Background: Data on severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) delta variant virulence are insufficient. We retrospectively compared the clinical features of adult coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients without risk factors for severe COVID-19 who entered residential treatment centers (RTCs) before and after the delta variant outbreak. Methods: We collected medical information from two RTCs in South Korea. On the basis of nationwide delta variant surveillance, we divided the patients into two groups: 1) the delta-minor group (diagnosed from December 2020–June 2021, detection rate < 10%) and 2) the delta-dominant group (diagnosed during August 2021, detection rate > 90%). After propensity-score matching, the incidences of pneumonia, hospital transfer and need for supplemental oxygen were compared between the groups. In addition, risk factors for hospital transfer were analysed. Results: A total of 1,915 patients were included. The incidence of pneumonia (14.6% vs.9.2%, P = 0.009), all-cause hospital transfer (10.4% vs. 6.3%, P = 0.020) and COVID-19-related hospital transfer (7.5% vs. 4.8%, P = 0.081) were higher in the delta-dominant group than those in the delta-minor group. In the multivariate analysis, the delta-dominant group was an independent risk factor for all-cause (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–3.13; P = 0.011) and COVID-19-related hospital transfer (aOR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.04–3.32; P = 0.036). Conclusion Hospitalization rates were increased in the adult COVID-19 patients during the delta variant nationwide outbreak. Our results showed that the delta variant may be more virulent than previous lineages.

Background: Single room isolation with contact precautions is widely regarded as a fundamental strategy to prevent the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). However, its implementation demands substantial resources, limiting its universal application to all MDROs. In this study, we assessed the effect of discontinuing single room isolation for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). Methods: This is a retrospective, observational study conducted at a single 750-bed tertiary center. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis to compare incidence rates and trends of new-onset VRE colonization and bacteremia during the one year before and after the strategy change on January 1, 2023. Results: Single-room occupancy decreased from 79.7% pre-intervention to 23.6% postintervention (P < 0.001). The incidence rate of new-onset VRE colonization was 0.452 and 0.535 per 1,000 patient-days in the pre- and post-intervention periods, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.202). However, there was a slightly increasing trend (0.036 [95% confidence interval, −0.002, 0.074] increase per month, P = 0.066). The new-onset VRE bacteremia incidence rate was not differed in incidence (0.060 and 0.055, P= 0.571) or trend (P = 0.720). Conclusion Our study suggests that discontinuing single-room isolation for VRE patients may not affect the incidence of new-onset VRE bacteremia, but caution is needed due to the potential increase in colonization.

Background: Single room isolation with contact precautions is widely regarded as a fundamental strategy to prevent the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). However, its implementation demands substantial resources, limiting its universal application to all MDROs. In this study, we assessed the effect of discontinuing single room isolation for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). Methods: This is a retrospective, observational study conducted at a single 750-bed tertiary center. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis to compare incidence rates and trends of new-onset VRE colonization and bacteremia during the one year before and after the strategy change on January 1, 2023. Results: Single-room occupancy decreased from 79.7% pre-intervention to 23.6% postintervention (P < 0.001). The incidence rate of new-onset VRE colonization was 0.452 and 0.535 per 1,000 patient-days in the pre- and post-intervention periods, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.202). However, there was a slightly increasing trend (0.036 [95% confidence interval, −0.002, 0.074] increase per month, P = 0.066). The new-onset VRE bacteremia incidence rate was not differed in incidence (0.060 and 0.055, P= 0.571) or trend (P = 0.720). Conclusion Our study suggests that discontinuing single-room isolation for VRE patients may not affect the incidence of new-onset VRE bacteremia, but caution is needed due to the potential increase in colonization.

Background: Single room isolation with contact precautions is widely regarded as a fundamental strategy to prevent the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). However, its implementation demands substantial resources, limiting its universal application to all MDROs. In this study, we assessed the effect of discontinuing single room isolation for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). Methods: This is a retrospective, observational study conducted at a single 750-bed tertiary center. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis to compare incidence rates and trends of new-onset VRE colonization and bacteremia during the one year before and after the strategy change on January 1, 2023. Results: Single-room occupancy decreased from 79.7% pre-intervention to 23.6% postintervention (P < 0.001). The incidence rate of new-onset VRE colonization was 0.452 and 0.535 per 1,000 patient-days in the pre- and post-intervention periods, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.202). However, there was a slightly increasing trend (0.036 [95% confidence interval, −0.002, 0.074] increase per month, P = 0.066). The new-onset VRE bacteremia incidence rate was not differed in incidence (0.060 and 0.055, P= 0.571) or trend (P = 0.720). Conclusion Our study suggests that discontinuing single-room isolation for VRE patients may not affect the incidence of new-onset VRE bacteremia, but caution is needed due to the potential increase in colonization.

