Biomedical subjects

N Petrosillo

Publications and source records attributed to N Petrosillo.

77 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

PubMedDate not supplied

[Epidemiology and prevention in dialysis].

During the last years, prevention of hospital infections assumed the role of primary objective for active interventions and dedicated laws for safety in work areas and for facilities accreditation defined responsibilities and preventive measures to reduce the biological risk. Dialysis centers are areas where the infective risk is high but the strict application of the Universal Measures and of specific recommendations are sufficient to reduce the risk of diffusion and transmission of pathogens. The late referral of the ESRD patient, with or without infectious comorbidity, shows an intervention field, in which a local epidemiological survey gives useful data and stimulates the data management at hospital level (Epidemiologists and nefrologists) and family doctors, to improve the disease management of very complex and high cost patients.

Bacterial Infections↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Infections in surgery].

In this paper the authors review current concepts on surgical infections. Topics covered are: hospital-acquired surgical infections, prognostic indexes, antibiotic prophylaxis, surveillance and control measures.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Results of neonatal vaccination against hepatitis B in Frosinone].

Neonates born to HBSAg-positive mothers are at increased risk of HBV, mainly because of perinatal exposure. Since 1985 the HBV Regional prevention and control program of Latium recommends prophylaxis both with HBIG and HBV vaccine at birth for all infants born to HBaAg-positive mothers. From 1-1-80 to 1-5-88 89 neonates (52 males, 37 female) from Local Health Units (U.S.L.) FR 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 have been examined at the Centre for Vaccination against HBV of Frosinone. Prophylaxis was accomplished both by HBIG 1 ml. I.M.) at birth and HBV vaccine (5.5 ml. I.M. of HBVAX) at birth, and at 1 and 6 months. All injections were given in the gluteal muscle. Antibody titer to HBsAg (antiHBs) detectable by RIA was tested 1 month after or by the time of the third injection of vaccine. Non-responders (anti HBs less than 10 mUI/ml) were given an extra dose of vaccine (0.5 ml I.M.). 85 neonates accomplished vaccination receiving three injections of HBVAX; 4 neonates received only one dose as their parents refused to continue vaccination. Two neonates (non-responders) out of 85 required another dose of vaccine, but only one seroconvertion appeared. No serious side effects have been seen: one case of anorexia and one case of low-grade fever, with no need to interrupt or modify immunization schedule. In the present study the prophylactic efficacy of HBV vaccine has been demonstrated providing 98.6% of cases with antiHBs titer greater than or equal to 10 mUI/ml, and 84% of cases with antiHBs titer greater than or equal to 150 mUI/ml.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Microbiological control of hospital infections].

In the recent years there is a growing interest in Nosocomial Infections in Italy, because of current studies providing useful information on hospital epidemiology, hospital cost and infection control measures. Besides there is an increasing awareness that clinical and epidemiologic data provide a more important support for infection control program than microbiologic data, which are not always required to identify Nosocomial Infections. Still a reliable microbiology laboratory is an integral support system for infection control program, contributing information on Nosocomial Infection Surveillance and Education of personnel. Over the past five years in the Hospital of Frosinone, prevalence and incidence studies on patient population and microbiologic monitoring were performed. All investigations were accomplished by the Hospital Infection Control Team by collecting and reporting data on special forms, since 1988 information on microbial cultures were included. The prevalence and incidence studies have demonstrated few microbial isolates compared to the number of infections identified. Antibiotic monitoring is considered an integral component of Infection Control Programs, contributing to the surveillance of emerging resistance. All data concerning microbial isolates have been routinely an orderly collected and tabulated. A three-monthly report is distributed throughout the hospital and pertinent data are briefly reviewed. This simple method of surveillance is used to identify trends in problem areas, support antibiotic policy statements and serve as a focus for educational programs of personnel. These routine studies have some limitation: 1) all microbial agents are considered, irrespective of nosocomial infection cases; 2) 100-120 hours of work from an infection control nurse are required. Therefore microbial data are not adequate in containing Nosocomial infections, if not supported by Infection Control Team's investigation.

Cohort Studies↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Device-specific risk of needlestick injury in Italian health care workers.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the types of medical devices causing needlestick injuries among Italian health care workers, to document the device-specific injury rates and time trends for different hollow-bore needles, and to compare injury rates from these devices with those reported in the United States. DESIGN: Longitudinal survey. SETTINGS: Twelve Italian acute care public hospitals. METHODS: Data were obtained from a multihospital surveillance database on the number of total injuries reported in each device category. Hospitals provided the corresponding number of devices used annually for each needle type. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Number of needlestick injuries by type of hollow-bore needle per 100,000 devices used per year. RESULTS: A total of 2524 injuries from hollow-bore needles were reported. Disposable syringes/hypodermic needles accounted for 59.3% of injuries, followed by winged steel needles (33.1%), intravenous catheter stylets (5.4%), and vacuum-tube phlebotomy needles (2.2%). Intravenous catheter stylets had the highest needlestick injury rate (15.7/100,000 devices used), and disposable syringes had the lowest needlestick injury rate (3.8/100,000). In contrast to the other devices, the injury rate from winged steel needles increased from 6.2 per 100,000 in 1990 to 13.9 per 100,000 in 1992. CONCLUSIONS: The device-specific needlestick injury rates in Italy are similar to those reported in the United States, suggesting similar exposure experience in two countries. However, in contrast to the United States, needleless intravenous access is standard practice in Italy and thus eliminates one potential risk to Italian health workers. Implementation of safer equipment, such as shielded or retracting needles, and continuing training programs are needed to further reduce the hazards that health care workers face.

Accidents, Occupational↗