Current clinical use of intravenous fosfomycin in ICU patients in two European countries

PURPOSE

In Europe, intravenous fosfomycin (IV) is used particularly in difficult-to-treat or complex infections, caused by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens including multidrug-resistant strains. Here, we investigated the efficacy and safety of intravenous fosfomycin under real-life conditions.

METHODS

Prospective, multi-center, and non-interventional study in patients with bacterial infections from 20 intensive care units (ICU) in Germany and Austria (NCT01173575).

RESULTS

Overall, 209 patients were included (77 females, 132 males, mean age: 59 ± 16 years), 194 of which were treated in intensive care (APACHE II score at the beginning of fosfomycin therapy: 23 ± 8). Main indications (± bacteremia or sepsis) were infections of the CNS (21.5%), community- (CAP) and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)/ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP, 15.3%), bone and joint infections (BJI, 11%), abdominal infections (11%), and bacteremia (10.5%). Most frequently identified pathogens were S. aureus (22.3%), S. epidermidis (14.2%), Enterococcus spp. (10.8%), E. coli (12.3%) and Klebsiella spp. (7.7%). At least one multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen was isolated from 51 patients (24.4%). Fosfomycin was administered with an average daily dose of 13.7 ± 3.5 g over 12.4 ± 8.6 days, almost exclusively (99%) in combination with other antibiotics. The overall clinical success was favorable in 81.3% (148/182) of cases, and in 84.8% (39/46) of patients with ≥ 1 MDR pathogen. Noteworthy, 16.3% (34/209) of patients developed at least one, in the majority of cases non-serious, adverse drug reaction during fosfomycin therapy.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that IV fosfomycin is an effective and safe combination partner for the treatment of a broad spectrum of severe bacterial infections in critically ill patients.

Leitlinie zur Diagnostik und Therapie des Krampfaderleidens

Leitlinien sind systematisch erarbeitete Empfehlungen, um den Arzt in Klinik und Praxis bei Entscheidungen über eine angemessene Versorgung des Patienten im Rahmen spezi-fischer klinischer Umstände zu unterstützen. Leitlinien gelten für Standardsituationen und berücksichtigen die aktuellen, zu den entsprechenden Fragestellungen zur Verfügung stehenden wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisse. Leitlinien bedürfen der ständigen Überprüfung und eventuell der Änderung auf dem Boden des wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisstandes und der Praktikabilität in der tägli-chen Praxis. Durch die Leitlinien soll die Methodenfreiheit des Arztes nicht eingeschränkt werden. Ihre Beachtung garantiert nicht in jedem Fall den diagnostischen und therapeutischen Erfolg. Leitlinien erheben keinen Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit. Die Entscheidung über die Angemessenheit der zu ergreifenden Maßnahmen trifft der Arzt unter Berücksichtigung der individuellen Problematik.

Leitlinie: Intermittierende pneumatische Kompression (IPK oder AIK)

Leitlinien sind systematisch erarbeitete Empfehlungen, um den Arzt in Klinik und Praxis bei Entscheidungen über eine angemessene Versorgung des Patienten im Rahmen spezifischer klinischer Umstände zu unterstützen. Leitlinien gelten für Standardsituationen und berücksichtigen die aktuellen, zu den entsprechenden Fragestellungen zur Verfügung stehenden wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisse. Leitlinien bedürfen der ständigen Überprüfung und eventuell der Änderung auf dem Boden des wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisstandes und der Praktikabilität in der täglichen Praxis. Durch die Leitlinien soll die Methodenfreiheit des Arztes nicht eingeschränkt werden. Ihre Beachtung garantiert nicht in jedem Fall den diagnostischen und therapeutischen Erfolg. Leitlinien erheben keinen Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit. Die Entscheidung über die Angemessenheit der zu ergreifenden Maßnahmen trifft der Arzt unter Berücksichtigung der individuellen Problematik.

