International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Dec 2013
Multicenter StudyRisk factors for cardiovascular events in hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia.
An increased risk of cardiovascular complications has been found in those with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Preliminary data suggest that pneumococcal pneumonia, more severe pneumonia, older age, renal disease, hypoalbuminemia, and inpatient sliding scale insulin administration contribute to risk. The objective of this study was to ascertain additional factors influencing cardiovascular events in CAP. ⋯ This study highlights variables in CAP patients that should make clinicians vigilant for the development of cardiac complications. Additional research is needed to determine if statins attenuate cardiac risk in CAP.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Dec 2013
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: seroprevalence and risk factors among humans in Achaia, western Greece.
The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) presents a wide distribution, with the Balkan Peninsula being among the endemic regions. To date, only one CCHF case has been reported in Greece; however, based on seroprevalence data, there is evidence that CCHFV circulates in the country. Achaia is a prefecture in western Greece that has not previously been studied for CCHFV. ⋯ A relatively high seroprevalence was detected in a previously unstudied region of Greece, where CCHFV infection seems to occur mainly through tick bites. Further investigations are needed to identify the circulating CCHFV strains in Greece, in order to gain a better understanding of CCHFV ecology and epidemiology in the country.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Dec 2013
Acinetobacter baumannii ventilator-associated pneumonia: epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and prognosis factors.
The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of Acinetobacter baumannii ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and to identify factors predictive of a poor outcome. ⋯ A. baumannii VAP is associated with a high mortality. Hemodynamic impairment is predictive of a poor outcome.
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We retrospectively collected the characteristics of 80 consecutive adult patients with biologically confirmed measles during a recent epidemic in France. We report on the frequency and severity of liver involvement in adult patients with measles. In our experience, measles in adults was not severe and hepatitis was not correlated with severe cases or bacterial infection. Therefore, hepatitis should be regarded as a usual symptom rather than a complication of measles infection in adults.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Dec 2013
Assessment of perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis using ATC/DDD methodology.
In the light of international experience and guidelines and in order to improve the quality of perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis (PAP), various hospitals have set up their own multidisciplinary healthcare teams and have evaluated the density of PAP through close supervision and interventions. The aim of the present study was to compare the density, quality, and cost of PAP before and after an intervention implemented at our hospital in order to increase the quality of PAP. ⋯ The quality of PAP may be improved through better compliance with healthcare guidelines, close supervision, and training activities. Also, surgical site infections and the cost of PAP may be reduced through more appropriate antibiotic use, thus contributing to the national healthcare budget.