伊曲康唑治疗血液系统恶性肿瘤伴发真菌感染临床观察

目的观察伊曲康唑治疗血液系统恶性肿瘤患者伴发真菌感染的效果。方法选择我院2004年2月至2009年6月收治的恶性血液病合并侵袭性真菌感染患者(IFI)31例并分为两组,A组17例,予伊曲康唑注射液静脉注射2 d后改口服液续贯治疗,B组14例,予伊曲康唑注射液静脉注射14 d后改口服液续贯治疗。结果A组与B组IFI患者有效率分别为64.7%和64.3%。结论恶性血液病合并侵袭性真菌感染者应用改良伊曲康唑方案治疗有效,节约了医疗费用,其抗感染疗效与免疫力恢复速度密切相关。     

Etiologies of Extreme Thrombocytosis: A Contemporary Series

ObjectiveTo describe the multifactorial etiologies of extreme thrombocytosis (EXT) in different care settings and the frequency of finding an occult malignancy.Patients and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review at Mayo Clinic from January 1, 2011, through December 31, 2016. Adult patients who had at least 2 readings of platelet counts greater than 1000×10⁹/L within 30 days of each other were included. We determined the causes of EXT on the basis of preset definitions of precipitating factors and identified the dominant causes on the basis of the trend of platelet counts.ResultsA total of 44,490 patients had thrombocytosis, and 305 patients (0.7%) had EXT. In 242 patients (79.3%), EXT was multifactorial. Surgical complications (54.1%) and hematologic malignancies (27.9%) were the 2 most dominant causes. Thirty-eight patients (12.5%) had new diagnoses of malignancies, mostly myeloproliferative neoplasms. In inpatients, surgical complications (71.9%), concurrent/previous splenectomy (50.5%), and infections (44.9%) were the most common causes, whereas hematologic malignancies (56.9%), iron deficiency (36.7%), and previous splenectomy (28.4%) were the most common causes in outpatients. Hematologic malignancy was 3.4 times more likely to be the cause of EXT in outpatients than in inpatients (56.9% vs 16.8%), and a new diagnosis of hematologic malignancy was 1.9 times more likely to be made in outpatients (15.6% vs 8.2%). Eighty-four percent of patients had resolution of EXT within 30 days. One patient died during the period of EXT. Nonsurgical patients with hematologic malignancies had the most prolonged period of EXT.ConclusionExtreme thrombocytosis is a multifactorial hematologic condition, and its etiology differs substantially between inpatients and outpatients. Occult hematologic malignancies are uncommon in EXT when other major causes are present.     

Fever response to ibuprofen in viral and bacterial childhood infections

Objectiveto compare the antipyretic effects of ibuprofen in febrile children with serious bacterial infections (SBI), and children with a presumed viral infection.MethodsA prospective cross- sectional study was conducted in a pediatric Emergency department between October 2018 and March 2020 for children aged 3 months to 4 years with a rectal temperature ≥ 38.5 °C.Patients received 10 mg/kg of ibuprofen oral suspension. Rectal temperature was measured 60 and 120 min after administration. Laboratory and imaging evaluations were performed for each study participant in order to identify serious bacterial infection.ResultsNinety patients were included, of which 18 were diagnosed with serious bacterial infections. There was no significant difference in age, fever at presentation and duration of fever between the groups. No significant difference was noted in body temperature reduction at 60 and 120 min after ibuprofen administration (1.09 ± 0.75 °C vs 0.89 ± 0.58 °C, mean difference −0.12 °C, 95% CI −0.54–0.15 °C; 1.85 ± 0.53 °C vs 1.78 ± 0.83 °C, mean difference − 0.07 °C, 95% CI −0.49–0.36 °C, in the SBI and non-SBI groups respectively).ConclusionFever response to Ibuprofen administration is not indicative of serious bacterial infections in children under 4 years of age. Larger prospective studies are required to define whether the lack of response to Ibuprofen has any impact on the management of febrile children.     

