Duration Of Antimicrobial Use Research Articles

Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Neonates: A Meta-Analysis.

Neonatal sepsis is a significant contributor to mortality and morbidity; however, the uncontrolled use of antimicrobials is associated with significant adverse effects. Our objective with this article is to review the components of neonatal antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) and their effects on clinical outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and antimicrobial resistance. We selected randomized and nonrandomized trials and observational and quality improvement studies evaluating the impact of ASP with a cutoff date of May 22, 2023. The data sources for these studies included PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. Details of the ASP components and clinical outcomes were extracted into a predefined form. Of the 4048 studies retrieved, 70 studies (44 cohort and 26 observational studies) of >350 000 neonates met the inclusion criteria. Moderate-certainty evidence reveals a significant reduction in antimicrobial initiation in NICU (pooled risk difference [RD] 19%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 14% to 24%; 21 studies, 27 075 infants) and combined NICU and postnatal ward settings (pooled RD 8%; 95% CI 6% to 10%; 12 studies, 358 317 infants), duration of antimicrobial agents therapy (pooled RD 20%; 95% CI 10% to 30%; 9 studies, 303 604 infants), length of therapy (pooled RD 1.82 days; 95% CI 1.09 to 2.56 days; 10 studies, 157 553 infants), and use of antimicrobial agents >5 days (pooled RD 9%; 95% CI 3% to 15%; 5 studies, 9412 infants). Low-certainty evidence reveals a reduction in economic burden and drug resistance, favorable sustainability metrices, without an increase in sepsis-related mortality or the reinitiation of antimicrobial agents. Studies had heterogeneity with significant variations in ASP interventions, population settings, and outcome definitions. Moderate- to low-certainty evidence reveals that neonatal ASP interventions are associated with reduction in the initiation and duration of antimicrobial use, without an increase in adverse events.

Current Antimicrobial Use in Horses Undergoing Exploratory Celiotomy: A Survey of Board-Certified Equine Specialists.

In the past decade, there has been a considerable increase in the recognition of antimicrobial resistance in equine practice. The objective of this study was to survey the current clinical use of antimicrobials for a commonly performed surgical procedure (exploratory celiotomy) with the goal of understanding how recent literature and changes in microbial resistance patterns may have impacted antimicrobial selection practices. An electronic survey was distributed to veterinary professionals within the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) and the American College of Veterinary Surgery (ACVS). A total of 113 completed surveys were returned. Practitioners reported antimicrobials were most frequently given 30-60 min preoperatively (63.1%). Two antimicrobial classes were typically administered (95.5%), with gentamicin (98.2%) and potassium penicillin (74.3%) being the most common. Antimicrobials were typically not re-dosed intraoperatively (78.6%). Factors that affected overall treatment length postoperatively included resection (81.4%), bloodwork (75.2%), enterotomy (74.3%), fever (85.0%), incisional complications (76.1%), and thrombophlebitis (67.3%). The most common duration of antimicrobial use was 1-3 d for non-strangulating lesions (54.4% of cases) and inflammatory conditions such as enteritis or peritonitis (50.4%), and 3-5 d for strangulating lesions (63.7%). Peri-incisional and intra-abdominal antimicrobials were used by 24.8% and 11.5% of respondents, respectively. In summary, antimicrobial usage patterns were highly variable among practitioners and, at times, not concordant with current literature.

Impact of antimicrobial stewardship with the Xpert MRSA/SA BC assay at a tertiary hospital in Japan

