Therapeutic challenges of ESBLS and AmpC beta-lactamase producers in a tertiary care center

Background

Resistance to broad-spectrum beta lactams mediated by extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC beta lactamases (AmpC βLs) enzymes is an increasing problem worldwide. Determination of their prevalence is essential to formulate an effective antibiotic policy and hospital infection control measures. Present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of ESBL and AmpC βL producers in ICU of a tertiary care center.

Methods

A total of 262 clinical isolates comprising of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis that were recovered from various clinical specimens over a one year period, were studied. Antibiogram profile was determined to conventionally used antibiotics, along with recommended tests for detection of ESBL and AmpC βL production.

Results

40.07% (105/262) were found to be ESBL producers, 14.8% (39/262) were AmpC bL producers. The coexistence of ESBL and AmpC βL producers was detected in 9.9% (26/262) of the isolates.

Conclusion

Screening of multidrug resistant bacteria especially belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae poses considerable therapeutic challenges in critical care patients because of the production of ESBL and AmpC βL. Strategies to keep a check on the emergence of such drug resistant microbes by hospital environmental surveillance and laboratory monitoring should form an important aspect of Hospital Infection control policy guidelines.     

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli in Mexico,an Overview of Virulence and Resistance Determinants: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BackgroundUrinary tract infections (UTI) are one of the most common pathologies in Mexico and the majority are caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). UPEC possesses virulence and resistance determinants that promote UTI development and affect diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to systematically review published reports of virulence genes, antibiotic resistance, and phylogenetic groups prevalent in clinical isolates of UPEC in the Mexican population.MethodsSystematic review with meta-analysis was performed following PRISMA guidelines. Articles in both English and Spanish were included. Total prevalence with a 95% confidence interval of each characteristic was calculated. Heterogeneity between studies and geographical areas was assessed by the Cochran Q test (Q), I-square (I²), and H-square (H²). Egger's test was used for risk of bias in publications and asymmetry evaluations.ResultsForty-two articles were analyzed. The most prevalent virulence genes were ecp (97.25%; n = 364) and fimH (82.34%; n = 1,422), which are associated with lower UTI, followed by papGII (40.98%; n = 810), fliC (38.87%; n = 319), hlyA (23.55%; n = 1,521), responsible for with upper UTI. More than 78.13% (n = 1,893) of the isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant, with a higher prevalence of resistance to those antibiotics that are implemented in the basic regimen in Mexico. The most frequently reported Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL) was CTX-M-1 (55.61%; n = 392), and the predominant phylogroup was B2 (35.94%; n = 1,725).ConclusionUPEC strains are responsible for a large portion of both lower and upper UTI in Mexico, and their multi-drug resistance drastically reduces the number of therapeutic options available.     

Therapeutic challenges of ESBLS and AmpC beta-lactamase producers in a tertiary care center

Background

Resistance to broad-spectrum beta lactams mediated by extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC beta lactamases (AmpC βLs) enzymes is an increasing problem worldwide. Determination of their prevalence is essential to formulate an effective antibiotic policy and hospital infection control measures. Present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of ESBL and AmpC βL producers in ICU of a tertiary care center.

Methods

A total of 262 clinical isolates comprising of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis that were recovered from various clinical specimens over a one year period, were studied. Antibiogram profile was determined to conventionally used antibiotics, along with recommended tests for detection of ESBL and AmpC βL production.

Results

40.07% (105/262) were found to be ESBL producers, 14.8% (39/262) were AmpC bL producers. The coexistence of ESBL and AmpC βL producers was detected in 9.9% (26/262) of the isolates.

Conclusion

Screening of multidrug resistant bacteria especially belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae poses considerable therapeutic challenges in critical care patients because of the production of ESBL and AmpC βL. Strategies to keep a check on the emergence of such drug resistant microbes by hospital environmental surveillance and laboratory monitoring should form an important aspect of Hospital Infection control policy guidelines.     