Population pharmacokinetic model and dosing optimization of vancomycin in hematologic malignancies with neutropenia and augmented renal clearance

AimData on the pharmacokinetics (PK) and area under the curve (AUC)-based dosing strategy of vancomycin (VCM) in hematologic malignancies are limited. According to our preliminary narrative review, only a few population PK analyses in hematologic malignancies have been performed. Therefore, we aimed to develop a population PK model, investigate the factors influencing VCM PK, and propose an optimal dosing regimen for hematologic malignancies.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted in patients with underlying hematologic malignancies treated with VCM. A total of 148 patients were enrolled for population PK modeling. Simulation analyses were performed to identify dosing regimens achieving a target exposure of AUC_0-24 of 400–600 mg h/L at the steady-state.ResultsThe VCM PK data were best described with a one-compartment model. Significant covariates included creatinine clearance (Ccr), diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and neutropenia on VCM clearance (CL), and body weight (WT) on the volume of distribution (Vd). The typical values of CL and Vd were 3.09 L/h (normalized to Ccr value of 90 mL/min) and 122 L/70 kg, respectively. Concerning the effect on VCM dosing, AML patients required 15% higher doses than non-AML patients, independently of renal function. In contrast, for neutropenic patients, only those with augmented renal clearance (ARC, Ccr value ≥ 130 mL/min) required a 10% dose increase compared to non-neutropenic patients.ConclusionAML patients with neutropenia and ARC represent a critical population with a higher risk of VCM underexposure. Thus, individualized dosing adjustment and therapeutic drug monitoring are strongly recommended.     

Polymerase chain reaction screening for fungemia and/or invasive fungal infections in patients with hematologic malignancies

Introduction Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a life-threatening complication in patients with hematologic malignancies, mainly in acute leukemia patients, following chemotherapy. IFI incidence is increasing, and associated mortality remains high due to unreliable diagnosis. Antifungal drugs are often limited by inadequate antimicrobial spectrum and side effects. Thus, the detection of circulating fungal DNA has been advocated as a rapid, more sensitive diagnostic tool.Patients and methods Between June 01 and January 03, weekly blood samples (1,311) were screened from 193 patients undergoing intensive myelosuppressive or immunosuppressive therapy. IFI cases were classified according to European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group criteria. Fungal DNA was extracted from whole blood and amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) published primers that bind to the conserved regions of the fungal 18S rRNA gene sequence. In our study, two or more consecutive positive samples were always associated with fungal disease. Results: PCR screening predicted the development of IFI to be 17 days (median). This test had a specificity of 91.1% and a sensitivity of 75%. IFI incidence was 7.8%. Discussion: Therefore, our results confirm the potential usefulness of PCR serial screening and the clinical applicability in everyday routine. PCR screening offers a noninvasive repeatable aid to the diagnosis of IFI.     

Prophylaxis for aspergillosis in patients with haematological malignancies: pros and cons

Introduction: Along with new diagnostic options, comes the recent development of novel antifungal agents that expanded the spectrum of activity over traditional treatments contributing to the successful management of fungal diseases. Nevertheless, invasive fungal infections (IFI) represent a major hindrance to the favorable outcome of patients with hematologic malignancies. According to these observations, an appropriate prevention of IFI occurring in hematologic patients should be considered of paramount importance. However, the wide use of antifungal agents may facilitate the emergence of resistance and may be associated to the occurrence of severe adverse events and eventually may significantly increase the cost of therapeutic procedures.

Areas covered: The aim of present review is to analyze advantages and disadvantages of primary antifungal prophylaxis (PAP) in hematologic patients.

Expert commentary: Patients with AML/MDS undergoing intensive chemotherapy and patients receiving stem cell transplantation are at high risk of IFI, and therefore may benefit form PAP, although several additional factors should be carefully evaluated in our decision-making approach, including the local epidemiology and the prompt availability of diagnostic facilities. The advent of new treatment options for hematologic patients such as target therapies might facilitate the rise of new risk categories so far underestimated.     

