Baseline parameters and the prediction of treatment failure in patients with intravenous drug use–associated spinal epidural abscesses

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Justin Baum ◽  
Stephanus V. Viljoen ◽  
Connor S. Gifford ◽  
Amy J. Minnema ◽  
Ammar Shaikhouni ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE Despite the increasing incidence of spinal epidural abscess (SEA), the baseline parameters potentially predictive of treatment failure remain poorly characterized. In this study, the authors identify the relevant baseline parameters that predict multimodal treatment failure in patients with either intravenous drug use (IVDU)–associated SEA or non-IVDU–associated SEA. METHODS The authors reviewed the electronic medical records of a large institutional series of consecutive patients with diagnosed SEA between January 2011 and December 2017 to characterize epidemiological trends as well as the complement of baseline measures that are predictive of failure after multimodal treatment in patients with and without concomitant IVDU. The independent impact of clinical and imaging factors in detecting treatment failure was assessed by performing stepwise binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 324 consecutive patients with diagnosed SEA were identified. Overall, 226 patients (69.8%) had SEA related to other causes and 98 (30.2%) had a history of recent IVDU. While non-IVDU SEA admission rates remained constant, year-over-year admissions of patients with IVDU SEA nearly tripled. At baseline, patients with IVDU SEA were distinct in many respects including younger age, greater unemployment and disability, less frequent diabetes mellitus (DM), and more frequent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection. However, differences in length of stay, loss to follow-up, and treatment failure did not reach statistical significance between the groups. The authors constructed independent multivariate logistic regression models for treatment failure based on identified parameters in the two cohorts. For the non-IVDU cohort, the authors identified four variables as independent factors: DM, hepatitis B/C, osteomyelitis, and compression deformity severity. In contrast, for patients with IVDU, the authors identified three variables: albumin, endocarditis, and endplate destruction. Receiver operating characteristic and area under the curve (AUC) analyses were undertaken for the multivariate models predicting the likelihood of treatment failure in the two cohorts (AUC = 0.88 and 0.89, respectively), demonstrating that the derived models could adequately predict the risk of multimodal treatment failure. Treatment failure risk factor point scales were derived for the identified variables separately for both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Patients with IVDU SEA represent a unique population with a distinct set of baseline parameters that predict treatment failure. Identification of relevant prognosticating factors will allow for the design of tailored treatment and follow-up regimens.

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S515-S515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline King ◽  
Cameron Fisher ◽  
Patrick Brown ◽  
Kelsey Priest ◽  
Mary Tanski ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare and life-threatening infection with increased incidence over the past two decades. Delays in diagnosis cause significant morbidity and mortality among patients. The objective of this study was to describe average time-to-imaging and frequencies of intervention, risk factors, and outcomes among patients with SEA presenting to an emergency department at a single academic health center in Portland, Oregon. Methods This retrospective cohort study reviewed data from patients with no prior history of SEAs at a single hospital from October 1, 2015 to April 1, 2018. We report measures of central tendency and frequencies of collected information. Results Of the 34 patients included, seven (20%) died or were discharged with plegia during the study period. Four others (11.8%) had motor weakness, and four (11.8%) patients had new bowel or bladder dysfunction at discharge. Those who died or were discharged with plegia (n = 7) had shorter mean time-to-imaging order (20.8 hours vs. 29.2 hours). Patients with a history of intravenous drug use had a longer mean time-to-imaging order (30.2 hours vs. 23.7 hours) vs. those without a history of intravenous drug use. Furthermore, only three (42.9%) of the seven patients who died or acquired plegia presented with the three symptom classic triad of SEA: (1) fever; (2) abnormal neurologic examination or symptoms; and (3) neck or back pain. Conclusion SEA is a potentially deadly infection requiring prompt identification and treatment. This research provides baseline data for potential quality improvement work at the study site. Future research should evaluate multi-center approaches for identifying and intervening to treat SEA, particularly among patients with a history of intravenous drug use. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
James E. Kasenchak ◽  
Benjamin P. Hale ◽  
Thomas W. Wilson ◽  
Gregory M. Notz

