Treatment Of Soft Tissue Infections Research Articles

1152 Soft Tissue Infections of the Hand – Reducing Inpatient Cost and Duration of Stay in a London Plastic Surgery Department

Abstract Introduction Soft tissue infections of the upper limb referred to plastic surgery units often require hospital admission for intravenous antibiotics, irrespective of surgical intervention. Aim We explored approaches to reducing the cost and duration of inpatient admission for antibiotic treatment for soft tissue infections. Method We sampled data over a two-month period in 2023 to explore the number, type, and severity of soft tissue infections of the upper limb seen in London Plastic Surgery department. Results 35 patients with soft tissue infections of the upper limb were included. We found no correlation between age; white cell counts or c-reactive protein levels on day of presentation with duration of inpatient stay. Our studies showed that 78% of patients were discharged within 72 hours of admission or procedure, with a greater number of inpatient bed-days for patients receiving intravenous antibiotics without surgery, compared to patients receiving antibiotics and discharge within 3 days of receiving surgical intervention (36 days vs 25 days). 84% of patients were not located within post-codes accessible to existing outpatient antibiotic therapy (OPAT) services. By extending outpatient antibiotic cover for these patients, we projected a total 568 bed-day saving through 202 bed days annual avoidable inpatient bed-stay savings (3+ days, non-OPAT post-codes) and 366 bed days for additional annual avoidable short inpatient bed-stay savings (≤3 days admission, all post-codes), with projected annual cost savings of £319,558. Conclusions Our study projects a possible reduction in inpatient cost and duration of stay through extended OPAT cover in patients requiring intravenous antibiotics for soft-tissue infections of the upper limb.

Black phosphorus-enhanced injectable hydrogel for infected soft tissue healing.

The misuse of antibiotics makes clinical treatment of soft tissue infection a huge challenge in prosthesis replacement. In this study, a black phosphorus (BP)-enhanced antibacterial injectable hydrogel (HAABP) was developed by the dynamic coordinative cross-linking among thiolated hyaluronic acid, silver ion (Ag+), and BP. HAABP has been proven to possess typical porous structures, excellent injectability, and rapid self-healing properties. In addition, the shear modulus was positive correlative to the concentration of BP. In vitro, HAABP maintained good cytocompatibility and showed a highly efficient synergistic inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus through the irradiation of near infrared light and the release of Ag+. In vivo, HAABP not only inhibited the persistent infection but also accelerated the deposition of collagen fibers and angiogenesis by down-regulating the inflammatory factor TNF-α in the infectious wound defect, thereby repairing the natural barrier of tissue. This study developed a BP-enhanced injectable hydrogel that provided a simple and efficient synergistic antibacterial strategy to treat soft tissue infections around prostheses.

THE EFFECT OF TOPICAL APPLICATION WITH OZOILE® AS A NOVEL METHOD IN THE COMPLEX TREATMENT OF SOFT TISSUE INFECTIONS AND CHRONIC WOUNDS

The treatment of severe and deep soft tissue infections, especially those combined with fascial necrosis is complex and involves a multidisciplinary team. The aim is to research the effect of topical application of Ozoile®, stable ozonides from organic extra-virgin olive oil +OILin the complex treatment of soft tissue infections and chronic wounds and to optimize the algorithm of these applications. Results: We applied LOT to a total of 84 patients (22.1%) of all 380 patients with soft tissue infections treated for the period March 2022-March 2023 at the First surgical clinic of Medical University – Pleven, Bulgaria. At Department “Surgical diseases” there were 49 (58,3%) patients with the superficial inflammatory process, 6 (7,1%) with chronic wounds, and 27 (34,6%) with deep soft tissue infection and necrotizing fasciitis who received topical applications of Ozoile®, stable ozonides from organic extra-virgin olive oil +OIL®OT. We compared the results with a group of 296 patients treated with conventional methods and routinely used antiseptics – hydroperoxide, povidone-iodine, and chlorhexidine gluconate. Statistically significant results in the Ozoile® group were: wound size reduction by 25% on the 5th day of treatment (p<0.04), reduction by 50% of baseline C-reactive protein levels on day 5th of treatment (p < 0.05), the local status of the wound on the 30th day after discharge - in the Ozoile® group we did not observe any complaints of redness, itching or other local discomforts (p< 0.05). We optimized an algorithm for the application of ozone therapy with OzoilE®

