Infection-related Readmissions Research Articles

Infection-Related Readmissions Are Rising among Patients with Hepatorenal Syndrome: A Nationwide Analysis

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a unique form of renal dysfunction that results from circulatory hemodynamic dysfunction in advanced liver disease. We aimed to determine longitudinal trends in both all-cause and cause-specific readmissions for HRS in the United States. Using the National Readmission Database (2010–2018), we identified adult HRS patients during index admission via ICD codes. Fisher’s exact test and Cox regression analysis were used to compare proportions and compute adjusted p-values, respectively. Regression models were adjusted for gender, age, the Charlson comorbidity index, median household income, and hospital factors. A total of 169,522 HRS patients were included in the analysis (overall mean age 58.97 years). The incidence of HRS hospitalization increased from 5.30% in 2010 to 5.84% in 2018 (p < 0.01). Over the same duration, all-cause readmission at 30 days showed an overall increasing trend from 19.81% to 19.99% (trend p < 0.01). HRS-specific readmission at 30 days following an index hospitalization ranged from 13.60 to 15.98, with an overall increasing trend in the study period (2010–2018). While cirrhosis, hepatic failure, and infection were uniformly the three most common causes of readmission throughout the study period, cirrhosis and infection showed an upward trend. Rising readmissions, especially with hepatic failure and infection, in HRS patients signal a need for national strategies to manage and prevent HRS towards reducing its healthcare burden.

Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Acute Kidney Disease in Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is widely used; however, studies on the long-term outcomes of ECMO are scarce. We investigated the long-term clinical outcomes of acute kidney disease (AKD) in patients receiving ECMO. Electronic data (2009-2018) were retrospectively collected from a multicenter database. Patients were divided into two groups (AKD and non-AKD) according to their AKD status 8-90 days after the initiation of ECMO. Inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to balance baseline covariates between the two groups. The primary outcomes were major adverse kidney events (MAKEs) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), and the secondary outcomes were all-cause readmission, sepsis-related readmission, infection-related readmission, and dementia. Totally, 395 patients were eligible for analysis; of them, 160 patients (40.5%) developed AKD. The AKD group had a higher risk of MAKEs (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.68-2.53) than did the non-AKD group. Subgroup analysis revealed that the observed unfavorable effect of AKD on the risk of MAKEs was more pronounced in patients receiving venovenous ECMO than in those receiving venoarterial ECMO (HR: 5.69 vs. 1.85, respectively; p for interaction = 0.004). AKD group had a higher risk of MACE during the initial 3-year post-ECMO in comparison to those without (HR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.22-2.30). Moreover, the risks of all-cause, sepsis-related, and infection-related readmissions were high in AKD survivors. AKD is associated with an increased risk of long-term MAKEs and initial 3-year MACE in ECMO recipients. In addition, AKD is associated with increased risks of all-cause, infection-related, and sepsis-related readmissions.

Oritavancin Versus Daptomycin for Osteomyelitis Treatment After Surgical Debridement.

Weekly intravenous (IV) oritavancin and daily daptomycin were compared in an outpatient setting following extensive surgical debridement for treating patients with osteomyelitis. This was a retrospective, observational study of patients diagnosed with acute osteomyelitis. Exclusion criteria were the use of Gram-negative antibiotic therapy, use of antibiotics for more than 48h prior to oritavancin or daptomycin or prior use of > 2 doses of oritavancin or more than 4weeks of daptomycin. Clinical success was resolution or improvement of symptoms and no further treatment. Data were analyzed with Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Consecutive outpatients (n = 150) with acute osteomyelitis who were treated with oritavancin or daptomycin (1:1) following extensive surgical debridement were identified. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen (n = 117). No patient in either group received prior antibiotic therapy (previous 30days) or was hospitalized within 90days prior to surgical debridement. Twenty-one (28%) patients prescribed oritavancin had chronic kidney disease, seven of whom were receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Compared to oritavancin, patients prescribed daptomycin had higher rates of all-cause readmission [odds ratio (OR) 2.89; p < 0.001], more infection-related readmission (OR 3.19; p < 0.001), and greater likelihood of receiving antibiotics post-discontinuation of initial therapy (OR 2.13; p < 0.001). Repeat surgical debridement was required for 68.0% with daptomycin vs. 23.1% with oritavancin (p < 0.001). Oritavancin demonstrated a significantly higher rate of clinical success compared to daptomycin, with lower all-cause and infection-related readmissions, reduced need for repeat surgical debridement, and fewer additional antibiotic requirements.