A rare case ofBacilluspanophthlamitis with extension to the prechiasmatic optic nerve secondary to hematogenous spreading after intravenous drug use is presented. A 27-year-old man with a recent history of trauma to the left eye presented with severe left eye pain following a binge of intravenous drug use. Visual acuity (VA) was LP. On examination he had chemosis, proptosis, elevated intraocular pressure, and a complete hyphema. CT-scan identified preseptal swelling, but no evidence of any posterior extension of the anterior process or orbital fractures. Topical and systemic therapy were initiated. On follow-up clinical examination less than 12 hours after presentation he had signs of a keratitis with worsening ophthalmoplegia and repeat imaging demonstrated posterior extension to the prechiasmatic optic nerve. Shortly after the cornea ruptured with cultures growingBacillus. The patient underwent enucleation and has had no further progression of infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report ofBacilluspanophthalmitis presenting with signs of trauma with posterior extension to the prechiasmatic optic nerve.


1993 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 655-656
Author(s):  
Terri Gullickson

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S224-S224
Author(s):  
Aryn M Andrzejewski ◽  
J Alex Viehman

Abstract Background Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are among the most prevalent infectious complications of intravenous drug use (IVDU). Given its polymicrobial nature, studies focusing on SSTIs in the general population may not be generalizable this group. We completed a retrospective chart review to better characterize the safety and efficacy of oral versus intravenous (IV) antibiotics for the treatment SSTIs in IVDU. Methods We reviewed patients admitted with bacterial SSTIs and IVDU from January 01, 2012 to December 31, 2019 based on ICD-10 codes. SSTIs complicated by bacteremia, endocarditis, bone or joint involvement on index admission were excluded. Patients who received < 48 hours of IV antibiotics were considered oral therapy, otherwise they were considered IV therapy. Patient comorbidities, incision and drainage (I&D) status, substance use, microbiology and antimicrobial data were reviewed. Results Of 231 eligible patients, 84 received oral therapy. There was no statistical difference in patient characteristics between the two therapy groups. Streptococcus anginosus group were the most common organisms found (33%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (31%). There was no statistical difference between rates of readmission (p=0.87), recurrent primary site infection (p=1.00), repeat debridement (p=0.08) or occurrence of deep-seated infections within 90 days of treatment completion. No morality was observed. The oral group had shorter length of stay (3 vs. 5 days, p < 0.001) and shorter total duration of antibiotics (10 vs. 13 days, p < 0.001). Overall, 90% of those with abscess underwent I&D, which did not differ between therapy groups. Time to I&D was shorter (0 vs. 1 day, p=0.005) in the oral group. Patients who did not receive and I&D were more likely to be readmitted within 90 days (p=0.025). Conclusion In SSTIs related to IVDU, oral antibiotic therapy was noninferior to IV in terms of mortality, readmission, and deep-seated infection rates within 90 days of treatment completion and had a decreased length of stay and total treatment duration. A delay in I&D led to increased length of stay and lack of I&D increased readmission rate. Therefore, a prompt I&D may allow a safe and effective early transition to oral therapy in SSTIs related to IVDU. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Christopher H. D. Lawrence ◽  
James Cheaveau ◽  
Michalis Kavourides ◽  
David Chadwick ◽  
Brendan McCarron

