Ten-year trends of antibiotic prescribing in surgery departments of two private sector hospitals in Central India: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Inappropriate antibiotic use contributes to the global rise of antibiotic resistance, prominently in low- and middle-income countries, including India. Despite the considerable risk of surgical site infections, there is a lack of antibiotic prescribing guidelines and long-term studies about antibiotic prescribing in surgery departments in India. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse 10 years' antibiotic prescribing trends at surgery departments in two tertiary-care hospitals in Central India. METHODS: Data was prospectively collected from 2008 to 2017 for surgery inpatients in the teaching (TH-15,016) and the non-teaching hospital (NTH-14,499). Antibiotics were classified based on the World Health Organization (WHO) Access Watch Reserve system and analysed against the diagnoses and adherence to the National List of Essential Medicines India (NLEMI) and the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (WHOMLEM). Total antibiotic use was calculated by DDD/1000 patient days. Time trends of antibiotic prescribing were analysed by polynomial and linear regressions. RESULTS: The most common indications for surgery were inguinal hernia (TH-12%) and calculus of the kidney and ureter (NTH-13%). The most prescribed antibiotics were fluoroquinolones (TH-20%) and 3rd generation cephalosporins (NTH-41%), and as antibiotic prophylaxis, norfloxacin (TH-19%) and ceftriaxone (NTH-24%). Access antibiotics were mostly prescribed (57%) in the TH and Watch antibiotics (66%) in the NTH. Culture and susceptibility tests were seldom done (TH-2%; NTH-1%). Adherence to the NLEMI (TH-80%; NTH-69%) was higher than adherence to the WHOMLEM (TH-77%; NTH-66%). Mean DDD/1000 patient days was two times higher in the NTH than in the TH (185 vs 90). Overall antibiotic prescribing significantly increased in the TH (ß1 =13.7) until 2012, and in the NTH (ß2 =0.96) until 2014, and after that decreased (TH, ß2= -0.01; NTH, ß3= -0.0005). The proportion of Watch antibiotic use significantly increased in both hospitals (TH, ß=0.16; NTH, ß=0.96). CONCLUSION: Total antibiotic use decreased in the last three (NTH) and five years (TH), whereas consumption of Watch antibiotics increased over 10 years in both hospitals. The choice of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis was often inappropriate and antibiotic prescribing was mostly empirical. The results of this study confirmed the need for antibiotic prescribing guidelines and implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs.

Rebound in community antibiotic consumption after the observed decrease during the COVID-19 pandemic, EU/EEA, 2022.

We observed a rebound in consumption of antibacterials for systemic use (ATC J01) in the community sector in the European Union/European Economic Area during 2021 and 2022, after an observed decrease between 2019 and 2020. The rates in 2022 returned to pre-COVID-19-pandemic levels and were exceeded in 13 countries. Although these patterns could partly be a result of changes in disease transmission during the study period, it could also reflect a lost opportunity to strengthen and reinforce prudent antibiotic use.

'If you want to go far, go together'-community-based behaviour change interventions to improve antibiotic use: a systematic review of quantitative and qualitative evidence.

INTRODUCTION: A large proportion of the burden of infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria is linked to community-associated infections. This suggests that interventions set in community settings are needed. Currently there is a gap in understanding the potential of such interventions across all geographies. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence on the value of community-based behaviour change interventions to improve antibiotic use. These are any interventions or innovations to services intended to stimulate behaviour changes among the public towards correct antibiotic use, delivered in a community setting and online. METHODS: Systematic searches of studies published after 2001 were performed in several databases. Of 14 319 articles identified, 73 articles comprising quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: Findings showed positive emerging evidence of the benefits of community-based behaviour change interventions to improve antibiotic use, with multifaceted interventions offering the highest benefit. Interventions that combine educational aspects with persuasion may be more effective than solely educational interventions. The review uncovered difficulties in assessing this type of research and highlights the need for standardized approaches in study design and outcomes measurements. There is emerging, but limited, indication on these interventions' cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Policy makers should consider the potential of community-based behaviour change interventions to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), complementing the clinical-based approaches. In addition to the direct AMR benefits, these could serve also as a means of (re)building trust, due to their inclusive participation leading to greater public ownership and use of community channels.

