Risk factors of hospital-acquired pneumonia in patients with neurosurgical diseases:a Meta analysis

Objective To evaluate risk factors of hospital - acquired pneumonia in patients with neurosurgical diseases. Methods Totally 17 literatures from 2001 - 2009 were selected according to the criteria and assessed by Meta - analysis. The pools OR values of influencing factors

Performance and comparison of assessment models to predict 30-day mortality in patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia

Background:Hospital-acquired pneumonia(HAP)is the most common hospital-acquired infection in China with substantial morbidity and mortality.But no specific risk assessment model has been well validated in patients with HAP.The aim of this study was to investigate the published risk assessment models that could potentially be used to predict 30-day mortality in HAP patients in non-surgical departments.Methods:This study was a single-center,retrospective study.In total,223 patients diagnosed with HAP from 2012 to 2017 were included in this study.Clinical and laboratory data during the initial 24 hours after HAP diagnosis were collected to calculate the pneumonia severity index(PSI);consciousness,urea nitrogen,respiratory rate,blood pressure,and age≥65 years(CURB-65);Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II(APACHE II);Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA);and Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(qSOFA)scores.The discriminatory power was tested by constructing receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,and the areas under the curve(AUCs)were calculated.Results:The all-cause 30-day mortality rate was 18.4%(41/223).The PSI,CURB-65,SOFA,APACHE II,and qSOFA scores were significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors(all P<0.001).The discriminatory abilities of the APACHE II and SOFA scores were better than those of the CURB-65 and qSOFA scores(ROC AUC:APACHE II vs.CURB-65,0.863 vs.0.744,Z=3.055,P=0.002;APACHE II vs.qSOFA,0.863 vs.0.767,Z=3.017,P=0.003;SOFA vs.CURB-65,0.856 vs.0.744,Z=2.589,P=0.010;SOFA vs.qSOFA,0.856 vs.0.767,Z=2.170,P=0.030).The cut-off values we defined for the SOFA,APACHE II,and qSOFA scores were 4,14,and 1.Conclusions:These results suggest that the APACHE II and SOFA scores determined during the initial 24 h after HAP diagnosis may be useful for the prediction of 30-day mortality in HAP patients in non-surgical departments.The qSOFA score may be a simple tool that can be used to quickly identify severe infections.

Positive sputum culture of Candida spp.as a risk factor for 30-day mortality in patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia:A propensity-score matched retrospective clinical study

Background:Candida species(Candida spp.)are commonly isolated microorganisms from lower respiratory tract(LRT)specimens of patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia(HAP);however,the clinical significance remains controversial.This study aimed to investigate the correlation between Candida spp.in the LRT and the clinical features and prognosis of HAP.Methods:This retrospective analysis included eligible patients with HAP from the database of a prospective study carried out between 2018 and 2019 in nine Chinese hospitals.Data on demographics,clinical characteristics,and prognosis were collected and analyzed.Propensity score matching(PSM)was used to balance the baseline characteristics.Results:A total of 187 HAP patients were enrolled.After PSM of severity score,27 cases with positive sputum culture of Candida spp.were compared with the control group at a ratio of 1:1.The Candida-positive group had more bacterial isolates in blood culture than the Candida-negative group(39.1%[9/23]vs.7.7%[2/26],χ^(2)=6.928,effect size[ES]=0.38,95%CI:0.12-0.61,P=0.008).The proportion of patients with chronic lung diseases was significantly higher in the Candida-positive group(55.6%[15/27]vs.22.2%[6/27],χ^(2)=6.312,ES=0.34,95%CI:0.07-0.59,P=0.012).The 30-day prognosis of HAP was significantly different between the two groups(80.8%[21/26]vs.38.5%[10/26],χ^(2)=9.665,ES=0.43,95%CI:0.19-0.66,P=0.002).Univariable logistic regression analysis showed that LRT Candida spp.colonization was a risk factor for 30-day mortality of HAP(OR=6.720,95%CI:1.915-23.577,P=0.003).Conclusions:Candida spp.in the LRT was associated with 30-day mortality of HAP.Patients with chronic under-lying lung diseases tend to have Candida spp.colonization.

