Antibiotic Restriction Research Articles

Amoxicillin vs. placebo to reduce symptoms in children with group A streptococcal pharyngitis: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, non-inferiority trial.

Placebo appears to be non-inferior to amoxicillin in reducing fever duration. Pain intensity and risk of complications were similar between the two groups. These findings support the restrictive antibiotic treatment for streptococcal pharyngitis. • Group A streptococcus pharyngitis is a common reason for prescribing antibiotics in pediatric care. • In high-income countries, while antibiotic treatment has not been effective in preventing non-suppurative complications, the primary justification for their use remains the reduction of symptoms. • Our results suggest that antibiotics have a limited impact on the duration of fever and the intensity of pain in children with streptococcal pharyngitis. • Considering that suppurative complications can be promptly treated if they arise, we recommend a more judicious approach to antibiotic prescriptions. The trial is registered at the US National Institutes of Health (ClinicalTrials.gov) # NCT03264911 on 15.08.2017.

Impact of antibiotic therapy in patients with respiratory viral infections: a retrospective cohort study

Objectives The impact of antibiotics in patients with positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for respiratory viruses without evidence of a respiratory bacterial co-infection is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the association of antibiotics on 30-day mortality and length of hospital stay in patients with an acute respiratory infection and PCR documented presence of respiratory viruses. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted to hospital between 2012 and 2021 with positive PCR for influenza virus (H3N2, H1N1, influenza B), respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. We used logistic regression, the Kaplan–Meier estimator and Poisson’s regression to assess the impact of antibiotic therapy on outcomes. Results Among 3979 patients, 67.7% received antibiotics. In adjusted analyses, antibiotics initiated in the emergency department (adjusted OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.77–1.96) and days of antibiotic therapy (adjusted OR per day of therapy 0.98, 95% CI 0.95–1.00) had no significant impact on mortality, whereas antibiotics initiated later during admission (adjusted OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.26–4.02) was associated with increased mortality. Patients prescribed antibiotics had longer duration of hospital admission. Conclusions We observed no protective association between in-hospital antibiotic therapy and outcomes, suggesting overuse of antibiotics in respiratory infections with proven respiratory viruses. A restrictive antibiotic strategy may be warranted.

The Impact of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Program on Antibiotic Use, Resistance Patterns, and Cost in Madinat Zayed Hospital

Antimicrobial resistance and excessive antibiotic usage are a growing public health concern. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) aim to optimize antibiotic use and curb resistance. This retro-respective study evaluated the impact of an ASP at Madinat Zayed Hospital, Abu Dhabi (January 2021-December 2022). It analyzed electronic health records to assess the ASP's impact on antibiotic consumption, resistance patterns, and economic outcomes. Patients from intensive care units, medical wards, and outpatient settings were included, though patients admitted to obstetrics/gynaecology, paediatrics, neonatal intensive care, and surgical wards were excluded. The primary objective of this study was to report on the ASP experience and measure the prescribing appropriateness percentage of empirical antibiotic therapy along with the de-escalation of broad-spectrum antimicrobials, after ASP implementation at Madinat Zayed Hospital in Al Dhafra Region, United Arab Emirates. The secondary objectives were to reflect on the rate of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs), total utilization using defined daily dose, and the total direct cost of antibiotics. Descriptive analysis, proportions, mean values, and percentage changes were employed for data analysis. The ASP achieved high compliance rates with restricted antibiotics (>90%) and approved guidelines (inpatient 97-100%, outpatient 93-98%). Antibiotic de-escalation rates were also high (>80%). Significant reductions in use were observed for cefixime (91.3%), levofloxacin (46.3%), and several others. Notably, cefepime use increased (1137.5%). Direct antibiotic expenditure decreased by 2% (saving Dhs2.6 million), and resistance decreased in some bacteria. However, a concerning rise in ceftazidime resistance against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified. This study concluded that the implementation of a new Antimicrobial Stewardship Program at Madinat Zayed Hospital demonstrated effectiveness in promoting responsible antibiotic use. The program achieved high compliance with restricted antibiotic use and approved guidelines, leading to significant reductions in overall antibiotic consumption. Keywords: Antimicrobial, resistance, Multidrug-Resistant Organisms, de-escalation, consumption

