Tarek Dendane

Health-care associated infections rates, length of stay, and bacterial resistance in an intensive care unit of Morocco: findings of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC).

Background Most studies related to healthcare-associated infection (HAI) were conducted in the developed countries. We sought to determine healthcare-associated infection rates, microbiological profile, bacterial resistance, length of stay (LOS), and extra mortality in one ICU of a hospital member of the International Infection Control Consortium (INICC) in Morocco. Methods We conducted prospective surveillance from 11/2004 to 4/2008 of HAI and determined monthly rates of central vascular catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CVC-BSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). CDC-NNIS definitions were applied. device-utilization rates were calculated by dividing the total number of device-days by the total number of patient-days. Rates of VAP, CVC-BSI, and CAUTI per 1000 Device-days were calculated by dividing the total number of HAI by the total number of specific Device-days and multiplying the result by 1000. Results 1,731 patients hospitalized for 11,297 days acquired 251 HAIs, an overall rate of 14.5%, and 22.22 HAIs per 1,000 ICU-days. The central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections (CVC-BSI) rate found was 15.7 per 1000 catheter-days; the ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rate found was 43.2 per 1,000 ventilator-days; and the catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) rate found was 11.7 per 1,000 catheter-days. Overall 25.5% of all Staphylococcus aureus HAIs were caused by methicillin-resistant strains, 78.3% of Coagulase-negative-staphylococci were methicillin resistant as well. 75.0% of Klebsiella were resistant to ceftriaxone and 69.5% to ceftazidime. 31.9% of E. Coli were resistant to ceftriaxone and 21.7% to ceftazidime. 68.4% of Enterobacter sp were resistant to ceftriaxone, 55.6% to ceftazidime, and 10% to imipenem; 35.6% of Pseudomonas sp were resistant to ceftazidime and 13.5% to imipenem. LOS of patients was 5.1 days for those without HAI, 9.0 days for those with CVC-BSI, 10.6 days for those with VAP, and 13.7 days for those with CAUTI. Extra mortality was 56.7% (RR, 3.28; P =< 0.001) for VAP, 75.1% (RR, 4.02; P = 0.0027) for CVC-BSI, and 18.7% (RR, 1.75; P = 0.0218) for CAUTI. Conclusion HAI rates, LOS, mortality, and bacterial resistance were high. Even if data may not reflect accurately the clinical setting of the country, programs including surveillance, infection control, and antibiotic policy are a priority in Morocco.

Eosinopenia, an early marker of increased mortality in critically ill medical patients

PurposeInflammatory markers may have a role in predicting severity of illness of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The aim of this study is to determine whether low eosinophil count can predict 28-day mortality in medical ICU.MethodsA prospective study over a 4-month period. To evaluate the prognosis information provided by eosinophil count, we compared the variations in eosinophil count from ICU admission to seventh day between patients who survived and those who died. The best cutoff value was chosen using Younden’s index for identification of patients with high risk of mortality. The patient outcome was 28-day mortality.ResultsA total of 200 patients were eligible. Overall 28-day ICU mortality was 28% (nxa0=xa056). At ICU admission, the median eosinophil count was significantly different in survivors [30xa0cells/mm³; interquartile range (IQR), 0–100xa0cells/mm³] and nonsurvivors (0xa0cells/mm³; IQR, 0–30xa0cells/mm³; Pxa0=xa00.004). Absolute eosinophil counts remained significantly lower in nonsurvivors from admission to seventh day. The 28-day mortality was significantly higher in patients with eosinopenia <40xa0cells/mm3 (Pxa0=xa00.011). Multivariate analysis by Cox model with time-dependent covariates demonstrated that eosinophil count <40xa0cells/mm3 [hazard ratio (HR), 1.85; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–3.42; Pxa0=xa00.046], high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (HR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01–1.14; Pxa0=xa00.014), high Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.03–1.25; Pxa0=xa00.008), and use of mechanical ventilation (HR, 27.48; 95% CI, 12.12–62.28; Pxa0<xa00.001) were independent predictors of 28-day all-cause mortality.ConclusionThis study suggests the possibility to use eosinophil cell count at admission and during the first 7xa0days as a prognosis marker of mortality in medical ICU.

Determinants and outcomes associated with decisions to deny or to delay intensive care unit admission in Morocco.

