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Santiago Ewig

Publications and source records attributed to Santiago Ewig.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Acute respiratory distress syndrome and pneumonia: a comprehensive review of clinical data.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pneumonia are closely correlated in the critically ill patient. Whereas ARDS is often complicated by nosocomial pneumonia, pulmonary infection is also the most frequent single cause of ARDS. The prevalence of pneumonia during the course of ARDS seems to be particularly high, but whether persons with ARDS are more susceptible to pneumonia or simply have more risk factors remains unknown because of methodological limitations. Recent research suggests that host factors have a major bearing on the development of ARDS. To date, sepsis seems to be the principal link between pneumonia and ARDS. However, prospective observational data on this supposed sequence are not available. The individual role of specific pathogens for the development of ARDS is difficult to assess, because prospective studies are missing. Respiratory viruses have received particular attention, but this review suggests that infections with coronavirus and avian influenza virus (H5N1) are associated with a high incidence of ARDS.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Nosocomial pneumonia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review describes the most recent advances in the management and prevention of nosocomial pneumonia. The new ATS guidelines in particular are most likely to affect clinical practice outside the USA. RECENT FINDINGS: The problem of multidrug-resistant bacteria causing nosocomial pneumonia seems to be increasing. This is particularly true for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. While the diagnosis of ventilator associated pneumonia remains a conflictive issue, serial tracheobronchial aspirates may improve the selection of adequate antimicrobial treatment. Combined beta-lactam and aminoglycoside therapy is inferior to beta-lactam monotherapy, both in terms of clinical outcome and in the prevention of resistance during treatment; in addition, it carries an increased risk of nephrotoxicity. SUMMARY: The updated ATS guidelines will considerably impact clinical approaches to nosocomial and healthcare-related pneumonia. Serial tracheobronchial aspirates can be used to guide selection of antimicrobial treatment in ventilator associated pneumonia. The combination of beta-lactams and aminoglycosides is likely to be abandoned in the future. New potent treatment options for pneumonia due to nonfermenters are urgently needed.

Aminoglycosides↗
PubMed2006

Pseudomembranous and obstructive Aspergillus tracheobronchitis - optimal diagnostic strategy and outcome.

Pseudomembranous and obstructive Aspergillus tracheobronchitis (PMATB/OATB) are still considered to be refractory to therapy and to have a fatal outcome. To evaluate the optimal diagnostic strategy and to describe factors affecting the outcome of PMATB and OATB. Retrospective analysis of four new cases of PMATB and OATB combined with 16 previously reported cases over a 10-year period (1995-2004). Among the four new cases reported and the 16 published cases, four patients survived their infection. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the group of ventilated patients [94% (15 of 16 patients)] than in the group of non-ventilated patients [25% (1 of 4 patients), P < 0.05, Fisher's exact test]. In all 20 patients, diagnosis was established by bronchoscopy. Culture examination of mucous plugs was positive in 8 of 10, culture of the tracheobronchial aspirate was positive in 8 of 12, and bronchoalveolar lavage was diagnostic in 7 of 13 patients. All bronchoscopic techniques were complementary in improving the yield of bronchoscopy. However, microscopy of mucous plugs and/or necrotic material was the best diagnostic modality [positive in 94% (17 of 18 patients)]. Prognosis of PMATB and OATB remains poor. Microscopy of respiratory specimens is the most sensitive tool to confirm the diagnosis. The characteristic appearance of the disease makes it possible to start antifungal therapy immediately.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Impact of alcohol abuse in the etiology and severity of community-acquired pneumonia.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY OBJECTIVES: Alcohol consumption is known to affect both systemic and pulmonary immunity, predisposing the patient to pulmonary infections. The aim of this study was to compare the etiology of disease, the antibiotic resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae, the severity of disease, and the outcome of patients with alcohol abuse to those of nonalcoholic (NA) patients who have been hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). METHODS: From 1997 to 2001, clinical, microbiological, radiographic, and laboratory data, and follow-up variables of all consecutive patients who had been hospitalized with CAP were recorded. Patients were classified as alcoholic (A) [n = 128] or ex-alcoholic (EA) patients (n = 54) and were compared to NA patients (n = 1,165). RESULTS: S pneumoniae was found significantly more frequently in all patients with alcohol misuse. As regards the rates of antibiotic resistance, invasive pneumococcal disease, and other microorganisms, no differences were found. The severity criteria for CAP according to the American Thoracic Society were more frequent in A patients, but mortality did not differ significantly. Multivariate analysis showed an independent association between pneumococcal CAP and alcoholism (A patients: odds ratio [OR], 1.6; p = 0.033; EA patients: OR, 2.1; p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: We found an independent association between pneumococcal infection and alcoholism. Current alcohol abuse was associated with severe CAP. No significant differences were found in mortality, antibiotic resistance of S pneumoniae, and other etiologies.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