Family doctors' roles and perceptions on antibiotic consumption and antibiotic resistance in Romania: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health issue, bringing significant health burden and costs to societies. Increased antibiotic consumption (ABC) is linked to AMR emergence. Some of the known drivers of ABC are antibiotics over-prescription by physicians and their misuse by patients. Family doctors are recognised as important stakeholders in the control of ABC as they prescribe antibiotics and are considered a reliable source of medical information by patients. Therefore, it is important to explore their perceptions, especially in Romania, which has the highest ABC among European Union Member States. Furthermore, there is no published research exploring Romanian family doctors' perceptions regarding this phenomenon. METHODS: This was a qualitative study with data collection via semi-structured interviews among 12 family doctors. Manifest and latent content analysis was used to gain an in-depth understanding of their perceptions. Findings were mapped onto the domains of the Behaviour Change Wheel to facilitate a theory driven systematization and analysis. RESULTS: Two main subthemes emerged: i) factors affecting ABC and prescribing and ii) potential interventions to tackle ABC and antibiotic resistance. The factors were further grouped in those that related to the perceived behaviour of family doctors or patients as well as those that had to do with the various systems, local contexts and the COVID-19 pandemic. An overarching theme: 'family doctors in Romania see their role differently when it comes to antibiotic resistance and perceive the lack of patient education or awareness as one of the major drivers of ABC' was articulated. The main findings suggested that the perceived factors span across the capability, opportunity and motivational domains of the behaviour change wheel and could be addressed through a variety of interventions - some identified by the participants. Findings can also be viewed through cultural lenses which shed further light on the family doctor- patient dynamic when it comes to antibiotics use. CONCLUSION: Potential interventions to tackle identified factors emerged, revolving mostly on efforts to educate patients or the public. This exploratory research provides key perspectives and facilitates further research on potential interventions to successfully address AMR in Romania or similar settings.

Antibiotic knowledge, attitudes and reported practice during pregnancy and six months after birth: a follow- up study in Lao PDR.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are important medicines to prevent maternal and child morbidity and mortality. Women's knowledge and attitudes towards antibiotic use influence their practice. When they become mothers, this may be mirrored in the use of antibiotics for their newborn children. The current study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and reported practice of pregnant women regarding antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance as well as their approach towards antibiotic use for their newborn babies. METHODS: This was a follow-up study with data collected via structured interviews between September 2019 and August 2020 in Feuang (rural) and Vangvieng (urban) districts in Vientiane province, Lao PDR. We identified and invited all women attending antenatal care in their third trimester of pregnancy in the selected areas. Using a structured questionnaire at third trimester of pregnancy we captured data on knowledge regarding antibiotic use and resistance. We collected information on attitudes and reported practice at two time points: (i) at third trimester of pregnancy and (ii) 6 months after birth. Univariate analysis and frequency distributions were used to study pattern of responses. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare categorical and continuous variables respectively. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: We surveyed 539 women with a mean age of 25 years. Two oral antibiotics, i) ampicillin and ii) amoxicillin were correctly identified by 68 and 47% of participants respectively. Only 24% of women (19% in Feuang and 29% in Vangvieng) answered correctly that antibiotics are effective against bacterial infections. The most prevalent response was "I don't know" suggesting the questions were challenging. Significantly less women would use antibiotics from a previous illness for their child than for themselves (16% vs 29%), however they would be more willing to use antibiotics for their baby even in case of mild symptoms (29% vs 17% while pregnant). The majority of antibiotics were prescribed by healthcare providers and 46% of children with the common cold received antibiotics. CONCLUSIONS: Women's knowledge was sub-optimal, still, they manifested appropriate attitudes towards antibiotic use during pregnancy and for their child. Nearly half of children received antibiotics for the common cold. There is a need for context adapted programs aiming at improving women's knowledge, as well as healthcare providers, emphasising rational antibiotic prescribing during pregnancy and for children.

Perceptions and reported practices of pregnant women and mothers of children under two years of age regarding antibiotic use and resistance in Vientiane province, Lao PDR: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Understanding pregnant women and mothers' perceptions towards antibiotic use and resistance is essential for appropriate antibiotic use and limiting antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to explore perceptions and reported practices of pregnant women and mothers with children under two years of age regarding correct antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in Vientiane Province, Lao PDR. METHODS: The study employed an exploratory qualitative research design using focus groups discussions (FGDs). Participants were purposively selected based on: being pregnant at third trimester and attending antenatal care and mothers with children under two years of age, attending the health facility for postpartum visit /vaccinations. Six focus group discussions were conducted in September 2019 with a total of 55 women. The FGDs were transcribed verbatim, data were analyzed first by coding then categorizing the data as we looked for patterns and themes by using the qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Most participants had some understanding of antibiotics but wrongly believed antibiotics can be used to treat viral disease. Over half of the participants had heard the term "antibiotic resistance", but often believed it was their bodies, not the bacteria that developed antibiotic resistance. During pregnancy and for their infants, women preferred to use antibiotics only when prescribed by a doctor. Outside of pregnancy however, consuming antibiotics without a prescription was commonly reported. Participants wanted more information about the indications for antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. CONCLUSIONS: More effort is required to increase the level of understanding, and practice of mothers to promote optimal antibiotic use. Mothers' desire to learn more, and their fundamental concern for their children, can be used to promote appropriate antibiotic use. Awareness raising should be complemented by efforts to address other determinants of inappropriate antibiotic use, including educating healthcare workers, and pharmacists and addressing health service determinants that contribute to inappropriate antibiotic use.

Antibiotic Use, Incidence and Risk Factors for Orthopedic Surgical Site Infections in a Teaching Hospital in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Orthopedic surgeries contribute to the overall surgical site infection (SSI) events worldwide. In India, SSI rates vary considerably (1.6−38%); however, there is a lack of a national SSI surveillance system. This study aims to identify the SSI incidence, risk factors, antibiotic prescription and susceptibility patterns among operated orthopedic patients in a teaching hospital in India. Data for 1205 patients were collected from 2013 to 2016. SSIs were identified based on the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control guidelines. The American Society for Anesthesiologists classification system was used to predict patients' operative risk. Univariable and multivariable backward stepwise logistic regressions were performed. Overall, 7.6% of patients developed SSIs over three years. The most common SSIs causative microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus (7%), whose strains were resistant to penicillin (100%), erythromycin (80%), cotrimoxazole (80%), amikacin (60%) and cefoxitin (60%). Amikacin was the most prescribed antibiotic (36%). Male sex (OR 2.64; 95%CI 1.32−5.30), previous hospitalization (OR 2.15; 95%CI 1.25−3.69), antibiotic prescription during hospitalization before perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (OR 4.19; 95%CI 2.51−7.00) and postoperative length of stay > 15 days (OR 3.30; 95%CI 1.83−5.95) were identified as significant risk factors. Additionally, preoperative shower significantly increased the SSI risk (OR 4.73; 95%CI 2.72−8.22), which is unconfirmed in the literature so far.

Antibiotic Prescribing in Connection to Childbirth: An Observational Study in Two Districts in Lao PDR.

Overuse and misuse of antibiotics has frequently been reported for obstetric conditions and procedures, which may impact both the mother and the unborn baby and increase antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to investigate the antibiotic prescribing pattern in connection to childbirth in two districts in Lao PDR. It is a cross-sectional observational study. Antibiotic prescription data related to childbirth was collected via reviews of medical records in two district hospitals and five health centers in Lao PDR from September 2019 to November 2020. In total, antibiotic prescription data for 1777 women were extracted from their medical records. It was found that all women received antibiotics during in-patient care irrespective of delivery mode. When in hospital, 85.5% of the women who underwent a caesarean section got antibiotic treatment for 5 days and women who had a vaginal delivery usually had antibiotic treatment for one day or less. All the women got oral antibiotics for an additional 4-5 days upon discharge. Antibiotic prescription rate in connection to childbirth was very high in comparison with the WHO guidelines, and antibiotics were used extensively in the participating health facilities. Interventions to guide appropriate prescribing behavior in relation to childbirth are urgently needed in Lao PDR.

Knowledge, Attitudes, Perception and Reported Practices of Healthcare Providers on Antibiotic Use and Resistance in Pregnancy, Childbirth and Children under Two in Lao PDR: A Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Overuse and misuse of antibiotics contribute unnecessarily to antibiotic resistance (ABR), and are thereby global health threats. Inappropriate prescriptions of antibiotics during pregnancy, delivery and early childhood are widespread across the world. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and reported practices of healthcare providers (HCPs) and to explore their perceptions regarding antibiotic use and ABR related to pregnancy, childbirth, and children under two in Lao PDR. METHODS: This is a mixed methods study with data collection in 2019 via structured interviews among 217 HCPs (medical doctors/assistant doctors, midwives/nurses, pharmacists/assistant pharmacists and drug sellers), who prescribed/dispensed antibiotics in one rural and one urban district in Vientiane province and individual qualitative interviews with 30 HCPs and stakeholders. RESULTS: Of the HCPs, 36% had below average knowledge regarding antibiotic use and ABR, and 67% reported prescribing antibiotics for uncomplicated vaginal delivery. Half of the HCPs did not believe that their prescribing contributed to ABR, and only 9% had participated in antibiotic education. CONCLUSION: A substantial number of HCPs had suboptimal knowledge and prescribed antibiotics unnecessarily, thereby contributing to ABR. Continuous education and regular supervision of HCPs is recommended to improve the use of antibiotics related to pregnancy, childbirth, and young children.