The second nationwide surveillance of antibacterial susceptibility patterns of pathogens isolated from skin and soft-tissue infections in dermatology departments in Japan

The present study compared trends in antimicrobial resistance patterns in pathogens isolated from skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) in Japan with those of a nationwide survey conducted in 2013. Three organisms that caused most of the SSTIs were collected from 12 dermatology departments in medical centers and 12 dermatology clinics across Japan between April 2019 and August 2020. A total of 390 strains, including 267 Staphylococcus aureus, 109 coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), and 14 Streptococcus pyogenes strains were submitted to a central laboratory for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Patient demographic and clinical information was collated.Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was detected in 25.8% (69/267) of the S. aureus strains. The prevalence of MRSA between the present study and the 2013 survey did not differ significantly. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in MIC values and susceptibility patterns of the MRSA strains to other agents, regardless of a history of hospitalization within 1 year or invasive medical procedures.Methicillin-resistant CNS (MRCNS) was detected in 48.6% (53/109) of CNS isolates, higher than the 35.4% prevalence in the 2013 survey. This difference could be attributed to the heterogeneity in the members of the MRCNS, which comprises multiple staphylococci species, between the 2013 and 2019 surveys. However, it was noted that the susceptibility profiles of the MRCNS to each antibiotic were not significantly different from those identified in the 2013 survey.Most strains of S. pyogenes were susceptible to each antibiotic, similar to the 2013 survey.Continuous monitoring of trends in pathogen and susceptibility profiles is important to advise local public health efforts regarding the appropriate treatment of SSTIs.

Applications of Chitosan and its Derivatives in Skin and Soft Tissue Diseases.

Chitosan and its derivatives are bioactive molecules that have recently been used in various fields, especially in the medical field. The antibacterial, antitumor, and immunomodulatory properties of chitosan have been extensively studied. Chitosan can be used as a drug-delivery carrier in the form of hydrogels, sponges, microspheres, nanoparticles, and thin films to treat diseases, especially those of the skin and soft tissue such as injuries and lesions of the skin, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Chitosan can prevent and also treat soft tissue diseases by exerting diverse biological effects such as antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant, and tissue regeneration effects. Owing to its antitumor properties, chitosan can be used as a targeted therapy to treat soft tissue tumors. Moreover, owing to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, chitosan can be used in the prevention and treatment of soft tissue infections. Chitosan can stop the bleeding of open wounds by promoting platelet agglutination. It can also promote the regeneration of soft tissues such as the skin, muscles, and nerves. Drug-delivery carriers containing chitosan can be used as wound dressings to promote wound healing. This review summarizes the structure and biological characteristics of chitosan and its derivatives. The recent breakthroughs and future trends of chitosan and its derivatives in therapeutic effects and drug delivery functions including anti-infection, promotion of wound healing, tissue regeneration and anticancer on soft tissue diseases are elaborated.

Local Fixation of Colistin With Fibrin Spray: An in vivo Animal Study for the Therapy of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

ObjectiveSkin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) are a commonly known entity of diseases associated with difficult treatment procedures. The current gold standard when there is a rapidly progressing infection of soft tissues with a risk of sepsis is radical surgical debridement accompanied by systemic antibiotic therapy. In clinical settings, local antibiotics alone or formulated within carrier material are commonly used alongside this therapy regimen. One possibility of local antibiotic application is the fixation of colistin with fibrin glue spray. It is not yet sufficiently researched how the local antibiotic concentrations remain as high as possible over time.MethodsWe conducted an animal study including 29 male Wistar rats inducing sterile back sores reaching the muscle fascia. We sprayed only colistin, simultaneously or consecutively, with fibrin glue in different groups in order to measure the tissue concentration of the antibiotic applied locally.ResultsAfter liquid chromatography and quadrupole mass spectrometry analysis, it could be demonstrated that in comparison to the colistin group, tissue concentrations of colistin stayed significantly higher in the wound tissue when it was fixed with fibrin glue. This was observed in both groups, the simultaneous as well as in the consecutively fibrin glue sprayed groups after colistin application.ConclusionThe fixation of colistin with the fibrin-glue-spray technique as a carrier for local antibiotic therapy is an easy and inexpensive method and shows promising potential for the treatment of SSTI.

