Group A Streptococcus Infections in Children: Epidemiological Insights Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is the cause of both mild and invasive infections in humans with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The transmission of disease usually occurs via droplets, so the implementation of infection mitigation strategies (IMS) during the COVID-19 pandemic altered the incidence of GAS infection. This review aims to provide an overview of the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of GAS infection in children (invasive or non-invasive).

Thrombosis in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH): From Pathogenesis to Treatment.

Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) constitutes a rare bone marrow failure syndrome characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombotic events (TEs), and bone marrow aplasia of variable degrees. Thrombosis is one of the major clinical manifestations of the disease, affecting up to 40% of individuals with PNH. Venous thrombosis is more prevalent, affecting mainly unusual sites, such as intrabdominal and hepatic veins.

Fungal Shoulder Periprosthetic Infections: A Systematic Review.

: Data regarding fungal PJIs of the shoulder are scarce. The present systematic review aims to identify and evaluate all published shoulder fungal PJIs in an effort to better understand the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to these infections. : A systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines was conducted, locating all shoulder fungal PJIs.

Antimicrobial Regimens in Cement Spacers for Periprosthetic Joint Infections: A Critical Review.

Antibiotic-loaded cement spacers (ALCSs) are essential for treating periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) by providing mechanical support and local antibiotic delivery. The purpose of this review is to comprehensively examine the various types of spacers utilised in the management of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs), including both static and articulating variants and to analyse the fundamental principles underlying spacer use, their clinical benefits, the selection and administration of antimicrobial agents, appropriate dosages, and potential adverse effects. Articulating spacers, which allow joint mobility, often yield better outcomes than static ones.

Cancer-Associated Thrombosis: Pathophysiology, Laboratory Assessment, and Current Guidelines.

Dysregulated hemostasis in cancer patients is associated with various clinical conditions, from thromboembolic complications to disseminated intravascular coagulation. Despite the well-established association between cancer and thromboembolic complications, the mechanisms involved are not completely elucidated. There are several predisposing factors in cancer for increased thrombus generation, such as immobilization and chemotherapy.

Diagnosis, Treatment, and Outcome of Coccidioidal Osseous Infections: A Systematic Review.

Extrapulmonary infections by spp., though rare, can occur via dissemination, affecting singular or multiple sites, including the skin and musculoskeletal system. Skeletal involvement often manifests as osteomyelitis, particularly in the axial skeleton.

Rotational Thromboelastometry as a Diagnostic Tool for Persistent Infection in Two-Stage Exchange Arthroplasty.

There is a lack of reliable biomarkers for diagnosis of infection eradication prior to second-stage reimplantation in two-stage exchange arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs). The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) for persistent infection in two-stage exchange arthroplasties. A pilot, retrospective analysis was performed including 70 patients who underwent a two-stage exchange arthroplasty for PJI.

Infection, a Rapidly Emerging Threat in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review.

(1) In recent years, a global epidemiological shift in candidemia has been observed, marked by the emergence of resistant non-albicans Candida species. , in particular, has become a significant global concern, causing infections in both pediatric and adult populations within healthcare settings. Despite its widespread impact, there is a limited understanding of the clinical course and transmission dynamics of neonatal systemic Candida auris infections, hindering effective prevention and management.

Group A Streptococcus Infection in Neonatal Population: A Systematic Review of The Literature.

(1) Background: The importance of group A streptococcus (GAS) infection severity has been recognized in children and adults. However, to our knowledge, there have been no systematic reviews or pooled assessments of the incidence and outcome of invasive GAS (iGAS) disease in neonates, a potentially high-risk population. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of available data regarding the risk factors, clinical presentation, and outcome of GAS infection in neonates.

A Pilot Observational Study Evaluating the Diagnostic Capacity of Rotational Thromboelastometry in Periprosthetic Joint Infections.

Background: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are associated with altered hemostatic dynamics; therefore, coagulation laboratory methods such as rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) may be valuable in their diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic role of ROTEM in PJI.

Methods: A diagnostic study was conducted including 65 patients who underwent revision total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty due to PJI (30 patients) or aseptic loosening (35 patients).

Optimizing Clinical Decision Making with Decision Curve Analysis: Insights for Clinical Investigators.

A large number of prediction models are published with the objective of allowing personalized decision making for diagnostic or prognostic purposes. Conventional statistical measures of discrimination, calibration, or other measures of model performance are not well-suited for directly and clearly assessing the clinical value of scores or biomarkers. Decision curve analysis is an increasingly popular technique used to assess the clinical utility of a prognostic or diagnostic score/rule, or even of a biomarker.

Sepsis-Induced Coagulopathy: An Update on Pathophysiology, Biomarkers, and Current Guidelines.

Significant cross talk occurs between inflammation and coagulation. Thus, coagulopathy is common in sepsis, potentially aggravating the prognosis. Initially, septic patients tend to exhibit a prothrombotic state through extrinsic pathway activation, cytokine-induced coagulation amplification, anticoagulant pathways suppression, and fibrinolysis impairment.

Infections of Tumor Prostheses: An Updated Review on Risk Factors, Microbiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Strategies.

Several causes contribute to the high infection rate in tumor prostheses, including extensive tissue dissection and patients' immunosuppression due to the neoplastic disease. Most of these infections develop within the first 2 years following surgery with 70% of them occurring during the first year, while they are often associated with a low pathogen burden. The pathogenesis of infections in tumor prostheses is linked to bacteria developing in biofilms.

Monkeypox disease and pregnancy. Where are we today? A review of literature.

Monkeypox has emerged as a significant human pathogen, posing severe risks in vulnerable populations. At present, there is not enough data available as to whether pregnant women are more vulnerable to monkeypox infection, or they suffer more severe symptoms, and studies on this issue as well as to the possible adverse effects on the developing fetus are limited. The aim of this review, was to bring together what is known so far about monkeypox virus transmission, the clinical course of the disease, and associated maternal-fetal outcomes.