ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Smartphones in medical settings pose infection risks due to harbouring pathogenic bacteria. AIM: This pilot study assessed the effectiveness duration of sanitization methods, focusing on 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes and ultraviolet-C (UVC) boxes, aiming to obtain preliminary data on the reduction in total bacterial load 3 h post-sanitization. METHODS: A randomized monocentric trial with two intervention arms (wipes and UVC boxes) was designed. As participants, healthcare workers from three wards at Fondazione Policlinico Universitario 'A. Gemelli' IRCCS Hospital were recruited, stratified by ward, and block randomized within each ward to control confounders. FINDINGS: Seventy-one healthcare workers, mostly nurses (62%) were included in the study. Initial bacterial load reduction was significant with both disinfection techniques, but after 3 h both methods showed increased bacterial levels, with wipes displaying potentially higher residual efficacy (P=0.056). To adequately size a trial (89% power, significance level 0.05) for assessing the residual efficacy of alcohol-impregnated wipes compared with UVC boxes at 3 h post-sanitization, 503 professionals per group were required. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the necessity for guidelines on hospital smartphone sanitization and educational initiatives for healthcare workers and patients. Further studies, adequately sized, are necessary to determine optimal sanitization intervals and assess pathogen transmission risks.
Subject(s)
2-Propanol , Disinfection , Health Personnel , Smartphone , Ultraviolet Rays , Humans , Pilot Projects , 2-Propanol/pharmacology , Disinfection/methods , Male , Female , Adult , Bacterial Load , Disinfectants/pharmacology , Middle Aged , ItalyABSTRACT
In order to evaluate the possibility to administer high FUDR doses, 52 patients with liver metastases were treated with loco-regional chemotherapy associated with venous hemofiltration. The clinical and pharmacological results of this approach are discussed.
Subject(s)
Floxuridine/administration & dosage , Hemofiltration/methods , Liver Neoplasms/therapy , Adult , Aged , Catheterization, Central Venous , Combined Modality Therapy , Humans , Infusions, Intra-Arterial , Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy , Liver Neoplasms/secondary , Middle Aged , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Hemodialyzed patients mean an high-risk population for hepatitis C infection. Our work was performed to evaluate the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in 51 hemodialyzed patients; the presence of anti-HCV antibodies was studied using the EIA and RIBA test of 1st and 2nd generation. 18 patients (35.29%) showed anti-HCV antibodies with the 1st test; 27 patients (52.94%) showed the presence of anti-HCV antibodies using 2nd generation test. The incidence of test positivity is not related to blood transfusions while it is strictly related with dialytic age. All HCV seropositive patients show antibodies against the c22-3 protein of "virus core". The presence in serum of anti-c22-3 antibodies means that in these patients, there is viral replication.
