Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Luciana Rodrigues Pires de Campos, Marina Farrel Cortes, Beatriz Deo, Camila Rizek, Sania Santos, Lauro Perdigao, Silvia Figueiredo Costa
Summary: Mechanical ventilation, surgery, and hemodialysis are independent risk factors for multidrug-resistant bloodstream infections in critically ill trauma patients. Carbapenemase (KPC) is the main mechanism of resistance, and cross-transmission may contribute to its spread.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Christopher T. Andersen, Celine Langendorf, Souna Garba, Nathan Sayinzonga-Makombe, Christopher Mambula, Isabelle Mouniaman, Kerstin E. Hanson, Rebecca F. Grais, Sheila Isanaka
Summary: This study estimated the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profile of community-and hospital acquired bacteremia among hospitalized children with severe acute malnutrition in Niger. The results showed that bacteremia significantly increased the risk of mortality among children, and antibiotic resistance posed a challenge to clinical management.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Cherry Lim, Prapit Teparrukkul, Somboon Nuntalohit, Somsamai Boonsong, Jiraphorn Nilsakul, Pramot Srisamang, Benn Sartorius, Nicholas J. White, Nicholas P. J. Day, Ben S. Cooper, Direk Limmathurotsakul
Summary: This study conducted a 2-year prospective surveillance to estimate the excess mortality caused by antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections. The findings show a high burden of antimicrobial resistance in low- and middle-income countries, with carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii being responsible for the highest number of excess deaths. Urinary tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections, and bloodstream infections were associated with the highest number of excess deaths.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Atsushi Uda, Kenichiro Onuma, Katsumi Shigemura, Koichi Kitagawa, Yonmin Yan, Kayo Osawa, Ikuko Yano, Takayuki Miyara
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of cefazolin shortage on patients with MSSA bacteremia. The shortage did not worsen clinical outcomes, and alternative antibiotics such as ampicillin/sulbactam and benzylpenicillin were more frequently used in the post-shortage group. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were associated with treatment failure in patients with MSSA bacteremia during the shortage.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Atsushi Uda, Katsumi Shigemura, Koichi Kitagawa, Kayo Osawa, Kenichiro Onuma, Yonmin Yan, Tatsuya Nishioka, Masato Fujisawa, Ikuko Yano, Takayuki Miyara
Summary: The incidence of bacteremia caused by highly resistant Enterococcus faecium is increasing in Japan, with unclear risk factors for infection and mortality. Patients with E. faecium had higher antibiotic costs and were more commonly associated with prior use of specific antibiotics. Bacteremia of unknown source and acute kidney injury were associated with higher risks of mortality in enterococcal bacteremia patients.
Article
Microbiology
Georgios Schinas, Katerina Skintzi, Anne-Lise De Lastic, Maria Rodi, Charalambos Gogos, Athanasia Mouzaki, Karolina Akinosoglou
Summary: This study compared the immunological response, clinical outcomes, and associated costs in patients with bacteremia due to antibiotic-resistant vs. susceptible bacterial microorganisms. The results showed that patients with antibiotic-resistant bacteremia had more severe clinical presentations, higher mortality rates, and increased healthcare costs. Furthermore, antibiotic-resistant bacteremia was found to be associated with differential immune response and was an independent predictor of mortality and increased healthcare costs.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Bushra Salman, Amna Al-Hashar, Athar Al-Khirbash, Ibrahim Al-Zakwani
Summary: In 2018, clinical pharmacists' interventions on antimicrobial use at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in Oman had a positive impact on both clinical and financial outcomes. The most common intervention types were adjusting dosing regimens and deletion of antimicrobial orders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
James L. Smith, Ioannis Tzouganakis, Ramona Allen, Vicki J. Adams, Mike Rhodes
Summary: This study investigated bacterial contamination of indirect ophthalmoscopes and condensing lenses in UK veterinary referral centers and examined the impact of a cleaning protocol. The results showed high baseline contamination and a wide range of bacterial populations. Head contact points were found to be the most contaminated areas. Routine cleaning was effective in reducing bacterial contamination.
VETERINARY OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Irene C. Kuo, Emily W. Gower
Summary: Adenoviral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can lead to chronic visual impairment. A policy to diagnose and furlough medical center employees with this condition, based on PCR testing, resulted in substantial cost savings and prevented outbreaks of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.
JAMA OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Angela Dramowski, Gerald Ong'ayo, Andrea M. Rehman, Andrew Whitelaw, Appiah-Korang Labi, Noah Obeng-Nkrumah, Awa Ndir, Marcelyn T. Magwenzi, Kenneth Onyedibe, Martin Wolkewitz, Marlieke E. A. de Kraker, J. Anthony G. Scott, Alexander M. Aiken
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of third-generation cephalosporin resistance on mortality outcomes in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infections in African hospitals. The findings suggest that there was no significant increase in mortality associated with 3GC resistance compared to susceptible infections. Variability in mortality impact estimates across different sites was observed, highlighting the need for better understanding of antibiotic use in treating infections in African hospitals.
