Impact Of Infectious Diseases Consultation Research Articles

Impact of infectious diseases consultation for hospitalized patients with Clostridioides difficile infection.

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. This study described outcomes associated with mandatory infectious diseases (ID) consultation in hospitalized patients with CDI. ID consultation was associated with increased appropriate concomitant antibiotic use, however longer courses of concomitant antibiotics were administered.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of infectious diseases consultation on outcomes of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in children

Abstract For adult patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB), Infectious Diseases consultation (IDC) significantly lowers mortality and recurrence rate. Our systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that IDC is also associated with significantly lower mortality in children with SAB. Analysis of the impact of IDC on pediatric recurrence rates revealed moderate heterogeneity.

Impact of Infectious Diseases Consultation in Patients With Candidemia at a Multisite Health Care System With Established Antimicrobial Stewardship and Telemedicine Services.

Infectious diseases consultation improves outcomes in patients with candidemia, although some facilities lack access to consultation. This multisite health care system study compared in-hospital mortality in patients with candidemia across 3 groups-those who received on-site consultation, telemedicine consultation, or no consultation. All patients were reviewed by an antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist. A retrospective observational cohort study was performed of adult hospitalized patients with candidemia from January 2018 to October 2021. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included receipt and duration of antifungals, removal of central venous lines if present, ophthalmologic examination, echocardiography, and determination of infection source. A total of 265 patients were evaluated: 187 in the on-site consultation group, 49 in the telemedicine consultation group, and 29 in the nonconsultation group. Although in-hospital mortality did not differ significantly between the on-site and nonconsultation groups, it was significantly lower in the telemedicine group when compared with the nonconsultation group (10.2% vs 34.5%, P = .009). Patients who received on-site or telemedicine consultation had significantly more antifungal therapy initiated, appropriate therapy duration, central lines removed, and echocardiography performed, as well as fewer unknown candidemia sources, vs those in the nonconsultation group. This is the first study of a multisite health care system providing telemedicine services to evaluate the impact of infectious diseases consultation on candidemia mortality. These findings suggest that when on-site consultation is unavailable, infectious diseases telemedicine consultation and antimicrobial stewardship can improve outcomes and should be considered for all patients with candidemia at resource-limited sites.

The impact of infectious diseases consultation for children with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia.

Despite clear benefit of improved outcomes in adults, the impact of infectious diseases (ID) consultation for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in children remains understudied. To assess the impact of pediatric ID consultation on management and outcomes, we conducted a cohort study of children with S. aureus bacteremia at St. Louis Children's Hospital from 2011 to 2018. We assessed adherence to six established quality-of-care indicators (QCIs). We applied propensity score methodology to examine the impact of ID consultation on risk of treatment failure, a composite of all-cause mortality or hospital readmission within 90 days. Of 306 patients with S. aureus bacteremia, 193 (63%) received ID consultation. ID consultation was associated with increased adherence to all QCIs, including proof-of-cure blood cultures, indicated laboratory studies, echocardiography, source control, targeted antibiotic therapy, and antibiotic duration. Obtaining proof-of-cure blood cultures and all indicated laboratory studies were associated with improved outcomes. In propensity score-weighted analyses, risk of treatment failure was similar among patients who did and did not receive ID consultation. However, the number of events was small and risk estimates were imprecise. For children with S. aureus bacteremia, ID consultation improved adherence to QCIs, some of which were associated with improved clinical outcomes. In children with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, consultation by an infectious diseases (ID) physician improved adherence to established quality-of-care indicators (QCIs). The current literature regarding ID consultation in pediatric S. aureus bacteremia is sparse. Three prior international studies demonstrated improved quality of care with ID consultation, though results were disparate regarding clinical outcomes. This article impacts the current literature by strengthening the evidence that ID consultation in children improves adherence to QCIs, and demonstrates that adherence to QCIs improves clinical outcomes.

Impact of Infectious Diseases Consultation on the Outcome of Patients With Enterococcal Bacteremia: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis.

