Documenting COVID-19 screening before surgery during lockdown (COVID Screen): an audit with routinely collected health data

Objective This study analysed screening for COVID-19 before surgery and outcomes of any perioperative testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection during pandemic-restricted surgery. Methods An audit was conducted with routinely collected health data before both elective and non-elective surgery at two large Melbourne hospitals during April and early May 2020. We looked for documented systematic screening for COVID-19 disease and fever (>38°C) and results of SARS-COV-2 testing, and proposed a minimum acceptable documenting rate of 85%. Results The study included 2197 consecutive patients (1279 (58%) undergoing elective surgery, 917 (42%) undergoing non-elective surgery) across most specialities. Although 926 (72%) patients undergoing elective surgery had both systematic screening and temperature documented, approximately half that percentage undergoing non-elective surgery (n=347; 38%) had both documented. However, 871 (95%) of non-elective surgery patients had temperature documented. Acknowledging limited screening, 85 (9.3%) non-elective surgery patients had positive screening, compared with 39 (3.0%) elective surgery patients. All 152 (7%) patients who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 were negative, and no cases were reported from external contact tracing. Conclusions Although 'not documented' does not necessarily equal 'not done', we found that documenting of COVID-19 screening could be improved. Better understanding of implementing screening practices in pandemics and other crises, particularly for non-elective surgery patients, is warranted. What is known about the topic? Little is known about routine screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection among surgical patients. However, it is well established that implementing effective uptake of safety and quality initiatives can be difficult. What does this paper add? We found that although most patients had documented temperature, fewer than 75% had a documented systematic questionnaire screen for COVID, particularly patients undergoing non-elective surgery. What are the implications for practitioners? Clear documenting is important in managing patients. Pandemics and other crises can require rapid changes in practice. Implementing such measures may be less complete than anticipated and may require greater use of evidence-based implementation strategies, particularly in the less predictable care of non-elective surgery patients.

Spectrum of gram-positive bacteraemia and in vitro activities of daptomycin, linezolid and vancomycin against organisms isolated from cancer patients

Gram-positive organisms are the predominant bacterial pathogens in cancer patients. A survey indicated that coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (29.5%), Staphylococcus aureus (18.0%), Enterococcus spp. (12.1%) and viridans group streptococci (VGS) (9.1%) are isolated most often. The rate of reduced susceptibility to vancomycin (minimum inhibitory concentration ≥1.0 μg/mL) was 100% for meticillin-susceptible S. aureus and 99% for meticillin-resistant S. aureus, and 100% for meticillin-susceptible CoNS and 98% for meticillin-resistant CoNS. More than 98% of these isolates were susceptible to daptomycin and linezolid. Daptomycin and linezolid had comparable in vitro activity to vancomycin against Bacillus spp., Corynebacterium spp., Rhodococcus spp., Micrococcus spp., Stomatococcus mucilaginosus and VGS. Both agents were active against the majority (95%) of vancomycin-resistant organisms, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci, Pediococcus spp. and Leuconostoc spp. These data suggest that daptomycin and linezolid have an adequate antimicrobial spectrum and potent in vitro activity against Gram-positive isolates from cancer patients and may be considered as alternatives to vancomycin for empirical or targeted therapy in this setting.

Extracolonic findings at CT colonography: a review of 258 consecutive cases

INTRODUCTION

Computed tomographic colonography (CTC) is a non-invasive method of examining the colon and is used for colorectal polyp and mass diagnosis. As the entire abdomen is examined, incidental extracolonic pathologies can be diagnosed. The types of extracolonic findings (ECFs) and their frequency have not been explored in an Australian setting.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all CTC examinations performed in an Australian tertiary hospital between February 2004 and July 2009 were reviewed to extract patient demographic data, reason for referral, presence of colonic polyps and masses, presence of other colonic and extracolonic pathologies. Statistical significance was determined using a Student's t-test or Fisher's exact test where appropriate.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-eight CTC examinations were performed and an ECF was present in 70.1% and were more common with increasing age (P ≤ 0.01), but were not related to gender, or source of referral or the presence of colonic findings. Major ECFs were diagnosed in 8.9% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

ECFs are more frequent with increasing age and although they are common, only a minority are of high significance.