Impact of Influenza Infection Among Adult and Pediatric Populations With Hematologic Malignancy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PurposeInfluenza is increasingly recognized as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with hematologic malignancies and recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, the impact of influenza on this population has not been previously evaluated in a systematic review. This study systematically reviewed and summarized the outcomes of influenza infection as to in-hospital influenza-related mortality, development of lower respiratory tract infection and acute respiratory distress syndrome, need for hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, and mechanical ventilation.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search of literature using the PubMed and EMBASE databases for articles published from January 1989 through January 19, 2020, reporting laboratory-confirmed influenza in patients of any age with hematologic malignancies and HSCT. Time from transplantation was not included in the search criteria. The impact of antiviral therapy on influenza outcomes was not assessed due to heterogeneity in antiviral treatment provision across the studies. Patients with influenza-like illness, solid-tumor cancers, or nonmalignant hematologic diseases were excluded from the study. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate the prevalences and 95% CIs of each outcome of interest. A subgroup analysis was carried out to assess possible sources of heterogeneity and to evaluate the potential impact of age on the influenza infection outcomes. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic.FindingsData from 52 studies providing data on 1787 patients were included in this analysis. During seasonal epidemics, influenza-related in-hospital mortality was 16.60% (95% CI, 7.49%–27.7%), with a significantly higher death rate in adults compared to pediatric patients (19.55% [95% CI, 10.59%–29.97%] vs 0.96% [95% CI, 0%–6.77%]; P < 0.001). Complications from influenza, such as lower respiratory tract infection, developed in 35.44% of patients with hematologic malignancies and HSCT recipients, with a statistically significant difference between adults and children (46.14% vs 19.92%; P < 0.001). However, infection resulted in a higher hospital admission rate in pediatric patients compared to adults (61.62% vs 22.48%; P < 0.001). For the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, no statistically significant differences were found between adult and pediatric patients when comparing the rates of influenza-related in-hospital mortality, lower respiratory tract infection, and hospital admission. Similarly, no significant differences were noted in any of the outcomes of interest when comparing H1N1 pandemic with seasonal epidemics.ImplicationsRegardless of influenza season, patients, and especially adults, with underlying hematologic malignancies and HSCT recipients with influenza are at risk for severe outcomes including lower respiratory tract infection and in-hospital mortality.     

Acinetobacter baumannii infection in patients with hematologic malignancies in intensive care unit: risk factors and impact on mortality

Purpose

We investigated the characteristics of Acinetobacter baumannii infection in critically ill patients with hematologic malignancies.

Materials and Methods

The prospectively collected data of patients with hematologic malignancies admitted to a medical intensive care unit of a university hospital from 2007 through 2010 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

One hundred twenty-eight patients were included in the study, among whom 35 (27%) developed 39 A baumannii infections. Pneumonia was the most common infection site of A baumannii. Presence of neutropenia, underlying hematologic malignancy, and the disease status did not affect the acquisition of the infection. Advancing age, prior exposure to aminoglycosides, central venous catheterization, and presence of nasogastric tube were the independent risk factors for the development of A baumannii infections. The mortality rate was higher in patients with A baumannii infections compared with the ones without (P = .009). However, in multivariate analysis, low Glasgow coma scale, prior immunosuppressive treatment, neutropenia, invasive mechanical ventilation, and severe sepsis were independently associated with mortality, whereas presence of A baumannii infection was not.

Conclusions

Despite the high mortality rate in critically ill patients with hematologic malignancies, presence of A baumannii infection was not an independent risk factor for mortality.     