Clinical application of lung CT in diagnosis and treatment for hospital-acquired pneumonia of cardiac surgery patients

Background Hospital-acquired pneumonia （HAP） is the most common and most serious nosocomial infection for cardiac surgery patients, with high incidence and fatality ratel. It is important for cardiac surgeons to correctly identify HAP, assess the severity, and then adjust anti-infection method, which can reduce the mortality rate, shorten hospitalization time, and reduce the waste of medical resources. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the application value of lung CT in diagnosis and treatment of HAP after cardiac surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted for clinical data about 76 cardiac surgery patients who were diagnosed with HAP during January to December 2013. The clinical data mainly included symptoms, physical signs, laboratory examinations （such as routine blood tests and serum procalcitonin）, and lung CT and X-ray data. Our focus is on the comparison between lung CT and X-ray data. Results The positive diagnostic rate, false negative rate, and false positive rate of lung CT were 71/76 （93.4%）, 5/76 （6.6%）, and 1/76 （1.3%） respectively. The coincidence rate of X-ray and CT was 45/76 （59.2%）, and the false negative rate of X-ray was 23/76 （30.3%）. Conclusion Lung CT is better than X-ray in diagnosis of HAP after cardiac surgery and assessment of severity, and has greater significance for guiding the rational useof antibiotics. Therefore, lung CT is worthy of application and popularization.

Clinical efficacy of Buzhong Yiqi decoction(补中益气汤)in the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia with multi-drug resistant bacteria:a prospective,randomized,multicenter controlled trial

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Buzhong Yiqi decoction(补中益气汤,BZYQ)in the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia(HAP)with multi-drug-resistant bacteria(MDRB).METHODS:This 28-day study was conducted at 5 clinical centers in Shanghai.The eligible patients were randomly assigned(1∶1)into the intervention group(BZYQ plus conventional Western Medicine therapy)and control group(conventional Western Medicine therapy).The primary outcomes were the clinical response,clinical pulmonary infection score(CPIS),and microbiologic response.The secondary outcomes were the 28-day allcause mortality(ACM),Acute Physiology and Chronic Health EvaluationⅡ(APACHEⅡ)score,ventilator weaning rate,length of mechanical ventilation(MV),length of hospital stay,and changes of infection indicators.RESULTS:Altogether 83 subjects in the intervention group and 85 subjects in the control group were analyzed.The clinical success rate(48.2%)and the pathogen eradication rate(59.0%)of the intervention group were all better than those of the control group(32.9%and 38.9%,respectively)with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The CPIS score of the intervention group(8.9±1.7)was lower than that of the control group(9.6±2.5)(P<0.05).The length of MV in the intervention group[(13.7±6.4)d]was significantly shorter than that of the control group[(17.2±7.2)d](P<0.05).The 28-day ACM of the intervention group(13.33%)was lower than that of the control group(21.2%)with no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).The differences between two groups in ventilator weaning rate,length of hospital stay,and APACHEⅡscore were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The intervention group displayed decreases in white blood cell count,C-reactive protein,neutrophil percentage,and procalcitonin at day 28 compared with baseline(P<0.05).No serious adverse events occurred in either group during the 28-day follow-up.CONCLUSION:BZYQ may be an effective therapeutic option for the management of HAP with MDRB.

Linezolid versus Vancomycin for the Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>in Hospital-Acquired, Ventilator-Associated, and Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia at Tertiary Care Hospital

