Use For Respiratory Infections Research Articles

Novel outpatient antibiotic prescribing report of respiratory infections in a pediatric health system's emergency departments and urgent care clinics

We developed a report of overall antibiotic use for respiratory infections in pediatric emergency departments and urgent care clinics. Antibiotics were used in 5.3% of diagnoses where antibiotics are not recommended, and first-line guideline-concordant antibiotics were used in 87% of diagnoses where antibiotics are recommended. Outpatient antibiotic stewardship efforts need to target site and diagnosis-specific challenges.

Content and Mechanism of Action of National Antimicrobial Stewardship Interventions on Management of Respiratory Tract Infections in Primary and Community Care.

A major modifiable factor contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is inappropriate use and overuse of antimicrobials, such as antibiotics. This study aimed to describe the content and mechanism of action of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions to improve appropriate antibiotic use for respiratory tract infections (RTI) in primary and community care. This study also aimed to describe who these interventions were aimed at and the specific behaviors targeted for change. Evidence-based guidelines, peer-review publications, and infection experts were consulted to identify behaviors relevant to AMS for RTI in primary care and interventions to target these behaviors. Behavior change tools were used to describe the content of interventions. Theoretical frameworks were used to describe mechanisms of action. A total of 32 behaviors targeting six different groups were identified (patients; prescribers; community pharmacists; providers; commissioners; providers and commissioners). Thirty-nine interventions targeting the behaviors were identified (patients = 15, prescribers = 22, community pharmacy staff = 8, providers = 18, and commissioners = 18). Interventions targeted a mean of 5.8 behaviors (range 1–27). Influences on behavior most frequently targeted by interventions were psychological capability (knowledge and skills); reflective motivation (beliefs about consequences, intentions, social/professional role and identity); and physical opportunity (environmental context and resources). Interventions were most commonly characterized as achieving change by training, enabling, or educating and were delivered mainly through guidelines, service provision, and communications & marketing. Interventions included a mean of four Behavior Change Techniques (BCTs) (range 1–14). We identified little intervention content targeting automatic motivation and social opportunity influences on behavior. The majority of interventions focussed on education and training, which target knowledge and skills though the provision of instructions on how to perform a behavior and information about health consequences. Interventions could be refined with the inclusion of relevant BCTs, such as goal-setting and action planning (identified in only a few interventions), to translate instruction on how to perform a behavior into action. This study provides a platform to refine content and plan evaluation of antimicrobial stewardship interventions.

E-Health Tools to Improve Antibiotic Use and Resistances: A Systematic Review.

(1) Background: e-Health tools, especially in the form of clinical decision support systems (CDSSs), have been emerging more quickly than ever before. The main objective of this systematic review is to assess the influence of these tools on antibiotic use for respiratory tract infections. (2) Methods: The scientific databases, MEDLINE-PubMed and EMBASE, were searched. The search was conducted by two independent researchers. The search strategy was mainly designed to identify relevant studies on the effectiveness of CDSSs in improving antibiotic use, as a primary outcome, and on the acceptability and usability of CDSSs, as a secondary outcome. (3) Results: After the selection, 22 articles were included. The outcomes were grouped either into antibiotics prescription practices or adherence to guidelines concerning antibiotics prescription. Overall, 15 out of the 22 studies had statistically significant outcomes related to the interventions. (4) Conclusions: Overall, the results show a positive impact on the prescription and conscientious use of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections, both with respect to patients and prescribing healthcare professionals. CDSSs have been shown to have great potential as powerful tools for improving both clinical care and patient outcomes.

Inhalation antibacterial drugs: current opportunities for use in respiratory infections

The need to find ways to improve the effectiveness of antibacterial therapy is due to the dramatic escalation of resistance to antibacterial drugs (ABD), with the growth rate of resistance of ABD microorganisms ahead of the new drugs development. According to available data, the pathway of ABD administration may correlate with the phenomenon of resistance development to ABD. Actual data on existing inhalation ABDs, allowing to estimate their efficiency and safety, are considered in the article. In the treatment of patients with infectious respiratory diseases, an alternative to the systemic use of ABD may be inhalation administration of a number of ABDs, whose activity depends on concentration.

Does PDT have potential in the treatment of COVID 19 patients?

The corona virus pandemic has ignited a proliferation of research aimed at prevention of spread, early diagnosis and treatment. Coincidentally, in recent years the Yorkshire Laser Centre has been engaged in developing the methodology of applying PDT in chronic bronchiectasis. Our methodology is based on Methylene Blue (MB) mediated PDT used topically within the airway. The novelty of the method is the use of a nebulizer to deliver the photosensitizer. We suggest that our protocol and methodology could be modulated for use in respiratory infections of COVID -19.

