Antibiotic Duration Research Articles

Combination of a Rapid Diagnostic Assay and Antimicrobial Stewardship Intervention for Gram-Negative Bacteremia.

Traditional blood cultures for gram-negative bacteremia can take up to 72 hours or more to return results, prolonging the duration of empiric broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics. The Accelerate Pheno system provides rapid identification and susceptibilities for blood cultures in gram-negative bacteremia. Current data on its clinical utility are mixed overall, so the system requires further research. A multicenter, retrospective quasi-experimental study was conducted comparing the Accelerate Pheno rapid diagnostic system with antimicrobial stewardship intervention and traditional blood cultures alone. A total of 264 patients with blood cultures with gram-negative bacteria growth were included in the final analysis (102 pre-intervention, 162 post-intervention). The antimicrobial stewardship team made 364 recommendations in 152/162 (93.8%) patients in the post group. Duration of intravenous therapy was shorter (P < .001) for the post-intervention group (median, 4.0 days) compared with the pre-intervention group (median, 7.5 days). Hospital length of stay was also shorter (P < .001) for the post-intervention group (median, 5.1 days) compared with the pre-intervention group (median, 7.0 days). Readmission rates within 30 days were reduced (P = .042) post-intervention (13.0%) compared with pre-intervention (22.6%). In the post-intervention group, a larger proportion of patients were transitioned to oral therapy at any point (126/162, 77.8%) compared with pre-intervention (62/102, 60.8%; P < .001). These results suggest that the Accelerate Pheno system, with active review and intervention by a multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship team, is a useful tool in improving both patient-centric and antimicrobial stewardship outcomes.

Subperiosteal abscess volume; an objective indication for surgical management in pediatrics.

Subperiosteal abscess (SPA) can lead to devastating morbidity and mortality. Prompt management is important; however, the choice of management route is controversial. This study investigates factors associated with surgical management and defines a cut-off abscess volume prompting surgical intervention. SPA cases presented to King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC) from 2014 to 2023 were reviewed. The surgical approach was studied in association with factors including age, gender, symptoms and signs, laboratory results, computed tomography (CT) characteristics, medications, and surgical approach. Multiple statistical tests were used for analysis, including student t-test, chi-square, multiple logistic regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Patients were managed medically (n = 14, 45.16%) or surgically (n = 17, 54.84%). The average duration of antibiotics was 15 days. Superior SPA favors surgical management (OR = 6.722, CI [1.332-33.913], p = 0.029), along with the use of steroids (OR = 5.625, CI [0.915-34.572], p = 0.049), and abscess volume (OR = 10.003, CI [1.418-70.540], p < 0.001). However, the only factor attributing to a surgical decision on multivariate logistic regression analysis was abscess volume (OR = 5.126, CI [1.023-25.694], p = 0.047). SPA volume of ≥ 0.648ml strongly prompts surgical management, with a sensitivity of 94.1% and a specificity of 71.4% (p = 0.000). SPA volume increases the likelihood of surgical intervention by five times, especially when abscess volume is ≥ 0.648ml.

Sonographic temporary nephromegaly in children during their first febrile urinary tract infection is a significant prognostic factor for recurrent infection

There are currently no available data on the relationship between sonographic temporary nephromegaly in children during their first febrile urinary tract infection (fUTI) and recurrent fUTI. For this analysis, a multicenter retrospective cohort study of 343 children who underwent renal ultrasound during their first fUTI was conducted between 2013 and 2020. Sonographic temporary nephromegaly was defined as increased renal length during the initial fUTI, followed by normal renal length after antibiotic treatment. Compared with children without sonographic temporary nephromegaly (n = 307), the duration of fever and intravenous antibiotics was significantly longer, and C-reactive protein, creatinine, and the proportion of children who had recurrent fUTI were significantly higher, in those with sonographic temporary nephromegaly (n = 36). In an additional analysis of 100 patients who received voiding cystourethrography, a logistic regression model confirmed that the odds of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) were significantly higher in children with temporary nephromegaly or those who experienced fUTI recurrence. In nine out of 16 children with VUR who had temporary nephromegaly, the reason for receiving voiding cystourethrography was recurrent fUTI. Our results suggest that sonographic temporary nephromegaly during an initial fUTI is predictive for recurrence and VUR, and that in children with temporary nephromegaly, VUR may be detectable before fUTI recurrence.

