Use Of Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis Research Articles

O162: A Surgically Led Quality Improvement Initiative in Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis (SAP): A One-year Review of Practice and Change in an Irish Context

Abstract Introduction Amongst growing concerns of antimicrobial resistance, surgical site infection (SSI) remains one of the most common healthcare associated infections. Optimal use of Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis (SAP) is critical. Quality Improvement (QI) in this area is often led by pharmacists or infection specialists. Methods A two-year, surgically led QI initiative was established in two Irish hospitals in July 2022. Baseline level of compliance with local guidelines with regard four aspects of SAP (indication, agent, timing, and duration) was audited. Change interventions aimed at specific aspects of compliance were trialled. Interventions included; guideline education for prescribers, process changes (editing the sign in/time out sheet) and the application of prescribing nudges (antibiotic duration sticker in post-operative drug chart). Results A total of 620 patient records were audited over one year. Pre-intervention compliance with all four aspects of SAP was observed in only 72/303 patients (23.7%). Educational interventions with surgical prescribers led to improved compliance with agent choice (43.5% (71/165) to 65.3% (94/144)). Education of anaesthetists showed improved timing of administration with 10.8% (14/129) of SAP administered post-incision post-intervention compared to 18.9% (21/111) pre-intervention. Application of the SAP duration sticker showed an overall decrease in mean SAP duration from 70.4 hours to 28.2 hours in those patients requiring more than a single SAP dose. Overall compliance levels have improved, thus far, from 23.7% to 39.8%. Conclusion Increasing compliance with SAP guidance is a challenge. A multi-faceted, institution specific, surgically led approach grounded in QI methodology shows promise.

Enhancing Surgical Outcomes: A Critical Review of Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Orthopedic Surgery.

The postoperative burden remains significant due to the possibility of prolonged hospitalization, escalated healthcare costs, and patient distress caused by postorthopedic surgicalsite infections (SSIs). Orthopedic surgery is likewise faced with a significant challenge posed by these conditions. A positive association has been observed between the presence of postorthopedic SSIs and heightened susceptibility to adverse health outcomes, along with elevated rates of morbidity and mortality. Systemic antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) reduces the risk of acquiring an SSI. Closed fractures, open fractures, arthroplasty, and percutaneous fixation each possess distinct attributes that impact the data and antimicrobial therapy. When implementing SAP, it is crucial to strike a delicate equilibrium between maintaining effective antibiotic stewardship protocols and preventing the occurrence of SSIs. This practice effectively prevents both the incidence of negative consequences and the emergence of antibiotic resistance. The objective of this study was to examine the existing literature on the use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in orthopedic surgery and explore the potential consequences associated with the inappropriate administration of antibiotics.

Compliance with National guidelines for antibiotic prophylaxis use in surgery: A case study in Thu Duc City Hospital, South of Vietnam

Objectives: To evaluate compliance with national guidelines for surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use (SAP) at a general hospital in southern Vietnam and explore the impact of patient and surgery demographics on compliance. Methods: A cross-sectional study using quantitative methods was used. A total of 270 medical records (MRs) of patients who underwent clean or clean-contaminated surgeries between January 1, 2021, and June 30, 2021, at Thu Duc City Hospital were selected by systematic random sampling. A range of data was collected, which included patient demographics, surgery type, and antibiotic selection, as well as appropriate timing, route of administration, and duration of prophylaxis for each surgical procedure. Evaluating compliance based on the national practice standards for SAP. Data were entered by Epidata 3.0 and analyzed by SPSS 22.0 software. Results: Of the 270 cases included in the study, the overall compliance rate of SAP use was only 17.0%. Inadequate timing of SAP administration (17.8%) was the major cause of non-compliance, follow by inappropriate antibiotic selection (77.0%). Furthermore, patient and surgery characteristics were found to play a significant role in compliance with guidelines, with gender, surgery type, wound infection condition, and pre-operative hospital stay all having notable correlations. Conclusion: In conclusion, the overall compliance rate of SAP use was lower than expected, and there was a significant difference among specific types of surgeries. There is a relationship between surgery type, wound infection classification, and length of pre-operative hospital stay with SAP use compliance (p < .01). To improve compliance with national guidelines for SAP use, appropriate timing, and antibiotic selection should be emphasized. Further efforts are still needed to improve the standards of antiseptic surgery in Vietnam. Keywords: Compliance, adherence, antibiotic prophylaxis, surgery, hospital.