Exploring Prescription Practices: Insights from an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program at a Tertiary Healthcare Facility, Rwanda.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health threat linked to increased morbidity and mortality. It has the potential to return us to the pre-antibiotic era. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs are recognized as a key intervention to improve antimicrobial use and combat AMR. However, implementation of AMS remains limited in Africa, particularly in Rwanda. This study aimed to assess prescription practices, identify areas for improvement, and promote adherence to AMS principles. Conducted at King Faisal Hospital in Rwanda, this qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with eight participants until saturation was reached. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed, revealing four emerging themes. The first theme was on AMS activities that were working well based on availability of microbiology laboratory results and prescription guidelines as factors influencing antibiotic prescription adjustments. The second theme was related to challenges during the implementation of the AMS program, including the prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics, limited local data on AMR patterns, and stock-outs of essential antibiotics. The third theme was on the importance of adhering to AMR management guidelines at KFH. The last emerged on recommendations from participants centered on regular training for healthcare workers, widespread dissemination of AMR findings across departments, and the enforcement of antibiotic restriction policies. These actions can improve prescription behaviors, upholding the highest standards of patient care, and strengthening the nascent AMS program.

Unpredictability of the Fitness Effects of Antimicrobial Resistance Mutations Across Environments in Escherichia coli.

The evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria is a major public health concern, and antibiotic restriction is often implemented to reduce the spread of resistance. These measures rely on the existence of deleterious fitness effects (i.e. costs) imposed by AMR mutations during growth in the absence of antibiotics. According to this assumption, resistant strains will be outcompeted by susceptible strains that do not pay the cost during the period of restriction. The fitness effects of AMR mutations are generally studied in laboratory reference strains grown in standard growth environments; however, the genetic and environmental context can influence the magnitude and direction of a mutation's fitness effects. In this study, we measure how three sources of variation impact the fitness effects of Escherichia coli AMR mutations: the type of resistance mutation, the genetic background of the host, and the growth environment. We demonstrate that while AMR mutations are generally costly in antibiotic-free environments, their fitness effects vary widely and depend on complex interactions between the mutation, genetic background, and environment. We test the ability of the Rough Mount Fuji fitness landscape model to reproduce the empirical data in simulation. We identify model parameters that reasonably capture the variation in fitness effects due to genetic variation. However, the model fails to accommodate the observed variation when considering multiple growth environments. Overall, this study reveals a wealth of variation in the fitness effects of resistance mutations owing to genetic background and environmental conditions, which will ultimately impact their persistence in natural populations.

Assessing the difference in contamination of retail meat with multidrug-resistant bacteria using for-consumer package label claims that indicate on-farm antibiotic use practices- United States, 2016-2019.

Antibiotic use in food-producing animals can select for antibiotic resistance in bacteria that can be transmitted to people through contamination of food products during meat processing. Contamination resulting in foodborne illness contributes to adverse health outcomes. Some livestock producers have implemented antibiotic use reduction strategies marketed to consumers on regulated retail meat packaging labels ("label claims"). We investigated whether retail meat label claims were associated with isolation of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs, resistant to ≥3 classes of antibiotics) from U.S. meat samples. We utilized retail meat data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) collectedduring 2016-2019 for bacterial contamination of chicken breast, ground turkey, ground beef, and pork chops. We used modified Poisson regression models to compare the prevalence of MDRO contamination among meat samples with any antibiotic restriction label claims versus those without such claims (i.e., conventionally produced). In NARMS, 62,338 meat samples were evaluated for bacterial growth from 2016-2019. Of these, 24,446 (39%) samples had label claims that indicated antibiotic use was restricted during animal production. MDROs were isolated from 2252 (4%) meat samples, of which 71% (n = 1591) were conventionally produced, and 29% (n = 661) had antibiotic restriction label claims. Compared with conventional samples, meat with antibiotic restriction label claims had a statistically lower prevalence of MDROs (adjusted prevalence ratio: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.61, 0.73). This relationship was consistent for the outcome of any bacterial growth. This repeated cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative retail meat surveillance database in the United States supports that retail meats labeled with antibiotic restriction claims were less likely to be contaminated with MDROs compared with retail meat without such claims during 2016-2019. These findings indicate the potential for the public to become exposed to bacterial pathogens via retail meat and emphasizes a possibility that consumers could reduce their exposure to environmental reservoirs of foodborne pathogensthat are resistant to antibiotics.