Microbial Trends in Infection-related Readmissions Following Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer

To report microbial pathogens detected at infection-related readmissions, including their susceptibility to antimicrobials. A retrospective review of 785 patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer at a tertiary center in Denmark between 2009 and 2019. All patients received prophylactic cefuroxime preoperatively and pivmecillinam at stent- or catheter removal. Data were collected through the national medical records and microbiology database. The primary outcome was readmission rate and pathogens detected at infection-related readmissions. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were carried out to identify risk factors of readmission. Within 90days of surgery, 225 (29%) patients experienced at least one infection-related readmission. The most common pathogen identified was Enterococcus spp (24% of all positive samples). In blood cultures, the most dominant species were Escherichia coli (29%) and Staphylococcus spp (26%). Due to the heterogeneity in microbial species identified, more than one-third of the bacteria where mecillinam was tested showed resistance. Most isolates were susceptible to piperacillin+tazobactam. Orthotopic neobladder and continent cutaneous reservoir were associated with the highest risk of infection-related readmission compared to ileal conduit (odds ratios 2.78 [95%CI 1.66;4.65] and 3.08 [95%CI 1.58;5.98], respectively). Patients with diabetes had an increased risk of infection-related readmission compared to patients without diabetes (odds ratio 1.67 [95%CI 1.02;2.73]). Nearly one-third of all patients experienced at least one postoperative infection-related readmission with a wide range of microbial etiologies. Generalizability of our results is uncertain, but the data can be used to plan interventional trials of antibiotic prophylaxis.

Bioimpedance Spectroscopy in Heart Transplantation: Posttransplant Changes in Body Composition and Effects in Outcomes.

Bioimpedance spectroscopy yields measurements of fat-free mass, fat mass, phase angle, and other measures. Bioimpedance spectroscopy has been validated as a preoperative assessment tool in cardiac surgical studies, in which low phase angle predicted morbidity and mortality. No studies have evaluated bioimpedance spectroscopy following heart transplantation. We evaluated body composition, nutrition status (Subjective Global Assessment, body mass index, midarm muscle circumference, and triceps skinfolds), and functional status (handgrip strength and 6-min walk test) in 60 adults. Body composition measurements via a 256-frequency bioimpedance spectroscopy device included fat and fat-free mass as well as phase angle calculated at 50 kHz. Testing was completed at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 mo following heart transplantation. Mortality and hospital readmissions were analyzed. Phase angle and fat mass increased while fat-free mass decreased; grip strength and 6-min walk test improved after transplantation (all P < 0.001). Improvement in phase angle in the first month postoperatively was associated with reduced risk of readmission. Low perioperative and 1-mo phase angles were associated with prolonged posttransplant length of stay (median: 13 versus 10 d, P = 0.03), increased infection-related readmissions (40% versus 5%, P = 0.001), and increased 4-y mortality (30% versus 5%, P = 0.01). Phase angle, grip strength, and 6-min walk test distance improved after heart transplantation. Low phase angle appears to be associated with suboptimal outcomes and may be a feasible and affordable method to predict outcomes. Further research should ascertain whether preoperative phase angle can predict outcomes.

The Impact of Intrapericardial versus Intrapleural HeartMate 3 Pump Placement on Clinical Outcomes.

