Magnetoelastic Materials as Novel Bioactive Coatings to Improve Integration of Percutaneous Implants

Author(s):  
Hal Holmes ◽  
Eli Vlaisavljevich ◽  
Ee Lim Tan ◽  
Keat G. Ong ◽  
Rupak M. Rajachar

Fibroblastic activity is an innate function of the host response. In the presence of many percutaneous biomedical implants, this activity becomes uncontrollable, resulting in significant fibrous overgrowth at the soft tissue-implant interface [1]. The aberrant cell growth associated with pathological fibrosis can lead to extensive remodeling and excessive synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, preventing proper integration [2]. Furthermore, these areas of irregular fibrotic activity can also serve as sites for opportunistic infection [3]. In brief, interfacial fibrosis is often responsible for the ultimate failure and increased risk of infection of percutaneous biomedical implants.

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S576-S577
Author(s):  
Thomas Holowka ◽  
Harry Cheung ◽  
Maricar F Malinis ◽  
Sarah Perreault ◽  
Iris Isufi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Ibrutinib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat hematologic malignancies that may increase the risk of serious infection including invasive fungal infections (IFI). In a study of 378 patients with hematologic malignancy on ibrutinib, serious infection and IFI occurred in 11% and 4% respectively (Varughese et al. Clin Infect Dis). The primary aims of our study were to determine the incidence of serious infection and associated risk factors in patients on ibrutinib. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with hematologic malignancy prescribed ibrutinib for ≥ 1 week at Yale New Haven Hospital from 2014 to 2019 to identify serious infections defined as those requiring inpatient management. We collected demographic, clinical and oncologic data. Chi-squared tests were used to determine factors associated with an increased risk of infection. Results A total of 254 patients received ibrutinib including 156 with CLL, 89 with NHL and 9 with other leukemias. Among these, 21 underwent HSCT, 9 complicated by GVHD. There were 51 (20%) patients with serious infections including 45 (17.7%) bacterial, 9 (3.5%) viral and 5 (2%) IFI (1 pulmonary cryptococcosis, 4 pulmonary aspergillosis). Anti-mold prophylaxis was prescribed to 7 (2.8%) patients, none of whom developed IFI. Risk factors associated with serious infection included ECOG score ≥ 2 (OR 4.6, p < 0.001), concurrent steroid use (≥ 10 mg prednisone daily for ≥ 2 weeks; OR 3.0, p < 0.001), neutropenia (OR 3.6, p < 0.01), lymphopenia (OR 2.4, p < 0.05) and maximum ibrutinib dose of 560 mg (OR 2, p < 0.05). There was a dose dependent increase in infections based on number of chemotherapy regimens prior to ibrutinib initiation: 14.3% with 0, 19.7% with 1-2 and 28.7% with ≥ 3 prior treatments. Conclusion The incidence of serious infection in hematologic patients on ibrutinib was higher than previously reported (20% versus 11%) but the rate of IFI was lower (2% versus 4%). High ECOG score, leukopenia, steroids, and higher ibrutinib doses were associated with an increased risk for serious infection. Targeted antimicrobial prophylaxis should be considered for patients on ibrutinib with these risk factors. Improving functional status may also reduce the risk of infection in patients on ibrutinib. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hau D. Le ◽  
Gordon A. Novak ◽  
Kevin C. Janek ◽  
Jesse Wang ◽  
Khang N. Huynh ◽  
...  

AbstractThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected millions and killed more than 1.7 million people worldwide as of December 2020. Healthcare providers are at increased risk of infection when caring for patients with COVID-19. The mechanism of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is beginning to emerge as airborne spread in addition to direct droplet and indirect contact as main routes of transmission. Here, we report on the design, construction, and testing of the BADGER (Box for Aerosol and Droplet Guarding and Evacuation in Respiratory Infection), an affordable, scalable device that contains droplets and aerosol particles, thus minimizing the risk of infection to healthcare providers. A semi-sealed environment is created inside the BADGER, which is placed over the head of the patient and maintains at least 12-air changes per hour using in-wall vacuum suction. Multiple hand-ports enable healthcare providers to perform essential tasks on a patient’s airway and head. Overall, the BADGER has the potential to contain large droplets and small airborne particles as demonstrated by simulated qualitative and quantitative assessments to provide an additional layer of protection for healthcare providers treating COVID-19 and future respiratory contagions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 204993612198954
Author(s):  
Isabel Ruiz-Camps ◽  
Juan Aguilar-Company

Higher risks of infection are associated with some targeted drugs used to treat solid organ and hematological malignancies, and an individual patient’s risk of infection is strongly influenced by underlying diseases and concomitant or prior treatments. This review focuses on risk levels and specific suggestions for management, analyzing groups of agents associated with a significant effect on the risk of infection. Due to limited clinical experience and ongoing advances in these therapies, recommendations may be revised in the near future. Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors are associated with a higher rate of infections, including invasive fungal infection, especially in the first months of treatment and in patients with advanced, pretreated disease. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors are associated with an increased risk of Pneumocystis pneumonia and cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation. Venetoclax is associated with cytopenias, respiratory infections, and fever and neutropenia. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors may predispose patients to opportunistic and fungal infections; need for prophylaxis should be assessed on an individual basis. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors have been linked to a higher risk of general and opportunistic infections. Breakpoint cluster region-Abelson (BCR-ABL) inhibitors are associated with neutropenia, especially over the first months of treatment. Anti-CD20 agents may cause defects in the adaptative immune response, hypogammaglobulinemia, neutropenia, and hepatitis B reactivation. Alemtuzumab is associated with profound and long-lasting immunosuppression; screening is recommended for latent infections and prevention strategies against CMV, herpesvirus, and Pneumocystis infections. Checkpoint inhibitors (CIs) may cause immune-related adverse events for which prolonged treatment with corticosteroids is needed: prophylaxis against Pneumocystis is recommended.


