Use Of Intravenous Antibiotics Research Articles

Acute monoarthritis in young children: comparing the characteristics of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis versus septic and undifferentiated arthritis

Acute arthritis is a common cause of consultation in pediatric emergency wards. Arthritis can be caused by juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), septic (SA) or remain undetermined (UA). In young children, SA is mainly caused by Kingella kingae (KK), a hard to grow bacteria leading generally to a mild clinical and biological form of SA. An early accurate diagnosis between KK-SA and early-onset JIA is essential to provide appropriate treatment and follow-up. The aim of this work was to compare clinical and biological characteristics, length of hospital stays, duration of intravenous (IV) antibiotics exposure and use of invasive surgical management of patients under 6 years of age hospitalized for acute monoarthritis with a final diagnosis of JIA, SA or UA. We retrospectively analyzed data from < 6-year-old children, hospitalized at a French tertiary center for acute mono-arthritis, who underwent a joint aspiration. Non-parametric tests were performed to compare children with JIA, SA or UA. Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was applied with threshold for significance at 0.025. Among the 196 included patients, 110 (56.1%) had SA, 20 (10.2%) had JIA and 66 (33.7%) had UA. Patients with JIA were older when compared to SA (2.7 years [1.8–3.6] versus 1.4 [1.1–2.1], p < 0.001). Presence of fever was not different between JIA and SA or UA. White blood cells in serum were lower in JIA (11.2 × 109/L [10–13.6]) when compared to SA (13.2 × 109/L [11–16.6]), p = 0.01. In synovial fluid leucocytes were higher in SA 105.5 × 103 cells/mm3 [46–211] compared to JIA and UA (42 × 103 cells/mm3 [6.4–59.2] and 7.29 × 103 cells/mm3 [2.1–72] respectively), p < 0.001. Intravenous antibiotics were administered to 95% of children with JIA, 100% of patients with SA, and 95.4% of UA. Arthrotomy-lavage was performed in 66.7% of patients with JIA, 79.6% of patients with SA, and 71.1% of patients with UA. In children less than 6 years of age with acute mono-arthritis, the clinical and biological parameters currently used do not reliably differentiate between JIA, AS and UA. JIA subgroups that present a diagnostic problem at the onset of monoarthritis before the age of 6 years, are oligoarticular JIA and systemic JIA with hip arthritis. The development of new biomarkers will be required to distinguish JIA and AS caused by Kingellakingae in these patients.

Postpartum fibroid degeneration associated with elevated procalcitonin levels

Abstract Objectives To describe a novel presentation of severely elevated procalcitonin (PCT) levels associated with postpartum fibroid degeneration. Case presentation We report a case of a 34-year-old woman with multiple large fibroids who was found to have fevers and a severely elevated PCT level of 34.03 ng/mL 2 days postpartum. MRI revealed carneous degeneration of her fibroids, and other etiologies such as infection were ruled out. She was successfully treated with the use of intravenous non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics, as a precaution. This report indicates procalcitonin may be elevated secondary to the inflammatory state caused by degenerating fibroids. Informed consent was obtained from all individuals included in this study. Conclusions Uterine leiomyomas, or fibroids, are tumors of the female reproductive tract affecting anywhere from 20–40% of women. One known complication of fibroids is degeneration, when the fibroid can infarct due to a decrease in blood supply. This can cause an inflammatory state with the release of multiple inflammatory markers. During pregnancy, routine markers such as white blood cell counts may be unreliable. Other markers such as procalcitonin are not well-studied in pregnancy. This case provides practitioners an example where the marker procalcitonin can be used to more accurately assess an inflammatory state during pregnancy. It also provides alterative diagnoses in the workup of postpartum fever.

Reductions in vancomycin and meropenem following the implementation of a febrile neutropenia management algorithm in hospitalized adults: An interrupted time series analysis.

To evaluate broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotic use before and after the implementation of a revised febrile neutropenia management algorithm in a population of adults with hematologic malignancies. Quasi-experimental study. Patients admitted between 2014 and 2018 to the Adult Malignant Hematology service of an acute-care hospital in the United States. Aggregate data for adult malignant hematology service were obtained for population-level antibiotic use: days of therapy (DOT), C. difficile infections, bacterial bloodstream infections, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. All rates are reported per 1,000 patient days before the implementation of an febrile neutropenia management algorithm (July 2014-May 2016) and after the intervention (June 2016-December 2018). These data were compared using interrupted time series analysis. In total, 2,014 patients comprised 6,788 encounters and 89,612 patient days during the study period. Broad-spectrum intravenous (IV) antibiotic use decreased by 5.7% with immediate reductions in meropenem and vancomycin use by 22 (P = .02) and 15 (P = .001) DOT per 1,000 patient days, respectively. Bacterial bloodstream infection rates significantly increased following algorithm implementation. No differences were observed in the use of other antibiotics or safety outcomes including C. difficile infection, ICU length of stay, and in-hospital mortality. Reductions in vancomycin and meropenem were observed following the implementation of a more stringent febrile neutropenia management algorithm, without evidence of adverse outcomes. Successful implementation occurred through a collaborative effort and continues to be a core reinforcement strategy at our institution. Future studies evaluating patient-level data may identify further stewardship opportunities in this population.

