Background:Enterococcus species are major causative pathogens of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (BSIs), and Enterococcus faecium exhibits high antimicrobial resistance and mortality rates. The recent increase in reported cases of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VREs) in Japan underscores the need to monitor trends in Enterococcus infections and assess the associated clinical outcomes. We aimed to clarify the distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility trends of Enterococcus spp., clinical characteristics of patients, and risk factors associated with 30-day mortality in hospital-acquired BSIs at a university hospital. Methods:This retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from patients diagnosed with Enterococcus BSI between January 2015 and December 2023. Trends in species distribution and susceptibility were analysed over three consecutive 3-year periods. A multi-variate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of 30-day mortality. Results:E. faecium accounted for the highest proportion of isolates (55.8%), followed by Enterococcus faecalis (38.1%), with no significant change over time. Ampicillin susceptibility was 6.1% for E. faecium, significantly lower than 100% for E. faecalis. No VRE strains were detected. E. faecium infections were more frequently observed in patients with haematologic malignancies, neutropenia, and prior antibiotic exposure and were associated with a higher 30-day mortality than E. faecalis infection. In the multi-variate analysis, the Pitt Bacteremia Score, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and E. faecium infection were independent predictors of 30-day mortality. Conclusion:Species distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility of Enterococcus BSIs remained stable over time. E. faecium infection was strongly associated with poor prognosis, emphasizing the importance of species-specific clinical assessments.

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common pathogen in the intensive care unit (ICU). Active surveillance cultures (ASCs) for MRSA are often performed in ICUs; however, they may not be optimal in ICUs with a low MRSA prevalence. This study aims to determine the risk factors of MRSA carriage in the ICU and develop a clinical predictive model to optimize the screening process. Methods: All patients who were admitted to the ICU between April 2015 and August 2022 were retrospectively included in this study. At the time of ICU admission, all patients underwent MRSA screening using nasal ASCs. Based on the screening results, patients were categorized into MRSA-positive and MRSA-negative groups. Patients' characteristics were evaluated to determine the prevalence of MRSA and the risk factors. Cost analysis was conducted based on the risk factors identified by our analysis. Results: Of the 3927 ICU patients included, 133 (3.4%) were MRSA-positive. Multivariate analyses showed that risk factors for MRSA carriage were age ≥ 50 years (odds ratio [OR]: 2.11), history of hospitalization within a year (OR: 1.50), and ICD-10 codes classification I, IV, and XII (OR: 4.98). Screening patients based on at least one of the risk factors exhibited high sensitivity (96.9%) to identifying MRSA carriage and could reduce ASC overall costs by 10.9%, equivalent to $4686. Conclusion: This study suggests that universal ASCs to detect MRSA may not be optimal in ICU settings with a low prevalence of MRSA. Targeted screening based on risk factors may reduce the volume and cost of MRSA screening. Prospective multicenter studies are warranted to validate these findings and to assess the generalizability of the proposed screening strategy.

Ramucirumab (RAM) is recommended as premedication with H1-receptor antagonists (H1RA) to prevent infusion-related reactions (IRRs). However, RAM is a human antibody with a low incidence of IRRs. We evaluated the noninferiority of non-H1RA (dexamethasone [DEX] alone) premedication to H1RA (plus DEX) premedication in terms of IRRs in patients with gastric cancer receiving RAM plus nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX). This was a noninferiority, multicenter, retrospective trial conducted in three Japanese centers to assess the incidence of IRRs in patients receiving RAM plus nab-PTX for gastric cancer between 2018 and 2023. Patients with gastric cancer receiving RAM plus nab-PTX were divided into groups with and without H1RA premedication. The incidence of IRRs was compared between the two groups. Ninety patients were evaluated, with non-H1RA and H1RA premedications in 43 and 47 cases, respectively. After the first dose of RAM, IRRs were not observed in either group. IRRs during the overall doses were 0

We aimed to detect possible changes in Candida species distribution over time and to know the antifungal susceptibility profile of isolates obtained from patients with bloodstream infection (BSI) due to this pathogen. Risk factors associated with 30-day mortality were also assessed. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with Candida BSI at a Japanese university hospital from 2013 to 2021. The change in the distribution pattern of the Candida spp. isolated was examined by considering three successive sub-periods of 3 years each. Risk factors for 30-day mortality were determined using Cox regression analysis. In the entire study period, Candida albicans was the most frequent species (46.7%), followed by Candida glabrata (21.5%) and Candida parapsilosis (18.7%). There was no change in Candida species distribution comparing the three sub-periods analyzed. All isolates were susceptible to micafungin, and most were susceptible to fluconazole, except for C. glabrata. No isolates were resistant to amphotericin B or voriconazole. The overall 30-day mortality was 40.2%. Univariate analysis revealed an association between 30-day mortality and central venous catheter (CVC) removal at any time, high Pitt bacteremia score (PBS), and high Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Multivariate Cox analysis found that high PBS was the only independent predictor of 30-day mortality; subsequent multivariate Cox regression demonstrated that early CVC removal significantly reduced 30-day mortality. Candida species distribution and antifungal susceptibility profile in our hospital remained similar from 2013 to 2021. Early CVC removal may improve candidemia outcomes.