Leitlinien zur peripheren Gefäßdiagnostik mit der direktionalen continuous-wave (CW) Doppler-Sonographie

Leitlinien sind systematisch erarbeitete Empfehlungen, um Kliniker und Praktiker bei Entscheidungen zur Versorgung ihrer Patienten im Rahmen spezifischer Umstände zu unterstützen. Leitlinien gelten für »Standardsituationen« und berücksichtigen die aktuellen, zu den entsprechenden Fragestellungen zur Verfügung stehenden wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisse. Leitlinien bedürfen der ständigen Überprüfung und eventuell der Ände-rung auf dem Boden des wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisstandes und der Praktikabilität in der täglichen Anwendung. Leitlinien entbinden den Arzt nicht von seiner Sorgfaltspflicht und der Beachtung der individuell angepassten diagnostischen und therapeutischen Maßnahmen. Leitlinien erheben keinen Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit.

Global and Extended Coagulation Monitoring during Extracorporeal Lung Assist with Heparin-Coated Systems in ARDS Patients

Heparin-coated systems for extracorporeal lung-assist (ECLA) were developed to reduce hemorrhagic risk by lowering the systemic heparinization, monitored by global tests, e.g. activated coagulation time (ACT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Since this strategy gives no insight into procoagulant states, five ARDS patients receiving ECLA with heparin-coated systems were investivated for changes in coagulation using both global and extended tests. During ECLA onset the APTT and ACT were within or near normal ranges, platelets decreased 76.5% within 48h, fibrinogen decreased 28.7%, thrombin-antithrombin-III complexes were elevated before ECLA (53 μg/L), but demonstrated an additional peak (238 μg/L), plasminogen-activator-inhibitor-1 increased 12-fold, and the C1-inhibitor dropped 14.1%. In conclusion, after the onset of ECLA from a previous prethrombotic state, the precoagulant, anticoagulant, fibrinolytic and complement systems were activated in a similar way to that reported for non-heparinized systems with high-dose heparin. This was however only monitored by an extended test panel which was unable to predict thromboembolic events during ECLA.

Reduction of Platelet Trapping in Membrane Oxygenators by Transmembraneous Application of Gaseous Nitric Oxide

Bleeding during extracorporeal circulation (ECC) is often induced and/or aggravated by thrombocytopenia due to platelet-trapping in hollow fiber membrane oxygenators (HFMO). Nitric oxide (NO) has platelet anti-aggregating and dis-aggregating properties. In a paired system we tested whether gaseous NO, added to the gas compartment of one of two parallel running heparin-bonded HFMO attenuated platelet-trapping. Platelet consumption was markedly reduced in the NO-treated HFMO. These data strongly indicate that the application of gaseous NO could prove a new therapeutical approach to reduce bleeding during ECC, serving as a new way of preventing platelet loss, thus reducing the need for high systemic heparinization.

[Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult Patients with Nosocomial Pneumonia - Update 2017 - S3 Guideline of the German Society for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, the German Society for Infectious Diseases, the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology, the German Respiratory Society and the Paul-Ehrlich-Society for Chemotherapy, the German Radiological Society and the Society for Virology]

Nosocomial pneumonia (HAP) is a frequent complication of hospital care. Most data are available on ventilator-associated pneumonia. However, infections on general wards are increasing. A central issue are infections with multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens which are difficult to treat in the empirical setting potentially leading to inappropriate use of antimicrobial therapy.This guideline update was compiled by an interdisciplinary group on the basis of a systematic literature review. Recommendations are made according to GRADE giving guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of HAP on the basis of quality of evidence and benefit/risk ratio.This guideline has two parts. First an update on epidemiology, spectrum of pathogens and antimicrobials is provided. In the second part recommendations for the management of diagnosis and treatment are given. New recommendations with respect to imaging, diagnosis of nosocomial viral pneumonia and prolonged infusion of antibacterial drugs have been added. The statements to risk factors for infections with MDR pathogens and recommendations for monotherapy vs combination therapy have been actualised. The importance of structured deescalation concepts and limitation of treatment duration is emphasized.