Comparative Analysis of Clinical Parameters and Sputum Biomarkers in Establishing the Relevance of Filamentous Fungi in Cystic Fibrosis.

BackgroundThe relationship between fungal culture (FC) positivity and airway inflammation in CF is largely unknown. Identifying the clinical significance of filamentous fungi in CF using both clinical parameters and biomarkers may change our antimicrobial therapeutic strategies.ObjectivesTo investigate the clinical characteristics and airway biomarker profile in relation to the detection of filamentous fungi in respiratory samples obtained from CF patients.MethodsA prospective cohort study over 24 months, including children and adults with CF. Participants provided sputum and/or bronchoalveolar lavage samples, which underwent processing for bacterial and fungal culture, leukocyte differential cell count and biomarker analysis for neutrophil elastase (NE), interleukin-8 (IL-8), galactomannan and tumor necrosis factor receptor type 2 (TNF-R2). We performed FC using neat sputum plugs, an approach shown to be more sensitive compared to routine laboratory testing.ResultsSixty-one patients provided 76 respiratory samples (72 sputum and 4 BAL). Median age was 17 years (range 6 months–59 years). FC positivity was noted in 49% of the cohort. FC positivity was greater during pulmonary exacerbation compared to the stable state (67 versus 50%). Participants aged 5–30 years had a lower FEV1 within the FC positive group. A significant association between FC positivity and non-tuberculosis mycobacterial (NTM) culture was observed on non-parametric testing (p = 0.022) and regression analysis (p = 0.007). Exposure to indoor mold was a predictor for FC positivity (p = 0.047). There was a trend towards increased lung clearance index (LCI), bronchiectasis and intravenous antibiotic use in the FC positive group. There was no significant difference in biomarkers between FC positive and negative patients.Conclusion Aspergillus. fumigatus is the commonest filamentous fungi cultured from CF airways. We found no difference in the airway biomarker profile between FC positive and negative patients. The role of galactomannan and TNFR2 as fungal specific biomarkers in CF remains uncertain. FC positivity is associated with a lower FEV1 in younger patients, a lower LCI, NTM positivity, bronchiectasis, and intravenous antibiotic exposure. Larger trials are needed to determine the role of galactomannan and TNF-R2 as potential fungal biomarkers in CF.

WS14.2 Potential factors influencing reduced requirements for intravenous antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective: The use of intravenous antibiotics (IVAB) is a central part of the management of pulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis (CF). Adult patients with CF in England were advised to “shield” by the government (23.03.2020–01.08.2020) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shielding was described as the requirement to not leave home and minimise all face-to-face contact. At our adult CF centre in London, there was a 50% reduction in requirement for IVAB, compared to the same period in 2019. We aimed to identify potential factors contributing to the reduced requirement of IVAB during shielding. Method: An 8-point patient questionnaire was given to 27 patients who had required ≥3 courses of IVAB in the year 2019. These were designed to identify: percentage of patients shielding, percentage of patients starting a modulator, variation in adherence to regular medications, chest physiotherapy, and requirement to IVAB. Results: 70% response rate (n = 19). [Table Presented] Despite a 50% reduction in IVAB compared to the previous year, the majority of patients reported their requirement for IVAB remained the same (68%). There was no self-reported increase in adherence to regular medications or chest physiotherapy. The majority of patients felt their overall health status remained stable or improved (78%). During this period the majority of patients fully shielded (84%) and started Symkevi®/Kalydeco or Kaftrio®/Kalydeco (as part of a trial or compassionate use program) (84%). Conclusion: Increased adherence to regular medication and physiotherapy did not appear to be a factor in reducing the requirement for IVAB observed during the UK COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Adherence to government shielding may have reduced exposure to community acquired infections and associated requirement for IVAB. Commencement of a modulator therapy was likely to have a positive impact on overall health and associated of reduction in requirement of IVAB.

The Distribution of Multidrug-resistant Microorganisms and Treatment Status of Hospital-acquired Pneumonia/Ventilator-associated Pneumonia in Adult Intensive Care Units: a Prospective Cohort Observational Study.

