Healthcare-associated infections in neonates

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To identify important findings in the recent literature related to healthcare-associated infections in neonatal care. RECENT FINDINGS: Bloodstream infection remains the leading healthcare-associated infection in the neonatal unit, but multimodal interventions have been shown to successfully reduce this life-threatening complication. Emerging pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, extended-spectrum-beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative organisms and pan-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii or Serratia marcescens complicate the use of standard antibiotic treatment and are a particular concern in this setting because of the limitation in antibiotic classes among neonates. Community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus infections are increasing in frequency and are particularly worrisome. Fluconazole prophylaxis offers a simple solution for the prevention of invasive Candida infection and has been already widely adopted. Although there is evidence for its efficacy, there is still some debate about the pros and cons of azole prophylaxis in the prevention of invasive Candida infections. Furthermore, its use in low-prevalence settings remains highly questionable. The introduction of restrictive guidelines limiting the use of antibiotics in early-onset neonatal infections has proved to be safe and efficient and may also reduce the incidence of late-onset infection. Outbreaks remain an ongoing concern in neonatal care and are increasingly complicated by emerging multiresistant pathogens. SUMMARY: Healthcare-associated infections remain a permanent challenge among neonates.     

Healthcare-associated mucormycosis

Mucormycosis is a severe emerging invasive fungal infection that occurs as a consequence of environmental exposure. We exhaustively reviewed all the cases of mucormycosis (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group 2008 criteria) attributed to healthcare procedures that occurred between 1970 and 2008. A total of 169 cases were studied (29% children, 61% male). Major underlying diseases were solid organ transplantation (24%), diabetes mellitus (22%), and severe prematurity (21%). Skin was the most common localization (57%), followed by gastrointestinal tract (15%). Culture results were available in 75% (92% positive), and results of histological examination were positive in 95%. Rhizopus was the most frequent genus (43%). Infection portal of entry included surgery and presence of medical devices such as catheters or adhesive tape. Outbreaks and clusters were related to adhesive bandages (19 cases), wooden tongue depressors (n = 5), ostomy bags (n = 2), water circuitry damage (n = 2), and adjacent building construction (n = 5). Thorough investigations are mandatory to identify healthcare-associated mucormycosis, notably in neonatology, hematological, and transplantation units.     

医疗保健相关性肺炎

医疗保健相关性肺炎是新近提出的独立的肺炎类型,其不同于社区获得性肺炎、医院获得性肺炎和呼吸机相关性肺炎.医疗保健相关性肺炎患者来源于院外,某些病例特征在一定程度上与社区获得性肺炎存在交叉,但其临床表现、危险因素、病因学、预后及初始经验性抗生素治疗又与社区获得性肺炎有所差异,反而与医院获得性肺炎有诸多重叠.因此当务之急,医务工作者应全面且正确识别医疗保健相关性肺炎,这对我们指导治疗、改善预后意义极其重大.     

Exotic imported travel-related infections in Japan

Human social and economic activities as well as changes in the global environment are responsible for outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. We have encountered 5 cases of asymptomatic schistosomiasis in Japanese travelers who were exposed to cercariae-contaminated freshwater in east Africa. Because all 5 travelers showed normal results upon their return medical examination, Schistosoma, which is not indigenous to Japan, was unfortunately not suspected as the causative agent of this chronic and silent infection. In addition, in 2008, we experienced 2 Japanese cases in an exotic and local pandemic of human trichinellosis which was associated with eating raw soft-shelled turtles in Taiwan. The cause of this emerging pandemic can be attributed to the traditional custom of eating raw soft-shelled turtles.It is important for all travelers to understand that anyone at anytime can be exposed to the threat of a pandemic; therefore, the first step for all travelers is to be aware of worldwide endemicity and keep up to date on the infectious diseases that are prevalent. Concurrently, it is important to identify the presence of slowly and silently expanding infectious diseases and establish surveillance systems to detect not only serious emerging infectious diseases but also chronic and silent infections.     