Use of personal protective equipment to protect against respiratory infections in Pakistan: A systematic review

Like other low-income countries, limited data are available on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in Pakistan. We conducted a systematic review of studies on PPE use for respiratory infections in healthcare settings in Pakistan. MEDLINE, Embase and Goggle Scholar were searched for clinical, epidemiological and laboratory-based studies in English, and 13 studies were included; all were observational/cross-sectional studies. The studies examined PPE use in hospital (n=7), dental (n=4) or laboratory (n=2) settings. Policies and practices on PPE use were inconsistent. Face masks and gloves were the most commonly used PPE to protect from respiratory and other infections. PPE was not available in many facilities and its use was limited to high-risk situations. Compliance with PPE use was low among healthcare workers, and reuse of PPE was reported. Clear policies on the use of PPE and available PPE are needed to avoid inappropriate practices that could result in the spread of infection. Large, multimethod studies are recommended on PPE use to inform national infection-control guidelines.

Антисептические средства: возможности использования при респираторных инфекциях в условиях пандемии COVID-19

This article covers important aspects of antiseptic use in respiratory infections and presents the review and recommendations on the use of sodium hypochlorite in patients with acute respiratory infections and influenza. It also analyzes the utility of antiseptics for the prevention of COVID-19. Key words: infectious diseases, ARVI, antiseptics, sanitizers, COVID-19, prevention of respiratory infections, sodium hypochlorite

Assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice on antibiotic use in under-5 children with respiratory tract infection among mothers attending a pediatric outpatient department

This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice among mothers on antibiotic use in under-5 children with respiratory tract infection attending the pediatric outpatient department at Sri Ramachandra Hospital in Chennai city, South India. A cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted in this study. The target population was mothers of under-5 children attending the pediatric outpatient department in the G block of Sri Ramachandra Hospital, Chennai city, South India. The sample size of 240 was estimated by a single proportion. The non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to select samples. A structured questionnaire developed by the investigator based on previous study literatures was used to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of antibiotic use in respiratory tract infections. The study revealed that 49.6% of mothers had moderately adequate knowledge, 92.1% of mothers had moderately favorable attitude, and 70% of mothers had unsatisfactory practice. There was a statistically considerable positive correlation between knowledge and attitude (p < 0.05) and attitude and practice (p < 0.001). There was a significant association between knowledge on antibiotic use and number of children, education, occupation, and monthly family income of mothers at a significant level of p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively. There was a significant association between attitude on antibiotic use and age of child at p < 0.05. There was a significant association between practice on antibiotic use and education, age of child at levels of p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively. This study suggested that perfection in the appropriate use of antibiotics would require multi-sectorial cooperation and long-term efforts. Healthy communication with mothers through mass media will be useful in enhancing and promoting changes in mothers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice towards the use of antibiotics for their children, especially among parents from rural areas and with no formal education.

Antibiotic use for respiratory infections among Hajj pilgrims: A cohort survey and review of the literature.

To evaluate the occurrence and determinants associated with antibiotic use for respiratory tract infections (RTIs) among Hajj pilgrims. Prospective cohort surveys were conducted among French pilgrims from 2012 to 2017. We also conducted a systematic review about available evidence for antibiotic consumption in relation with RTIs during the Hajj. 783 pilgrims were included in the survey. During the Hajj, 85.3% presented respiratory symptoms and 47.6% used antibiotics. Pilgrims with productive cough or fever were three times and twice as likely to have used antibiotics. Dry cough, sore throat and voice failure were also associated with increased antibiotic use. 26.3% of pilgrims presented symptoms compatible with a lower tract respiratory infection. According to the French recommendations, only 39.6% of pilgrims who used an antibiotic actually had an indication for it. Antibiotic intake was associated with an increased frequency of persistent symptoms post-Hajj (aRR = 1.31, 95%CI [1.04-1.66]). The review included 14 articles. The use of antibiotic for respiratory tract infections during the Hajj varied from 7% to 58.5%. In 9 studies, the antibiotic consumption rate was >30%. Respiratory tract infections are common during the Hajj, leading to high prevalence of inappropriate antibiotic intake.