BackgroundIt is essential to determine the distribution of the causative microorganisms in the region and the status of local antibiotic resistance for the proper treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia/ventilator-associated pneumonia (HAP/VAP). This study aimed to investigate the occurrence and causative strains of HAP/VAP, distribution of resistant bacteria, use of antibiotics, and the ensuing outcomes of patients in Korea.MethodsA multicenter prospective observational cohort study was conducted among patients with HAP/VAP admitted to the medical intensive care unit of 5 tertiary referral centers between August 2012 and June 2015. Patients' demographic and clinical data were collected.ResultsA total of 381 patients were diagnosed with HAP/VAP. Their median age was 69 (59–76) years and 71% were males. A majority of the patients (88%) had late-onset (> 5 days) HAP/VAP. One-quarter of the patients (n = 99) had at least one risk factor for multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, such as prior intravenous antibiotic use within the last 90 days. Microbiological specimens were mostly obtained noninvasively (87%) using sputum or endotracheal aspirates. Pathogens were identified in 235 (62%) of the 381 patients. The most common bacterial pathogen was Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 89), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (n = 52), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 25) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 22). Most of isolated A. baumannii (97%) and S. aureus (88%) were multidrug resistant. The most commonly used empirical antibiotic regimens were carbapenem-based antibiotics (38%), followed by extended-spectrum penicillin/β-lactamase inhibitor (34%). Glycopeptide or linezolid were also used in combination in 54% of patients. The 28-day mortality rate of the patients with HAP/VAP was 30% and the 60-day mortality was 46%. Patients who used empirical antibiotics appropriately had significantly lower mortality rates than those who did not (28-day mortality: 25% vs. 40%, P = 0.032; 60-day mortality: 41% vs. 55%, P = 0.032, respectively). Administration of appropriate empirical antibiotics (odds ratio [OR], 0.282; confidence interval [CI], 0.092–0.859; P = 0.026), Day 7 treatment failure (OR, 4.515; CI, 1.545–13.192; P = 0.006), and APACHE II score on day 1 (OR, 1.326; CI, 0.988–1.779; P = 0.012) were the factors that determined the 28-day mortality in patients with HAP who had identified bacteria as pathogens.ConclusionIn HAP/VAP patients, there was a large burden of MDR pathogens, and their associated mortality rate was high. Proper selection of empirical antibiotics was significantly associated with the patient's prognosis; however, there was a discrepancy between major pathogens and empirical antibiotic therapy.

Systemic Therapy For Skin And Soft Tissue Bacterial Infections In Childhood

Skin and soft tissue infections cover a wide variety of benign and life-threatening conditions. Some of them are treatable on an outpatient basis, while others require the use of intravenous antibiotics and surgery. When choosing a drug, it is advisable to perform a microbiological study and base on it to choose the most appropriate molecule from the different classes of antimicrobials. The main pathogens involved in these infections are Staphylococcus aureus and group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, but enteral organisms also play a role, especially in nosocomial infections. Skin and soft tissue infections have increased in frequency and severity in all age groups. The reasons for this are the increasing resistance of pathogenic microorganisms to many antibiotics in hospitalized patients and outpatients, the growing number of immunocompromised patients and the emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus . These facts are relevant to treatment guidelines in order to address the increase in bacterial resistance and the choice of the type of therapy used. For systemic treatment, drugs of choice are penicillin antibiotics, macrolides, cephalosporins, lincosamides, glycopeptides, aminoglycosides, tetracycline group, oxazolidinones, antifolate agents.

174. Impact of Cascade Reporting of Antimicrobial Susceptibility on Antimicrobial Consumption at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center

