Automated surveillance in French ICUs: is it feasible? Results from a survey in French ICUs participating in a surveillance network.

A survey was undertaken to evaluate the level of computerization in intensive care units (ICUs) within a French network dedicated to the surveillance of healthcare-associated infections, antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in ICUs (REA-REZO). Ninety-eight ICUs responded, and patient records were computerized in 57%, antimicrobial prescriptions were computerized in 59% and AMR epidemiology was computerized in 72%. AMU and AMR feedback was provided to the ICU itself for 77% and 65% of ICUs, respectively, and feedback was provided to the national surveillance for 79% and 65% of ICUs, respectively. This study suggests that the level of computerization in ICUs requires further improvement.

[Mixed tuberculous and pneumococcal meningitis after splenectomy (author's transl)]. / Eitrige Meningitis durch Mischinfektion mit Pneumokokken-und Tuberkelbazillen nach Splenektomie.

A 16 year old boy, splenectomized at the age of 11 years, after an accident, died of a recurring pyogen meningitis. The bacteriologic diagnosis of the CSF culture revealed a mixed pneumococcal-tuberculous infection. Splenectomy is discussed with regard to a disturbed immediated and delayed immunresponse.