Cumulative effects of pre-pandemic vulnerabilities and pandemic-related hardship on psychological distress among pregnant individuals.

OBJECTIVE: Our primary objective was to determine whether pre-existing vulnerabilities and resilience factors combined with objective hardship resulted in cumulative (i.e., additive) effects on psychological distress in pregnant individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. A secondary objective was to determine whether any of the effects of pandemic-related hardship were compounded (i.e., multiplicative) by pre-existing vulnerabilities. METHOD: Data are from a prospective pregnancy cohort study, the Pregnancy During the COVID-19 Pandemic study (PdP). This cross-sectional report is based upon the initial survey collected at recruitment between April 5, 2020 and April 30, 2021. Logistic regressions were used to evaluate our objectives. RESULTS: Pandemic-related hardship substantially increased the odds of scoring above the clinical cut-off on measures of anxiety and depression symptoms. Pre-existing vulnerabilities had cumulative (i.e., additive) effects on the odds of scoring above the clinical cut-off on measures of anxiety and depression symptoms. There was no evidence of compounding (i.e., multiplicative) effects. Social support had a protective effect on anxiety and depression symptoms, but government financial aid did not. CONCLUSION: Pre-pandemic vulnerability and pandemic-related hardship had cumulative effects on psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adequate and equitable responses to pandemics and disasters may require more intensive supports for those with multiple vulnerabilities.

Implicit and explicit safety evaluation of foods: The importance of food processing.

Identifying beneficial foods in the environment, while avoiding ingesting something toxic, is a crucial task humans face on a daily basis. Here we directly examined adults' implicit and explicit safety evaluations of the same foods presented with different degrees of processing, ranging from unprocessed (raw) to processed (cut or cooked). Moreover, we investigated whether individual characteristics (e.g., Body Mass Index, food neophobia and hunger) modulated their evaluations. We hypothesized that adults would associate the processed form of a food with safety more than its unprocessed form since processing techniques, which are ubiquitously applied in different cultures, often reduce the toxicity of foods, and signal previous human intervention and intended consumption. Adults (N = 109, 43 females) performed an implicit Go/No-Go association task (GNAT) online, assessing the association between safety attributes and food images differing on their degree of processing, both unfamiliar and familiar foods were used. Then each food was explicitly evaluated. Results revealed that individual self-reported characteristics affected both implicit and explicit evaluations. Individuals with excess weight and obesity had a strong and positive implicit association between processed foods and safety attributes, but explicitly rated cooked foods as the least safe overall, this latter result was found in highly neophobic individuals as well. Yet, at the explicit level, when looking at unfamiliar foods only, processed foods were rated safer than unprocessed foods by all participants. Our results are the first evidence that directly highlights the relevance of the degree of processing in food safety evaluation and suggest that thinking of the important tasks humans face regarding food selection enriches our understanding of food behaviors.

Impact of admission to high-risk isolation room on patients' and healthcare workers' perceptions: A qualitative cross-assessment Approach.

INTRODUCTION: High-risk isolation units (HRIU) house patients at high risk of transmitting infectious agents, notably patients with suspected viral hemorrhagic fever or smear-positive tuberculosis. Admission to HRIU can alter the quality of care and impact patients' and healthcare workers' (HCWs) anxiety and dissatisfaction. METHODS: The Infectious Diseases Department of the Bichat Claude Bernard Hospital in Paris houses a 7-bed HRIU. We conducted a qualitative study based on individual semi-structured interviews to assess the perceptions of both patients and HCWs. RESULTS: We interviewed 14 patients and 16 HCWs routinely working in the HRIU. All 8 patients subject to isolation precautions and 1 of the 6 patients not subject to isolation precautions expressed a negative representation of the room with a feeling of confinement, stigma, and mistrust. They also reported a lack of information from healthcare staff and a need for entertainment, activities, and visits from relatives. HCWs did not like working in this unit because of the anteroom's technical constraints and a loss of frequent contact with patients. They also expressed a feeling of insecurity working in these units despite the use of interphones. CONCLUSION: Placing patients in an HRIU not only affects their emotions, but also impacts HCWs both emotionally and organizationally. Alert systems, intercoms, and videoconferencing systems can improve safety and security as well as exchanges with patients and their relatives. Psychological support is needed for patients who are subject to isolation precautions and for their attending HCWs.