BackgroundCascade reporting (CR) is a strategy of reporting antimicrobial susceptibility test results in which secondary agents are only reported if an organism is resistant to primary, narrow spectrum agents within a drug class. A multidisciplinary team developed CR algorithms for Gram-negative bacteria based on the local antibiogram and infectious diseases practice guidelines.MethodsCR was implemented at a 399-bed tertiary care VAMC in March 2018. In a quasi-experimental study, antimicrobial use data across 8 inpatient units were extracted from the CDC’s NHSN AU module from April 2017 – March 2019 (12 months pre- and post-implementation of CR), reported as antimicrobial days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 days present (DP). T-tests and linear mixed models accounting for seasonal and random unit effects were used to compare antimicrobial use pre- and post-CR implementation.Figure 1A. Cascade reporting algorithm for antimicrobial susceptibility reporting for Enterobacteriaceae Figure 1B. Cascade reporting algorithm for antimicrobial susceptibility reporting for Pseudomonas aeruginosa ResultsFollowing CR implementation, mean monthly meropenem (p=0.005) and piperacillin/tazobactam (p=0.002) use decreased, while cefepime use increased (p< 0.001). The slope of ciprofloxacin use decreased by 2.16 DOTs/1,000 DP per month (SE=0.25, p< 0.001). The slope of cefpodoxime and moxifloxacin use decreased by 18% (p< 0.001), and 7% (p< 0.001), respectively. The slope of cephalexin use decreased by 0.55 DOTs/1,000 DP (SE=0.26, p< 0.001). The slope of ceftriaxone and cefepime use increased by 1.51 (SE=0.59, p=0.011) and 1.06 (SE=.32, p=0.002) DOTs/1000 DP per month, respectively. There were no significant changes in the slope of amoxicillin/clavulanate, levofloxacin, or meropenem consumption. Rates of Clostridioides difficile infection did not significantly change.Figure 2A. Average monthly use of oral antibiotics across all units in average days of therapy (DOTs) per 1000 days present. CR = Cascade reporting. *For Cefpodoxime and moxifloxacin medians were reported as data was not normally distributed. Figure 2B. Average monthly use of intravenous antibiotics across all units in average days of therapy (DOTs) per 1000 days present. CR = Cascade reporting. Table 1. Slope of Antimicrobial Utilization Pre and Post-Cascade Reporting Implementation. ConclusionAfter implementation of CR, the slope of ciprofloxacin use decreased and mean monthly meropenem use decreased. CR is a valuable tool that can be employed by ASPs to encourage optimal use of antibiotics.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

226. Evaluating the Unnecessary Use of Intravenous Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics in Patients Based on Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Criteria in the Emergency Department (ED)

BackgroundRecognition of sepsis frequently occurs in the ED. To demonstrate the need to optimize antibiotic use for suspected sepsis and evaluate the reliability of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria in predicting bacterial infection, we quantified the rate of unnecessary intravenous (IV) broad-spectrum antibiotic use for suspected sepsis in the ED at an academic medical center.MethodsAdult patients who were admitted to the ED between January 2018 and June 2018 with suspected sepsis (≥ 2 SIRS) and received ≥ 1 dose of IV broad-spectrum antibiotic were included in this retrospective study. The presence of bacterial infection was determined using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) definitions, microbiologic, radiographic, and laboratory findings. Suspected infections lacked microbiologic data. The primary outcome was the percentage of confirmed and suspected infections. Secondary outcomes included 90-day Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and 90-day drug-resistant organism (DRO) infections.ResultsA total of 218 patients were included. The percentages of confirmed/suspected and absence of bacterial infections were 63.8% and 36.2%, respectively. Elevated SIRS (≥ 2) and Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA; ≥ 2) scores were not associated with the presence of bacterial infections. 82% of patients were discharged from the ED. Antibiotic exposure in days of therapy in the ED and/or hospital admission did not significantly vary between patients with confirmed/suspected bacterial infection and those with absence of bacterial infections. Among patients who lacked evidence of bacterial infections, 44% were prescribed outpatient antibiotics after being discharged from the ED. 90-day CDI and DRO infections were identified in 7 and 6 patients, respectively, regardless of the presence of bacterial infections.Table 1. Baseline demographics of patients admitted to the ED with suspected sepsis ConclusionA third of the patients with suspected sepsis received IV broad-spectrum antibiotics in the ED but ultimately lacked bacterial infection. Our findings suggest that identification of bacterial infection and patients with sepsis using SIRS or qSOFA lack specificity and can lead to the overuse of unnecessary antibiotics in the ED.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Effects of Appropriate Use of Oral Third-Generation Cephalosporin and Intravenous Antibiotics Use in Pediatric Urology Perioperative Period

Effects of Appropriate Use of Oral Third-Generation Cephalosporin and Intravenous Antibiotics Use in Pediatric Urology Perioperative Period

The influence of a ban on outpatient intravenous antibiotic therapy among the secondary and tertiary hospitals in China