Skin and Soft Tissue Infection Treatment and Prevention Practices by Pediatric Emergency Medicine Providers.

The aim of the study was to evaluate skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI) treatment and prevention practices among pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) clinicians in the context of current clinical practice guidelines and contemporary evidence. This was a cross-sectional survey of PEM clinicians belonging to the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Emergency Medicine Survey listserv. Four varying hypothetical clinical scenarios of children with SSTI were posed to respondents; subsequent items assessed SSTI treatment and prevention practices. Provider demographics were collected. Of 160 survey respondents, more than half stated that they would prescribe oral antibiotics for each clinical scenario, particularly for more complex presentations (small uncomplicated abscess, 51.8%; large uncomplicated abscess, 71.5%; recurrent abscess, 83.5%; febrile abscess, 90.3%; P < 0.001). Most commonly selected antibiotics were clindamycin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Across scenarios, more than 80% selected a duration of treatment 7 days or more. Of the 121 respondents who prescribe preventive measures, 85.1% recommend hygiene measures; 52.5% would prescribe decolonization with topical antibiotic ointment and 77.5% would recommend antiseptic body washes. Half of the respondents reported that their institution has standard guidance for SSTI management. Although current evidence supports adjuvant antibiotics for all drained SSTI and decolonization for the index patient and household contacts, PEM clinicians do not consistently adhere to these recommendations. In light of these findings, development and implementation of institutional guidelines are necessary to aid PEM clinicians' point-of-care decision making and improving evidence-based practice.

Role of topical nadifloxacin as an empirical treatment in patients with skin and soft-tissue infections in India: A review and consensus

Dermatologists often come across cases of skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) which have diverse clinical presentations. Various local, systemic, and environmental risk factors predispose an individual to develop SSTIs. Topical antimicrobial agents are frequently used in superficial uncomplicated SSTIs, whereas systemic therapy is generally reserved for use in severe cases. However, emergence of resistance to these agents is becoming a common problem in clinical practice. This necessitates the use of other classes of antimicrobials for the effective treatment of SSTIs. Nadifloxacin, a potential drug belonging to the fluoroquinolone group, has various advantages such as binding to bacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV enzymes, inhibition of nor-A efflux pump, survival in acidic pH, anti-MRSA activity, and biofilms penetration. It has also shown least development of resistance since its introduction. Although its topical formulation has shown superior efficacy as an anti-acne agent, there are no specific guidelines for its appropriate use in SSTIs. Hence, a panel of experts was formed, under whose guidance an extensive literature search was performed in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct databases. Using the modified Delphi technique, the available evidence was reviewed and corresponding recommendations were given for the use of topical Nadifloxacin as an empirical treatment in SSTIs.

What's Your Diagnosis? Symptoms: Ear Pain and Chronic Ear Drainage

What's Your Diagnosis? Symptoms: Ear Pain and Chronic Ear Drainage

Utilisation of the 2019 IWGDF diabetic foot infection guidelines to benchmark practice and improve the delivery of care in persons with diabetic foot infections