BackgroundThe integrated design of the HeartMate 3 (Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL, USA) affords flexibility to place the pump within the pericardium or thoracic cavity. We sought to determine whether the presence of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in either location has a meaningful impact on overall patient outcomes.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted of all 165 patients who received a HeartMate 3 LVAD via a median sternotomy from November 2014 to August 2019 at our center. Based on operative reports and imaging, patients were divided into intrapleural (n=81) and intrapericardial (n=84) cohorts. The primary outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality, while secondary outcomes included postoperative complications, cumulative readmission incidence, and 3-year survival.ResultsThere were no significant between-group differences in baseline demographics, risk factors, or preoperative hemodynamics. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 6%, with no significant difference between the cohorts (9% vs. 4%, p=0.20). There were no significant differences in the postoperative rates of right ventricular failure, kidney failure requiring hemodialysis, stroke, tracheostomy, or arrhythmias. Over 3 years, despite similar mortality rates, intrapleural patients had significantly more readmissions (n=180 vs. n=117, p<0.01) with the most common reason being infection (n=68/165), predominantly unrelated to the device. Intrapleural patients had significantly more infection-related readmissions, predominantly driven by non-ventricular assist device-related infections (p=0.02), with 41% of these due to respiratory infections compared with 28% of intrapericardial patients.ConclusionCompared with intrapericardial placement, insertion of an intrapleural HM3 may be associated with a higher incidence of readmission, especially due to respiratory infection.

Impact of Surgical Debridement with or without Omental Wrap on Deep LVAD Infections

<h3>Purpose</h3> The management of deep LVAD (pocket and mediastinal) infections is especially challenging. This study evaluated the impact of adding an omental wrap (OW) procedure to surgical debridement (SD) and antibiotics (AB) on survival and infection-related readmissions. <h3>Methods</h3> From 1/2011 to 3/2021, 30 LVAD patients with deep pocket/mediastinal infections were identified. Group A (n=13; mean age=56±14; male=8; HMII=13) received SD and AB's. Group B (n=17; mean age=61±11; male=13; HMII=12, HM3=5) received an OW in addition. Infections were confirmed by culture, clinical signs and/or radiographic evidence. Survival curves were generated by Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis, and events per patient-year (EPPY) was calculated to compare readmissions between groups. <h3>Results</h3> Baseline clinical/demographic characteristics and infecting organisms were similar between groups. The 2-year mortality in Group B was 18% compared to 92% in Group A (KM: <i>p</i><0.001, fig.1). Mortality resulting from neurologic complications was lower in Group B (33.3%) than Group A (83.3%). Infection-related readmissions were lower in Group B (0.072 EPPY vs 0.615). All patients in Group A remained on IV AB's whereas 13 patients (77%) in Group B were transitioned to oral AB's. No long-term AB-related complications were noted in either group. The recent addition of HM3 implants did not change the findings. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Deep LVAD infections are life-threatening. This experience with combining an omental wrap (OW) with surgical debridement (SD) and antibiotic therapy (AB) provides compelling evidence of effective suppression of infection, decreased readmissions and improved survival. Perhaps the advantage of eliminating dead space coupled with highly vascularized omental tissue delivering localized AB's is responsible for the markedly improved outcomes.

Normal Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index is Associated with Rehospitalization After Orthotopic Heart Transplant

<h3>Purpose</h3> Malnutrition has been associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention and in patients with heart failure. This study aims to assess the impact of the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) on clinical outcomes in patients undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT). <h3>Methods</h3> Consecutive patients undergoing OHT were included from 2018 to present after the change in UNOS listing criteria. Patients 60 years-old or greater were included in this study and those that survived to discharge were included. Fifty-seven patients were identified. Geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) was calculated using pre-procedure body mass index (BMI) and serum albumin for each patient. Patients were stratified into two groups: GNRI <98 (low GNRI) and >98 (normal GNRI). Primary outcomes were mortality, stroke, heart failure readmissions, and all-cause readmissions at one year. <h3>Results</h3> The mean age of study subjects was 66.0 years. Seventy-seven percent of patients were male. Fifteen patients were included in the low GNRI group. Patients with normal GNRI were more likely to be readmitted (p = 0.114), transplant related readmissions (p = 0.131), and significantly more infection related readmissions (p = 0.026). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Normal nutritional status as designated by a GNRI of >98 was not predictive of fitness. However, was related with higher rates of readmission as compared to those with low GNRI—a paradox as compared to prior literature. Although, GNRI is well established in percutaneous coronary intervention, heart failure, and aortic stenosis it appears that this does not hold true in patients undergoing OHT.

Clinical and Microbiological Effects of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in Urology-A Single Center Before-After Study.