O04 Reintroducing pen and leaving quin-alone: examining the impact of a penicillin allergy de-labelling project on antibiotic prescribing in a hospital setting

Abstract Background The label of penicillin allergy is carried by between 8 and 25% of all patients (1). Alternative antibiotics may not be as efficacious, can be more expensive and lead to more adverse effects (2). Interrogation of a penicillin allergy is an important stewardship intervention considering only 1-10% of these patients are truly allergic to penicillin (1). The aim of this study was to investigate if a penicillin allergy de-labelling project altered antibiotics subsequently prescribed in a hospital setting. Methods A review was carried out of 75 patients identified as part of a penicillin allergy de-labelling project in Galway University Hospital over a 15 month period. Self-reported penicillin allergy by hospitalized patients was investigated and clarified by a collaboration from pharmacy, immunology and infectious diseases. Allergy labels were either reinforced, immediately de-labelled or further investigated with skin testing or oral challenge. Antibiotics prescribed prior to allergy de-labelling and following allergy clarification were noted. This information was obtained from the electronic hospital record. Results In total, 118 patients had penicillin allergy assessment. 75 patients had their penicillin allergy de-labelled. 44 patients were de-labelled from history, 22 were de-labelled after skin testing and oral challenge and 9 were de-labelled following an oral challenge only. 47 patients (63%) received penicillin post de-labelling. Out of these 47 patients, 27 had been previously treated with fluoroquinolones (57%), 4 had received teicoplanin surgical prophylaxis for surgical procedures (9%), 4 had received linezolid, 2 had received ceftazidime and 2 had been seemingly prescribed meropenem based on allergy. Conclusions These results demonstrate that appropriate de-labelling of penicillin allergy has a positive impact on future antibiotic prescription in a hospital setting. It results in reduced use of fluoroquinolones as well as other restricted antibiotics with higher risk of adverse effects and is a useful antimicrobial stewardship tool.

The changes of different restriction level adjustments on antibiotic use in China

This quasi-experimental study aimed to investigate the changes in antibiotic use tailored by adjusting provincial antibiotic restriction lists in China using interrupted time-series analysis from 2013 to 2019. Antibiotic use was assessed as defined daily dose (DDD) per 1000 patients per day. Trends and level changes were analysed with segmented regression. The study identified 19 antibiotic formulations in four provinces with adjusted restriction levels (intervention group) and 110 formulations in the rest provinces without adjustments (comparison group). Antibiotics restriction level changed between two categories: (1) between ‘highly-restricted’ and ‘restricted’ and (2) between ‘restricted’ and ‘non-restricted’. Analysis revealed distinct trend changes for antibiotics moving between ‘highly-restricted’ and ‘restricted’ (β = 0.0211, P = 0.003) and ‘restricted’ to ‘highly-restricted’ (β = −0.0039, P = 0.128) compared to the comparison group. After a 2-y adjustment period, when moving from ‘restricted’ to ‘highly-restricted’, absolute antibiotic utilisation significantly decreased (P < 0.001), with a relative decrease of 100.8% (P < 0.001) compared to the comparison group. Besides, individual antibiotics with higher consumption displayed greater responsiveness to adjustment. These findings underscore the changes in restriction level adjustments on antibiotics, highlighting antibiotic restriction list policies as crucial tools for antimicrobial stewardship.