Is the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in pediatric laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair necessary?

PurposeThe use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) in pediatric laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of SAP on the surgical site infection (SSI) rate after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in pediatric patients. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of pediatric patients who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair between January 2017 and June 2022. Patient characteristics, intraoperative characteristics, antibiotic use and SSI within 30 days after the operation were collected via chart reviews. All patients underwent laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure. SSI was defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Fisher's exact test was used to determine the association between SAP and SSI. ResultsIn total, 365 patients were included in this study. Forty-nine percent (n = 179) received antibiotics, and 51% (n = 186) did not. There were five infection cases (1.4%) in this study. Two (1.1%) were in the SAP group and three (1.6%) were in the no SAP group (p = 1.0). All infections were superficial. There were no adverse events due to antibiotic use. ConclusionA low percentage of SSI after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in the pediatric population was found, with no significant difference between the SAP group and the no SAP group. Therefore, the routine use of SAP for pediatric inguinal laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is not recommended.

The Sustainability of the Impact of Pharmacists' Educational Programs on the Adherence to the Recommendations of Preoperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis Guidelines.

This study was designed to evaluate the sustainability of the impact of educational programs provided by pharmacists on the appropriateness of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis and cost-savings in a short time and a long time after the intervention. This prospective educational interventional study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital for surgery in the West of Iran from September 2018 to October 2019. The study was designed in three phases: pre-intervention phase, short term after the intervention, and six months after the intervention. Within a one month course, several educational sessions regarding the appropriate preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis based on the recommendations of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists guideline (ASHPs) were provided by a clinical pharmacist in an interactive manner for the surgeons. The appropriateness of antibiotic prophylaxis regarding the necessity for surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use (indication), the choice of antibiotic, the timing of antibiotic administration, the route of administration, the dose of antibiotics, and the total duration of antibiotic prophylaxis were evaluated and compared before and after the educational intervention. Additionally, medication-related costs, non-medication-related costs, antibiotic prophylaxis-related costs, and total costs of care were also assessed before and after the educational intervention. Our survey showed that total adherence to the guideline recommendations among surgeons in our center was relatively low, and in 71.8% of procedures, at least in one of the quality indicators, non-adherence to the guideline recommendations was observed. After the educational intervention, a significant improvement in the rationality of antibiotic prophylaxis, in terms of not administrating antibiotic prophylaxis in procedures without indication, appropriate timing of administration, appropriate antibiotic dose, and appropriate duration of antibiotic prophylaxis, especially in the short time after the intervention was observed that ultimately reduced the medication, non-medication, antibiotic prophylaxis related, and total therapeutic costs. Our survey showed that educational interventions provided by pharmacists in an interactive manner could improve guideline recommendations' adherence among surgeons, particularly in a short time. Thus, continuous education still should be considered an essential element of a multifaceted intervention for improving guideline adherence.

Orthopaedic surgical antibiotic prophylaxis administration compliance with prescribing guidelines in a private hospital in North West province, South Africa

BACKGROUND: The correct use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP), as stipulated in evidence-based guidelines, is essential to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs) following orthopaedic procedures and consequently the impact thereof on the patient and healthcare system. Orthopaedic SSIs are associated with devastating complications with a great burden of disease on patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in a 186-bed private hospital, located in North West province, South Africa. Retrospective data of adult patients who underwent orthopaedic surgery from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 were included. Data were obtained from the study hospital's theatre registers, anaesthetic notes, patient medical records and patient antimicrobial prescription charts. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to determine the compliance (indication, choice, route of administration, dose, administration time, re-dosing and duration) of orthopaedic SAP administration with prescribing guidelines. RESULTS: Of the 942 orthopaedic procedures, SAP was correctly administered or omitted in 742 cases (78.8%). The total choice of SAP was correct in 738 cases (78.3%). SAP was administered intravenously 100% of the time and was prescribed at the correct dose in 632 cases (77.5%). However, SAP re-dosing occurred only in one of the three prolonged procedures, and the preoperative SAP administration time was only indicated in 34.4% of the cases. The correct duration of SAP was 75.9%. The overall compliance rate to SAP guidelines regarding indication, choice, dose and duration was 57.5%. SSIs developed in 0.9% of the patients, resulting in the death of one. CONCLUSION: Orthopaedic SAP practices moderately deviated from current SAP guidelines. Apparent overuse, incorrect dosing and prolonged duration were identified as burdens to overcome. Special attention should be paid to dosing adjustments for patients weighing more than 120 kg. However, certain components such as route of administration, administration time, SAP indication and SAP correct choice showed greater compliance percentages. The low prevalence of SSIs supports a positive reporting of the findings Level of evidence: Level 4.