Long-term plasma pharmacokinetics of bedaquiline for multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis.

SETTING: Bedaquiline (BDQ) has been approved for the treatment of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/XDR-TB). For many patients treatment is prolonged beyond the recommended 6 months. The long-term pharmacokinetics of BDQ have yet to be elucidated. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate plasma concentrations of BDQ during treatment and its elimination after treatment discontinuation. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study conducted in two units in France that provide treatment for MDR/XDR-TB. Sociodemographic, clinical, biological and therapeutic parameters were collected from patients currently or formerly treated with BDQ. Plasma concentrations of BDQ and its active M2 (N-desmethyl) metabolite were determined using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Thirteen patients were recruited (35 samples): 10 (31 samples) during BDQ treatment and 3 (4 samples) after BDQ discontinuation. The median duration of treatment with BDQ was 11 months (interquartile range [IQR] 8-14). During treatment, the median plasma BDQ concentrations and M2 were respectively 1264 ng/ml (IQR 910-2244) and 252 ng/ml (IQR 134-290). In one patient, BDQ was detected in the plasma 200 days after treatment discontinuation (528 ng/ml). CONCLUSION: BDQ and M2 plasma concentrations were consistent with good drug efficacy/safety profiles, suggesting good treatment adherence with no relevant drug interactions. The long-term plasma detectability of BDQ after treatment discontinuation may raise the spectre of the emergence of resistance.

Clinical management of respiratory syndrome in patients hospitalized for suspected Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection in the Paris area from 2013 to 2016.

BACKGROUND: Patients with suspected Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection should be hospitalized in isolation wards to avoid transmission. This suspicion can also lead to medical confusion and inappropriate management of acute respiratory syndrome due to causes other than MERS-CoV. METHODS: We studied the characteristics and outcome of patients hospitalized for suspected MERS-CoV infection in the isolation wards of two referral infectious disease departments in the Paris area between January 2013 and December 2016. RESULTS: Of 93 adult patients (49 male (52.6%), median age 63.4 years) hospitalized, 82 out of 93 adult patients had returned from Saudi Arabia, and 74 of them were pilgrims (Hajj). Chest X-ray findings were abnormal in 72 (77%) patients. The 93 patients were negative for MERS-CoV RT-PCR, and 70 (75.2%) patients had documented infection, 47 (50.5%) viral, 22 (23.6%) bacterial and one Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Microbiological analysis identified Rhinovirus (27.9%), Influenza virus (26.8%), Legionella pneumophila (7.5%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (7.5%), and non-MERS-coronavirus (6.4%). Antibiotics were initiated in 81 (87%) cases, with two antibiotics in 63 patients (67.7%). The median duration of hospitalization and isolation was 3 days (1-33) and 24 h (8-92), respectively. Time of isolation decreased over time (P < 0.01). Two patients (2%) died. CONCLUSION: The management of patients with possible MERS-CoV infection requires medical facilities with trained personnel, and rapid access to virological results. Empirical treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors and an association of antibiotics effective against S. pneumoniae and L. pneumophila are the cornerstones of the management of patients hospitalized for suspected MERS-CoV infection.

Contribution of brain imaging to the diagnosis of intracranial tuberculoma and other brain lesions in patients presenting with miliary tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Miliary tuberculosis (miliary TB) is characterized by a hematogenous spread of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Cerebral lesions associated with miliary TB have been reported with diverse frequencies. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed brain imaging in 34 patients presenting with proven miliary TB hospitalized in our teaching hospital between 2008 and 2014. RESULTS: Neurological symptoms were present at admission in 15 patients, emerged during treatment in six, and were never reported in 13. Twenty-one of 34 patients had cerebral involvement, of which five patients did not present with any neurological symptoms. The most common brain lesions on MRI were tuberculomas. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis showed elevated cell count in eight patients who all had abnormal MRI results. Nine patients with normal CSF had abnormal MRI results. CSF cultures were positive in only eight patients. Paradoxical clinical worsening during TB and corticosteroid treatment was observed in six patients. CONCLUSION: Among patients presenting with miliary TB who underwent brain imaging, more than 60% demonstrated cerebral involvement. Abnormal imaging could occur without any clinical nor CSF impairment. Systematically performing brain imaging in miliary TB patients could therefore be informative.