Leitlinie: Venöse Diagnostik mit der Licht-Reflexions-Rheographie/ Photoplethysmographie

Leitlinien sind systematisch erarbeitete Empfehlungen, um den Kliniker und Praktiker bei Entscheidungen über eine angemessene Versorgung des Patienten im Rahmen spezifischer klinischer Umstände zu unterstützen. Leitlinien gelten für „Standardsituationen“ und berücksichtigen die aktuellen, zu den entsprechenden Fragestellungen zur Verfügung stehenden wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisse. Leitlinien bedürfen der ständi-gen Überprüfung und eventuell der Ände-rung auf dem Boden des wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisstandes und der Praktikabilität in der täglichen Praxis. Durch die Leitlinien soll die Methodenfreiheit des Arztes nicht eingeschränkt werden. Ihre Beachtung garantiert nicht in jedem Fall den diagnostischen und therapeutischen Erfolg. Leitlinien erheben keinen Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit. Die Entscheidung über die Angemessenheit der zu ergreifenden Maßnahmen trifft der Arzt unter Berücksichtigung der individuellen Pro-blematik.

Therapie mit Dabigatran

Summary Dabigatran, an oral, reversible direct factor IIa inhibitor, is approved in Europe for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation and for the prevention of venous thromboembolism after elective hip and knee replacement. In contrast to vitamin K antagonists, a routine coagulation monitoring during the treatment with dabigatran etexilate is not necessary. However, in specific clinical situations such as invasive emergency procedures or serious haemorrhage, the actual anticoagulant status of dabigatran may be of importance for the treating clinician and can be assessed by clotting tests (aPTT, TT, ECT). The diluted thrombin time test (Hemoclot®), which is specifically calibrated for dabigatran, is useful for quantitative determination of the dabigatran serum concentration. In general, discontinuation of dabigatran etexilate 24 hours before standard elective surgery is sufficient to normalise the bleeding risk in patients with normal renal function. In patients with renal impairment and/or in the case of a high bleeding risk procedure the recommended duration of discontinuation is prolonged. If a bleeding episode occurs in a patient on dabigatran, further treatment should be based on the severity and localisation of the bleeding. A distinct feature of dabigatran is the possibility of effectively removing dabigatran from the circulation by haemodialysis. Recommendation: In the case of clinically minor bleedings, a delay in the administration of the next dabigatran etexilate dose is recommended. The length of the delay is based on the patient’s individual thromboembolic risk. In minor bleedings the use of prothrombin complex concentrates is not indicated. In the case of moderate or major bleedings the main focus should be on stabilising the circulation by using fluids and blood products and, if a lesion can be identified, the local treatment thereof. If time and infrastructure is available, dialysis offers an effective and fast option to remove dabigatran out of the circulation. In the incidence of severe and life threatening bleedings, an additional, more complex haemostasis management is required. Besides haemodynamic stabilisation of the circulation, administration of prothrombin complex concentrates should not be delayed. It has to be kept in mind that standard laboratory coagulation parameters may not accurately reflect the effect of prothrombin complex concentrates in patients on dabigatran. Hence the effect of the prothrombin complex concentrate should be monitored clinically and adjusted by means of onset of coagulation in vivo.

[Epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of adult patients with nosocomial pneumonia. S-3 Guideline of the German Society for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, the German Society for Infectious Diseases, the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology, the German Respiratory Society and the Paul-Ehrlich-Society for Chemotherapy]

Nosocomial pneumonia (HAP) is a frequent complication of hospital care. Most data are available on ventilator-associated pneumonia. However infections on general wards are also increasing. A central issue are infections with multi drug resistant (MDR) pathogens which are difficult to treat particularly in the empirical setting potentially leading to inappropriate use of antimicrobial therapy. This guideline was compiled by an interdisciplinary group on the basis of a systematic literature review. Recommendations are made according to GRADE giving guidance for the diagnosis and therapy of HAP on the basis of quality of evidence and benefit/risk ratio. The guideline has two parts. First an update on epidemiology, spectrum of pathogens and antiinfectives is provided. In the second part recommendations for the management of diagnosis and treatment are given. Proper microbiologic work up is emphasized for knowledge of the local patterns of microbiology and drug susceptibility. Moreover this is the optimal basis for deescalation in the individual patient. The intensity of antimicrobial therapy is guided by the risk of infections with MDR. Structured deescalation concepts and strict limitation of treatment duration should lead to reduced selection pressure.