Aim: To evaluate morbidity and mortality rate, clinical cure rate and cost of linezolid versus vancomycin in patients who have hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) or Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methods: Retrospective analysis data. Data were collected for adult patients admitted to King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre-Jeddah (KFSH & RC-J) from January 2010 to May 2015. Method: A total of 88 patients with HAP, VAP and HCAP caused by MRSA treated with vancomycin (IV) or linezolid (IV or PO) either as empirically or directed therapy ≥ 7 days. They are retrospectively evaluated and analyzed. The primary end points are morbidity and mortality rate as well as clinical cure rate. The secondary end point is the cost analysis for each medication. Results: A total of 40 patients (ICU, n = 13 (32.5% and non ICU, n = 27 (67.5%)) were included in the study. Among vancomycin, n = 21 (52.5%);age (54.95 ± 18.255) and linezolid, n = 19 (74.5%);age (48.684 ± 25.593), there was no statistical differences in mortality and morbidity rate (P = 0.375). Clinical cure rate (fever improvement, 12 (57.1%) vs 12 (63.2%);P = 0.698, leukocytosis improvement, 15 (71.4%) vs 14 (73.7%);P = 0.873, purulent sputum improvement, 6 (28.6%) vs 4 (21.1%);P = 0.429, dyspnea improvement, 8 (38.1%) vs 3 (15.8%);P = 0.115,cough improvement 4 (19.0%) vs 4 (21.1%);P = 0.592, microbiological eradication of MRSA from sputum culture, 2 (9.5%) vs 6 (31.6%);P = 0.089 and improvement of radiographic finding (pulmonary infiltration), 17 (81.0%) vs 16 (84.2%);P = 0.559) of vancomycin vs linezolid, respectively. The cost analysis in the treatment of MRSA pneumonia with linezolid is statistical significantly higher than vancomycin. The mean cost of vancomycin = 185.9143 SR and of linezolid = 4547.3684 SR (P Conclusion: There are no statistical differences in mortality and morbidity rate and clinical cure rate between linezolid and vancomycin in the treatment of MRSA in HAP, VAP, and HCAP. However, the cost of linezlid is significantly higher than vancomycin during the treatment period of one patient.

Strategy and technology to prevent hospital-acquired infections:Lessons from SARS,Ebola,and MERS in Asia and West Africa

Hospital-acquired infections(HAIs) are serious problems for healthcare systems, especially in developing countries where public health infrastructure and technology for infection preventions remain undeveloped. Here, we characterized how strategy and technology could be mobilized to improve the effectiveness of infection prevention and control in hospitals during the outbreaks of Ebola, Middle East respiratory syndrome(MERS), and severe acute respiratory syndrome(SARS) in Asia and West Africa. Published literature on the hospital-borne outbreaks of SARS, Ebola, and MERS in Asia and West Africa was comprehensively reviewed. The results showed that healthcare systems and hospital management in affected healthcare facilities had poor strategies and inadequate technologies and human resources for the prevention and control of HAIs, which led to increased morbidity, mortality, and unnecessary costs. We recommend that governments worldwide enforce disaster risk management, even when no outbreaks are imminent. Quarantine and ventilation functions should be taken into consideration in architectural design of hospitals and healthcare facilities. We also recommend that health authorities invest in training healthcare workers for disease outbreak response, as their preparedness is essential to reducing disaster risk.

Serum inflammatory markers in children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia and their predictive value for mycoplasma severity

BACKGROUND Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)significantly impacts pediatric health,necessitating markers for early severe disease identification.AIM To investigate the correlation between serum inflammatory marker and the severity of MPP in children.METHODS A prospective study was carried out from January 2023 to November 2023.A total of 160 children with MPP who underwent treatment were selected:80 had severe MPP and 80 had mild MPP.Clinical and laboratory data were collected at the time of hospital admission and during hospitalization.Receiver operating characteristic curves were utilized to assess the diagnostic and prognostic for severe MPP.RESULTS Fever duration and length of hospitalization in pediatric patients with severe MPP exceeded those with mild MPP.The incidence of pleural effusion,lung consolidation,and bronchopneumonia on imaging was markedly elevated in the severe MPP cohort compared to the mild MPP cohort.In contrast to the mild cohort,there was a notable increase in C-reactive protein(CRP),procalcitonin(PCT),erythrocyte sedimentation rate,lactic dehydrogenase,D-dimer,and inflammatory cytokines[interleukin(IL)-6,IL-8,IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α]in the severe MPP group were significantly higher.CONCLUSION Serum inflammatory markers(CRP,PCT,IL-6,D-dimer,IL-10 and TNF-α)were considered as predictors in children with severe MPP.