2250. Fluoroquinolone Stewardship at a Veterans Affairs Facility: A Six Year Review

Abstract Background Increased utilization of antibiotics leads to decreased antimicrobial susceptibility, a well-established phenomenon. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) promote appropriate prescribing of antibiotics by decreasing inappropriate use, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reducing antimicrobial resistance. Fluroquinolones (FQ) are among the most prescribed antibiotics. We describe out institutional FQ use since inception of our ASP and followed the trend for susceptibility of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas Methods Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) provides care for over 30000 Veterans in Long Island, New York, with emergency room, acute care hospital, nursing homes and outpatient clinics A Retrospective review investigated FQ use by total refills per year and by days of therapy per 1000 patient days at Northport VAMC from 2012 to 2022, along with review of local annual antibiograms focusing on ciprofloxacin susceptibility to E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis and P. aeruginosa. An ASP in our facility was initiated in 2016. FQs are restricted antibiotics and require approval by the infectious diseases team (attendings, fellows, pharmacist) Results Figure 1 provides the outpatient total fills per year for Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin. Inpatient FQ use during the ASP years was low: Figure 2 shows the FQ inpatient use (days of therapy/1000days) from 2019 to 2022. Comparing years 2012-2016 vs 2017-2022 there was a decrease in fills of ciprofloxacin (median 604 vs. 308 fills, P: 0.009), levofloxacin (276 vs. 116, P: 0.032), and moxifloxacin (116 vs. 14, P: 0.015). By same period comparison (see figure 3), Ciprofloxacin susceptibility for E. coli ranged median 66.5% to 61.5%, P: 0.126, K. pneumoniae 67% vs. 75.5% P: 0.086, P. mirabilis 45% vs. 47.5% P: 0.451, and P. aeruginosa 63% vs. 68.5% P: 0.308 Figure 2 inpatient FQ use 2019 to 2022 Figure 3 Ciprofloxacin susceptibility trend over time Conclusion There was a statistically significant decrease in the use of FQ in the outpatient setting after ASP was initiated in our facility. Although there was a trend in improvement in ciprofloxacin susceptibilities for Klebsiella, Proteus, and Pseudomonas, it was not statistically significant. Nevertheless, our results show that reducing FQ consumption can prevent worsening susceptibility trends for enteric gram negatives and Pseudomonas. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Impact of a multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship program on antibiotic utilization and clinical outcomes at a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia: a quasi-experimental study

ABSTRACT Background This study aims to assess the impact of a multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) intervention on various metrics. Methods A quasi-experimental study was performed on non-ICU patients for whom a restricted antibiotic was ordered. In September 2020, a prospective audit and feedback was implemented involving infectious disease clinical pharmacists, utilization of electronic resources, and improved documentation. Outcomes included defined daily dose and days of therapy per 100-patient days (DDD/100PD and DOT/100PD) and patient clinical outcomes. Results 402 episodes were evaluated for 167 and 190 unique patients in the pre- and post-intervention phases, respectively. DDD/100PD and DOT/100PD were lower in the post-phase than in the pre-phase (1.75 vs. 2.54 and 16.13 vs. 44.93). Antibiotic de-escalation and clinical cure rates were significantly higher in the post-phase than in the pre-phase (62% vs. 40.6% and 83.5% vs. 65.8%; P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Hospital and ICU stays were significantly shorter in the post-phase (14 vs. 22 and 3 vs. 9, respectively; P < 0.001 for both comparisons). In-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission rates were lower in the post-phase (13% vs. 20.8%; P = 0.037 and 20.5% vs. 33.8%; P = 0.003, respectively). Conclusion The implemented multidisciplinary ASP intervention was associated with a significant improvement in antibiotic utilization and patient clinical outcomes.

Randomized control trial on impact of clinical pharmacist led interventions on antibiotic stewardship program in children 0 to 18 years age in a tertiary care hospital in southern India

A prospective randomized controlled interventional study was conducted at a quaternary care multispecialty hospital in South India with the primary objective of identifying opportunities to improve antibiotic prescribing patterns in neonates, children, and adolescents. The hospital has a robust clinical pharmacist program wherein antibiotic prescriptions were checked for appropriateness of antibiotic dose, route, formulation, duration of therapy, and IV to oral switch. These characteristics of antibiotic use were therefore similar in the 75 children in the control and 75 in the intervention group. The additional clinical pharmacist interventions analyzed in this study included checking if a provisional diagnosis had been made before initiating antibiotics, ensuring that appropriate cultures were sent before starting antibiotics, time taken to optimize antibiotic therapy in accordance to the culture sensitivity report and whether the indication for antibiotics use was as per Indian Acdemy of Pediatrics (IAP) Drug Formulary recommendations. The main outcomes were that all these parameters except the first (all children had a clinical diagnosis before initiating antibiotic/s) were better in the intervention group and there was a significant reduction in the total antibiotic days, an increase in antibiotic-free days, and an improvement in the appropriateness of duration of antibiotic therapy and frequency of the antibiotic dosing. However, since the incidence of severe sepsis was higher in the intervention group, broad-spectrum and restricted antibiotics were used, and thus treatment costs were higher in this group. The results indicate that despite already existing clinical pharmacist interventions, additional ones could further improve antibiotic prescription accuracy significantly; and re-emphasized the need to employ trained pediatric general and subspecialty clinical pharmacists in sufficient numbers to implement a successful pediatric antibiotic stewardship program in a hospital.