Evaluation of broad-spectrum beta-lactam prescriptions (except carbapenems) in a French teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess broad-spectrum beta-lactam prescriptions (except carbapenems) in a French teaching hospital and the impact of controlled dispensing, antimicrobial management team, and antibiotic treatment reassessment on Day 2-3. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a point-prevalence study in all hospital units and analyzed curative antibiotic broad-spectrum beta-lactam prescriptions. The assessment focused on indication, dosing, combinations, revaluation on Day 2-3, and treatment duration. RESULTS: Sixty-seven broad-spectrum beta-lactam prescriptions were identified. The main prescriptions were amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (37%, n=25), ceftriaxone (36%, n=24), and piperacillin-tazobactam (16%, n=11). Indications, doses, combinations, and reassessment on Day 2-3 were appropriate, respectively 90% (n=60), 96% (n=64), 94% (33/35 combinations), and 88% (n=59). However, appropriate treatment durations amounted to only 63% (n=42). The benefit of controlled dispensing was observed in terms of overall antibiotic treatment duration: 86% versus 51% adequacy for uncontrolled dispensing of beta-lactams (P=0.02). The antimicrobial management team improved the antibiotic treatment duration: 73% of appropriate durations versus 44% for beta-lactams not monitored by the team, but this difference was not significant. CONCLUSION: Broad-spectrum beta-lactams were usually well prescribed but the adequacy of treatment duration could be improved, especially by reinforcing the monitoring of prescriptions.

Case of disseminated histoplasmosis in a HIV-infected patient revealed by nasal involvement with maxillary osteolysis.

BACKGROUND: Disseminated Histoplasmosis (DH) is a rare manifestation of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in European countries. Naso-maxillar osteolysis due to Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum (Hcc) is unusual in endemic countries and has never been reported in European countries. Differential diagnoses such as malignant tumors, cocaine use, granulomatosis, vasculitis and infections are more frequently observed and could delay and/or bias the final diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of an immunocompromised patient infected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) with naso-maxillar histoplasmosis in a non-endemic country. Our aim is to describe the clinical presentation, the diagnostic and therapeutic issues. A 53-year-old woman, originated from Haiti, was admitted in 2016 for nasal deformation with alteration of general condition evolving for at least 6 months. HIV infection was diagnosed in 2006 and classified at AIDS stage in 2008 due to cytomegalovirus infection associated with pulmonary histoplasmosis. At admission, CD4 cell count was 9/mm3. Surgical biopsies were performed and ruled out differential or associated diagnoses. Mycological cultures identified Hcc and Blood Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for Hcc was positive. The patient was given daily Amphothericin B liposomal infusion during 1 month. Hcc PCR became negative in the blood under treatment, and then oral switch by itraconazole was introduced. Antiretroviral treatment was reintroduced after a 3-week histoplasmosis treatment. Normalization of naso-maxillar mucosa enabled a palatal prosthesis. CONCLUSION: Naso-maxillar histoplasmosis is extremely rare; this is the first case ever reported in a non-endemic country. Differential diagnoses must be ruled out by conducting microbiologic tools and histological examinations on surgical biopsies. Early antifungal treatment should be initiated in order to prevent DH severe outcomes.

Determinants of macroscopic anal cancer and precancerous lesions in 1206 HIV-infected screened patients.

