected UTIs were recorded, 19/61 (31.1%) were confirmed UTIs and 29/61 (47.5%) prescriptions of antibiotics were made. The number of monthly proven UTIs decreased both in catheter users and non-users (P < 0.01). No adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Using D-mannose in patients with MS experiencing recurrent UTIs and self-monitoring for infections is feasible and safe. Further studies are required to establish efficacy. CinicalTrials.gov (identifier NCT02490046).

Attitudes and Behaviours to Antimicrobial Prescribing following Introduction of a Smartphone App.

OBJECTIVES: Our hospital replaced the format for delivering portable antimicrobial prescribing guidance from a paper-based pocket guide to a smartphone application (app). We used this opportunity to assess the relationship between its use and the attitudes and behaviours of antimicrobial prescribers. METHODS: We used 2 structured cross-sectional questionnaires issued just prior to and 3 months following the launch of the smartphone app. Ordinal Likert scale responses to both frequencies of use and agreement statements permitted quantitative assessment of the relationship between variables. RESULTS: The smartphone app was used more frequently than the pocket guide it replaced (p < 0.01), and its increased use was associated with sentiments that the app was useful, easy to navigate and its content relevant. Users who used the app more frequently were more likely to agree that the app encouraged them to challenge inappropriate prescribing by their colleagues (p = 0.001) and were more aware of the importance of antimicrobial stewardship (p = 0.005). Reduced use of the app was associated with agreement that senior physicians' preferences for antimicrobial prescribing would irrespectively overrule guideline recommendations (p = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone apps are an effective and acceptable format to deliver guidance on antimicrobial prescribing. Our findings suggest that they may empower users to challenge incorrect prescribing, breaking well-established behaviours, and thus supporting vital stewardship efforts in an era of increased antimicrobial resistance. Future work will need to focus on the direct impact on drug prescriptions as well as identifying barriers to implementing smartphone apps in other clinical settings.

Urinary tract infections in multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly reported by people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and significantly impact quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of the problem of UTIs in PwMS and offer a practical approach for the diagnosis and management. METHODS: A review of the literature through a Pubmed search up to October 2015 was performed using the following keywords: multiple sclerosis, neurogenic bladder, urinary tract infections, relapse, dipsticks, culture, recurrent and prevention. RESULTS: Noteworthy topics include the definition of a confirmed symptomatic UTI as a positive urine culture defined by >10(5) colony-forming units (CFU)/mL or >10(4) CFU/mL if a urethral catheter urine sample is taken, or any count of bacteria in a suprapubic bladder puncture specimen, both in addition to symptoms including fever, pain, changes in lower urinary tract symptoms or neurological status. Urinalysis is useful to exclude a UTI; however, on its own is insufficient to confirm a UTI, for which urine culture is required. Experts advise asymptomatic UTIs should not be treated except in the context of an acute relapse. From international guidelines, there is no validated strategy to prevent recurrent UTIs in PwMS. CONCLUSION: This review provides an overview of the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of UTIs in the setting of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Atypical pneumonia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We present the key advances in the infections that clinicians conventionally associate with atypical pneumonia: legionellosis, Mycoplasma pneumonia, Chlamydophila species pneumonia and Q fever. RECENT FINDINGS: There have been significant developments in molecular diagnosis to include Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae in multiplex PCR of respiratory specimens. There are diagnostic challenges in distinguishing carriage from infection, which is recognized in C. pneumoniae and now also evident in M. pneumoniae. Macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae has emerged in Asia. There are new antimicrobials on the horizon in the ketolide class with activity against typical and atypical pathogens and useful empirical agents. SUMMARY: There are few advances in our knowledge of the epidemiology of atypical pathogens or the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy--empirical or pathogen specific. However, if molecular testing becomes widely implemented, there will be an increased understanding of the epidemiology and presentation of atypical pneumonia and a shift to more targeted antimicrobial therapy.

Recent trends and prevention of infection in the neonatal intensive care unit.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Survival of preterm and low birth weight neonates in increasingly advanced neonatal units has resulted in the rising incidence of healthcare-associated infections. This paper reviews recent trends in infection and its prevention in neonatal intensive care units. RECENT FINDINGS: Emerging pathogens in the developed world are predominantly Gram positive of which coagulase-negative staphylococci are the commonest organisms, accounting for 45-75% of all late-onset bloodstream infections. In the developing world, Gram-negative pathogens have persisted, but there is an increasing incidence of coagulase-negative staphylococci there too. Both settings have reported increases in multiresistant organisms including Candida spp. Interventions to combat these infections include renewed efforts to educate healthcare staff, national surveillance programmes and the use of prophylaxis against Candida spp. Despite many interventions, outbreaks continue to occur in both resource-rich and resource-poor settings and many lessons remain to be learnt by reviewing these reports. SUMMARY: Good infection control remains the mainstay of prevention of healthcare-associated infections in neonatal intensive care units. Whether in resource-rich or resource-poor settings, the key issues are emerging multiresistant pathogens and education of healthcare staff about prevention of infection particularly in preterm and low birth weight infants.

A prospective case control study of the benefits of electronic discharge summaries.

A system of electronic discharge summaries was developed. It replaced conventional discharge prescriptions and dictated discharge summaries. We conducted a prospective case-control study of 102 consecutive patients admitted to our hospital under the care of one consultant physician. Patients discharged after 1 December 2004 were discharged using the new computerised system (50 patients) while patients admitted under the same medical team, but to another ward were discharged using the conventional paper discharge system (52 patients). Patients in the electronic group and the conventional group were similar in age (mean 67 years versus 58 years, P>0.05) and duration of hospital stay (6 days versus 1 day, P>0.05). The mean time taken to produce an electronic discharge summary was immediate (0 days) which was significantly (P<0.0001) less than the mean time taken to produce a conventional discharge summary (80 days). Combining electronic discharge prescriptions with electronic summaries appears promising and merits further study.