Impact of an antimicrobial stewardship program in a medium-sized hospital

Problem consideredThe rational use of antimicrobials (ATMs) is a challenge for global health services. One strategy used to control the spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is antimicrobial management programs. This is a pre- and post-intervention study that assesses the impact of an antimicrobial stewardship program in a hospital through evaluating clinical and microbiological outcomes, usage measures and costs. MethodsThe sample comprised adult patients hospitalized for more than 24 h during a seven-month pre-intervention, and an eleven-month post-intervention period. Primary outcomes included length of therapy (LOT) and days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 patient-days (pd), the DOT/LOT ratio, the incidence of a number of the main multi-drug resistant bacteria, and the costs of therapy. Secondary outcomes were the use of antimicrobials and antimicrobial prescriptions by class, hospital length of stay rates, and mortality rates. Data were obtained from medical prescriptions, pre-authorization forms for restricted antibiotics, and microbiological tests. Non-critical and critical care units were compared, with a significance level of 0.05. ResultsA total of 2704 patients were evaluated and there was a significant post-intervention reduction of exposure to antimicrobials of 8.1% and of 90 days in respect of the LOT in non-critical units. There was a reduction of more than 50% in the costs of therapy and of 1.2 days in the length of hospital stay in non-critical units. There was no variation in bacterial resistance. ConclusionsAlthough the stewardship program and its interventions reduced antimicrobial consumption, costs and the length of hospital stay further studies are required to identify the components that can produce the impact on microbiological outcomes seen in other studies.

Cardiac implantable electronic device infection: Microbiology and antibiotic prophylaxis

Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIED) improve quality of life of patients with cardiac arrhythmias and also improves chances of survival. CIEDs, however it may cause complications. To avoid these complications surgical prophylaxis in CIED insertion is required to avoid infection. Due to the rise in antimicrobial resistance the use of antimicrobial agents should be rational and under control. To prevent resistance of antibiotics their use and duration of therapy should be monitored. The high-end and restricted antibiotics should be used only if organisms grow in cultures or if suggested by infectious disease specialists. This review focuses on empirical antibiotics used as prophylaxis. The purpose of this document is to outline the antimicrobial options which can be used as an empirical prophylactic agent in CIED infections.

Factors Influencing Neonatal Gut Microbiome and Health with a Focus on Necrotizing Enterocolitis.

Maturational changes in the gut start in utero and rapidly progress after birth, with some functions becoming fully developed several months or years post birth including the acquisition of a full gut microbiome, which is made up of trillions of bacteria of thousands of species. Many factors influence the normal development of the neonatal and infantile microbiome, resulting in dysbiosis, which is associated with various interventions used for neonatal morbidities and survival. Extremely low gestational age neonates (<28 weeks' gestation) frequently experience recurring arterial oxygen desaturations, or apneas, during the first few weeks of life. Apnea, or the cessation of breathing lasting 15-20 s or more, occurs due to immature respiratory control and is commonly associated with intermittent hypoxia (IH). Chronic IH induces oxygen radical diseases of the neonate, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the most common and devastating gastrointestinal disease in preterm infants. NEC is associated with an immature intestinal structure and function and involves dysbiosis of the gut microbiome, inflammation, and necrosis of the intestinal mucosal layer. This review describes the factors that influence the neonatal gut microbiome and dysbiosis, which predispose preterm infants to NEC. Current and future management and therapies, including the avoidance of dysbiosis, the use of a human milk diet, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, restricted antibiotics, and fecal transplantation, for the prevention of NEC and the promotion of a healthy gut microbiome are also reviewed. Interventions directed at boosting endogenous and/or exogenous antioxidant supplementation may not only help with prevention, but may also lessen the severity or shorten the course of the disease.

How does the antimicrobial stewardship provider role affect prospective audit and feedback acceptance for restricted antibiotics in a Canadian tertiary-care center?

Of 731 restricted antimicrobial prescriptions subject to antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) prospective audit and feedback (PAF) over a 3-year period, 598 PAF recommendations (82%) were fully accepted. Physician auditors had an increased odds of PAF recommendation acceptance, reinforcing the complementary role of the ASP physician in the multidisciplinary ASP team.