Background: Single room isolation with contact precautions is widely regarded as a fundamental strategy to prevent the transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). However, its implementation demands substantial resources, limiting its universal application to all MDROs. In this study, we assessed the effect of discontinuing single room isolation for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). Methods: This is a retrospective, observational study conducted at a single 750-bed tertiary center. We conducted an interrupted time series analysis to compare incidence rates and trends of new-onset VRE colonization and bacteremia during the one year before and after the strategy change on January 1, 2023. Results: Single-room occupancy decreased from 79.7% pre-intervention to 23.6% postintervention (P < 0.001). The incidence rate of new-onset VRE colonization was 0.452 and 0.535 per 1,000 patient-days in the pre- and post-intervention periods, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.202). However, there was a slightly increasing trend (0.036 [95% confidence interval, −0.002, 0.074] increase per month, P = 0.066). The new-onset VRE bacteremia incidence rate was not differed in incidence (0.060 and 0.055, P= 0.571) or trend (P = 0.720). Conclusion Our study suggests that discontinuing single-room isolation for VRE patients may not affect the incidence of new-onset VRE bacteremia, but caution is needed due to the potential increase in colonization.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a Fogarty arterial embolectomy catheter (Fogarty catheter) in intraoperative balloon angioplasty of the cephalic vein, in order to determine its effect on the patency of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) created for hemodialysis access. METHODS: A total of 156 patients who underwent creation of an AVF were divided into two groups, based whether a Fogarty catheter was used during AVF creation. Group A (89 patients) comprised the patients who underwent balloon angioplasty with a Fogarty catheter during the operation. Group B (67 patients) included the patients in whom a Fogarty catheter was not used during the operation. Patient records were reviewed retrospectively and documented. The patency rate was determined by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The records of 156 patients who underwent the creation of an AVF from January 2007 to October 2011 were included. The mean follow-up duration was 40.2+/-19.4 months (range, 1 to 97 months). The patency rates in group A at 12, 36, and 72 months were 83.9%+/-3.9%, 78.3%+/-4.6%, and 76.3%+/-4.9%, respectively, while the corresponding patency rates in group B were 92.5%+/-3.2%, 82.8%+/-0.5%, and 79.9%+/-5.7%, respectively. The patency rates in group B were found to be slightly higher than those in group A, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.356). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative balloon angioplasty of the cephalic vein using the Fogarty catheter is a simple and easily reproducible procedure, and it can be helpful in increasing AVF patency in cases of insufficient runoff or a suboptimal cephalic vein.
Angioplasty, Balloon* ; Arteriovenous Fistula* ; Catheters* ; Embolectomy* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Renal Dialysis* ; Retrospective Studies ; Vascular Patency ; Veins

Atypical adenomatous hyperplasia is a premalignant lesion reflecting a focal proliferation of atypical cells. These lesions are usually observed as incidental findings in lungs that have been resected due to other conditions, such as lung cancer. We report the youngest case of atypical adenomatous hyperplasia on record in a 12-year-old girl. In this patient, the lesion was found in association with pneumothorax.
Child* ; Female* ; Humans ; Hyperplasia* ; Incidental Findings ; Lung ; Lung Neoplasms ; Pneumothorax ; Thoracoscopy

Pseudoaneurysm with arteriovenous fistula is a rare complication of arthroscopy, and can be diagnosed by ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or angiography. This condition can be treated with open surgical repair or endovascular repair. We report our experience with the open surgical repair of a pseudoaneurysm with an arteriovenous fistula in a young male patient who underwent arthroscopy five months previously.
Aneurysm, False* ; Angiography ; Arteries ; Arteriovenous Fistula* ; Arthroscopy* ; Humans ; Knee ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND: The safety and efficacy of arterial composite grafts for total arterial revascularization have been demonstrated. The saphenous vein (SV) is a widely used graft because of its accessibility, sufficient length, and ease of manipulation. Our aim was to compare mid-term outcomes of saphenous vein Y-grafts with radial artery Y-grafts joined by anastomosis to the left internal thoracic artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting with composite Y-grafts based on the left internal thoracic artery technique in 552 patients were analyzed retrospectively. After propensity score matching, 79 radial arterial (RA) composite grafts (RA group) and 79 saphenous vein composite grafts (SV group) were compared. The duration of mean follow-up was 24.6+/-14.6 months (range, 1 to 55 months). RESULTS: There were no differences in surgical mortality, all-cause mortality, or morbidity among the groups. Rates of 4-year survival were 91.7% and 96.3% in the RA and SV groups, respectively (p=0.519). The coronary reintervention-free survival rate and freedom from major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events were similar in the two groups (p=0.685, p=0.564). CONCLUSION: Construction of composite Y-grafts using the radial artery or saphenous vein showed similar mid-term results. Long-term follow-up and randomized trials will be needed to confirm our present conclusions.
Coronary Artery Bypass ; Coronary Artery Bypass, Off-Pump ; Follow-Up Studies ; Freedom ; Humans ; Mammary Arteries ; Propensity Score ; Radial Artery ; Retrospective Studies ; Saphenous Vein ; Survival Rate ; Transplants

Elective surgical repair has traditionally been considered to be the treatment of choice for the exclusion of isolated iliac artery aneurysms (IAAs). Recently, endovascular repair has evolved as an alternative to surgical repair, especially in patients at high surgical risk. However, in the absence of sufficient proximal necks, iliac artery aneurysms are not suitable for direct deployment of a tubular-shaped endograft. Here we report two cases of IAAs with short proximal necks that were excluded using an endovascular bifurcated stent-graft. The bifurcated stent-graft was successfully deployed with complete exclusion of the aneurysm. In neither case was there evidence of procedural failures. There were no signs of significant complications. We conclude that endovascular repair of IAAs with short proximal necks is feasible and efficient using an endovascular bifurcated stent-graft.
Aneurysm ; Angioplasty ; Humans ; Iliac Aneurysm ; Iliac Artery ; Neck ; Stents