Antimicrobial resistance is a major public health issue caused by antibiotic overuse and misuse. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) has been increasingly endorsed worldwide, but its effect has been studied scarcely in urologic settings. A before-after study was performed from 2018 through 2020 to evaluate changes in antimicrobial prescription, resistance rates and clinical safety upon implementation of an AMS audit and feedback program in the Urology Department of a large German academic medical center. The primary endpoints were safety clinical outcomes: the rate of infection-related readmissions and of infectious complications after transrectal prostate biopsies. Resistance rates and antimicrobial consumption rates were the secondary endpoints. The AMS team reviewed 196 cases (12% of all admitted in the department). The overall antibiotic use dropped by 18.7%. Quinolone prescriptions sank by 78.8% (p = 0.02) and 69.8% (p > 0.05) for ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, respectively. The resistance rate of E. coli isolates declined against ceftriaxone (−9%), ceftazidime (−12%) and quinolones (−25%) in the AMS period. No significant increase in infection-related readmissions or infectious complications after prostate biopsies was observed (p = 0.42). Due to the potential to reduce antibiotic use and resistance rates with no surge of infection-related complications, AMS programs should be widely implemented in urologic departments.

Patient Routing to Skilled Nursing Facilities: The Consequences of the Medicare Reimbursement Rule

Medicare does not pay for a skilled nursing facility (SNF) unless a fee-for-service patient has stayed in the hospital for at least three days. This Medicare reimbursement rule, or the “three-day rule,” provides full coverage for the first 20 days and partial coverage for days 21–100 for skilled nursing care provided at any Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services-approved SNF. In this paper, we study how this Medicare reimbursement rule affects patient routing to SNFs and whether an SNF discharge reduces patients’ 30-day hospital readmission rates. Data analysis shows that Medicare patients are more likely to be discharged to an SNF rather than home after the three-day cutoff, and SNF discharges increase hospital readmission rates for Medicare day 3 patients. This perverse effect is driven by infection-related readmissions and is more likely to occur when local SNFs have lower occupancy rates and higher deficiency citations than the median SNF of the same state-year. Back-of-the-envelope calculation suggests that the three-day rule may have generated an extra Medicare cost of $71 million to $345 million per year due to the overuse of SNFs and the subsequent rise in hospital readmissions. Replacing the three-day rule with a machine-learning algorithm mimicking private insurers would help. This paper was accepted by Stefan Scholtes, healthcare management. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4316 .

108. Efficacy of Dalbavancin Compared to Standard of Care for the Treatment of Osteomyelitis: A Retrospective Study

BackgroundPreliminary data suggest that the efficacy of dalbavancin, a long-acting lipoglycopeptide, may be similar to current standard of care (SoC) treatment options for osteomyelitis, and may be associated with fewer treatment related adverse events. This study assessed the incidence of treatment failure in patients receiving either dalbavancin or SoC for the treatment of osteomyelitis.MethodsThis was a multi-center, retrospective, observational cohort study of adult patients diagnosed with osteomyelitis. Patients were matched 1:2 to either dalbavancin (1500 mg infused intravenously on days 1 and 8) or SoC for osteomyelitis (oral or intravenous antibiotics) by Charlson Comorbidity Index, site of infection, and causative pathogen. The primary objective was to determine the incidence of treatment failure after a one-year follow-up period. Secondary objectives included hospital length of stay (LOS), infection related one-year readmission rates, and treatment related adverse events.ResultsA total of 132 patients were matched to receive dalbavancin (n = 42) or SoC (n = 90). Baseline characteristics were similar between the two treatment groups. The majority of patients had lower extremity osteomyelitis (76.2% vs 73.3%) with an etiology of diabetic foot infection (45.2% vs 46.7%) in the dalbavancin and SoC groups, respectively. Treatment failure was similar between those who received dalbavancin and SoC (21.4% vs 23.3%, p = 0.808). Patients who received dalbavancin had a significantly shorter hospital LOS compared to patients who received SoC regimens (5.2 days vs 7.2 days, p = 0.013). There was no difference in the rates of infection related readmissions between the dalbavancin and the SoC group (31% vs 31.1%, p = 0.985). Peripherally inserted central catheter line related complications were reported in 17.8% of patients in the SoC group, however the lower incidence of overall adverse events in the dalbavancin group was not significantly different than the SoC group (21.4% vs 36.7%, p = 0.08).ConclusionDalbavancin administered as a two-dose regimen is a safe and effective option for the treatment of osteomyelitisDisclosures Dustin R. Carr, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP, AAHIVP, Merck (Speaker's Bureau) Thomas L. Walsh, MD, Accelerate Diagnostics (Other Financial or Material Support, speaking fees)

Readmissions Following Hospitalization for Infection in Children With or Without Medical Complexity.