IntroductionGenetic testing is gaining increasing importance as a part of antimicrobial stewardship (AS). Rapid identification and determination of methicillin susceptibility using the Xpert MRSA/SA BC assay can improve the management of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) and reduce inappropriate antibiotic use. However, few reports have described the effectiveness of this approach. MethodsThe present study aimed to assess the influence of AS using the Xpert MRSA/SA BC assay. Cases were classified into the pre-intervention group (n = 98 patients), in which SAB was identified by traditional culture (November 2017 to November 2019), and the post-intervention group (n = 97 patients), in which the Xpert MRSA/SA BC assay was performed when necessary (December 2019 to December 2021). ResultsPatient characteristics, prognosis, duration of antimicrobial use, and length of hospital stay were compared between the groups. The Xpert assay was performed in 66 patients in the post-intervention group (68.0%). The two groups showed no significant differences in severity and mortality. The rate of cases treated with anti-MRSA agents reduced following the intervention (65.3% vs. 40.4%, p = 0.008). The number of cases involving definitive therapy within 24 h was higher in the post-intervention group (9.2% vs. 24.7%, p = 0.007). The hospitalization rate at >60 days was lower in Xpert implementation cases among MRSA bacteremia cases (28.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.01). ConclusionsThus, the Xpert MRSA/SA BC assay has potential as an AS tool, especially for early definitive treatment to SAB and reduction of long-term hospitalization in MRSA bacteremia cases.

569. Utility of the Meningoencephalitis Panel in Modifying Antimicrobial Use in Neonates with Temperature Instability

Abstract Background Decisions to discontinue antibiotics in infants undergoing evaluation for central nervous system (CNS) infection can be difficult. Previous reports have associated the use of the meningoencephalitis (ME) PCR panel with decreased hospital stay and antimicrobial use in pediatric and adult patients. However, limited focus has been on infants ≤60-days-old with temperature instability (TI) who undergo evaluation for serious bacterial infection based on age and risk-stratification. We hypothesize use of the ME panel will decrease the duration of antimicrobial use in infants with TI and negative bacterial cultures undergoing evaluation for CNS infection. Methods The electronic medical record was queried for patients that met inclusion criteria. Infants ≤60-days-old evaluated for CNS infection due to TI between 1/1/12 – 1/31/22 were included. Exclusion criteria were history of intracranial (IC) devices, previous IC surgery, IC structural or neurovascular abnormalities, or head trauma. A retrospective chart review was performed. We compared length of stay and antimicrobial duration for the groups of patients with the ME panel done versus not done. Results A total of 1808 patients with negative bacterial cultures were identified, 96 of whom had the ME panel performed. Patient age, sex, and race were similar between groups. The median hospital length of stay for the patients that had the ME panel done was 64.7 hours as compared to 47.8 hours for those that did not have the ME panel done. The duration of antibacterial therapy was similar when the ME panel was done versus not done. The median duration of therapy for acyclovir was 8.5 when the ME panel was done versus 14.8 hours when it was not done. Conclusion When including all patients ≤60-days-old evaluated for TI, use of the ME panel did not lead to a shorter length of hospital stay or duration of empiric antibiotics. However, use of the ME panel decreased duration of therapy in the subset of patients empirically started on acyclovir. Further data analysis will seek to identify patient populations that may most benefit from the use of the ME panel. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Impact of continuous pharmacist intervention for injectable antimicrobials on the treatment of patients with Escherichia coli bacteremia

BackgroundA prospective audit with intervention and feedback (PAF) by pharmacists is important for the appropriate use of antimicrobials. Clinically, Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteremia is a common condition, but only few researchers have examined the role of PAF in its appropriate use of antimicrobials. MethodsWe started PAF by pharmacists in 2017 for all injectable antibiotics. This study included cases of E. coli bacteremia that resulted in hospitalization over a 4 year period from 2016 to 2019. Patients were grouped by year (Period 0–3), and clinical outcomes were examined. ResultsThe pharmacists had 12 and 54 suggestions in Periods 0 and 3, respectively. The most common suggestion was de-escalation. The median duration of antimicrobial use was 12 (interquartile range: 8–15) days in Periods 0–2. The duration of antimicrobial use was significantly reduced to 9 (7–12) days in Period 3. In Period 3, the duration of antimicrobial use was reduced by 29%, while anti-pseudomonal drug use was reduced by 42% compared with that in period 0. The 30 day mortality rates were not significantly different between the groups. ConclusionsPAF by pharmacists promotes the appropriate use of antimicrobials in patients with E. coli bacteremia; it is important to continue the program for several years.