Evidence-Based Interventions to Reduce the Incidence of Common Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria in an Adult Intensive Care Unit.

Background Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) present a significant and escalating hazard to healthcare globally. Context-specific interventions have been implemented for the prevention and control of MDR-GNB in several healthcare facilities. The objective of this study was to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions in the incidence and dissemination of MDR-GNB. Methods This was a pre-and post-intervention study conducted in three phases at King Abdulaziz Medical City Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. During Phase-1, the data on each of the four MDR-GNB (Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli) were collected prospectively. Genomic fingerprinting was performed on isolates using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus-polymerase chain reaction (ERIC-PCR) to determine clonality and establish a link between different strains within and between the hospital wards/units. In the second phase, targeted interventions were implemented in the adult intensive care unit (ICU) based on previously determined risk factors and includedthe education of healthcare workers on hand hygiene, disinfection of patients' surrounding, daily chlorhexidine baths, and disinfection rooms on discharge with hydrogen peroxide fogging after MDR-GNB patients were discharged. An antibiotic restriction protocol was simultaneously implemented as part of the hospital antibiotic stewardship program. In the third phase, the effectiveness of the interventions was evaluated by comparing the incidence rate and clonality (using ERIC-PCR genetic fingerprints) of MDR-GNB before and after the intervention. Results A significant reduction of MDR-GNB was observed in Phase-2 and Phase-3 compared with Phase-1. The mean incidence rate of MDR-GNB per 1000 patient days in Phase-1 (pre-intervention) was 11.08/1000, followed by 6.07 and 3.54/1000 in Phase-2 and Phase-3, respectively. A statistically significant reduction was observed in the incidence rate of MDR-GNB in the adult ICU (P=0.007), whereas no statistically significant decrease (P=0.419) was observed in areas other than the adult ICU. Two A. baumannii strains appear to be circulating within the ICU environment with reduced frequency in Phase-2 and Phase-3 compared to Phase-1. Conclusion There was a significant reduction in the incidence of MDR-GNB in the adult ICU due to the successful implementation of both infection control and stewardship interventions, albeit challenging to ascertain the relative contribution of each.

Carbapenem Use in the Last Days of Life: A Nationwide Korean Study

The appropriate use of carbapenem is a critical concern for patient safety and public health, and is a national priority. We investigated the nationwide status of carbapenem prescription in patients within their last 14 days of life to guide judicious-use protocols from the previous study comprised of 1350 decedents. Carbapenem use was universally controlled through computerised authorisation system at all centres during the study period. Carbapenem prescribing patterns and their optimality were evaluated. A total of 1201 patients received antimicrobial agents within the last two weeks of their lives, of whom 533 (44.4%) received at least one carbapenem. The median carbapenem treatment duration was seven days. Of the 533 patients receiving carbapenems, 510 (95.7%) patients had microbiological samples drawn and 196 (36.8%) yielded carbapenem-resistant pathogens. A total of 200 (37.5%) patients were referred to infectious disease (ID) specialists. Of the 333 patients (62.5%) who did not have ID consultations, 194 (58.2%) were assessed as “not optimal”, 79 (23.7%) required escalation, 100 (30.0%) required de-escalation, and 15 (4.5%) were discontinued. Notwithstanding the existing antibiotic restriction program system, carbapenems are commonly prescribed to patients in their last days of life.

Pneumorrhachis with spontaneous pneumomediastinum in pediatric patients: An 11-year retrospective study in Southern Taiwan

Although uncommon, available evidence suggests that pneumorrhachis (PR) with spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) in adulthood is usually benign and self-limiting. This study aimed to review our experience and identify the risk factors of PR in pediatric patients with SPM. Between September 2007 and September 2017, SPM in patients aged ≤18 years was retrospectively reviewed and clinical features and outcomes between SPM patients with and without PR were analyzed. In total, thirty consecutive occurrences of SPM in 29 patients were finally identified and classified into SPM (n=24) and SPM plus PR (n=6) groups. No significant differences in received interventional exams, prophylactic antibiotic administration or restriction of oral intake between the two groups were found. Both groups were treated with hospitalization predominantly; but the SPM plus PR group tended to have longer length of hospital stay (median 5.5 vs. 3 days, p=0.08). PR was observed more frequently in patients with abnormal serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (>5mg/L), identified predisposing factors, and those with more severe grade of SPM (p=0.005, 0.001 and<0.001, respectively). On multivariable regression analysis, the SPM plus PR group exhibited more predisposing factors than did the SPM group (coefficient: 0.514, standard error: 0.136, p<0.001). All patients were successfully treated without morbidity and mortality. Although patients with pneumorrhachis retained a higher CRP level, more identified predisposing factors and prolonged inpatient care, conservative management without an extensive work-up would be an appropriate and favorable strategy in pediatrics with concurrent SPM and PR.