The burden of viral infections in pediatric intensive care unit between endemic and pandemic coronavirus infections: A tertiary care center experience

ObjectivesTo measure the prevalence of viral infections, length of stay (LOS), and outcome in children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) during the period preceding the COVID-19 pandemic in a MERS-CoV endemic country.MethodsA retrospective chart review of children 0–14 years old admitted to PICU with a viral infection.ResultsOf 1736 patients, 164 patients (9.45%) had a positive viral infection. The annual prevalence trended downward over a three-year period, from 11.7% to 7.3%. The median PICU LOS was 11.6 days. Viral infections were responsible for 1904.4 (21.94%) PICU patient-days. Mechanical ventilation was used in 91.5% of patients, including noninvasive and invasive modes. Comorbidities were significantly associated with intubation (P-value = 0.025). Patients infected with multiple viruses had median pediatric index of mortality 2 (PIM 2) scores of 4, as compared to 1 for patients with single virus infections (p < 0.001), and a median PICU LOS of 12 days, compared to 4 in the single-virus group (p < 0.001). Overall, mortality associated with viral infections in PICU was 7 (4.3%). Patients with viral infections having multiple organ failure were significantly more likely to die in the PICU (p = 0.001).ConclusionViral infections are responsible for one-fifth of PICU patient-days, with a high demand for mechanical ventilation. Patients with multiple viral infections had longer LOS, and higher PIM 2 scores. The downward trend in the yearly rate of PICU admissions for viral infections between the end of the MERS-CoV outbreak and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic may suggest viral interference that warrants further investigations.     

定量PCR检测在恶性血液病患者合并侵袭性真菌感染早期诊断中的意义

为探讨定量PCR在恶性血液病患者合并侵袭性真菌感染诊断中的应用价值,分别对40例恶性血液病患者血清中的真菌DNA进行定量PCR测定并结合半乳甘露聚糖(GM)试验及相关临床检查进行实验研究。选取烟曲霉菌高度保守的28S rRNA区段序列为目的基因设计引物和探针,提取患者血清中真菌DNA进行定量PCR检测。测定结果表明:定量PCR检测敏感性为0.89,特异性为0.85,阳性预测值为0.89,阴性预测值为0.85;GM检测敏感性为0.83,特异性为0.80,阳性预测值为0.88,阴性预测值为0.73;联合应用定量PCR和GM检测,其中1项为阳性或2项均为阳性的敏感性为0.94,特异性为0.85,阳性预测值0.89,阴性预测值0.92。结论:真菌定量PCR试验可应用于恶性血液病患者侵袭性真菌感染的诊断,与GM试验联合应用可提高诊断敏感性。     