In?vitro vancomycin susceptibility amongst methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Background

Vancomycin is drug of choice for treatment of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. S. aureus with reduced vancomycin susceptibility (SA-RVS) is on rise. Current guidelines of detection of SA-RVS are based on MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) by broth or agar dilution methods. Vancomycin MIC by E test (Epsilometer Test) is an alternative. A study was undertaken to know the prevalence of SA-RVS and compare vancomycin MIC by agar dilution and E test.

Methods

A prospective study was undertaken at tertiary care hospital; 232 clinical MRSA isolates were included. Vancomycin MIC was undertaken by agar dilution method and E test.

Results

All isolates were sensitive to Linezolid. Two MRSA isolates had vancomycin MIC ≥4 μg/ml; vancomycin MIC50 and MIC90 of MRSA isolates was 0.5 and 0.2 μg/ml respectively by agar dilution method. There was agreement over 93.5% isolates in vancomycin susceptibility by agar dilution and E test. E test had sensitivity and positive predictive value of 1.0 (CI – 0.34–1.0) and 0.5 (CI – 0.17–0.83) respectively compare to agar dilution method.

Conclusions

MRSA isolates continues to be susceptible to vancomycin and Linezolid. E test was found equally suitable in initial screening for vancomycin susceptibility. Due to geographic variation in prevalence, there is need of ongoing surveillance of SA-RVC.     

Microbiological assessment of indoor air of a teaching hospital in Nigeria

Objective

To investigate the quality of indoor air of different wards and units of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, to ascertain their contribution to infection rate in the hospital.

Methods

The microbial quality of indoor air of nine wards/units of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Nigeria was conducted. Sedimentation technique using open Petri-dishes containing different culture media was employed and samplings were done twice daily, one in the morning shortly after cleaning and before influx of people/patients into the wards/units and the other in the evening when a lot of activities would have taken place in these wards. Isolates were identified according to standard methods.

Results

Results showed that there was a statistically significant difference (χ² = 6.016 7) in the bacteria population of the different sampling time whereas it was not so for fungi population (χ² = 0.285 7). Male medical ward (MMW) and male surgical general (MSG) recorded the highest bacterial and fungal growth while the operating theatre (OT) was almost free of microbial burden. The bacteria isolates were Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella sp., Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus pyogenes and Serratia marscences while the fungi isolates included Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium sp., Fusarium sp., Candida albicans and Alternaria sp. Staphylococcus aureus was the predominantly isolated bacterium while Penicillium sp. was the most isolated fungus.

Conclusions

Though most of the microbial isolates were potential and or opportunistic pathogens, there was no correlation between the isolates in this study and the surveillance report of nosocomial infection during the period of study, hence the contribution of the indoor air cannot be established. From the reduction noticed in the morning samples, stringent measures such as proper disinfection and regular cleaning, restriction of patient relatives'' movement in and out of the wards/units need to be enforced so as to improve the quality of indoor air of our hospital wards/units.     

Ciprofloxacin-resistant Gram-negative isolates from a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India with novel gyrA and parC gene mutations

BackgroundExpanded-spectrum quinolones (ciprofloxacin) are highly effective against gram-negative bacteria, but significant resistance to quinolones has been increasingly reported. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of gram-negative ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates (CRIs) from our hospital and their mechanism of action.MethodsGram-negative CRIs were identified as per standard procedures and confirmed using the Ezy MICTM Strip (HiMedia). DNA from 67 CRIs was amplified for the quinolone resistance–determining region (QRDR) and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes. Thirty isolates positive for QRDR DNA were sequenced by Sanger's method to detect mutation.ResultsOf the isolates, 42.5% were found to be CRIs, the majority (74.42%) from inpatient departments, and Escherichia coli (64.19%) was the predominant isolate. Among the CRIs, 24.55% were ESBL producers and 35.29% were multidrug resistant. The polymerase chain reaction results showed the majority were amplified by QRDR target regions of gyrA (35.4%) while 4.61% were amplified for the plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone resistance region of the qnrB gene. Further sequencing of QRDR-positive genes showed point mutations with amino acid changes at codons Ser83 and Asp87 in the gyrA gene and Ser80, Glu84, and Leu88 positions in the parC gene.ConclusionCiprofloxacin resistance observed in our study was mostly due to point mutations. Hence, strategies for rational use of ciprofloxacin and adherence to the dose and duration of treatment could be helpful to prevent selection and spread of mutant CRIs/strains.     