Source Control and Antibiotics in Intra-Abdominal Infections.

Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) account for a major cause of morbidity and mortality, representing the second most common sepsis-related death with a hospital mortality of 23-38%. Prompt identification of sepsis source, appropriate resuscitation, and early treatment with the shortest delay possible are the cornerstones of management of IAIs and are associated with a more favorable clinical outcome. The aim of source control is to reduce microbial load by removing the infection source and it is achievable by using a wide range of procedures, such as definitive surgical removal of anatomic infectious foci, percutaneous drainage and toilette of infected collections, decompression, and debridement of infected and necrotic tissue or device removal, providing for the restoration of anatomy and function. Damage control surgery may be an option in selected septic patients. Intra-abdominal infections can be classified as uncomplicated or complicated causing localized or diffuse peritonitis. Early clinical evaluation is mandatory in order to optimize diagnostic testing and establish a therapeutic plan. Prognostic scores could serve as helpful tools in medical settings for evaluating both the seriousness and future outlook of a condition. The patient's conditions and the potential progression of the disease determine when to initiate source control. Patients can be classified into three groups based on disease severity, the origin of infection, and the patient's overall physical health, as well as any existing comorbidities. In recent decades, antibiotic resistance has become a global health threat caused by inappropriate antibiotic regimens, inadequate control measures, and infection prevention. The sepsis prevention and infection control protocols combined with optimizing antibiotic administration are crucial to improve outcome and should be encouraged in surgical departments. Antibiotic and antifungal regimens in patients with IAIs should be based on the resistance epidemiology, clinical conditions, and risk for multidrug resistance (MDR) and Candida spp. infections. Several challenges still exist regarding the effectiveness, timing, and patient stratification, as well as the procedures for source control. Antibiotic choice, optimal dosing, and duration of therapy are essential to achieve the best treatment. Promoting standard of care in the management of IAIs improves clinical outcomes worldwide. Further trials and stronger evidence are required to achieve optimal management with the least morbidity in the clinical care of critically ill patients with intra-abdominal sepsis.

Detection of rare microorganisms in bone and joint infections by metagenomic next-generation sequencing.

This aim of this study was to analyze the detection rate of rare pathogens in bone and joint infections (BJIs) using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), and the impact of mNGS on clinical diagnosis and treatment. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 235 patients with BJIs who were treated at our hospital between January 2015 and December 2021. Patients were divided into the no-mNGS group (microbial culture only) and the mNGS group (mNGS testing and microbial culture) based on whether mNGS testing was used or not. A total of 147 patients were included in the no-mNGS group and 88 in the mNGS group. The mNGS group had a higher detection rate of rare pathogens than the no-mNGS group (21.6% vs 10.2%, p = 0.016). However, the mNGS group had lower rates of antibiotic-related complications, shorter hospital stays, and higher infection control rates compared with the no-mNGS group (p = 0.017, p = 0.003, and p = 0.028, respectively), while there was no significant difference in the duration of antibiotic use (p = 0.957). In culture-negative cases, the mNGS group had lower rates of antibiotic-related complications, shorter hospital stays, and a higher infection control rate than the no-mNGS group (p = 0.036, p = 0.033, p = 0.022, respectively), while there was no significant difference in the duration of antibiotic use (p = 0.748). mNGS improves detection of rare pathogens in BJIs. mNGS testing reduces antibiotic-related complications, shortens hospital stay and antibiotic use duration, and improves treatment success rate, benefits which are particularly evident in culture-negative cases.