AIM: Anal screening is recommended in HIV-positive patients, especially men who have sex with men (MSM), due to an increased incidence of anal cancer. The optimal screening methods are not generally agreed. METHOD: Screening for anal lesions by anorectal examination, including anoscopy, was offered to HIV-positive outpatients in a tertiary care university hospital regardless of gender or sexual orientation. RESULTS: Among the 1206 screened patients (701 MSM, 247 heterosexual men, 258 women), 311 (26%) had histologically proven lesions related to human papilloma virus (HPV) (34% MSM, 14% heterosexual men, 14% women); 123 (10%) had low-grade dysplasia and 70 (6%) high-grade dysplasia. Seven anal cancers were also diagnosed. Determinants of any lesion were age < 45 years [OR = 1.56 (95% CI, 1.16-2.11)], a CD4 count of < 200/mm3 [OR = 2.54 (1.71-3.78)], receptive anal intercourse [OR =3.03 (2.06-4.47)], sub-Saharan African origin [OR = 0.53 (0.33-0.85)], and history of HPV-related lesion [OR = 1.84 (1.35-2.51)]. These determinants were similar for all different grades of dysplasia. In patient subgroup analysis, receptive anal intercourse, the CD4 cell count and a history of HPV lesions were determinants of HPV-positivity in all patients, whereas age was only a determinant in men. CONCLUSION: Anoscopy is an alternative method for anal screening in an HIV-positive population. This screening has to be compared with other tools in populations at high risk of anal cancer.

Complications following intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin treatment for bladder cancer: a case series of 22 patients.

BACKGROUND: Intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy is an effective and widely used treatment for superficial bladder carcinoma. Local complications are frequent whereas systemic complications are rare but can be serious, and their management is not well known. METHODS: We describe retrospectively the records of 22 patients treated in 3 infectious disease departments, for complications related to intravesical BCG therapy as treatment of bladder cancer. RESULTS: All the patients were male, with a median age of 68 years (range 56-88). Complications occurred after a median of 5 instillations (range 1-11) and were observed within 24 h following BCG instillation for 14 patients. Common symptoms were fever (n = 20), impaired general condition (n = 14), and shortness of breath (n = 7). Six patients had a systemic septic reaction leading to transfer into the intensive care unit for five of them. Lung infiltration was the most frequent presentation (n = 11). Mycobacterium bovis was isolated from only two patients, but histology showed the presence of a granuloma in nine patients. Antimycobacterial treatment was initialized in 17 patients; the outcome was favorable in 16 patients, with a median length of symptoms resolution of 22.5 days (range 5-425 days). Eleven patients received corticosteroids in addition to specific treatment and had a more rapid improvement. One patient died with disseminated BCGitis proved by biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Complications following intravesical BCG therapy are rare but can be severe and fatal. Histology seems to be the method that contributes most in confirmation of the diagnosis. Antimycobacterial therapy is effective, and probably more efficient when combined with corticosteroids, but the regimen and duration of the treatment are not standardized.

Audit of carbapenem prescriptions comparing 2 assessment periods.

OBJECTIVE: The emergence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae has resulted in the increase of carbapenem prescriptions. The objective of our study was to determine the appropriateness of carbapenem prescriptions from initiation to reassessment of treatment, between 2009 and 2011. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A questionnaire drafted by infectious diseases specialists (IDS) and microbiologists was used to collect clinical and microbiological data concerning carbapenem prescriptions in 2009 and 2011. An IDS then compared the results to assess carbapenem prescription compliance with our hospital's local recommendations. RESULTS: Seventy-one prescriptions were included in 2009 and 32 in 2011. The carbapenem treatment had been most frequently probabilistic to treat nosocomial infections. The microbiological data revealed that the number of multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections had increased between 2009 and 2011, especially infections involving ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. At treatment reassessment, in 2009 and 2011, 15 (21%) and 12 (38%) carbapenem prescriptions were appropriate and continued. Overall, when comparing the 2 periods, prescriptions complied with local guidelines from initiation to reassessment of treatment without any statistically significant difference (68% in 2009 and 75% in 2011). CONCLUSION: Our study results showed that MDR infections had increased and especially infections due to ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae; this was consistent with epidemiological data. We also proved that most carbapenem prescriptions were compliant with recommendations. The increased mobile IDS interventions in medical and surgical departments helped reach this rate of compliance. Carbapenem stewardship may be promoted even in a difficult epidemiological context, especially with IDS interventions for the duration of treatment or at treatment reassessment.

