Background Candidemia is still a common life-threatening disease and causes significant morbidity and mortality, especially in critically ill patients. We conducted this study to analyze the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, species distribution, antifungal susceptibility and mortality risk factors of candidemia in an intensive care unit. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients with candidemia in the intensive care unit of our hospital from 2011 to 2017. The clinical characteristics, including clinical and laboratory data, antibiotic therapies, underlying conditions, and invasive procedures and outcomes, were analyzed. We also performed a logistic regression analysis to identify the independent risk factors for mortality. Results In this six-year retrospective study, we identified 82 patients with candidemia. The median age of the patients was 76 years (range, 26 years to 91 years), and 50 of the patients (61%) were male. Candida albicans was the most common fungal species (38/82, 46.3%), followed by Candida parapsilosis (16/82, 19.5%), Candida glabrata (13/82, 15.9%), and Candida tropicalis (12/82, 14.6%). Most isolates were susceptible to the antifungal agents. The all-cause mortality rate was 51.2%. In binary logistic regression analysis, the worst Glasgow coma score (GCS), PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratio (P/F ratio), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) within three days after admission were independent risk factors for mortality. Conclusions Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated fungal species. Most isolates were susceptible to the antifungal agents. The worst GCS score, P/F ratio, and MAP within three days after admission were independent risk factors for mortality due to candidemia in critically ill patients.

Background: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) was one of the first-line ventilation supports for hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Successful NIV may avoid need for intubation. However, the influence NIV failure had on patients’ outcome and its risk factors were hardly known. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, we reported risk factors and incidence of NIV failure in HSCT patients who were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with a diagnosis of ARDS and supported with mechanical ventilation, in a 5-year period. Patient outcomes, such as ventilator-free days, ICU-free days, and ICU mortality were also reported. Results: Of all the 94 patients included, 70 patients were initially supported with NIV. NIV failure occurred in 44 (63%) patients. Male sex, elevated serum galactomannan (GM) test, (1-3)- β- D-glucan (BG) assay, or elevated serum creatinine level were risk factors for NIV failure. When compared with the NIV success group, failure of NIV was associated with much fewer ICU-free days (22 versus 0, p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 0.62) and higher ICU mortality (9.5% versus 75.5%, p < 0.001, Pearson’s r = 0.75). There was no difference in ICU-free days, ventilator-free days and ICU mortality between NIV failure and initial invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) groups. Patients who failed in NIV support had a higher ICU mortality (75.5%) than those who succeeded (9.5%). Conclusion: In a small cohort of HSCT patients with mainly moderate severity of ARDS, male patients with elevated serum GM/BG test or serum creatinine level had a higher risk of NIV failure. Both NIV failure and initial IMV groups were characterized by high mortality rate and extremely low ICU-free days and ventilator-free days; failure of NIV support may further aggravate patient prognosis. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.

Background The risk of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device (CIED) infection has been increasing in recent years. For pacemaker‐dependent patients, a temporary pacemaker is needed before a new device can be implanted. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using a temporary pacing device with an externalized active fixation lead (bridge pacemaker) before a new device can be implanted in pacemaker‐dependent patients with device infection. Methods All patients who were admitted to our cardiac center with CIED infection and in need of bridge pacemaker implantation from April 2013 to August 2020 were prospectively enrolled in this observational study. The medical records of all patients were collected and evaluated. All procedure‐related complications were also collected. Long‐term outcomes, including reinfection and death within 1 year after hospital discharge, were collected through telephone follow‐ups. Results During the study period, 1050 patients underwent CIED extraction, of which 312 pacemaker‐dependent patients underwent bridge pacemaker implantation. The mean age of the extracted leads was 44 ± 38.7 months. The bridge pacemakers were in use for a mean duration of 6 days. Nine patients developed procedure‐related complications including pericardial tamponade, pneumothorax, peripheral venous thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. Three patients developed complications that were related to their bridge pacemakers, including lead dislodgement, over‐sensing and elevated pacing threshold. During the 1‐year follow‐up, it was found that four patients had developed CIED reinfection and three patients had died due to cardiac‐related reasons. Conclusions A bridge pacemaker with an externalized active fixation lead is safe and efficacious for pacemaker‐dependent patients with device infection.

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