Guidelines For Antibiotic Usage Research Articles

Mapping the risk factors, pathogens, and antibiotic of pharyngocutaneous fistula in patients after neck open surgery.

Current literature lacks consensus on risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF), and empirical antibiotic guidelines for PCF are limited. The aim of this study was to reduce the incidence of PCF and improve antibiotic treatment efficacy for patients with PCF after open neck surgery by analyzing their clinical characteristics, pathogenic bacteria, and antibiotic susceptibility. This study was a 13-year single-center retrospective cohort study, including 699 patients who underwent open neck surgery for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors associated with the occurrence of PCF after surgery. The microbial species causing PCF were analyzed, and the antibiotic sensitivity of the top three pathogens was assessed. Venn diagrams were used to illustrate the antibiotics that exhibited 100% sensitivity against all three identified pathogens. The incidence of PCF after open neck surgery was 8%. Logistic univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that flap reconstruction (OR = 3.62, 95% CI [2.02-6.52]), history of preoperative radiotherapy (OR = 2.01, 95% CI [1.31-2.73]), significant postoperative bleeding (OR = 1.79, 95% CI [1.11-2.69]), and history of diabetes (OR = 1.34, 95% CI [1.29-2.46]) were significantly associated with PCF occurrence. Among the 38 cases of PCF patients, the top three identified pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter cloacae. The antibiotics cefepime, meropenem, ticarcillin/clavulanic acid, and cefoperazone/sulbactam showed 100% sensitivity against these top three pathogens. Special attention should be given to patients undergoing open neck surgery, especially those with intraoperative flap reconstruction, a history of preoperative radiotherapy, postoperative bleeding, or diabetes. Strengthening monitoring and care is crucial in preventing the occurrence of PCF. According to antibiotic usage guidelines and considering the distribution of pathogens in PCF patients, empirical antibiotic treatment with cefoperazone/sulbactam or ticarcillin/clavulanic acid is recommended prior to obtaining susceptibility test results.

Awareness on antibiotic prescription for endodontic cases among Dentists and Endodontists in Saudi Arabia

The knowledge of Dentists and Endodontists in Saudi Arabia regarding antibiotic prescriptions during and after endodontic treatment is of interest. A self-designed questionnaire survey was utilized to assess the knowledge of dentists across various cities in Saudi Arabia concerning antibiotic usage guidelines for endodontic purposes. A total of 391 participants were included in the study, and the questionnaire was distributed through social platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and email. Results revealed that over 80% of participants acknowledged the need for antibiotics in cases of acute apical abscess with cellulitis, with amoxicillin being the most recommended antibiotic by dentists. Interestingly, there was no statistically significant difference in knowledge based on experience or graduation group. In conclusion, while participants demonstrated adequate knowledge about antibiotic prescriptions in endodontic cases, continued awareness of updated guidelines, including the WHO's Essential Medicines List (EML), guidelines by the European Society of Endodontology (ESE) and American Association Endodontists (AAE) is essential for optimal clinical practice.

Use of antibiotics in poultry and poultry farmers- a cross-sectional survey in Pakistan.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which has been ascribed to be due to community carriage of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is highly prevalent in the WHO South-East Asia region. One of the major reasons for this is the misuse of antibiotics in animal farming practices and at the community level, which threatens both human and animal health. However, this problem of antibiotic misuse in poultry farms and in respective farmers is not well studied in countries like Pakistan. We conducted a cross-sectional study in rural Punjab to explore the current practices of antibiotic use in poultry and poultry farmers, associated factors, their healthcare-seeking behavior and biosecurity practices. In the context of antibiotic use for poultry, 60% comprised of Colistin sulfate and Amoxicillin trihydrate whereas Colistin is considered as the last resort antibiotic. In addition, the significant consumption of antibiotics in poultry farms (60%) and poultry farmers (50%) was without prescription by either human health physicians or veterinarians. Most of the farms (85%) had no wastewater drainage system, which resulted in the direct shedding of poultry waste and antibiotic residue into the surrounding environment. The lack of farmers' education, professional farm training and farming experience were the most significant factors associated with antibiotic use and knowledge of AMR. Our study findings show that it is necessary for an integrated AMR policy with the inclusion of all poultry farmers to be educated, a mass awareness program to be undertaken and that strict antibiotic usage guidelines be available to them. Such initiatives are also important to ensure food safety and farm biosecurity practices.