PurposeTo report determinants and outcomes associated with decisions to deny or to delay intensive care unit (ICU) admission in critically ill patients.MethodsAn observational prospective study over a 6-month period. All adult patients triaged for admission to a medical ICU were included prospectively. Age, gender, reasons for requesting ICU admission, severity of underlying disease, severity of acute illness, mortality and ICU characteristics were recorded. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used for evaluating predicting factors of refused ICU admission.ResultsICU admission was requested for 398 patients: 110 were immediately admitted (27.8%), 142 were never admitted (35.6%), and 146 were admitted at a later time (36.6%). The reasons for refusal were: too sick to benefit (31, 10.8%), too well to benefit (55, 19.1%), unit full (117, 40.6%), and more data about the patient were needed to make a decision (85, 29.5%). Multivariate analysis revealed that late ICU admission was associated with the lack of available ICU beds (OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.46–2.50; pxa0=xa00.003), cardiac disease (OR 7.77; 95% CI 2.41–25.04; pxa0<xa00.001), neurological disease (OR 3.78; 95% CI 1.40–10.26; pxa0=xa00.009), shock and sepsis (OR 2.55; 95% CI 1.06–6.13; pxa0=xa00.03), and metabolic disease (OR 2.84; 95% CI 1.11–7.30; pxa0=xa00.02). Factors for ICU refusal for never admitted patients were: severity of acute illness (OR 4.83; 95% CI 1.11–21.01; pxa0=xa00.03), cardiac disease (OR 14.26; 95% CI 3.95–51.44; pxa0<xa00.001), neurological disease (OR 4.05; 95% CI 1.33–12.28; pxa0=xa00.01) and lack of available ICU beds (OR 6.26; 95% CI 4.14–9.46; pxa0<xa00.001). Hospital mortality was 33.3% (37/110) for immediately admitted patients, 43.8% (64/146) for patients admitted later and 49.3% (70/142) for never admitted patients.ConclusionRefusal of ICU admission was correlated with the severity of acute illness, lack of ICU beds and reasons for admission request. Further efforts are needed to define which patients are most likely to benefit from ICU admission and to improve the accuracy of data on ICU refusal rates.

Withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining therapy in a Moroccan Emergency Department: An observational study

BackgroundWithdrawing and withholding life-support therapy (WH/WD) are undeniably integrated parts of medical activity. However, Emergency Department (ED) might not be the most appropriate place to give end-of life (EOL) care; the legal aspects and practices of the EOL care in emergency rooms are rarely mentioned in the medical literature and should be studied. The aims of this study were to assess frequency of situations where life-support therapies were withheld or withdrawn and modalities for implement of these decisions.MethodA survey of patients who died in a Moroccan ED was performed. Confounding variables examined were: Age, gender, chronic underlying diseases, acute medical disorders, APACHE II score, Charlson Comorbidities Index, and Length of stay. If a decision of WH/WD was taken, additional data were collected: Type of decision; reasons supporting the decision, modalities of WH/WD, moment, time from ED admission to decision, and time from processing to withhold or withdrawal life-sustaining treatment to death. Individuals who initiated (single emergency physician, medical staff), and were involved in the decision (nursing staff, patients, and families), and documentation of the decision in the medical record.Results177 patients who died in ED between November 2009 and March 2010 were included. Withholding and withdrawing life-sustaining treatment was applied to 30.5% of all patients who died. Therapies were withheld in 24.2% and were withdrawn in 6.2%. The most reasons for making these decisions were; absence of improvement following a period of active treatment (61.1%), and expected irreversibility of acute disorder in the first 24 h (42.6%). The most common modalities withheld or withdrawn life-support therapy were mechanical ventilation (17%), vasopressor and inotrops infusion (15.8%). Factors associated with WH/WD decisions were older age (OR = 1.1; 95%IC = 1.01-1.07; P = 0.001), neurological acute medical disorders (OR = 4.1; 95%IC = 1.48-11.68; P = 0.007), malignancy (OR = 7.7; 95%IC = 1.38-8.54; P = 0.002) and cardiovascular (OR = 3.4;95%IC = 2.06-28.5;P = 0.008) chronic underlying diseases.ConclusionLife-sustaining treatment were frequently withheld or withdrawn from elderly patients with underlying chronic cardiovascular disease or metastatic cancer or patients with acute neurological medical disorders in a Moroccan ED. Religious beliefs and the lack of guidelines and official Moroccan laws could explain the ethical limitations of the decision-making process recorded in this study.

Measuring quality of life after intensive care using the Arabic version for Morocco of the EuroQol 5 Dimensions