AimsTo utilise the 2019 International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) - diabetic foot infection (DFI) guidelines as an audit tool for clinical practice in patients with diabetes attending a High-Risk Foot Service.MethodsData from 93 consecutive patients were collected over a 19-month period in patients attending a High-Risk Foot Service. The diagnosis and management of each patient in the sample were compared against the 2019 IWGDF DFI guidelines, grouped into four categories: Diagnosis, Microbiology, Treatment of soft tissue infection, and Surgical treatment and osteomyelitis. Deficits in performance were recorded using the recommendations as a benchmark standard.ResultsThere were 109 DFI events. Nineteen (63%) of the recommendations were met, 7 (24%) were partially met, and four (13%) recommendations were not met. Fourteen of the sample had no documented requests for full blood counts. Tissue was obtained for culture in 32 (29%) of the sample. No percutaneous bone biopsies were performed. Only 13 (28%) patients had intraoperative bone specimens sent for culture and sensitivities, with no bone specimens sent for histopathology. Modification of antibiotic therapy following available culture results was low, occurring in 12 out of 63 possible occasions (19%). The duration of antibiotic regimens in PEDIS 2 infections and osteomyelitis was greater than that recommended.ConclusionsUtilising the IWGDF DFI guidelines to benchmark clinical practice is a useful tool to identify gaps in clinical performance or service delivery and may help to improve patient care.

Linezolid Concentrations in Plasma and Subcutaneous Tissue are Reduced in Obese Patients, Resulting in a Higher Risk of Underdosing in Critically Ill Patients: A Controlled Clinical Pharmacokinetic Study.

Background: Linezolid is used for the treatment of soft tissue infections in critically ill patients. However, data for characterizing the pharmacokinetics (PK) and assessing whether effective concentrations are reached at the target site are lacking. We hypothesized that current dosing regimens do not lead to effective concentrations in the plasma and interstitial fluid (ISF) of subcutaneous tissue in obese patients. Methods: As a controlled clinical model, critically ill obese and non-obese patients undergoing intra-abdominal surgery received 600 mg linezolid as a single infusion. Concentrations in the plasma and microdialysate from the ISF of subcutaneous tissue were determined up to 8 h after dosing. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed by non-compartmental methods. As a therapeutic target, we used fAUC/MIC > 80. Results: Fifteen obese (BMI: 48.7 ± 11.2 kg/m2) and 15 non-obese (23.9 ± 2.1 kg/m2) patients were analyzed. AUC0–8 in ISF decreased by −1.69 mg*h/L (95% CI: −2.59 to −0.79, p < 0.001) for every 10 kg increase in weight. PK in obese patients were characterized by lower maximal plasma concentrations (median 3.8 vs. 8.3 mg/L, p < 0.001) and a higher volume of distribution (41.0 vs. 30.8 L, p < 0.001), and the therapeutic target was not reached for MIC ≥ 1 mg/L in ISF and ≥ 2 mg/L in plasma. Conclusions: Increasing the weight led to a decrease of linezolid concentrations in the plasma and subcutaneous tissue. The current dosing regimen does not seem to produce sufficient concentrations to kill bacteria with MIC ≥ 2 mg/L, especially as empirical antimicrobial therapy in critically ill obese patients.

Skin and Soft Tissue Infection Treatment and Prevention Practices by Pediatric Infectious Diseases Providers.

We surveyed 323 members of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society about their clinical practices for skin abscess management based on the 2011 Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines and contemporary evidence. Despite this guideline and recent randomized trials, variability exists among pediatric infectious diseases clinicians in current skin and soft tissue infection management practices.

444. Better Efficiency, Same Accuracy: Point-of-Care PCR for the Detection of Group A streptococcus in Noninvasive Skin Infections

