The Epidemiology of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis at a Large Teaching Hospital

2001 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 370-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare F. Pegues ◽  
Eric S. Daar ◽  
A. Rekha Murthy

AbstractObjective:To characterize the epidemiology of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA).Design:A retrospective case series.Setting:An 850-bed, academic, tertiary-care medical center.Participants:Adult inpatients, between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 1998, with either a histopathology report consistent with IPA or a discharge diagnosis of aspergillosis.Methods:We reviewed medical records and categorized case-patients as definitive or probable and acquisition of IPA as nosocomial, indeterminate, or community using standard definitions. To determine the rate of aspergillus respiratory colonization, we identified all inpatients who had a respiratory culture positive for Aspergillus species without a histopathology report consistent with IPA or a discharge diagnosis of aspergillosis. Three study intervals were defined: interval 1,1990 to 1992; interval 2,1993 to 1995; and interval 3,1996 to 1998. Carpeting in rooms for patients following heart-lung and liver transplant was removed and ceiling tiles were replaced during interval 1; a major earthquake occurred during interval 2.Results:72 case-patients and 433 patients with respiratory colonization were identified. Acquisition was nosocomial for 18 (25.0%), indeterminate for 9 (12.5%), and community-acquired for 45 (62.5%) case-patients. Seventeen (23.6%) of the 72 case-patients had prior transplants, including 15 solid organ and 2 bone marrow. The IPA rate per 100 solid organ transplants (SOTs) decreased from 2.45 during interval 1 to 0.93 during interval 2 and to 0.52 during interval 3 (chi-square for trend, 5.44; P<.05). The hospitalwide IPA rate remained stable at 0.03 per 1,000 patient days.Conclusions:The SOT IPA rate decreased after intervals 1 and 2, although the hospitalwide IPA rate remained stable during the study period. Post-earthquake hospital demolition and construction occurring after interval 2 was not associated with an increase in the rate of IPA at our institution.

2020 ◽  
Vol 163 (3) ◽  
pp. 563-568
Author(s):  
Jeon Gang Doo ◽  
Su Il Kim ◽  
Jung Min Park ◽  
Oh Eun Kwon ◽  
Young Chan Lee ◽  
...  

Objective Few studies have investigated pharyngeal intraluminal baseline impedance (BI) levels in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). The aim of this study was to compare intraluminal BI levels between patients with LPR and healthy controls. Study Design Retrospective case series. Setting Tertiary care medical center. Subjects and Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII)–pH monitoring results from patients with suspected LPR complaining of reflux symptoms. Patients with suspected LPR were divided into 2 groups according to the 24-hour MII-pH monitoring (LPR group: patients with symptoms with reflux events ≥1, symptom but no reflux [SNR] group: patients with symptoms but no reflux event). Healthy controls were recruited and also underwent 24-hour MII-pH monitoring. We compared the esophageal and pharyngeal BI levels and ratios between 3 groups. Results Pharyngeal BI levels in the LPR group were significantly higher than in the healthy controls. In addition, the pharyngeal BI levels in the SNR group were significantly higher than in the healthy controls. All ratios of pharyngeal to distal esophageal BI levels in the LPR and SNR group were significantly higher than in the healthy controls. However, there were no significant differences in esophageal BI levels and ratios between the 3 groups. Conclusion We found that the pharyngeal BI levels were higher in patients with LPR than in healthy controls. In addition, the pharyngeal BI levels measured by 24-hour MII-pH monitoring in patients with LPR symptoms, but without a reflux episode, were higher than in the healthy controls.


Author(s):  
Rachel Chava Rosenblum ◽  
Orit Twito ◽  
Liat Barzilay-Yoseph ◽  
Erez Ramaty ◽  
Noa Klein ◽  
...  