Chinese herbal medicine combined with Western medicine for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children:An overview of systematic reviews

Objective:To summarize the characteristics and evaluate the quality of the methodology and evidence within systematic reviews(SRs)of Chinese herbal medicine(CHM)for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)inchildren.Methods:SRs of randomized controlled trials were searched using PubMed,the Cochrane Library,Embase,the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Databases(CNKI),the Chinese Scientific Journals Database(VIP),Wanfang,and the SinoMed Database.SRs on the use of CHM alone or in combination with Western medications for MPP in children were included.The study compared the effects of Western medicine alone with those of CHM.The evidence quality using the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews(AMSTAR)2,the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)2020,and the Grading of Recommendations,Assessment,Development,and Evaluation(GRADE)criteria.The primary indicators were the total effective rate,fever subsidence time,and cough disappearance time.The secondary outcomes were pulmonary rale disappearance time,average hospitalization time,lung X-ray infiltrate disappearance time,immunological indices,and inflammatory cytokine levels.Results:Twelve relevant SRs were included;75%(9/12)were assessed as very low quality,and 25%(3/12)Were rated as low quality using the AMSTAR 2 criteria.According to the PRISMA 2020 checklist,the average SR score was 20.3 out of a 27 point maximum.In all SRs,CHM demonstrated improvement in symptoms and signs among children with MPP.The evidence quality using the GRADE criteria ranged from"very low"(>50%)to"moderate"(<5%).The most common downgrading factor was imprecision,followed by publication bias and inconsistency.Conclusion:This overview highlights the limited quality of the methodology and evidence of the included SRs.Although the included studies showed the beneficial effects of CHM on MPP in children,it was difficult to draw firm conclusions owing to methodological flaws.

Klebsiella pneumoniae infections after liver transplantation:Drug resistance and distribution of pathogens,risk factors,and influence on outcomes

BACKGROUND Liver transplantation(LT)is the only curative treatment for end-stage liver disease.However,LT recipients are susceptible to infection,which is the leading cause of early mortality after LT.Klebsiella pneumoniae infections(KPIs)in the bloodstream are common in LT recipients.We hypothesized that KPIs and carbapenemresistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)infections may affect the outcomes of LT recipients.AIM To assess KPI incidence,timing,distribution,drug resistance,and risk factors following LT and its association with outcomes.METHODS This retrospective study included 406 patients undergoing LT at The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University,a tertiary hospital,from January 2015 to January 2023.We investigated the risk factors for KPIs and assessed the impact of KPIs and CRKP infections on the prognosis of LT recipients using logistic regression analysis.RESULTS KPI incidence was 7.9%(n=32),with lung/thoracic cavity the most frequent site of infection;the median time from LT to KPI onset was 7.5 d.Of 44 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates,43(97.7%)and 34(77.3%)were susceptible to polymyxin B or ceftazidime/avibactam and tigecycline,respectively;>70%were resistant to piperacillin/tazobactam,ceftazidime,cefepime,aztreonam,meropenem,and levofloxacin.Female sex[odds ratio(OR)=2.827,95%confidence interval(CI):1.256-6.364;P=0.012],pre-LT diabetes(OR=2.794,95%CI:1.070-7.294;P=0.036),day 1 post-LT alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels≥1500 U/L(OR=3.645,95%CI:1.671-7.950;P=0.001),and post-LT urethral catheter duration over 4 d(OR=2.266,95%CI:1.016-5.054;P=0.046)were risk factors for KPI.CRKP infections,but not KPIs,were risk factors for 6-month all-cause mortality post-LT.CONCLUSION KPIs occur frequently and rapidly after LT.Risk factors include female sex,pre-LT diabetes,increased post-LT ALT levels,and urethral catheter duration.CRKP infections,and not KPIs,affect mortality.