Leitlinie: Sklerosierungsbehandlung der Varikose

Diese Leitlinie wurde im Auftrag der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Phlebologie (DGP) ausgearbeitet, vom Vorstand und im wissenschaftlichen Beirat der DGP am 15.06.2001 verabschiedet, am 26.09.2007 sowie im Mai 2012 novelliert und ersetzt die Vorversion vom November 2007. Diese Leitlinie berücksichtigt den aktuellen Stand der Literatur, aber nicht die in jedem Fall unterschiedlichen Zulassungsbestimmungen für die verschiedenen Pharmaka.

Leitlinien sind systematisch erarbeitete Empfehlungen, um den Arzt in Klinik und Praxis bei Entscheidungen über eine angemessene Versorgung des Patienten im Rahmen spezi-fischer klinischer Umstände zu unterstützen. Leitlinien gelten für Standardsituationen und berücksichtigen die aktuellen, zu den entspre-chenden Fragestellungen zur Verfügung stehenden wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisse. Leitlinien bedürfen der ständigen Überprüfung und eventuell der Änderung auf dem Boden des wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisstandes und der Praktikabilität in der täglichen Praxis. Durch die Leitlinien soll die Methodenfreiheit des Arztes nicht eingeschränkt werden. Ihre Beachtung garantiert nicht in jedem Fall den diagnostischen und therapeutischen Erfolg. Leitlinien erheben keinen Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit. Die Entscheidung über die Angemessenheit der zu ergreifenden Maßnahmen trifft der Arzt unter Berücksichtigung der individuellen Problematik.

Leitlinie: Venöse Diagnostik mit der Phlebodynamometrie

Leitlinien sind systematisch erarbeitete Empfehlungen, um Kliniker und Praktiker bei Entscheidungen zur Versorgung ihrer Patienten im Rahmen spezifischer Umstände zu unterstützen. Leitlinien gelten für „Standardsituationen“ und berücksichtigen die aktuellen, zu den entsprechenden Fragestellungen zur Verfügung stehenden wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisse. Leitlinien bedürfen der ständi-gen Überprüfung und eventuell der Ände-rung auf dem Boden des wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisstandes und der Praktikabilität in der täglichen Praxis. Leitlinien entbinden den Arzt nicht von seiner Sorgfaltspflicht und der Beachtung der individuell angepassten diagnostischen und therapeutischen Maß-nahmen. Leitlinien erheben keinen Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit.

Leitlinie: Sklerosierungsbehandlung der Varikose

Diese Leitlinie wurde im Auftrag der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Phlebologie (DGP) ausgearbeitet, vom Vorstand und im wissenschaftlichen Beirat der DGP am 15.06.2001 verabschiedet, am 26.09.2007 sowie im Mai 2012 novelliert und ersetzt die Vorversion vom November 2007. Diese Leitlinie berücksichtigt den aktuellen Stand der Literatur, aber nicht die in jedem Fall unterschiedlichen Zulassungsbestimmungen für die verschiedenen Pharmaka.

Leitlinien sind systematisch erarbeitete Empfehlungen, um den Arzt in Klinik und Praxis bei Entscheidungen über eine angemessene Versorgung des Patienten im Rahmen spezifischer klinischer Umstände zu unterstützen. Leitlinien gelten für Standardsituationen und berücksichtigen die aktuellen, zu den entspre- chenden Fragestellungen zur Verfügung stehenden wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisse. Leitlinien bedürfen der ständigen Überprüfung und eventuell der Änderung auf dem Boden des wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisstandes und der Praktikabilität in der täglichen Praxis. Durch die Leitlinien soll die Methodenfreiheit des Arztes nicht eingeschränkt werden. Ihre Beachtung garantiert nicht in jedem Fall den diagnostischen und therapeutischen Erfolg. Leitlinien erheben keinen Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit. Die Entscheidung über die Angemessenheit der zu ergreifenden Maßnahmen trifft der Arzt unter Berücksichtigung der in-dividuellen Problematik.