A review of guidelines for antibacterial use in acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis.

Acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB) affect a significant proportion of the adult population worldwide and are associated with a substantial socioeconomic burden. The majority of episodes of AECB are bacterial in aetiology and patients are generally treated empirically with orally administered antibacterial agents. Guidelines for the management of AECB have been developed by a number of national health authorities and international organisations, with the aim of promoting rational selection of antibacterial therapy to minimise the risk of treatment failure and subsequent hospitalisation while containing the development and spread of antibacterial resistance. This paper reviews a number of recently published or updated AECB treatment guidelines, focusing on patient stratification strategies, antibacterial treatment recommendations, and newer antibacterial treatment options, including respiratory fluoroquinolones and the ketolide telithromycin, which have recently been added to a number of national treatment guidelines.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2005

[Long-term outcome of intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy via small-bore catheter drainage in the management of complicated parapneumonic effusion and empyema-a case series].

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Complicated parapneumonic effusions (PPE) and pleural empyemas (PE) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy (IFT) has been established, besides video-assisted thoracoscopy (VATS), in the management of PPE and PE. Combination of IFT and small-bore catheter drainage has previously not been investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 15 patients consecutively referred for PPE and PE were managed with simultaneous IFT via small-bore catheter drainage (9, 12, 14 F). In addition to evaluation of primary outcome, lung function testing and radiologic studies were obtained after 3 months to predict potential pulmonary restrictive impairment and residual pleural thickening. RESULTS: Primary outcome of all 15 patients was positive. Only one patient showed a significant residual pleural thickening. None of the patients showed a restrictive lung function pattern. CONCLUSION: Proven applicability of IFT via small-bore catheter drainage seems to be effective in the face of long-term outcome. Further prospective and multicentric studies should be initiated to investigate the practicability of IFT via small-bore catheter drainage.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Respiratory microbiology patterns within the first 24 h of ARDS diagnosis: influence on outcome.

BACKGROUND: Airway colonization and infection are frequent complications during the course of ARDS. The impact on outcomes of microbiological patterns recovered within the first 24 h after diagnosis has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To describe the incidence and patterns of bronchial colonization and lung infection within the first 24 h of ARDS diagnosis and to evaluate the influence on ICU outcomes. METHODS: Prospective study of ARDS patients evaluated within 24 h of diagnosis. Patients were studied with tracheobronchial aspirate and right and left bronchoscopic protected specimen brush. All samples were cultured quantitatively. RESULTS: Fifty-five consecutive patients were included. Twelve patients (22%) were clinically suspected of having nosocomial pneumonia (NP), which was confirmed microbiologically in 7 patients, a frequency of 13%. In those patients without suspected pneumonia, we also found potentially pathogenic microorganisms (PPMs) and potentially drug-resistant microorganisms (PDRMs) in 36% and 31%, respectively. Mortality was not significantly higher in those patients with recovery of a PPM (87% vs 73%, p = 0.31), PDRM (89% vs 74%, p = 0.18), or with NP (79% vs 85%, p = 1.0). CONCLUSION: There is a strikingly high rate of PPM recovery in early ARDS. However, neither isolation of pathogenic microorganisms nor the confirmation of NP could be associated with an increased mortality.

