Surveillance for central-line-associated bloodstream infections: Accuracy of different sampling strategies

Kourkouni E, Kourlaba G, Chorianopoulou E, Tsopela GC, Kopsidas I, Spyridaki I, Tsiodras S, Roilides E, Coffin S, Zaoutis TE; PHIG investigators.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2018 Oct;39(10):1210-1215. doi: 10.1017/ice.2018.187. Epub 2018 Aug 29.

Abstract

Background: Active daily surveillance of central-line days (CLDs) in the assessment of rates of central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) is time-consuming and burdensome for healthcare workers. Sampling of denominator data is a method that could reduce the time necessary to conduct active surveillance.

Establishing Nationally Representative Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) Surveillance Data in Paediatric Patients in Greece

Kouni S, Tsolia M, Roilides E, Dimitriou G, Tsiodras S, Skoutelis A, Kourkouni E, Gkentzi D, Iosifidis E, Spyridis N, Kopsidas I, Karakosta P, Tsopela G.C, Spyridaki I, Kourlaba G, Coffin S, Zaoutis E.T, for the PHiG Investigators

J Hosp Infect. 2018 Jul 27; pii: S0195-6701(18)30397-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2018.07.032.

Abstract

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality and with excess costs. Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are the most common HCAIs in neonates and children.

The impact of access to immunization information on vaccine acceptance in three countries

Lori K. Handy, Stefania Maroudi, Maura Powell, Bakanuki Nfila, Charlotte Moser, Ingrid Japa, Ndibo Monyatsi, Elena Tzortzi, Ismini Kouzeli, Anthony Luberti, Maria Theodoridou, Paul Offit, Andrew Steenhoff, Judy A. Shea, Kristen A. Feemster

PLoS One. 2017; 12(8): e0180759, doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180759

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccine acceptance is a critical component of sustainable immunization programs, yet rates of vaccine hesitancy are rising. Increased access to misinformation through media and antivaccine advocacy is an important contributor to hesitancy in the United States and other high-income nations with robust immunization programs. Little is known about the content and effect of information sources on attitudes toward vaccination in settings with rapidly changing or unstable immunization programs.

Central line associated bloodstream infections in hospitalised children in Greece before and after implementation of a prevention bundle

Katerina Mougkou, Despoina Gkentzi, Georgia Kourlaba, Sofia Kouni, Ioannis Kopsidas, Charalampia Nteli, Theoklis Zaoutis, Susan Coffin

Int J Infect Control 2014, v11:i3 doi: 10.3396/IJIC.v11i3.019.15

Abstract

Data on central line (CL) - associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in neonates and children in Greece are limited. In this study we aimed to assess the epidemiology and microbiology of CLABSIs in children’s hospitals in Greece using an active surveillance system and to assess the impact of a central line bundle on the incidence of CLABSIs.

Perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis in pediatric patients in Greece: Compliance with guidelines and impact of an educational intervention

Dimopoulou A, Kourlaba G, Psarris A, Coffin S, Spoulou V, Zaoutis T. J Pediatr Surg.

2015 Dec 1. pii: S0022-3468(15)00772-1. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2015.11.017. [Epub ahead of print]

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis (PAP) prevents surgical site infections (SSI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention to improve adherence to PAP guidelines in pediatric patients.