1423. Antibiotic Utilization and Outcomes in Patients with Sacral Osteomyelitis and Decubitus Ulcers

Abstract

BackgroundOsteomyelitis is a common complication of advanced stage pressure ulcers and known to be associated with increased mortality, length of stay (LOS), and treatment costs. However, limited data and lack of guidelines regarding appropriate diagnosis and treatment result in variability in management. We sought to investigate whether microbiology data are associated with reduced antibiotic utilization in patients with osteomyelitis secondary to decubitus ulcers.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included hospitalized patients from 2007 to 2015 with an advanced stage (IV or unstageable) sacral decubitus ulcer and clinical concern for osteomyelitis. The exposure group was those who underwent tissue culture (superficial swab, deep bedside or surgical tissue, or bone biopsy). The primary outcome was antibiotic days of therapy (DOT). Additional secondary outcomes including clinical characteristics at presentation, LOS, readmission rates, and antibiotic-related complications were evaluated using Fisher’s exact or Wilcoxon-Mann–Whitney test for continuous variables.ResultsA total of 220 cases of advanced-stage decubitus ulcer with clinical concern for osteomyelitis were identified. Data abstracted from 40 cases show that tissue cultures were obtained in 22 (55%). Bacterial growth was identified from 100% of samples sent for culture. Antibiotic use prior to admission was the most significant predictor of failure to obtain tissue cultures (P = 0.0002). MRI was performed in 15% of abstracted cases, with radiographic evidence of osteomyelitis noted in 100%. Bone biopsy was performed in 4 cases; bone pathology was not sent in any of these instances. Median antibiotic DOT was 84 days in both groups. ConclusionIn cases of sacral osteomyelitis secondary to decubitus ulcers, antibiotic use prior to admission was inversely related to the likelihood of obtaining a tissue culture. When tissue cultures were obtained, they were uniformly positive; however, in our preliminary analysis of 40 cases, this did not appear to influence antibiotic utilization as determined by DOT. Bone biopsy was rarely performed, and when done, was not sent for pathology despite this being recognized as the gold standard in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.