To assess trends in surgical site infection (SSI) incidence in cardiosurgery following a quality improvement initiative in infection prevention and control (IP&C). This is a historical cohort study encompassing a 10-year surveillance period (2014-2023) in a cardiosurgical department in a multi-organ transplant center. The study encompassed three periods: a baseline period (Phase_1: January 2014-December 2018); an implementation phase covering quality improvement initiatives targeting various aspects of IP&C including organizational factors, pre-operative, intra-operative, post-operative measures, and post-hospitalization care (Phase_2: January 2019-June 2021); a post-implementation phase (Phase_3: July 2021-September 2023). A general linear mixed model was used to assess differences in SSI rates between distinct phases, adjusted for length of hospitalization, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification, and Diagnostic-Related Groups (DRG) weight. The latter two were used as random effects. Results are reported as odds ratios [OR] with 95% confidence interval [CI]. All cardiac surgery patients were included (n = 5851). A total of 208 patients developed SSI (3.5 %). SSI incidence for phase_1, phase_2 and phase_3 were 4.5 %, 4.1 %, and 1.2 %, respectively. The mixed model regression analysis indicated that, compared with the reference period (Phase1), SSI risk did not drop during the implementation phase (OR 0.81, 95 % CI 0.59-1.13, P < 0.001 vs. reference period). A decrease in SSI risk was observed during the post-implementation phase (OR 0.19, 95 % CI 0.11-0.32) CONCLUSIONS: A quality improvement initiative encompassing measurements at all levels potentially impacting SSI risk was implemented over a 2.5 years period. While no risk reduction was observed during the implementation phase, a significant reduction in SSI risk took place in the post-implementation phase. This study suggests that considerable time may be required to achieve a substantial SSI risk reduction. We assume this may be attributed to the time required to achieve appropriate adherence with IP&C protocols.

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a devastating health, social, and economic effect on the population. Organizational, technical and structural operations aimed at protecting staff, outpatients and inpatients were implemented in an Italian hospital with a COVID-19 dedicated intensive care unit. The impact of the organizational model adopted on the perceived safety among staff was evaluated. Methods: Descriptive, structured and voluntary, anonymous, non-funded, self-administered cross-sectional surveys on the impact of the organizational model adopted during COVID-19 on the perceived safety among staff. Results: Response rate to the survey was 67.4% (153 completed surveys). A total of 91 (59%) of respondents had more than three years of ICU experience, while 16 (10%) were employed for less than one year. Group stratification according to profession: 74 nurses (48%); 12 medical-doctors (7%); 11 physiotherapists (7%); 35 nurses-aides (22%); 5 radiology-technicians (3%); 3 housekeeping (1%); 13 other (8%). The organizational model implemented at ISMETT made them feel safe during their workday. A total of 113 (84%) agreed or strongly agreed with the sense of security resulting from the implemented measures. A vast majority of respondents perceived COVID-19 as a dangerous and deadly disease (94%) not only for themselves but even more as vectors towards their families (79%). A total of 55% of staff took isolation measures and moved away from their home by changing personal habits. The organizational model was perceived overall as appropriate (91%) to guarantee their health. Conclusion: The vast majority of respondents perceived the overall model applied during an unexpected, emergency situation as appropriate.

Heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality worldwide. Advancement of mechanical circulatory support technology has led to the use of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), reducing hospitalizations, and improving quality of life and outcomes in advanced HF. Recent studies have highlighted how metabolic and endocrine dysfunction may be a consequence of, or associated with, HF, and may represent a novel (still neglected) therapeutic target in the treatment of HF. On the other hand, it is not clear whether LVAD support, may impact the outcome by also improving organ perfusion as well as improving the neuro-hormonal state of the patients, reducing the endocrine dysfunction. Moreover, endocrine function is likely a major determinant of human homeostasis, and is a key issue in the recovery from critical illness. Care of the endocrine function may contribute to improving cardiac contractility, immune function, as well as infection control, and rehabilitation during and after a LVAD placement. In this review, data on endocrine challenges in patients carrying an LVAD are gathered to highlight pathophysiological states relevant to this setting of patients, and to summarize the current therapeutic suggestions in the treatment of thyroid dysfunction, and vitamin D, erythropoietin and testosterone administration.

Background: Therapeutic prone positioning is widely used to improve oxygenation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome but is associated with an increased risk of pressure injuries, particularly affecting facial and anterior body regions. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023442604). PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to June 2025, including grey literature. Primary studies involving adult, mechanically ventilated patients undergoing therapeutic prone positioning and evaluating pressure injury prevention strategies were included. Methodological quality was assessed using JBI critical appraisal tools. Owing to clinical and methodological heterogeneity, findings were synthesized using a Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) approach. Results: Eight studies with heterogeneous designs were included. Preventive interventions mainly comprised prophylactic dressings, repositioning and support devices, and comprehensive care bundles. Most strategies were associated with a reduction in pressure injury incidence, particularly in facial and anterior anatomical areas. Greater effectiveness was observed when interventions were implemented within structured protocols supported by staff training and multidisciplinary coordination. Conclusions: Preventive strategies appear effective in reducing pressure injuries associated with prone positioning in critically ill patients. The implementation of standardized, bundled prevention protocols may improve patient safety in intensive care settings.