Virus infections in laboratories in Japan.

Virus infections in laboratories in Japan from 1967 to 1972 were studied. Major causative agents were influenza virus, Australian antigen, Rickettsia, and vaccinia virus. The cases reported were neither severe, nor lethal. It was suggested that these infections were caused either by aerosol or contact. Measures to prevent infection in laboratories are discussed.     

Pediatric rheumatology in adult rheumatology practices in Washington state

Objective. To determine both the extent to which adult rheumatologists treat children and their level of comfort in doing so. Methods. A questionnaire was sent to all 77 physicians in the state of Washington who were listed as adult rheumatologists in the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) directory. Results. Sixty-six questionnaires (86%) were returned; 50 were identified as being from privatepracticing adult rheumatologists and were the focus of this study. Sixty-two percent of the respondents reported that they care for children; predictors included increased exposure to pediatric rheumatology during fellowship (P = 0.003), increased distance from Seattle (P = 0.001), and listing oneself in the ACR directory as treating children (P = 0.03). Most respondents reported feeling discomfort in treating children younger than 6 years of age, treating Kawasaki disease, and treating polyarteritis nodosa, but most reported feeling comfortable treating children with chronic arthritides. Impediments to referring to a pediatric rheumatologist included distance (median distance 35 miles), convenience for the family, personal preference, and experience in caring for children. Twenty-nine percent reported difficulties referring to a pediatric rheumatologist outside of one's managed care plan. Adult rheumatologists expressed interest in continuing medical education dealing with pediatric rheumatology, preferably with a lecture format in their home communities. Conclusion. A significant number of adult rheumatologists care for children. Pediatric rheumatologists should provide both educational and consultative support for these adult rheumatologist colleagues.     

Healthcare-associated pneumonia: approach to management

Healthcare-associated pneumonia patients have worse outcomes and?a different microbiologic profile than those with community-acquired pneumonia, including a greater risk for multidrug-resistant (MDR) organism infection. Risks include hospitalization for 2 or more days within 90 days, presentation from a nursing home or long-term care facility, attending a hospital or hemodialysis clinic, receiving intravenous therapy within 30 days, and immunosuppression. Ability to predict infection with MDR organisms varies, and the relative frequency of MDR organisms varies by geographic region. Initial treatment is broad-spectrum empiric antibiotics.     

Roentgenology in rheumatology

The paper takes a retrospective view back to the historical beginning of roentgenology. The development of radiology of bone and joints is high-lighted with special respect of rheumatology. Completeness was not intended regarding the size of this paper. It is shown, especially to our younger colleagues, how hard it was in the past 90 years to achieve our today-knowledge in x-ray-diagnostic. Three factors determined Roentgenology to become an indispensable method. The continuing development and improving of efficient x-ray-machines. The development and improving of investigation methods. The scientific workup of radiological signs leading to radiomorphologic features. Some milestones of technical development of conventional radiology are listed up. Also, innovations in microelectronics. Computed tomography and Magnetic Resonance are listed up. Remarks are made about costs of "big machines" and about declining knowledge in conventional radiology in young american radiologists. Recommendations are made for efficient collaboration of rheumatologists and radiologists.     

Ultrasound in rheumatology

Over the last decade, several studies have highlighted the value of ultrasonography for both clinical and research purposes in rheumatology. Ultrasonography is a non-invasive, inexpensive and free-of-radiation-hazards imaging technique providing quick and useful information for the management of rheumatic diseases. Considerable evidence supporting the role of ultrasonography in rheumatological clinical practice has led many rheumatologists to want to become experienced with this imaging technique. The main indications of ultrasonography in rheumatology include the evaluation of patients with regional pain syndromes and chronic arthritis, short-term therapy monitoring and guidance for invasive procedures. Ultrasonography's long learning curve is the main obstacle that hinders its widespread use in rheumatology. Many technical aspects may affect the scanning process and a correct interpretation of sonographic images depends on several elements such as a deep knowledge of ultrasonography anatomy and pathology.