Excessive prescription duration is a major contributor of inappropriate antibiotic use in primary care

ObjectivesIn France, 75% of systemic antibiotics are prescribed by general practitioners (GPs) in primary care. We aimed to estimate the burden of inappropriate use related to excessive prescription duration. Patients and methodsIn 2021, we performed a cross-sectional and pharmaco-economic study of a network of six GPs. The references for optimal durations were those of the French national guidelines for antibiotic prescription. ResultsOut of 196 antibiotic prescriptions, 33.7 % were of excessive duration, with a mean excess of 0.9 [0.86–0.94] to 1.6 [1.45–1.72] days per prescription. Ear, nose, and throat, respiratory tract, and skin and skin structure infections were the main infections associated with excessive prescription. The pharmaco-economic analysis showed that the cost of excessive prescription duration would range from an estimated 151 to 262 million € in France in 2021. ConclusionAddressing excessive antibiotic prescription duration by GPs may represent a powerful and cost-saving tool in antimicrobial stewardship programs.

Epidemiology and Management of Pediatric Group A Streptococcal Pneumonia With Parapneumonic Effusion: An Observational Study.

During autumn/winter 2022, UK pediatricians reported an unseasonal increase in invasive group A streptococcal infections; a striking proportion presenting with pneumonia with parapneumonic effusion. Clinicians across the United Kingdom were requested to submit pseudonymized clinical data using a standardized report form for children (<16 years) admitted between September 30, 2022 and February 17, 2023, with microbiologically confirmed group A streptococcal pneumonia with parapneumonic effusion. From 185 cases submitted, the median patient age was 4.4 years, and 163 (88.1%) were previously healthy. Respiratory viral coinfection was detected on admission for 101/153 (66.0%) children using extended respiratory pathogen polymerase chain reaction panel. Molecular testing was the primary method of detecting group A streptococcus on pleural fluid (86/171; 50.3% samples). Primary surgical management was undertaken in 171 (92.4%) children; 153/171 (89.4%) had pleural drain inserted (96 with fibrinolytic agent), 14/171 (8.2%) had video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Fever duration after admission was prolonged (median, 12 days; interquartile range, 9-16). Intravenous antibiotic courses varied in length (median, 14 days; interquartile range, 12-21), with many children receiving multiple broad-spectrum antibiotics, although evidence for additional bacterial infection was limited. Most cases occurred with viral coinfection, a previously well-recognized risk with influenza and varicella zoster, highlighting the need to ensure routine vaccination coverage and progress on vaccines for other common viruses (eg, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus) and for group A streptococcus. Molecular testing is valuable to detect viral coinfection and confirm invasive group A streptococcal diagnosis, expediting the incorporation of cases into national reporting systems. Range and duration of intravenous antibiotics administered demonstrated the need for research on the optimal duration of antimicrobials and improved stewardship.

Risk factors for developing intra-abdominal abscess following appendicectomy for acute appendicitis: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundLaparoscopic appendicectomy is commonly performed in Australia for treatment of acute appendicitis. Intra-abdominal abscess (IAA) is a potential complication following appendicectomy for acute appendicitis. Risk factors for developing post-operative IAA remain controversial and poorly defined. Laparoscopic washout may be performed for patients who develop complication(s) including IAA. The aim of this study was to define risk factors for both the development of IAA and identify patients who may require laparoscopic washout following appendicectomy.MethodsData were obtained from 423 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy over a five-year period (2012–2017). Clinical (fever, haemodynamics, examination findings), biochemical (white cell count, neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, bilirubin, albumin), radiological (CT free fluid), and operative factors (inflammation, suppuration, free-fluid, perforation, histopathology) collected in the pre-, peri-, and post-operative period(s) were analysed.Results23 (5.4%) patients developed post-operative IAA. Duration of intravenous antibiotics was significantly longer in patients who developed IAA and in those who required laparoscopic washout (p < 0.0001). C-reactive protein (CRP) on admission (p < 0.05) and appendiceal perforation (p = 0.0005) were significantly higher in patients who either developed IAA or needed laparoscopic washout. No clinical or radiological finding predicted either the development of IAA or need for laparoscopic washout.ConclusionElevated CRP on admission may predict the development of post-operative IAA formation or the need for laparoscopic washout post-appendicectomy. Prolonged post-operative antibiotic use appears independent of the development of IAA as well as the need for laparoscopic washout. These data highlight the need for clear guidelines on peri-operative antibiotic use following appendicectomy.