To describe the prevalence and characteristics of infection-related readmissions in children and to identify opportunities for readmission reduction and estimate associated cost savings. Retrospective analysis of 380,067 nationally representative index hospitalizations for children using the 2014 Nationwide Readmissions Database. We compared 30-day, all-cause unplanned readmissions and costs across 22 infection categories. We used the Inpatient Essentials database to measure hospital-level readmission rates and to establish readmission benchmarks for individual infections. We then estimated the number of readmissions avoided and costs saved if hospitals achieved the 10th percentile of hospitals' readmission rates (ie, readmission benchmark). All analyses were stratified by the presence/absence of a complex chronic condition (CCC). The overall 30-day readmission rate was 4.9%. Readmission rates varied substantially across infections and by presence/absence of a CCC (CCC: range, 0%-21.6%; no CCC: range, 1.5%-8.6%). Approximately 42.6% of readmissions (n = 3,576) for children with a CCC and 54.7% of readmissions (n = 5,507) for children without a CCC could have been potentially avoided if hospitals achieved infection-specific benchmark readmission rates, which could result in an estimated savings of $70.8 million and $44.5 million, respectively. Bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and upper respiratory tract infections were among infections with the greatest number of potentially avoidable readmissions and cost savings for children with and without a CCC. Readmissions following hospitalizations for infection in children vary significantly by infection type. To improve hospital resource use for infections, future preventative measures may prioritize children with complex chronic conditions and those with specific diagnoses (eg, respiratory illnesses).

607. Identifying Intervention Opportunities to Prevent Readmissions during OPAT

BackgroundPatients receiving outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) experience high rates of unplanned readmissions. To inform interventions that may reduce risk of unplanned readmissions during OPAT, we examined the frequency and reasons for readmission in a large cohort of OPAT patients.MethodsWe analyzed data on all patients enrolled in UNC’s OPAT program from February 2015-February 2020. Patients were evaluated by an infectious diseases (ID) physician prior to OPAT enrollment, discharged with >14 remaining days of prescribed therapy, and received care coordination and systematic monitoring by an ID pharmacist. We abstracted EHR data into a REDCap database to ascertain information on each patient’s OPAT course and readmission details: length of stay, primary ICD-9-CM/ICD-10-CM diagnosis code associated with readmission, and reason for readmission from clinical notes. Diagnosis codes and notes were adjudicated and summarized by a multidisciplinary team.ResultsAmong 1,165 OPAT courses, 19% resulted in at least one readmission during therapy, lasting for a median length of stay of 5 days. Among those patients who were readmitted during OPAT, the median time from OPAT start to readmission was 17 days (interquartile range, IQR: 8-29 days). 66% of readmissions preceded the scheduled follow-up appointment during OPAT (median time to scheduled follow-up was 27 days, IQR: 15-35 days). 55% of readmissions were unrelated to OPAT diagnosis. Based on ICD-9-CM/ICD-10-CM code classifications, the most common infectious diseases-related reasons for readmission were worsening OPAT infection (18%), OPAT-related adverse drug reaction (12%), and new infection (11%).ConclusionOne-fifth of OPAT courses resulted in readmission during therapy. Half of readmissions were associated with OPAT or other infection, and half were for other reasons. Earlier post-discharge follow-up by a multidisciplinary team (including primary care providers, case management, and OPAT) might prevent infection-related readmissions for OPAT patients. Future work should also address the need for enhanced care coordination with non-infectious disease providers to manage OPAT patients.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Wound complications and 30-day readmissions after single and bilateral internal mammary grafting: Analysis of the Nationwide Readmissions Database.

