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Abstract Background In a previous study we observed an increasing trend in candidemia in Finland in the 1990s. Our aim was now to investigate further population-based secular trends, as well as outcome, and evaluate the association of fluconazole consumption and prophylaxis policy with the observed findings. Methods We analyzed laboratory-based surveillance data on candidemia from the National Infectious Diseases Register during 2004-2007 in Finland. Data on fluconazole consumption, expressed as defined daily doses, DDDs, was obtained from the National Agency for Medicines, and regional prophylaxis policies were assessed by a telephone survey. Results A total of 603 candidemia cases were identified. The average annual incidence rate was 2.86 cases per 100,000 population (range by year, 2.59-3.09; range by region, 2.37-3.85). The highest incidence was detected in males aged >65 years (12.23 per 100,000 population). Candida albicans accounted for 67% of cases, and C. glabrata ranked the second (19%), both without any significant change in proportions. C. parapsilosis accounted for 5% of cases and C. krusei 3% of cases. The one-month case-fatality varied between 28-32% during the study period. Fluconazole consumption increased from 19.57 DDDs per 100,000 population in 2000 to 25.09 in 2007. Systematic fluconazole prophylaxis was implemented for premature neonates, patients with acute leukemias and liver transplant patients. Conclusion The dominant proportion of C. albicans remained stable, but C. glabrata was the most frequent non-albicans species. The proportion of C. glabrata had increased from our previous study period in the presence of increasing use of fluconazole. The rate of candidemia in Finland is still low but mortality high like in other countries.

Abstract Background Bacteraemia is still a major cause of case fatality in all age groups. Our aim was to identify the major underlying conditions constituting risk factors for case fatality in bacteraemia patients. Methods The study involved 149 patients (79 male and 70 female) with bacteraemia caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (41 patients), Streptococcus pneumoniae (Str. pneumoniae) (42 patients), β-hemolytic streptococcae (β-hml str.) (23 patients) and Eschericia coli (E. coli) (43 patients). Underlying diseases, alcohol and tobacco consumption and body mass index (BMI) were registered. Laboratory findings and clinical data were registered on admission and 6 consecutive days and on day 10–14. Case fatality was studied within 30 days after positive blood culture. Associations between underlying conditions and case fatality were studied in univariate analysis and in a multivariate model. Results Nineteen patients (12.8%) died of bacteraemia. We found obesity (p = 0.002, RR 9.8; 95% CI 2.3 to 41.3), smoking (p < 0.001, RR 16.9; 95% CI 2.1 to 133.5), alcohol abuse (p = 0.008, RR 3.9; 95% CI 1.3 to 11.28), COPD (p = 0.01, RR 8.4; 95% CI 1.9 to 37.1) and rheumatoid arthritis (p = 0.045, RR 5.9; 95% CI 1.2 to 28.8) to be significantly associated with case fatality in bacteraemia in univariate model. The median BMI was significantly higher among those who died compared to survivors (33 vs. 26, p = 0.003). Obesity and smoking also remained independent risk factors for case fatality when their effect was studied together in a multivariate model adjusted with the effect of alcohol abuse, age (continuos variable), sex and causative organism. Conclusion Our results indicate that obesity and smoking are prominent risk factors for case fatality in bacteraemic patients. Identification of risk factors underlying fatal outcome in bacteraemia may allow targeting of preventive efforts to individuals likely to derive greatest potential benefit.

Background: The incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been low in the Scandinavian countries, including Finland. Methods: We report a population-based, prospective survey of an exceptionally large ongoing MRSA epidemic in a Finnish health district (HD), Pirkanmaa HD, during 2001-2011 caused by 1 strain, spa t067 (FIN-16). Results: The first FIN-16 case in the HD was identified in 2000. Ten years later, 2447 carriers had been found in 95 different institutions. MRSA in carriers was mostly health care-associated (98%). The epidemic emerged in long-term care facilities and gradually spread to acute hospitals. The majority of carriers were elderly people (median age 78 y). Fifty-two percent of new carriers had an infection with MRSA at the time of detection. Conclusions: The incidence of MRSA in Pirkanmaa HD is substantially higher than the incidence for all of Finland. Temporary projects to control MRSA have not proved sufficient to contain this large epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extensive backflow of treated wastewater caused household water contamination in a Finnish town in 2007. The drinking water of 9 500 residents became heavily polluted with faecal microbes, resulting in a large gastroenteritis epidemic. Cases of reactive arthritis, milder joint symptoms and prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms were observed after the outbreak. A follow-up survey was performed to study less familiar long-term health consequences within a year from the outbreak., Methods: The contaminated group comprised a sample of residents of the area with polluted water supply (N = 323) and the control group a sample of residents in a nearby municipality (N = 186). The presence of 20 general symptoms or complaints was inquired by a mail survey. Quarterly prevalence of each symptom or complaint was measured. Twelve of these proceeded to further analysis., Results: The response rate was 53% (323/615) in the contaminated group and 54% (186/343) in the control group. Rash, eye irritation, heartburn and weight loss were more prevalent in the contaminated group during the first year quarter. In the last year quarter, only eye irritation was significantly more common in the contaminated group., Conclusion: The excess prevalence of four complaints at the first year quarter can be explained by acute gastroenteritis or intensive water chlorination. The excess prevalence of eye irritation at the fourth year quarter cannot be explained by chlorination anymore but might be a sign of co-existing reactive joint disease. In general, long-term consequences of the outbreak can be considered minor in terms of the surveyed symptoms or complaints.

Events involving applications for compensation or filing a complaint in a MRSA case in Finland by patients or family members were studied for over a twenty-year period. The number of cases found was 305. Of the applications, only 7% resulted in compensation, and none of the complaints led to a change in decision. The discontentment was more commonly associated with the possible MRSA-induced impairment of the given treatment or limitations in freedom than with the fear of the direct health effects of the infection. In order to avoid problems, essential aspects include an intimate knowledge of guidelines among those working in the treatment and care sector, and proper informing of the patients about the effects of MRA on life.

Country-specific differences in bacterial antibiotic resistances cause variability in recommendations given in different countries. Mutually approved national expert and hospital-specific practices are therefore beneficial. Selection of the best prophylactic antimicrobial drug and correct timing of drug dosing are of high significance. In the light of our questionnaire survey prophylactic practices are relatively consistent in Finland. Hospitals have operation-specific recommendations on prophylaxis, but adherence to them is scarcely monitored. In fact, hospitals should invest in such monitoring systems.

Pseudocyst is a common complication of pancreatitis. Pseudocyst may rupture into the surrounding organs. Rupture into the portomesenteric vein is extremely rare with only seven cases being described in the English literature. pancreatic portal vein fistula is very difficult to verify. The aim of this study was to view the diagnostic methods of pancreatic portal vein fistula and to describe the results of high-dose corticosteroid treatment to our knowledge for the first time. We report here a case of pancreatic portomesenteric vein fistula that was manifest as subcutaneous fat necrosis, bursal necrosis, intramedullary aseptic bone necrosis and recidivating oligoarthritis. The literature of this unusual complication is reviewed. The results of high-dose corticosteroid treatment are also described. In patients with recidivating oligoarthritis, subcutaneous, bursal or osseal necrosis a pancreatic process should be included in the differential diagnosis even in cases of no abdominal signs or symptoms or previous abdominal history. Operative exploration of the pancreas should be performed in the early phase of the disease. To diminish the ongoing extrapancreatic manifestations after the closure of the fistula massive corticosteroid treatment may be attempted although the role of this therapy remains controversial.