Vincristine (VCR) is a key drug for treating various malignancies. However, few data are available on the pharmacokinetics of VCR, especially in adult patients. The objective of this study was to clarify the population pharmacokinetics and exposure–response relationships of VCR in adult malignant lymphoma patients. Blood samples were collected from patients who were administered R-CHOP-like regimens, and the VCR plasma concentration was determined using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Using NONMEM software, population pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated, and covariates were evaluated. The relationships between the individual parameters and adverse events or therapeutic effects were also investigated. Plasma concentrations were measured in 30 patients. In the final population pharmacokinetics model, body surface area and age were incorporated into clearance as significant covariates. The inter-individual variations in clearance and volume of distribution in the central and third compartments were 17.0, 26.6, and 66.3%, respectively, and the residual variability in the plasma concentration was 23.8%. Although the variability observed in the volume of distribution was large, good predictability was obtained in the individual estimation. The severity of anemia and peripheral neuropathy was correlated with clearance and peak concentration, respectively (adjusted P = 0.040 and 0.024, respectively). In diffuse large B cell lymphoma patients, those with higher area under the curve and dose experienced longer progression-free survival (P = 0.023 and 0.013, respectively). The population pharmacokinetics of VCR were evaluated in adult malignant lymphoma patients. VCR pharmacokinetic data could explain in part the adverse events and prognosis of these patients.

We experienced oral temozolomide treatment for total gastrectomy in a high-grade glioma patient. In this case, as there was concern about hydrolysis of temozolomide due to total gastrectomy, we measured the temozolomide concentration during the treatment period. Furthermore, the side effects of 18 non-total gastrectomy patients who had been treated with oral temozolomide therapy in the past were evaluated and compared with the side effects of this gastrectomy patient.

Objective Methicillin-resistant (MR) Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is associated with higher mortality rates than methicillin-susceptible (MS) SAB. This study assessed potential predictors of mortality and evaluated the association of methicillin resistance with mortality in patients with SAB. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study in patients with hospital-acquired SAB, from 2009 to 2018. Clinical features of patients with MR-SAB were compared with those of patients with MS-SAB and predictors of 30-day mortality were determined using Cox regression analysis. Results Among 162 patients, 56.8% had MR-SAB. Overall 30-day mortality was 19.1%; MR-SAB had higher mortality (25.0%) than MS-SAB (11.4%). Univariate analysis highlighted long-term hospitalization, prior antibiotics use, and delayed initiation of appropriate antibiotics as risk factors. Cox regression analysis showed that respiratory tract source, Pitt bacteremia score, Charlson comorbidity index, and appropriate antibiotic therapy within 24 hours were independently and significantly associated with 30-day mortality outcome. Conclusions Methicillin resistance was not an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with SAB. Early, appropriate antibiotic treatment is an important prognostic factor.

Introduction: Considering the physique of the Japanese population, the standard daily vancomycin dose of 2 g/day and doses ≥ 3 g/day are high in terms of dose per body weight. Studies have reported that administering high-dose vancomycin to achieve a high target trough concentration has been associated with nephrotoxicity. The risk of high-dose vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity is believed to be exceptionally high for Japanese patients because of their relatively low body weights, but data on the population is lacking. In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate risk factors associated with nephrotoxicity in Japanese patients treated with vancomycin. Methods: We examined the medical records of 107 Japanese patients who received vancomycin (3 to 4 g/day). They were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of nephrotoxicity, and their demographics and clinical characteristics were compared. Results : The incidence of nephrotoxicity in patients receiving high-dose vancomycin was 13%. Age (≥ 60 years) and concurrent use of piperacillin/tazobactam were independent risk factors for vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity (P = 0.027 and 0.017, respectively). Conclusions : We conclude that the nephrotoxicity risk of high-dose vancomycin in Japanese patients is not excessively high when administered within the confines of a therapeutic drug-monitoring program. However, special care must be taken with patients who are older or on concurrent piperacillin/tazobactam therapy.