Monozygotic twins discordant for trisomy 18

We report on the pre- and postnatal cytogenetic, molecular genetic and clinical findings in monochorionic-diamniotic twins discordant for trisomy 18. Structural anomalies were identified in one of the twins on prenatal ultrasound examination at 20 weeks' gestation and sampling of amniotic fluid from both sacs was performed for karyotyping. This revealed trisomy 18 in the twin with abnormalities and a normal karyotype in the other twin. Elective Cesarean section was performed at 31 + 5 weeks and the aneuploid twin died shortly after delivery. The surviving twin showed low-grade mosaicism for trisomy 18 on postnatal analysis but has shown normal development. For prenatal diagnosis in monochorionic-diamniotic twin pregnancy the sampling of both amniotic sacs is recommended, especially if one twin has structural anomalies on ultrasound scan.

[Anticoagulation in the elderly]

The recommendations for anticoagulation in over 80 years old patients are based on the thromboembolic/bleeding risk relation. They add to the published recommendations for the specific indications. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) is used to prevent thromboembolism postoperatively. Compression stockings and/or intermittent pneumatic compression are used if bleeding risk is very high. The dose is increased starting at day two if the thromboembolic risk is very high. Bleeding and thromboembolic risks are re-evaluted daily. The antithrombotic therapy is adjusted accordingly. Prophylaxis of thromboembolism in patients with acute illnesses and bedrest is performed according postoperative care. Two-thirds of therapeutic doses of low-molecular-weight heparin are used to treat acute venous thromboembolism. Reduced renal function (creatinine clearance <30 ml/ min for most LMWHs or <20 ml/min for tinzaparin) should result in a further reduction of dose. Intensity and duration of prophylaxis of recurrent events with vitamin K antagonist or LMWH in malignancy follow current or herein described recommendations. Patients with atrial fibrillation are treated with vitamin K antagonists adjusted to an INR of 2-3 for prophylaxis of embolism. Further details of anticoagulant therapy should be in agreement with the national or international recommendations.

Prevention, diagnosis, therapy and follow-up care of sepsis: 1st revision of S-2k guidelines of the German Sepsis Society (Deutsche Sepsis-Gesellschaft e.V. (DSG)) and the German Interdisciplinary Association of Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine (Deutsche Interdisziplinäre Vereinigung für Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin (DIVI))

Practice guidelines are systematically developed statements and recommendations that assist the physicians and patients in making decisions about appropriate health care measures for specific clinical circumstances taking into account specific national health care structures. The 1^st revision of the S-2k guideline of the German Sepsis Society in collaboration with 17 German medical scientific societies and one self-help group provides state-of-the-art information (results of controlled clinical trials and expert knowledge) on the effective and appropriate medical care (prevention, diagnosis, therapy and follow-up care) of critically ill patients with severe sepsis or septic shock. The guideline had been developed according to the “German Instrument for Methodological Guideline Appraisal” of the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF). In view of the inevitable advancements in scientific knowledge and technical expertise, revisions, updates and amendments must be periodically initiated. The guideline recommendations may not be applied under all circumstances. It rests with the clinician to decide whether a certain recommendation should be adopted or not, taking into consideration the unique set of clinical facts presented in connection with each individual patient as well as the available resources.

[Study protocol of the VISEP study. Response of the SepNet study group]

In the commentary by Zander et al. the authors appear concerned about the methods and results of our, at that time, unpublished sepsis trial evaluating hydroxyethyl starch (HES) and insulin therapy. Unfortunately, the authors' concerns are based on false assumptions about the design, conduct and modes of action of the compounds under investigation. For instance, in our study the HES solution was not used for maintenance of daily fluid requirements, so that the assumption of the authors that this colloid was used "exclusively" is wrong. Moreover, the manufacturer of Hemohes, the HES product we used, gives no cut-off value for creatinine, thus the assumption that this cut-off value was "doubled" in our study is also incorrect. Other claims by the authors such as that lactated solutions cause elevated lactate levels, iatrogenic hyperglycemia and increase O(2) consumption are unfounded. There is no randomized controlled trial supporting such a claim - this claim is neither consistent with our study data nor with any credible published sepsis guidelines or with routine practice worldwide. We fully support open scientific debate. Our study methods and results have now been published after a strict peer-reviewing process and this data is now open to critical and constructive reviewing. However, in our opinion this premature action based on wrong assumptions and containing comments by representatives of pharmaceutical companies does not contribute to a serious, unbiased scientific discourse.