Antibiotic Prescription Patterns for Endodontic Procedures in India: A Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) Survey.

Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate the antibiotic prescription patterns of endodontists, general dentists, and other dental specialists for endodontic procedures in India by using the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) survey method. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out from February 2022 to May 2022 and involved dentists across India. A self-made questionnaire survey was created to judge the knowledge of various dental practitioners, which includes general dentists, endodontists, other dental specialists, and post-graduates with regard to antibiotic usage guidelines for endodontic purposes. A total of about 310 dental practitioners were surveyed across India. The questionnaire was circulated via social platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger. Statistical analysis Data for KAP regarding antibiotic prescription patterns among general dentists, endodontists, other dental specialists, and postgraduates were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20 (IBM Corp. Released 2011. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.). Descriptive statistics of the study population were examined. The level of statistical significance was determined at p<0.05. Results For the percentage of patients who were prescribed systemic antibiotics every day for endodontic reasons, about 38.6% (119) responded 0-10% and 27.3% (84) responded 10-30%. For the order of antibiotics that they prefer from most to least, about 85.4% (263) responded amoxicillin > metronidazole > doxycycline > azithromycin > clindamycin > ciprofloxacin. For the question of whether they use local antibiotics, about 35% answered yes of which 25% were endodontists, 2% were general dentists, 5% were other dental specialists, and 3% were post-graduates. About 77.3% of the total participants were unaware of the antimicrobial stewardship concept and AwaRe classification from WHO. About 53.2% (164) attended CDE programs with regard to antibiotic usage. Conclusion It is evident from the results of the present study that there is over-prescription of antibiotics by practitioners especially by general dentists without following proper guidelines for endodontic treatments. More emphasis should be made on the proper prescription pattern of antibiotics, proper understanding of endodontic diagnosis, and the need for antibiotics at the undergraduate level. In addition, proper awareness, as well as proper prescription of antibiotics, should be made for existing dental professionals.

199 An Audit Cycle of Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Abstract Aim Due to the lack of clinical benefit and the risks of unnecessary antimicrobial use, current national guidelines do not recommend prophylactic antibiotic use in low-risk elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies, reserving their use for high-risk patients only. The aim of this audit was to assess compliance with local and national guidelines for antibiotic usage for laparoscopic cholecystectomies, to identify areas of improvement, implement change and re-audit to assess the effectiveness of this change. Method Data was collected retrospectively between 01/05/2021 and 01/08/2021 for patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Following the initial data collection, we implemented change by attaching pre-printed stickers of local antibiotic prophylaxis guidance to pre-operative notes. We prospectively re-audited between 01/11/21 and 01/12/21 to assess the effectiveness of this change. Results In the initial three-month period, 24.4% (10/41) of elective cases received correct antibiotic prophylaxis, with 58.5% of patients prescribed unnecessary post-operative antibiotics in the post-operative plan. Following the implementation of change, in the re-audit period there was a significant improvement, with 55% (11/20) of elective cases receiving correct antibiotic prophylaxis, and only 25% prescribed unnecessary post-operative antibiotics. Conclusions We show that pre-printed stickers are a simple intervention that can improve adherence to local guidance and reduce injudicious use of antibiotics in the pre- and post-operative periods. Improving antibiotic prescribing for laparoscopic cholecystectomies, one of the United Kingdom's most common surgical procedures, highlights the potential for significant cost savings and improved antimicrobial stewardship. We will re-audit again in the coming months to assess if this improvement has been sustained.

Perceptions toward and practices regarding antibiotic stewardship and use among physicians at tertiary-care public hospitals in Bangladesh

Background: The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is affecting public health management in developing countries, including Bangladesh. Irrational and inappropriate use of antibiotics in healthcare settings has led to widespread drug resistance. To optimize antimicrobial usage to combat AMR and enhance infection treatment, the competence of healthcare workers in antibiotic prescribing is indispensable. We sought to determine the perceptions about antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs), and antibiotic prescribing approaches among physicians at tertiary-care public hospitals in Bangladesh. Methods: From September to December 2020, we conducted a mixed-methods study in 9 tertiary-care public hospitals. Using a self-administered, semistructured questionnaire, we collected data on antibiotic stewardship and prescribing practices from 452 on-duty physicians. In addition, we conducted 16 key-informant interviews to explore AMR perceptions and determinants. Results: Only 43.8% of physicians were aware of the ASP, and none of the hospitals had any ASP initiative in place. Most of the participants (70.6%) recommended tailored training and antibiotic prescribing guidelines (63.7%) for effective ASP initiatives. More than half of the physicians (54.7%) preferred to receive regular monitoring and feedback on their routine antibiotic prescriptions from the stewardship program. In terms of the antibiotic prescribing approach, only 25.9% of physicians relied on microbiology lab findings, whereas 69.5% routinely employed oral or intravenous antibiotics. Also, 40.0% of physicians considered the patient’s ability to afford the antibiotic cost when recommending antibiotics. The qualitative investigation identified the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, absence of guidelines, and inadequate laboratory support as factors contributing to AMR in the healthcare setting. Self-medication, over-the-counter dispensing, and patients’ economic instability to complete the dosage were also attributed to the irrational use of antibiotics. As a priority step, physicians advocated for intensive training on antibiotic advising, mass awareness campaigns on safe antibiotic usage and dispensing, and a restriction on the widespread sale of antibiotics from pharmacies. Conclusions: Despite favorable perceptions, the fundamental understanding of physicians regarding ASPs and rational prescribing of antibiotics needs to be improved through context-specific educational interventions and capacity building. In addition, a coherent and comprehensive policy is required for the development and implementation of antibiotic usage guidelines along with integrated ASP initiatives to combat AMR.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

The Impact of Antibiotic Usage Guidelines, Developed and Disseminated through Internet, on the Knowledge, Attitude and Prescribing Habits of Orthokeratology Contact Lens Practitioners in China.

It has been previously reported that the improper prescribing of antibiotic eye drops is common among orthokeratology (ortho-k) practitioners. Guidelines have since been developed and disseminated to improve their understanding and implementation of antibiotic prescriptions. This study aimed to investigate the influence of these guidelines on the knowledge, attitude, and prescribing habits of ortho-k practitioners by means of a questionnaire, which was administered nationwide via an official online account to eye care practitioners (ECPs) involved in ortho-k lens fitting, 548 of whom completed the survey. Differences in characteristics before and after the dissemination of the guidelines and between the groups were explored using χ2 tests. The relationship between prescribing habits and demographics was analyzed using stepwise logistic regression models. The implementation of the guidelines significantly improved the overall prescribing habits of ECPs (p < 0.001), especially for prophylactic antibiotic use before and after ortho-k lens wear (p < 0.001). Most ECPs who prescribed antibiotics properly displayed significantly better knowledge of correct antibiotic use, which in turn affected the compliance in their ortho-k patients (p < 0.001). The ECPs’ occupations (professionals other than ophthalmologists and optometrists, including nurses and opticians), clinical setting (distributor fitting centers), and age (younger than 25 years) were risk factors for the misuse of antibiotics. Although the implementation of the antibiotic guidelines significantly improved overall prescribing habits, some practitioners’ prescribing behavior still needs improvement. A limitation of this study was that all questions were mandatory, requiring ECPs to recall information, and therefore was subjected to selection and recall bias.

EP.WE.739Antibiotics Prescriptions in Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Abstract Aim To assess our compliance to the trust and national guidelines for antibiotic usage and prescription in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy and to assess whether prophylactic antibiotics are prescribed appropriately and identify areas of improvement. Method Medical records for patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy over 3 months were collected (May – July 2019). Urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomies were excluded, and medical records were reviewed retrospectively for operative note details, patient risk factors, antibiotic prescribed, concomitant procedure, and complications. Results Appropriate antibiotic prescription represented 50% (Patient had at least one risk factor and prescribed antibiotic or no risk factors and wasn't prescribed antibiotics) and inappropriate prescription 50% (Patient had no risk factors and prescribed antibiotic or had risk factors and wasn't prescribed antibiotics). In the group with risk factors and wasn't prescribed antibiotics, Age was a risk factor in 17 patients, BMI in 25, Bile spillage in 10, and Diabetes in 3. Conclusion We are not compliant with the current guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, some patient with no risk factors received antibiotics while other with risk factors did not. We plan to disseminate this information in the governance meeting and print guidelines posters in theatres and then re-audit in 3 months’ time to assess progress.

Survey on the use of antibiotics in exotic pets among Swiss veterinarians

Monitoring programs and guidelines on the use of antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in human and veterinary medicine have been developed worldwide to promote the prudent use of antibiotics in recent years. However, such information on the use of antibiotics in exotic pets is absent. This fact must be taken into account, since the number of exotic pet patients is constantly increasing and the administration of antibiotics is particular challenging due to the diversity of species and the differences in physiology. The present study reports the results of a survey of frequently used antibiotics and the criteria of antibiotic usage in exotic pets (rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles) among Swiss veterinarians. These data should form the basis for the development of antibiotic usage guidelines in exotic pets. A total of 61 veterinarians returned the questionnaire. The most important decision-making criteria for antibiotic treatment and antibiotic selection were clinical symptoms (55/59, 93% for antibiotic treatment and 40/59, 68% for antibiotic selection), experience (41/59, 69% and 36/59, 61%, respectively) and textbooks (39/59, 66% and 40/59, 68%). The most important decision-making criteria for dosage and duration of therapy were textbooks (59/59, 100%) and experience (31/59, 53%). The use of a microbial culture was used as a decision criterion for both antibiotic treatment and antibiotic selection by 39% of the participants, sensitivity testing was chosen as a decision criterion by 37% for antibiotic treatment and by 46% for antibiotic selection. Fluoroquinolones were used most frequently, 46/56 (82% of the participants) for rabbits, 49/57 (86%) for rodents, 36/37 (97%) for reptiles and 38/46 (83%) for birds. The vast majority of veterinarians (57/58, 98%) would consult a guide for the use of antibiotics. The frequent use of critical antibiotics in exotic pets underscores the need for a guide to the prudent use of antibiotics. The positive influence of such guidelines has already been proven in dogs and cats.

Diagnostic and Treatment Practices of Equine Endometritis-A Questionnaire.

Endometritis is a major cause for impaired fertility in mares. The objectives of this study were to collect information on diagnostic and treatment practices performed by veterinarians and to investigate possible effects of professional experience, caseload, and geographical location on the practitioners' management of endometritis cases. For this purpose, equine practitioners (n = 680) were asked to fill out an online survey (34 questions). The online survey yielded 117 responses by veterinarians practicing in all parts of Germany. Most respondents came from Lower Saxony and managed <20 mares per year. For the diagnosis of chronic infectious endometritis, uterine sampling for microbiological examination was performed manually with a swab by the majority of practitioners whereas only few used the speculum technique. The incidence of antibiotic resistant pathogens was reported to be <5% by almost all respondents. Most practitioners relied on systemic antibiotic treatment with trimethoprim-sulfadiazine. Only occasionally veterinarians used intrauterine antibiotic therapy. Uterine lavages were performed routinely by almost half of the respondents in case of positive uterine cultures, mostly with 0.9% saline solution. Irritant solutions (e.g., iodine, chlorhexidine, kerosene) were used less often. Collection of an endometrial culture after completion of the treatment was common practice. While only a very limited association of the geographical location of practitioner (e.g., on selection of mares for endometrial culture, p < 0.05) was observed, the number of managed mares affected the answers notably (e.g., for use of irritating intrauterine treatment, p < 0.05). The management of persistent breeding induced endometritis (PBIE) was influenced by the number of managed mares (e.g., for use of oxytocin, p < 0.05) and 29.6% of respondents administered antibiotics as part of their PBIE management. In summary, treatment strategies in the field vary considerably and include also non-evidence-based methods, but most German practitioners apply the recommended suitable treatments. Following the guidelines for antibiotic usage, most veterinarians administer antibiotics dependent on endometrial culture results but do not use cytology, low-volume lavage, or biopsy routinely. Antibiotic resistant uterine pathogens are reported to be isolated infrequently and equine practitioners prefer systemic to local antibiotic treatment of endometritis.