Prevalence and risk factors of enteral nutrition intolerance in intensive care unit patients: a retrospective study

Background:Feeding intolerance (FI) among intensive care unit (ICU) patients undergoing early continuous enteral nutrition (EN) is related to poor outcomes. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of FI in ICU patients.Methods:We retrospectively enrolled 1057 patients who received early continuous EN via a nasogastric tube between January 2014 and August 2019. The prevalence of FI during the first 7 days of ICU stay was calculated, and the risk factors were investigated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results:The prevalence of FI during the first 7 days of ICU stay was 10.95%. FI occurred in 159 of 1057 (15.04%) patients on ICU day 2, 114 of 977 (11.67%) patients on ICU day 3, and 86 of 715 (12.03%) patients on ICU day 7. Mechanical ventilation (MV) (odds ratio [OR]: 1.928, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.064–3.493, P = 0.03) was an independent risk factor for FI defined by a gastric residual volume (GRV) of 200 mL and/or vomiting, and acute renal failure (OR: 3.445, 95% CI: 1.115–10.707, P = 0.032) was an independent risk factor of FI defined by a GRV of 500 mL and/or vomiting. Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) was an independent predictor regardless of the FI defined by a GRV of 200 mL (OR: 2.064, 95% CI: 1.233–3.456, P = 0.006) or 500 mL (OR: 6.199, 95% CI: 2.108–18.228, P = 0.001) in the ICU patients.Conclusions:FI occurs frequently in early ICU days, especially in patients receiving MV and CRRT. However, further investigation of a consensus definition of FI and risk factors is still warranted in future studies.     

Analysis of risk factors associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for patients with liver cirrhosis: a multicenter,retrospective, clinical study

Background:Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the endoscopic modality of choice for the treatment of biliary and pancreatic diseases. However, patients with cirrhosis, particularly those with decompensated cirrhosis, are believed to be at increased risk for complications associated with ERCP. There is a paucity of literature describing the outcomes of ERCP for patients with cirrhosis. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of ERCP for cirrhosis patients, especially adverse events, and evaluated its safety and efficacy.Methods:We performed a multicenter, retrospective study of all patients at Beijing Friendship Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, Xijing Hospital affiliated to Air Force Military Medical University, Beijing Youan Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, and the Fifth Medical Center of the People''s Liberation Army General Hospital from June 2003 to August 2019. The adverse events of inpatient ERCP for patients with (n = 182) and without liver cirrhosis (controls; n = 385) were compared.Results:A total of 567 patients underwent ERCP between January 2003 and December 2019 were enrolled in this study. Compared to patients without cirrhosis, patients with cirrhosis were at higher risk for postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR], 4.172; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.232–7.031; P < 0.001) such as postoperative pancreatitis (OR, 2.026; 95% CI, 1.002–4.378; P = 0.001) and cholangitis (OR, 3.903; 95% CI, 1.001–10.038; P = 0.036). The main indications for ERCP for patients with cirrhosis in this study included choledocholithiasis (101 cases; 55.5%), benign bile duct strictures (46 cases; 25.3%), and malignant bile duct strictures (28 cases; 15.4%). Among them, 23 patients (12.6%) underwent balloon dilation and 79 patients (43.4%) underwent sphincterotomy. Of the patients with cirrhosis, delayed bleeding occurred in ten patients (5.5%), postoperative pancreatitis occurred in 80 patients (44.0%), and postoperative cholangitis occurred in 25 patients (13.7%). An additional multivariate analysis showed that the total bilirubin (TBIL) level (OR, 4.58; 95% CI, 2.37–6.70) and Child-Pugh score of C (OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.04–5.37) were risk factors for postoperative complications in patients with cirrhosis.Conclusions:Compared with the general population of patients undergoing ERCP, patients with cirrhosis were more prone to postoperative pancreatitis and cholangitis. TBIL levels and Child-Pugh scores were risk factors for postoperative complications in patients with cirrhosis.     