Impact of a Social Marketing Intervention on General Practitioners' Antibiotic Prescribing Practices for Acute Respiratory Tract Complaints in Malta.

Introduction: Antibiotics are commonly prescribed in primary care for acute respiratory tract complaints (aRTCs), often inappropriately. Social marketing interventions could improve prescribing in such settings. We evaluate the impact of a social marketing intervention on general practitioners' (GPs') antibiotic prescribing for aRTCs in Malta. Methods: Changes in GPs' antibiotic prescribing were monitored over two surveillance periods between 2015 and 2018. Primary outcome: change in antibiotic prescription for aRTCs. Secondary outcomes: change in antibiotic prescription: (i) for immediate use, (ii) for delayed antibiotic prescription, (iii) by diagnosis, and (iv) by antibiotic class. Data were analysed using clustered analysis and interrupted time series analysis (ITSA). Results: Of 33 participating GPs, 18 successfully completed the study. Although clustered analyses showed a significant 3% decrease in overall antibiotic prescription (p = 0.024), ITSA showed no significant change overall (p = 0.264). Antibiotic prescription decreased significantly for the common cold (p < 0.001), otitis media (p = 0.044), and sinusitis (p = 0.004), but increased for pharyngitis (p = 0.015). Conclusions: The intervention resulted in modest improvements in GPs' antibiotic prescribing. A more top-down approach will likely be required for future initiatives to be successful in this setting, focusing on diagnostic and prescribing support like rapid diagnostic testing, prescribing guidelines, and standardised delayed antibiotic prescriptions.

Antibiotic Prescribing to Patients with Infectious and Non-Infectious Indications Admitted to Obstetrics and Gynaecology Departments in Two Tertiary Care Hospitals in Central India.

Background: Patients admitted to obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGY) departments are at high risk of infections and subsequent antibiotic prescribing, which may contribute to antibiotic resistance (ABR). Although antibiotic surveillance is one of the cornerstones to combat ABR, it is rarely performed in low- and middle-income countries. Aim: To describe and compare antibiotic prescription patterns among the inpatients in OBGY departments of two tertiary care hospitals, one teaching (TH) and one nonteaching (NTH), in Central India. Methods: Data on patients' demographics, diagnoses and prescribed antibiotics were collected prospectively for three years. Patients were divided into two categories- infectious and non-infectious diagnosis and were further divided into three groups: surgical, nonsurgical and possible-surgical indications. The data was coded based on the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system, and the International Classification of Disease system version-10 and Defined Daily Doses (DDDs) were calculated per 1000 patients. Results: In total, 5558 patients were included in the study, of those, 81% in the TH and 85% in the NTH received antibiotics (p < 0.001). Antibiotics were prescribed frequently to the inpatients in the nonsurgical group without any documented bacterial infection (TH-71%; NTH-75%). Prescribing of broad-spectrum, fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of antibiotics was more common in both categories in the NTH than in the TH. Overall, higher DDD/1000 patients were prescribed in the TH in both categories. Conclusions: Antibiotics were frequently prescribed to the patients with no documented infectious indications. Misprescribing of the broad-spectrum FDCs of antibiotics and unindicated prescribing of antibiotics point towards threat of ABR and needs urgent action. Antibiotics prescribed to the inpatients having nonbacterial infection indications is another point of concern that requires action. Investigation of underlying reasons for prescribing antibiotics for unindicated diagnoses and the development and implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs are recommended measures to improve antibiotic prescribing practice.

Impact of 'HIV-related stigma-reduction workshops' on knowledge and attitude of healthcare providers and students in Central India: a pre-test and post-test intervention study.