Effect of β-lactam antibiotics on the gut microbiota of term neonates

β-Lactam antibiotics are a class of antibiotics commonly used to treat bacterial infections. However, the effects of β-lactam antibiotics on term neonatal intestinal flora have not been fully elucidated. Hospitalized full-term newborns receiving β-lactam antibiotics formed the antibiotic group (n = 67), while those without antibiotic treatment comprised the non-antibiotic group (n = 47). A healthy group included healthy full-term newborns (n = 16). Stool samples were collected for 16 S rDNA sequencing to analyze gut microbiota variations. Further investigation was carried out within the β-lactam antibiotic group, exploring the effects of antibiotic use on the newborns’ gut microbiota in relation to the duration and type of antibiotic administration, delivery method, and feeding practices. The antibiotic group exhibited significant difference of microbial community composition compared to the other groups. Genera like Klebsiella, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Alistipes, and Aeromonas were enriched, while Escherichia-Shigella, Clostridium sensu stricto 1, Bifidobacterium, and Parabacteroides were reduced. Klebsiella negatively correlated with Escherichia-Shigella, positively with Enterobacter, while Escherichia-Shigella negatively correlated with Enterococcus and Streptococcus. Regardless of neonatal age, β-lactam antibiotics induced an elevated abundance of Klebsiella and Enterococcus. The impact on gut microbiota varied with the duration and type of antibiotic (cefotaxime or ampicillin/sulbactam). Compared to vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery after β-lactam treatment heightened the abundance of Klebsiella, Enterobacteriaceae_Unclassified, Lactobacillales_Unclassified, and Pectobacterium. Feeding patterns minimally influenced β-lactam-induced alterations. In conclusion, β-lactam antibiotic treatment for neonatal pneumonia and sepsis markedly disrupted intestinal microbiota, favoring Klebsiella, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Alistipes, and Aeromonas. The impact of β-lactam varied by duration, type, and delivery method, emphasizing heightened disruptions post-cesarean delivery.

Duration of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in neonatal surgery: Less is more

BackgroundThe ideal duration of neonatal antibiotic prophylaxis is not determined with wide variance in practice. This study aims to evaluate the association between duration of antibiotics and surgical site infection (SSI) in neonatal surgery. MethodsA retrospective review regarding antibiotic prophylaxis was performed on <30-day-old surgical patients at a children's hospital from 2014 to 2019. The patients were analyzed based on demographics, presence of SSI, and antibiotic duration. The primary outcome was the development of SSI with ANOVA, chi-square, and recursive partitioning used for statistical analysis. Results19/155 patients developed an SSI (12.26 ​%). Those with an SSI had a lower weight at surgery (p ​= ​0.03). Additionally, wound classification (p ​= ​0.17) and antibiotic duration >48hrs (p ​= ​0.94) made no statistical difference in SSI rate. The two variables most closely linked to SSI development were gestational age (100 ​%) and weight at time of procedure (80.76 ​%). ConclusionsAntibiotic prophylaxis >48 ​h did not decrease the incidence of SSI. Risk factors for SSI development in neonatal surgery were lower gestational age, decreased weight at time of procedure and total length of procedure.