Development of a risk stratification model for predicting acute renal failure in orthotopic liver transplantation recipients

The purpose of this prospective observation cohort study was to develop and validate a risk stratification model for prediction of acute renal failure after liver transplantation. Data from 71 orthotopic liver transplantation recipients were used to develop a risk stratification model by binary logistic regression analysis containing the following variables: pretransplant hepatitis B and/or C infection; arterial hypertension; intra-operative mean arterial blood pressure before induction of anaesthesia; units of packed red blood cells required; hypotension (mean arterial blood pressure <or=50 mmHg); and maximum lactate concentration. Validation of the model on 167 consecutive patients revealed a sensitivity of 0.78, a specifity of 0.92, a negative predictive value of 0.96 and a positive predictive value of 0.62. This risk stratification model enables identification of orthotopic liver transplantation recipients with no or low risk for acute renal failure directly at the end of the transplantation procedure.

[Discrimination of Blacks on account of their skin colour? Results of focus group discussions with victims in the German health-care system]

BACKGROUND

In spite of a number of researches on immigrants in the German Health System, there has hardly been any research on immigrant's experiences with General Practitioners or research on Black patients. As an example the experiences of Black People (1) with an immigration background from the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC) with German White GPs was investigated.

METHODS

Two focus groups with a total of 33 participants from the DRC were held and the discussions documented and transcribed. The authors performed a content analysis and developed inductively the categorical system on the basis of the transcription.

RESULTS

The participants underlined their self-competences in health and diseases. Language was mentioned as a problem in communication, but had no priority except for the lack of documents in French. However, they underlined the hectic and unfriendliness of German medical staff as well as lack of respect towards them. They also criticised the insufficient medical competence of German medical doctors concerning diseases, which are common in Africa and the increasing social injustice, bureaucracy and economic efficiency. Experiences with discrimination and racism were clearly expressed and illustrated in its intermingled structure with other forms of discrimination.

CONCLUSIONS

The concept concerning health and diseases of the African immigrants was a Western medical concept, other concepts like, e.g., "African" formed medical concepts did not occur. The many-sided experienced discriminations of Black immigrants in White Surgeries and in the German Health System presumably also correspond to experiences in other areas of German society. A number of critical remarks of the participants corresponded with what we expect from White patients, especially when speaking about communicative abilities of doctors. Better communicative abilities and a better knowledge of the so-called "tropical diseases" are required. But to the same degree it is mandatory to develop the ability of reflecting on discrimination at all levels including racism and "intercultural" opening of the German Health System.

Adenovirus of psittacine birds: investigations on isolation and development of a real-time polymerase chain reaction for specific detection

Liver samples of psittacine birds with a histological suspicion of an adenovirus infection, confirmed by electron microscopy examination, were subjected to virus isolation attempts using a heterologous cell culture system and a homologous cell culture system in the form of chicken embryo liver cells and psittacine embryo fibroblasts, respectively. Whereas isolation in chicken embryo liver cells failed, virus was isolated successfully in the psittacine embryo fibroblasts cell culture system. Molecular investigations identified the virus as a specific psittacine adenovirus (PsAdV). Additionally, on the basis of the hexon gene sequence data obtained, a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for specific detection of PsAdV was developed. To ensure an exclusive hybridization with PsAdV, selected primers were located within the variable L1 region of the hexon gene. Furthermore, the specificity of the real-time PCR was confirmed by investigation of a panel of different avian adenoviruses and unrelated DNA viruses. Using this PCR, the threshold cycle values obtained support the propagation of PsAdV in the homologous cell culture system in comparison with the chicken cell culture system. Moreover, the developed PCR represents a reliable method for specific and sensitive detection of PsAdV in clinical samples.