Antibiotic eye drops prescription patterns by orthokeratology practitioners in China and the development of antibiotic usage guidelines

PurposeTo investigate antibiotic eye drops prescribing patterns of contact lens practitioners in Mainland China for orthokeratology (ortho-k) patients and to develop guidelines for their use. MethodsA questionnaire on their antibiotic prescribing habits was administered to eye care practitioners (ECP) involved in ortho-k lens fitting nationwide via an official online account. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the relationships between prescribing habits and demographics. ResultsA total of 555 ECP completed the survey, of whom 50.5 % were optometrists (non-medical degree). About 30 % of the respondents routinely prescribed antibiotic eye drops for prophylactic use before and/or after commencement of ortho-k treatment. Forty one percent of the respondents dispensed antibiotics to patients for emergency use without giving written instructions, 48.5 % used antibiotic eye drops to wet fluorescein strips during ortho-k lens fitting, and 44.9 % considered treating corneal infiltrate(s) with antibiotics to be appropriate. A set of guidelines, including when to use antibiotic eye drops during ortho-k lens treatment and their proper use, stratified by different corneal conditions, was developed. ConclusionsInappropriate use of antibiotic eye drops appeared to be common among ortho-k practitioners in Mainland China. Taking into account deficiencies and errors identified from the survey, a set of guidelines based on best practice was developed and can serve to provide advice for proper use of antibiotics in ortho-k practice.

Global prevalence of colistin resistance in clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii: A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionAcinetobacter baumannii antimicrobial resistance is a public health concern in developing and developed countries, especially in the hospital setting. Understanding the antibiotic resistance profile can help to provide better guidelines for the prescription of appropriate antibiotics, reduction of antibiotic resistance, and introducing new and effective treatment options. MethodUsing the PRISMA guidelines, databases of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched systematically from January 1, 2000, to January 1, 2018. All statistical analyses were carried out via Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software Version 2.0 (Biostat, Englewood, NJ). Depending on the heterogeneity test, either random or fix effect models were used for determining the pooled prevalence of drug resistance. ResultA total of 150 studies were included from 41 countries of six different WHO regional offices worldwide. The highest and the lowest rate of resistance were observed for cefotaxime (99%, 95% CI: 95–99.9) in Africa and colistin (1.1%, 95% CI: 0.3–4.5) in Western Pacific, respectively. Lebanon (17.5%, 95% CI: 16–19) and China (12%, 95% CI: 3.5–32.5) had the highest and Germany (0.2%, 95% CI: 0–2.5) had the lowest rate of resistance for colistin. Conclusion: Our analysis showed that prevalence and rate of increased colistin resistance in South-East Asia and Eastern Mediterranean countries are higher than other regions of the world. Therefore, the establishment of appropriate antibiotic usage guidelines should be essential in these countries.