Comparison of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with laparoscopic surgery for patients with mild and moderately severe acute biliary pancreatitis

Acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) is an acute inflammatory reaction that occurs as a result of abnormal reflux of bile into the pancreatic duct, which activates pancreatic digestive enzymes to produce pancreatic auto-digestion. ObjectivesTo explore the advantages of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) treatment compared with laparoscopic surgery in the management of patients with mild and moderately severe ABP, and to study the risk factors for recurrence of ABP and construct a risk prediction model to assist in resolving clinical decision-making and improving prognosis. MethodsPatients with mild and moderately severe ABP treated at General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from January 1, 2019 to July 1, 2022 were reviewed. A total of 327 patients were enrolled according to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria. According to the different treatment modalities, they were divided into the group treated via ERCP (n = 239) and the group treated via laparoscopic surgery (n = 88). Statistical analyses were performed to compare the differences between the average levels of preoperative and postoperative blood routine and blood biochemical indexes, as well as the time of recovery from clinical symptoms, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications between the two groups of patients. The 280 patients who participated in the follow-up were divided into the recurrence group (n = 130) and the non-recurrence group (n = 150) according to whether they had recurrence or not. Independent samples t-test and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the causative monofactors and risk factors of recurrent biliary pancreatitis, and then to construct the model and assess the predictive accuracy of the model. ResultsOn postoperative day 2, the incidence of local complications, Balthazar CT score, and the number of analgesia were lower in the patients in the group treated by ERCP than in the group treated by laparoscopic surgery (P < 0.001), and the duration of antibiotics, enzyme-suppressing medication, fasting, and hospital stay were shorter in the patients in the group treated by ERCP than in the group treated by laparoscopic surgery (P < 0.001). Personal history, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and treatment modality are risk factors for recurrence of biliary pancreatitis. The model constructed by combining GGT, personal history, and treatment modality had the best predictive ability for disease recurrence compared with the model with GGT, personal history, and treatment modality alone (area under the ROC curve 0.815). ConclusionCompared with the laparoscopic surgery group, ERCP treatment can effectively relieve symptoms and restore gastrointestinal function in advance in patients with ABP, and reduce hospitalisation time and related complications. Personal history, GGT, and treatment modality are risk factors for recurrence of biliary pancreatitis. Patients can prevent recurrence by abstaining from smoking and alcohol, eating a healthy diet, and exercising appropriately.

Early stoppage of empirical antibiotic therapy at clinical improvement in paediatric leukaemia patients with high-risk febrile neutropenia (ESAT-HR-FN study): Study protocol of a single centre investigator initiated randomised open label non-inferiority trial

Background and rationaleFebrile neutropenia (FN) is one of the major causes of early mortality among children undergoing induction chemotherapy for haematological malignancies. FN occurs in up to 80 % of the children undergoing intensive chemotherapy and FN specific mortality is as high as 10 %. The management of high-risk FN (HR-FN) is by early initiation of broad-spectrum empirical antibiotic therapy (EAT) which is continued till blood count recovery. Adverse effects of prolonged EAT among children without proven infective focus have questioned the rationale behind the duration of EAT. The non inferiority of early stoppage of EAT in patients with low-risk FN (LR-FN) when afebrile for 48 h, irrespective of marrow recovery, is proven among adults and children. However, there is paucity of data regarding the same in children with HR-FN. This study aims to determine whether early discontinuation of EAT in children with HR-FN without proven infective focus who become afebrile and awaiting marrow recovery, would reduce antibiotic duration and their adverse effects without any negative consequences for patients. ObjectiveTo compare the rates of recurrent fever in paediatric patients (2–18 years) with HR-FN when EAT is continued till marrow recovery (control group) versus when stopped early at defervescence irrespective of marrow recovery (study group). MethodologyThis is the study protocol of a phase 3, single centre, randomized, open label, non-inferiority clinical trial. The primary outcome is the rate of fever recurrence among patients with HR-FN, when EAT is stopped early irrespective of marrow recovery (study group) and will be compared to the rate of fever recurrence on continuation of EAT till marrow recovery which is defined as an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 500/mm3 (control group). Secondary outcomes include the comparison of duration of antibiotic use, mortality rates, hospital re-admission rates, requirement of multiple broad-spectrum antibiotics, therapeutic anti-fungal usage and need for organ support between the study and the control groups. A total of 280 children with acute leukaemia undergoing EAT for grade 3 or severe FN (ANC <500/μL) without clinico-laboratory evidence of infective foci are being randomized in the ratio of 1:1 between the study and the control group after defervescence for 48 h. The patients will be followed up for primary outcome (fever recurrence) till the end of induction period (day 35) or recovery of ANC ≥500/mm3 whichever is earlier. Expected outcomeESAT-HR FN study is the first large phase 3 randomised study to assess the impact of early stoppage of EAT irrespective of marrow recovery among a homogenous paediatric cohort of HR-FN in the setting of induction chemotherapy for acute leukaemia. This study will be seminal in addressing the duration of EAT in HR-FN among children without infective foci and if proven to be non-inferior this strategy will help to reduce the adverse effects from prolonged antibiotic use, the emergence of drug resistance, decrease hospital stay length and overall health care costs.

