Risk Factors for Surgical-Site Infections After Liver Transplant: Does Perioperative Antibiotic Regimen Matter?

BACKGROUND: Surgical-site infections (SSIs) are common in liver transplant recipients. The optimal SSI antimicrobial prophylaxis agent and duration are not established. We aimed to explore risk factors for SSIs after transplant, with a particular interest in the impact of perioperative antibiotic regimen on the development of SSIs. METHODS: Retrospective study of adults undergoing liver transplant across 3 transplant programs between January 1, 2020, and June 01, 2021. RESULTS: Of 557 patients included in the study, 32 (5.7%) were infected or colonized with a multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) within 1 y before liver transplant. Narrow-spectrum SSI prophylaxis with ceftriaxone or cefazolin alone was administered in 488 of 577 patients (87.6%); the remaining 69 patients (12.4%) received broad-spectrum prophylaxis with vancomycin and aztreonam (n = 40), piperacillin-tazobactam (n = 11), carbapenems (n = 8), ceftriaxone and another antibiotic (n = 7), and others. Patients with pretransplant MDRO were more likely to receive broad-spectrum coverage than those without pretransplant MDROs (28.1% versus 11.4%, P = 0.005). SSIs were identified in 40 patients (7.2%); 25 (62.5%) were organ-space infections, 3 (7.5%) were deep incisional infections, and 12 (30.0%) were superficial incisional infections. The median time from liver transplant to SSIs was 14 d (interquartile range, 10-20.2). MDROs were identified in 12 SSIs (30%). Multivariable analysis revealed no significant association between antimicrobial spectrum and risk of SSIs (P = 0.5), whereas surgical leak (P<0.001) and reoperation (P = 0.017) were independently associated with increased risk of SSIs. SSIs were not significantly associated with composite risk of death or liver allograft failure. CONCLUSIONS: The spectrum of antimicrobial prophylaxis did not impact the development of SSIs in liver transplant recipients.

Implementation of Process Improvements to Facilitate Cardiac CT Re-Credentialing in a Rural Healthcare System.

Background: Because rural providers may experience barriers in achieving the necessary components to successfully re-credential in cardiac computed tomography (Cardiac CT), we evaluated the current system for re-credentialing at our organization and implemented processes to facilitate Cardiac CT re-credentialing for our providers.Methods: Institutional opportunities for Cardiac CT quality assurance (QA) conference attendance, Cardiac CT imaging evaluation, and Cardiac CT continuing medical education (CME) acquisition were assessed in 2009 and 2013. Process improvement strategies were implemented in 2014 including adding electronic media hosting sites, a "hands-on" image interpretation course, and more options for CME acquisition. Pre- and post-educational improvements were evaluated over a 10-year period. The number and type of events hosted, attendees, image review opportunities, and CME credits awarded were assessed and compared at the provider level.Results: Attendance at Cardiac CT QA conferences increased substantially following implemented changes despite fewer certified Cardiac CT providers. Electronic attendance accounted for 26% of this increased attendance, while the "hands on" course provided 43 images for review per year. The number of Cardiac CT CME credits awarded increased substantially, paralleling increased QA and "hands-on" attendance.Conclusion: In rural healthcare systems, institutional strategies can increase provider access to components necessary for Cardiac CT level II re-credentialing. In the COVID-19 era, rural and urban health organizations may find considerable provider benefit and engagement by using similar process improvement methods to help providers meet local and national requirements for certification.

Repeat Pregnancy after Prior Aortic Valve-in-Valve Replacement: A Cautionary Tale.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) within a severely stenotic native aortic valve or previously placed surgical biologic aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is a rare occurrence in pregnant patients. The short- and long-term procedural outcomes for future pregnancies in these women or any woman of child bearing age who have received prior TAVR or TAVR in SAVR, are unknown. We describe the first result of a repeat pregnancy outcome in a woman with a history of prior TAVR in SAVR. Both maternal and fetal outcomes were favorable, but maternal cardiac complications observed in the third trimester emphasize our concerns regarding risk for cardiac complications in subsequent pregnancies in patients with a prior TAVR in SAVR. Despite the maternal complications that occurred during repeat pregnancy in this patient, a successful pregnancy outcome reaffirms our recommendation to utilize a multidisciplinary team for pregnancy management in patients with prior TAVR or TAVR in SAVR and to help in the management of any cardiac complications that may occur during or shortly after pregnancy.