Perspectives of Healthcare Professionals Regarding Factors Associated with Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Their Consequences: A Cross Sectional Study in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Factors reported in the literature associated with inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobials include physicians with less experience, uncertain diagnosis, and patient caregiver influences on physicians’ decisions. Monitoring antimicrobial resistance is critical for identifying emerging resistance patterns, developing, and assessing the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. Improvement in prescribing antimicrobials would minimize the risk of resistance and, consequently, improve patients’ clinical and health outcomes. The purpose of the study is to delineate factors associated with antimicrobial resistance, describe the factors influencing prescriber’s choice during prescribing of antimicrobial, and examine factors related to consequences of inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobial. A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare providers (190) in six tertiary hospitals in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. The research panel has developed, validated, and piloted survey specific with closed-ended questions. A value of p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. All data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS version 23.0). 72.7% of the respondents have agreed that poor skills and knowledge are key factors that contribute to the inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobials. All of the respondents acknowledged effectiveness, previous experience with the antimicrobial, and reading scientific materials (such as books, articles, and the internet) as being key factors influencing physicians’ choice during antimicrobial prescribing. The current study has identified comprehensive education and training needs for healthcare providers about antimicrobial resistance. Using antimicrobials unnecessarily, insufficient duration of antimicrobial use, and using broad spectrum antimicrobials were reported to be common practices. Furthermore, poor skills and knowledge were a key factor that contributed to the inappropriate use and overuse of antimicrobials, and the use of antimicrobials without a physician’s prescription (i.e., self-medication) represent key factors which contribute to AMR from participants’ perspectives. Furthermore, internal policy and guidelines are needed to ensure that the antimicrobials are prescribed in accordance with standard protocols and clinical guidelines.

158. A multi-site, prospective study of antimicrobial prescribing practices in three low- or middle-income country hospitals

BackgroundAntimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are being developed internationally to mitigate the misuse of antimicrobials. An understanding of current practices and prescribing patterns is necessary to determine targets to develop context-specific ASPs in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) hospitals.MethodsWe conducted a prospective study of patients admitted to the adult medical wards at three LMIC tertiary care centers in 2018- 2019: a 1,800-bed public hospital in Galle, Sri Lanka; a 991-bed public hospital in Eldoret, Kenya; and a 630-bed private hospital in Moshi, Tanzania. Information regarding antimicrobial therapy received during hospitalization, indications for antimicrobial therapy, and duration of antimicrobial use were extracted from the medical record.ResultsIn total, 3150 patients were enrolled: 1297 in Sri Lanka, 750 in Kenya, and 1103 in Tanzania. Antimicrobial use prevalence varied between the three sites, with 56.0% of patients receiving antimicrobials during hospitalization in Sri Lanka, 56.5% in Kenya, and 35.4% in Tanzania. Third-generation cephalosporins were used most frequently in Kenya (70.0%) and Tanzania (73.1%), whereas amoxicillin/ clavulanic acid was used most frequently in Sri Lanka (48.4%). Lower respiratory tract infection was the most common indication for antimicrobial use in all three locations: 37.4% in Sri Lanka, 27.8% in Kenya, and 49.2% in Tanzania. No clear indication for antimicrobial use was documented among 11.6% patients receiving antimicrobials in Sri Lanka, 32.8% in Kenya, and 10.5% in Tanzania. In Tanzania, 8.6% of the patients had documentation of input from the microbiology or infectious diseases teams compared to less than 1% in either Sri Lanka or Kenya. Pertinent culture data related to the primary indication for antimicrobials was present in 16.1% (Sri Lanka), 6.1% (Kenya), and 7.4% (Tanzania).ConclusionUnclear documentation for antimicrobial use was common in all three sites and most patients on antimicrobial therapy did not have pertinent culture data. Improving documentation and the capacity of the local microbiology laboratories could be initial targets for ASPs in these LMIC hospitals.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

A Study on Appropriateness of Antibacterial Use in Acute Wards of a Teaching Hospital