Global prevalence of antibiotic resistance in blood-isolated Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

IntroductionOne of the global concerns is the increasing trend toward antimicrobial resistance and the consequent lack of efficient antimicrobials. Nosocomial infections present a big threat for patients all over the world and treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics leads to outgrowth of hospital-associated resistant Enterococci clones that are very important in bloodstream infections. We surveyed the frequency and time trend of antibiotic resistance in Enterococci blood isolates from hospitalized patients in different regions of the world.MethodsLiterature from January 1, 2000 to May 20, 2018 was searched systematically using Medline (via PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane Library and all original publications on the antibiotic resistance prevalence in blood-isolated Enterococci strains with standard laboratory tests were included. Quality of the included studies was assessed with the modified Critical Appraisal Checklist recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Depending on the heterogeneity test, we used either random or fixed effect models to assess the appropriateness of the pooled prevalence of drug resistance.ResultsA total of 291 studies were enrolled in the meta-analysis. Between all antibiotics, based on the WHO original offices, American countries showed the lowest prevalence of resistance for linezolid in Enterococcus faecalis. Regarding the prevalence of vancomycin resistance, Western Pacific, European, and American countries had the lowest level of resistance and South-East Asia and Eastern Mediterranean countries showed the highest level of resistance. Moreover, our findings for Enterococcus faecium indicated that America and South-East Asia had the lowest and the highest levels of resistance for linezolid, respectively.ConclusionBased on our findings, the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant E. faecium in bloodstream infections is significantly high, especially in Eastern Mediterranean countries, which is a massive warning signal for resistance to this broad-spectrum antibiotic. Therefore, the establishment of appropriate antibiotic usage guidelines should be essential in these countries.

Characterisation of extended spectrum β-lactamase among Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae associated with skin and urogenital tract infections in dog

Thus, ESBL producing organisms pose a major problem for clinical therapeutics. Because of the close contact between dogs and man, and aimless utilization of antibiotics especially cephalosporins in veterinary sector, these animals have turned into potential source of ESBL producing bacteria, thereby prompting the transfer of multidrug resistant strains in human. So far no studies have been conducted regarding the prevalence of ESBL among animals in Kerala. Because of the alarming rise in the number of these resistant strains, there is a urgent need for regular area based monitoring of the antibiogram profile of the various bacterial organisms associated with clinical infections in animals which could fluctuate throughout the years and from site to site. This could provide adequate data prompting the authorities to formulate strict antibiotic usage guidelines in veterinary and human sector.

Transversal infectious disease activity in French hospitals

ObjectivesTo assess the organization, activity, and funding of transversal infectious diseases (ID) activity in French hospitals. MethodsCross-sectional questionnaire-based survey conducted in 2013–2014. ResultsThe questionnaire was returned by 66 hospitals (response rate: 63%). A transversal ID consultancy activity was present in 65 hospitals (98%) and had existed for a median of 6 years. The median team size for transversal ID activity was equivalent to 0.8 full-time physicians. Among the 16 hospitals (25%) with a full-time physician dedicated to transversal ID activity, only 6 university hospitals received dedicated funding. Teams with a transversal ID activity received a median of 35 calls for advice (IQR=20–60) per week from other hospital departments, and 14 calls from external structures. They participated in multidisciplinary meetings (75%), dedicated staff meetings (bacteriologists, pharmacists, or infection control physicians – 51%), and promoted antibiotic stewardship (antibiotic usage guidelines (72%) and auditing (62%)). Eleven teams (17%) prepared an annual report of their transversal ID activity, and 30 teams (46%) recorded the number of calls for advice. Twenty-one teams cross-charged their in-hospital transversal ID consultancy, and 5 teams invoiced their external consultancy, with a recovery of the relevant funds by 8 teams. ConclusionAlthough most French hospitals that responded to this survey had a transversal ID consultancy activity, not all had implemented an antibiotic stewardship program. Few teams conducted standardized data collection or cross-charged their transversal ID activity. Moreover, teams rarely received specific funding for a full-time ID physician dedicated to transversal ID activity.