Impact of collaborative physician-pharmacist stewardship strategies on prophylactic antibiotic practices: a quasi-experimental study

BackgroundAn effective use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) appears essential to prevent the development of infections linked to surgery while inappropriate and excessive prescriptions of prophylactic antibiotics increase the risk of adverse effects, bacterial resistance and Clostridium difficile infections. In this study, we aimed to analyze SAP practices in an acute secondary hospital in Belgium during the years 2016–2021 in order to evaluate the impacts of combined stewardship interventions, implemented thanks to a physician-pharmacist collaboration.MethodsA quasi-experimental study on SAP practices was conducted during 5 years (2016–2021) in a Belgian University Hospital. We first performed a retrospective observational transversal study on a baseline group (2016.1–2016.4). Then, we constituted a group of patients (2017.1–2017.4) to test a combined intervention strategy of stewardship which integrated the central role of a pharmacist in antibiotic stewardship team and in the pre-operative delivery of nominative kits of antibiotics adapted to patient factors. After this test, we collected patient data (2018.1–2018.4) to evaluate the sustained effects of stewardship interventions. Furthermore, we evaluated SAP practices (2019.1–2019.4) after the diffusion of a computerized decision support system. Finally, we analyzed SAP practices in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020.1–2020.4 and 2021.1–2021.4). The groups were compared from year to year in terms of compliance to institutional guidelines, as evaluated from seven criteria (χ2 test).ResultsIn total, 760 surgical interventions were recorded. The observational study within the baseline group showed that true penicillin allergy, certain types of surgery and certain practitioners were associated with non-compliance (p < 0.05). Compared with the baseline group, the compliance was significantly increased in the test group for all seven criteria assessed (p < 0.05). However, the effects were not fully sustained after discontinuation of the active interventions. Following the diffusion of the computerized decision support system, the compliance to guidelines was not significantly improved. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic did not appear to affect the practices in terms of compliance to guidelines.ConclusionsThis study shows that optimization of SAP practices is achievable within a proactive multidisciplinary approach including real-time pharmaceutical interventions in the operating area and in the care units practicing SAP.

Use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis and the prevalence and risk factors associated with surgical site infection in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia

Use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis and the prevalence and risk factors associated with surgical site infection in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia

808. Appropriate Use of Cephalotin Before and After Implementation of a Cardiac Surgery Antibiotic Prophylaxis Protocol in Guatemala

BackgroundThe appropriate use of Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis (SAP) contributes to reducing the prevalence of Surgical Site Infections (SSI). Inappropriate use increases the risk of SSIs, hospitalization costs and potentially contributes to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. We aimed to compare the appropriate use before and after implementing a SAP protocol in our institutionMethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review in patients older than 18 undergoing elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass using cephalotin as SSI prophylaxis. We excluded patients who received other antimicrobials for prophylaxis, those undergoing non-elective surgery, and patients with delayed sternal closure. We identified SSIs according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control criteria. We evaluated if appropriate dosing (2g-3g) and timing ( >60 min.) occurred before the surgical incision, if redosing was administered, and if prophylaxis was administered > 48 hours. We evaluated before and after implementation of the protocol (August 2016-July 2017; October 2017-2018)ResultsThe study included 262 and 285 patients before and after protocol implementation, respectively. Patient characteristics were similar between comparator groups (Table 1). We found that 1.1% of patients vs. 63% of patients had appropriate dosing before the surgical incision, before and after protocol implementation, respectively (p < 0.05). There was no difference in appropriate redosing when the duration of surgery was greater than 4 hours and no difference in inappropriate prophylaxis administration > 48 hours after protocol implementation. A total of 8 SSIs were identified in each group, with no statistical difference in the incidence, length of stay, or clinical outcome between comparator groupsTable 1. Patient Characteristics and Appropriate use of Cephalotin Before and After Implementation of a Cardiac Surgery Antibiotic Prophylaxis Protocol in Guatemala ConclusionBased on our findings, implementing a local guideline-protocol for SAP resulted in significant improvement of pre-surgical antimicrobial dosing. We observed continual unnecessary administration of antibiotic prophylaxis in the postoperative period that needs more proactive interventional pharmacy-guided strategies such as automatic stops or audits width feedback.Disclosures Lourdes A. Sandoval, Master of Science in Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacoepidemiology, Abbott (Employee)

Perceptions of surgeons on surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use at an urban tertiary hospital in Tanzania.