BackgroundEnterococcal bacteremia carries significant mortality. While multiple studies have evaluated the impact of infectious disease consultation (IDC) on this condition, these studies were limited by the low numbers of patients enrolled. This systemic literature review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether IDC is associated with a mortality benefit among patients with enterococcal bacteremia.MethodsWe performed a systematic literature search using 5 databases for studies evaluating IDC among patients with enterococcal bacteremia. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess whether IDC was associated with reduced mortality. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled odds ratios (pORs). Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 estimation and the Cochran's Q statistic test.ResultsThe systematic literature review revealed 6496 reports, from which 18 studies were evaluated in the literature review and 16 studies in the meta-analysis. When all studies were pooled, the association between IDC and mortality was not statistically significant with a pOR of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.61–1.08) and substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 58%). When the studies were limited to those reporting multivariate analysis including IDC, there was a significant protective effect of IDC (pOR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.24–0.68) without heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). Some studies also showed additional benefits to IDC, including appropriate antibiotic therapy and improved diagnostic use.ConclusionsIDC was associated with 60% lower odds of mortality when patients were well-matched, potentially through improvement in the care of patients with enterococcal bacteremia. IDC should be considered part of routine care for patients with enterococcal bacteremia.

10. Impact of Infectious Disease Consultation and Theoretical Management Bundle in Patients with Candidemia

BackgroundCandidemia is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The impact of infectious diseases consultation (IDC) on clinical outcomes in patients with candidemia is not well established. We evaluated the impact of IDC and a management bundle on clinical outcomes in patients with candidemia.MethodsA retrospective chart review of adult (age ≥ 18 years) patients with at least 1 blood culture growing Candida species identified at Alberta Precision Laboratories between December 1, 2019 to November 30, 2020 and hospitalized at the University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Canada were included. Patients who died within 48 hours and those who left against medical advice within 24 hours of initial positive blood culture result were excluded. Demographics, management, and outcome data were collected. A complete management bundle was defined as having all the following elements performed: IDC, repeat blood cultures, empiric echinocandin therapy, ophthalmology consult, and echocardiogram.ResultsThirty-one patients were included for study; mean age was 56 ± 17 years and 65% were male. 14 (45%) cases were admitted under critical care, 7 (23%) surgery, and 10 (32%) medicine. 3/17 (18%) required intensive care unit admission following candidemia diagnosis. Candida albicans was identified in more than half the cases. The primary source was intra-abdominal in 12 (39%), central-line associated in 8 (26%), and urinary in 6 (19%). IDC occurred in 27 cases (87%), echocardiogram in 22 (71%), ophthalmology consult in 10 (32%), and follow-up blood cultures in 30 (97%). 20 (65%) patients received empiric echinocandin. Of the remainder who received empiric fluconazole, 4 (36%) grew non albicans Candida species.Higher in-hospital mortality was observed in cases without IDC than those with IDC (4/4, 100% vs 8/27, 29.6%, p=0.016) and in those that did not have a complete bundle (12/25, 48% vs 0/6, p=0.059). However, IDC was not associated with the receipt of individual bundle components nor the complete bundle (p=NS).ConclusionIn patients with candidemia, lower in-hospital mortality was observed in patients who received IDC. Larger studies are required to confirm our findings and assess whether the implementation of a candidemia management bundle is beneficial. Disclosures Dima Kabbani, MD, AVIR Pharma (Grant/Research Support, Other Financial or Material Support, Speaker)Edesa Biotech (Scientific Research Study Investigator)Merck (Scientific Research Study Investigator)

122. Impact of Infectious Diseases Consultation in Patients with Candidemia at a Large Multi-site Healthcare System Providing Telemedicine Services

Background Candida species are the most common cause of fungemia and are associated with high mortality. Management concordant with the Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines and infectious diseases consultation (IDC) have been shown to lower mortality in patients with candidemia. The purpose of this study was to compare in-hospital mortality at a large multi-site healthcare system, including sites providing IDC via telemedicine services, in patients with candidemia with and without IDC.MethodsThis was a retrospective, observational cohort study completed at ten sites of Legacy Atrium Health in Charlotte Metro, NC, USA; at five sites, IDC is performed via telemedicine. Adult hospitalized patients identified with candidemia were enrolled May 2018-June 2019. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality of IDC and non-IDC patients. Secondary outcomes included obtainment of repeat blood cultures, receipt of antifungal treatment, duration of therapy, removal of central venous lines (CVC) when present, and ophthalmological examination. Fisher’s exact, Chi-Square, or two-tailed Student’s t-test were used for demographics, primary and secondary outcomes as appropriate.ResultsA total of 126 patients were enrolled: 103 (82%) in the IDC group and 23 (18%) in the non-IDC group (Table 1). Mortality was significantly lower, and rates of repeat blood culture obtainment and receipt of antifungal treatment were significantly higher in patients with IDC (Table 2). Other outcomes including duration of therapy, removal of CVC, repeat cultures within 48 hours, and ophthalmological examination were not statistically different between groups. ConclusionThis study is the first multi-site healthcare system providing telemedicine services to evaluate the impact of IDC on candidemia mortality. Ophthalmological examination rates were low in both groups, highlighting a potential area for improvement. IDC had significantly lower mortality, higher rates of antifungal treatment, and higher rates of repeat blood culture obtainment. IDC should be strongly considered in all patients with candidemia.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