Objective: A study to analyse the appropriateness of use of antibacterials in acute wards of a tertiary care hospital. Design: A pharmacoepidemiological research study. Intervention: Non-interventional descriptive study. Main Outcome Measure: The antibacterial prescriptions were analyzed for their adherence to or deviation from the standard national treatment guidelines. Results: There were a total of 207 patients comprising of 35 in acute medical ward, 65 in ICU, 53 in acute surgical ward and 54 in family ward, who were prescribed antibacterials. These consisted of a total of 383 prescription counts for appropriateness of AMA use. One third of the antibacterial prescriptions of inpatients surveyed were for prophylactic use followed by the treatment of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. The highest prescription counts were seen with carbapenems followed by nitroimidazoles, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides and penicillins. 99% of the prescriptions were appropriate for the dose used and 49.6% of the prescriptions were inappropriate for duration of use. 74.5% of the surgical prophylaxis prescriptions were used for more than 24 hours. Ceftriaxone and cefotaxime were used instead of the recommended cefazolin, for prophylaxis. High percentage of deviation was observed with prescriptions of cefotaxime and metronidazole for empirical use. No definitive use of antimicrobials for infections was observed in the ICU. Conclusion: A high percentage of appropriateness was observed for dose of antibiotic used. The main targets identified for improvement are duration of antimicrobial use, choice of drug for surgical prophylaxis and the definitive use of antimicrobial agents.&#x0D; Keywords: adherence to treatment guidelines, antibiotic audit, antimicrobials.

2029. Prevalence of Antibiotic Use and Administration among Hospitalized Adult Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

BackgroundAntimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) have been shown to improve the appropriate use of antimicrobials, especially in high-income countries. However, ASPs are relatively less well implemented in low-or-middle income countries. To improve the effectiveness of ASPs in these settings, it is important to determine the core actions and targets for improving antimicrobial use. We sought to describe the prevalence and patterns of antibiotic use at a tertiary care hospital in Tanzania.MethodsConsecutive patients admitted to an adult medical ward at a tertiary care hospital, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, in Moshi, Tanzania were enrolled from June 2018 to March 2019. The medical record was reviewed for data regarding the type of antibiotics prescribed, indications for use, and microbiologic testing ordered.ResultsA total of 1103 patients were enrolled during the study period. The majority of patients were males (663, 60.1%), with the median age being 54 years (IQR 39–70). About one-third (390, 35.4%) of the admitted patients received antimicrobials during hospitalization, with pneumonia being the leading indication for antimicrobial use (158, 40.5%). The most commonly used antibiotics included ceftriaxone in 285 (73.1%), metronidazole in 155 (39.7%), and amoxicillin/ ampicillin in 46 (11.8%) patients. The median duration of antimicrobial use was 5 days (IQR 3–7). Few patients on antimicrobials (27, 6.9%) had culture results, of which half (15, 55.6%) were positive for an organism and a minority (8, 29.6%) were susceptible to the antibiotics being used. Overall, mortality in the cohort was 22.7% and the median duration of hospitalization was 5 days (IQR 3–8).ConclusionAntibiotics were used in a substantial proportion of admitted patients. However, in most cases, treatment was empirical with limited use of culture results. Future ASP efforts can target the improved use of microbiologic cultures to target antimicrobial use.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis and its dose appropriateness among paediatric patients in a Nigerian teaching hospital

Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) prevents incision site infection. We assessed SAP compliance with existing international guidelines, evaluated the appropriateness of the antimicrobial doses, and determined the risk factors for antimicrobial under-dosing. A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who under-went surgery and administered antimicrobial prophylaxis. Compliance with SAP guidelines was evaluated. Antimicrobial doses were categorized as under-, normal-, or over-dose. Of the 303 surgical patients, 97.7% received SAP and complete compliance was achieved in 5.6%. Of the 550 antimicrobial prescriptions, metronidazole (42.7%) and cefuroxime (34.7%) were the most prescribed. Over- (31.5%), under- (44.5%), and normal- dosing (24.0%) were recorded, respectively. None of the factors evaluated predicted the risk of antimicrobial under-dosing. Full compliance with international SAP guidelines was poor in our study. Correct timing, re-dosing, and duration of antimicrobial use were the most violated. Most antimicrobials were under-dosed, suggesting a need for national and institutional SAP guidelines.