Surgical Site Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among operated patients. In spite of the accessibility of universal and national guidelines for surgical prophylaxis, recent studies surveying the present routine of prophylaxis have demonstrated overutilization of a wide range antibacterial medication for a single patient. Few studies have shown qualitatively factors influencing this and perceptions of surgeons on surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use. Unfortunately, none of these studies have been done in Tanzania. To describe the perceptions of surgeons on surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use at an urban tertiary hospital. A qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with surgeons was conducted in English by the primary investigator. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Systematic text condensation by Malterud was used for data analysis. Fourteen surgeons and obstetrics and gynaecologists participated. Their perceptions were summarized into three main categories: Inadequate data to support practice; one who sees the patient decides the antibiotic prophylaxis; prolonged antibiotic use for fear of unknown. The participants perceived that choice of antibiotic should be based on local hospital data for bacterial resistance pattern, however the hospital guidelines and data for surgical site infection rates are unknown. Fear of getting infection and anticipating complications led to prolonged antibiotics use. The study provides an understanding of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use and its implementation challenges. This was partly expressed by unavailability of local data and guidelines to enhance practice. To improve this, there is a need of guidelines that incorporates local resistance surveillance data and enhanced antibiotic stewardship programmes. A strong consideration should be placed into ways to combat the fears of surgeons for complications, as these significantly affect the current practise with use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis.

Assessment of prophylactic antibiotic usage habits of the general surgeons in Turkey.

One of the most important aspects of inappropriate antibiotic use among general surgeons in Turkey is the use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SP). In order to shed light on the current situation, we conducted a survey of general surgeons in our country. Our aim was to evaluate the approach taken by our general surgeons in prescribing SP, while providing data pertinent to the effectiveness of the 'Rational Drug Use' (AIK) national action plan. A questionnaire on the subject of personal SP usage and compliance with guidelines was distributed amongst general surgeons between 2018-2019. The questions related to individual approaches taken by surgeons when treating patients with either clean or clean-contaminated wounds. Results of the questionnaires were collated and compliance with ASHP guidelines was evaluated. A total of 317 completed questionnaires were evaluated. According to the questionnaire results, the rate of total compliance with ASHP guidelines was 26.8%. The compliance rate for preoperative SP was 69.7% in the clean wound group and 54.6% in the clean-contaminated wound group. Although 96.5% of the participants reported correct timing for the first dose of SP, this number dropped to 79.5% apropos the adminstration of further doses of prophylaxis. The percentage of surgeons prescribing continued antibiotics at discharge for clean and clean-contaminated cases was 22.7% and 38.5%, respectively. The results of this study indicate that inappropriate use of SP is widespread in our country, and that antibiotics continue to be prescribed at discharge.

Impact of Antimicrobial Stewardship Interventions on Appropriateness of Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis: How to Improve.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common healthcare-associated infections. The appropriate use of Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis (SAP) is a key component to reduce SSIs, while its inappropriate application is a major cause of some emerging infections and selects for antibiotic resistance. We describe an Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) intervention on SAP appropriateness. The prospective study was conducted in an Italian hospital, in 12 main surgical units, and was organized in three subsequent phases, as follows. Phase 0: Definition of hospital evidence-based guidelines and a new workflow to optimize the process of ordering, dispensing, administering and documenting the SAP. Phase 1: We analysed 2059 elective surgical cases from January to June 2018 for three SAP parameters of appropriateness: indication, choice and dose. Phase 2: In July 2018, an audit was performed to analyse the results; we reviewed 1781 elective surgical procedures from July to December 2018 looking for the same three SAP appropriateness parameters. The comparative analysis between phases 1 and 2 demonstrated that the correct indication, the correct dose and the overall compliance significantly improved (p-value 0.00128, p-value < 2.2·1016 and p-value < 5.6·1012 respectively). Our prospective study demonstrates a model of successful antimicrobial stewardship intervention that improves appropriateness on SAP.

Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis Use and Surgical Site Infection Pattern in Dessie Referral Hospital, Dessie, Northeast of Ethiopia.

Background Surgical site infections are the third (14%-16%) most frequent cause of nosocomial infections among hospitalized patients. They still form a large health problem and result in increased antibiotic usage, increased associated costs, and prolonged hospitalization and contribute to increased patient morbidity and mortality. Therefore, studies on surgical site infections and surgical antibiotic prophylaxis contribute to identifying surgical site infection rate and risk factor associated with it as well as for identifying the gap in surgical antibiotic prophylaxis practice. Objective To assess surgical antibiotic prophylaxis practice and surgical site infection among surgical patients. Method A hospital-based prospective observational study was conducted in 68 patients who underwent major surgery in Dessie Referral Hospital adult surgical wards between March 24 and April 25/2017. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to determine infection rate and risk factors for surgical site infections. Result Assessment of 68 patients who underwent major surgery revealed an overall surgical site infection rate of 23.4%. Prophylactic antibiotics were administered for 59 operations; of these, 33 (48.6%) had inappropriate timing of administration. A combination of ceftriaxone and metronidazole 28 (47.46%) was frequently used. Factors associated with surgical site infection were wound class, patient comorbid condition, duration of the procedure, the timing of administration, and omitting prophylaxis use. Conclusion This study indicated a higher rate of surgical site infection and also revealed that wound class, preexisting medical condition, prolonged duration of surgery, omitting of prophylaxis use, and inappropriate timing of administration were highly associated with surgical site infection.

Antibiotic use among hospitalized patients in northern Nigeria: a multicenter point-prevalence survey

BackgroundThe evaluation of antibiotic use among hospitalized patients is a primary step required to design antibiotic stewardship intervention. There is paucity of data describing antibiotic use in hospitals across Northern Nigeria. This study evaluates the prevalence and indications for antibiotic use among inpatients in three acute care hospitals.MethodsA point-prevalence survey was conducted among patients in the wards before or at 8.00 a.m. on the day of the survey, using the point-prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use in European acute care hospitals protocol. The survey was conducted between April and May 2019. The medical records of the patients were reviewed by a clinical pharmacist with the support of physicians and nurses.ResultsOverall, 80.1% (257/321) of the patients used at least one antibiotic on the day of the survey. The prevalence of antibiotic use ranged from 72.9% in obstetrics and gynecology to 94.6% in pediatric medical specialty. Community acquired infections (38.7%) and surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (22.5%) were the most common indications. Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis was used or scheduled to be used for more than a day in all the cases. Metronidazole (30.5%), ciprofloxacin (17.1%), ceftriaxone (16.8%), amoxicillin-clavulanate (12.5%) and gentamicin (11.8%) were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. Overall, broad spectrum antibiotics represented one-third of all the prescriptions. The change of initial antibiotic prescription was reported in one-third of the patients and the reasons include a switch to oral antibiotic (28.5%), escalation (4.5%) and de-escalation (3.6%). Of the 257 patients with an antibiotic prescription, 6.2% had redundant antibiotic combinations.ConclusionThe prevalence of antibiotic use was high with one in three prescriptions having a broad spectrum antibiotic. Prolonged use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis and redundant antibiotic combination were observed. Antimicrobial stewardship interventions are recommended in order to reduce the use of antibiotics and promote appropriate antibiotics prescribing.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis among Medical Staffs in Surgery Department of Jimma University Medical Center: Ethiopia

Introduction: Rational use of antimicrobials is believed to be one away by which we can reduce prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and surgical site infection. This is determined by professionals’ knowledge, attitude and practice; in using surgical antibiotic prophylaxis. However, no study addressed this issue in Ethiopia. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of medical staff in surgery department toward surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was used with self-administered questionnaire. Data was collected from June 19 to 23/2017 at Jimma University Medical Center, Jimma, Ethiopia, and analyzed using SPSS. Written consent was taken and data was kept secured for confidentiality. Results: Majority of respondents were male (90.2%), residents (45.9%). All of the participants (100%) have positive attitude toward need for Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis (SAP) guideline as well as for hospital antimicrobial stewardship program. Of respondents, 75.4% were knowledgeable. But, their attitude in 82% and practice in 57.6% toward surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use was found to be poor. Conclusion: Even though respondents had good knowledge, their attitude and practice were poor in majority of them. Knowledge and/ or attitude that guide or determine the way we practice. Failure of one or both of this will lead to poor practice, in turn which might contribute for surgical site infection and antimicrobial resistance as well as extra cost for treating this condition. Therefore, authors believe that this gap area should be given attention to promote rational surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use.

Proper use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention of surgical site infections: Pre-operative timing and duration of prophylaxis

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is an infection that occurs at or near a surgical incision within 30 days of surgery or within 1 year if an implant is left in place. They are the most common nosocomial infections in surgical patients, accounting for approximately 500,000 infections annually. The cost of care for patients with SSIs is nearly three-fold higher than that for surgical patients without the infections. Aim and Objective: The main objectives for conducting current study are to know incidence of SSI, to check proper use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis and prepare data for health-care improvement. Materials and Methods: The study was observational, prospective in nature and conducted after getting institutional ethical clearance. All post-operative patients in surgical wards that fulfill the inclusion criteria were included in the study over the period of 2 months. Data were collected in questionnaire Google forms by both direct interview and referring indoor files. Result: Total 198 patients were included and evaluated. Total six patients were not given any antibiotic. Incidence of SSI was 7.57% in total 198 patients. Most of the cases were from general surgery, followed by orthopedic, gynecology, and obstetrics. Total 124 patients were given antibiotics for

Trends in the use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in general pediatric surgery: Are we missing the mark for both stewardship and infection prevention?

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess compliance with antimicrobial spectrum guidelines in the use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) in pediatric surgery. MethodsA retrospective cohort study of children undergoing elective clean-contaminated and clean surgical procedures with foreign body implantation using the Pediatric Health Information System database (10/2015–6/2018) was performed. Compliance rates with consensus guidelines surrounding appropriate spectrum of SAP coverage were calculated for each procedure. Undertreatment was defined as the use of SAP with inappropriately narrow coverage (or omission altogether), while overtreatment was defined as inappropriately broad coverage. ResultsEight procedure groups including a total of 15,708 patients were included. Overall, 44% of cases received inappropriate prophylaxis, of which 58% were considered undertreatment and 42% overtreatment. Procedures with the highest rates of overtreatment included small bowel procedures (77%), colorectal procedures (29%), and hepatobiliary procedures (20%), while the highest rates of undertreatment were associated with placement of tunneled central venous catheters and ports (43%), hepatobiliary procedures (24%), and colorectal procedures (20%). ConclusionNoncompliance with the recommended spectrum of coverage for surgical antibiotic prophylaxis is common in pediatric surgery, with both over and undertreatment being common themes. Improved compliance is needed to optimize both antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention. Type of studyTreatment study. Level of evidenceLevel III.

Is Elective Soft Tissue Hand Surgery Associated with Periprosthetic Joint Infection after Total Joint Arthroplasty?