Abstract Context Bisphosphonates are effective for hypercalcemia of malignancy (HOM). Efficacy and safety data for bisphosphonates in parathyroid hormone-related hypercalcemia (PTHRH) are rare, including pamidronate, which is not indicated for this condition. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pamidronate for moderate-to-severe PTHRH. Design Retrospective case-control study. Setting Tertiary care medical center. Patients Adults hospitalized with serum calcium levels ≥12mg/dL, 29/10/2013–17/12/2019. Interventions Etiology was categorized as PTHRH or PTH-independent. Clinical and laboratory data of PTHRH patients treated with pamidronate (PTHRH-Pam+) were compared to pamidronate-untreated counterparts (PTHRH-Pam-). Results Thirty-four patients with 37 hospitalizations for PTHRH (pamidronate-treated and untreated) met the inclusion criteria. Pamidronate was given in 24/37 cases (64.8%). Admission serum calcium levels for the PTHRH-Pam+ group were higher than for PTHRH-Pam- (14.4mg/dL vs. 13.0mg/dL, p=0.005). Median total pamidronate dose was 60mg (range 30–180mg) in the treated group. Serum calcium decreased 3.5mg/dL for PTHRH-Pam+ vs. 1.6mg/dL for PTHRH-Pam- (p=0.003). No PTHRH-Pam+ patients developed hypocalcemia or acute kidney injury. Nadir serum phosphorus levels were lower in the PTHRH-Pam+ vs. PTHRH-Pam- group (1.7mg/dL vs. 2.4mg/dL, respectively, p=0.005). Three PTHRH-Pam+ patients developed severe hypophosphatemia; all resolved with intravenous and oral supplementation. Seventeen patients underwent parathyroidectomy, of whom 10 received pamidronate within 28 days preoperatively. Post-operatively, 4 developed hypocalcemia and 3 hypophosphatemia. Conclusions This study demonstrates that pamidronate is effective and safe for treating PTHRH, while ensuring close laboratory monitoring of calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Larger, prospective studies are needed to establish the role of pamidronate and other potent bisphosphonates in moderate-to-severe PTHRH.


2012 ◽  
Vol 147 (5) ◽  
pp. 889-893 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beata Rybojad ◽  
Artur Niedzielski ◽  
Grażyna Niedzielska ◽  
Paweł Rybojad

Objective To identify the sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors associated with suspected foreign bodies in the ear, nose, throat, airway, and esophagus among Polish children. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Tertiary care medical center. Subjects and Methods A retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients hospitalized for a suspected foreign body (FB) between 1998 and 2008 was conducted. Data regarding place of residence, presence of siblings, parents’ educational status, seasonality, psychomotor development, age, and sex were collected and statistically analyzed. Results Of the 1011 patients with suspected foreign body insertion, 849 (84%) had a positive diagnosis. Of the confirmed foreign bodies, 96 were found in the tracheobronchial tree, 142 were found in the esophagus, and 611 were located in the external auditory canals, nasopharyngeal passage, tonsils, auricles, or lips. Sociodemographically, 596 of the children came from urban areas, with a preponderance of males (55%). Objects were removed more frequently in summer and autumn (60%). Children with siblings (53%) predominated. The majority of patients (52%) had parents with an elementary education. Food was the most frequent foreign body in children under 3 years of age. Patients with delayed psychomotor development constituted 1.6% of the analyzed population. Conclusions Being male, 1 to 3 years of age, belonging to an urban family with siblings, and having parents with an elementary education increased the risk of foreign body insertion. Training caregivers about proper nutrition and safety rules when playing with children can reduce the risk of accidents related to foreign body insertion.


Author(s):  
James A. Garrity

Abstract Objective This study was aimed to illustrate the features and complexities of nonspecific orbital inflammation via discussion of two representative cases. Design Present study is a retrospective case review. Setting The study was conducted at a tertiary care medical center. Participants Two patients with nonspecific orbital inflammation were participants of this retrospective study. Main Outcome Measures Outcome of the study was disease-free patients and off all medications. Results At follow-up, both patients are disease free and off all medications. Conclusion Surgery plays a diagnostic and therapeutic role. While the clinical subtype is important for differential diagnosis and symptomatic treatment, the histologic subtype is similarly important. For inflammatory dacryoadenitis, surgery can be therapeutic. For extensive granulomatosis with polyangiitis, debulking surgery may allow better penetration of medications, especially rituximab.