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious global public health challenge. Physicians’ over-prescription of antibiotics is a major contributor, and intravenous (IV) antibiotic use has been a particular concern in China. To address the rapid fallout of antibiotic overuse, the Chinese government has piloted a ban of IV antibiotics in the outpatient department (OD) with the exemption of paediatrics, emergency department (ED), and inpatient ward of secondary and tertiary hospitals in several provinces.MethodsTo assess the potential impact of the policy, we conducted a mixed-methods study including 1) interviews about the ban of IV antibiotic use with 68 stakeholders, covering patients, health workers, and policy-makers, from two cities and 2) a hospital case study which collected routine hospital data and survey data with 207 doctors.ResultsOur analyses revealed that the ban of IV antibiotics in the OD led to a reduction in the total and IV antibiotic prescriptions and improved the rational antibiotic prescribing practice in the OD. Nevertheless, the policy has diverted patient flow from OD to ED, inpatient ward, and primary care for IV antibiotic prescriptions. We also found that irrational antibiotic use in paediatrics was neglected. Radical policy implementation, doctors circumvented the regulations, and lack of doctor-patient communication during patient encounters were barriers to the implementation of the ban.ConclusionsFuture efforts may include 1) to de-escalate both oral and IV antibiotic therapy in paediatric and reduce oral antibiotic therapy among adults in outpatient clinics, 2) to reduce unnecessary referrals by OD doctors to ED, primary care, or inpatient services and better coordinate for patients who clinically need IV antibiotics, 3) to incorporate demand-side tailored measures, such as public education campaigns, and 4) to improve doctor-patient communication. Future research is needed to understand how primary care and other community clinics implement the ban.

A retrospective study of in-hospital mortality in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis between 2015 and 2018.

Hospitalizations are common in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and are associated with high mortality. We used data from the Premier Healthcare Database to determine in-hospital mortality rates and the factors associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with IPF in the era of approved antifibrotic drugs.The Premier Healthcare Database is a detailed and broadly representative database of hospital admissions and discharges in the US. Patients with IPF who were hospitalized between 1 January 2015 and 28 February 2018 were identified using a diagnostic algorithm comprising International Classification of Diseases -9 and International Classification of Diseases -10 diagnostic codes and billing data. Associations between patient-, hospital- and treatment-related factors and a composite outcome of death during the index visit, lung transplant during the index visit but >1 day after admission, or death during a readmission within 90 days of the index visit were analyzed using logistic regression.The cohort comprised 9667 hospitalized patients with IPF. In total, 1414 patients (14.6%) met the composite outcome: 1036 (10.7%) died during the index visit, 371 (3.8%) died during a readmission within 90 days; 7 (0.1%) underwent lung transplant >1 day after admission. Factors significantly associated with a higher risk of the composite outcome included mechanical ventilation (odds ratio 6.41 [95% CI: 5.24, 7.84]), admission to the intensive care unit (1.73 [1.49, 2.00]), attendance by a critical care physician (2.12 [1.33, 3.38]), older age (1.20 [1.12, 1.28] per 10-year increase), and use of intravenous steroids (1.16 [1.00, 1.34]), intravenous antibiotics (1.49 [1.22, 1.83]) and opioids (3.41 [2.95, 3.93]). Factors significantly associated with a lower risk of the composite outcome included female sex (0.70 [0.61, 0.80]), comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (0.69 [0.60, 0.78]), attendance by a family medicine physician (0.67 [0.48, 0.94]) or internal medicine physician (0.59 [0.46, 0.75]), and use of oral steroids (0.62 [0.51, 0.77]), statins (0.76 [0.67, 0.87]) and proton pump inhibitors (0.80 [0.70, 0.92]).In conclusion, patients with IPF are at risk of mortality during a hospital stay or readmission within 90 days, particularly those who receive mechanical ventilation.

Extensively drug-resistant Alcaligenes faecalis infection

BackgroundAlcaligenes faecalis is usually causes opportunistic infections in humans. Alcaligenes faecalis infection is often difficult to treat due to its increased resistance to several antibiotics. The results from a clinical study of patients with Alcaligenes faecalis infection may help improve patients’ clinical care.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients presenting with Alcaligenes faecalis infection from January 2014 to December 2019. The medical records of all patients were reviewed for demographic information, clinical symptoms and signs, comorbidities, use of intravenous antibiotics within the past three months, bacterial culture, antibiotics sensitivity test, and clinical outcomes.ResultsSixty-one cases of Alcaligenes faecalis infection were seen during the study period, including 25 cases of cystitis, nine cases of diabetic foot infection, eight cases of pneumonia, seven cases of acute pyelonephritis, three cases of bacteremia, and nine cases of infection at specific sites. Thirty-seven patients (60.7%) had a history of receiving intravenous antibiotics within three months of the diagnosis. Fifty-one (83.6%) cases were mixed with other bacterial infections. Extensively drug-resistant infections have been reported since 2018. The best sensitivity rate to Alcaligenes faecalis was 66.7% for three antibiotics (imipenem, meropenem, and ceftazidime) in 2019. Two antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and piperacillin/tazobactam) sensitivity rates to A. faecalis were less than 50%.ConclusionsThe most frequent Alcaligenes faecalis infection sites, in order, are the bloodstream, urinary tract, skin and soft tissue, and middle ear. The susceptibility rate of Alcaligenes faecalis to commonly used antibiotics is decreasing. Extensively drug-resistant Alcaligenes faecalis infections have emerged.

