Risk of bloodstream infection in patients with renal dysfunction: a population-based cohort study.

Although patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are known to be at high risk for developing bloodstream infections (BSI), the risk associated with lesser degrees of renal dysfunction is not well defined. We sought to determine the risk for acquiring and dying from community-onset BSIs among patients with renal dysfunction. A retrospective, population-based cohort study was conducted among adult residents without ESRD in the western interior of British Columbia.

Risk factors associated with bloodstream infections in end-stage renal disease patients: a population-based study.

Background: Bloodstream infections (BSI) commonly complicate end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and are the second most common cause of death in these patients. The objective of this study was to define risk factors for development of BSI and its outcome among ESRD patients.

Methods: A retrospective, population-based, matched cohort design was utilized.

Hemodialysis prescription education decreases intradialytic hypotension.

Background: Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. We studied the impact of an education program and hemodialysis (HD) prescription optimization on the frequency of IDH.

Methods: We compared chronic HD patients during 2 retrospective time periods: a control period and the study period which occurred after 2 months of physician education and HD prescription optimization.

Association between GFR, proteinuria, and adverse outcomes among White, Chinese, and South Asian individuals in Canada.

Background: We investigated the association between proteinuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and risk of mortality and kidney failure in white, Chinese, and South Asian populations.

Study Design: Population-based cohort study.

Setting & Participants: Participants from Alberta, Canada, with a serum creatinine and urine protein dipstick measurement from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2005.

Consultation patterns and clinical correlates of consultation in a tertiary care setting.

Background: Consultation in hospital is an essential tool for acquiring subspecialty support when managing patients. There is limited knowledge on the utilization of subspecialty consultation from hospital based general internists. Consultation patterns to medical subspecialists and the patient factors that may influence consultation are reported for general medical services.

Meta-analysis: antibiotics for prophylaxis against hemodialysis catheter-related infections.

Background: Catheter-related infections cause morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Purpose: To examine whether topical or intraluminal antibiotics reduce catheter-related bloodstream infection compared with no antibiotic therapy in adults undergoing hemodialysis.

Data Sources: Electronic databases, trial registries, bibliographies, and conference proceedings up to October 2007, with no language restrictions.

Biofilm formation by group a streptococci: is there a relationship with treatment failure?

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is the primary cause of bacterial pharyngitis in children and adults. Up to one-third of patients treated for GAS pharyngitis fail to respond to antibiotic therapy. The objective of this cohort study was to evaluate GAS biofilm formation as a mechanism for antibiotic treatment failure using previously collected GAS isolates and penicillin treatment outcome data.