This study compares the postoperative outcomes, 30-day readmission rates, and incidence of sternal wound infection-related readmissions between patients receiving bilateral internal mammary arteries (BIMA) and single internal mammary artery (SIMA) grafting during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. We utilized the weighted 2013-2014 National Readmission Database claims to identify all US adult patients who underwent CABG utilizing SIMA (n = 279,891) or BIMA (n = 11,651). Thirty-day overall and wound-related readmissions, in-hospital outcomes, costs, lengths of stay (LOS) at readmissions were compared between the two groups. Predictors of 30-day readmission were assessed using multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis. After propensity matching (n = 10,339 pairs), there were no significant differences between the two groups during the index hospitalization, except for higher total hospital costs in the BIMA group (p = .02). The incidence of wound infections was also comparable between BIMA and SIMA (1.1% vs. 1.2%; p = .50). At 30-days, the overall readmission rate was elevated in SIMA patients (9.5% vs. 8.8%; p < .01), primarily impacted by cardiovascular causes. While the proportion of 30-day readmissions due to infections was significantly higher among BIMA versus SIMA patients (20.4% vs. 15.9%; p < .01), wound infections during the index hospitalization did not predict all-cause 30-day readmission among BIMA patients (p = .24) in the risk-adjusted analysis. Among the readmitted patients, LOS (6.4 vs. 6.2 days), costs ($14,440 vs. $16,461), and in-hospital mortality (2.4% vs. 1.7%) were comparable between the two groups (all p > .05). BIMA grafting is not an independent predictor of all-cause 30-day readmissions. Cardiovascular causes remain the primary driver of 30-day readmissions among SIMA and BIMA patients after CABG.

Discontinuation of Antibiotics in Patients with Neurological Conditions – A Study on the Impact of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) in a Tertiary Institution

BackgroundUp to 50% of antibiotics are prescribed either unnecessarily or inappropriately in most hospitals worldwide. In the largest tertiary hospital in Singapore, patients with neurological conditions were often initiated on antibiotics for change in mental state or isolated fevers. We hypothesize that Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) interventions to discontinue empirical antibiotics in neurological patients with no clinical evidence of bacterial infection are safe. The aim of this study was to compare clinical impact and safety outcomes of ASP interventions between accepted and rejected groups. MethodsA retrospective review of the ASP database was conducted for all patients admitted to the neurology department in Singapore General Hospital between January 2014 and December 2017. Interventions were followed up and patients were classified into two intervention groups, the accepted and rejected groups. Demographic data, age-adjusted Charlson co-morbidity index, duration of antibiotic therapy, length of hospital stay post-ASP intervention (PLOS), infection-related readmissions and mortality were compared between the two groups. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation for continuous variables, and unpaired Student's t-test was performed to determine intergroup differences between mean values. ResultsThe ASP team recommended 184 interventions, with an overall acceptance rate of 82.6% (152/184). There was no significant difference in demographics and age-adjusted Charlson co-morbidity index between the two groups. The accepted group had a shorter duration of therapy by 1.67 days (4.99±2.50 days vs. 6.66±2.34 days; P<0.01) and a shorter PLOS by 2 days, although this was not statistically significant (22.5±22.2 days vs. 24.5±51.4 days; P=0.83). There were no significant differences between the two groups in 14-day mortality and readmission rates. ConclusionIn neurological patients with no clinical evidence of bacterial infections, ASP interventions to discontinue empirical antibiotics were not associated with increased mortality and readmissions but were associated with significant reduction in duration of therapy.

READMISSION FOR HEALTHCARE-ACQUIRED INFECTIONS: DOES PATIENT DISPOSITION MATTER?