Antimicrobial Stewardship in Patients with Hematological Malignancies: Key Considerations

This review establishes current evidence supporting antimicrobial stewardship programs for malignant hematology and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. It describes best practices and identifies opportunities for research. It examines metrics relevant to the patient population, and new approaches to the management of high-risk febrile neutropenia. There is an urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship programs to optimize antimicrobial use in malignant hematology and stem cell transplant patients. Audit and feedback is effective and safe. Febrile neutropenia is a key area to optimize antimicrobial use. Shortening duration of antimicrobial therapy in fever of unknown origin appears to be feasible. Routine antimicrobial prophylaxis has been reexamined. Locally developed guideline for high-risk febrile neutropenia is a major intervention. Antifungal stewardship and rapid diagnostic technologies reduce unnecessary antifungal use. Metrics for antimicrobial stewardship programs in malignant hematology and stem cell transplant are multifaceted. Antimicrobial stewardship in the malignant hematology and stem cell transplant population is feasible, effective, and safe. Current gaps in knowledge include the optimal duration of antimicrobial use in fever of unknown origin, and the safety of targeted therapy despite neutropenia. The ideal human resources requirement is unclear. Cost-effectiveness of antimicrobial stewardship interventions remains to be determined.

Mediators in Preterm Infants With Late-onset Sepsis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To evaluate biochemical and clinical effects of 2 different doses of vitamin D supplementation in preterm infants with late-onset sepsis (LOS). A double blinded randomized controlled stratified trial included preterm infants with gestational age (GA) ≥28 weeks with LOS. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive 400 or 800 IU/day of vitamin D3. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D, TNF-α, and IL-6 were measured at enrollment, 7 days after vitamin D supplementation, and at 40 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA). Short-term outcomes and growth parameters were assessed. A total of 50 infants were enrolled, 25 in each group. Seventy-six percentage of enrolled infants were vitamin D-deficient at enrollment in both groups whereas only one infant in the 400 IU and none in the 800 IU group remained deficient at 40 week's PMA; vitamin D concentrations at 40 weeks PMA were 54.8 ± 35.1 and 67.4 ± 37.1 ng/mL, respectively, P = 0.01). None of the infants enrolled in the study had signs of vitamin D toxicity. Serum pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF- α concentrations decreased at 1 week and at discharge in both groups without differences between groups. The 2 groups did not differ in anthropometric measurements, duration of oxygen and respiratory support, duration of antimicrobial use, length of hospital stay, and mortality. A dose of 400 IU of vitamin D was adequate to treat vitamin D deficiency in the majority of premature infants with LOS. The 2 dosing regimens did not differ in clinical or biochemical changes.

Non-adherence to antimicrobial stewardship prospective audit and feedback advice: Risk factors and clinical consequences

Amongst 325 patients receiving restricted antimicrobials whose management was subject to antimicrobial stewardship prospective audit and feedback, adherence to advice was 78%. Non-adherence was associated with diabetic patients, giving more than 1 piece of advice and receipt of piperacillin/tazobactam therapy, and was inversely associated with liver disease. Adherence to advice was associated with a one third reduction in duration of antimicrobial use without adversely impacting other infection-related patient outcomes.

Antimicrobial Use at Acute Care Hospitals in Nova Scotia: A Point Prevalence Survey