Use of delayed antibiotic prescription in primary care: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOne of several strategies developed to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use in situations where the indication is not clear is delayed antibiotic prescription (DAP), defined as an antibiotic prescription issued for the patient to take only in case of feeling worse or not feeling better several days after the visit. We conducted a survey to identify DAP use in Spanish primary care settings.MethodsWe surveyed 23 healthcare centers located in 4 autonomous regions where a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on DAP was underway. The primary variable was use of DAP. Categorical and quantitative variables were analyzed by means of the chi-squared test and non-parametric tests, respectively.ResultsThe survey was sent to 375 healthcare professionals, 215 of whom responded (57.3% response rate), with 46% of these respondents declaring that they had used DAP in routine practice before the RCT started (66.6% afterwards), mostly (91.5%) for respiratory tract infections (RTIs), followed by urinary infections (45.1%). Regarding DAP use for RTIs, the most frequent conditions were pharyngotonsillitis (88.7%), acute bronchitis (62.7%), mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations (59.9%), sinusitis (51.4%), and acute otitis media (45.1%). Most respondents considered that DAP reduced emergency visits (85.4%), scheduled visits (79%) and inappropriate antibiotic use (73.7%) and most also perceived patients to be generally satisfied with the DAP approach (75.6%). Having participated or not in the DAP RCT (74.1% versus 46.2%; p < 0.001), having previously used or not used DAP (86.8% versus 44.2%; p < 0.001), and being a physician versus being a nurse (81.8% versus 18.2%; p < 0.001) were factors that reflected significantly higher rates of DAP use.ConclusionsThe majority of primary healthcare professionals in Spain do not use DAP. Those who use DAP believe that it reduces primary care visits and inappropriate antibiotic use, while maintaining patient satisfaction. Given the limited use of DAP in our setting, and given that its use is mainly limited to RTIs, DAP has considerable potential in terms of its implementation in routine practice.

Use of personal protective equipment to protect against respiratory infections in Pakistan: A systematic review

Like other low-income countries, limited data are available on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in Pakistan. We conducted a systematic review of studies on PPE use for respiratory infections in healthcare settings in Pakistan. MEDLINE, Embase and Goggle Scholar were searched for clinical, epidemiological and laboratory-based studies in English, and 13 studies were included; all were observational/cross-sectional studies. The studies examined PPE use in hospital (n=7), dental (n=4) or laboratory (n=2) settings. Policies and practices on PPE use were inconsistent. Face masks and gloves were the most commonly used PPE to protect from respiratory and other infections. PPE was not available in many facilities and its use was limited to high-risk situations. Compliance with PPE use was low among healthcare workers, and reuse of PPE was reported. Clear policies on the use of PPE and available PPE are needed to avoid inappropriate practices that could result in the spread of infection. Large, multimethod studies are recommended on PPE use to inform national infection-control guidelines.

Converting habits of antibiotic use for respiratory tract infections in German primary care \u2013 study protocol of the cluster-randomized controlled CHANGE-3 trial

BackgroundThe overuse of antibiotics is a major cause for the worldwide rise of antibiotic resistance. Although it is well known that acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) are mainly caused by viruses and are often self limiting, antibiotics are too frequently prescribed in primary care. CHANGE-3 examines whether a complex intervention focusing on improving communication and provision of prescribing feedback reduces antibiotic use in patients suffering from ARTI.Methods/designThe CHANGE-3 trial is a cluster-randomized controlled trial nested within a web-based public campaign conducted in two regions in Germany. A total of 114 medical practices will be included. Practices randomized to the intervention will receive a practice-specific antibiotic-prescription feedback and an educational outreach visit. During the visit the whole practice team will receive an introduction to e-learning modules addressing patient-centered communication on antibiotics. Furthermore, the practices will receive tablet PCs with information on antibiotics and the treatment of ARTI to be presented to patients. Practices randomized to the control will provide care as usual. The primary outcome measure is the antibiotic prescribing rate for patients with a history of ARTI. Data collected before the intervention, during the intervention and after the intervention will be compared. The use of narrow- vs. broad-spectrum antibiotics will be analyzed as a secondary outcome. A process evaluation is also part of the trial.DiscussionThis study should contribute to the growing body of research on reducing antibiotic prescription.Trial registrationISRCTN, ISRCTN15061174. Registered retrospectively on 13 July 2018.