Both common and preventable, healthcare-acquired infections (HAI) are nevertheless associated with high risk for hospital readmission. However, whether these infection-related readmissions are more common among older adults discharged from the hospital to a nursing facility as opposed to home is unknown. We used 2013-14 HCUP data and multivariable logistic regression models to retrospectively examine the relationship of patient disposition (home, nursing facility, home health care) with an unplanned readmission for the same HAI observed at the index admission, among older Medicare beneficiaries, controlling for patient sociodemographics, comorbidity score, and length of stay during index hospitalization. Of 8.4 million index admissions, 323,332 (3.9%) involved an index HAI, of which 15,870 (4.9%) resulted in a linked HAI readmission. HAI readmissions were more common for Clostridium difficile infections (4.0%) and urinary tract infections (UTI, 2.3%) than for ventilator-acquired pneumonia (1.4%) or surgical site infections (1.1%) (p<0.001). Being discharged home or to home health care, compared to a post-acute care setting, was associated with increased odds (OR: 1.63 and 1.62, p<0.001) of HAI readmission, particularly for patients with higher comorbidity scores. For home discharges, HAI readmission risk was doubled for patients with the most compared to fewest comorbidities while nursing facility discharges were equally protective across comorbidity levels. We conclude that Clostridium difficile and UTIs result in higher risk for readmission than other HAIs. Patients discharged to nursing facilities are protected from readmission. Further research into identifying modifiable mechanisms for HAI readmission, in order to improve post-hospital care of infection at home, is needed.

166. Comparison of Oral Fluoroquinolones to Alternative Oral Agents for Definitive Step-Down Therapy in Gram-Negative Bloodstream Infections

BackgroundDuring the management of Gram-negative bloodstream infections (GN BSIs), definitive oral step-down therapy is often utilized. Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are commonly utilized due to excellent bioavailability; however, comparative evidence to oral trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) or β-lactams (BLs) are limited.MethodsThis multicenter, retrospective cohort included patients ≥18 years of age who had a GN BSI and received oral FQ, BL, or TMP/SMX as definitive oral step-down therapy for >33% of their total treatment duration. Patients were excluded if received ˂7 days or >17 days of total therapy, or had polymicrobial bacteremia. The primary outcome was treatment failure within 90 days. Treatment failure was a composite endpoint including both all-cause mortality and recurrence of infection. Secondary outcomes included all-cause and infection-related readmissions at 30 days.ResultsA total of 220 patients were included (FQ n = 106, BL n = 96, SMX/TMP n = 18). Patients were elderly (median age 70 years; IQR 59–79) and had a median Pitt bacteremia score of 1 (IQR 0–2). The most common pathogens were E. coli (58.2%) and K. pneumoniae (17.3%) and the primary source of infection was urinary (70%). Majority of BL use consisted of cephalexin (44.7%) and cefuroxime (21.3%) while FQ use was mostly ciprofloxacin (69.8%). Infectious diseases consultations were associated with 52.8%, 39.6%, and 72.2% of the prescribed FQ, BL, and SMX/TMP, respectively. Overall median intravenous, oral, and total effective antibiotic durations were 3.9, 9, and 13 days, respectively, and were similar between each group. Ninety day treatment failure rates were 9.5% in the FQ group vs. 14.6% in the BL group (P = 0.27) and 0% in the TMP/SMX group (P = 0.35). All-cause and infection-related readmissions were similar between FQ, BL, and TMP/SMX: (25.5%, 27.1%, 16.7%; P = 0.73) and (4.7%, 5.2%, 5.6%; P = 1.0), respectively.ConclusionWe identified similar treatment failure rates between oral FQs, BLs, and TMP/SMX. Oral step-down therapy with BLs may be a promising FQ-sparing option for the definitive treatment of GN BSIs. Limitations to TMP/SMX efficacy should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size. Further investigations into optimal and tolerable oral dosing of such agents are needed.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