恶性血液病患者侵袭性真菌感染GM和BG抗原检测的价值

目的 评价半乳甘露聚糖(GM)抗原和(1→3)-β-D葡聚糖(BG)抗原检测对恶性血液病患者侵袭性真菌感染(IFI)的诊断价值以及两种方法在监测抗真菌治疗效果中的作用.方法 51例恶性血液病患者当体温超过38 ℃,持续48 h以上,经广谱抗生素治疗无效,或起初有效但体温下降后再次升高时被纳入本研究.第1周采集患者静脉血2次,以后每周采血1次,至少监测4周.分别采用ELISA法和比色法检测患者血清GM和BG值.GM实验阳性定义为连续两次不同时点检测GM值＞0.5或单次＞0.8,G实验阳性定义为BG值＞80 pg/ml.患者分为确诊、临床诊断、拟诊及非真菌感染四组,21名正常志愿者作为对照.结果 51例患者共收集240份血清标本.其中确诊IFI2例,临床诊断26例,拟诊17例,非真菌感染6例.以确诊及临床诊断为真阳性组,以非真菌感染为真阴性组.GM实验在真阳性组28例中21例阳性,真阴性组6例中1例阳性,敏感性75%,特异性83.3%,阳性预测值95.5%,阴性预测值41.7%;G实验在真阳性组28例中全部阳性,真阴性组6例中4例阳性,敏感性100%,特异性33.3%,阳性预测值87.5%,阴性预测值100%.G实验的敏感性高于GM实验,差异有统计学意义(P=0.015);但特异性差异无统计学意义(P=0.242).GM实验阳性的21例患者中抗真菌治疗有效19例,GM值渐转阴性,2例无效的患者GM值持续阳性,有效组GM平均值两周后明显低于无效组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);G实验阳性的患者中治疗有效者BG值逐渐下降,但未转阴;治疗无效组BG值变化无规律,总体呈上升趋势,但各时间点BG值监测对疗效无明显判断意义.结论 血清GM和BG抗原检测可以为早期诊断IFI提供有力证据,联合检测BG和GM两种抗原,可提高对曲霉菌诊断的特异性,减少假阳性.治疗中监测GM和BG值的动态变化,GM实验用于评价疗效的价值优于G实验.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic value of serum galactomannan antigen (GM)and (1→3)-β-D-glucan antigen(BG) assay in invasive fungal infections( IFI ) in the patients with hematologic malignancies and the role in monitoring therapeutic response. Methods Fifty one patients with hematological malignancies met the criteria for inclusion: ①body temperature above 38 ℃ for 48 hours, ②failure to respond to broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment, or ③temperature rose again after the responded drop. Blood samples were collected twice at the first week, then once a week in at least four weeks. The double antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay( EL1SA )and colorimetric assay were used for detecting GM and BG. The positive GM test is defined as two consecutive tests at different time GM value ＞ 0.5 or ＞ 0. 8 and the positive G test is defined as BG value ＞ 80 pg/ml. The patients were assigned into four groups as proven,probable, possible, and non-fungal infection respectively, and 21 normal volunteers were as controls. Results Two hundred and forty serum samples were collected from 51 patients including 2 of proven IFI, 26 probable IFI, 17 possible IFI and 6 non-fungal infection. The true-positive group including the proven and probable groups, and true negative group was the non-fungal infection group. GM tests were positive in 21 of 28 cases in true positive group, and only one of 6 cases in non-fungal infection. The sensitivity, specificity,positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 75%, 83.3%, 95.5% and 41.7%, respectively. G tests were positive in all 28 cases of the true positive group, and 4 in 6 non-fungal infection cases. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 100%, 33.3%, 87.5% and 100%, respectively. G test is more sensitive than GM test ( P = 0.015 ), but there was no significant difference in specificity of the two tests (P =0.242). In 19 of 21 patients with GM test positive, anti-fungal treatment was effective, and GM value gradually decreased to negative, two invalid patients were persistent with GM test positive. After two weeks treatment, the average GM value was significantly lower in the effective group than in the ineffective group (P ＜ 0.05 ). BG values in the responded patients showed a gradual decline similar to that of GM values, but not to negative. The changes of BG value in ineffective group varied with a trend upward. The changes in BG value had no relation with treatment effectiveness. Conclusions Serum GM and BG antigens detection provides strong evidence for early diagnosis of IFI. Combination of GM and G tests can improve the diagnostic specificity and reduce the false positive GM test seems superior to G test for monitoring GM and BG values during treatment.     

The impact analysis of a multiplex PCR respiratory panel for hospitalized pediatric respiratory infections in Japan

BackgroundRapid molecular diagnosis of infections has contributed to timely treatments and antimicrobial stewardship. However, the benefit and cost-effectiveness vary in each country or community because they have different standard practices and health care systems. In Japan, rapid antigen tests (RATs) have been frequently used for pediatric respiratory infections. We investigated the impact and cost-effectiveness of a multiplex PCR (mPCR) respiratory panel for pediatric respiratory infections in a Japanese community hospital.MethodsWe replaced RATs with an mPCR respiratory panel (FilmArray®) for admitted pediatric respiratory infections on March 26, 2018. We compared the days of antimicrobial therapy (DOT) and length of stay (LOS) during the mPCR period (March 2018 to April 2019) with those of the RAT period (March 2012 to March 2018).ResultsDuring the RAT and mPCR periods, 1132 and 149 patients were analyzed. The DOT/case was 12.82 vs 8.56 (p < 0.001), and the LOS was 8.18 vs 6.83 days (p = 0.032) in the RAT and mPCR groups, respectively. The total costs during admissions were ∖258,824 ($2331.7) and ∖243,841 ($2196.8)/case, respectively. Pathogen detection rates were 30.2% vs 87.2% (p < 0.001).ConclusionCompared to conventional RATs, the mPCR test contributed to a reduction in the DOT and LOS in a Japanese community hospital for admission-requiring pediatric respiratory infections. However, a proper stewardship program is essential to further reduce the unnecessary usage of antimicrobials.     