Global Management of Serious Bacterial Infections in Young Infants Aged 0 to 59 Days: An Overview of Systematic Reviews.

To inform World Health Organization guidelines for the management of serious bacterial infection (SBI) (suspected or confirmed sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis) in infants aged 0-59 days. To conduct an "overview of systematic reviews" to: (1) understand which systematic reviews have examined diagnosis and management of SBI in infants aged 0-59 days in the last 5 years; and (2) assess if the reviews examined PICOs (population, intervention, comparator, outcomes) and regimens currently being recommended in low and middle income countries (LMICs) by the World Health Organization. MEDLINE; Embase; Cochrane Library; Epistemonikos; PROSPERO. Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials or observational studies of infants aged 0-59 days examining diagnostic accuracy and antibiotic regimens for SBI from January 1, 2018 to November 3, 2023. Dual independent extraction of study characteristics, PICOs, and methodological quality. Nine systematic reviews met our criteria. Two reviews examined diagnostic accuracy for sepsis, and no reviews examined pneumonia or meningitis. Five reviews examined antibiotic effectiveness (sepsis [n = 4]; pneumonia [n = 1]), and no reviews examined meningitis. One review examined antibiotic duration for sepsis and one for meningitis, and no reviews for pneumonia. Only 4 of the 9 systematic reviews met criteria for high-quality. Our review was limited to the last 5 years to inform current guideline updates. Few studies have examined antibiotic regimens currently being used in LMICs and quality is of concern in many studies. More high-quality data are needed to inform management of SBI in newborns, especially in LMICs.

Evaluating the Desirability of Outcome Ranking (DOOR) and Response Adjusted for Duration of Antibiotic Risk (RADAR) for Clinical Trials of Antibiotics in Pediatric Pneumonia.

Objective outcomes for pediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) are lacking. The desirability of outcome ranking (DOOR) and response adjusted for duration of antibiotic risk (RADAR) outcome encompass clinical benefit and adverse effects, while also accounting for antibiotic exposure. We evaluated DOOR/RADAR through simulations and compared sample size considerations to non-inferiority designs in a hypothetical trial comparing antibiotics to no antibiotics (i.e., placebo) for children with mild CAP. We also evaluated a trial comparing different durations of antibiotics. Three scenarios were considered - one with no difference in DOOR between the two groups, one in which placebo is more efficacious, and another in which amoxicillin is more efficacious than placebo. Power to detect a difference between arms was greater using DOOR/RADAR compared to DOOR. Assuming a sample size of 200, DOOR had 2.5%, 50%, and 65% power to detect a statistical difference between arms for Scenarios 1-3, respectively, significantly less than DOOR/RADAR. Importantly, DOOR/RADAR incorrectly identified placebo as superior in Scenario 3 where amoxicillin was truly efficacious. Sample size requirements for non-inferiority designs were larger to achieve similar levels of power as DOOR and DOOR/RADAR. DOOR/RADAR has the potential to lead to an incorrect conclusion declaring placebo superior when amoxicillin is efficacious.

Opportunities to Improve Antibiotic Prescribing for Adults With Acute Sinusitis, United States, 2016-2020.