Who goes where? A prospective study of referral patterns within a newly established primary care team

BACKGROUND

Since the introduction of primary care teams, referral patterns of General Practitioners (GPs) in Ireland have not been studied.

AIMS

To study the referral patterns of GPs within a primary care team (PCT) to allied health care professionals in a PCT and to secondary care. To identify indirect referral pathways. To study variation in individual GP referral patterns.

METHOD

Questionnaire based survey. Statistical analysis was carried out using Epi Info version 3.5.1.

RESULTS

Of 3,166 consultations, 2,841 (89.7%) were dealt with by the GP and required no referral, 107 (3.4%) were referred within the PCT, and 218 (6.9%) were referred elsewhere. Therefore, 93.1% of consultations were managed in primary care alone. Ninety percent of GPs refer patients to the PCT. Indirect referrals constituted 17% of all outpatient referrals. Females have significantly higher referral rates than males. Referral rates of GPs in single-handed practices are higher than GPs in group practices.

CONCLUSIONS

GPs alone can manage the vast majority of presentations in general practice. Greater GP access to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions may reduce outpatient referrals. GPs in group practices may collectively have greater experience and expertise and therefore can manage more patients in primary care. There is a significant variation in referral rates between both genders.

Diagnosing colorectal polyps and masses - the use of CT colonography

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is common, over 13,000 cases were diagnosed in Australia in 2005. The pathogenesis of colorectal cancer has been well investigated and usually occurs in a predictable sequence progressing from dysplasia, to carcinoma in situ before becoming an invasive malignancy. The symptoms and signs of colorectal polyps and masses are often nonspecific, however, given that polyps are easily cured with polypectomy, it is vital to have an accurate and acceptable diagnostic test. Traditional tests include conventional (optical) colonoscopy and double contrast barium enema. Computed tomographic (CT) colonography is a newer, minimally invasive method for examining the colon for colorectal polyps.

OBJECTIVE

To inform general practitioners about CT colonography, its evidence, indications, controversies and extracolonic ancillary findings.

DISCUSSION

The evidence supporting CT colonography is discussed along with how it is performed, as well as a discussion of the factors unique to it, such as extracolonic findings and polyp management.

Clinical Experience of Linezolid in Bone Marrow Transplantation Patients

Linezolid is an oxazolidinone antibiotic that has been associated with myelosuppression, including leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Few studies have assessed the use of linezolid in bone marrow transplantation (BMT) patients. The authors evaluated patients who were admitted to the BMT service at their institution from 2001 to 2002 and had undergone ≥3 days of linezolid therapy. These patients (cases) were matched with BMT patients who had not undergone linezolid therapy (controls). Forty-nine patients were evaluated; 25 cases and 24 controls. The authors found no significant differences in the duration of neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, but there was a trend toward a difference in time to engraftment ( P = .16). More bleeding episodes were seen and more platelet transfusions were needed in cases than in controls (16% vs 8%; P = .35 and 54.5 ± 55.0 units vs 19.9 ± 20.0 units, respectively). Patients who had undergone linezolid therapy for >10 days (n = 10) had longer thrombocytopenia (102.2 ± 98.0 vs 62.0 ± 61.0 days; P = .27) and time to engraftment (20.5 ± 20.0 vs 10.7 ± 2.0 days; P = .16) and required more platelet transfusions (83.6 ± 76.0 vs 35.1 ± 23.0 units). None of these observations reached statistical significance. The authors conclude that linezolid therapy can be used safely in BMT patients for up to 10 days. However, when therapy is needed for >10 days, monitoring of platelet counts, bleeding time, and time to engraftment are recommended.