APACHE↗
PubMed2004

Causes and predictors of nonresponse to treatment of intensive care unit-acquired pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate the predictive factors for the nonresponse to empirical antibiotic treatment and mortality in patients with intensive care unit-acquired pneumonia. DESIGN: A 1-yr prospective cohort of patients with suspicion of intensive care unit-acquired pneumonia. SETTING: Five medical and surgical intensive care units of Hospital Clinic in Barcelona. PATIENTS: A total of 71 patients with intensive care unit-acquired pneumonia were studied. The definition of nonresponse included at least one of the following: failure to improve the Pao2/Fio2 ratio or need of intubation because of pneumonia, persistence of fever or hypothermia and purulent respiratory secretions, worsening of pulmonary infiltrates, or occurrence of septic shock or multiple organ dysfunction not present at onset of pneumonia. INTERVENTIONS: Clinical assessment, including severity scores, blood and quantitative cultures of respiratory secretions, and cytokine measurements in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage at onset of pneumonia and 72 hrs after antimicrobial treatment. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: A total of 44 patients (62%) fulfilled criteria of nonresponse, and at least one cause of nonresponse could be determined in 28 cases (64%): inappropriate treatment in ten (23%), superinfection in six (14%), concomitant foci of infection in 12 (27%), and noninfectious causes in seven cases (16%). The remaining 16 patients with no definite cause of nonresponse presented with septic shock, multiple organ dysfunction, or acute respiratory distress syndrome. Increased levels of interleukin-6 at onset of pneumonia (odds ratio, 9.7; p =.014) was an independent predictor of nonresponse to treatment. Likewise, increased level of interleukin-6 at follow-up (odds ratio, 27; p =.001) was the only independent predictor for hospital mortality. CONCLUSION: Increased systemic inflammatory response was the main predictor of nonresponse to treatment and mortality.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Viral community-acquired pneumonia in nonimmunocompromised adults.

INTRODUCTION: Viral community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has been poorly studied and clinically characterized. Using strict criteria for inclusion, we studied this type of infection in a large series of hospitalized adults with CAP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All nonimmunocompromised adult patients with a diagnosis of CAP having paired serology for respiratory viruses (RVs) [338 patients] were prospectively included in the study from 1996 to 2001 at our 1,000-bed university teaching hospital, and subsequently were followed up. We compared patients with pure viral (PV), mixed viral (RV + bacteria), and pneumococcal CAP. RVs (ie, influenza, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and adenovirus) were diagnosed by means of paired serology. RESULTS: Sixty-one of 338 patients (18%) with paired serology had an RV detected, and in 31 cases (9%) it was the only pathogen identified. Influenza was the most frequent virus detected (39 patients; 64%). Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) had an increased risk of acquiring PV CAP (8 of 26 patients; 31%) when compared to a mixed viral/bacterial etiology (2 of 26 patients; 8%; p = 0.035) or CAP caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (1 of 44 patients; 2%; p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that CHF (odds ratio [OR], 15.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4 to 163; p = 0.024) and the absence of expectoration (OR, 0.14; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.6; p = 0.006) were associated with PV pneumonia compared to pneumococcal CAP. CONCLUSION: RVs are frequent etiologies of CAP (single or in combination with bacteria). Patients with CHF have an increased risk of acquiring a viral CAP.

Community-Acquired Infections↗
PubMed2003

Treatment failures in patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Treatment failures in patients with VAP are a complex issue and form a major challenge for clinicians. The following key elements inherent to a rational approach to treatment failures have been elucidated: (1) the presence of treatment failure must be thoroughly defined and assessed; (2) the many causes behind treatment failures must be realized, particularly the possibility of pneumonia-related and extrapulmonary reasons; (3) the recognition of different patterns of treatment failures as a useful framework for decisions about modalities and intensity of diagnostic reassessment; and (4) the establishment of a protocol for the search of pulmonary and extrapulmonary sites of infection and noninfectious causes of nonresponse. Only such a rational approach precludes the adverse effects of blind empiricism, which always implies a dangerous and costly overtreatment. Many issues related to treatment failures remain unsettled, and efforts will have to be made in the future to improve current clinical attitudes to treatment failures in VAP.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2002

