Occupational Exposure, Post exposure prophylaxis

Occupational Exposure & Post-Exposure Prophylaxis : 

Dr.T.V.Rao MD Occupational Exposure & Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Dr.T.V.Rao MD 1

PowerPoint Presentation: 

This presentation is designed to assist with the training of staff on sharps management including safety devices The drug regime should be followed according to the best available options in resource poor circumstances. Dr.T.V.Rao MD 2

What is occupational exposure: 

What is occupational exposure Occupational exposure refers to exposure to potential blood-borne infections (HIV, HBV and HCV) that may occur in healthcare settings during performance of job duties. Post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) refers to comprehensive medical management to minimize the risk of infection among Health Care Personnel (HCP) following potential exposure to blood-borne pathogens (HIV, HBV, HCV) Dr.T.V.Rao MD 3

Who are at risk: 

All Health Care Personnel, including emergency care providers, laboratory personnel, autopsy personnel, hospital employees, interns and medical students, nursing staff and students, physicians, surgeons, dentists, labour and delivery room personnel, laboratory technicians, health facility sanitary staff and clinical waste handlers and health care professionals at all levels Who are at risk Dr.T.V.Rao MD 4

What are “sharps”?: 

What are “sharps”? Sharps are devices that are intentionally sharp to puncture or cut skin (needles, scalpels, etc.), or become sharp due to accident, such as broken glass tubes. Hypodermic needles Scalpels IV devices Capillary tubes Glass containers Pipettes Others Dr.T.V.Rao MD 5

What kind of devices usually cause sharps injuries?: 

Hypodermic needles Blood collection needles Suture needles Needles used in IV delivery systems Scalpels What kind of devices usually cause sharps injuries? Dr.T.V.Rao MD 6

How common are sharps injuries?: 

How common are sharps injuries? Estimates indicate that 600,000 to 800,000 needle stick injuries occur each year. Unfortunately, about half of these injuries are not reported. ALWAYS REPORT sharps injuries to your employer to ensure that you receive appropriate follow-up care. Dr.T.V.Rao MD 7

Sharps Management: 

Sharps Management What is an occupational exposure? A blood or body fluid exposure that occurs as a consequence of a work-related activity There are two types of blood and body fluid exposure: Percutaneous exposure (penetrates the skin) e.g. needle stick injury (NSI) or cut with a sharp object such as a scalpel blade Non-percutaneous or Mucocutaneous exposure (contact of mucous membrane or non-intact skin with blood or body fluids) e.g. blood splash to the eye Dr.T.V.Rao MD 8

Increasing the risk of sharps injuries: 

Increasing the risk of sharps injuries Past studies show sharps injuries are often associated with these activities: Recapping needles or other devices Transferring a body fluid between containers Failing to dispose of used needles or other devices properly in puncture-resistant sharps containers Dr.T.V.Rao MD 9

Who are at risk: 

Who are at risk Health Care Personnel are at risk of blood-borne infection transmission through exposure of a percutaneous injury (e.g. needle-stick or cut with a sharp instrument), contact with the mucous membranes of the eye or mouth of an infected person, contact with non-intact skin (particularly when the exposed skin is chapped, abraded, or afflicted with dermatitis or contact with blood or other potentially infectious body fluids . potentially infectious body fluids Dr.T.V.Rao MD 10

Protecting yourself : 

Report all needle stick and sharps-related injuries promptly to ensure that you receive appropriate follow-up care. Tell your employer about any sharps hazards you observe. Participate in training related to infection prevention. Get a Hepatitis B vaccination. Protecting yourself Dr.T.V.Rao MD 11

Sharps Management: 

Sharps Management Who is at risk of an occupational exposure? All healthcare workers who have the potential for exposure to infectious materials (e.g. blood, tissue, and specific body fluids, as well as medical supplies, equipment or environmental surfaces contaminated with these substances) e.g: Nurses Doctors Laboratory staff Technicians Therapists Support personnel e.g. housekeeping, maintenance Dental staff Contractual staff Students Dr.T.V.Rao MD 12

Sharps Management - General Principles: 

Needles should not be recapped, bent or broken by hand, removed from disposable syringes or otherwise manipulated by hand. Sharps Management - General Principles Dr.T.V.Rao MD 13

What infections can be caused by sharps injuries?: 

What infections can be caused by sharps injuries? Sharps injuries can expose workers to a number of blood borne pathogens that can cause serious or fatal infections. The pathogens that pose the most serious health risks are Hepatitis B virus (HBV) Hepatitis C virus (HCV) Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Dr.T.V.Rao MD 14

Risk of acquiring infection: 

The average risk of acquiring HIV infection from different types of occupational exposure is low compared to risk of infection with HBV or HCV. In terms of occupational exposure the important routes are needle stick exposure (0.3% risk for HIV, 9–30% for HBV and 1–10% for HCV) and mucous membrane exposure (0.09% for HIV ). Risk of acquiring infection Dr.T.V.Rao MD 15