The Lancet ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 398 (10298) ◽  
pp. 389-390
Author(s):  
Daniel Pan ◽  
Christopher A Martin ◽  
Joshua Nazareth ◽  
Clareece R Nevill ◽  
Jatinder S Minhas ◽  
...  

The Lancet ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 398 (10298) ◽  
pp. 390
Author(s):  
Rohini Mathur ◽  
Christopher T Rentsch ◽  
Caroline E Morton ◽  
Rosalind M Eggo ◽  
Krishnan Bhaskaran ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
B Edwards ◽  
A Zolnourian ◽  
D Bulters

Abstract Introduction External ventricular drains (EVDs) are commonly used in the management of acute hydrocephalus after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). Infection is the most common complication. There remains controversy over whether frequent sampling is associated with increased risk of infection. Method Two cohorts of patients requiring EVD after SAH were retrospectively analysed for suspected and proven CSF infection. The first clinical cohort was of 50 consecutive patients with twice weekly sampling. The second group had alternate daily sampling as part of a prospective research study. Results Female to male ratio were (32:18) and (29:15) in clinical vs research group respectively. Average age of both groups was 59. Average length of treatment with EVD in both groups was 10 days. 16/50 (32%) patients had a suspected infection vs 13/44 (30%) and 8/50 (16%) had a proven infection compared to 6/44 (14%) in clinical and research groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (suspected infections p = 0.7 and proven infections p = 0.7) Conclusions Increased rates in CSF sampling in the research cohort did not result in higher rates of CSF infection. This suggests that rate of sampling, if done following a strict protocol, is not associated with increased risk of infection.


Stroke ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin R Kummer ◽  
Rebecca Hazan ◽  
Hooman Kamel ◽  
Alexander E Merkler ◽  
Joshua Z Willey ◽  
...  

Introduction: Infection has been described as a trigger for acute ischemic stroke, but the relationship between postoperative infection and the risk of postoperative stroke is unclear. We investigated the association between postoperative infection and stroke using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Initiative Program (NSQIP) database. Hypothesis: Postoperative infection is associated with an increased risk of postoperative stroke. Methods: We used the NSQIP database to identify all patients who underwent surgery between the years of 2000 and 2010 and developed a postoperative stroke within 30 days of surgery. The group was further stratified according to the presence of infection preceding stroke. Using a logistic regression model adjusted for age, race, sex, medical comorbidities, surgical type, and dichotomized functional status, we compared the risk of stroke in patients with and without preceding infections, and investigated the risk of infection following stroke. Results: 729,886 surgical patients were identified, of whom 2,703 (0.3%) developed postoperative stroke. 848 (0.12%) patients developed both postoperative stroke and infection. Among patients who had postoperative stroke, 100 (3.7%) had developed an infection prior to developing a stroke. Patients with infection prior to stroke had a lower risk of stroke than patients who did not develop infection prior to stroke (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.25, 95%CI 0.20-0.32). 748 patients (0.1%) developed an infection after having a postoperative stroke. These patients had a higher risk of infection (incidence rate ratio 2.76, 95%CI 2.57-2.97) and a higher odds of infection (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.47, 95%CI 3.18-3.78) than patients who did not have a stroke. Conclusions: We found that the presence of a preceding infection was associated with a low risk of postoperative stroke in a large surgical inpatient sample. Although the total number of strokes may have been under-reported, these results conflict with other studies that report that infection is a trigger for ischemic stroke. Further analyses using more granular data are needed to investigate the relationship between postoperative infection and the risk of postoperative stroke.


2017 ◽  
Vol 246 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Garbarino ◽  
Maria Interisano ◽  
Alessandro Chiatante ◽  
Gianluca Marucci ◽  
Enrico Merli ◽  
...  

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Josefine Nordvig ◽  
Theis Aagaard ◽  
Gedske Daugaard ◽  
Peter Brown ◽  
Henrik Sengeløv ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a common complication to chemotherapy, associated with increased short-term morbidity and mortality. However, the long-term outcomes after FN are poorly elucidated. We examined the long-term risk of infection and mortality rates in cancer patients with and without FN. Methods Patients aged >16 years treated with firstline chemotherapy were followed from 180 days after initiating chemotherapy until first infection, a new treatment with chemotherapy, death, or end of follow-up. Risk factors for infections were analyzed by competing risks regression, with death or another treatment with chemotherapy as competing events. Adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRRs) of infection and death were analyzed using Poisson regression. In analyses of mortality, infection was included as a time-updated variable. Results We included 7190 patients with a median follow-up (interquartile range) of 0.58 (0.20–1.71) year. A total of 1370 patients had an infection during follow-up. The aIRRs of infection were 1.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56–2.22) and 2.19 (95% CI, 1.54–3.11) for patients with 1 or >1 episode of FN compared with those without FN. Mortality rate ratios were 7.52 (95% CI, 6.67–8.48) <1 month after, 4.24 (95% CI, 3.80–4.75) 1–3 months after, 2.33 (95% CI, 1.63–3.35) 3–6 months after, and 1.09 (95% CI, 0.93–1.29) >6 months after an infection, compared with the time before infection. Conclusions FN during chemotherapy is associated with a long-term increased risk of infection. Mortality rates are substantially increased for 6 months following an infection.


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