1079. Impact of Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) on Patients with Neurological Conditions

BackgroundRising rates of antimicrobial resistance worldwide has dire consequences on patient care, as infections with resistant organisms impair patients’ recovery, resulting in protracted illness and hence prolonged hospital stay. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) have shown to effectively reduce antibiotic resistance. Locally, we observed that patients with neurological conditions were often initiated on antibiotics for change in mental state or isolated fevers. Little is known whether these patients truly require antibiotics and hence, we aim to study the impact of ASP in these patients.MethodsRetrospective review of ASP database between January 2014 and December 2017 was conducted, among all patients admitted to the neurology department in SGH and in whom the ASP team recommended discontinuation of empiric use of antibiotics. Demographics were collected. Clinical outcomes, duration of antibiotics therapy, length of hospital stay (LOS), infection-related readmissions and mortality, were compared between interventions accepted and rejected groups.ResultsThe ASP team recommended 184 interventions [overall acceptance rate of 82.6% (152/184)]. There was no significant difference in underlying demographics, and Charlson Co-morbidity score between the 2 groups. However, the interventions-acceptance group had shorter duration of therapy by 1.67 days (4.99 ± 2.50 days vs. 6.66 ± 2.34 days; P < 0.01) and LOS by 2 days (22.5 ± 51.4 days vs. 24.5 ± 3.04 days; P = 0.83). There were no significant differences in 14-day mortality and readmission rates between the 2 groups.ConclusionIn patients with neurological conditions, ASP interventions were safe, and associated with a significant reduction in the duration of therapy and LOS.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

2470. Readmission for Healthcare-Acquired Infections: Does Patient Disposition Matter?

BackgroundAlthough common and preventable, healthcare-acquired infections (HAI) are associated with high risk for hospital readmission. This risk may increase when follow-up care is not provided. However, whether infection-related readmissions are more common in older adults discharged from the hospital to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) vs. home or home healthcare is unknown.MethodsWe used 2013–14 national discharge data and logistic regression models to retrospectively examine the relationship of discharge disposition (home, SNF, home healthcare) with unplanned readmission for the same HAI observed at the index admission, among Medicare beneficiaries 65, controlling for patient sociodemographics, comorbidity score, and length of stay during index hospitalization.ResultsOf 318,134 index admissions involving HAI treatment, 158,682 (50%) were discharged to a SNF, 76,523 (24%) to home, and 82,929 (26%) to home health. Overall, 7,867 (2.5%) of index admissions involving treatment for an HAI resulted in a linked HAI readmission. HAI readmissions were more common for Clostridium difficile infections (4.0%) and urinary tract infections (UTI, 2.3%) than for ventilator-acquired pneumonia (1.4%) or surgical site infections (1.1%) (P < 0.001). Being discharged home or to home healthcare, compared with a SNF, was associated with increased odds (OR: 1.63, P < 0.001 for each) of HAI readmission. This was equivalent to a 1.2% lower risk of a linked HAI readmission for those discharged to a SNF compared with home or home healthcare. This risk difference was observed to increase with greater patient comorbidity scores.ConclusionWe conclude that Clostridium difficile and UTIs result in higher risk for readmission than other HAIs. Patients discharged to nursing facilities are protected from readmission. Further research into identifying modifiable mechanisms for HAI readmission, in order to improve post-hospital care of infection at home, is needed. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Cost-Effectiveness of Negative Pressure Incision Management System in Cardiac Surgery

BackgroundSternal wound infections (SWIs) can be a devastating long-term complication with significant morbidity and health care cost. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of negative pressure incision management systems (NPIMS) in cardiac surgery. Materials and methodsAll cardiac surgery cases at an academic hospital with risk scores available (2009-2017) were extracted from an institutional database (n = 4455). Patients were stratified by utilization of NPIMS, and high risk was defined as above the median. Costs included infection-related readmissions and were adjusted for inflation. Multivariable regression models assessed the risk-adjusted cost of SWI and efficacy of NPIMS use. Cost-effectiveness was modeled using TreeAge Pro using institutional results. ResultsThe rate of deep SWI was 0.9% with an estimated cost of $111,175 (P < 0.0001). The rate of superficial SWI was 0.8% at a cost of $7981 (P = 0.08). Risk-adjusted NPIMS use was not significantly associated with reduced SWI (OR 1.2, P = 0.62) and thus not cost-effective. However, in the high-risk cohort with an OR 0.84 (P = 0.72) and SWI rate of 2.3%, NPIMS use cost $205 per patient with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $179,092. Therefore, NPIMS is estimated to be cost-effective with a deep SWI rate over 1.3% or improved efficacy (OR < 0.83). ConclusionsSWIs are extremely expensive complications with estimates of $111,175 for deep yet only $7981 for superficial. Although NPIMS was not cost-effective for SWI prevention as currently utilized, a protocol for use on patients with a higher risk of sternal infection could be cost-effective.