Community-acquired pneumonia due to gram-negative bacteria and pseudomonas aeruginosa: incidence, risk, and prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Initial empirical antimicrobial treatment of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is based on expected microbial patterns. We determined the incidence of, prognosis of, and risk factors for CAP due to gram-negative bacteria (GNB), including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. METHODS: Consecutive patients with CAP hospitalized in our 1000-bed tertiary care university teaching hospital were studied prospectively. Independent risk factors for CAP due to GNB and for death were identified by means of stepwise logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: From January 1, 1997, until December 31, 1998, 559 hospitalized patients with CAP were included. Sixty patients (11%) had CAP due to GNB, including P aeruginosa in 39 (65%). Probable aspiration (odds ratio [OR], 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-5.2; P =.04), previous hospital admission (OR, 3.5; 95% CI, 1.7-7.1; P<.001), previous antimicrobial treatment (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.01-3.7; P =.049), and the presence of pulmonary comorbidity (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.5-5.5; P =.02) were independent predictors of GNB. In a subgroup analysis of P aeruginosa pneumonia, pulmonary comorbidity (OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 2.2-15.3; P<.001) and previous hospital admission (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.8-8.3; P =.02) were predictive. Infection with GNB was independently associated with death (relative risk, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.6-7.4; P =.002). CONCLUSIONS: In our setting, in every tenth patient with CAP, an etiology due to GNB has to be considered. Patients with probable aspiration, previous hospitalization or antimicrobial treatment, and pulmonary comorbidity are especially prone to GNB. These pathogens are also an independent risk factor for death in patients with CAP.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Pro/con clinical debate: the use of a protected specimen brush in the diagnosis of ventilator associated pneumonia.

Although mechanical ventilation is instituted as a life-saving technique, it may lead to complications that can negatively impact on patients' morbidity and/or mortality. Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is one such complication that is a common challenge to intensivists. Although most experts would agree that early 'appropriate' antibiotic use is essential in patients who develop VAP, the best diagnostic test to guide decision-making is far from clear. One diagnostic test that is capable of providing microbiological samples from the lower respiratory tree is invasive bronchoscopy with a protected specimen brush. Such a procedure has long been available to intensivists and is frequently employed in many intensive care units. However, this procedure has associated costs and potential complications, and its utility in VAP has been challenged. In this issue of Critical Care Forum, the two sides of this debate are brought forward with compelling arguments. The authors' arguments should fuel future trials.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2002

Prevention and management of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Worldwide, the increasing rates of microbial resistance represent a serious public health problem. Therefore, measures to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia gain increasing importance. Because antimicrobial treatment in the ICU is a major source of microbial resistance, prevention should be understood not only as the sum of preventive measures but also as part of any management strategy. In this year of review, several important contributions have been made to a better understanding of the relative role of preventive measures. This is particularly true of noninvasive ventilation, continuous aspiration of subglottic secretions, and closed endotracheal suctioning. Management strategies for ventilator-assisted pneumonia remain highly controversial. Despite two decades of vigorous research, there is still no evidence that invasive bronchoscopic techniques should form part of a routine approach to suspected ventilator-assisted pneumonia. Moreover, an impact in terms of important outcome variables could not be consistently demonstrated. In the authors' view, the controversy regarding the relative validity of diagnostic tools should end, and the focus should shift to strategies that define low-risk patients with suspected ventilator-assisted pneumonia who can safely be treated by short-term monotherapy. Finally, several contributions have refined the established treatment regimen. Several new drugs for the treatment of ventilator-assisted pneumonia caused by Gram-positive multiresistant pathogens have been evaluated with promising results.

Cross Infection↗
PubMed2002

Severe community-acquired pneumonia.