BackgroundGroup A streptococcus (GAS) is a common cause of skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs). Current diagnostic techniques are culture-based and time intensive, requiring the prescription of empiric antibiotics before results are available. New detection tools are needed to hasten the diagnosis and appropriate treatment of SSTIs. The Cobas® Liat® System is a point of care (POC), real-time PCR system developed by Roche Molecular Diagnostics and is used in the United States and Europe to detect GAS from throat swabs within 15 minutes. We evaluated the feasibility and performance characteristics of POC for the detection of GAS in non-severe SSTIs.MethodsWound swabs collected from patients presenting to the Whiteriver Indian Health Service Hospital with non-severe SSTIs requiring only outpatient treatment were eligible for inclusion. Two swabs were collected: one swab was cultured on sheep’s blood agar, and the other swab was tested using POC. Compared with culture, we determined the sensitivity (SN), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for POC to detect GAS in wound samples. We performed chart reviews 30-days from eligibility to assess the potential impact of POC systems on antibiotic use and healthcare utilization for SSTIs.ResultsTo date, we have tested 100 (25%) of our target 400 samples (enrollment will be complete in August 2019). Of the 100 samples, 50 (50%) tested positive for GAS by POC, all of which were culture positive for GAS, 49 tested negative by POC (2 after a first invalid result), all of which tested culture negative for GAS (table), and 1 had an invalid POC result even after repeat testing (culture positive for MRSA only) and was excluded from further analysis. Among samples with a valid POC result, POC SN was 100%, SP was 100%, PPV was 100%, and NPV was 100%. The most common mono-infections were MRSA (22%), GAS (18%), and CoNS (6%). Among GAS cases, MSSA (32%) and MRSA (18%) co-infection was common.ConclusionPOC PCR is highly sensitive and specific for the detection of GAS in non-severe SSTIs. To our knowledge, this is the first prospective study to use this technology for wound samples. POC PCR methods have the potential to accelerate identification of SSTI pathogens and improve antibiotic prescribing. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

2066. Development and Implementation of Prescribing Algorithms for Antibiotics on Discharge from the Emergency Department

BackgroundIn the emergency department (ED), rapid decision-making and frequent distractions are often challenging to implementing effective antimicrobial stewardship. The purpose of this project is to improve guideline adherence and promote optimal use of outpatient antibiotic therapy for community-acquired infections.MethodsPrescribing algorithms were developed to integrate clinical practice guideline recommendations with emergency department-specific antibiogram data. Algorithms for treating community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTI), and urinary tract infections (UTI) were made available throughout the ED. Outcomes were evaluated through a chart review of patients prescribed empiric outpatient antibiotics for CAP, SSTI, or UTI by ED providers. Patients were excluded if they were <18 years old, pregnant, or taking antibiotics prior to arrival. The primary outcome was rate of adherence to clinical practice guidelines, defined as the selection of an appropriate antibiotic agent, dose, and duration of therapy for each patient discharged. Secondary outcomes included the rate of fluoroquinolone use, as well as all-cause 30-day returns to the ED or urgent care.ResultsWhen compared with patients discharged from the ED prior to algorithm implementation (N = 325), the post-implementation group (N = 172) received more antibiotic prescriptions that were completely guideline adherent (57.0% vs. 11.7%, P < 0.01). Post-implementation discharge orders demonstrated improvement in the selection of an appropriate agent (86.6% vs. 45.5%, P < 0.01), dose (89.0% vs. 77.2%, P < 0.01), and duration of therapy (63.4% vs. 39.1%, P < 0.01). Additionally, fluoroquinolone prescribing rates in this population were reduced (2.9% vs. 12.3%, P < 0.01). In the post-implementation patients who presented at least 30 days prior to analysis (N = 124), a reduction in all-cause 30-day returns to the ED or urgent care was observed (12.9% vs. 21.5%, P < 0.05).ConclusionImplementation of antibiotic prescribing algorithms improved guideline adherence in the outpatient treatment of CAP, SSTI, and UTI. By developing prescribing algorithms, pharmacists may reduce the unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and prevent patient returns to the ED.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

1848. Evaluation of Antibiotic Prescribing Practices in Outpatient Clinics for the Treatment of Skin and Soft-Tissue Infections