170. Characterization of Appropriate Antibiotic Prescribing for Pediatric Respiratory Tract Infections: Setting the Stage for Stewardship

BackgroundInappropriate antibiotic use includes prescribing for antibiotic inappropriate diagnoses and use of broad-spectrum instead of narrow-spectrum therapies and contributes to adverse events and antibiotic resistance. To guide the design and implementation of antibiotic stewardship interventions in a network of pediatric clinics, we sought to characterize appropriate antibiotic prescribing for children diagnosed with uncomplicated respiratory infections.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of visits by children to one of 31 primary care or six urgent care clinics in a university healthcare system between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017. Two outcomes were used to characterize antibiotic prescribing: (1) percentage of antibiotic inappropriate diagnoses (bronchitis, bronchiolitis, upper respiratory infection) that were prescribed an antibiotic; (2) percentage of visits with a diagnosis for acute otitis media (AOM), sinusitis, or pharyngitis prescribed first-line recommended antibiotics (amoxicillin or penicillin). Children with a documented penicillin allergy or antibiotic prescriptions in the previous 30 days were excluded. Chi-square tests were used to compare prescribing between settings.ResultsAmong 117,279 total visits examined, 16,760 (14%) were for antibiotic inappropriate diagnoses, 5,912 (5%) for AOM, 844 (1%) for sinusitis and 4,912 (4%) for pharyngitis. Only 3% (95% CI: 2.9–3.4) of antibiotic inappropriate diagnoses were prescribed antibiotics. The percent of visits for AOM, sinusitis, and pharyngitis prescribed first-line antibiotics ranged from 27% (95% CI: 21–33) for sinusitis in urgent care to 91% (95% CI: 90–92) for pharyngitis in urgent care (figure). Differences in appropriate prescribing by setting were observed for AOM (P < 0.01) and sinusitis (P < 0.01).ConclusionIn this network of pediatric practices, we found minimal evidence of unnecessary antibiotic use for respiratory infections but substantial underuse of first-line therapy for sinusitis, especially in urgent care settings. Stewardship interventions designed to reinforce existing practices for antibiotic-inappropriate conditions and promote greater use of appropriate first-line therapies are planned for this setting. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Improved Physical Stability and Aerosolization of Inhalable Amorphous Ciprofloxacin Powder Formulations by Incorporating Synergistic Colistin.

This study aimed to develop dry powder inhaler (DPI) combination formulations of ciprofloxacin and colistin for use in respiratory infections. Effects of colistin on physical stability and aerosolization of spray-dried ciprofloxacin were examined. The combination DPI formulations were produced by co-spray drying colistin and ciprofloxacin in mass ratios of 1:1, 1:3, and 1:9. Colistin and ciprofloxacin were also co-sprayed with l-leucine in the mass ratio of 1:1:1. The physical and aerosolization stability of the selected co-sprayed formulations stored at 20, 55, and 75% relative humidity (RH) were examined. Formulation characterizations were carried out using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) for crystallinity, scanning electron microscopy for morphology and particle size distribution, and dynamic vapor sorption for moisture sorption. Particle surface analysis was performed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, and nano-time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. Potential intermolecular interactions were studied using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Aerosol performance was evaluated using a multistage liquid impinger with a RS01 monodose inhaler device. PXRD diffractograms showed that the co-spray-dried colistin-ciprofloxacin formulation in the mass ratio (1:1) was amorphous at 55% RH for up to 60 days; whereas the co-spray-dried colistin-ciprofloxacin (1:3) and colistin-ciprofloxacin (1:9) crystallized after storage for 3 days at 55% RH. However, the extent of crystallization for the combination formulations was less as compared to the spray-dried ciprofloxacin alone formulation. Surface morphology of the co-spray-dried formulations at different concentrations did not change even after storage at 55% RH for 60 days, unlike the spray-dried ciprofloxacin alone powder which became rougher after 3 days of storage at 55% RH. Surface analysis data indicated surface enrichment of colistin in the co-spray-dried formulations. Increasing colistin concentration on the composite particles surfaces improved aerosol performance of ciprofloxacin. FTIR data demonstrated intermolecular interactions between colistin and ciprofloxacin, thereby delaying and/or preventing crystallization of ciprofloxacin when co-spray-dried. Co-spray drying ciprofloxacin with colistin in the mass ratio (1:1) completely prevented crystallization of ciprofloxacin at 55% RH for up to 60 days. However, the colistin-ciprofloxacin formulation (1:1) began to fuse when stored at 75% RH due to moisture absorption resulting in a compromised aerosol performance. In contrast, the colistin-ciprofloxacin-leucine (1:1:1) formulation demonstrated no particle fusion, enabling a stable aerosol performance at 75% RH for 7 days. This study demonstrated that incorporation of colistin in the spray-dried formulations can improve physical stability and aerosolization of amorphous ciprofloxacin at 55% RH. At 75% RH, further addition of l-leucine in the formulation prevented particle fusion and deterioration in aerosol performance, attributed to the enrichment of nonhygroscopic l-leucine on the particle surface.

Provider Variation in Antibiotic Prescribing and Outcomes of Respiratory Tract Infections.