[Diagnosis and therapy of sepsis]

A recent survey conducted by the publicly funded Competence Network Sepsis (Sep- Net) reveals that severe sepsis and/or septic shock occurs in 75,000 inhabitants (110 out of 100,000) and sepsis in 79,000 inhabitants (116 out of 100,000) in Germany annually. This illness is responsible for approx. 60,000 deaths and ranges as the third most frequent cause of death after acute myocardial infarction. Direct costs for the intensive care of patients with severe sepsis alone amount to approx. 1.77 billion euros, which means that about 30% of the budget in intensive care is used to treat severe sepsis. However, until now German guidelines for the diagnosis and therapy of severe sepsis did not exist. Therefore, the German Sepsis Society initiated the development of guidelines which are based on international recommendations by the International Sepsis Forum (ISF) and the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) and take into account the structure and organisation of the German health care system. Priority was given to the following guideline topics: a) diagnosis, b) prevention, c) causative therapy, d) supportive therapy, e) adjunctive therapy. The guidelines development process was carefully planned and strictly adhered to according to the requirements of the Working Group of Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF).

[Diagnosis and therapy of sepsis. Guidelines of the German Sepsis Society Inc. and the German Interdisciplinary Society for Intensive and Emergency Medicine]

A recent survey conducted by the publicly funded Competence Network Sepsis (SepNet) reveals that severe sepsis and/or septic shock occurs in 75,000 inhabitants (110 out of 100,000) and sepsis in 79,000 inhabitants (116 out of 100,000) in Germany annually. This illness is responsible for approximately 60,000 deaths and ranges as the third most frequent cause of death after acute myocardial infarction. Direct costs for the intensive care of patients with severe sepsis alone amount to approximately 1.77 billion euros, which means that about 30% of the budget in intensive care is used to treat severe sepsis. However, until now German guidelines for the diagnosis and therapy of severe sepsis did not exist. Therefore, the German Sepsis Society initiated the development of guidelines which are based on international recommendations by the International Sepsis Forum (ISF) and the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) and take into account the structure and organization of the German health care system. Priority was given to the following guideline topics: a) diagnosis, b) prevention, c) causative therapy, d) supportive therapy, e) adjunctive therapy. The guidelines development process was carefully planned and strictly adhered to the requirements of the Working Group of Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF).

Leitlinie Medizinischer Kompressionsstrumpf (MKS)

Leitlinien sind systematisch erarbeitete Empfehlungen, um den Arzt in Klinik und Praxis bei Entscheidungen über eine angemessene Versorgung des Patienten im Rahmen spezifischer klinischer Umstände zu unterstützen. Leitlinien gelten für Standardsituationen und berücksichtigen die aktuellen, zu den entsprechenden Fragestellungen zur Verfügung stehenden wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisse. Leitlinien bedürfen der ständigen Überprüfung und eventuell der Änderung auf dem Boden des wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisstandes und der Praktikabilität in der täglichen Praxis. Durch die Leitlinien soll die Methodenfreiheit des Arztes nicht eingeschränkt werden. Ihre Beachtung garantiert nicht in jedem Fall den diagnostischen und therapeutischen Erfolg. Leitlinien erheben keinen Anspruch auf Vollständigkeit. Die Entscheidung über die Angemessenheit der zu ergreifenden Maßnahmen trifft der Arzt unter Berücksichtigung der individuellen Problematik.

Die Empfehlungsgrade (EM-GR) wurden gemäß DEGAM (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Allgemeinmedizin und Familienmedizin) festgelegt:

A sehr gutfundiert (EV-GR I)

B mittelmäßig fundiert (EV-GR II)

C mäßige wissenschaftliche Grundlage (EV-GR III, IV)

Effects of two diets on the haematology, plasma chemistry and intestinal flora of budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus )

Two groups of 22 budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) were housed for 12 months under identical conditions. One group was fed a commercial seed mixture plus carrots and a mineral supplement, and the other group was fed a commercially formulated diet plus carrots. Samples of blood and faeces were collected initially and after three, six, nine and 12 months. There were no significant differences between the haematological values of the two groups. The group fed the seed mixture had significantly higher concentrations of glucose, albumin, triglycerides and uric acid, and higher activity of aspartate aminotransferase, but the values were within the published reference ranges for normal birds. There were no significant differences between the faecal samples from the two groups, except that the fungus Macrorhabdus ornithogaster was identified in 48.3 per cent of the samples from the group fed the commercially formulated diet but from only 3.4 per cent of the samples from the group fed the seed mixture.