BackgroundAmbulatory visits for the treatment of skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) have doubled over the past decade and are one of the most common reasons for infection-related visits to outpatient clinics. However, there is limited data evaluating antibiotic prescribing in this population. We aimed to assess the management of SSTIs in adult patients in order to target interventions to improve antibiotic utilization and optimize outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective study included patients within a large academic healthcare system presenting to 38 clinics. Patients were included if they had a diagnosis of a SSTI (ICD-10 for cutaneous abscess, cellulitis, and local SSTIs) in 2016. The primary outcome was to evaluate prescriber compliance to institutional guidelines based on antibiotic selection and duration of therapy. Patient allergies and culture results were used when determining compliance to first-line (trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole for cutaneous abscess, or cephalexin +/- trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole for cellulitis and local SSTIs) and second-line recommendations (doxycycline for cutaneous abscess, or clindamycin for cellulitis and local SSTIs). Duration of therapy of 5–7 days was considered compliant.ResultsA total of 2,170 adult encounters for the treatment of SSTIs were included; 1,588 with cellulitis, 413 with local infection and 169 with cutaneous abscess. The overall compliance rate for appropriate therapy, including drug selection and duration, was 64.9% (see Figure 1). Unnecessarily long duration of therapy resulted in an extra 1,637 days of antibiotic therapy. Compliance with drug selection occurred more frequently with physicians (40.3%) compared with residents (33.9%) and Advanced Practice Providers (APP) (25.1%).ConclusionCompliance with an institutional SSTI guideline for antibiotic selection and duration of therapy is suboptimal in outpatient clinics. Stewardship interventions for SSTIs should target both drug selection and duration, and APPs as an important provider group in outpatient settings.Figure 1.Compliance Stratified by Infection TypeInfection typeOverall ComplianceCompliance with Drug SelectionCompliance with Duration of TherapyCutaneous abscess29%55%57%Cellulitis78%82%60%Local infection of skin/soft tissue16%85%60%Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Antibiotic therapy for skin and soft tissue infections: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BackgroundSkin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in hospital and community settings impose a substantial socio-economic burden. Therapeutic uncertainty due to the availability of a wide range of antibiotics and the need for empirical treatment decisions complicate SSTI clinical management. Completion of numerous pairwise meta-analyses to account for this variability in antibiotics is impractical, and many head-to-head comparisons of potential interest are likely not available. In comparing multiple antibiotics simultaneously, this network meta-analysis aims to identify the antibiotic(s) with the greatest value in the treatment of SSTIs, in terms of patient-important outcomes such as efficacy and safety.MethodsWe will conduct a systematic review to identify randomized controlled trials of persons with suspected or confirmed SSTI assigned to orally or parenterally administered antibiotic therapy that report results on at least one outcome of interest. We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), along with trial registries. Our primary outcome of interest is clinical success at the test-of-cure visit. Secondary outcomes may include (1) early clinical success (2–3 days after the therapy starts), (2) mortality, (3) adverse events, (4) treatment duration, and (5) length of hospital stay. Independent reviewers will complete screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts, data extraction, risk of bias assessment (using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool), and evaluation of the certainty of evidence (using the GRADE approach) in duplicate. We will complete pairwise and network meta-analyses within the Bayesian framework when possible using a random effects model. We will stratify SSTIs by severity into uncomplicated and complicated SSTIs when possible. Subgroup analyses by age, infection type, comorbidity, and suspected or confirmed methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-associated infection are planned.DiscussionThis study has several strengths compared to previous reviews: inclusion of a wider range of infection types, antibiotics, and outcomes; a comprehensive search strategy; a priori subgroup analyses; application of GRADE; and improved interpretability of findings through visual presentation of results. We hope our findings will inform future research, health care professionals, and policy makers resulting in improved evidence-based clinical management of SSTIs.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42018085607

Treatment of soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis with multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii following a tibial fracture surgery: case report

Treatment of soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis with multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii following a tibial fracture surgery: case report

Outpatient antimicrobial stewardship targets for treatment of skin and soft-tissue infections