INTRODUCTION: People living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA) experience stigma and discrimination throughout their life. The consequences of stigma and discrimination are severe when enacted by healthcare providers (HCPs), and result in a delay in or poor adherence to treatment. Studies have demonstrated the presence of stigmatising behaviours among HCPs, yet only a few have presented the impact of interventions on the knowledge and attitude of practising (clinicians and nurses) and future (students) HCPs. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate knowledge, attitudes and infection risk perceptions related to HIV/AIDS among practising and future HCPs in central India. In addition, the impact of the 'HIV-related stigma-reduction workshop' using a pre-intervention and post-intervention study design was evaluated. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: The study was conducted in 2016 at two tertiary-care hospitals and three healthcare colleges in central India. Overall, 650 HCPs (75 clinicians and 211 nurses) and students (205 medical, 123 nursing and 36 Diploma in Medical and Laboratory Technology (DMLT)) voluntarily participated in the study. INTERVENTION: The educational intervention comprised of training in epidemiology, the transmission and treatment of the HIV infection, the rights of PLWHA, the duties of HCPs and the use of standard precautions. RESULTS: At pre-intervention, DMLT students had the lowest and clinicians the highest knowledge scores (24% and 45%, respectively). The stigmatised attitude was reflected in all groups, the lowest among clinicians (21%) and the highest among DMLT students (34%). Improvement in the post-intervention knowledge scores was the highest in medical students (36%) and the lowest among clinicians (16%). The participants' attitudes improved between 3% and 17% across all groups. CONCLUSIONS: Significant post-intervention improvements were seen in both knowledge and attitudes in all groups. Students had a higher tendency to improve than HCPs. Further long-term studies are needed to evaluate the sustainability of the improvements in knowledge and attitudes of the participants.

Containment of Antibiotic REsistance-measures to improve antibiotic use in pregnancy, childbirth and young children (CAREChild): a protocol of a prospective, quasiexperimental interventional study in Lao PDR.

INTRODUCTION: Antibiotics are essential to treat infections during pregnancy and to reduce both maternal and infant mortality. Overall use, but especially non-indicated use, and misuse of antibiotics are drivers of antibiotic resistance (ABR). High non-indicated use of antibiotics for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries is widespread in many parts of the world. Similarly, irrational use of antibiotics is reported for children. There is scarcity of evidence regarding antibiotic use and ABR in Lao PDR (Laos). The overarching aim of this project is to fill those knowledge gaps and to evaluate a quality improvement intervention. The primary objective is to estimate the proportion of uncomplicated vaginal deliveries where antibiotics are used and to compare its trend before and after the intervention. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This 3-year, prospective, quasiexperimental study without comparison group includes a formative and interventional phase. Data on antibiotic use during delivery will be collected from medical records. Knowledge, attitudes and reported practices on antibiotic use in pregnancy, during delivery and for children, will be collected from women through questionnaires. Healthcare providers' knowledge, attitudes and practices of antibiotics administration for pregnant women, during delivery and for children, will be collected via adapted questionnaires. Perceptions regarding antibiotics will be explored through focus group discussions with women and individual interviews with key stakeholders. Faecal samples for culturing of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. and antibiotic susceptibility testing will be taken before, during and 6 months after delivery to determine colonisation of resistant strains. The planned intervention will comprise training workshops, educational materials and social media campaign and will be evaluated using interrupted time series analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The project received ethical approval from the National Ethics Committee for Health Research, Ministry of Health, Laos. The results will be disseminated via scientific publications, conference presentations and communication with stakeholders. TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN16217522; Pre-results.

Correction to: Perioperative antibiotic prescribing in surgery departments of two private sector hospitals in Madhya Pradesh, India.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13741-019-0121-3.].

Perioperative antibiotic prescribing in surgery departments of two private sector hospitals in Madhya Pradesh, India.