Organizing pneumonia secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis:A case report

BACKGROUND Organizing pneumonia secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis is rare.Moreover,the temporal boundary between pulmonary tuberculosis and secondary organizing pneumonia has not been defined.We report a case of secondary organizing pneumonia associated with pulmonary tuberculosis occurring after nine months of antituberculosis treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 54 years old man,previously diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculous pleurisy,underwent nine months of antituberculosis treatment.Follow-up lung computed tomography revealed multiple new subpleural groundglass opacities in both lungs,and a lung biopsy confirmed organizing pneumonia.Treatment continued with anti-tuberculosis agents and hormone therapy,and subsequent dynamic pulmonary computed tomography exams demonstrated improvement in lesion absorption.No disease recurrence was observed after corticosteroid therapy discontinuation.CONCLUSION When treating patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis,if an increase in lesions is observed during anti-tuberculosis treatment,it is necessary to consider the possibility of tuberculosis-related secondary organizing pneumonia,timely lung biopsy is essential for early intervention.

Clinical analysis of colistin sulfate in the treatment of pneumonia caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria

BACKGROUND Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria,exacerbated by excessive use of antimicrobials and immunosuppressants,are a major health threat.AIM To study the clinical efficacy and safety of colistin sulfate in the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli-induced pneumonia,and to provide theoretical reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.METHODS This retrospective analysis involved 54 patients with Gram-negative bacilli pneumonia admitted to intensive care unit of The General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army of China from August 2020 to June 2022.After bacteriological culture,the patients'airway secretions were collected to confirm the presence of Gram-negative bacilli.The patients were divided into the experimental and control groups according to the medication used.The research group consisted of 28 patients who received polymyxin sulfate combined with other drugs through intravenous,nebulization,or intravenous combined with nebulization,with a daily dosage of 1.5–3.0 million units.The control group consisted of 26 patients who received standard dosages of other antibiotics(including sulbactam sodium for injection,cefoperazone sodium sulbactam for injection,tigecycline,meropenem,or vaborbactam).RESULTS Of the 28 patients included in the research group,26 patients showed improvement,treatment was ineffective for two patients,and one patient died,with the treatment efficacy rate of 92.82%.Of the 26 patients in the control group,18 patients improved,treatment was ineffective for eight patients,and two patients died,with the treatment efficacy rate of 54.9%;significant difference was observed between the two groups(P<0.05).The levels of white blood cell(WBC),procalcitonin(PCT),and C-reactive protein(CRP)in both groups were significantly lower after treatment than before treatment(P<0.05),and the levels of WBC,PCT,and CRP in the research group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,there were no significant changes in aspartate aminotransferase,creatinine,and glomerular filtration rate in both groups,while total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase decreased after treatment(P<0.05)with no difference between the groups.In patients with good clinical outcomes,the sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA)score was low when treated with inhaled polymyxin sulfate,and specific antibiotic treatment did not improve the outcome.Sepsis and septic shock as well as a low SOFA score were independent factors associated with good clinical outcomes.CONCLUSION Polymyxin sulfate has a significant effect on the treatment of patients with multiple drug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli pneumonia and other infections in the lungs and is safe and reliable.Moreover,the administration route of low-dose intravenous injection combined with nebulization shows better therapeutic effects and lower adverse reactions,providing new ideas for clinical administration.