The impact of infectious diseases consultation on the management and outcomes of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia in adults: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundPseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia (PAB) is associated with high mortality. The benefits of infectious diseases consultation (IDC) has been demonstrated in Staphylococcal aureus bacteraemia and other complex infections. Impact of IDC in PAB is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of IDC on the management and outcomes in patients with PAB.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort single-centre study from 1 November 2006 to 29 May 2019, in all adult patients admitted with first episode of PAB. Data collected included demographics, clinical management and outcomes for PAB and whether IDC occurred. In addition, 29 Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) stored isolates were available for Illumina whole genome sequencing to investigate if pathogen factors contributed to the mortality.ResultsA total of 128 cases of PAB were identified, 71% received IDC. Patients who received IDC were less likely to receive inappropriate duration of antibiotic therapy (4.4%; vs 67.6%; p < 0.01), more likely to be de-escalated to oral antibiotic in a timely manner (87.9% vs 40.5%; p < 0.01), undergo removal of infected catheter (27.5% vs 13.5%; p = 0.049) and undergo surgical intervention (20.9% vs 5.4%, p = 0.023) for source control. The overall 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 24.2% and was significantly higher in the no IDC group in both unadjusted (56.8% vs 11.0%, odds ratio [OR] = 10.63, p < 0.001) and adjusted analysis (adjusted OR = 7.84; 95% confidence interval, 2.95–20.86). The genotypic analysis did not reveal any PA genetic features associated with increased mortality between IDC versus no IDC groups.ConclusionPatients who received IDC for PAB had lower 30-day mortality, better source control and management was more compliant with guidelines. Further prospective studies are necessary to determine if these results can be validated in other settings.

Impact of Infectious Diseases Consultation on Management and Outcome of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia in Children.

To examine the impact of infectious diseases consultation (IDC) on the management and outcome of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) in children. A retrospective cohort study of children with SAB at a teritary pediatric hospital (January 2009-June 2015) identified by medical record review as to whether they received an IDC for SAB at the discretion of the admitting physician or surgeon was conducted. Differences in management and outcomes for those with and without IDC were evaluated, and multivariate regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with cure. There were 100 patients included in the analysis. Fifty-five patients received IDC and 45 had no IDC (NIDC). Appropriate directed therapy within 24 hours (54/55 = 98.2% vs 34/45 = 75.6%, P < .01), choice (54/55 = 98.2% vs 37/45 = 82.2%, P < .01), dose (54/55 = 98.2% vs 36/45 = 80%, P < .01), and duration (52/55 = 94.5% vs 24/45 = 53.3%, P < .01) of directed antibiotic therapy were appropriate in more IDC group patients. Achievement of source control in indicated cases was also more common in the IDC group (28/32 = 87.5% vs 5/26 = 19.1%, P < .01). Appropriate investigation with repeat blood cultures and echocardiograms was not significantly different. All 55 patients in the IDC group had a complete response (cure) compared with 40 of the 45 (88.9%) patients in the NIDC group: 2 patients died and 3 patients had a relapse of infection with subsequent cure. In multivariate regression analysis, methicillin-susceptible SAB and IDC were factors independently associated with cure. Children who received IDC for SAB in a tertiary pediatric setting were more likely to have appropriate investigations and management and had improved outcomes.

A Propensity Score Matched Study of the Positive Impact of Infectious Diseases Consultation on Antimicrobial Appropriateness in Hospitalized Patients with Antimicrobial Stewardship Oversight.

Hospital-based antibiotic stewardship (AS) programs provide oversight and guidance for appropriate antimicrobial use in acute care settings. Infectious disease expertise is beneficial in the care of hospitalized patients with infections. The impact of infectious diseases consultation (IDC) on antimicrobial appropriateness in a large tertiary hospital with an established AS program was investigated. This was a cross-sectional study from October 2017 to March 2019 at a large academic hospital with an AS-directed prospective audit and feedback process and multiple IDC services. Antimicrobial appropriateness was adjudicated by an AS team member after antimicrobial start. Antimicrobial appropriateness was compared among antimicrobial orders with and without IDC using propensity score matching and multivariable logistic regression. Analyses were stratified by primary services caring for the patients. There were 10,508 antimicrobial orders from 6,165 unique patient encounters. Overall appropriateness was 92%, with higher appropriateness among patients with IDC versus without IDC (94% versus 84%; P < 0.0001). After propensity score matching and adjustment for certain antibiotics, organisms, syndromes, and locations, IDC was associated with a greater antimicrobial appropriateness odds ratio (OR) of 2.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9 to 3.0). Stratification by primary service showed an OR of 2.9 (95% CI, 2.1 to 3.8) for surgical specialties and an OR of 1.6 (95% CI, 1.1 to 2.2) for medical specialties. Even with a high overall antimicrobial appropriateness, patients with IDC had greater odds of antimicrobial appropriateness than those without IDC, and this impact was greater in surgical specialties. Infectious diseases consultation can be synergistic with antimicrobial stewardship programs.

Impact of Mandatory Infectious Diseases Consultation and Real-time Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist Intervention on Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia Bundle Adherence.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of infectious diseases consultation (IDC) and a real-time antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) review on the management of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB).MethodsThis retrospective study included adult inpatients with SAB from January 2016 to December 2018 at 7 hospitals. Outcomes were compared between 3 time periods: before mandatory IDC and AMS review (period 1), after mandatory IDC and before AMS review (period 2), and after mandatory IDC and AMS review (period 3). The primary outcome was bundle adherence, defined as appropriate intravenous antimicrobial therapy, appropriate duration of therapy, appropriate surveillance cultures, echocardiography, and removal of indwelling intravenous catheters, if applicable. Secondary end points included individual bundle components, source control, length of stay (LOS), 30-day bacteremia-related readmission, and in-hospital all-cause mortality.ResultsA total of 579 patients met inclusion criteria for analysis. Complete bundle adherence was 65% in period 1 (n = 241/371), 54% in period 2 (n = 47/87), and 76% in period 3 (n = 92/121). Relative to period 3, bundle adherence was significantly lower in period 1 (odds ratio [OR], 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37–0.93; P = .02) and period 2 (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.20–0.67; P = .0009). No difference in bundle adherence was noted between periods 1 and 2. Significant differences were seen in obtaining echocardiography (91% vs 83% vs 100%; P < .001), source control (34% vs 45% vs 45%; P = .04), and hospital LOS (10.5 vs 8.9 vs 12.0 days; P = .01). No differences were noted for readmission or mortality.ConclusionsThe addition of AMS pharmacist review to mandatory IDC was associated with significantly improved quality care bundle adherence.

Infectious Diseases Consultation Improves Outcomes for Yet Another Condition

Enterococcal bacteremia (EB) is common and can lead to serious complications. To evaluate the impact of infectious diseases consultation (IDC) on EB

Impact of Infectious Diseases Consultation on the Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia

Background This study assessed the impact of infectious diseases consultation (IDC) on 30-day readmission rates in patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB). Furthermore, this study also evaluated the effect of IDC on adherence to guideline-directed therapy. Methods This retrospective cohort study enrolled 149 adult patients with SAB. Cohort 1 included 28 patients without IDC. Cohort 2 included 121 patients with IDC. Primary end point was all-cause 30-day readmission rates. Secondary outcomes included adherence to guideline-directed therapy and hospital length of stay (LOS). Guideline-directed therapy included repeat blood cultures until blood sterility, assessment for an echocardiogram, and appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy (including antibiotic, dose, and duration). Results Readmission rates were 46.4% (13/28) without IDC and 19% (23/121) with IDC (P = 0.006). Guideline-directed therapy occurred in 21.4% (6/28) without IDC versus 96.7% (117/121) with IDC (P = 0.0001). The average LOS was shorter without IDC than with IDC (5.6 vs 7.8 days, respectively; P = 0.01). The most common reasons for lack of guideline adherence in the control group were lack of echocardiogram (72.4%) and lack of repeat blood cultures (51.7%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only lack of IDC significantly affected readmission rates (odds ratio, 3.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.48–8.52; P = 0.0048). Conclusions Consultation with infectious diseases reduces 30-day readmission rates in patients with SAB and increases adherence to guideline-directed therapy; however, LOS was increased. Infectious diseases consultation should be considered for all patients with SAB.

Impact of infectious diseases consultation on the outcome of patients with bacteraemia.

Bacteraemia or bloodstream infections (BSI) are associated with much morbidity and mortality. Management of patients with bacteraemia is complex, and the increase in immunosuppressed patients and multidrug-resistant organisms poses additional challenges. The objective of this review is to assess the available published information about the impact of different aspects of management on the outcome of patients with BSI, and, specifically, the importance of infectious diseases specialists (IDS) consultation. The impact of management by IDS on different aspects, including interpretation of newer rapid techniques, early evaluation and treatment, and follow up, are reviewed. Overall, the available data suggest that IDS intervention improves the management and outcome of patients with BSI, either through consultation or structured unsolicited interventions in the context of multidisciplinary bacteraemia programmes.

Impact of infectious diseases consultation as a part of an antifungal stewardship programme on candidemia outcome in an Italian tertiary-care, University hospital

Candidemia is a major cause of in-hospital mortality. Antifungal stewardship programme (AFSP) providing infectious diseases consultation (IDC) might improve the outcome. We evaluate the impact on candidemia mortality of IDC as part of AFSP restricting the use of all antifungals with exception of fluconazole. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients with documented candidemia in our hospital during the period 2012–2014 evaluating the impact of several variables on 30-days in-hospital mortality. We reviewed data on 276 patients with documented candidemia: 200 (72%) were treated without IDC and 76 (28%) with IDC. In the group without IDC, 52 patients (26%) received no antifungal therapy. Antifungals used for treating candidemia were (no IDC/IDC): azoles (74%/42%); echinocandins (0%/46%); liposomal and lipidic complex amphotericin B (0%/12%). The 30-day in-hospital mortality was respectively (no IDC/IDC) 37% vs. 20% (p = 0.011). The multivariate analysis confirmed IDC as independent factor protecting from death (OR 0.511, 95% CI 0.251–0.994; p = 0.046), together with fungemia due to non-albicans Candida (OR 0.565, 95% CI 0.327–0.977; p = 0.042). Age >65 years was associated with a higher risk of death (OR 1.989, 95% CI 1.055–3.895; p = 0.038). The additional cost for the use of echinocandins driven by IDC in the study period was €207,000. IDC, as a part of a restrictive front-end antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP), providing a timely right choice of antifungal therapy, increases the cost of antifungal drugs but might be a contributing protective factor from mortality due to candidemia. Efforts to increase the number of IDC in patients with candidemia seems to be warranted.

Impact of Infectious Diseases Consultation on Mortality in Patients with Candidemia

BackgroundAn infectious diseases (ID) consultation is often, but not always, obtained to help guide treatment of patients with candidemia. We examined if ID consultation affected patient outcome in patients with culture positive candidemia.MethodsWe assembled a retrospective cohort of 1,873 cases of candidemia in patients hospitalized in our academic tertiary care hospital from 2002 to 2015. We collected data on comorbidities, predisposing factors; antifungal therapy, survival and ID consult. Patients who died within 24 hours of diagnosis were excluded, under the presumption that they did not have an opportunity to receive an ID consult. Survival analysis was performed via univariate and multivariate Cox Regression with censoring at 90 days, as subsequent mortality was less likely to be related to candidemia.Results913 (49%) of the candidemic patients received an ID consult; 960 (51%) did not. Underlying comorbidities were evenly distributed between patients with and without an ID consult, except that patients with an ID consult more frequently had a central line (39% vs. 26%, p < 0.001), were on mechanical ventilation (4% vs. 2%, P = 0.003) or were receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (2.2% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.002). The ID consult group had lower 90-day mortality compared with patients without an ID consult (34% vs. 49%, P < 0.001), with an adjusted hazard ratio of mortality for those patients receiving an ID consult of 0.55 (95% CI: 0.48, 0.64, P < 0.001) (Fig 1). Patient management differed significantly: the ID consult group was more likely to receive an echinocandin (29% vs. 21%, P < 0.001) or amphotericin B (AmB) (3.4% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.006).ConclusionCandidemic patients who received an ID consult were significantly less likely to die, and were more likely to receive therapy with amphotericin or an echinocandin. These data suggest that an ID consult should be an integral part of clinical care of patients with candidemia.Figure 1.Survival curve of 1,873 patients with candidemia by receipt of ID consult adjusted for age above 50, receipt of chemotherapy, the presence of central line, previous use of corticosteroids, receipt of ECMO and recent `pleural procedure.Disclosures W. Powderly, Merck: Grant Investigator and Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee and Research grant; Gilead: Scientific Advisor, Consulting fee; Astellas: Grant Investigator, Research grant; A. Spec, Astellas Pharma US, Inc.: Grant Investigator, Research grant

The Impact of Infectious Diseases Consultation on the Choice of Antifungal Therapy in Patients With Candidemia

Background Candidemia is the fourth most common cause of nosocomial bloodstream infections in the United States. Delay in starting appropriate antifungal therapy in patients with candidemia has been associated with increased mortality rates. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of infectious diseases (ID) consultation on the class of antifungal therapy used and on all-cause 90-day mortality in patients with candidemia. Methods Candidemic subjects were retrospectively identified by reviewing our hospital's blood culture log books. Medical records of each subject were reviewed for class and length of antifungal agent used, length of hospitalization, evidence of an ID consultation, and 90-day mortality. Results One hundred sixty-three patients with 182 episodes of candidemia were identified during a 6-year period from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2013. Infectious diseases consultation resulted in significantly greater use of azole therapy compared with no ID consult (67.7% vs 26.3%, P &lt; 0.0001) and comparable durations of therapy (15.3 vs 12.3 days, P = 0.0885). Conclusions Infectious diseases consultation in patients with candidemia results in a significantly higher rate of fluconazole use and minimally longer durations of antifungal therapy, thereby helping to reduce pharmacy costs.

Impact of Infectious Diseases Consultation on Mortality of Cryptococcal infection in Patients without HIV.

An infectious disease (ID) consultation is often obtained to treat patients with cryptococcosis due to the complex nature of the disease, but has never been demonstrated to impact outcomes. We assembled a retrospective cohort of 147 consecutive cases of cryptococcosis in patients without HIV. Patients who were diagnosed less than 24 hours prior to death were excluded. Survival analysis was performed with Cox regression with survival censored past 90 days. The patients with an ID consult had a higher fungal burden but a lower 90-day mortality compared to patients without ID involvement (27% vs 45%, p<0.001), with an adjusted hazard ratio of not receiving an ID consult of 4.1 (95% CI: 2.2, 7.6). The ID consult group was more likely to receive an indicated lumbar puncture (86% vs 32%, p<0.001), and more likely to be treated with amphotericin B (AmB) (87% vs 24%, p<0.001) and flucytosine (5-FC) (57% vs 16%, p<0.001) when indicated. The duration of therapy with AmB (14 vs 11 days, p=0.05) and 5-FC (7.5 vs 1 days, p<0.001) was longer in the ID consult group. Patients that received an ID consult were significantly less likely to die in the 90 days following diagnosis. Patients seen by ID physicians were more likely to be managed according to evidence based practice established by randomized controlled trials and published in IDSA guidelines. These data suggest that an ID consult should be an integral part of clinical care of patients with cryptococcosis.

Impact of Infectious Diseases Consultation on Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia in a Community Health System

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) causes high rates of morbidity and death. Several studies in academic health settings have demonstrated that consultations from infectious diseases specialists improve the quality of care and clinical outcomes for SAB. Few data that describe the impact in resource-limited settings such as community hospitals are available. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the adherence to quality-of-care indicators and the clinical outcomes for SAB in a five-hospital community health system (range of 95 to 272 available beds per hospital), for patients with versus without infectious diseases consultation (IDC). IDC was provided if requested by the attending physician. The primary outcome was the incidence of treatment failure, defined as 30-day in-hospital death or 90-day SAB recurrence. Other outcomes included adherence to quality-of-care indicators. A total of 473 adult patients with SAB were included, with 369 (78%) receiving IDC. We identified substantial differences in baseline characteristics between the IDC group and the no-IDC group, including greater incidences of complicated bacteremia and intravenous drug users in the IDC group, with similar rates of severe illness (measured by Pitt bacteremia scores). Adherence to quality-of-care indicators was greater for patients with IDC (P < 0.001). After adjustment for other predicting variables, IDC was associated with a lower rate of treatment failure (adjusted odds ratio, 0.42 [95% confidence interval, 0.20 to 0.86]; P = 0.018). IDC provided better quality of care and better clinical outcomes for patients with SAB who were treated at small, resource-limited, community hospitals.

Impact of infectious diseases consultation on the management of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia in children

ObjectivesInfectious diseases consultation (IDC) in adults with Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) has been shown to improve management and outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of...