BackgroundHealth-related quality of life (HRQL) is a relevant outcome measures in intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of this study was to evaluate HRQL of ICU patients 3 months after discharge using the Arabic version for Morocco of the EuroQol-5-Dimension (EQ-5D), and to examine the psychometric properties of the questionnaire.ResultsThe Arabic version for Morocco of the EQ-5D was approved by the EuroQol group. A prospective cohort study was conducted after medical ICU discharge. At 3-month follow up, the EQ-5D (self classifier and EQ-VAS) was administered in consultation or by telephone. EQ-VAS varies from 0 (better HRQL) to 100 (worst HRQL). An unweighted scoring for EQ5D-index was calculated. EQ5D-index ranges from -0.59 to 1. Test-retest reliability of the EQ-5D was tested using Kappa coefficient and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Criterion validity was assessed by correlating EQ-VAS and EQ5D-index with the Short Form 36 (SF-36). Construct validity was tested using simple and multiple liner regression to assess factors influencing patientsHRQL. 145 survivors answered the EQ-5D. Median EQ5D-index was 0.52 [0.20-1]. Mean EQ-VAS was 62 ± 20. Test-retest reliability was conducted in 83 patients. ICCs of EQ5D-index and EQ-VAS were 0.95 and 0.92 respectively. For EQ-5D self classifier, agreement by kappa was above 0.40. Significant correlations were noted between EQ5D-index, EQ-VAS and SF-36 (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, factors associated with poorer HRQL for EQ5D-index were longer ICU length of stay (β = -0.01; p = 0.017) and higher educational level (β = -0.2; p = 0.001). For EQ-VAS men were associated with better HRQL (β = 6.5; p = 0.048).ConclusionsThe Arabic version for Morocco of the EQ-5D is reliable and valid. Women, high educational level and longer ICU length of stay were associated with poorer HRQL.

Psychological burden in inpatient relatives: the forgotten side of medical management

BACKGROUNDnThe burden of the hospital experience is a broad issue that has been evaluated in a particular context of intensive care unit (ICU). It is likely, however, that the load is heavy on families even in other hospital wards and not just in the ICU. The present study was designed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression in family members of patients admitted in a general medicine department, and to identify associated factors with those symptoms.nnnMETHODSnPatients and relatives socio-demographic data and information pertaining to the patients health characteristics were collected. Family members completed the Arabic version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Associations between anxiety or depression and covariates of interest were investigated using generalized estimating equations, for univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.nnnRESULTSnThe prevalence of anxiety (55.6%) and depression (41.1%) in family members remains high. The multivariate model identified three groups of factors associated with these symptoms: (i) Patient related: a short length of hospital stay is associated with depression (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.08; P = 0.02); (ii) Family related: rural residence is associated with depression (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.01-6.74; P = 0.04), and female gender is associated with anxiety and depression (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.41-4.81; P = 0.002), (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.62-5.70; P = 0.01), respectively; and (iii) Caregiver related: short length of visit (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03-1.13; P = 0.002) is associated with anxiety, admission to a share room (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.25-5.23; P = 0.01) is associated with depression and a need for more information is associated with anxiety and depression (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.02-3.10; P = 0.04),(OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.01-3.11; P = 0.04), respectively.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe prevalence of symptoms of anxiety and depression in family members remains high at the end of acute health care. It is hoped that improving the provision of information will decrease the risk of psychological distress.

Self-perceived sleepiness in emergency training physicians: prevalence and relationship with quality of life

IntroductionSleep deprivation among training physicians is of growing concern; training physicians are susceptible due to their prolonged work hours and rotating work schedules. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of self-perceived sleepiness in emergency training physicians, and to establish a relationship between self-perceived sleepiness, and quality of life.MethodsProspective survey in Ibn Sina University hospital Center in Morocco from January to April 2011 was conducted. Questionnaires pertaining to socio-demographic, general, and sleep characteristics were completed by training physician who ensured emergency service during the month preceding the survey. They completed the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) which assessed the self-perceived sleepiness, and the EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) scale which assessed the general quality of life.ResultsTotal 81 subjects (49 men and 32 women) were enrolled with mean age of 26.1u2009±u20093.4xa0years. No sleepiness was found in 24.7% (nu2009=u200920), excessive sleepiness 39.5% (nu2009=u200932), and severe sleepiness in 35.8% (nu2009=u200929) of training physicians. After adjusting for multiple confounding variables, four independent variables were associated with poorer quality of life index in training physician; unmarried (ß −0.2, 95% CI −0.36 to −0.02; Pu2009=u20090.02), no physic exercise (ß −0.2, 95% CI −0.39 to 0.006; Pu2009=u20090.04), shift-off sleep hour less than 6xa0hours (ß −0.13, 95% CI −0.24 to −0.02; Pu2009=u20090.01), and severe sleep deprivation(ß −0.2, 95% CI −0.38 to −0.2; Pu2009=u20090.02).ConclusionNearly two third of training physicians had suffered from sleepiness. There is an association between poor quality of life and severe sleepiness in unmarried physicians, sleeping less than 6xa0hours in shift-off day, and doing no physical activity.

Severe oral and intravenous insecticide mixture poisoning with diabetic ketoacidosis: a case report.