Clinical Analysis of Hospital-acquired Bloodstream Infection in the Elderly

Objective: This study was designed to get epidemiological characteristics, etiology characteristics, prognosis assessment and prognostic factors of hospital-acquired bloodstream infection (HABSI) in the elderly in Chinese PLA General Hospital and aimed at providing a reference for HABSI in the elderly on clinical diagnosis and treatment to improve the prognosis. Methods: The clinical data and pathology data of 210 cases of the elderly patients with HABSI from 2009 to 2012 in geriatric wards were retrospectively analyzed. Compare the clinical assessment effects of APACHE-II score, SAPS-II score and SOFA score to HABSI prognosis in the elderly by plotting the receiver operating characteristic curve. Use univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to get prognostic factors of HABSI in the elderly. Results: Univariate analysis of mortality: Day 1 apache -> 18 II score, lung infection, invasive ventilation, chronic hepatic insufficiency, chronic renal insufficiency, substantive organ malignant tumor, deep venipuncture, indwelling gastric tube indwelling ureter, complicated with shock and acquired bloodstream infections in the elderly patients with 7 days survival state association is significant. Day- 1 SOFA score>7, chronic liver dysfunction, chronic renal insufficiency, concurrent shock, hemodialysis and 28-day survival status of patients with acquired bloodstream infection in elderly hospitals were significantly associated. Multivariate unconditioned logistic regression analysis related to death: Day-1APACHE-II score>18, parenchymal malignant tumors, and concurrent shock are independent risk factors for 7-day death in elderly patients with acquired bloodstream infection. Day-1 SOFA score>7, chronic renal insufficiency, and concurrent shock are independent risk factors for 28-day mortality in elderly patients with acquired bloodstream infection. Conclusion: The incidence of acquired bloodstream infections in the elderly was 1.37%. The 7-day and 28-day mortality rates were 8.10% and 22.38%, respectively. Concurrent shock is 26.7%. The 28- day mortality rate of concurrent shock patients was 48.21%. The best outcome score for the 7-day prognosis of elderly patients with acquired bloodstream infection was the Day-1APACHE-II score, followed by the Day-1 SOFA score. The best score for the 28-day prognostic assessment was the Day-1 SOFA score.

Acute Eosinophilic Pneumonia (AEP) Due to Daptomycin: Is Autoimmunity a Clinico-Pathophysiologic Bridge to AEP?

Daptomycin induced acute eosinophilic pneumonia is a rare and potentially life threatening condition characterized by rapid respiratory failure, pulmonary infiltrates and eosinophilia. Risk factors for acute eosinophilic pneumonia include smoking, environmental irritants or inhalants and certain medications such as Daptomycin [1]. In this review of literature, we aim to explore the potential triggers for developing acute eosinophilic pneumonia in patients exposed to Daptomycin. The exact immune mechanism for daptomycin induced AEP is unknown, however the current proposed mechanism describes a T helper 2 lymphocyte response to inactivated daptomycin in the pulmonary surfactant, which leads to eosinophilia. Disordered T regulatory cell function is seen in patients with certain cancers, allergies and autoimmune conditions. We propose that patients with these underlying risk factors may be at increased risk of developing AEP after becoming exposed to Daptomycin. Understanding potential risk factors is crucial for health care workers as it allows them to identify susceptible populations, explore preventative measures and treat accordingly.

Secondary organizing pneumonia after infection

This editorial explores the clinical implications of organizing pneumonia(OP)secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis,as presented in a recent case report.OP is a rare condition characterized by inflammation in the alveoli,which spreads to alveolar ducts and terminal bronchioles,usually after lung injuries caused by infections or other factors.OP is classified into cryptogenic(idiopathic)and secondary forms,the latter arising after infections,connective tissue diseases,tumors,or treatments like drugs and radiotherapy.Secondary OP may be triggered by infections caused by bacteria,viruses,fungi,mycobacteria,or parasites.Key diagnostic features include subacute onset of nonspecific respira-tory symptoms such as dry cough,chest pain,and exertional dyspnea.Imaging with computed tomography scans typically reveals three patterns:(1)Bilateral subpleural consolidation;(2)Nodular consolidation;and(3)A reticular pattern.Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage helps exclude other causes.Standard treatment consists of corticosteroid therapy tapered over 6 months to 12 months.This editorial highlights clinical and diagnostic strategies to ensure timely and effective patient care.

Prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia with inhaled antibiotics

The direct delivery of inhaled antibiotics to the respiratory tract has been a subject of enduring interest among medical practitioners and researchers due to the associated favorable pharmacokinetics.This interest has been particularly pronounced in the context of critically illpatients,wherehealthcare-associatedpulmonary infections represent a significant challenge,driving continued exploration of inhaled antibiotics for intubated patients.Recent high-level evidence has shown a very promising application in the field of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) prevention.^([1]).

