Embolic complications in a large contemporary cohort of infective endocarditis: do we need score model?

Purpose: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a heterogeneous disease undergoing epidemiological changes. Whether those changes have an impact on the correlates of embolic events (EE) remains unclear. We analyzed the correlates of EE and proposed a diagnostic score model in a large contemporary cohort.

Integration of individual preclinical and clinical anti-infective PKPD data to predict clinical study outcomes.

The AIDA randomized clinical trial found no significant difference in clinical failure or survival between colistin monotherapy and colistin-meropenem combination therapy in carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative infections. The aim of this reverse translational study was to integrate all individual preclinical and clinical pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) data from the AIDA trial in a pharmacometric framework to explore whether individualized predictions of bacterial burden were associated with the trial outcomes. The compiled dataset included for each of the 207 patients was (i) information on the infecting Acinetobacter baumannii isolate (minimum inhibitory concentration, checkerboard assay data, and fitness in a murine model), (ii) colistin plasma concentrations and colistin and meropenem dosing history, and (iii) disease scores and demographics.

Unraveling the Puzzle: Health Benefits of Probiotics-A Comprehensive Review.

A growing number of probiotic-containing products are on the market, and their use is increasing. Probiotics are thought to support the health of the gut microbiota, which in turn might prevent or delay the onset of gastrointestinal tract disorders. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, autism, osteoporosis, and some immunological illnesses are among the conditions that have been shown to possibly benefit from probiotics.

Pharmacokinetic parameters of CAZ-AVI in the normal lung and in models of pneumonia: lessons for treatment optimization in critical care.

The spread of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections is a significant issue for worldwide public health. Gram-negative organisms regularly develop resistance to antibiotics, especially to β-lactam antimicrobials, which can drastically restrict the number of therapies. A third-generation cephalosporin and the non-β-lactam β-lactamase inhibitor avibactam, which exhibits broad-spectrum β-lactamase inhibition , are combined to form ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI).

Leadless Pacemaker Infection Risk in Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device Infections: A Case Series and Literature Review.

(1) Background: Leadless pacemakers (LPs) have been proposed as a reimplantation strategy in pacing-dependent patients undergoing cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) extraction for infection. In this study, we analysed the risk of LP infection when this device is implanted before lead extraction. (2) Methods: This was a retrospective study including patients who underwent LP implantation between 2017 and 2022.

Clinical correlates of circulating small dense low-density lipoproteins in acute infective endocarditis.

Background And Aim: Infective endocarditis (IE) is a complex thrombo-inflammatory disorder, the pathogenesis of which involves a multifaceted interplay between vascular damage and bacterial virulence factors. This study aimed to assess the prognostic role of small dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) cholesterol in patients with IE and its correlation with various disease-related features.

Methods: A cohort of 198 patients with definite IE was included in this study.

Decoding Sepsis-Induced Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation: A Comprehensive Review of Existing and Emerging Therapies.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a recurrent complication of sepsis. Since DIC not only promotes organ dysfunction but also represents a strong prognostic factor, it is important to diagnose DIC as early as possible. When coagulation is activated, fibrinolysis is inhibited, blood thinners are consumed, and a condition is created that promotes blood clotting, making it more difficult for the body to remove fibrin or prevent it from being deposited in the blood vessels.

Pathophysiology of Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Sepsis: A Clinically Focused Overview.

Sepsis is a major global health problem that results from a dysregulated and uncontrolled host response to infection, causing organ failure. Despite effective anti-infective therapy and supportive treatments, the mortality rate of sepsis remains high. Approximately 30-80% of patients with sepsis may develop disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which can double the mortality rate.

Guillain-Barré syndrome as clinical presentation of a recently acquired hepatitis C.

About 40% of the Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) cases are associated with prodromal infections; occasionally, it has been associated to chronic hepatitis C or its reactivation. A 38-year-old man came to our attention after transaminase elevation occurred during recovery from GBS. All the possible causes of acute hepatitis were excluded except for the positivity of HCVRNA, and a diagnosis of new onset hepatitis C was made.

Colistin Monotherapy versus Combination Therapy for Carbapenem-Resistant Organisms.

Background: Pneumonia and bloodstream infections (BSI) due to extensively drug-resistant (XDR) , XDR , and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are associated with high mortality rates, and therapeutic options remain limited. This trial assessed whether combination therapy with colistin and meropenem was superior to colistin monotherapy for the treatment of these infections.

Methods: The OVERCOME (Colistin Monotherapy versus Combination Therapy) trial was an international, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Outcome of patients with carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections treated with cefiderocol: A multicenter observational study.

Background: No clear evidence supports the use of cefiderocol as first line treatment in A. baumannii infections.

Methods: We conducted an observational retrospective/prospective multicenter study including all patients> 18 years with carbapenem-resistant A.

Clinical results with the use of ceftaroline and ceftobiprole: real-life experience in a tertiary care hospital.

Introduction: Ceftaroline and ceftobiprole show activity against resistant Gram-positive cocci as well as good tolerability and are increasingly used in diverse infections. No comparative data on the efficacy and safety of ceftaroline and ceftobiprole in real-life are available.

Methods: In this single-centre, observational, retrospective clinical study, the outcomes of patients treated with ceftaroline or ceftobiprole in our hospital were compared, assessing clinical data, use and drug exposure of study antibiotics, and outcomes.

Direct or early Discharge of Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infection patients from the Emergency Department/Unit: place in therapy of dalbavancin.

Introduction: Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections (ABSSSIs) are a common reason of Emergency Department (ED) access and account for a considerable number of hospital admissions and a high economic burden for the healthcare system. The long-acting lipoglycopeptides (LALs) allow for an outpatient management of subjects with ABSSSIs, still requiring parenteral therapy, but who do not need hospitalization.

Areas Covered: The following topics were addressed: i) microbiological activity, efficacy, and safety of dalbavancin, ii) critical steps for the management of ABSSSIs in the ED (decision to hospitalize, risk of bacteremia and infection recurrence), iii) feasibility of direct/early discharge from the ED and potential advantage of dalbavancin.