Emergence of quinolone-resistant Escherichia coli at a comprehensive cancer center

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Background: Quinolone prophylaxis is recommended in high-risk neutropenic patients. Although effective in reducing the frequency of febrile episodes and documented gram-negative infections, this approach can lead to the emergence of resistant organisms. Surveillance studies looking for changes in resistance patterns at institutions that care for high-risk patients are also recommended. Methods: Our institution has participated in the meropenem yearly susceptibility test information collection (MYSTIC) program since 2000. The susceptibility of E. coli isolates from our cancer patients to quinolones (ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin) and broad-spectrum agents often used in empiric antimicrobial regimens in such patients, was determined. These studies were conducted by JMI Laboratories, Iowa, USA, and combined results as well as results of each participating institution were provided. CLSI designated breakpoints for susceptibility were used. Ribotyping and PFGE studies were performed on recent isolates. Results: Table 1 documents the declining susceptibility of E. coli isolates to the quinolones. In 2006 only 40.7% were quinolone susceptible compared to 84.2% in 2000 (p = 0.0032). All E. coli isolates remain susceptible to the carbapenems (meropenem, imipenem, ertapenem) and 95.5% remain susceptible to cefepime, ceftazidime, piperacillin-tazobactam, and the aminoglycosides. Twenty-one resistant E. coli isolates underwent ribotyping. Fourteen isolates showed identical ribotype and similar PFGE patterns suggesting the presence of an endemic clone. The other 7 isolates showed variability in their molecular patterns. Conclusions: Quinolone resistance among E. coli strains isolated from cancer patients has increased substantially. Fortunately these isolates remain susceptible to most broad-spectrum beta-lactams and aminoglycosides. Effective infection control methods need to be implemented and enforced in order to reduce the spread of these organisms in high risk patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

[Table: see text]

Infection control properties of some wound dressings

The ability of some wound dressings to sequester and retain micro-organisms associated with wound fluid is perceived to provide beneficial properties regarding infection control. This study used an in vitro model to investigate and compare such properties in a range of fibrous absorbent dressings (alginate, hydrofibre and hydrophobic). Dressings were challenged with a simulated wound fluid containing common wound pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Bacterial sequestering and binding levels were monitored over time. A hydrofibre dressing and two calcium alginate dressings were shown to effectively sequester challenge organisms from a simulated wound fluid. However, the hydrophobic and hydrofibre dressings produced statistically significant results in their ability to adsorb and retain challenge organisms (p < 0.05). These investigations have demonstrated that a hydrofibre dressing effectively sequesters and retains micro-organisms upon exposure to simulated wound fluid, and may therefore provide a passive mechanism for reducing the microbial load in wounds and in the surrounding environment. Further in vivo studies are required to investigate these dressing properties.

Identification of two different mutations in the PDS gene in an inbred family with Pendred syndrome

Recently the gene responsible for Pendred syndrome (PDS) was isolated and several mutations in the PDS gene have been identified in Pendred patients. Here we report the occurrence of two different PDS mutations in an extended inbred Turkish family. The majority of patients in this family are homozygous for a splice site mutation (1143-2A-->G) affecting the 3' splice site consensus sequence of intron 7. However, two affected sibs with non-consanguineous parents are compound heterozygotes for the splice site mutation and a missense mutation (1558T-->G), substituting an evolutionarily conserved amino acid. The latter mutation has been found previously in two Pendred families originating from The Netherlands, indicating that the 1558T-->G mutation may be a common mutation.

Why do child mortality rates fall? An analysis of the Nicaraguan experience

A comprehensive review of available sources of mortality data was undertaken to document the changes that have occurred in infant mortality in Nicaragua over the last three decades. It was found that a rapid fall in infant mortality commenced in the early 1970s and has continued steadily since. Trends in several different factors which might have led to this breakthrough were examined including: income, nutrition, breastfeeding practices, maternal education, immunizations, access to health services, provision of water supplies and sanitation, and anti-malarial programs. Of these, improved access to health services appears to have been the most important factor. At a time when the number of hospital beds per capita was dropping, increasing numbers of health care professionals, particularly nurses, were becoming available to staff primary health care facilities built in the 1960s. These were provided at least partly in response to the growing political turmoil enveloping the nation at that time. Certain Nicaraguan cultural attributes may have added to the impact of the reforms. Efforts in the field of public health made since the 1979 insurrection appear to have maintained the decline in child mortality.