Author(s):  
Satish Kumar Rao Vavilala ◽  
Indrani Garre ◽  
Sumalatha Beeram

Abstract Aims To correlate the relationship between the ambulatory blood pressure parameters and the occurrence of the antenatal and postnatal adverse maternofetal events in pregnancy. Methods Observational study designed for 50 pregnant patients who had an appointment to the obstetrics with abnormal blood pressure (BP) measurements and for whom ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was studied between January 2019 and June 2019. Data about age, personal history, obstetrics, family, body mass index (BMI), weight gain in pregnancy, values of blood pressure in the appointment, values recorded in ABPM, delivery and newborn, pregnancy and postpartum events, and follow-up of woman and child. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with Minitab 17.0 for Windows. Results Patients demographic data, clinical history, and laboratory results, including the ABPM parameters, were compiled. Antenatal complications occurred in 22 patients (44%), and postpartum complications were found in 41 patients (82%) whose ABPM values were deranged. Antenatal complications were studied using the binary logistic regression analysis for calculating the role each factor played in the development of hypertension. In the sample studied, mean age was 24.980 with a standard deviation of 4.876 (p = 0.003; minimum age of 19 years and maximum age of 38 years), mean weight of patient was 63.71 with a standard deviation of 63.71 (p = 0.001), mean gravida was 1.780 with a standard deviation of 0.910 (p = 0.034), mean gestation weeks at presentation was 33.000 weeks with a standard deviation of 4.086 (p = 0.041), mean birth weight was 2.226 with a standard deviation of 0.797 (p = 0.000), mean maximum diastole was 109.22 with a standard deviation of 16.53 (p = 0.002), mean day maximum systole was 187.2 with a standard deviation of 203.5 (p = 0.009), mean day minimum diastole was 63.50 with a standard deviation of 12.99 (p = 0.013), all of which had statistical significance. It is found that the nighttime diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and daytime maximum systolic blood pressure (SBP) were the best predictors of adverse events. Among antenatal complications (ANC), the most common complication is intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), noted in (n = 19, 86.36%) preterm delivery (n = 17, 77.27%) among the 17 babies who were delivered preterm; 12 (70.5%) needed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care of which 4 (25%) babies died because of prematurity; intrauterine death (IUD) was noted in 7 (31.81%) patients and eclampsia was seen in 5 (22.72%). Nondippers proðle had a worse survival rate at follow-up until delivery compared with those with a dipper proðle. Postnatal complications were seen in 41 patients; among them, 13 patients (31.7%) had abnormal fundus examination, 15 patients (36.58%) required usage of antihypertensive beyond first postpartum, 9 patients (21.95%) required blood transfusion for severe bleeding in the form of postpartum hemorrhage. Binary logistic regression for systolic dippers versus nondippers shows statistical significance in age (p = 0.023), weight (p = 0.038), and para (p = 0.045) (Table 3). Binary logistic regression for diastolic dippers versus nondippers shows statistical significance in age (p = 0.039), weight (p = 0.020), birth weight (p = 0.010), maximum heart rate (p = 0.043), and ANC (p = 0.007) Adverse events occurred most commonly in nondippers. Systole nondippers is noted in (n = 41, 82%). Dippers is noted in (n = 9, 18%), Diastole nondippers is noted in (n = 39, 78%) Dippers is noted in (n = 11, 22%). Conclusion ABPM recorded blood pressure is very precise. ABPM is the advised method for both diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring of hypertensive pregnancy diseases, mainly in situations like whitecoat hypertension, masked hypertension, nocturnal hypertension, and nondipping profile. In patients with high-risk pregnancy, elderly primigravida, and precious pregnancy, who have a high-risk of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and related complications, early use of ABPM predicts adverse maternofetal events, which when intervened at an earlier date can prevent antenatal and postnatal complications.


1993 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-422 ◽  
Author(s):  
KENNETH C. HAAS

Intravenous drug use is both a common aspect of the pre-imprisonment lifestyles of many American prisoners and a leading risk factor for contracting HIV—the virus that causes AIDS. Moreover, incarcerated inmates frequently engage in behavior that can spread the disease, particularly homosexual activity and intravenous drug use. Correctional officials face increasing pressure to protect inmates and staff from HIV infection, and some have responded by implementing policies requiring all inmates to undergo HIV testing and by housing HIV-positive inmates in separate units. Screening and segregation policies, however, have been challenged on constitutional grounds by HIV-positive prisoners. This article examines the leading constitutional developments in this emerging area of law and finds that most courts so far have been inclined to reject constitutional challenges to mandatory testing and segregation policies. There are enough unsettled issues, however, to warrant expanded appellate review and eventual U.S. Supreme Court resolution of the key constitutional questions.


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