Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering Commons^™

Clostridium Difficile Infections In Patients With Severe Burns, Scott J. Crabtree, Janelle L. Robertson, Kevin K. Chung, Evan M. Renz, Steven E. Wolf, Duane R. Hospenthal, Clinton K. Murray

US Army Research

With improved survival in burn patients, Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) remains a significant potential complication. The incidence of, risk factors for, and outcomes of CDI in severely burned patients are poorly studied and remain unclear. This study involves retrospective case control and cohort studies using electronic medical records from February 1, 2002 to January 31, 2009 at the US Department of Defense’s only burn unit. Demographic, risk factor, and outcome data were collected for all C. difficile toxin positive patients in the burn, medical, and surgical intensive care units and the hospital’s step down unit along with an additional analysis …

Activity Of Topical Antimicrobial Agents Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Recovered From Burn Patients, Jessie S. Glasser, Charles H. Guymon, Katrin Mende, Steven E. Wolf, Duane R. Hospenthal, Clinton K. Murray

US Army Research

Background:

Topical antimicrobials are employed for prophylaxis and treatment of burn
wound infections despite no established susceptibility breakpoints, which are becoming vital in an era of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. We compared two methods of determining topical antimicrobial susceptibilities.

Methods:

Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumanii-calcoaceticus (ABC) from burn patients were tested using broth microdilution and agar well diffusion to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and zones of inhibition (ZI). Isolates had systemic antibiotic resistance and clonality determined. MDR included resistance to antibiotics in three or more …