Initiating a transfusion protocol for free diep flap breast reconstruction in North Bristol NHS Trust

Initiating a transfusion protocol for free diep flap breast reconstruction in North Bristol NHS Trust

Guide to the guidelines

Ian Battersby led the initiative that resulted in the SAMSoc/BSAVA Antibiotic usage guidelines when he became aware of how much more rigorous prescribing protocols were in human medicine.

Prophylactic antibiotics in plastic surgery: Trends of use over 25 years of an evolving specialty

Background: Infection complicating a plastic-surgery procedure can be a catastrophic event, both for the patient and the surgeon. Surveys published in 1975 and 1985 demonstrated the “usual and customary” practices of plastic surgeons with regard to the use of prophylactic antibiotics. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine plastic surgeons' current use of prophylactic antibiotics, to compare these data with similar data from 1975 and 1985, and to gain relevant information regarding newer aesthetic procedures. Methods: We conducted a survey of members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to elicit information on the frequency and timing of and modifying influences on their use of prophylactic antibiotics for plastic surgery procedures. The data we compiled were compared with the 1985 and 1975 data. Results: Respondents returned 1804 questionnaires, for a 35% response rate. Antibiotic usage increased by 100% in nearly half of the operative categories surveyed since 1985 (P = .001). Aesthetic procedures were most common in this group. In 7 procedures, usage increased by 200% (P = 0.001). These categories included rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, rhytidectomy, and arm contouring. Conclusions: The use of prophylactic antibiotics by plastic surgeons is increasing, especially in aesthetic procedures. A review of the literature indicates that this increase in use is not based on scientific evidence of increased incidence of infection or on increased evidence of efficacy. The necessary data to provide scientific guidelines for antibiotic usage in plastic surgery do not exist. (Aesthetic Surg J 2003;23:177-183.)

Impact of an Educational Program on Antibiotic Use in a Tertiary Care Hospital in a Developing Country

A multi-cross-sectional study was conducted in a 2000-bed tertiary care university hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, from September 1993 to May 1994 to assess the effectiveness of an educational program on the use of antibiotics. Data on the study covered antibiotic usage both in-patients and out-patients. Data were collected for a 24-hour period every 2 weeks for 7 days for each 3-month period. The target population were residents, general practitioners, and sixth-year medical students. The educational program provided information derived from the data of inappropriate use of antibiotics during the pre-intervention period and guidelines on the use of antibiotics which were agreed to by a concensus among the faculty in all clinical departments. The study revealed: (1) the prevalence of antibiotic use and the cost of antibiotics during post-intervention period was significantly decreased by 20%; (2) the use of antibiotic prophylaxis for obstetrics patients and patients undergoing cataract surgery decreased significantly; (3) there was a shift from second or third generation cephalosporins to cefazolin for surgical prophylaxis; (4) the duration of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis was reduced to under 2 days; (5) there was a shift from netilmicin or amikacin to gentamicin for the treatment of community acquired infection; and (6) the mortality, median length of hospital stay, and nosocomial infection rate among the patients who received antibiotics during the post-intervention period were not significantly different from those during the pre-intervention period. These results suggest that this educational program comprising information feedback and antibiotic usage guidelines was effective in improving antibiotic use at this tertiary care university hospital in Thailand.

Epidemiology of nosocomial infections in adult intensive care units

Patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are a small subgroup of all hospitalized patients, but they account for approximately 25% of all hospital infections. Nosocomial infection rates among ICU patients are 5-10 times higher than among general ward patients. ICU infection rates are higher due to complex interactions between the patients' underlying disease, severity of illness, type of ICU, duration of stay, and invasive devices used. Antimicrobial resistance is a major clinical problem despite potent and newer antibiotics. Organisms that pose a clinically significant resistance problem among ICU patients include methicillin-resistant staphylococci, enterococci, a wide variety of enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas cepacia, Xanthomonas maltophila, Acinetobacter and Candida species. Traditional infection control measures include identification of reservoirs, halting transmission between patients, stopping progression from colonization to infection and modifying host risk. In addition, sound selection procedures and guidelines for antibiotic usage are necessary to control the spread of multi-resistant micro-organisms.