Measles giant cell pneumonia diagnosed in pleural decortication specimen

Measles,caused by the measles virus(MeV),is a highly infectious pediatric viral disease and its recovery usually occurs within one week of the onset of the rash[1].However,some patients may develop complications,the most common of which is pneumonia,often detected at autopsy[2,3].

Impact of Genetic Diversity of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains on the Dissemination of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactam Resistance Genes in Côte d’Ivoire

The increase and spread of bacterial resistance to extended-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics are reported in many infections and are a real public health problem worldwide. Drug pressure is a factor that favors the emergence of a population of better adapted bacteria. However, there is no literature highlighting the genetic diversity and evolutionary structure of E. coli and K. pneumoniae in an environment with high selection pressure in Côte d’Ivoire. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains circulating at the HKB Hospital in Abobo and at the Daloa Regional Hospital and its impact on the dissemination of extended spectrum beta-lactam resistance genes. A total of 39 strains isolated from the urinary tract of infected patients, including 30 strains of E. coli and 9 strains of K. pneumoniae were studied. A total of 39 strains isolated from the urinary tract of infected patients, including 30 strains of E. coli and 9 strains of K. pneumoniae were studied. From genomic DNA extracts, ESBL resistance genes were amplified by PCR and sequenced, in addition to genetic typing by ERIC-PCR. The data obtained were submitted to genetic and bioinformatics analyses. The results have shown a genetic diversity important in E. coli and K. pneumoniae with diversity indexs (SID) ranging from 0.5 to 0.77. The genetic structure of the bacterial species studied has shown a clonal distribution of strains with clones expressing TEM-9 and CTX-M-15 variants. Also, this clonal structure was correlated with the spread of resistance genes in E. coli and K. pneumoniae. The spread of resistant clones is a factor that might limit the fight against antibiotic resistance.

A Case of Esophageal Perforation Presenting as Cavitary Pneumonia: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges

Esophageal perforation, a rare condition, can arise from iatrogenic, traumatic, or spontaneous origins. Even when therapy is initiated within the first 24 hours, it is associated with a mortality rate of up to 25%. Due to the varied initial presentation, treatment may be delayed, leading to poorer outcomes. Here, we present a unique case of a 27-year-old schizophrenic patient who initially presented with acute respiratory failure and septic shock and was ultimately diagnosed with cavitary pneumonia secondary to esophageal perforation.

Plasma Metabonomics of Human Adenovirus-infected Patients with Pneumonia and Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Objective Human adenovirus(HAdV)infection is common and can develop to serious conditions with high mortality,yet the mechanism of HAdV infection remains unclear.In the present study,the serum metabolite profiles of HAdV-7-infected patients with pneumonia or upper respiratory tract infection(URTI)were explored.Methods In total,35 patients were enrolled in the study following an outbreak of HAdV-7 in the army,of whom 14 had pneumonia and 21 had URTI.Blood samples were collected at the acute stage and at the recovery stage and were analyzed by untargeted metabolomics.Results Over 90% of the differential metabolites identified between the pneumonia patients and URTI patients were lipids and lipid-like molecules,including glycerophospholipids,fatty acyls,and sphingolipids.The metabolic pathways that were significantly enriched were primarily the lipid metabolism pathways,including sphingolipid metabolism,glycerophospholipid metabolism,and linoleic acid metabolism.The sphingolipid metabolism was identified as a significantly differential pathway between the pneumonia patients and URTI patients and between the acute and recovery stages for the pneumonia patients,but not between the acute and recovery stages for the URTI patients.Ceramide and lactosylceramide,involved in sphingolipid metabolism,were significantly higher in the pneumonia patients than in the URTI patients with good discrimination abilities[area under curve(AUC)0.742 and 0.716,respectively;combination AUC 0.801].Conclusion Our results suggested that HAdV modulated lipid metabolism for both the patients with URTI and pneumonia,especially the sphingolipid metabolism involving ceramide and lactosylceramide,which might thus be a potential intervention target in the treatment of HAdV infection.