Evaluation of a Safe Neutrophil Count for Cessation of IV Antibiotics and Early Hospital Discharge in Stable, Afebrile Patients Recovering after Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) Therapy or an Autograft

Background Currently there are no guidelines on a safe neutrophil count for intravenous antibiotic (IVAB) cessation and hospital discharge in haematology patients recovering after myelosuppressive chemotherapy complicated by febrile neutropenia (FN). Aims We assessed the safety in stable afebrile patients after recent FN of (i) appropriately stopping IVAB and (ii) early hospital discharge respectively within 24 hrs of absolute neutrophil count (ANC) recovery to ≥0.2x10^9/L. Appropriate cessation required a minimum of 3 days of IVAB and no focus of unresolved infection. Safety was defined as the absence of (i) fever recurrence after IVAB cessation and (ii) readmission in the 10-days post discharge for non-line related bacterial sepsis. Barriers to early discharge were also evaluated. Methods A retrospective, single centre audit on adult haematology patients admitted with AML (n=73 courses of induction or consolidation; 27 patients) or for an autograft (n=68 admissions;65 patients) between 2017-2019 and 2016-2017 respectively. Exclusion criteria included patients with secondary AML, reduced intensity AML chemotherapy (low dose cytarabine or azacitidine) and outpatient IVAB use post-discharge. Patients who continued on oral antibiotics as inpatients or on discharge were included in the analysis. Data were analysed with Mann Whitney U test, Chi square test and Fisher's exact test where appropriate. Results Both cohorts had a median age of 59 years. Autograft conditioning consisted mostly of high dose melphalan alone (57%) or with busulfan (7%) and BEAM (19%). All of the AML regimens contained either intermediate or high-dose cytarabine and/or an anthracycline. Most admissions (n=128; 91%) were complicated by FN, 32% (n=41) with positive blood cultures. Nearly half (n=61; 48%) of FN episodes ceased IVAB appropriately with 22/61 (36%) transitioned to oral antibiotics; another 19 (15%) episodes ceased IVAB prior to ANC ≥0.2. None of these 80 episodes had recurrent fever requiring IVAB resumption. IVAB were continued in the remaining 48 (37%) episodes, due to (a) unresolved fever (n=21) (b) recent bacteraemia or unresolved infective focus (n=17) or (c) empirically at physician discretion (n=10), for a median (range) duration of 3 (1-10), 3 (1-15) and 2 (1-5) days respectively. Thirty-seven (29%) of all FN episodes were discharged on oral antibiotics. Discharge within 24h from ANC≥0.2 occurred in 47% overall; more frequently in AML (60%) vs autograft (32%; p=0.001) patients, predominantly due to less unresolved gastrointestinal toxicity (5% vs 59% respectively). Other barriers to early discharge with an incidence of &amp;gt;5% included IVAB use, persistent fever, analgesia for mainly mucositis and transfusion requirement. Unplanned readmission rates were low (6% autograft, 3% AML) with none due to confirmed non-line related bacteraemia; these did not differ according to discharge ANC (≤0.5 or &amp;gt;0.5; p=0.217). Conclusion In afebrile, clinically stable AML and autograft patients without medico-social barriers to early discharge, IVAB can be ceased and hospital discharges safely done within 24h from recovery ANC≥0.2. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Manejo clínico de DIP / DIPA doença inflamatória pélvica e de repetição: uma revisão narrativa

Objetivo: Revisar sobre o manejo clínico de doença inflamatória pélvica e de repetição (DIP/DIPA). Revisão Bibliográfica: A DIP é uma infecção que se origina no trato genital inferior e que em muitos momentos pode atingir os órgãos do trato genital superior feminino, como o endométrio, tubas uterinas ou ovários. A maior prevalência de faixa etária é em mulheres que se encontram sexualmente ativas entre 15-24 anos de idade. É uma doença que se tratada no início consegue minimizar os prejuízos para a saúde da mulher. Se não tratada, a doença pode causar afetar o transporte dos óvulos e dos espermatozoides, acarretando dificuldades para a mulher engravidar ou contribui para chances de uma gestação ectópica. O tratamento da doença inicialmente é feito com o uso de antibióticos orais e intramusculares, caso a paciente apresente quadro de infecção, faz-se necessário a internação para uso de antibióticos endovenosos, e em alguns casos procedimento cirúrgico sendo preciso estabelecer repouso físico e sexual durante o tratamento. Considerações finais: Por se tratar de uma doença de clínica com variações, e em algumas situações assintomática, preconiza a dificuldade de se diagnosticar no início, para que tenha um tratamento adequado e eficiente a natureza da doença.