Risk factors associated with osteoporosis and fracture in psoriatic arthritis

Background:Although there are few studies mentioned there may be some relationship between psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and osteoporosis, clinical data in real world still need to be clarified in China. The aim of this study was to assess the areal and volumetric bone mineral density (BMD), frequency of fracture, and risk factors in patients with PsA.Methods:A total of one hundred PsA patients who visited Peking University First Hospital and one hundred age- and sex-matched healthy controls with DXA data were enrolled in the study. Patients with clinical fractures confirmed by X-ray during follow-up were also recorded. Clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded and compared between the abnormal BMD group and the normal BMD group, as well as between the fracture and non-fracture groups. Risk factors for fracture and low BMD were analyzed.Results:Mean BMD at the total hip and femoral neck was significantly lower in PsA patients than that in healthy controls (0.809 ± 0.193 vs. 0.901 ± 0.152 g/cm², P = 0.041; 0.780 ± 0.146 vs. 0.865 ± 0.166 g/cm², P = 0.037, respectively). Moreover, lumbar spine BMD was negatively correlated with psoriasis duration, swollen joint count and DAS28-CRP (r = –0.503, –0.580, –0.438; P < 0.05). Total hip BMD and femoral neck BMD were negatively correlated with HAQ (r = –0.521, –0.335; P < 0.05). Fractures occurred in 29 patients during the follow-up period. Logistic regression analysis showed that older age (OR 1.132 [95%CI: 1.026–1.248), P < 0.05], higher HAQ score (OR 1.493, 95%CI: 1.214–1.836, P < 0.01), higher disease activity index for psoriatic arthritis (OR 1.033, 95% CI: 1.002–1.679, P < 0.05) and hip joint involvement (OR 6.401, 95% CI: 4.012–44.180, P < 0.05) were risk factors for fracture in the multivariate model.Conclusions:Increased risks of osteoporosis and fracture were found in PsA patients compared to healthy controls. Besides age, high disease activity and hip joint involvement were risk factors for decreased BMD and fracture.     

Dynamic changes of renal cortical blood perfusion before and after percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting in patients with severe atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis

Background:This study aims to observe the dynamic changes of renal artery (RA) disease and cortical blood perfusion (CBP) evaluated by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) after percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting (PTRAS) in patients with severe atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) and to analyze the relationship between CBP and prognosis.Methods:This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. A total of 98 patients with unilateral severe ARAS after successful PTRAS in Beijing Hospital from September 2017 to September 2020 were included. According to renal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) detected by radionuclide imaging at 12 months after PTRAS, all patients were divided into the poor prognosis group (n = 21, GFR decreased by ≥20% compared with baseline) and the control group (n = 77, GFR decreased by < 20% or improved compared with baseline). Renal artery stenosis was diagnosed by digital subtraction angiography, and renal CBP was evaluated by CEUS using TomTec Imaging Systems (Germany) before PTRAS, at 6 months and 12 months after discharge. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with area under the curve (AUC) was used to analyze the predictive value of CBP parameters, including area under ascending curve (AUC1), area under the descending curve (AUC2), rising time (RT), time to peak intensity (TTP), maximum intensity (IMAX), and mean transit time (MTT) for poor prognosis.Results:Among the 98 patients, there were 52 males (53.1%), aged 55–74 years old, with an average age of 62.1 ± 8.7 years, and an average artery stenosis of 82.3 ± 12.9%. The poor prognosis group was associated with significantly increased incidence of diabetes (76.2% vs. 41.6%), and lower levels of GFR of the stenotic kidney (21.8 mL/min vs. 25.0 mL/min) and total GFR (57.6 mL/min vs. 63.7 mL/min) (all P < 0.05), compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the rate of RA restenosis was significantly higher in the poor prognosis group than in the control group (9.5% vs. 0, χ² = 9.462, P = 0.002). Compared with the control group, the poor prognosis group was associated with significantly decreased baseline AUC1 and AUC2, and extended duration of TTP and MTT (P < 0.05). At 6 months and 12 months of follow-up, patients in the control group were associated with markedly increased AUC1, AUC2, and IMAX, and shorter duration of RT and MTT (P < 0.05). The ROC curve showed that the predictive values of AUC1, AUC2, RT, TTP, IMAX, and MTT for poor prognosis were 0.812 (95% CI: 0.698–0.945), 0.752 (95% CI: 0.591–0.957), 0.724 (95% CI: 0.569–0.961), 0.720 (95% CI: 0.522–0.993), 0.693 (95% CI: 0.507–0.947), and 0.786 (95% CI: 0.631–0.979), respectively.Conclusions:Preoperative renal CBP in severe ARAS patients with poor prognosis is significantly reduced, and does not show significant improvement after stent treatment over the first year of follow-up. The parameter AUC1 may be a good predictor for renal dysfunction after PTRAS in severe ARAS patients.Trial Registration:ChiCTR.org.cn, ChiCTR1800016252.     