We sought to identify factors associated with long duration and/or non-first-line choice of treatment for pediatric skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs). Retrospective cohort study. Ambulatory encounter claims of Medicaid-insured children lacking chronic medical conditions treated for SSTI and/or animal bite injury in Ohio in 2014. For all diagnoses, long treatment duration was defined as treatment >7 days. Non-first-line choice of treatment for SSTI included treatment with 2 antimicrobials dispensed on the same calendar day or any treatment not listed in the Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines. The adjusted odds of (1) long treatment duration and (2) non-first-line choice of treatment were calculated for patient age, prescriber type, and patient county of residence characteristics (ie, rural vs metropolitan area and poverty rate). Of 10,310 encounters with complete data available, long treatment duration was prescribed in 7,968 (77.3%). The most common duration of treatment prescribed was 10 days. A non-first-line choice was prescribed in 1,030 encounters (10%). Dispensation of 2 antimicrobials on the same calendar day was the most common reason for the non-first-line choice, and of these, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole plus a first-generation cephalosporin was the most common regimen. Compared to pediatricians, the adjusted odds ratio of long treatment duration was significantly lower for all other primary care specialties. Conversely, nonpediatricians were more likely to prescribe a non-first-line treatment choice. Patient residence in a high-poverty county increased the odds of both long duration and non-first-line choice of treatment. Healthcare claims may be utilized to measure opportunities for first-line choice and/or shorter duration of treatment for SSTI.

Management of Skin and Soft-Tissue Infections Before and After Clinical Pathway Implementation.

We evaluated if the introduction of a clinical pathway for skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) would reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-directed therapy for simple cellulitis and antibiotic use for simple abscess after drainage. We compared the treatment of SSTI during a 3-month prepathway and 11-month postpathway period. We included patients 57 days to 18 years old discharged from the emergency department (ED) with a diagnosis of cellulitis or abscess. Balancing measures included 72-hour revisit rate and ED length of stay (LOS). A total of 291 patients prepathway and 781 patients postpathway were included. The proportion of patients with simple cellulitis prescribed MRSA-directed therapy decreased from 81% to 54% postpathway. The proportion of patients with a drained abscess prescribed systemic antibiotics decreased from 88% to 75%. There was no increase in 72-hour revisit rates (3.8% vs 3.2%, P = .64) or ED LOS (2.8 vs 2.7 hours, P = .05).

Skin and soft-tissue infections: Factors associated with mortality and re-admissions

IntroductionSkin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) are common and are linked to a wide variety of clinical conditions. Few studies have analysed the factors associated with mortality and re-admissions in medical patients with SSTIs. Accordingly, this study sought to describe the clinical and microbiological characteristics of patients diagnosed with SSTIs, and identify mortality and re-admission related factors. Patients and methodsA total of 308 patients were included in the study. Clinical, socio-demographic and microbiological characteristics were collected. Univariate and logistic regression multivariate analyses were performed in order to identify factors associated with mortality and re-admission. ResultsThe bacteria responsible were identified in 95 (30.8%) patients, with gram-positive bacteria being isolated in 67.4% and gram-negative in 55.8% of cases. Multi-resistant bacteria were frequent (39%), and the initial empirical treatment proved inadequate in 25.3% of all cases. In-hospital mortality was 14.9%; the related variables were heart failure (OR=5.96; 95%CI: 1.93–18.47), chronic renal disease (OR=6.04; 95%CI: 1.80–20.22), necrotic infection (OR=4.33; 95%CI: 1.26–14.95), and inadequate empirical treatment (OR=44.74; 95%CI: 5.40–370.73). Six-month mortality was 8%, with the main related factors being chronic renal disease (OR: 3.03; 95%CI: 1.06–8.66), and a Barthel Index score of under 20 (OR: 3.62; 95%CI: 1.17–11.21). Re-admission was necessary in 26.3% of cases, with the readmission-related variables being male gender (OR: 2.12; 95%CI: 1.14–3.94), peripheral vascular disease (OR: 3.05; 95%CI: 1.25–7.41), and an age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index score of over 3 (OR: 3.27; 95%CI: 1.40–7.63). ConclusionsClinical variables such as heart failure, chronic renal disease, peripheral vascular disease, and necrotic infection could help identify high-risk patients. The main factor associated with higher mortality was inadequate initial empirical treatment. Physicians should consider gram-negative, and even extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing bacteria when assigning initial empirical treatment for SSTIs, especially in healthcare-associated cases.