0000000000272107
AUTHOR
Federica Mescolo
Effects of E-Cigarette Exposure on Prenatal Life and Childhood Respiratory Health: A Review of Current Evidence
In the last decade, widespread use of E-cigarettes (EC) has occurred all over the world. Whereas, a large amount of evidence on harm to children from conventional cigarette exposure is available, data on health effects in this population throughout different vulnerability windows are still a matter of concern. Exposure to EC during pregnancy may compromise placental function, resulting in fetal structural abnormalities. Specifically, this may cause physio-pathologic changes in the developing lung, which in turn may impair respiratory health later in life. Furthermore, there is evidence that using EC can cause both short- and long-term respiratory problems in the pediatric population and the…
The role of a monthly active surveillance programme for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in a neonatal intensive care unit: impact evaluation of preventive measures
Background: Antimicrobial resistance is a public health threat. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) patients are particularly at risk, due to the large use of invasive devices and antimicrobial treatment. Since 2014 an active surveillance program of multidrug-resistant organisms is in place in the five NICUs of Palermo, Italy. High prevalence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) carriage observed in one NICU suggested the need of a long-lasting approach to achieve effective control of MDR-GNB circulation. Materials/methods: Rectal swabs were obtained every month from each hospitalized new-born. Samples were enriched in liquid cultures, plated in McConkey Agar with three a…
Efficacy of a coordinated strategy for containment of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria carriage in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the context of an active surveillance program
AbstractBackgroundAntimicrobial resistance in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients is a threat, due to the frequent use of antimicrobial treatment and invasive devices in fragile babies. Since 2014 an active surveillance program of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) carriage has been in place in the five NICUs of Palermo, Italy. In 2017 an increase in the prevalence of MDR-GNB, and in particular of extended-spectrum β-lactamases-producingKlebsiella pneumoniae(ESBL-KP), was observed in “Civico” hospital NICU.AimTo assess the impact of a coordinated intervention strategy in achieving long-lasting reduction of MDR-GNB prevalence in the NICU.MethodsRectal swabs were ob…