Objective Methicillin-resistant (MR) Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is associated with higher mortality rates than methicillin-susceptible (MS) SAB. This study assessed potential predictors of mortality and evaluated the association of methicillin resistance with mortality in patients with SAB. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study in patients with hospital-acquired SAB, from 2009 to 2018. Clinical features of patients with MR-SAB were compared with those of patients with MS-SAB and predictors of 30-day mortality were determined using Cox regression analysis. Results Among 162 patients, 56.8% had MR-SAB. Overall 30-day mortality was 19.1%; MR-SAB had higher mortality (25.0%) than MS-SAB (11.4%). Univariate analysis highlighted long-term hospitalization, prior antibiotics use, and delayed initiation of appropriate antibiotics as risk factors. Cox regression analysis showed that respiratory tract source, Pitt bacteremia score, Charlson comorbidity index, and appropriate antibiotic therapy within 24 hours were independently and significantly associated with 30-day mortality outcome. Conclusions Methicillin resistance was not an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with SAB. Early, appropriate antibiotic treatment is an important prognostic factor. Keywords Appropriate antibiotics , bacteremia , methicillin resistance , mortality , , , Methicillin-resistant

Oral antibiotic therapy is routinely administered when a third molar (M3) is extracted to prevent infectious complications after surgery. Oral third-generation cephalosporins are frequently used after M3 extraction in Japan but at the expense of an increased risk of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, the infection control team (ICT) at our institution recommended a reduction in use of these agents after M3 extraction. In this study, we compared the types of antibiotic agents prescribed for patients undergoing M3 extraction before and after this recommendation. We investigated the relationship between type of antibiotic used and the likelihood of infectious complications as well as cost savings in patients who underwent M3 extraction in the 6 months before and after the ICT recommendation in July 2018. There was a marked reduction in use of oral third-generation cephalosporins after M3 extraction (P < 0.0001) and increased use of oral penicillins and first-generation cephalosporins after the ICT recommendation. Moreover, surgical site infection (SSIs) were significantly less common after the ICT recommendation (P = 0.0099); however, the SSI rate was higher in patients who received a third-generation cephalosporin than in those who received penicillin (8.8% vs 0.5%). There was also a significant saving in per-patient antibiotic costs after the ICT recommendation (269.5 ± 282.0 JPY vs 454.7 ± 376.6 JPY; P < 0.0001). These findings suggest that collaboration with an ICT promotes appropriate antibiotic use, decreases the risk of an SSI, and improves the cost-benefit ratio in patients undergoing M3 extraction.

In our hospital, we introduced a temporary ordering system for prescribing medicine that doctors can use. From June 2016, the pharmacist checked medicines brought and entered medication information into the electronic medical record as a temporary order when the patient was hospitalized.

The association between UGT1A1 polymorphism and etoposide-induced toxicities is still not clear. The aim of this study was to assess the association between uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) gene polymorphism and severe hematologic toxicities in Japanese patients receiving etoposide plus platinum chemotherapy for small-cell lung cancer.

In this study, we classified the efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical interventions using a check list for pharmaceutical care and evaluated the improved quality of medical care and the contribution to medical safety. We retrospectively reviewed the pharmaceutical intervention records from January 2014 to December 2015. We also investigated the effect of pharmaceutical interventions by pharmacists on the reduction in drug costs.

In February 2015, we introduced a drug verification and quantity management system using personal digital assistants and medicine barcodes to prevent dispensing errors. We evaluated the effect of this system by comparing the number of dispensing errors and incident cases for one year before and after the introduction. The time required for dispensing was prolonged from about 28.4 seconds to 37.3 seconds per drug, about 1.3 times. The number of dispensing errors for one year before and after system introduction significantly decreased from 33.8 ± 4.7 per month to 5.8 ± 0.8 per month (P < 0.01). In addition, the number of incidents significantly decreased from 6.0 ± 0.9 per month to 3.2 ± 0.5 per month (P = 0.02). The system seems to be useful as a tool of medical safety measures because it significantly lowers the number of dispensing errors and incidents.