JAC-ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
(2021)
Article
Economics
Evans Otieku, Ama Pokuaa Fenny, Appiah-Korang Labi, Alex Owusu Ofori, Joergen Anders Lindholm Kurtzhals, Ulrika Enemark
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the patient cost of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Ghana and provide empirical evidence for improved preventive strategies. The results showed a significant association between AMR and increased hospital stay and patient costs.
PHARMACOECONOMICS-OPEN
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
A. Bleuse, C. Chabut, H. Roy, D. Lebel, P. Ovetchkine, J. Blackburn, J-F Bussieres
Summary: This study aims to describe the consumption of antibiotics in a mother-child teaching hospital over a period of 15 years using the AWaRe classification.
ANNALES PHARMACEUTIQUES FRANCAISES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Anna Jansana, Laia Domingo, Berta Ibanez, Alexandra Prados, Isabel Del Cura, Maria Padilla-Ruiz, Teresa Sanz, Beatriz Poblador, Ibai Tamayo, Antonio Gimeno, Angel Alberquilla, Merce Abizanda, Merce Comas, Manuela Lanzuela, Rossana Burgui, Antonio Diaz Holgado, Talita Duarte-Salles, Conchi Moreno, Javier Louro, Javier Baquedano, Cristobal Molina, Maria del Carmen Martinez, Javier Gorricho, Maximino Redondo, Xavier Castells, Maria Sala
Summary: The study found that healthcare utilization was higher among long-term breast cancer survivors compared to women without breast cancer, regardless of survival time. Breast cancer survivors were more likely to use health services, with a decrease in utilization after >10 years of survival.
JOURNAL OF CANCER SURVIVORSHIP
(2022)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Margarita Posso, Rodrigo Alcantara, Ivonne Vazquez, Laura Comerma, Marisa Bare, Javier Louro, M. Jesus Quintana, Marta Roman, Rafael Marcos-Gragera, Maria Vernet-Tomas, Francina Saladie, Carmen Vidal, Xavier Bargallo, Lupe Penalva, Maria Sala, Xavier Castells
Summary: This study evaluated mammographic features in women with benign breast disease (BBD) and their risk of subsequent breast cancer. Different BBD subtypes showed distinct mammographic findings, with women showing architectural distortion, multiple findings, asymmetries, and calcifications having a higher risk of subsequent breast cancer compared to those with masses.
EUROPEAN RADIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Marta Hernandez-Garcia, Ana Molina-Barcelo, Mercedes Vanaclocha-Espi, Oscar Zurriaga, Beatriz Perez-Gomez, Nuria Aragones, Pilar Amiano, Jone M. Altzibar, Gemma Castano-Vinyals, Maria Sala, Maria Ederra, Vicente Martin, Ines Gomez-Acebo, Carmen Vidal, Adonina Tardon, Rafael Marcos-Gragera, Marina Pollan, Manolis Kogevinas, Dolores Salas
Summary: There are differences in breast cancer-risk factor associations according to detection method and tumor phenotype among Spanish women aged 50-69. Reproductive risk factors are associated with screen-detected BC, as are HR+ tumors. Differences in BC-risk factor associations may be related to prevailing phenotypes among categories.
CANCER CAUSES & CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Paula Santia, Anna Jansana, Isabel del Cura, Maria Padilla-Ruiz, Laia Domingo, Javier Louro, Merce Comas, Teresa Sanz, Talita Duarte-Salles, Maximino Redondo, Berta Ibanez, Alexandra Prados-Torres, Xavier Castells, Maria Sala
Summary: The purpose of this study was to investigate adherence to follow-up recommendations in long-term breast cancer survivors (LTBCS) and identify its determinants. The study found that overall, most survivors adhered to follow-up recommendations, but adherence decreased over time. Younger and older survivors, as well as those with longer survival, may need special attention.
BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AND TREATMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marta Roman, Javier Louro, Margarita Posso, Carmen Vidal, Xavier Bargallo, Ivonne Vazquez, Maria Jesus Quintana, Rodrigo Alcantara, Francina Saladie, Javier del Riego, Lupe Penalva, Maria Sala, Xavier Castells
Summary: Benign breast disease is a long-term risk factor for breast cancer, and women with this disease have a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those without it.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mireia Utzet, Fernando G. Benavides, Rocio Villar, Andrea Buron, Maria Sala, Luis-Eugenio Lopez, Pau Gomar, Xavier Castells, Pilar Diaz, Jose Maria Ramada, Consol Serra
Summary: This study assessed the impact of non-pharmacological preventive measures against COVID-19 on healthcare workers and found that these measures significantly reduced the incidence rate of COVID-19. It is necessary to identify which measures were more effective and strengthen preventive efforts for young workers and those with replacement contracts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Merce Comas, Laia Domingo, Anna Jansana, Elisabeth Lafuente, Anna Civit, Lidia Garcia-Perez, Carmen Lasso de la Vega, Francesc Cots, Maria Sala, Xavier Castells
Summary: This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of using PICCs by a VAT compared to CVCs for in-hospital TPN. The results showed that PICCs had a longer average duration, lower infection rate, and lower overall costs compared to CVCs. Therefore, PICCs may be a more cost-effective choice.
JOURNAL OF PATIENT SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Laia Domingo, Merce Comas, Anna Jansana, Javier Louro, Helena Tizon-Marcos, Maria Lourdes Cos, Jaume Roquer, Juan Jose Chillaron, Isabel Cirera, Sergi Pascual-Guardia, Maria Sala, Xavier Castells
Summary: This study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-COVID diseases and healthcare quality. The results showed a decrease in hospitalization rates during the pandemic, with reductions in admissions related to respiratory and circulatory diseases and an increase in admissions for endocrine and metabolic diseases. Complication rates increased, but in-hospital mortality rates remained steady. Overall, the study highlights the potential public health consequences of reduced hospitalizations for conditions requiring timely treatment.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Guillermo Bosch, Merce Comas, Laia Domingo, Anna Guillen-Sola, Esther Duarte, Xavier Castells, Maria Sala
Summary: This study characterized dysphagia and its association with aspiration pneumonia and mortality in a tertiary hospital in Barcelona, Spain. The results showed that dysphagia was present in 2.4% of all hospital discharges and was more frequent in older patients and in men. The most common diagnoses associated with dysphagia were aspiration pneumonia (48.2%) and stroke (14%). Dysphagia was associated with a higher risk of aspiration pneumonia and increased mortality among hospitalized patients.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Carme Miret, Miren Orive, Maria Sala, Susana Garcia-Gutierrez, Cristina Sarasqueta, Maria Jose Legarreta, Maximino Redondo, Amado Rivero, Xavier Castells, Jose M. Quintana, Olatz Garin, Montse Ferrer
Summary: The purpose of this study is to obtain reference norms for EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-BR23, and EQ-5D-5L based on a population of Spanish non-metastatic breast cancer patients. The study found independent associations between age, comorbidity, and tumor stage with health-related quality of life (HRQoL). These reference norms can be useful for interpreting scores of non-metastatic breast cancer patients and comparing them with country-specific reference values.
QUALITY OF LIFE RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Caterina Checa, Carlos Canelo-Aybar, Stefanie Suclupe, David Ginesta-Lopez, Anna Berenguera, Xavier Castells, Carlos Brotons, Margarita Posso
Summary: Nurse-led case management programs reduce hospitalizations and improve quality of life for patients with advanced heart failure, but do not decrease mortality.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
J. Barcelo-Vidal, D. Echeverria-Esnal, N. Carballo, M. De Antonio-Cusco, X. Fernandez-Sala, M. E. Navarrete-Rouco, E. Colominas-Gonzalez, S. Luque, M. Fuster-Esteva, L. Domingo, M. Sala, X. Duran, S. Grau, O. Ferrandez
Summary: This study describes and evaluates drug-related problems (DRP) in patients with COVID-19, identifying several risk factors associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing DRP. The involvement of pharmacists and pharmacy warning systems is crucial in preventing and resolving DRP efficiently.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Daniel G. Abietar, Laia Domingo, Laura Medina-Perucha, Nuria Saavedra, Anna Berenguera, Laia Lacueva, Marta Hurtado, Xavier Castells, Maria Sala
Summary: This study aimed to explore patients' and companions' perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of patient safety, taking into account contextual factors such as cultural background. The study found that good communication, a calm environment, and patient education were important factors. Different cultural backgrounds led to different attitudes towards patient safety. The findings of this study could enrich interventions in areas with diverse cultural backgrounds.
HEALTH EXPECTATIONS
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Marilina Garcia, Maximino Redondo, Irene Zarcos, Javier Louro, Francisco Rivas-Ruiz, Teresa Tellez, Diego Perez, Francisco Medina Cano, Kenza Machan, Laia Domingo, Maria del Mar Vernet, Maria Padilla-Ruiz, Xavier Castells, Maria Sala
Summary: This study evaluated the survival rate and clinical-pathological differences among breast cancer patients detected by mammographic screening. The results showed that breast tumors detected during the first screening round were frequently characterized by a more benign phenotype compared to other screening subgroups.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF BREAST HEALTH
(2022)