Which fluids are potentially infectious for HIV?: 

Which fluids are potentially infectious for HIV? blood? saliva? sweat? feces? spinal fluid? pleural fluid? pus? urine? Dr.T.V.Rao MD 16

Which fluids are potentially infectious for HIV?: 

Which fluids are potentially infectious for HIV? blood saliva sweat feces spinal fluid pleural fluid pus urine Dr.T.V.Rao MD 17

Needle Stick and Sharps Injuries: 

Needle Stick and Sharps Injuries Procedures for Effectively Handling Sharps Injuries Dr.T.V.Rao MD 18

HIV PEP: 

HIV PEP Exposures common 56 documented cases of health care workers contracting HIV from exposures; 138 other possible cases Area of considerable concern but little data MMWR June 29, 2001 / 50(RR11);1-42 Dr.T.V.Rao MD 19

Risk of HIV Transmission Following Percutaneous (Needle stick) Exposure: 

Pooled analysis of prospective studies on health care workers with occupational exposures suggests risk is approximately 0.3% (95% CI, 0.2% - 0.5%) 1 Presence or absence of key risk factors may influence this risk in individual exposures Risk of HIV Transmission Following Percutaneous (Needle stick) Exposure 1. Bell DM. Am J Med 1997;102(suppl 5B):9-15. Dr.T.V.Rao MD 20

Assess exposed individual : 

Assess exposed individual The exposed individual should have confidential counseling and assessment by an experienced physician. Exposed individuals who are known or discovered to be HIV positive should not receive PEP. They should be offered counseling and information on prevention of transmission and referred to clinical and laboratory assessment to determine eligibility for antiretroviral therapy (ART). Besides the medical assessment,counselling exposed HCP is essential to allay fear and start PEP. Dr.T.V.Rao MD 21

Immediate Measures: 

Immediate Measures Percutaneous: wash needle sticks and cuts with soap and water remove foreign materials Non-intact skin exposure: wash with soap and water or antiseptic Mucous membrane flush splashes to the nose, mouth or skin with water irrigate eyes with clean water, sterile saline or sterile irrigants Dr.T.V.Rao MD 22

Counselling for PEP : 

Exposed persons (clients) should receive appropriate information about what PEP is about and the risk and benefits of PEP in order to provide informed consent for taking PEP. It should be clear that PEP is not mandatory. Counselling for PEP Dr.T.V.Rao MD 23

Psychological support : 

Many people feel anxious after exposure. Every exposed person needs to be informed about the risks, and the measures that can be taken. This will help to relieve part of the anxiety. Some clients may require further specialized psychological support . Psychological support Dr.T.V.Rao MD 24

Document exposure : 

Documentation of exposure is essential. Special leave from work should be considered initially for a period of two weeks. Subsequently, it can be extended based on the assessment of the exposed person’s mental state, side effects and requirements. Document exposure Dr.T.V.Rao MD 25

Practical application in the clinical settings : 

Practical application in the clinical settings For prophylactic treatment the exposed person must sign consent form . · Informed consent also means that if the exposed person has been advised PEP, but refuses to start it, this needs to be recorded. This document should be kept by the designated officer for PEP. · An information sheet covering the PEP and the biological follow-up after any AEB must be given to the person under treatment. However, this sheet cannot replace    verbal explanations. Dr.T.V.Rao MD 26

Sharps Management - General Principles: 

Sharps Management - General Principles Policies and procedures including NSI management Standard Precautions including personal protective equipment (PPE) Hepatitis B vaccination Education programs Modifications to work practices including alternatives to using needles Safe handling of sharps Sharps disposal systems i.e. puncture-resistant containers Injury prevention features/safety devices Active Passive Dr.T.V.Rao MD 27

Prescribe PEP : 

Deciding on PEP regimen There are two types of regimens: Basic regimen: 2-drug combination Expanded regimen: 3-drug combination The decision to initiate the type of regimen depends on the type of exposure and HIV serostatus of the source person. Prescribe PEP Dr.T.V.Rao MD 28

Outcomes of HIV Exposures: 

Dr.T.V.Rao MD Outcomes of HIV Exposures No infection  Aborted infection  Acute infection  no immune memory cellular immune response seroconversion 29

HIV chemoprophylaxis : 

Because post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) has its greatest effect if begun within two hours of exposure, it is essential to act immediately. The prophylaxis needs to be continued for four weeks. Exposure must be immediately reported to designated authority and therapy administered. Never delay start of therapy due to debate over regimen. Begin with basic 2-drug regimen, and once expert advice is obtained, change as required. HIV chemoprophylaxis Dr.T.V.Rao MD 30

PEP Regimens: Basic regimens: 

PEP Regimens: Basic regimens Two NRTIs Simple dosing, fewer side effects Preferred basic regimens: Zidovudine (AZT) OR tenofovir (TDF) plus lamivudine (3TC) OR emtricitabine (FTC) Alternative basic regimens: stavudine (d4T) OR didanosine (ddI) plus lamivudine (3TC) OR emtricitabine (FTC) MMWR 2005;54(No. RR-9). Dr.T.V.Rao MD 31