Inappropriate antibiotic use for respiratory tract infection (RTI) is an ongoing problem linked to the emergence of drug resistance and other adverse effects. Less is known about the prescribing practices of individual physicians or the impact of physician prescribing habits on patient outcomes. We studied the prescribing practices of providers for acute RTIs in an integrated health system, identified patient factors associated with receipt of an antibiotic and assessed the relation between providers' adjusted prescribing rates and a number of patient outcomes. This was a retrospective analysis of adults with an RTI visit to any primary care providers across the Cleveland Clinic Health System in 2011-2012. Patients with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or immunocompromised status were excluded. Logistic regression was used to examine patient factors associated with receipt of an antibiotic. Of 31,416 patients with an RTI, 54.8% received an antibiotic. Patient factors associated with antibiotic prescribing included white race (odds ratio [OR] 1.35, P < 0.001), presence of fever (OR 1.66, P < 0.001), and a diagnosis of bronchitis (OR 10.98, P < 0.001) or sinusitis (OR 33.85, P < 0.001). Among 290 providers with ≥10 RTI visits, adjusted antibiotic prescribing rates ranged from 0% to 100% (mean 49%). Antibiotics were prescribed more often for sinusitis (OR 33.85, P < 0.001), bronchitis (OR 10.98, P < 0.001), or pharyngitis (OR 1.76, P < 0.001) compared with upper respiratory tract infection. Patients who were prescribed antibiotics at the index visit were more likely to return for RTI within 1 year (adjusted OR 1.26, P < 0.001). Emergency department visits for respiratory complications were rare and not associated with antibiotic receipt. Antibiotic prescribing for RTI varies widely among physicians and cannot be explained by patient factors. Patients prescribed antibiotics for RTI were more likely to return for RTI.

Do delayed antibiotic prescriptions decrease antibiotic use for respiratory infections?

Do delayed antibiotic prescriptions decrease antibiotic use for respiratory infections?

Procalcitonin as a Marker of Etiology in Adults Hospitalized With Community-Acquired Pneumonia.

Background Recent trials suggest procalcitonin-based guidelines can reduce antibiotic use for respiratory infections. However, the accuracy of procalcitonin to discriminate between viral and bacterial pneumonia requires further dissection. Methods We evaluated the association between serum procalcitonin concentration at hospital admission with pathogens detected in a multicenter prospective surveillance study of adults hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia. Systematic pathogen testing included cultures, serology, urine antigen tests, and molecular detection. Accuracy of procalcitonin to discriminate between viral and bacterial pathogens was calculated. Results Among 1735 patients, pathogens were identified in 645 (37%), including 169 (10%) with typical bacteria, 67 (4%) with atypical bacteria, and 409 (24%) with viruses only. Median procalcitonin concentration was lower with viral pathogens (0.09 ng/mL; interquartile range [IQR], <0.05-0.54 ng/mL) than atypical bacteria (0.20 ng/mL; IQR, <0.05-0.87 ng/mL; P = .05), and typical bacteria (2.5 ng/mL; IQR, 0.29-12.2 ng/mL; P < .01). Procalcitonin discriminated bacterial pathogens, including typical and atypical bacteria, from viral pathogens with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI], .69-.77). A procalcitonin threshold of 0.1 ng/mL resulted in 80.9% (95% CI, 75.3%-85.7%) sensitivity and 51.6% (95% CI, 46.6%-56.5%) specificity for identification of any bacterial pathogen. Procalcitonin discriminated between typical bacteria and the combined group of viruses and atypical bacteria with an area under the ROC curve of 0.79 (95% CI, .75-.82). Conclusions No procalcitonin threshold perfectly discriminated between viral and bacterial pathogens, but higher procalcitonin strongly correlated with increased probability of bacterial pathogens, particularly typical bacteria.

Parental Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Antibiotic use for Respiratory tract Infections in Children

Parental Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Antibiotic use for Respiratory tract Infections in Children

Antimicrobial Stewardship in Hospitalized Patients with Respiratory Infections: Ten-Year Experience from the Robley Rex Louisville VA Medical Center

Rationale: Antibiotic stewardship has been defined as coordinated interventions designed to improve and measure the appropriate use of antibiotic agents. Respiratory infections are the most common infectious reason for hospitalization in the United States. Therefore, one could extrapolate that respiratory infections are then also the most common reason for hospital antibiotic use and possess the highest potential for hospital antibiotic misuse. The primary objective of this article was to evaluate the role of antimicrobial stewardship on improving antibiotic use for respiratory infections in hospitalized patients on intravenous (IV) antibiotics at the Robley Rex Louisville VAMC over a 10-year period.

Delayed antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory infections.

Delayed antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory infections.