BackgroundThe widespread use of pesticides in public health protection and agricultural pest control has caused severe environmental pollution and health hazards, especially in developing countries, including cases of severe acute and chronic human poisoning. Diabetic ketoacidosis is an uncommon manifestation of acute pesticide poisoning. Suicidal pesticide poisoning by injection is also an unusual way to take poison. We report a severe pesticide mixture poisoning case with diabetic ketoacidosis in an adult with improved outcome after supportive treatment and large doses of atropine.Case presentationA 30-year-old unmarried Moroccan Arab male with a previous history of active polysubstance abuse and behavior disorders had ingested and self injected intravenously into his forearm an unknown amount of a mixture of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin. He developed muscarinic and nicotinic symptoms with hypothermia, inflammation in the site of the pesticide injection without necrosis. Red blood cell cholinesterase and plasma cholinesterase were very low (<10%). By day 3, the patient developed stroke with hypotension (80/50xa0mmHg) and tachycardia (143 pulses /min). Laboratory tests showed severe hyperglycemia (4.49xa0g/dL), hypokaliemia (2.4xa0mEq/L), glycosuria, ketonuria and low bicarbonate levels (12xa0mEq/L) with improvement after intensive medical treatment and treatment by atropine.ConclusionSuicidal poisonings with self-injection of insecticide were rarely reported but could be associated with severe local and systemic complications. The oxidative stress caused by pyrethroids and organophosphates poisoning could explain the occurrence of hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis.

Factors predicting mortality in elderly patients admitted to a Moroccan medical intensive care unit

Introduction. There has been a notable increase in the incidence of elderly patients being admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), globally and in Morocco. Studies on the diagnosis and management of ICU patients often exclude subjects with multiple co-morbidities or those older than 80 years. However, as the world’s population becomes increasingly old and ill, this subset will require ICU admission more frequently and their management will pose a serious challenge to the intensivists treating them. There are no studies in the current medical literature from low- or middle-income countries assessing the outcome of elderly patients admitted to ICUs. Specifically, little is known about the outcome of elderly patients admitted to ICUs in Morocco. n nAims. The aims of the present study were to analyse the characteristics of elderly Moroccan patients (aged ≥65 years) admitted to a medical ICU, and to identify factors predicting ICU mortality. n nMethods. This was a retrospective study conducted in the medical ICU of a Moroccan university hospital. All elderly patients (≥65 years) with complete records were included, whatever their length of stay. Baseline characteristics, clinical parameters and severity of illness were recorded at admission. Patients were grouped according to their survival status using logistic regression analysis. n nResults. During the study period, 1 072 patients were admitted to the ICU, of whom 16.6% (n=179) were older than 65 and had complete records. Fifty-five per cent (n=98) were men. The median age was 70 years (interquartile range 67 - 75 years). The overall ICU mortality was 44.7%, and 64% of deaths occurred in the first 5 days after admission. On univariate analysis, the factors predicting mortality were alcohol misuse (p=0.09), pneumonia (p≤0.001), shock (p=0.001), dehydration (p=0.007), urine output ≤0.5 ml/kg/h (p =0.003), serum urea level >16.6 mmol/l (p=0.01), serum creatinine level >159 µmol/l (p=0.005), and an abnormality on the chest radiograph (p=0.01). The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was the most accurate predictor of ICU mortality in this group of elderly patients, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.775 (standard deviation (SD) ±0.036). The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score also performed adequately (AUC 0.757; SD ±0.037), but the Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) and Logistic Organ Dysfunction System (LODS) scores were not useful in this group. Two parameters significantly associated with mortality risk were shock (odds ratio (OR) 11.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.7 - 35.7; p<0.001) and pneumonia (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.5 - 6.2; p<0.001). n nConclusion. Admission of aged patients to the ICU raises important medical, ethical, sociological and economic questions. Our findings suggest that severity of illness, shock and pneumonia on ICU admission were the independent risk factors associated with raised mortality, 64% of which occurred during the 5 days after ICU admission.

Reversible Myocarditis after Black Widow Spider Envenomation

Black widow spiders can cause variable clinical scenarios from local damage to very serious conditions including death. Acute myocardial damage is rarely observed and its prognostic significance is not known. We report a rare case of a 35-year-old man who developed an acute myocarditis with cardiogenic pulmonary edema requiring mechanical ventilation caused by black widow spiders envenomation. The patient was previously healthy. The clinical course was associated with systemic and cardiovascular complaints. His electrocardiogram revealed ST-segment elevation with T-wave amplitude. The plasma concentrations of cardiac enzymes were elevated. His first echocardiography showed hypokinesis of the left ventricle (left ventricle ejection fraction 48%). Magnetic resonance imaging showed also focal myocardial injury of the LV. There was progressive improvement in cardiac traces, biochemical and echocardiographical values (second left ventricle ejection fraction increased to 50%). Myocardial involvement after a spider bite is rare and can cause death. The exact mechanism of this myocarditis is unknown. We report a rare case of acute myocarditis with cardiogenic pulmonary edema requiring mechanical ventilation caused by black widow spiders envenomation. We objectively documented progressive clinical and electrical improvement.