Expanded PEP Regimens: 

Basic regimen plus a third agent Rationale: 3 drugs may be more effective than 2 drugs, though direct evidence is lacking Consider for more serious exposures or if resistance in the source patient is suspected Adherence more difficult More potential for toxicity Expanded PEP Regimens Dr.T.V.Rao MD 32

Expanded PEP Regimens: 

Expanded PEP Regimens Preferred Expanded Regimen: Basic regimen plus lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra) Alternate Expanded Regimens: Basic regimen plus one of the following: Atazanavir* +/- ritonavir Fosamprenavir +/- ritonavir Indinavir +/- ritonavir Saquinavir (hgc; Invirase ) + ritonavir Nelfinavir Efavirenz MMWR 2005;54(RR-9) *Atazanavir requires ritonavir boosting if used with tenofovir Dr.T.V.Rao MD 33

Seek expert opinion in case of : 

Delay in reporting exposure (> 72 hours). ·          Unknown source ·          Known or suspected pregnancy, but initiate PEP ·          Breastfeeding mothers, but initiate PEP ·          Source patient is on ART ·          Major toxicity of PEP regimen. Seek expert opinion in case of Dr.T.V.Rao MD 34

Tolerability of HIV PEP in Health Care Workers: 

Tolerability of HIV PEP in Health Care Workers Percent of HCWs Wang SA. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2000;231:780-5. Incidence of Common Side Effects Dr.T.V.Rao MD 35

CDC Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Guidelines: 

CDC Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Guidelines MMWR 2005;54(No. RR-9) . http://www.aidsinfo.nih.gov Dr.T.V.Rao MD 36

CDC Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Guidelines: 

MMWR 2005;54(No. RR-9). CDC Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Guidelines Dr.T.V.Rao MD 37

PowerPoint Presentation: 

MMWR 2005;54(No. RR-9). CDC Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Guidelines Dr.T.V.Rao MD 38

Follow-up HIV Testing: 

CDC recommendations: HIV Ab testing for 6 months post-exposure (e.g., at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months) Extended HIV Ab testing at 12 months is recommended if health care worker contracts HCV from a source patient co-infected with HIV and HCV VL testing not recommended unless primary HIV infection (PHI) suspected Follow-up HIV Testing MMWR 2005;54(No. RR-9). Dr.T.V.Rao MD 39

Institutional Procedures: 

Dr.T.V.Rao MD Institutional Procedures HAVE A PLAN for immediate evaluation of employees HAVE A PLAN for financial provision of PEP HAVE A PLAN to protect employee confidentiality about exposure, treatment and test results Review and Update annually 40

Recommendations Hepatitis B : 

For the unimmunized: prophylactic HBIG initiate the vaccine series Recommendations Hepatitis B Dr.T.V.Rao MD 41

General Principles in Hepatitis B Vaccination: 

General Principles in Hepatitis B Vaccination Hepatitis B Vaccination A primary course of hepatitis B vaccinations over six months Mandatory for all staff in contact with patients and patient-contaminated material Titre level (HBsAb) four to six weeks after last dose Booster doses not required if titre level >10 mIU/mL Dr.T.V.Rao MD 42

Protecting yourself from needle stick injuries a self responsibility ???: 

Protecting yourself from needle stick injuries a self responsibility ??? Avoid the use of needles where safe alternatives are available. Help your employer select and evaluate devices with safety features that reduce the risk of injury. Use devices with safety features provided by your employer. Do not recap needles or scalpels. Plan for safe handling and disposal of sharps before using them. Dr.T.V.Rao MD 43

Recommendations Hepatitis C : 

Recommendations Hepatitis C No effective prophylaxis Immunoglobulin and antiviral agents are NOT recommended Determine status of source Establish baseline serology and serum ALT of employee and repeat testing at 4-6 months post-exposure Early treatment if infection occurs Refer to Hepatologist Dr.T.V.Rao MD 44

Hepatitis C: follow-up testing: 

CDC guidelines: follow-up HCV Ab and ALT at 4-6 months 1 Consider periodic HCV RNA screening (monthly?) if earlier detection desired Note that unlike acute HIV infection, most patients are not symptomatic with acute HCV infectio n 2 Hepatitis C : follow-up testing 1. MMWR June 29, 2001 / 50(RR11);1-42. 2. Mandell: Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, 5th ed., p. 1279 . Dr.T.V.Rao MD 45

Major references : 

Major references MMWR reviews CDC guidelines Post-Exposure Prophylaxis an evidence-based review Christopher Behrens, MD Hillary Liss, MD Northwest AIDS Education & Training Center University of Washington NACO guidelines on Post exposure prophylaxis Dr.T.V.Rao MD 46

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Dr.T.V.Rao MD 47 Programme created by Dr.T.V.Rao MD for Medical and Paramedical Professionals in the Developing world. Email doctortvrao@gmail.com