Intravenous versus oral antibiotics for eradication of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis (TORPEDO-CF): a randomised controlled trial

SummaryBackgroundChronic pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most important causes of mortality and morbidity in cystic fibrosis. If antibiotics are commenced promptly, infection can be eradicated. The aim of the trial was to compare the effectiveness and safety of intravenous ceftazidime and tobramycin versus oral ciprofloxacin in the eradication of P aeruginosa.MethodsWe did a multicentre, parallel group, open-label, randomised controlled trial in 72 cystic fibrosis centres (70 in the UK and two in Italy). Eligible participants were older than 28 days with an isolate of P aeruginosa (either the first ever isolate or a new isolate after at least 1 year free of infection). Participants were excluded if the P aeruginosa was resistant to, or they had a contraindication to, one or more of the trial antibiotics; if they were already receiving P aeruginosa suppressive therapy; if they had received any P aeruginosa eradication therapy within the previous 9 months; or if they were pregnant or breastfeeding. We used web-based randomisation to assign patients to 14 days intravenous ceftazidime and tobramycin or 12 weeks oral ciprofloxacin. Both were combined with 12 weeks inhaled colistimethate sodium. Randomisation lists were generated by a statistician, who had no involvement in the trial, using a computer-generated list. Randomisation was stratified by centre and because of the nature of the interventions, blinding was not possible. Our primary outcome was eradication of P aeruginosa at 3 months and remaining free of infection to 15 months. Primary analysis used intention to treat (powered for superiority). Safety analysis included patients who received at least one dose of study drug. TORPEDO-CF was registered on the ISRCTN register, ISRCTN02734162, and EudraCT, 2009-012575-10.FindingsBetween Oct 5, 2010, and Jan 27, 2017, 286 patients were randomly assigned to treatment: 137 to intravenous antibiotics and 149 to oral antibiotics. 55 (44%) of 125 participants in the intravenous group and 68 (52%) of 130 participants in the oral group achieved the primary outcome. Participants randomly assigned to the intravenous group were less likely to achieve the primary outcome, although the difference between groups was not statistically significant (relative risk 0·84, 95% CI 0·65–1·09; p=0·18). 11 serious adverse events occurred in ten (8%) of 126 participants in the intravenous antibiotics group and 17 serious adverse events in 12 (8%) of 146 participants in the oral antibiotics group.InterpretationCompared with oral therapy, intravenous antibiotics did not achieve sustained eradication of P aeruginosa in a greater proportion of patients with cystic fibrosis and was more expensive. Although there were fewer hospitalisations in the intravenous group than the oral group during follow-up, this confers no advantage over oral treatment because intravenous eradication frequently requires hospitalisation. These results do not support the use of intravenous antibiotics to eradicate P aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis.FundingNational Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme.

Parental self-medication with antibiotics for children promotes antibiotic over-prescribing in clinical settings in China

BackgroundSelf-medication with antibiotics (SMA) is one of the most dangerous inappropriate antibiotic use behaviors. This study aims to investigate the impact of parental SMA for children before a consultation on their doctor’s subsequent antibiotic prescribing behavior, including intravenous (IV) antibiotic use in the clinical setting of China.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted between June 2017 and April 2018 in three provinces of China. A total of 9526 parents with children aged 0–13 years were investigated. Data from 1275 parents who had self-medicated their children and then visited a doctor in the past month were extracted and analyzed.ResultsOne-third (410) of the studied children had parental SMA before the consultation and 83.9% of them were subsequently prescribed antibiotics by doctors. Children with parental SMA were more likely to be prescribed antibiotics (aOR = 7.79, 95% CI [5.74–10.58]), including IV antibiotics (aOR = 3.05, 95% CI [2.27–4.11]), and both oral and IV antibiotics (aOR = 3.42, 95% CI [2.42–4.84]), than children without parental SMA. Parents with SMA behaviors were more likely to request antibiotics (aOR = 4.05, 95% CI [2.59–6.31]) including IV antibiotics (aOR = 2.58, 95% CI [1.40–4.76]), and be fulfilled by doctors (aOR = 3.22, 95% CI [1.20–8.63]).ConclusionsTailored health education for parents is required in both community and clinical settings to discourage parental SMA for children. The doctors should not prescribe unnecessary antibiotics to reinforce parents’ SMA behaviors. We recommend expanding the current IV antibiotics ban in outpatient settings of China to cover outpatient pediatrics.