Point prevalence surveys are used to monitor antimicrobial use and identify targets for improvement through antimicrobial stewardship activities. Few studies have evaluated antimicrobial use in Nova Scotia acute care institutions. To determine the prevalence and characteristics of antimicrobial use in Nova Scotia hospitals. A point prevalence survey was conducted between June and November 2015 for patients admitted to hospitals with at least 30 acute care beds. On each survey day, charts were reviewed to identify patients receiving antimicrobial agents on that day. Data were gathered on the type of antimicrobial agent prescribed, route of administration, intended duration of use, and indication. Adherence to regional and local treatment guidelines was assessed. Results were summarized descriptively. Findings were compared using the Fisher exact test or the Cochran-Armitage trend test. Twelve of the 13 eligible hospitals participated, and a total of 1499 patient charts were examined. The overall prevalence of antimicrobial use was 30.6% (458/1499). The prevalence of antimicrobial use differed significantly according to area of specialty, with the highest prevalence occurring in intensive care wards (47.2%, 50/106) and surgical wards (43.4%, 179/412), as compared with medical wards (27.9%, 192/687) and "other" specialty wards (11.1%, 32/289) (p < 0.001). Among the 520 indications for antimicrobial use, the most common was respiratory tract infection (81 or 15.6%). In total, 660 antimicrobial agents were prescribed to the 458 patients; a third of these patients (152 or 33.2%) received more than 1 antimicrobial agent. The class of antimicrobials most frequently prescribed was "other beta-lactam antimicrobials" (31.2%, 206/660). The majority of antimicrobials (62.0%, 409/660) were prescribed for administration via the parenteral route. Adherence to regional treatment guidelines was 29.9% (26 of 87 indications analyzed). Documentation of indication was lacking for 104 (20.0%) of the 520 indications, and documentation of the intended duration of antimicrobial use was lacking for 326 (62.7%) of the 520 indications. Antimicrobial agents were prescribed for about one-third of acute care patients in Nova Scotia. Specific targets for improvement in antimicrobial use include decreases in prescribing of broad-spectrum and parenteral antimicrobials, better adherence to guidelines, and improved documentation. In developing initiatives, antimicrobial stewardship programs in Nova Scotia should focus on identified targets for improvement.

Efficacy and safety of withholding antimicrobial treatment in children with cancer, fever and neutropenia, with a demonstrated viral respiratory infection: a randomized clinical trial

ObjectivesTo determine efficacy and safety of withholding antimicrobials in children with cancer, fever and neutropenia (FN) with a demonstrated respiratory viral infection. MethodsProspective, multicentre, randomized study in children presenting with FN at five hospitals in Santiago, Chile, evaluated at admission for diagnosis of bacterial and viral pathogens including PCR-microarray for 17 respiratory viruses. Children positive for a respiratory virus, negative for a bacterial pathogen and with a favourable evolution after 48 h of antimicrobial therapy were randomized to either maintain or withhold antimicrobials. Primary endpoint was percentage of episodes with uneventful resolution. Secondary endpoints were days of fever/hospitalization, bacterial infection, sepsis, admission to paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and death. ResultsA total of 319 of 951 children with FN episodes recruited between July 2012 and December 2015 had a respiratory virus as a unique identified microorganism, of which 176 were randomized, 92 to maintain antimicrobials and 84 to withdraw. Median duration of antimicrobial use was 7 days (range 7–9 days) versus 3 days (range 3–4 days), with similar frequency of uneventful resolution (89/92 (97%) and 80/84 (95%), respectively, not significant; OR 1.48; 95% CI 0.32–6.83, p 0.61), and similar number of days of fever (2 versus 1), days of hospitalization (6 versus 6) and bacterial infections throughout the episode (2%–1%), with one case of sepsis requiring admission to PICU in the group that maintained antimicrobials, without any deaths. ConclusionsThe reduction of antimicrobials in children with FN and respiratory viral infections, based on clinical and microbiological/molecular diagnostic criteria, should favour the adoption of evidence-based management strategies in this population.

Impact of Changes in Urine Culture Ordering Practice on Antimicrobial Utilization in Intensive Care Units at an Academic Medical Center.

