Journal of infection and chemotherapy : official journal of the Japan Society of Chemotherapy
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J. Infect. Chemother. · Aug 2020
Effect of a bundle-approach intervention against contamination of blood culture in the emergency department.
To prevent contamination when taking blood culture, there are various effective interventions. Whether there is greater efficacy by using a combination of these interventions has not been widely evaluated. ⋯ Our intervention bundle dramatically reduced the contamination rate when drawing blood culture in our ED.
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J. Infect. Chemother. · Aug 2020
Clinical course of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in individuals present during the outbreak on the Diamond Princess cruise ship.
We investigated the clinical course of individuals with 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) who were transferred from the Diamond Princess cruise ship to 12 local hospitals. The conditions and clinical courses of patients with pneumonia were compared with those of patients without pneumonia. Among 70 patients (median age: 67 years) analyzed, the major symptoms were fever (64.3%), cough (54.3%), and general fatigue (24.3%). ⋯ High serum LDH, AST and CRP levels and low serum albumin level and lymphocyte count were found to be predictors of pneumonia. It was challenging for local hospitals to admit and treat these patients during the outbreak of COVID-19. Assessment of severity was crucial to manage a large number of patients.
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J. Infect. Chemother. · Jul 2020
Multicenter Study Observational StudySafety and effectiveness of baloxavir marboxil for the treatment of influenza in Japanese clinical practice: A postmarketing surveillance of more than 3000 patients.
Baloxavir marboxil is an oral anti-influenza drug that inhibits the cap-dependent endonuclease of the virus polymerase acidic protein. In clinical trials, baloxavir reduced the time to alleviation of influenza symptoms and time to resolution of fever in adults, adolescents, and children. The purpose of this study is to collect data on the safety and effectiveness of baloxavir when used in clinical practice. ⋯ Median time to resolution of fever (N = 2946) was 1.5 days (overall, influenza A, and influenza B groups). Biphasic fever (increased temperature after previous fever resolution) was seen in 6.7% of patients overall and 28.6% of patients <6 years infected with influenza B, similar to rates published elsewhere with other influenza drugs and in untreated influenza. This postmarketing surveillance of >3000 patients suggests that baloxavir is well tolerated and effective regardless of patient age or influenza virus type.
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J. Infect. Chemother. · Jul 2020
Observational StudyAntibiotic prescriptions for Japanese outpatients with acute respiratory tract infections (2013-2015): A retrospective Observational Study.
Appropriate antibiotic prescriptions for outpatients with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are urgently needed in Japan. However, the empirical proof of this need is under-documented. Therefore, we aimed to determine antibiotic prescription rates, and the proportions of antibiotic classes prescribed for Japanese patients with ARTIs. ⋯ Both the visit rates and antibiotic prescription rates for ARTIs were high in this Japanese cohort. The proportion of antibiotic prescriptions exceeded that recommended in the clinical guidelines. Thus, there might be a scope for reducing the current antibiotic prescription rate in Japan.
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J. Infect. Chemother. · Jul 2020
Case ReportsA sporadic COVID-19 pneumonia treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in Tokyo, Japan: A case report.
An ongoing outbreak of a novel coronavirus disease (coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19) has become a global threat. While clinical reports from China to date demonstrate that the majority of cases remain relatively mild and recover with supportive care, it is also crucial to be well prepared for severe cases warranting intensive care. Initiating appropriate infection control measures may not always be achievable in primary care or in acute-care settings. ⋯ Strict infection control precautions are not always an easy task, especially under urgent care in an intensive care unit. However, severe cases of COVID-19 pneumonia, or another novel infectious disease, could present at any moment and would be a continuing challenge to pursue appropriate measures. We need to be well prepared to secure healthcare workers from exposure to infectious diseases and nosocomial spread, as well as to provide necessary intensive care.