Impact of reflex fosfomycin susceptibility testing on the utilization of carbapenems for definitive extended-spectrum β-lactamase Escherichia coli urinary tract infection treatment

A protocol was started within a large health system to automatically test all confirmed extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli urine isolates for susceptibility to fosfomycin, an antibiotic not routinely included in such testing in most institutions. This study assessed the effectiveness of the protocol at reducing carbapenem use for the definitive treatment of ESBL E. coli urinary tract infection (UTI) through several endpoints. Eighty and 99 patients were compared pre- and postintervention, respectively. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who received definitive carbapenem therapy. Key secondary outcomes included median total carbapenem days of therapy (DOT), discharge on intravenous UTI antibiotics, and median total antibiotic DOT. Preprotocol vs postprotocol definitive carbapenem use was seen in 59 of 80 patients (73.8%) and 71 of 99 patients (71.7%) (95% confidence interval [CI] for difference, -11.1% to 15.1%; P = 0.76). The rates of step-down to oral agents pre- and postintervention were 15 of 59 (25.4%) and 35 of 71 (49.3%) (P = 0.004). Median carbapenem DOT in those receiving carbapenems decreased from 8 to 4 days (95% CI, -5 to -1 days; P = 0.001). Median total DOT decreased from 10 to 8 days (95% CI, -3 to -1 days; P = 0.002). Implementation of a laboratory policy to automatically test ESBL positive E. coli for fosfomycin susceptibility did not reduce the percentage of patients receiving at least 1 dose of carbapenem treatment. It did result in a larger percentage reduction in step-down use of intravenous antibiotics for UTI prior to discharge, reduction in carbapenem DOT, and reduction in total antibiotic DOT.

Ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection rates using a standard surgical technique, including topical and intraventricular vancomycin: the Children's Hospital Oakland experience.

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt infections are common complications after shunt operations. Despite the use of intravenous antibiotics, the incidence of infections remains high. Though antibiotic-impregnated catheters (AICs) are commonly used, another method of infection prophylaxis is the use of intraventricular (IVT) antibiotics. The authors describe their single-institution experience with a standard shunt protocol utilizing prophylactic IVT and topical vancomycin administration and report the incidence of pediatric shunt infections. Three hundred two patients undergoing VP shunt procedures with IVT and topical vancomycin between 2006 and 2016 were included. Patients were excluded if their age at surgery was greater than 18 years. Shunt operations were performed at a single institution following a standard shunt protocol implementing IVT and topical vancomycin. No AICs were used. Clinical data were retrospectively collected from the electronic health records. Over the 11-year study period, 593 VP shunt operations were performed with IVT and topical vancomycin, and a total of 19 infections occurred (incidence 3.2% per procedure). The majority of infections (n = 10, 52.6%) were caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis. The median time to shunt infection was 3.7 weeks. On multivariate analysis, the presence of a CSF leak (OR 31.5 [95% CI 8.8-112.6]) and age less than 6 months (OR 3.6 [95% CI 1.2-10.7]) were statistically significantly associated with the development of a shunt infection. A post hoc analysis comparing infection rates after procedures that adhered to the shunt protocol and those that did not administer IVT and topical vancomycin, plus historical controls, revealed a difference in infection rates (3.2% vs 6.9%, p = 0.03). The use of a standardized shunt operation technique that includes IVT and topical vancomycin is associated with a total shunt infection incidence of 3.2% per procedure, which compares favorably with the reported rates of shunt infection in the literature. The majority of infections occurred within 2 months of surgery and the most common causative organism was S. epidermidis. Young age (< 6 months) at the time of surgery and the presence of a postoperative CSF leak were statistically significantly associated with postoperative shunt infection on multivariate analysis. The results are hypothesis generating, and the authors propose that IVT and topical administration of vancomycin as part of a standardized shunt operation protocol may be an appropriate option for preventing pediatric shunt infections.

What is the optimal duration of intravenous antibiotics following single-stage revision total hip arthroplasty for prosthetic joint infection? A systematic review.

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is 1 of the most challenging potential complications following total joint arthroplasty. Several surgical treatment strategies have been proposed for management of this diagnosis. The single-stage approach has been gaining popularity in contemporary literature. 1 fundamental aspect in the management of hip PJI is the administration of antibiotics, usually intravenously immediately after surgery, followed by a period of oral antibiotics. The optimal duration of the period of antibiotic therapy is undecided. The aim of this paper is to examine the trend in intravenous antibiotic use over the last 18 years and examine the influence this has had on the results of single-stage revision over that time period.