Although several pneumonia severity criteria have been firmly established, the exact definition of severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains elusive. Mortality from CAP remains high, reaching 50% in some series. The particular role of and spp. in severe CAP has been defined more clearly. Microbial diagnosis in the individual patient remains a difficult task. Despite promising new diagnostic tools, concerns about possible mixed origins preclude a change from the currently advocated broad-spectrum approach of antimicrobial treatment. Although there is some evidence that guidelines may optimize outcomes, their role in limiting the spread of resistance has only recently received attention. Finally, although there are promising data on the use of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation to treat pneumonia in patients without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, its place in the management of acute respiratory failure remains to be defined in randomized studies.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2002

Applying sputum as a diagnostic tool in pneumonia: limited yield, minimal impact on treatment decisions.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the role of sputum examination in the management of patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in a primary-care hospital without microbiologic laboratory facilities. DESIGN AND INTERVENTIONS: A diagnostic strategy using regular collection of sputum samples, Gram staining in a local laboratory, and mailing of samples to a commercial laboratory for culture analysis. SETTING: A 200-bed primary-care hospital without subspeciality physicians. PATIENTS: One hundred sixteen consecutive patients with a diagnosis of CAP were prospectively evaluated during a 12-month period. RESULTS: Of 116 patients, 42 patients (36%) were capable of producing a sputum sample. Age > or = 75 years (odds ratio [OR], 0.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.18 to 0.93) and prior ambulatory antimicrobial treatment (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.2 to 8.4) were independent predictors of sputum production. A delay in collection and processing of sputum samples of > 24 h was present in 31% and 39%, respectively. A delay in collection yielded an increased number of Gram-negative enteric bacilli and nonfermenters (44% vs. 7%, p = 0.056). A delay in processing was associated with an increased number of Candida spp isolates (33% vs. 9%, p = 0.16). The overall diagnostic yield was low (10 of 116 patients, 9%) due to a limited number of valid samples (n = 23 of 42 patients, 55%) and a limited number of definitely or probably positive samples on Gram's stain and culture (n = 10 of 42 patients, 24%). Prior ambulatory antimicrobial treatment was associated with a reduction in diagnostic yield (14% vs. 56%, p = 0.09). The impact of diagnostic results on antimicrobial treatment decisions was minimal, with antimicrobial treatment directed to diagnostic results in only one patient. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that in this setting representative of primary-care hospitals in Germany, sputum had a low diagnostic yield and did not contribute significantly to patient management.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Body fat distribution, serum leptin, and cardiovascular risk factors in men with obstructive sleep apnea.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: s: To determine whether traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and regional fat distribution, especially the central obesity type and increased parapharyngeal fat pads, are associated with the degree of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). To determine whether there are interrelationships between body fat, serum leptin levels, and the degree of OSA. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective mono-center cross-sectional study in a university hospital in Germany. PATIENTS: Eighty-five consecutive male patients who were referred for evaluation of suspected OSA. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The major dependent outcome variable was the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), the average number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep, determined by overnight polysomnography. Independent measures were anthropometric data, body composition analysis (bioelectrical impedance analysis [BIA]), cardiovascular risk factor evaluation (smoking, hypertension, serum lipoproteins, diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, uric acid, fibrinogen), and leptin. Adipose tissue quantification of the abdominal and neck regions was performed by nuclear MRI (NMR). Significant linear relationships of AHI with fasting blood glucose, uric acid, fibrinogen, body weight, body mass index (BMI), sum of fat skin folds, and percentage of body fat could be established, whereas there was no correlation with age. The presence of OSA was independent of smoking, hypertension, and lipoproteins. NMR scans showed that AHI was significantly correlated with intra-abdominal fat and subcutaneous abdominal fat, whereas subcutaneous fat in the neck region and parapharyngeal fat in the airway vicinity were not correlated. Leptin concentrations correlated with AHI and with biochemical markers of the metabolic syndrome (lipoproteins, glucose) but were not dependent on AHI. Logistic regression analysis found percentage of body fat (BIA) and BMI as good predictors of AHI > 10 with a sensitivity of 95.5% but a low specificity (46.2%). Multiple regression analysis identified the sum of fat skin folds, body weight, and BMI as good predictors for the degree of OSA. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that OSA is independent from most traditional risk factors for CVD. Regional body fat distribution predicts the presence and degree of OSA, but fat accumulation in the neck and parapharyngeal region are of minor importance. Leptin concentrations when controlled for body fat are not related to the degree of OSA.

Adult↗