Sepsis

Sepsis results from the host response to infection. While a localized and controlled inflammatory reaction helps to control infection, a dysregulated response may lead to multiple organ failure and determines the course and prognosis of the septic patient. Despite intensive care, mortality remains as high as 54% for severe sepsis and septic shock. As the mechanisms are becoming better defined, interventions aiming to interfere with the host response have been undertaken, largely with disappointing results. Thus, many evidence-based recommendations suggest waiving of resource-consuming interventions. Nevertheless, several seminal studies have indicated that early and systematic supportive therapy according to pathophysiological principles, most notably early goal-directed therapy, low-dose hydrocortisone and activated protein C, can disrupt dysfunctional cascades and can favourably influence the course of the disease. In parallel, efforts to better define nationwide epidemiology and treatment habits for severe sepsis by the German competence network "SepNet" indicate that therapy of severe sepsis is generally in poor compliance with guidelines, while the personal perception of physicians in charge would suggest high rates of adherence. Thus, strategies of change management, such as implementation of sepsis bundles are warranted to achieve a better standard of care toward the aim of the "surviving sepsis campaign", i.e. a reduction of mortality by 25% within the next 5 years.

[Diagnosis and therapy of sepsis: guidelines of the German Sepsis Society Inc. and the German Interdisciplinary Society for Intensive and Emergency Medicine]

A recent survey conducted by the publicly funded Competence Network Sepsis (SepNet) reveals that severe sepsis and/or septic shock occurs in 75,000 inhabitants (110 out of 100,000) and sepsis in 79,000 inhabitants (116 out of 100,000) in Germany annually. This illness is responsible for approximately 60,000 deaths and ranges as the third most frequent cause of death after acute myocardial infarction. Direct costs for the intensive care of patients with severe sepsis alone amount to approximately 1.77 billion euros, which means that about 30% of the budget in intensive care is used to treat severe sepsis. However, until now German guidelines for the diagnosis and therapy of severe sepsis did not exist. Therefore, the German Sepsis Society initiated the development of guidelines which are based on international recommendations by the International Sepsis Forum (ISF) and the Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) and take into account the structure and organization of the German health care system. Priority was given to the following guideline topics: a) diagnosis, b) prevention, c) causative therapy, d) supportive therapy, e) adjunctive therapy. The guidelines development process was carefully planned and strictly adhered to the requirements of the Working Group of Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF).

Phylogenetic analysis of the hexon loop 1 region of an adenovirus from psittacine birds supports the existence of a new psittacine adenovirus (PsAdV)

Adenovirus infections in psittacine birds have been well known. Most of these infections were caused by fowl adenoviruses (FAdV). In this study, liver samples showing typical histological signs of an adenovirus infection were collected from Poicephalus spp. with acute disease. A PCR amplifying the variable loop 1 region of the hexon gene was developed using primers located in two conserved pedestal regions. A PCR product of approximately 590 bp in size was amplified and sequenced. The sequence obtained grouped outside of the FAdV reference strains of the 12 serotypes as well as egg drop syndrome virus and turkey adenovirus 3 indicating that a new avian adenovirus was detected. In comparison to the FAdV reference strains, the percentage of identical nucleotides ranged between 60.3 and 67.0 and that of identical amino acids (aa) between 51.3 and 61.0. Furthermore, 37 unique aa exchanges were observed; out of these, 27 are located in the 4 hypervariable regions of loop 1, which encode the serotype-specific epitopes. The g/c content, the isoelectric point and the charge of the amplified fragment, however, are in the range as those of group I avian adenoviruses. It was proposed, therefore, to designate this new adenovirus as psittacine adenovirus (PsAdV).