Postprescription review improves in-hospital antibiotic use: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Although review of antibiotic therapy is recommended to optimize antibiotic use, physicians do not always perform it. This trial aimed to evaluate the impact of a systematic postprescription review performed by antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) infectious disease physicians (IDP) on the quality of in-hospital antibiotic use. A multicenter, prospective, randomized, parallel-group trial using the PROBE (Prospective Randomized Open-label Blinded Endpoint) methodology was conducted in eight surgical or medical wards of four hospitals. Two hundred forty-six patients receiving antibiotic therapy prescribed by ward physicians for less than 24 hours were randomized to receive either a systematic review by the ASP IDP at day 1 and days 3 to 4 (intervention group, n = 123) or no systematic review (usual care, n = 123). The primary outcome measure was appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy, a composite score of appropriateness of antibiotic use at days 3 to 4 and appropriate treatment duration, adjudicated by a blinded committee. Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. In the intervention group, appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy was more frequent (55/123, 44.7% vs. 35/123, 28.5%; odds ratio 2.03, 95% confidence interval 1.20-3.45). Antibiotic treatment duration was lower in the intervention group (median (interquartile range) 7 (3-9) days vs. 10 (7-12) days; p 0.003). ASP IDP counseling to change therapy was more frequent at days 3 to 4 than at day 1 (114/123; 92.7% vs. 24/123; 19.5%, p <0.001). Clinical outcome was similar between groups. This study suggests that a systematic postprescription antibiotic review performed at days 1 and 3 to 4 results in higher quality of antibiotic use and lower antibiotic duration. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01136200).

[Pulmonary manifestations in HIV-infected patients: a diagnostic approach]. / Manifestations pulmonaires au cours de l'infection par le VIH: démarche diagnostique.

The spectrum of pulmonary diseases that can affect human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients is wide and includes both HIV and non-HIV-related conditions. Opportunistic infections and neoplasms remain a major concern even in the current era of combination antiretroviral therapy. Although these diseases have characteristic clinical and radiological features, there can be considerable variation in these depending on the patient's CD4 lymphocyte count. The patient's history, physical examination, CD4 count and chest radiograph features must be considered in establishing an appropriate diagnostic algorithm. In this article, we propose different diagnostic approaches HIV infected to patients with respiratory symptoms depending on their clinico-radiological pattern.

Quinolones versus macrolides in the treatment of legionellosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Legionellosis is a life-threatening disease. The clinical superiority of quinolones or macrolides for treating patients with legionellosis has not been established. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting data that allowed the comparison of quinolones versus macrolides in the treatment of proven legionellosis published from 1 January 1985 to 31 January 2013. We collected baseline aggregate patient characteristics. Studied outcomes included mortality, clinical cure, time to apyrexia, length of hospital stay and occurrence of complications in each treatment group. Treatment effect was assessed using a Mantel-Haenszel random effects model. RESULTS: Among 1005 abstracts reviewed, 12 studies were selected (n=879 patients). No randomized controlled trial was performed directly comparing quinolone and macrolide efficacy in legionellosis. Mean age was 58.3 years, 27.7% were women and Fine score was ≥ 4 in 35.8%. Among 253 patients who received quinolone monotherapy, 10 died (4.0%). Among 211 patients who received macrolide monotherapy, 23 died (10.9%). The pooled OR of death for treatment with a quinolone versus a macrolide was 0.5 (95% CI 0.2-1.3, n=8 studies, 464 patients). Length of stay was significantly shorter in the quinolone monotherapy group. The difference was 3.0 days (95% CI 0.7-5.3, P=0.001, n=3 studies, 263 patients). Neither of two tests for heterogeneity was significant (I (2)=0% for both, P=1). Other studied outcomes were not significantly different among treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Few clinical data on legionellosis treatment are available. This first meta-analysis showed a trend toward a lower mortality rate and a significant decrease in length of hospital stay among patients receiving quinolones. These results must be confirmed by a randomized controlled trial.