BACKGROUND: Single-dose perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) is recommended for clean, non-infectious surgeries to prevent surgical site infections. However, the common practice of unindicated use and prolonged use of antibiotics contributes to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance (ABR). The present study explores the perioperative use of antibiotics among inpatients with surgical indications at surgery departments of a teaching (TH) and a non-teaching (NTH) tertiary care hospital in Madhya Pradesh, India. METHODS: Data was collected manually for all inpatients for 3 years (April 2008-August 2011). Patients with non-infectious surgical indications were selected for detailed analysis at the diagnosis group level. RESULTS: Out of 12,434 enrolled inpatients (TH 6171 and NTH 6263), the majority (> 85%) received antibiotics. None of the inpatients received the recommended single-dose PAP. The average duration of antibiotic treatment was significantly longer at the TH compared to the NTH (9.5 vs 4.4 days, p < 0.001). Based on the study aim, 5984 patients were classified in four diagnosis groups: upper or lower urinary tract surgery indications (UUTSI and LUTSI), and routine or emergency abdominal surgery indications (RASI and EASI). In both hospitals, quinolones were the most prescribed antibiotics for UUTSI (TH 70%, NTH 37%) and LUTSI (TH 70%, NTH 61%) antibiotic. In the TH, aminoglycosides (TH 32%) were commonly prescribed for RASI and imidazole derivatives (75%) for EASI. In the NTH, cephalosporins (39%) and imidazole derivatives (56%) were the most prescribed in RASI and EASI, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: High prescribing of antibiotics in all four selected diagnoses groups was observed at both hospitals. In spite of the recommended single-dose PAP, antibiotics were mainly prescribed for longer durations. The unrecommended use of antibiotics is a risk factor for the development of AMR. Improving the quality of antibiotic prescribing by a stewardship program focusing on the development and implementation of local prescribing guidelines is needed.

Serum 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, a marker of oxidative DNA damage, is associated with mortality independent of inflammation in chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress and low-grade systemic inflammation are common interrelated sequelae of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that associate with mortality. We investigated the association of serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of oxidative DNA damage, with mortality in CKD individuals and analyzed whether inflammation modifies the association. METHODS: In 376 individuals with a wide range of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR); >60 ml/min (n = 53), 15-60 ml/min (n = 60) and <15 ml/min (n = 263), cut-off values of serum 8-OHdG, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) as predictors of mortality were determined by ROC curves. We analyzed associations of 8-OHdG with inflammation markers and the overlapping effect of hsCRP, IL-6 and TNF on the association between 8-OHdG and all-cause mortality by multivariate generalized linear models. RESULTS: In separate individual exposure analyses, higher 8-OHdG, hsCRP, and IL-6 (but not TNF) were each independently associated with increased risk of death in multivariate models adjusted for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, protein-energy wasting, cohort calendar year, blood sample storage time and eGFR. For 8-OHdG, the multivariate relative risk ratio, RR8-OHdG (95% confidence interval) 1.17 (1.08-1.26), remained essentially unchanged when adjusting also for inflammation in three separate models including: hsCRP, RR8-OHdG = 1.15 (1.06-1.25); IL-6, RR8-OHdG = 1.15 (1.07-1.25); and TNF, RR8-OHdG = 1.16 (1.07-1.26). CONCLUSIONS: Serum 8-OHdG, a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage, is associated with increased all-cause mortality risk in individuals with a wide range of eGFR and this association is independent of inflammation.

Drivers of Irrational Use of Antibiotics in Europe.

The unnecessary use of antibiotics and concomitant rapid growth of antibiotic resistance (ABR) is a widely acknowledged threat to global health, development, and sustainability. While the underlying cause of ABR is undoubtedly the overall volume of antibiotic use in general, irrational antibiotic use, which is influenced by several interrelated factors, is a major contributory factor. Here, we aimed to present and describe selected main drivers of irrational use of antibiotics in Europe. We performed a broad search of the current literature in databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane, as well as various institutional websites (World Health Organization, European Observatory, European Commission) to provide a new perspective on selected drivers of irrational antibiotic use in Europe. We also searched for relevant literature using snowballing, i.e., using reference lists of papers to identify additional papers. In this narrative review, we present that major factors among the general public driving antibiotic resistance are lack of public knowledge and awareness, access to antibiotics without prescription and leftover antibiotics, and knowledge attitude and perception of prescribers and dispensers, inadequate medical training, pharmaceutical promotion, lack of rapid and sufficient diagnostic tests, and patient⁻doctor interaction as major factors among healthcare providers. We further discuss initiatives that, if taken and implemented, can have an impact on and improve the current situation in Europe.

Prognostic Value of Copeptin in Chronic Kidney Disease: From General Population to End-Stage Renal Disease.