Association of Bartholin cysts and abscesses and sexually transmitted infections

IntroductionBartholin gland cysts or abscesses account for many gynecologic visits in the emergency department (ED). Previous smaller studies have suggested a link between Bartholin cysts/abscesses and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but few studies have involved the ED.MethodsWe retrospectively identified patients aged 18 years or older seen in 1 ED between January 2012 and March 2017 who had urinalysis and urine culture and/or were tested for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or trichomonas by nucleic acid amplification testing. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate associations between Bartholin cysts/abscess and demographics, laboratory findings, and ED diagnoses.ResultsData were collected for 75,000 ED patients; 64 patients had a diagnosis of Bartholin cyst or abscess, 40 of whom were also tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis. Ten percent of patients with a Bartholin cyst/abscess were infected with N gonorrhoeae, compared with 3% of those without a Bartholin cyst/abscess (P = .008). The rates of C trachomatis and Trichomonas vaginalis infections were 13% and 26%, respectively, among patients with a Bartholin cyst/abscess, compared with 8% and 30%, respectively, among those without a Bartholin cyst/abscess (P > .05 for both). On regression analysis, only increased urobilinogen level (β, 0.31; odds ratio, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.11–1.66; P = .003) and infection with N gonorrhoeae (β, 1.69; odds ratio, 5.40; 95% CI, 1.43–20.35; P = .01) were associated with a Bartholin cyst/abscess.ConclusionsClinicians in the ED should consider testing patients with a Bartholin cyst/abscess for gonorrhea.     

A predictive model for serious adverse events in adults with acute poisoning in prehospital and hospital care

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to design a risk model with variables determined before hospital arrival to predict the risk of serious adverse events in patients with acute poisoning.MethodsA preliminary prospective, multicentre cohort study of adults with prehospital diagnosis of acute intoxication was conducted. The study was carried out in the Public Health System of the Community of Castilla-Leon (Spain), including seven advanced life support units and five hospitals, between April 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019. People aged >18 years with a main prehospital diagnosis of acute poisoning admitted to a referral hospital on advanced life support were included. The main outcome measure was prehospital and hospital serious adverse events in patients with acute poisoning.ResultsWe included 221 patients, with a median age of 47 years (interquartile range: 33–61). The most frequent cause of poisoning was psychopharmaceuticals (111 cases, 49.8%): 38 (17.2%) patients had a serious adverse event, with a hospital mortality of 4.1% (nine cases) in the 30 days after the index event. The final model included age ≥65 years (odds ratio [OR]: 9.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.48–26.45; p < 0.001), oxygen saturation/fraction of inspired oxygen index ≤300 (OR: 15.03, 95% CI: 5.74–39.33; p < 0.001), and point-of-care lactate ≥4 mmol/L (OR: 7.68, 95% CI: 2.88–20.45; p < 0.001). The poisoning Early Warning Score was constructed from these three variables, and 1 point was assigned to each variable. The area under the curve of the score was 0.896 (95% CI: 0.82–0.96; p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe poisoning Early Warning Score may help in decision-making and promote early identification of high-risk patients with acute poisoning in the prehospital context.     