2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (11) ◽  
pp. 809-814 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Faisal Saleem ◽  
Muhammad Shafaat Shah ◽  
Abdul Sattar Shaikh ◽  
Fatima Mir ◽  
Anita K M Zaidi

Introduction: Multidrug-resistant strains of Acinetobacter pose a serious therapeutic dilemma in hospital practice, particularly when they cause meningitis, as the few antimicrobial agents to which these isolates are susceptible have poor central nervous system (CNS) penetration.  Methodology: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical course and outcome of eight consecutive cases of meningitis due to Acinetobacter spp. in children ages 15 years or less, seen in a tertiary care medical center in Karachi, Pakistan. Results: Of the eight cases of Acinetobacter meningitis, isolates from five patients were pan-resistant, and two were multidrug-resistant. A neurosurgical procedure was performed in five of eight patients followed by external ventricular drain insertion prior to the development of infection. Seven received intravenous (IV) polymyxin (mean; 12.8 days), while 5/8 also received intrathecal (IT) polymyxin (mean; 12.0 days). The mean length of hospitalization was 38.7 ± 19 days. All patients achieved cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture negativity by the end of treatment (mean; 5.4 days). Two patients died: one with pan-resistant Acinetobacter, and the second with a multi-drug resistant isolate. Conclusion: Post-neurosurgical multidrug-resistant and pan-resistant Acinetobacter meningitis can be successfully treated if appropriate antimicrobial therapy is instituted early. The role of IT polymyxin B administration alone versus combination therapy (IV and IT) needs further study.  


1996 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 331-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A Crouch ◽  
Maryann S Restino ◽  
Julia M Cruz ◽  
James J Perry ◽  
David D Hurd

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of octreotide acetate in the treatment of refractory bone marrow transplant—associated diarrhea. DESIGN Case series encompassing 30 months. SETTING A 12-bed bone marrow transplant unit at a tertiary care medical center. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-four patients with bone marrow transplant—associated diarrhea who did not improve with supportive or attapulgite therapy. INTERVENTIONS Patients received subcutaneous octreotide acetate at doses ranging from 50 to 250 μg 2 to 3 times daily. Concurrent treatment with antimotility or antisecretory agents did not occur. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The number of bowel movements and stool volumes were recorded daily. Complete response to octreotide therapy was defined as a reduction of both stool output and stool frequency by more than 50% within 72 hours. Partial response was defined as a reduction of either stool output or stool frequency by more than 50% within 72 hours. Treatment failure occurred if neither of the two parameters decreased by 50% within the designated time period. RESULTS Twenty-eight treatment challenges were initiated in the 24 patients evaluated. Diarrhea completely or partially subsided in 23 of 28 challenges (82.1%) within 72 hours. Stool output decreased from 1143 ± 595 at baseline to 252 ± 356 mL/d within 72 hours (p < 0.005). Stool frequency decreased from a baseline of 7.5 ± 3.4 to 2.7 ± 2.2 stools per day within 72 hours (p < 0.005). Adverse effects associated with octreotide were pain or burning at the injection site (24.1%), abdominal pain (13.8%), and increased stool output (6.9%). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest octreotide acetate significantly reduces stool output and frequency in patients with refractory bone marrow transplant—associated diarrhea. Additional research is necessary before this agent can be recommended for routine use in this patient population.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Joseph Mendlovic ◽  
Eli Gargir ◽  
David E. Katz

BACKGROUND: The transport of the inpatients to and from locations inside the hospital can vary in complexity depending on the patient location, status, and logistical needs. Most transport systems have not developed at the same speed as other medically related technologies. We conducted a pilot study of a new automated transport system for patients within the hospital. METHODS: Our innovative system was introduced in January 2020. We present a retrospective case review of all in-patient transport request during April 15, 2020 through May 30, 2020 at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel. The system is fully automated and works via smartphone and electronic medical record integration. Transfer requests are processed on the basis of priority, proximity, and availably. RESULTS: During the study period there were 15, 581 transfer requests. Mean times to hospital destinations ranged from 9:25 to 28:02 minutes. Overall, mean times were quicker for emergency and surgical services. Trip times by priority code were likely influence by unmeasured confounders. There were no reported patient identification adverse events. Peak requests occurred during 0900-1500, and at the beginning of the week. CONCLUSION: Our automated in-patient transfer system appears to be efficient, safe, well received, and capable of servicing our large tertiary care medical center. Future controlled studies are needed to assess efficacy, adverse events, and clinical outcomes.