Contribution of intrinsic skeletal muscle changes to 31P NMR skeletal muscle metabolic abnormalities in patients with chronic heart failure

Patients with heart failure frequently exhibit abnormal skeletal muscle metabolic responses to exercise, as assessed with 31P NMR. To investigate whether these metabolic abnormalities are due to intrinsic skeletal muscle changes, we performed gastrocnemius muscle biopsies on 22 patients with heart failure (peak VO2, 15.4 +/- 4.7 ml/kg/min; ejection fraction, 20 +/- 7%) and on eight normal subjects. Biopsies were analyzed for fiber type and area, capillarity, citrate synthase, phosphofructokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and beta-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase activity. All patients with heart failure also underwent 31P NMR studies of their calf muscle during plantarflexion at three workloads. Muscle pH responses and the relation of the ratio of inorganic phosphate to phosphocreatine (Pi/PCr) to systemic VO2 were then evaluated. Compared with normal subjects, patients with heart failure exhibited a shift in fiber distribution with increased percentage of the fast twitch, glycolytic, easily fatigable type IIb fibers (normal subjects, 22.7 +/- 10.1; heart failure, 33.1 +/- 11.1%; p less than 0.05), atrophy of type IIa (normal subjects, 5,477 +/- 1,109; heart failure, 4,239 +/- 1,247 microns 2; p less than 0.05) and type IIb fibers (normal subjects, 5,957 +/- 1,388; heart failure, 4,144 +/- 945 microns 2; p less than 0.01), and decreased activity of beta-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (normal subjects, 5.17 +/- 1.44; heart failure, 3.67 +/- 1.68 mol/kg protein/hr; p less than 0.05). No significant linear correlation could be identified between the slope of the Pi/PCr to VO2 relation and muscle histochemistry or enzyme activities. Similarly, no linear relation was found between intracellular pH at peak exercise and any muscle variable.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Eye movement perimetry in glaucoma

Present-day computerized perimetry is often inaccurate and unreliable owing to the need to maintain central fixation over long periods while repressing the normal response to presentation of peripheral stimuli. We tested a new method of perimetry that does not require prolonged central fixation. During this test eye movements were encouraged on presentation of a peripheral target. Twenty-three eyes were studied with an Octopus perimeter, with a technician monitoring eye movements. The sensitivity was 100% and the specificity 23%. The low specificity was due to the technician's inability to accurately monitor small eye movements in the central 6 degrees field. If small eye movements are monitored accurately with an eye tracker, eye movement perimetry could become an alternative method to standard perimetry.

Effects of elevated plasma FFA and insulin on muscle glycogen usage during exercise

Seven men were studied during 30 min of treadmill exercise (approximately 70% VO2 max) to determine the effects of increased availability of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and elevated plasma insulin on the utilization of muscle glycogen. This elevation of plasma FFA (1.01 mmol/1) with heparin (2,000 units) decreased the rate of muscle glycogen depletion by 40% as compared to the control experiment (FFA = 0.21 mmol/1). The ingestion of 75 g of glucose 45 min before exercise produced a 3.3-fold increase in plasma insulin and a 38% rise in plasma glucose at 0 min of exercise. Subsequent exercise increased muscle glycogen utilization and total carbohydrate (CHO) oxidation 17 and 13%, respectively, when compared to the control trial. This elevation of plasma insulin produced hypoglycemia (less than 3.5 mmol/1) in most subjects throughout the exercise. These data illustrate the regulatory influence of both plasma insulin and FFA on the rate of CHO usage during prolonged severe muscular activity.