Chinese patients with Lewy body dementia had shorter survival and developed complications earlier than those with Alzheimer’s disease

INTRODUCTIONAlzheimer’s disease (AD) and Lewy body dementia (LBD) are two common forms of dementia. There are still controversies regarding whether LBD patients have a worse clinical course than AD patients.METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed all biomarkers that supported AD and LBD patients presenting to the Memory Clinic of Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, between 1 January 2008 and 30 December 2016. Diagnoses of AD and LBD were supported by clinical diagnostic criteria and biomarkers. LBD patients included those with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). Baseline demographics, presenting clinical features, degree of cognitive impairment and specified clinical outcomes were compared.RESULTSWe recruited 31 AD and 25 LBD patients (18 DLB, 7 PDD). When measured from disease onset, LBD patients were noted to have shorter overall survival (p = 0.02) with earlier occurrence of falls (p < 0.001), dysphagia (p < 0.001), pneumonia (p = 0.01), pressure injuries (p = 0.003) and institutionalisation (p = 0.03) than AD patients. Cox regression analyses showed that LBD predicted falls (hazard ratio [HR] 5.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.29–15.01, p < 0.001), dysphagia (HR 10.06, 95% CI 2.50–40.44, p = 0.001), pressure injuries (HR 17.39, 95% CI 1.51–200.10, p = 0.02), institutionalisation (HR 2.72, 95% CI 1.12–6.60, p = 0.03) and death (HR 2.96, 95% CI 1.18–7.42, p = 0.02).CONCLUSIONLBD patients had shorter overall survival with earlier occurrence of pre-specified long-term events compared with AD patients. LBD also independently predicted pre-specified long-term events.     

Sharing patient-generated data with healthcare providers: findings from a 2019 national survey

ObjectiveOur study estimates the prevalence and predictors of wearable device adoption and data sharing with healthcare providers in a nationally representative sample.Materials and MethodsData were obtained from the 2019 Health Information National Trend Survey. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to examine predictors of device adoption and data sharing.ResultsThe sample contained 4159 individuals, 29.9% of whom had adopted a wearable device in 2019. Among adopters, 46.3% had shared data with their provider. Individuals with diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 2.39; 95% CI, 1.66–3.45; P < .0001), hypertension (OR, 2.80; 95% CI, 2.12–3.70; P < .0001), and multiple chronic conditions (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.03–2.32; P < .0001) had significantly higher odds of wearable device adoption. Individuals with a usual source of care (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.95–3.04; P < .0001), diabetes (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.32–2.08; P < .0001), and hypertension (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.44–2.20; P < .0001) had significantly higher odds of sharing data with providers.DiscussionA third of individuals adopted a wearable medical device and nearly 50% of individuals who owned a device shared data with a provider in 2019. Patients with certain conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, were more likely to adopt devices and share data with providers. Social determinants of health, such as income and usual source of care, negatively affected wearable device adoption and data sharing, similarly to other consumer health technologies.ConclusionsWearable device adoption and data sharing with providers may be more common than prior studies have reported; however, digital disparities were noted. Studies are needed that test implementation strategies to expand wearable device use and data sharing into care delivery.     

Prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis and other intestinal parasitic infections among mentally retarded residents in central institution of southern Iran

Objective

To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among mentally retarded residents of rehabilitation center of Bandar Abbas, Hormozgan province, southern Iran.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out in central rehabilitation institute of Hormozgan province in summer 2010. Fecal samples of all 133 residents (72 males, 61 females) aged 3–52, were collected in triplicate. Specimens were examined by direct smear, formalin-ether concentration techniques and stained by permanent Trichrome, Ziehl-Neelsen stains. Statistical analysis was conducted by SPSS 13.5.

Results

Intestinal parasitic infections were seen in 48.5% (64 out of 133 subjects: 53.4% in males and 46.6% in females). Strongyloides stercoralis with 17.3% showed the highest incidence followed by Entamoeba coli (9.8%), Blastocystis hominis (7.5%), Giardia lamblia (2.3%), Endolimax nana (2.3%), Hymenolepis nana (0.8%), Oxyuris vermicularis (0.8%), and Chilomasix mesnili (0.8%). Double infections were found to be as: Strongyloides stercoralis + Giardia lamblia (2.3%), Entamoeba coli + Giardia lamblia (1.5%), Entamoeba coli + Blastocystis hominis (1.5%), Oxyuris vermicularis + Entamoeba coli (0.8%), Strongyloides stercoralis + Entamoeba coli (0.8%), respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings reveal that strongyloidiasis is a common disease among mentally retarded population in southern Iran.     

Estimating global prevalence,incidence, and outcomes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease from 2000 to 2021: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:The increasing burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) worldwide imposes an emerging public health issue. We perform the current study to estimate the global prevalence, incidence, disease progression, and clinical outcomes of NAFLD.Methods:A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane CENTRAL that screened articles in English language published from January 2000 to December 2021. NAFLD prevalence, incidence, rate of disease progression, and outcomes were calculated with the DerSimonian-Laird random effects model with arcsine transformation.Results:Our search identified 59,156 records, of which 578 studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 29.38% (95% confidence interval [CI] 28.09–30.69) regardless of the diagnostic techniques. Looking at the group in which the diagnosis was made by ultrasound exclusively, the pooled prevalence was 30.49% (95% CI 29.55–31.43). NAFLD has become more prevalent during the year 2011–2021 (31.63%, 95% CI 30.23–33.04) compared with year 2000–2010 (27.94%, 95% CI 26.23–29.69). The pooled estimation of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis prevalence was 8.26% (95% CI 1.13–21.01), 46.49% (95% CI 35.93–57.20), and 46.72% (95% CI 37.57–55.98) in general population, NAFLD patients, and severe/morbidly obese patients, respectively. Based on a total of 110,142 newly developed NAFLD patients, the pooled incident rate was estimated as 46.24 cases per 1000 person-years (95% CI 43.21–49.30). In patients with NAFLD, the incident rate of hepatocellular carcinoma was 1.46 (95% CI 0.90–2.03) cases per 1000 person-years. The overall pooled estimate of NAFLD related mortality was 23.91 (95% CI 13.55–37.18) death per 1000 person-years.Conclusions:The prevalence of NAFLD is increasing globally. It is contributing to poor clinical outcomes including hepatocellular carcinoma and death. Rising awareness and urgent actions are warranted to control the NAFLD pandemic across the globe.Registration:PROSPERO, No. CRD42020171104.     

In vitro fertilization-embryo transfer in patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss

Background:Empiric therapy for patients with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss (URPL) is not precise. Some patients will ask for assisted reproductive technology due to secondary infertility or advanced maternal age. The clinical outcomes of URPL patients who have undergone in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) require elucidation. The IVF outcome and influencing factors of URPL patients need further study.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was designed, and 312 infertile patients with URPL who had been treated during January 2012 to December 2015 in the Reproduction Center of Peking University Third Hospital were included. By comparing clinical outcomes between these patients and those with tubal factor infertility (TFI), the factors affecting the clinical outcomes of URPL patients were analyzed.Results:The clinical pregnancy rate (35.18% vs. 34.52% in fresh ET cycles, P = 0.877; 34.48% vs. 40.27% in frozen-thawed ET cycles, P = 0.283) and live birth rate (LBR) in fresh ET cycles (27.67% vs. 26.59%, P = 0.785) were not significantly different between URPL group and TFI group. URPL group had lower LBR in frozen-thawed ET cycles than that of TFI group (23.56% vs. 33.56%, P = 0.047), but the cumulative LBRs (34.69% vs. 38.26%, P = 0.368) were not significantly different between the two groups. The increased endometrial thickness (EMT) on the human chorionic gonadotropin day (odds ratio [OR]: 0.848, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.748–0.962, P = 0.010) and the increased number of eggs retrieved (OR: 0.928, 95% CI: 0.887–0.970, P = 0.001) were protective factors for clinical pregnancy in stimulated cycles. The increased number of eggs retrieved (OR: 0.875, 95% CI: 0.846–0.906, P < 0.001), the increased two-pronucleus rate (OR: 0.151, 95% CI: 0.052–0.437, P < 0.001), and increased EMT (OR: 0.876, 95% CI: 0.770–0.997, P = 0.045) in ET day were protective factors for the cumulative live birth outcome.Conclusion:After matching ages, no significant differences in clinical outcomes were found between the patients with URPL and the patients with TFI. A thicker endometrium and more retrieved oocytes increase the probability of pregnancy in fresh transfer cycles, but a better normal fertilization potential will increase the possibility of a live birth.     

An audit of urine culture results at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in 1994–95 and 1999–2001

We conducted a retrospective audit of urine cultures at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Blantyre. The aims of the audit were to determine the common organisms cultured from urine, in 1994–5 and in 1999–2001, and the sensitivity of these organisms to the first and second line drugs used in the management of urinary tract infection (UTI) in Malawi. A total of 401 samples were studied. One hundred and thirty-six of these grew isolates that were considered pathogenic. E. coli was isolated in 50% of the cultures. Isolates were sensitive to cotrimoxazole and nitrofurantoin (the recommended first-line treatments in Malawi) in only 13% and 48% of cultures, and sensitive to gentamicin in 40% and augmentin in 20% of cases. Levels of drug resistance did not differ between 1994 and 2001.Antibiotic policies for the management of UTI need to be reviewed in the light of the high isolate resistance to the two first line drugs used in the treatment of UTI in Malawi.     

Calcium channel blockers improve prognosis of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and hypertension

Background:Hypertension is considered an important risk factor for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The commonly anti-hypertensive drugs are the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and beta-blockers. The association between commonly used anti-hypertensive medications and the clinical outcome of COVID-19 patients with hypertension has not been well studied.Methods:We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included all patients admitted with COVID-19 to Huo Shen Shan Hospital and Guanggu District of the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were extracted from electronic medical records. Hypertension and anti-hypertensive treatment were confirmed by medical history and clinical records. The primary clinical endpoint was all-cause mortality. Secondary endpoints included the rates of patients in common wards transferred to the intensive care unit and hospital stay duration. Logistic regression was used to explore the risk factors associated with mortality and prognosis. Propensity score matching was used to balance the confounders between different anti-hypertensive treatments. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare the cumulative recovery rate. Log-rank tests were performed to test for differences in Kaplan-Meier curves between different groups.Results:Among 4569 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, 31.7% (1449/4569) had a history of hypertension. There were significant differences in mortality rates between hypertensive patients with CCBs (7/359) and those without (21/359) (1.95% vs. 5.85%, risk ratio [RR]: 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13–0.76, χ² = 7.61, P = 0.0058). After matching for confounders, the mortality rates were similar between the RAAS inhibitor (4/236) and non-RAAS inhibitor (9/236) cohorts (1.69% vs. 3.81%, RR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.13–1.43, χ² = 1.98, P = 0.1596). Hypertensive patients with beta-blockers (13/340) showed no statistical difference in mortality compared with those without (11/340) (3.82% vs. 3.24%, RR: 1.19, 95% CI: 0.53–2.69, χ² = 0.17, P = 0.6777).Conclusions:In our study, we did not find any positive or negative effects of RAAS inhibitors or beta-blockers in COVID-19 patients with hypertension, while CCBs could improve prognosis.