2021 ◽  
pp. 000348942110072
Author(s):  
Jenna H. Barengo ◽  
Andrew J. Redmann ◽  
Patrick Kennedy ◽  
Michael J. Rutter ◽  
Matthew M. Smith

Objectives: Examine the presentation and clinical course of patients with bacterial tracheitis (BT). Identify if socioeconomic differences exist among children who present with BT. Methods: This was a retrospective case series from a tertiary care pediatric medical center. The study group included patients less than 18 years old who were diagnosed with BT from January 2011 to March 2019. Patients with a tracheostomy and those who developed BT after prolonged hospitalization were excluded. Patient demographics were compared with the demographics of the counties surrounding the hospital. Results: 33 patients with BT met inclusion criteria. The most common presenting symptoms were difficulty breathing, stridor, and sore throat (81.8% each), followed by cough (78.8%). Median length of stay was 3 days [interquartile range (IQR):2-4]. 19 patients (57.5%) were admitted to the intensive care unit. Intubation was required for 13 patients (39.4%), for a median length of 2 days [IQR:2-2]. Methicillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacterial etiology (33%). Mean presenting age was 8.58 years [95% confidence interval:7.3-9.9] and 14 patients were female (42.4%). 31 patients were white (93.9%), 1 was black (3%), and 1 was Hispanic (3%). BT patients were more likely to have private insurance compared to comparison (81.8% vs 63.4%, P < .001). Conclusion: Children who presented with BT were more likely to be privately insured than a comparison population.


2015 ◽  
Vol 59 (8) ◽  
pp. 5049-5051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janessa M. Smith ◽  
Edina Avdic ◽  
Pranita D. Tamma ◽  
Long Zhang ◽  
Karen C. Carroll ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to determine risk factors for the development of resistance to β-lactams/β-lactamase inhibitors (βL/βLIs) and ertapenem amongBacteroidesspecies bacteremia. We conducted a retrospective case-control study of 101 adult patients withBacteroidesspecies bacteremia at a 1,051-bed tertiary care medical center. The duration of exposure to βL/βLIs (odds ratio [OR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08 to 2.31) was the only independent risk factor for resistance.


Author(s):  
Clara D.M. van Karnebeek ◽  
Mary Dunbar ◽  
Csilla Egri ◽  
Bryan Sayson ◽  
Janetta Milea ◽  
...  

AbstractBackground:Secondary neurotransmitter deficiencies have been reported in several reviews. Our primary aim was to assess the relationship among epilepsy, antiseizure medications, and specific neurotransmitter abnormalities. We also evaluated movement disorders and brain abnormalities via magnetic resonance imaging scans in patients with secondary neurotransmitter defects.Methods:This is a retrospective case series of 376 patients who underwent neurotransmitter analysis at BC Children’s Hospital between 2009 and 2013, for a variety of neurological presentations. The biochemical genetics laboratory database was interrogated for results of cerebrospinal fluid neurotransmitter analyses. Clinical data for patients with abnormal results were collected from the hospital charts. Statistical analysis included one-way analysis of variance, chi-square, and a two-way contingency table.Results:Abnormal neurotransmitter values were identified in 67 (17.8%) patients, two (0.53%) of which were attributable to a congenital neurotransmitter disorder and 11 (16.9%) secondary to other genetic diagnoses. Of 64 patients with secondary abnormal neurotransmitter values, 38 (59%) presented with epilepsy and 20 (31%) with movement disorders. A combination of epilepsy and movement disorder was less frequent.Discussion:Acknowledging the limitations of this retrospective chart review, we conclude that, in our cohort, in addition to patients with movement disorders, a considerable number of patients with epilepsy and epileptic encephalopathy also showed secondary neurotransmitter mono-amine abnormalities. There is no clear relation, however, between clinical phenotype and type of neurotransmitter affected. In addition, no association was identified between the type of antiseizure medications and affected neurotransmitter type. We outline the need for prospective studies to further enrich our understanding of the relation between epilepsy and neurotransmitters with a focus on improving treatments and patient outcomes.


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