The enterohepatic recycling of a drug consists of its biliary excretion and intestinal reabsorption, which is sometimes accompanied by hepatic conjugation and intestinal deconjugation reactions. β-Glucuronidase, an intestinal bacteria-produced enzyme, can break the bond between a biliary excreted drug and glucuronic acid. Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin can reduce the enterohepatic recycling of glucuronide-conjugated drugs. In this study, we established an in vitro system to evaluate the β-glucuronidase-mediated deconjugation of the irinotecan metabolite SN-38-G to its active SN-38 form and the effect of ciprofloxacin thereon. SN-38 formation increased in a time-dependent manner from 5 to 30 min. in the presence of β-glucuronidase. Ciprofloxacin and phenolphthalein-β-D-glucuronide (PhePG), a typical β-glucuronidase substrate, significantly decreased SN-38-G deconjugation and, hence SN-38 formation. Similarly, the antibiotics enoxacin and gatifloxacin significantly inhibited the conversion of SN-38-G to SN-38, which was not observed for levofloxacin, streptomycin, ampicillin and amoxicillin/clavulanate. Ciprofloxacin showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the β-glucuronidase-mediated conversion of SN-38-G to SN-38 with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) value of 83.8 μM. PhePG and ciprofloxacin afforded the inhibition in a competitive and non-competitive manner, respectively. These findings suggest that the reduction in the serum SN-38 concentration following co-administration of ciprofloxacin during irinotecan treatment is due, at least partly, to the decreased enterohepatic circulation of SN-38 through the non-competitive inhibition of intestinal β-glucuronidase-mediated SN-38-G deconjugation.

Background: Hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (BSIs) are significant causes of mortality, and strategies to improve outcomes are needed. We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a multidisciplinary infection control team (ICT) approach to the initial treatment of patients with hospital-acquired BSI.Methods: A before-after quasiexperimental study of patients with hospital-acquired BSI was performed in a Japanese university hospital. The ICT provided immediate recommendations to the attending physician about appropriate antimicrobial therapy and management after reviewing blood cultures, Gram's stain, final organism, and antimicrobial susceptibility results.Results: The sample included 469 patients with hospital-acquired BSI (n = 210, preintervention group; n = 259, postintervention group). There were no significant differences between the groups in background or microbiologic characteristics. The 30-day mortality was significantly lower and significantly more patients received appropriate antimicrobial therapy in the postintervention group (22.9% vs 14.3%; P = .02 and 86.5% vs 69.0%; P < .001, respectively). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the ICT intervention was significantly associated with appropriate antimicrobial therapy (odds ratio, 2.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-3.89) and 30-day mortality (odds ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.95).Conclusions: A timely multidisciplinary team approach decreases the delay of appropriate antimicrobial treatment and may improve HABSI patient outcomes. Copyright (C) 2014 by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ethnic differences in drug susceptibility and toxicity are a major concern, not only in drug development but also in the clinical setting. We review the toxicity profiles of docetaxel according to dose and ethnicity.We analyzed phase II and III clinical trials that included a once-every-3-weeks single-agent docetaxel arm. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the significant variables affecting the reported incidence of docetaxel-induced severe neutropenia.Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified studies conducted in Asia [odds ratio (OR) 19.0; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 3.64-99.0] and docetaxel dose (OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.03-1.13) as independent variables for the incidence of grade 3/4 neutropenia.There is a significant difference in the incidence of docetaxel-induced severe neutropenia between Asian and non-Asian clinical studies. Physicians and pharmacists should consider ethnic diversity in docetaxel toxicity when interpreting the results of clinical trials.

Background Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration is an important component of supportive therapy in chemotherapy-induced leukopenia. Although patient response to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration is known to vary, the factors responsible for poor response have not been identified. Objective To identify the predictors of the responses of patients with solid tumors to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Setting A 600-bed university hospital offering secondary and tertiary care in Japan. Methods This retrospective cohort study examined the response of 181 patients with solid tumors who were administered prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor for the first time after they developed severe grade 3/4 leukopenia (white blood cell count <2,000 × 10−9/L) because of adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The granulocyte colony-stimulating factor response was defined as the length of the leukocyte recovery period, which was assessed as the period within which the normal white blood cell count (white blood cell count >3,000 × 10−9/L) is reached after the first dosage of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. After classification of the patients as either poor or normal granulocyte colony-stimulating factor responders according to the confidence interval of the recovery period, their characteristics were compared. Main outcome measure The time for recovery to normal white blood cell count was 2–7 days (90 % confidence interval), and the cutoff value for differentiating poor responders (n = 14) from normal responders (n = 167) was 8 days. Univariate analysis identified previous radiotherapy, number of chemotherapy courses, high granulocyte colony-stimulating factor dosage, and hypoalbuminemia to be significantly associated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor response. Multivariate analysis identified undergoing four or more chemotherapy courses (odds ratio = 5.09; 95 % confidence interval, 1.14–22.71) and heart failure (odds ratio = 5.96; 95 % confidence interval, 1.09–32.57) to be significantly associated with poor granulocyte colony-stimulating factor response. Conclusions Undergoing four or more chemotherapy courses and heart failure are independent risk factors for poor response to granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. These findings may help prevent the complications of leukopenia during chemotherapy and highlight the need to develop better strategies for preventing and treating infectious disease in patients undergoing granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration.