Inadequate Antimicrobial Therapy Research Articles

Nomogram Based on Clinical Characteristics to Predict 28-Day Mortality Among Patients with CRAB-BSI.

The drug resistance of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii bloodstream infections (CRAB-BSI), especially hospital-acquired infections, has promoted their rapid and vast spread. It is necessary to use reliable methods to establish better prediction models. According to Cox proportional hazards regression, a nomogram was established. A retrospective cohort study among patients who were diagnosed with CRAB-BSI was performed from January 2020 to December 2022. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to determine independent prognostic factors regarding CRAB-BSI. Then, nomograms were used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC), C-index, and calibration curve to determine the predictive accuracy and dis-criminability. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was employed to further confirm the clinical effectiveness of the nomogram. A total of 98 cases were included in the comparison between the 28-day mortality group consisting of 32 patients and the 28-day survival group with 66 patients. The use of cefoperazone-sulbactam was significantly higher among patients who survived than among those who died. Univariable analysis revealed that factors such as primary diagnosis, time to inadequate antimicrobial therapy, and high serum creatinine and procalcitonin (PCT) levels were more prevalent in the mortality group. However, only primary diagnosis, time to inadequate antimicrobial therapy, and high PCT levels emerged as statistically significant risk factors for death in multivariate analysis and were used to construct the nomogram. The nomogram validation exhibited excellent performance. The nomogram was sufficiently accurate to predict the risk and prognostic factors of CRAB-BSI, allowing for individualized clinical decisions for future clinical work. The cefoperazone-sulbactam did have an effect, but more studies are needed to interpret it.

Determinants of Inadequate Empiric Antimicrobial Therapy in ICU Sepsis Patients in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia: A Comparison of Artificial Neural Network and Regression Analysis.

In the management of sepsis, providing adequate empiric antimicrobial therapy is one of the most important pillars of sepsis management. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the adequacy of empiric antimicrobial therapy (EAMT) in sepsis patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) and to identify the determinants of inadequate EAMT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of empiric antimicrobial therapy in patients admitted to the ICU with sepsis or septic shock, and the determinants of inadequate EAMT. The data of patients admitted to the ICU units due to sepsis or septic shock in two tertiary healthcare facilities in Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah were retrospectively reviewed. The current study used logistic regression analysis and artificial neural network (ANN) analysis to identify determinants of inadequate empiric antimicrobial therapy, and evaluated the performance of these two approaches in predicting the inadequacy of EAMT. The findings of this study showed that fifty-three per cent of patients received inadequate EAMT. Determinants for inadequate EAMT were APACHE II score, multidrug-resistance organism (MDRO) infections, surgical history (lower limb amputation), and comorbidity (coronary artery disease). ANN performed as well as or better than logistic regression in predicating inadequate EAMT, as the receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (ROC-AUC) of the ANN model was higher when compared with the logistic regression model (LRM): 0.895 vs. 0.854. In addition, the ANN model performed better than LRM in predicting inadequate EAMT in terms of classification accuracy. In addition, ANN analysis revealed that the most important determinants of EAMT adequacy were the APACHE II score and MDRO. In conclusion, more than half of the patients received inadequate EAMT. Determinants of inadequate EAMT were APACHE II score, MDRO infections, comorbidity, and surgical history. This provides valuable inputs to improve the prescription of empiric antimicrobials in Saudi Arabia going forward. In addition, our study demonstrated the potential utility of applying artificial neural network analysis in the prediction of outcomes in healthcare research.

Rationale and clinical application of antimicrobial stewardship principles in the intensive care unit: a multidisciplinary statement

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance represents a major critical issue for the management of the critically ill patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU), since infections by multidrug-resistant bacteria are characterized by high morbidity and mortality, high rates of treatment failure, and increased healthcare costs worldwide. It is also well known that antimicrobial resistance can emerge as a result of inadequate antimicrobial therapy, in terms of drug selection and/or treatment duration. The application of antimicrobial stewardship principles in ICUs improves the quality of antimicrobial therapy management. However, it needs specific considerations related to the critical setting.MethodsThe aim of this consensus document gathering a multidisciplinary panel of experts was to discuss principles of antimicrobial stewardship in ICU and to produce statements that facilitate their clinical application and optimize their effectiveness. The methodology used was a modified nominal group discussion.ConclusionThe final set of statements underlined the importance of the specific interpretation of antimicrobial stewardship’s principles in critically ill patient management, quasi-targeted therapy, the use of rapid diagnostic methods, the personalization of antimicrobial therapies’ duration, obtaining microbiological surveillance data, the use of PK/PD targets, and the use of specific indicators in antimicrobial stewardship programs.

Risk factors and mortality of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infection in a tertiary-care hospital in China: an eight-year retrospective study

BackgroundThe prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infection (CRKP-BSI) is increasing worldwide. CRKP-BSI is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality due to limited antibiotic choices. Here, we aim to identify the prevalence and risk factors for infection and mortality of CRKP BSI.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of the past data from January 1st, 2012 to December 31st, 2019 of adult patients with KP-BSI in Xiangya Hospital, China.ResultsAmong the 706 incidences included in this study, 27.4% of them (212/753) being CR-KP strains. The occurrence of CRKP-BSI was increased from 20.69 to 37.40% from 2012 to 2019. Hematologic malignancies and ICU acquired infection were identified to be substantial risk factors of carbapenem resistance. The overall 28-day mortality rates of CRKP-BSI patients was significantly higher than that of CSKP-BSI (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis identified severe sepsis or septic shock incidents, inadequate empirical antimicrobial therapy and corticosteroids use preceding infection onset as the independent predictors of 28-day mortality of CRKP-BSI patients. However, high dose carbapenem combination therapy was identified as anticipated factors of low 28-day mortality.ConclusionThe occurrence of CRKP-BSI was significantly increased during the study period. Hematologic malignancies and ICU acquired infection were associated with the development of CRKP BSI. Severe sepsis or septic shock incidents, inadequate empirical antimicrobial therapy and corticosteroids use preceding infection onset caused significant increase of mortality rates in CRKP-BSI patients. High dose carbapenem combination therapy was associated with better outcome.

Outcomes of Beta-Lactam Allergic and Non-Beta-Lactam Allergic Patients with Intra-Abdominal Infection: A Case-Control Study.

In the case of intra-abdominal infections (IAI) in beta-lactam (BL) allergic patients, empiric antimicrobial therapy without BL is recommended; however, data regarding the outcome with alternative regimens are scarce. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of BL allergic (BLA) patients with IAI to those who were non-BLA (NBLA). We conducted a case-control study in a French teaching hospital, between 1 January 2016 and 31 August 2021. BLA patients with IAI treated with fluoroquinolone or aztreonam and metronidazole were matched with controls treated with BL, on age, sex, disease severity, IAI localization, and healthcare-associated infection (HAI) status. We compared rates of therapeutic failures, adverse events, and HAI, and then assessed factors associated with therapeutic failure using a logistic regression model. The therapeutic failure rate was 14% (p &gt; 0.99) in both groups of 43 patients, and there was no significant difference in the adverse events rate (p &gt; 0.99) and HAI rate (p = 0.154). Factors independently associated with therapeutic failure were higher BMI (OR 1.16; 95%CI [1.00-1.36]; p = 0.041), longer hospital length of stay (OR 1,20; 95%CI [1.08-1.41]; p = 0.006), and inadequate empiric antimicrobial therapy (OR 11.71; 95%CI [1.43-132.46]; p = 0.025). The outcomes of BLA patients with IAI treated without BL were the same as those for NBLA patients treated with BL.

Disease- and Medication-Specific Differences of the Microbial Spectrum in Perianal Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease—Relevant Aspects for Antibiotic Therapy

Perianal fistulizing Crohn's Disease (CD) with abscess formation represents an aggressive phenotype in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) with increased morbidity. Treatment is multidisciplinary and includes antibiotics, but knowledge about the microbial spectrum is rare often resulting in inadequate antimicrobial therapy. In this single center retrospective study, all patients who were operated due to perianal abscess formation were retrospectively analyzed and the microbial spectrum evaluated. Patients were divided into a CD and non-CD group with further subgroup analysis. 138 patients were finally included in the analysis with 62 patients suffering from CD. Relevant differences were detected for the microbial spectrum with anaerobic bacteria being significantly more often isolated from non-CD patients. In a subgroup-analysis of CD patients only, medical therapy had a relevant effect on the microbial spectrum since Streptococcus groups and Enterobacterales were significantly more often isolated in patients treated with steroids compared to those being treated by antibodies. In conclusion, the microbial spectrum of patients suffering from CD varies significantly from non-CD patients and immunosuppressive medication has a relevant effect on isolated pathogens. Based on that, adaption of antibiotic treatment might be discussed in the future.

Time to Look for Another Infectious Source? White Blood Cell Trends during Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) continues to plague patients in intensive care units (ICUs) throughout the world. Persistent leukocytosis despite antibiotic treatment for VAP can have many etiologies including normal inflammatory response, inadequate VAP antimicrobial therapy, and the presence of additional infectious diagnoses. Hypothesis: Surgical patients with VAP and a second infectious source have a different white blood cell count (WBC) trend than patients with VAP alone. Patients and Methods: Retrospective, single-center study of surgical ICU patients diagnosed with VAP (>104 CFU/mL on semi-quantitative culture) between January 2019 and June 2020. Chart review identified additional infections diagnosed during VAP treatment. White blood cell count values were compared between patients treated for VAP alone (VAP-alone) and those with additional infections (VAP-plus) using a Wilcoxon test. Univariable analysis compared admission type, surgeries, and steroid use between cohorts. Results: Eighty-eight VAPs were included for analysis; 61 (69%) were VAP-alone and 27 (31%) VAP-plus. Average age was 47.1 ± 16.7 years, 78% were male, and 93% were trauma admissions. Median hospital day of VAP diagnosis was six (interquartile range [IQR], 4-10). Nearly all patients (99%) were started on initial antibiotic agents to which the VAP organism was sensitive. Daily WBC was higher for VAP-plus compared with VAP-alone on days five, six, and seven of treatment. The maximum WBC was higher for VAP-plus (21.6 k/mcL vs. 16.1 k/mcL; p = 0.02). There were no differences in admission types, number of surgeries, or steroid use between groups. Conclusions: Providers should have increased suspicion for additional sources of infection when ICU patients with a VAP continue to have elevated WBC despite appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Clinical impact of multidrug-resistant bacteria in older hospitalized patients with community-acquired urinary tract infection

IntroductionPrevious studies have described some risk factors for multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in urinary tract infection (UTI). However, the clinical impact of MDR bacteria on older hospitalized patients with community-acquired UTI has not been broadly analyzed. We conducted a study in older adults with community-acquired UTI in order to identify risk factors for MDR bacteria and to know their clinical impact.MethodsCohort prospective observational study of patients of 65 years or older, consecutively admitted to a university hospital, diagnosed with community-acquired UTI. We compared epidemiological and clinical variables and outcomes, from UTI due to MDR and non-MDR bacteria. Independent risk factors for MDR bacteria were analyzed using logistic regression.Results348 patients were included, 41.4% of them with UTI due to MDR bacteria. Median age was 81 years. Hospital mortality was 8.6%, with no difference between the MDR and non-MDR bacteria groups. Median length of stay was 5 [4–8] days, with a longer stay in the MDR group (6 [4–8] vs. 5 [4–7] days, p = 0.029). Inadequate empirical antimicrobial therapy (IEAT) was 23.3%, with statistically significant differences between groups (33.3% vs. 16.2%, p < 0.001). Healthcare-associated UTI variables, in particular previous antimicrobial therapy and residence in a nursing home, were found to be independent risk factors for MDR bacteria.ConclusionsThe clinical impact of MDR bacteria was moderate. MDR bacteria cases had higher IEAT and longer hospital stay, although mortality was not higher. Previous antimicrobial therapy and residence in a nursing home were independent risk factors for MDR bacteria.

Prehospital delay is an important risk factor for mortality in community-acquired bloodstream infection (CA-BSI): a matched case–control study

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify prehospital and early hospital risk factors associated with 30-day mortality in patients with blood culture-confirmed community-acquired bloodstream infection (CA-BSI) in Sweden.MethodsA retrospective...

GASTROPLEURAL FISTULA: AN UNCOMMON ETIOLOGY OF VANCOMYCIN RESISTANT ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM EMPYEMA

TOPIC: Chest Infections TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Empyema is an infection of the pleural space. Inadequate drainage or antimicrobial therapy results in increased morbidity and mortality and a 20%-30% fatality rate [1-3]. Streptococcal and Staphylococcal species are the frequent cause of community-acquired empyema. In comparison, Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus Aureus have been implicated in healthcare-associated empyema CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old female came in with right-sided chest discomfort and acute onset hypoxic respiratory failure with a history of diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and Roux-en Y surgery (requiring multiple revisions). Examination revealed acute respiratory distress and diminished right-sided breath sounds, and she underwent emergent intubation. Chest x-ray showed right pleural effusion and pneumomediastinum (Figure A). A complex right pleural effusion with a extensive pneumomediastinum surrounding the distal esophagus was displayed by chest computed tomography (CT) (Figure B). CT chest with oral contrast revealed no esophageal perforation (Figure C). A 20 French chest tube insertion returned feculent fluid. Pleural fluid analysis revealed: pH 6.88, protein: 3.9 g/dL, LDH >2500 U/L, amylase 655 U/L. Pleural fluid stain was positive for gram-positive cocci and culture grew vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE) sensitive to daptomycin and linezolid. She was treated with daptomycin and meropenem. Pan-endoscopy was performed to evaluate the pneumomediastinum, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed gastro-pleural fistula. She was diagnosed with VRE empyema due to a gastro-pleural fistula from gastric limb perforation. Unfortunately, her clinical course worsened, and she was transitioned to comfort care DISCUSSION: Among the infrequent enterococcal empyema's, VRE is rare. A literature review revealed only two VRE empyema cases. Both cases occurred in immunocompromised hosts (Asplenia and HIV) [4-5]. The presented patient's empyema was due to the perforation of her residual gastric limb with bile reflux, resulting in her pleural cavity VRE seeding. Enterococci are commensals in the gastrointestinal tract (GI) but typically only represent a small portion of the gut microbiome [6]. As with the above patient, in individuals with multiple hospitalizations and courses of antibiotics, VRE can flourish due to significant shifts in the gut microbiota [7] CONCLUSIONS: Enterococcus infections are a rare cause of empyema and correlates with increased mortality and morbidity without prompt identification and treatment. When VRE is identified in the pleural space, a GI source should be considered and evaluated with pan-endoscopy. It should be preceded promptly with thoracic drainage and broad antimicrobial coverage REFERENCE #1: Grijalva CG, Zhu Y, Nuorti JP, Griffin MR. Emergence of parapneumonic empyema in the USA. Thorax. 2011;66(8):663-668. doi:10.1136/thx.2010.156406 REFERENCE #2: Nielsen J, Meyer CN, Rosenlund S. Outcome and clinical characteristics in pleural empyema: a retrospective study. Scand J Infect Dis. 2011;43(6-7):430-435. doi:10.3109/00365548.2011.562527 REFERENCE #3: Maskell NA, Batt S, Hedley EL, Davies CWH, Gillespie SH, Davies RJO. The bacteriology of pleural infection by genetic and standard methods and its mortality significance. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2006;174(7):817-823. doi:10.1164/rccm.200601-074OC DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Cliff Chen, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Yuji Oba, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Tarang Patel, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by SACHIN PATIL, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Blaine Winterton, source=Web Response

Risk Factors Associated With 30-Day Mortality Among Neonates With A. baumannii Sepsis.

Acinetobacter baumannii sepsis constitutes an extreme threat with a poor prognosis and is a difficult infection to control, especially in Asia. Moreover, a knowledge gap in the risk of mortality in neonatal A. baumannii sepsis still exists. This study aimed to identify the risk factors of mortality in neonates with A. baumannii sepsis in Thailand from 1996 to 2019. A multivariable logistic regression model was analyzed for nonsurvivors and survivors of neonatal A. baumannii sepsis. In a 24-year period, 91 neonates with A. baumannii sepsis were reviewed. The median (interquartile range) gestational age and birth weight were 33 (28.5, 37.5) weeks and 1740 (987.5, 2730.0) g, respectively. The 30-day case fatality rate was 36.3% (33/91). In univariable analysis, nonsurvivors of neonatal A. baumannii sepsis was associated with smaller neonates, lower Apgar scores, septic shock, mechanical ventilation, umbilical catheterization, neutropenia, severe thrombocytopenia, carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii sepsis, inadequate empiric antimicrobial therapy, and acute kidney injury. In multivariable analysis, nonsurvivors of neonatal A. baumannii sepsis were associated with septic shock (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 41.38; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 3.42-501.13; P = 0.003), severe thrombocytopenia (adjusted OR = 33.70; 95% CI: 3.44-330.55; P = 0.002), and inadequate empiric antimicrobial therapy (adjusted OR = 10.05; 95% CI: 1.40-71.98; P = 0.02). In high multidrug-resistant areas, empiric treatment with broader spectrum antimicrobials should be considered in neonates with sepsis shock or severe thrombocytopenia.

Prospective Audit for Antimicrobial Use and Stewardship Practices in Intensive Care Unit at a Tertiary-Care Center in India

Background: Antimicrobial decision making in the ICU is challenging. Injudicious use of antimicrobials contributes to the development of resistant pathogens and drug-related adverse events. However, inadequate antimicrobial therapy is associated with mortality in critically ill patients. Antimicrobial stewardship programs are increasingly being implemented to improve prescribing. Methods: This prospective study was conducted over 11 months, during which the pharmacist used a standardized survey form to collect data on antibiotic use. Evaluation of antimicrobial use and stewardship practices in a 12-bed polytrauma ICU and a 20-bed neurosurgery ICU of the 248-bed AIIMS Trauma Center in Delhi, India. Antimicrobial consumption was measured using WHO-recommended defined daily dose (DDD) of given antimicrobials and days of therapy (DOT). Results: Antibiotics were ranked by frequency of use over the 11-month period based on empirical therapy and culture-based therapy. The 11-month DDD and DOT averages when empiric antibiotics were used were 532 of 1,000 patient days and 484 per 1,000 patient days, respectively (Figure 1). When cultures were available, DDD was 486 per 1,000 patient days and DOT was 442 per 1,000 patient days (Figure). Conclusions: The quantity and frequency of antibiotics used in the ICUs allowed the AMSP to identify areas to optimize antibiotic use such as educational initiatives, early specimen collection, and audit and feedback opportunities.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

Pneumonia.

Pneumonia is a common acute respiratory infection that affects the alveoli and distal airways; it is a major health problem and associated with high morbidity and short-term and long-term mortality in all age groups worldwide. Pneumonia is broadly divided into community-acquired pneumonia or hospital-acquired pneumonia. A large variety of microorganisms can cause pneumonia, including bacteria, respiratory viruses and fungi, and there are great geographical variations in their prevalence. Pneumonia occurs more commonly in susceptible individuals, including children of <5 years of age and older adults with prior chronic conditions. Development of the disease largely depends on the host immune response, with pathogen characteristics having a less prominent role. Individuals with pneumonia often present with respiratory and systemic symptoms, and diagnosis is based on both clinical presentation and radiological findings. It is crucial to identify the causative pathogens, as delayed and inadequate antimicrobial therapy can lead to poor outcomes. New antibiotic and non-antibiotic therapies, in addition to rapid and accurate diagnostic tests that can detect pathogens and antibiotic resistance will improve the management of pneumonia.

Trauma and Antimicrobial Resistance Are Independent Predictors of Inadequate Empirical Antimicrobial Treatment of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Critically Ill Patients.

Background: We aimed to assess independent risk factors for inadequate initial antimicrobial treatment (IAT) in critically ill patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) treated in intensive care units (ICU) and to determine whether IAT is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with VAP. Patients and Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed and included 152 patients with VAP treated in an ICU for more than 48 hours. The main outcomes of interest were all-cause ICU mortality and VAP-related mortality. Other outcomes considered were: intra-hospital mortality, VAP-related sepsis, relapse, re-infection, length of stay in ICU (ICU LOS), and number of days on mechanical ventilation (MV). Results: One-third of patients (35.5%) received inadequate antimicrobial therapy. Trauma (odds ratio [OR], 3.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-10.06) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) causative agent (OR, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.23-7.74) were independently associated with inadequate IAT. Inadequate IAT was associated with a higher mortality rate (OR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.30-7.26), VAP-related sepsis (OR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.07-5.32), relapse (OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.34-7.89), re-infection (OR, 6.06; 95% CI, 2.48-14.77), and ICU LOS (β 4.65; 95% CI, 0.93-8.36). Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella/Enterobacter spp. were the most common bacteria in patients with IAT and those with adequate antimicrobial therapy. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that inadequate IAT is associated with a higher risk of the majority of adverse outcomes in patients with VAP treated in ICUs. Trauma and XDR strains of bacteria are independent predictors of inadequate IAT of VAP in critically ill patients.

Clinical and economical improvements after introducing rapid identification of bacteria and early antibiotic susceptibility testing in sepsis and bloodstream infections. Results of the PHENOMENON study.

Background: Sepsis and bloodstream infections pose severe challenges in intensive care. Early reliable diagnosis is the key to successful therapy. The objective of the study presented here was to investigate the clinical and economical effects of the new PhenoTM BC test, which allows bacteria identification (ID) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) in approximately 7 hours after a blood culture becomes positive (BC+).Methods: Historically controlled interventional study. Population: patients with BC+ and ICU admission. Inadequate initial antimicrobial therapy (IAT) is need of therapy change based on result. Prospectively the new test was used in addition. Primary endpoint: time-to-result in hours. Contribution margin (CM) i.e. revenue – costs was computed. All patients formed the intention-to-treat population (ITT). Patients with complete cost data formed the modified ITT group (mITT). CM results were calculated for mITT and PP. Further analyses: length-of-stay (LOS) and mortality.Results: 223 historical and 200 prospective patients were included. Time to result (ITT) was shortened by 51.1 hours (83 vs. 31.9; p<0.001). Overall savings (mITT) were 257,100 € (–301,264 € vs. –44,164 €). 143 of 181 (79%) patients had a test performed, 126 of 143 (88%) having a clinically useable result. 40 (32%) had IAT vs. 65 (29%) in the historic cohort. Median time to AST in PP was shortened by 61.7 hours (89.5 vs. 27.8; p<0.001). LOS was shortened 7 days (28 vs. 19; p=0.226) and mortality was 8% (40.5% vs. 32.5%; p=0.440) lower. Median CM +3,074.80 € per case (–2,350.50 € vs. +724.70 €; p=0.040). Conclusion: The new PhenoTM ID+AST test leads to faster and clinically meaningful results and saves money by shortening LOS on the ICU.

Performance and impact of a multiplex PCR in ICU patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia or ventilated hospital-acquired pneumonia

BackgroundEarly appropriate antibiotic therapy reduces morbidity and mortality of severe pneumonia. However, the emergence of bacterial resistance requires the earliest use of antibiotics with the narrowest possible spectrum. The Unyvero Hospitalized Pneumonia (HPN, Curetis) test is a multiplex PCR (M-PCR) system detecting 21 bacteria and 19 resistance genes on respiratory samples within 5 h. We assessed the performance and the potential impact of the M-PCR on the antibiotic therapy of ICU patients.MethodsIn this prospective study, we performed a M-PCR on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or plugged telescoping catheter (PTC) samples of patients with ventilated HAP or VAP with Gram-negative bacilli or clustered Gram-positive cocci. This study was conducted in 3 ICUs in a French academic hospital: the medical and infectious diseases ICU, the surgical ICU, and the cardio-surgical ICU. A multidisciplinary expert panel simulated the antibiotic changes they would have made if the M-PCR results had been available.ResultsWe analyzed 95 clinical samples of ventilated HAP or VAP (72 BAL and 23 PTC) from 85 patients (62 males, median age 64 years). The median turnaround time of the M-PCR was 4.6 h (IQR 4.4–5). A total of 90/112 bacteria were detected by the M-PCR system with a global sensitivity of 80% (95% CI, 73–88%) and specificity of 99% (95% CI 99–100). The sensitivity was better for Gram-negative bacteria (90%) than for Gram-positive cocci (62%) (p = 0.005). Moreover, 5/8 extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (CTX-M gene) and 4/4 carbapenemases genes (3 NDM, one oxa-48) were detected. The M-PCR could have led to the earlier initiation of an effective antibiotic in 20/95 patients (21%) and to early de-escalation in 37 patients (39%) but could also have led to one (1%) inadequate antimicrobial therapy. Among 17 empiric antibiotic treatments with carbapenems, 10 could have been de-escalated in the following hours according to the M-PCR results. The M-PCR also led to 2 unexpected diagnosis of severe legionellosis confirmed by culture methods.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the use of a M-PCR system for respiratory samples of patients with VAP and ventilated HAP could improve empirical antimicrobial therapy and reduce the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

The factors affecting inadequate empirical antimicrobial therapy and clinical course in upper urinary tract infections of the elderly patients

The factors affecting inadequate empirical antimicrobial therapy and clinical course in upper urinary tract infections of the elderly patients

Failure analysis of infection persistence after septic revision surgery: a checklist algorithm for risk factors in knee and hip arthroplasty.

Several studies describe risk factors for primary periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and general treatment outcome factors like microbe spectrum or patient-specific risk factors. However, these general and patient dependent findings cannot solely explain all cases of infection persistence after a prior septic revision. This study analyzes possible specific and patient independent reasons for failure after revisions for PJI in knee and hip arthroplasty. In a prospective analysis all patients were included that were treated: (1) at our department, (2) with a two-stage exchange, (3) between 2013 and 2017, (4) due to an infection persistence after a previous revision for PJI. Possible reasons for infection persistence were identified using a checklist algorithm, based on international guidelines. 70 patients with infection persistence could be included (44 knee joints, 26 hip joints). The average age was 71years, the CCI (Charlson Comorbidity Index) 2.8 and the ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) score 2.7. In 85% at least one possible reason for patient independent infection persistence could be identified analyzing the previous infection therapy: (1) 50% inadequate therapy concept (n = 35), (2) 33% inadequate surgical debridement (n = 23), (3) 30% inadequate antimicrobial therapy (n = 21), (4) 13% missed external bacterial primary focus (n = 9). After the individual failure analysis, all 70 patients were treated with a two-stage exchange in our department and in 94.9% infection freedom could be achieved (34.3 ± 10.9months follow-up). In the majority of failed revisions with subsequent infection persistence at least one possible patient independent failure cause could be identified. The entire previous therapy should be critically reviewed following failing revisions to optimize the outcome of septic revisions. By using a checklist algorithm, high rates of infection freedom were achieved.

Predictive factors for Enterococcus faecalis in complicated community-acquired urinary tract infections in older patients.

Risk factors for complicated community acquired Enterococcus faecalis urinary tract infection (UTI) in older patients are not well known. We identified the predictive factors for E. faecalis on a cohort of 659 older patients admitted to hospital with complicated UTI. We also examined the adequacy of empirical antimicrobial therapy and outcomes in E. faecalis UTI. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of E. faecalis UTI. A total of 87 (13.2%) patients had E. faecalis UTI; of these 63.2% were men, their mean age was 82.3 years and they had a great number of comorbidities. Severe sepsis or septic shock was present in 50.5%, and bacteremia was present in 26%. Indwelling urinary catheter and previous urinary instrumentation were risk factors for E. faecalis UTI by multivariate analysis (OR 2.05; 95% CI 1.15-3.65 and OR 2.16; 95% CI 1.08-4.34, respectively). Inadequate empirical antimicrobial therapy was higher in E. faecalis UTI than in UTI caused by Gram-negative microorganisms (66.6% vs 19%, P < 0.001). No significant differences in length of hospital stay or mortality were noted between E. faecalis and Gram-negative UTI. In older patients admitted to hospital with complicated community-acquired UTI, E. faecalis should be considered for empirical treatment if the patient has a urinary catheter or previous urinary tract instrumentation in order to avoid inadequate empirical antibiotic therapy. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; ••: ••-••.

Community-onset Pseudomonas aeruginosa urinary sepsis in elderly people: Predictive factors, adequacy of empirical therapy and outcomes.

Purpose To know the predictive factors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) urinary sepsis in hospitalised elderly patients coming from community, the adequacy of empirical antibiotic therapy and its outcomes. Methods Retrospective case-control study conducted between 2007 and 2017. Patients aged 65years or older with PA urinary sepsis were included as cases. Three age-matched controls, with urinary sepsis caused by other microorganisms, were selected for each case. Predictors for PA urinary sepsis were determined by logistic regression analysis. Adequacy of empirical antibiotic therapy and outcomes were compared between both groups. Results A total of 332 patients, from which 83 were cases, were included. Predictive factors for PA urinary sepsis were as follows: male sex (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.61-6.10; P<.001), urinary catheter (OR 3.25, 95% CI 1.73-6.11; P<.001) and healthcare-associated infection (OR 5.52, 95% CI 1.76 -17.29; P=.003). Inadequate empirical antimicrobial therapy (IEAT) and length of hospital stay were higher in PA group (42% vs 24%, P=.002; 7.45±4.36days vs 6.43±3.82days, P=.045, respectively), but mortality was not different (7.2% vs 8.8%, P=.648). Conclusions Pseudomonas aeruginosa urinary sepsis in elderly people was associated with male sex, urinary catheter and healthcare-associated infection. These infections had a higher rate of IEAT and a longer hospital stay than urinary sepsis caused by other microorganisms.