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with solid tumours: risk factors and predictors of clinical outcomes

Abstract

Background: The characteristics and management of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in patients with hematologic malignancies are well known, but IPA in patients with solid tumours is not well described.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all Aspergillus-positive cultures at a tertiary cancer center during 2004–2017. We identified 101 patients with IPA and solid tumours. We analyzed the association between clinical features and treatment and 12-week mortality and response to antifungal therapy.

Results: Fifty-one patients had lung cancer, 77 had underlying lung disease, 47 received chest radiation and 33 had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Aspergillus fumigatus was the most common type isolated (71%); 68 patients (70%) were treated with voriconazole monotherapy. Independent risk factors for 12-week mortality included receiving steroids within 30 days of diagnosis (hazard ratio 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–4.6; p?=?.03) and chest radiotherapy (hazard ratio 2.6, 95% CI: 1.2–5.5; p?=?.01). In multivariate analysis, a positive fungal stain was associated with lower odds of a successful response (odds ratio 0.2; 95% CI: 0.05–0.75; p?=?.02), whereas voriconazole treatment was associated with higher odds (odds ratio 10.1; 95% CI: 2.1–48.5; p?<?.01).

Conclusions: IPA should be considered in patients with solid tumours, particularly those with underlying lung disease.

• Key messages

• Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis should be considered in patients with solid tumours, particularly those with underlying lung disease, lung cancer and those who received chest radiotherapy.

• Most of the patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and solid tumours presented with nonspecific symptoms and signs as well as nonspecific CT findings. Unlike patients with hematologic malignancies, fever and hemoptysis were not predominant symptoms and the classical halo sign and the air-crescent sign were not described.

• Independent risk factors for 12-week mortality included receiving steroids within 30 days of diagnosis and chest radiotherapy. In multivariate analysis, a positive fungal stain was associated with lower odds of a successful response to antifungal therapy, whereas voriconazole treatment was associated with higher odds.

     

Walking test procedures influence speed measurements in individuals with chronic stroke

BackgroundWalking speed measurements are clinically important, but varying test procedures may influence measurements and impair clinical utility. This study assessed the concurrent validity of walking speed in individuals with chronic stroke measured during the 10-m walk test with variations in 1) the presence of an electronic mat, 2) the speed measurement device, and 3) the measurement distance relative to the total test distance.MethodsTwenty-five individuals with chronic stroke performed walking tests at comfortable and maximal walking speeds under three conditions: 1) 10-m walk test (without electronic mat) measured by stopwatch, 2) 10-m walk test (partially over an electronic mat) measured by software, and 3) 10-m walk test (partially over an electronic mat) measured by stopwatch. Analyses of systematic bias, proportional bias, and absolute agreement were performed to determine concurrent validity between conditions.FindingsWalking speeds were not different between measurements (P ≥ 0.11), except maximal walking speed was faster when speed was measured with software vs. stopwatch (P = 0.002). Absolute agreement between measurements was excellent (ICC ≥ 0.97, P < 0.001). There was proportional bias between software vs. stopwatch (R² ≥ 0.19, P ≤ 0.03) and between tests with vs. without the electronic mat (R² = 0.27, P = 0.008). Comparisons between conditions revealed that walking speed and concurrent validity may be influenced by walking test distance, presence of an electronic mat, speed measurement device, and relative measurement distance.InterpretationWalking test procedures influence walking speed and concurrent validity between measurements. Waking test procedures should be as similar as possible with normative data or between repeated measurements to optimize validity.     

Nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in cancer patients in a medical center in Taiwan, 2005-2008