The features of infectious diseases departments and anti-infective practices in France and Turkey: a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to assess the infectious diseases (ID) wards of tertiary hospitals in France and Turkey for technical capacity, infection control, characteristics of patients, infections, infecting organisms, and therapeutic approaches. This cross-sectional study was carried out on a single day on one of the weekdays of June 17-21, 2013. Overall, 36 ID departments from Turkey (n = 21) and France (n = 15) were involved. On the study day, 273 patients were hospitalized in Turkish and 324 patients were followed in French ID departments. The numbers of patients and beds in the hospitals, and presence of an intensive care unit (ICU) room in the ID ward was not different in both France and Turkey. Bed occupancy in the ID ward, single rooms, and negative pressure rooms were significantly higher in France. The presence of a laboratory inside the ID ward was more common in Turkish ID wards. The configuration of infection control committees, and their qualifications and surveillance types were quite similar in both countries. Although differences existed based on epidemiology, the distribution of infections were uniform on both sides. In Turkey, anti-Gram-positive agents, carbapenems, and tigecycline, and in France, cephalosporins, penicillins, aminoglycosides, and metronidazole were more frequently preferred. Enteric Gram-negatives and hepatitis B and C were more frequent in Turkey, while human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and streptococci were more common in France (p < 0.05 for all significances). Various differences and similarities existed in France and Turkey in the ID wards. However, the current scene is that ID are managed with high standards in both countries.

French 2010-2011 measles outbreak in adults: report from a Parisian teaching hospital.

We reviewed 80 adult cases of measles seen in a Parisian hospital during the French 2010-2011 outbreak. Fifty per cent had at least one complication: pneumonia and hepatitis were the most frequent. Forty per cent of hospitalized cases did not have any complications, suggesting clinically poor tolerance of measles in adults. The outcome was always favourable. Subjects were younger, were more often French nationals and had a higher socio-economic status than the overall population. This report suggests that immunity resulting from natural disease in patients from an area where the disease is endemic is protective in the long term.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, or virus reactivation with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms as a manifestation of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in a patient with HIV?

We report a case of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) in a patient with HIV receiving antitoxoplasmic drugs (adiazine and pyrimethamine) and levetiracetam along with highly active antiretroviral therapy (tenofovir-emtricitabine, darunavir and ritonavir). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was reactivated in the 7 weeks before the development of DRESS but was successfully treated with ganciclovir and corticosteroids. DRESS flare was concomitant with another CMV reactivation after the withdrawal of ganciclovir. This case report is an example of DRESS that may be considered real DRESS or virus reactivation with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (VRESS) as a manifestation of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. The case confirms that herpesvirus reactivation precedes DRESS or VRESS, and suggests the need to monitor herpesvirus infection in patients at risk for the infection or after the initiation of culprit drugs.

A retrospective study of daptomycin use in a Paris teaching-hospital.

OBJECTIVE: We retrospectively studied daptomycin use during 2010 at the Bichat-Claude-Bernard teaching-hospital (Paris) to observe the evolution of daptomycin prescriptions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients were included and several parameters were documented: site of infection, bacterial species involved, reason for daptomycin use, dose and clinical outcome. RESULTS: Ninety-five percent of daptomycin prescritions were off-label and most did not comply with local guidelines. Fifteen of the 21 patients were cured (71%), including 9 patients of the 12 with off-label and off-local recommendation prescriptions (75%). Osteitis and Enterococcus spp endocarditis were the new indications. Daptomycin was increasingly used at higher doses: 52% of our patients were given doses above 6mg/kg. Staphylococcus spp. was the most frequent pathogen responsible for infection is our patients, followed by Enterococcus spp. CONCLUSION: Daptomycin use is likely to evolve because of its effectiveness in the treatment of osteitis, left-sided and Enterococcus spp. infective endocarditis. It is generally used at higher doses, which are well tolerated. However, therapeutic monitoring needs to be developed. The antibiotic commission of our hospital gave new recommendations for daptomycin use in 2011.

Impact of early chest radiography and empirical antibiotherapy on delay in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: The treatment of community-acquired pneumonia relies on empirical antibacterial treatment, guided by chest X-ray. We evaluated the impact of this practice on delay in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective monocentric study on 64 documented cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. RESULTS: Empirical antibacterial treatment was prescribed between the first symptoms and pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis in 42.2% of cases. The median delay between first contact with a healthcare provider and pulmonary tuberculosis treatment initiation (medical delay) was 13.5 days. The factors associated with medical delay above 30 days were alcohol abuse (OR 7.62; P = 0.02), and late chest X-ray (OR 9.33; P = 0.01). Empirical antibacterial treatment was more frequent in case of late chest X-ray (P = 0.02) and increased the risk of medical delay above 7 days (OR 6.3; P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: When lower respiratory tract infection is suspected, early chest X-ray reduces the empirical use of antibacterial agents and decreases delay in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.