OBJECTIVE To assess antimicrobial utilization before and after a change in urine culture ordering practice in adult intensive care units (ICUs) whereby urine cultures were only performed when pyuria was detected. DESIGN Quasi-experimental study SETTING A 700-bed academic medical center PATIENTS Patients admitted to any adult ICU METHODS Aggregate data for all adult ICUs were obtained for population-level antimicrobial use (days of therapy [DOT]), urine cultures performed, and bacteriuria, all measured per 1,000 patient days before the intervention (January-December 2012) and after the intervention (January-December 2013). These data were compared using interrupted time series negative binomial regression. Randomly selected patient charts from the population of adult ICU patients with orders for urine culture in the presence of indwelling or recently removed urinary catheters were reviewed for demographic, clinical, and antimicrobial use characteristics, and pre- and post-intervention data were compared. RESULTS Statistically significant reductions were observed in aggregate monthly rates of urine cultures performed and bacteriuria detected but not in DOT. At the patient level, compared with the pre-intervention group (n=250), in the post-intervention group (n=250), fewer patients started a new antimicrobial therapy based on urine culture results (23% vs 41%, P=.002), but no difference in the mean total DOT was observed. CONCLUSION A change in urine-culture ordering practice was associated with a decrease in the percentage of patients starting a new antimicrobial therapy based on the index urine-culture order but not in total duration of antimicrobial use in adult ICUs. Other drivers of antimicrobial use in ICU patients need to be evaluated by antimicrobial stewardship teams. Infect.

A comparative study of single-dose preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis versus routine long-term postoperative prophylaxis in elective general surgical cases

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a major contributor to increased mortality and health-care cost globally, which can be reduced by appropriate antibiotic prophylactic use. The proper duration of antimicrobial use for the prevention of postoperative surgical infection has been a subject of controversy. No data currently exist about comparative study of single-dose preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis versus routine long-term postoperative prophylaxis in elective general surgical cases in India. We, therefore, examined risk factors, use, and efficacy of single-dose prophylactic antibiotic for SSI among patients in elective general surgical cases. Objective: To study the effect of antimicrobial prophylaxis to know its effect on reducing postoperative wound infection. Materials and Methods: This study is a randomized prospective and comparative study of a single-dose cefotaxime sodium Intra-Venous (I.V.) 1 g (40 mg/kg Body Weight (B.W.)) (versus long-term (5 days) postoperative in elective general surgical cases. A total of 200 patients were included in this study and were divided into Group A and Group B. Group A contains patients with 1 g of cefotaxime sodium intravenously, that is, single dose was given 1 h before induction of anesthesia and Group B contains patients who were given first dose at 1 h before induction of anesthesia, and subsequent doses were given at an interval of 12 h after surgery for 5 days, that is, multiple dose. Result: The rate of wound infection in Group A was 10% and Group B was 9%. There was no statistical significance. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism causing wound infections. Conclusion: In conclusion, single preoperative dose of cefotaxime sodium is cost-effective, and is as effective as multipledose prophylaxis, and a reliable method of prophylaxis in elective general surgical cases.

Parenteral Nutrition-Associated Cholestasis in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: A Single Center Experience.

PurposeParenteral nutrition (PN)-associated cholestasis (PNAC) is one of the most common complications in very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs). The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk factors of PNAC in VBLWIs.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 322 VLBWIs admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of our hospital from July 1, 2009 to December 31, 2013. We excluded 72 dead infants; 6 infants were transferred to another hospital, and 57 infants were transferred to our hospital at 2 weeks after birth. The infants were divided into the cholestasis and the non-cholestasis groups. PNAC was defined as a direct bilirubin level of ≥2.0 mg/dL in infants administered with PN for ≥2 weeks.ResultsA total of 187 VLBWI were enrolled in this study; of these, 46 infants developed PNAC. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors of PNAC in VLBWI were longer duration of antimicrobial use (odds ratio [OR] 4.49, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 4.42-4.58), longer duration of PN (OR 2.68, 95% CI 2.41-3.00), long-term lack of enteral nutrition (OR 2.89, 95% CI 2.43-3.37), occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis (OR 2.40, 95% CI 2.16-2.83), and gastrointestinal operation (OR 2.19, 95% CI 2.03-2.58).ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that shorter PN, aggressive enteral nutrition, and appropriate antimicrobial use are important strategies in preventing PNAC.

Antimicrobial Resistance of Faecal Escherichia coli Isolates from Pig Farms with Different Durations of In-feed Antimicrobial Use.