Data on the nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) species that cause infection and the characteristics of disease caused by these pathogens in cancer patients are limited, so we perform this study to investigate the species distribution of NTM isolates from various clinical specimens and to elucidate the epidemiologic trends in NTM isolates and diseases among cancer patients. From 2005 through 2008, cancer patients with NTM infections as defined by the American Thoracic Society/Infectious Diseases Society of America criteria were identified at the National Taiwan University Hospital. The medical records of all patients were reviewed. During the study period, a total of 219 cancer patients with NTM infections were identified. Among them, 133 (60.7%) patients were older than 65 years, most of whom were men. Lung cancer was the most common type of cancer, followed by hematologic cancer and gastrointestinal tract cancer. Pulmonary NTM infection was the most common type of infection in 205 (93.6%) patients, followed by skin and soft tissue infections (n = 7, 3.2%), disseminated infections (n = 4, 1.8%), and genitourinary tract infection (n = 3, 1.4%). Disseminated infections occurred exclusively in patients with hematologic cancer. Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) caused the majority of pulmonary NTM infections in cancer patients; in contrast, M. abscessus was the most common causative pathogen of extrapulmonary NTM diseases, followed by MAC. In conclusion, physicians need to be aware of the possibility of co-existing pulmonary NTM infection in patients with lung cancer. In addition, disseminated NTM infection should be considered in patients with hematologic cancer.     

Diagnostic significance of secondary bacteremia in patients with COVID-19

ObjectivesWe investigated the occurrence of non-respiratory bacterial and fungal secondary infections, causative organisms, impact on clinical outcomes, and association between the secondary pathogens and mortality in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study that included data from inpatients with COVID-19 from multiple centers participating in the Japan COVID-19 Taskforce (April 2020 to May 2021). We obtained demographic, epidemiological, and microbiological data throughout the course of hospitalization and analyzed the cases of COVID-19 complicated by non-respiratory bacterial infections.ResultsOf the 1914 patients included, non-respiratory bacterial infections with COVID-19 were diagnosed in 81 patients (4.2%). Of these, 59 (3.1%) were secondary infections. Bacteremia was the most frequent bacterial infection, occurring in 33 cases (55.9%), followed by urinary tract infections in 16 cases (27.1%). Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common causative organism of bacteremia. Patients with COVID-19 with non-respiratory secondary bacterial infections had significantly higher mortality, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that those with bacteremia (aOdds Ratio = 15.3 [5.97–39.1]) were at higher risk of death. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, male sex, use of steroids to treat COVID-19, and intensive care unit admission increased the risk for nosocomial bacteremia.ConclusionsSecondary bacteremia is an important complication that may lead to poor prognosis in cases with COVID-19. An appropriate medical management strategy must be established, especially for patients with concomitant predisposing factors.     

Procalcitonin levels in bloodstream infections caused by different sources and species of bacteria

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate procalcitonin (PCT) diagnostic accuracy in discriminating gram-negative (GN) from gram-positive (GP) bloodstream infections and determining the relationship between PCT levels, infection sites, and pathogen types.MethodsClinical and laboratory data were collected from patients with blood culture (BC)-positive sepsis between January 2014 and December 2015. PCT levels at different infection sites were compared, as was the presence of GN and GP bloodstream infection. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to assess diagnostic accuracy.ResultsOf the 486 monomicrobial BCs, 254 (52.26%) were positive for GN bacteria (GNB), and 202 (42.18%) for GP bacteria (GPB). Median PCT levels were higher in BCs positive for GN (2.42 ng/ml, IQR: 0.38–15.52) than in those positive for GPB (0.49 ng/ml, IQR: 0.13–5.89) (P < 0.001). In the ROC analysis to differentiate between GNB and GPB, the area under the curve was 0.628 (95% CI: 0.576–0.679). When the cutoffs for PCT were 10.335 and 15.000 ng/ml, the specificity of GNB infection was 80.2% and 84.2%, respectively. PCT levels caused by GNB differed between Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumanni/Burkholderia cepacia, Klebsiella pneumonia and Acinetobacter baumanni. PCT levels caused by GPB differed between Staphylococcus epidermidis/Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus hominis/Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis/S.hominis/S. haemolyticus. Among patients with known infection sites, there were statistical differences in PCT levels between abdominal infection and pneumonia/infective endocarditis, urinary tract infection and pneumonia/catheter-related infection/infective endocarditis.ConclusionPCT can distinguish between GNB and GPB infection, as well as between different bacterial species and infection sites.