Better understanding differences associated with antibiotic prescribing for acute sinusitis can help inform antibiotic stewardship strategies. We characterized antibiotic prescribing patterns for acute sinusitis among commercially insured adults and explored differences by patient- and prescriber-level factors. Outpatient encounters among adults aged 18 to 64 years diagnosed with sinusitis between 2016 and 2020 were identified by national administrative claims data. We classified antibiotic agents-first-line (amoxicillin-clavulanate or amoxicillin) and second-line (doxycycline, levofloxacin, or moxifloxacin)-and ≤7-day durations as guideline concordant based on clinical practice guidelines. Modified Poisson regression was used to examine the association between patient- and prescriber-level factors and guideline-concordant antibiotic prescribing. Among 4 689 850 sinusitis encounters, 53% resulted in a guideline-concordant agent, 30% in a guideline-discordant agent, and 17% in no antibiotic prescription. About 75% of first-line agents and 63% of second-line agents were prescribed for >7 days, exceeding the length of therapy recommended by clinical guidelines. Adults with sinusitis living in a rural area were less likely to receive a prescription with guideline-concordant antibiotic selection (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 0.92; 95% CI, .92-.92) and duration (aRR, 0.77; 95% CI, .76-.77). When compared with encounters in an office setting, urgent care encounters were less likely to result in a prescription with a guideline-concordant duration (aRR, 0.76; 95% CI, .75-.76). Opportunities still exist to optimize antibiotic agent selection and treatment duration for adults with acute sinusitis, especially in rural areas and urgent care settings. Recognizing specific patient- and prescriber-level factors associated with antibiotic prescribing can help inform antibiotic stewardship interventions.

Antibiotic use among extremely low birth-weight infants from 2009 to 2021: a retrospective observational study

ObjectiveTo assess trends in antibiotic use across a large cohort of extremely low birth-weight (<1000 g; ELBW) infants admitted to academic and community neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across the...

A quality improvement project on reducing antibiotic use duration in very low birth weight preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit

To develop effective measures to reduce antibiotic use duration in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit through quality improvement methods. The study population consisted of hospitalized VLBW preterm infants, with the percentage of hospitalization time during which antibiotics were used from November 2020 to June 2021 serving as the baseline. The specific quality improvement goal was to reduce the duration of antibiotic use. Factors affecting antibiotic use duration in preterm infants were analyzed using Pareto charts. Key drivers were identified, and specific interventions were formulated based on the stages of antibiotic use. Changes in the percentage of antibiotic use duration were monitored with run charts until the quality improvement target was achieved. From November 2020 to June 2021, the baseline antibiotic use duration percentage was 49%, with a quality improvement target to reduce this by 10% within 12 months. The Pareto analysis indicated that major factors influencing antibiotic duration included non-standard antibiotic use; delayed cessation of antibiotics when no infection evidence was present; prolonged central venous catheter placement; insufficient application of kangaroo care; and delayed progress in enteral nutrition. The interventions implemented included: (1) establishing sepsis evaluation and management standards; (2) educating medical staff on the rational use of antibiotics for preterm infants; (3) supervising the enforcement of antibiotic use standards during ward rounds; (4) for those without clear signs of infection and with negative blood cultures, discontinued the use of antibiotics 36 hours after initiation; (5) reducing the duration of central venous catheterization and parenteral nutrition to lower the risk of infection in preterm infants. The control chart showed that with continuous implementation of interventions, the percentage of antibiotic use duration was reduced from 49% to 32%, a statistically significant decrease. The application of quality improvement tools based on statistical principles and process control may significantly reduce the antibiotic use duration in VLBW preterm infants. Citation:Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics, 2024, 26(7): 736-742.

A Prospective Quality Improvement Program to Reduce Prolonged Postoperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Ethiopia.