Antimicrobial use and resistance in animal and food production are of concern to public health. The primary aims of this study were to determine the frequency of resistance to 12 antimicrobials in Escherichia coli isolates from 39 pig farms and to identify patterns of antimicrobial use on these farms. Further aims were to determine whether a categorization of farms based on the duration of in-feed antimicrobial use (long-term versus short-term) could predict the occurrence of resistance on these farms and to identify the usage of specific antimicrobial drugs associated with the occurrence of resistance. Escherichia coli were isolated from all production stages on these farms; susceptibility testing was carried out against a panel of antimicrobials. Antimicrobial prescribing data were collected, and farms were categorized as long term or short term based on these. Resistance frequencies and antimicrobial use were tabulated. Logistic regression models of resistance to each antimicrobial were constructed with stage of production, duration of antimicrobial use and the use of 5 antimicrobial classes included as explanatory variables in each model. The greatest frequencies of resistance were observed to tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole and streptomycin with the highest levels of resistance observed in isolates from first-stage weaned pigs. Differences in the types of antimicrobial drugs used were noted between long-term and short-term use farms. Categorization of farms as long- or short-term use was sufficient to predict the likely occurrence of resistance to 3 antimicrobial classes and could provide an aid in the control of resistance in the food chain. Stage of production was a significant predictor variable in all models of resistance constructed and did not solely reflect antimicrobial use at each stage. Cross-selection and co-selection for resistance was evident in the models constructed, and the use of trimethoprim/sulphonamide drugs in particular was associated with the occurrence of resistance to other antimicrobials.

Implementation of a Procalcitonin Assay Requires Appropriate Stewardship to Result in Improved Antimicrobial Use

Elevation of procalcitonin (PCT) has a high correlation for the presence of sepsis because of bacterial infection. Levels of PCT have been shown to increase within 6 to 12 hours of the initial bacterial infection, and circulating PCT levels are expected to decrease by half daily when the infection is controlled by the host immune system and antibiotics (ABX).1 Procalcitonin has a high degree of discrimination between viral and bacterial infection and has been shown to be a very useful tool in the decision to shorten the duration of ABX therapy in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia.2 It is used extensively in Europe to assist decisions for use of antimicrobials and for duration of antimicrobial use because the value of PCT quickly increases or decreases with bacterial burden. There has been less experience, but there is increased interest and ongoing studies in the United States. We have found this test to be very useful in reducing duration of ABX. Ramanathan et al3 presented their experience after introducing PCT in a veterans affairs hospital (primarily in the intensive care unit). They found a suboptimal result of antimicrobial discontinuation or de-escalation on the basis of a low PCT level. This is not surprising because there was no systematic education provided to practitioners before introduction of the test. Other studies of PCT have demonstrated that, without some type of stewardship oversight or defined algorithmic interpretation of the results, there has been little change in the use of antimicrobials. 4,5 We have published our experience in PCT in the intensive care unit whereby we initially educated practitioners as to the appropriate interpretation and found in an observational study a significant decrease in duration of ABX, length of hospital stay, and 30-day readmission rate.6 Since then, our antimicrobial stewardship program has been prospectively following PCT and giving recommendations for the de-escalation of ABX at 48 to 72 hours and has observed a reduction of ABX use. In our study and in current practice, we recommend PCT determination at the onset of sepsis and 48 hours later because there is often a rapid change on the basis of bacterial response to therapy. In addition, in difference to the study by Ramanathan et al,3 we prefer to use the lower level of less than 0.1 μg/L for indication of unlikelihood of bacterial infection. An antimicrobial stewardship team that reviews rapid diagnostic testing results (ie, PNA FISH® (a fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) method using PNA probes), PCT, MALDI-TOF (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight), and antimicrobial orders) and provides feedback to providers can help clinicians understand and act upon these results. Without this oversight, there may be little change in behavior of practitioners.7 Procalcitonin does not replace clinical judgment but can be a valuable tool regarding the duration of ABX in bacterial infections, including sepsis.