SG-APSIC1074: Trend of ‘ESKAPE’ and their susceptibility changes for meropenem and levofloxacin during the pandemic at Sardjito Hospital Yogyakarta Indonesia

Objectives: The bacteria in the ‘ESKAPE’ group are monitored due to their ability to resist antibiotic action. During the COVID-19 pandemic at our hospital, the usage of meropenem and levofloxacin as the empirical treatment for bacterial pneumonia increased and might have contributed to the antimicrobial resistance problem. In this study, we evaluated the ESKAPE group infection rates and their susceptibility to antibiotics in Dr. Sardjito Hospital, a referral and academic hospital in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Methods: Data for ESKAPE pathogens in 2019–2021 were taken from the microbiology laboratory of Dr. Sardjito Hospital and were evaluated. Results: The proportion of ESKAPE isolates among positive cultures during 2019–2021 slightly increased from 49.4% to 48.4% to 50.7% each year (P &gt; .05). The dominant ESKAPE infections were pneumonia, bloodstream infection, and urinary tract infection by K. pneumoniae, and wound infection by P. aeruginosa. The susceptibility pattern of ESKAPE to meropenem decreased from 72% in 2019 to 68% in 2020 but increased to 84% in 2021. To levofloxacin, the susceptibility pattern was decreased in a fluctuating trend from 68% in 2019 to 33% in 2020 and to 39% in 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021), the pattern of ESKAPE infections was similar to that of 2019. In descending order, the frequency rank was K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, Enterobacter spp, and S. aureus. The proportions of MDR isolates increased from the prepandemic period to the COVID-19 pandemic era for E. faecium (from 5% to 24.4%), for A. baumannii (from 9.6% to 38.5%), and for P. aeruginosa (from 7.4% to 13.5%) (P &lt; .05). These patterns did not differ between non–COVID-19 patients and COVID-19 patients. These results highlight the general impact of overused antibiotics beyond COVID-19 patients. Usage of watched and restricted antibiotics must be more controlled because bacterial coinfection and superinfection in COVID-19 patients was relatively low. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, ESKAPE infections increased and their susceptibility to meropenem and levofloxacin decreased. Tight control of antibiotic usage is needed.

Drug use evaluation and rational prescription audit of restricted antibiotics in tertiary care corporate hospital: An interventional study

: Antimicrobial agent are the biggest contribution to 20th century, which are used to prevent and cure of the infections. Over use of antimicrobials has facilitated the development of resistance. Drug utilization research help in identification of clinical use of drugs in populations and its impact on healthcare system.: The aim of the study is to identify the overuse/misuse of the antibiotic usage in our intensive care unit. which helps in rationalising the antibiotic prescription and to avoid emergence of drug resistance and to improve better patient’s outcome. An observational audit has been conducted in inpatient admitted in our set up and has been prescribed with restricted antimicrobials. The audit has been done for 3 months. The Audit report for 218 patients have been prescribed with Restricted antimicrobials either one or more than one. The audit report shows that Meropenem and Colistin was prescribed more often 81 and 73 respectively. Geriatric Patients have been prrscribed more with Antimicrobials than other age groups. 193 patients were on single Restricted antimicrobial therapy, 24 patients were on dual restricted antimicrobial therapy and one patient was on more than 2 Restricted antimicrobial therapy. Out of 218 Prescription having Restricted Antibiotics, 39 prescription were found irrational. A wide spectrum of clinical diagnoses and a variety of drugs were utilized from various antibiotic classes. Results showed that Carbapenems(Meropenem) antibiotics were extensively used in ICU. Among Colistin and Vancomycin was most commonly prescribed. Policy for rational usage of restricted antimicrobial agents in ICU should be implemented and education needs to be provided.