Arginine vasopressin (AVP), also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is released in response to osmotic and non-osmotic stimuli and plays a key role in many physiologic and pathologic processes. The main function of AVP is the control of fluid homeostasis by inducing water conservation by the kidney, but it also stimulates arteriolar vasoconstriction and the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). These actions are mediated by different AVP receptors located on various target cells. Produced in hypothalamus from a larger precursor, pre-proAVP, AVP is produced in equimolar amounts to copeptin, a glycopeptide with yet unknown biologic function. Copeptin remains stable in plasma and its circulating concentrations correlate directly with those of AVP. Because AVP is unstable in isolated plasma or serum and its half-life is short, copeptin has become an easily measured surrogate marker reflecting vasopressin concentration. Recently, associations between high circulating copeptin and decline in glomerular filtration rate as well as greater risk of new-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been reported. In addition, copeptin has been shown to be associated with increased risk of complications such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. In this brief review, studies on the prognostic value of copeptin measurement in the general population and in CKD are presented and discussed.

Dialysis access, infections, and hospitalisations in unplanned dialysis start patients: results from the OPTiONS study.

INTRODUCTION: Unplanned dialysis start (UPS) associates with worse clinical outcomes, higher utilisation of healthcare resources, lower chances to select dialysis modality and UPS patients typically commenced in-centre haemodialysis (HD) with central venous catheter (CVC). We evaluated patient outcomes and healthcare utilisation depending on initial dialysis access (CVC or PD catheter) and subsequent pathway of UPS patients. METHODS: In this study patient demographics, access procedures, hospitalisations, and major infectious complications were analysed over 12 months in 270 UPS patients. PD technique survival and impact of switching from HD to PD was examined along with logistic regression to investigate factors predicting AV fistula formation. RESULTS: 72 UPS patients started with PD catheter and 198 with CVC. PD patients were older and more comorbid but had a significantly lower number of access procedures while there was no difference in hospitalisation or major infections. 13/72 initial PD patients switched to HD and 1-year technique survival was 79%. 158/198 patients remained on HD and 73/158 reported permanent access formation. Older age, OR = 0.34 (CI,0.17-0.68) and cardiac failure, OR = 0.31(CI,0.13-0.78), were significant negative predictors of receiving fistula. Younger patients, OR = 0.29 (CI, 0.11-0.79) and those who received AVF, OR = 0.11 (CI,0.03-0.38), had significantly lower odds of death. DISCUSSION: UPS with initial PD was possible in many patients and was associated with lower requirement for access procedures. AVF formation in UPS patients starting on HD was associated with better 1-year survival. Modality switching in UPS patients requires careful clinical management, including clinical practice patterns promoting permanent HD access formation.

Offering Patients Therapy Options in Unplanned Start (OPTiONS): Implementation of an educational program is feasible and effective.

BACKGROUND: Patients with unplanned dialysis start (UPS) have worse clinical outcomes than non-UPS patients, and receive peritoneal dialysis (PD) less frequently. In the OPTiONS study of UPS patients, an educational programme (UPS-EP) aiming at improving care of UPS patients by facilitating care pathways and enabling informed choice of dialysis modality was implemented. We here report on impact of UPS-EP on modality choice and clinical outcomes in UPS patients. METHODS: This non-interventional, prospective, multi-center, observational study included 270 UPS patients from 26 centers in 6 European countries (Austria, Germany, Denmark, France, United Kingdom and Sweden) who prior to inclusion presented acutely, or were being followed by nephrologists but required urgent dialysis commencement by an acutely placed CVC or PD catheter. Effects of UPS-EP on choice and final decision of dialysis therapy and outcomes within 12 months of follow up were analysed. RESULTS: Among 270 UPS patients who had an unplanned start to dialysis, 214 were able to receive and 203 complete UPS-EP while 56 patients - who were older (p = 0.01) and had higher Charlson comorbidity index (CCI; p < 0.01) - did not receive UPS-EP. Among 177 patients who chose dialysis modality after UPS-EP, 103 (58%) chose PD (but only 86% of them received PD) and 74 (42%) chose HD (95% received HD). Logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes 1.88 (1.05 - 3.37) and receiving UPS-EP, OR = 4.74 (CI, 2.05 - 10.98) predicted receipt of PD. Patients choosing PD had higher CCI (p = 0.01), higher prevalence of congestive heart failure (p < 0.01) and myocardial infarction (p = 0.02), and were more likely in-patients (p = 0.02) or referred from primary care (p = 0.02). One year survival did not differ significantly between PD and HD patients. Peritonitis and bacteraemia rates were better than international guideline standards. CONCLUSIONS: UPS-EP predicted patient use of PD but 14% of those choosing PD after UPS-EP still did not receive the modality they preferred. Patient survival in patients choosing and/or receiving PD was similar to HD despite age and comorbidity disadvantages of the PD groups.