Clinical research in rapid sequence during a pandemic: Lessons learned and the way forward.

Following COVID-19 pandemic, the structuring of a national research network for the preparation and response to emerging infectious diseases (EID) with epidemic or pandemic potential is essential. The national operational research network for EID, OPEN-ReMIE is funded for five years by the program France 2030 and operated by the National Research Agency (ANR). Its primary mission is to accelerate hospital-based clinical research with academic or industrial sponsors under epidemic or pandemic conditions and lead this effort within international research networks.

Features of Invasive Aspergillosis Caused by Aspergillus flavus, France, 2012-2018.

Invasive aspergillosis (IA) caused by Aspergillus flavus remains poorly described. We retrospectively analyzed 54 cases of IA caused by A. flavus reported in France during 2012-2018.

sST2 is a key outcome biomarker in COVID-19: insights from discovery randomized trial.

We investigated whether baseline levels of biomarkers related to endotheliopathy, thromboinflammation, and fibrosis were associated with clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We analyzed the associations between baseline levels of 21 biomarkers and time to hospital discharge and change in NEWS-2 score in patients from DisCoVeRy trial. We fitted multivariate models adjusted for baseline ISARIC 4C score, disease severity, D-dimer values, and treatment regimen.

Real-world multicentre study of cefiderocol treatment of immunocompromised patients with infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria: CEFI-ID.

Introduction: The increase in the population of immunocompromised patients due to advances in management of end-stage diseases and transplants poses challenges in treating infections caused by multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. Cefiderocol (FDC), a siderophore cephalosporin, has shown efficacy against carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

Methods: This retrospective multicentre study investigated the real-world use of FDC in 114 immunocompromised adults treated for MDR infections in 12 French hospitals (June 2020-November 2023).

Convalescent plasma in patients receiving rituximab or ocrelizumab for multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis Optica spectrum disorder with Covid-19: A multicenter retrospective study.

Background: Despite vaccination, patients receiving anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for multiple sclerosis (MS) or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) have an increased risk of developing severe or protracted COVID-19. The aim of this study was to describe the effect of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) in patients with MS or NMOSD exposed to anti-CD20 and infected by SARS-CoV-2.

Methods: This French national, retrospective cohort study was conducted between November 2020 and June 2023.

, and Other Rare Mold Invasive Infections: Over Twenty-Five-Year Experience of a European Tertiary-Care Center.

Invasive mold infections (IMD) are an emerging concern due to the growing prevalence of patients at risk, encompassing but not limited to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, hematological malignancies patients, solid organ transplant recipients and intensive care unit patients. In contrast with invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis, other hyalohyphomycoses and phaeohyphomycoses remain poorly known. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical, biological, microbiological and evolutive features of 92 IMD having occurred in patients in our tertiary-care center over more than 25 years.

Characteristics, management, and outcome of tuberculosis after liver transplant: A case series and literature review.

Background: Liver transplant recipients are at risk of tuberculosis, which is particularly difficult-to diagnose and to treat in this population.

Methods: Retrospective study of all cases of tuberculosis diagnosed from 2007 to 2022 in the French network of liver transplant sites.

Results: Twenty-three liver transplant recipients were diagnosed with tuberculosis (six females, median age 59 years [interquartile range, 54-62]), with a median time lapse of 10 months [5-40.

Case Report and Literature Review of Prosthetic Cardiovascular Mucormycosis.

We report a rare case of aorto-bi-iliac prosthetic allograft mucormycosis in a 57-year-old immunocompetent patient in France. Outcome was favorable after surgery and dual antifungal therapy with liposomal amphotericin B and isavuconazole. In a literature review, we identified 12 other cases of prosthetic vascular or heart valve mucormycosis; mortality rate was 38%.

Invasive fungal diseases in patients with autoimmune diseases: a case series from the French RESSIF network.

Objectives: We aimed to describe patients with autoimmune diseases (AID) developing invasive fungal disease (IFD) and identify factors associated with short-term mortality.

Methods: We analysed cases of IFD associated with AID from the surveillance network of invasive fungal diseases (Réseau de surveillance des infections fongiques invasives, RESSIF) registry of the French national reference centre for invasive mycoses. We studied association of AID-specific treatments with 30-day mortality.

Cefepime vs carbapenems for treating third-generation cephalosporin-resistant AmpC β-lactamase-hyperproducing Enterobacterales bloodstream infections: a multicenter retrospective study.

Objectives: AmpC β-lactamase-hyperproducing Enterobacterales (ABLHE) bloodstream infections (BSI) are emerging and leading to therapeutic challenges worldwide. Prescriptions of carbapenems may lead to the emergence of resistance. This study aimed to compare cefepime with carbapenems for the treatment of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant ABLHE BSI.

Improving Diagnosis of Pulmonary Mucormycosis: Leads From a Contemporary National Study of 114 Cases.

Background: Pulmonary mucormycosis (PM) is a life-threatening invasive mold infection. Diagnosis of mucormycosis is challenging and often delayed, resulting in higher mortality.

Research Question: Are the disease presentation of PM and contribution of diagnosis tools influenced by the patient's underlying condition?

Study Design And Methods: All PM cases from six French teaching hospitals between 2008 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed.

What Is New in Pulmonary Mucormycosis?

Mucormycosis is a rare but life-threatening fungal infection due to molds of the order Mucorales. The incidence has been increasing over recent decades. Worldwide, pulmonary mucormycosis (PM) presents in the lungs, which are the third main location for the infection after the rhino-orbito-cerebral (ROC) areas and the skin.

STAT3 mutation-associated airway epithelial defects in Job syndrome.

Background: Job syndrome is a disease of autosomal dominant hyper-IgE syndrome (AD-HIES). Patients harboring STAT3 mutation are particularly prone to airway remodeling and airway infections.

Objectives: Airway epithelial cells play a central role as the first line of defense against pathogenic infection and express high levels of STAT3.

Assessment of plasma Catestatin in COVID-19 reveals a hitherto unknown inflammatory activity with impact on morbidity-mortality.

Introduction: Neuroendocrine cells release Catestatin (CST) from Chromogranin A (CgA) to regulate stress responses. As regards COVID-19 patients (COVID+) requiring oxygen supply, to date nobody has studied CST as a potential mediator in the regulation of immunity.

Patients & Methods: Admission plasma CST and CgA - its precursor - concentrations were measured (ELISA test) in 73 COVID+ and 27 controls.