Introduction: Although postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis has not been shown to prevent surgical site infections, prolonged antibiotic administration is common in low- and middle-income countries. We developed a quality improvement program to reduce unnecessary postoperative antibiotics through hospital-specific guideline development and the use of a brief, multidisciplinary discussion of antibiotic indication, choice, and duration during clinical rounds. We assessed reduction in the number of patients receiving ≥24 h of antibiotic prophylaxis after clean and clean-contaminated surgery. Methods: We piloted the program at a referral hospital in Ethiopia from February to September 2023. After a 6-week baseline assessment, multidisciplinary teams adapted international guidelines for surgical prophylaxis to local disease burden, medication availability, and cost restrictions; stakeholders from surgical departments provided feedback. Surgical teams implemented a "timeout" during rounds to apply these guidelines to patient care; compliance with the timeout and antibiotic administration was assessed throughout the study period. Results: We collected data from 636 patients; 159 (25%) in the baseline period and 477 (75%) in the intervention period. The percentage of patients receiving ≥24 h of antibiotic prophylaxis after surgery decreased from 50.9% in the baseline period to 40.9% in the intervention period (p = 0.027) and was associated with a 0.5 day reduction in postoperative length of stay (p = 0.047). Discussion: This antibiotic stewardship pilot program reduced postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in a resource-constrained setting in Sub-Saharan Africa and was associated with shorter length of stay. This program has the potential to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use in this population.

Evaluation of the adherence to surgical antibiotic prophylaxis recommendations and associated factors in a University Hospital: A cross-sectional study

Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) is an important preventive measure, aiming to minimize surgical site infections. However, despite evidence-based guidelines, adherence to SAP protocols remains suboptimal in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to assess the adequacy of SAP in a high-complexity hospital and investigate associated factors. A cross-sectional design was conducted, involving surgeries performed by expert teams in cardiology, urology, neurology, and gastrointestinal. SAP prescriptions were evaluated based on indication, antibiotic choice, dosage, and duration, according to the hospital protocol. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and association tests between protocol adherence and patient demographics, clinical variables, surgical teams, and types of surgeries. Out of 1,864 surgeries, only 20.7% adhered to SAP protocols. Lower adherence rates were observed for antibiotic choice and duration of prophylaxis. Neurological surgeries exhibited significantly lower adherence, particularly concerning antibiotic choice and duration. Factors associated with nonadherence included elevated preoperative blood glucose levels, prolonged hospitalization, and extended surgical duration. Logistic regression analysis identified surgical teams as significant factors influencing protocol adherence. Despite the relatively high adherence to antibiotic dosage, challenges persist in antibiotic choice and duration adjustment. Poor glycemic control, prolonged surgery, and surgical teams were variables associated with inappropriate practice.

Antibiotic duration and route for treatment of adults with uncomplicated streptococcal bloodstream infections: a retrospective study in a large healthcare system.

Data guiding the duration and route of streptococcal bloodstream infection (BSI) treatment are lacking. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults hospitalized with uncomplicated streptococcal BSI in a large integrated healthcare system from 2013 to 2020. The exposures of interest were antibiotic duration (5-10 days vs. 11-15 days) and antibiotic route (oral switch vs. entirely intravenous). The primary outcome was a composite 90-day outcome comprised of all-cause mortality, recurrent streptococcal BSI, or readmission. We performed non-inferiority analyses for each exposure. Separate multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were constructed for each exposure. The antibiotic duration analysis included 1,407 patients (5-10 days, n = 246; 11-15 days, n = 1,161). We found that 5-10-day courses were non-inferior to 11-15-day courses (P = 0.047). The antibiotic route analysis included 1,461 patients (oral switch, n = 1,112; entirely intravenous, n = 349). Oral step-down therapy did not meet the criteria for non-inferiority (P = 0.06). In the adjusted models, no significant difference was found in the primary outcome rate by antibiotic duration or antibiotic route at discharge. We found that 5-10-day courses were non-inferior to longer courses, and thus may be a safe and effective treatment option in the treatment of uncomplicated streptococcal bacteremia. Randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the equivalent outcomes with shorter regimens and to definitively determine the optimal antibiotic route on discharge.