Although current guidelines do not recommend the routine use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis to reduce the risk of surgical site infection following clean, soft tissue hand surgery, antibiotics are nevertheless often used in patients with an existing joint prosthesis to prevent periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), despite little data to support this practice. (1) Is clean, soft tissue hand surgery after THA or TKA associated with PJI risk? (2) Does surgical antibiotic prophylaxis before hand surgery decrease PJI risk in patients with recent THA or TKA? We assessed all patients who underwent THA or TKA between January 2007 and December 2015 by retrospective analysis of the IBM® MarketScan® Databases, which provide a longitudinal view of all healthcare services used by a nationwide sample of millions of patients under commercial and supplemental Medicare insurance coverage-particularly advantageous given the relatively low frequency of hand surgery after THA/TKA and of subsequent PJI. The initial search yielded 940,861 patients, from which 509,896 were excluded for not meeting continuous enrollment criteria, having a diagnosis of PJI before the observation period, or having another arthroplasty procedure before or during the observation period; the final study cohort consisted of 430,965 patients of which 147,398 underwent THA and 283,567 underwent TKA. In the treated cohort, 8489 patients underwent carpal tunnel release, trigger finger release, ganglion or retinacular cyst excision, de Quervain's release, or soft-tissue mass excision within 2 years of THA or TKA. The control cohort was comprised of 422,476 patients who underwent THA or TKA but did not have subsequent hand surgery. The primary outcome was diagnosis or surgical management of a PJI within 90 days of the index hand surgery for the treated cohort, or within a randomly assigned 90-day observation period for each patient in the control group. Propensity score matching was used to match treated and control cohorts by patient and treatment characteristics and previously-reported risk factors for PJI. Logistic regression before and after propensity score matching was used to assess the association of hand surgery with PJI risk and the association of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis before hand surgery with PJI risk in the treated cohort. Other possible PJI risk factors were also explored in multivariable logistic regression. Statistical significance was assessed at α = 0.01. Hand surgery was not associated with PJI risk after propensity score matching of treated and control cohorts (OR, 1.39; 99% CI, 0.60-3.22; p = 0.310). Among patients who underwent hand surgery after arthroplasty, surgical antibiotic prophylaxis before hand surgery was not associated with decreased PJI risk (OR 0.42; 99% CI, 0.03-6.08; p = 0.400). Clean, soft-tissue hand surgery was not found to be associated with PJI risk in patients who had undergone primary THA or TKA within 2 years before their hand procedure. While the effect of PJIs can be devastating, we do not find increased risk of infection with hand surgery nor data supporting routine use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in this setting. Level III, therapeutic study.

Impact of pharmacist-led antibiotic stewardship interventions on compliance with surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in obstetric and gynecologic surgeries in Nigeria.

BackgroundInappropriate and excessive use of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis are associated with the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic prophylaxis malpractices are common in obstetrics and gynecology settings and antibiotic stewardship is used to correct such malpractice.ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of antibiotic stewardship interventions on compliance with surgical antibiotic prophylaxis practice in obstetrics and gynecology surgeries.MethodA prospective pre- and post-intervention study was conducted in two tertiary hospitals between May and December 2016. The duration of the each period was 3 months. Antibiotic stewardship interventions including development of a protocol, educational meeting and audit and feedback were implemented. Data were collected using the patient records and analyzed with SPSS version 23.ResultsA total of 226 and 238 surgical procedures were included in the pre- and post-intervention periods respectively. Age, length of stay and estimated blood loss were similar between the two groups. However, specialty and surgical procedures varied significantly. There was a significant increase in compliance with timing (from 14.2% to 43.3%) and duration (from 0% to 21.8%) of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis after the interventions. The interventions significantly reduced the prescription of third generation cephalosporin (-8.6%), redundant antibiotic (-19.1%), antibiotic utilization (-3.8 DDD/procedure) and cost of antibiotic prophylaxis (-$4.2/procedure). There was no significant difference in the rate of surgical site infection between the two periods. Post-intervention group (OR: 5.60; 95% CI: 3.31–9.47), elective surgery (OR: 4.62; 95% CI: 2.51–8.47) and hospital attended (OR: 9.89; 95% CI: 5.66–17.26) were significant predictors of compliance with timing while elective surgery (OR: 12.49; 95% CI: 2.85–54.71) and compliance with timing (OR: 58.55; 95% CI: 12.66–270.75) were significantly associated with compliance to duration of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis.ConclusionThe interventions improve compliance with surgical antibiotic prophylaxis and reduce antibiotic utilization and cost. However, there is opportunity for further improvement, particularly in non-elective surgical procedures.

Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis use and infection prevalence in non-cosmetic breast surgery procedures at a tertiary hospital in Western Australia-a retrospective study.

BackgroundSurgical site infections (SSIs) are a common complication following breast surgery procedures, despite being considered a clean surgery. The prevalence of SSIs can be minimised with the appropriate use of antibiotic prophylaxis as outlined in the Australian Therapeutic Guidelines (eTG). The aims of this study were to evaluate adherence to the eTG for antibiotic prophylaxis in breast surgery procedures at a Western Australian teaching hospital following an update of the guidelines in 2014 and examine the impact of prophylactic antibiotics on SSI incidence and length of hospital stay.MethodA retrospective cross-sectional study which reviewed medical records from a random sample of 250 patients selected from 973 patients who underwent breast surgical procedures between February 2015 and March 2017.ResultsOverall adherence to current eTG occurred in 49.2% (123/250) of operations. Pre-operative and post-operative antibiotics were prescribed in 98.4% (246/250) and 11.2% (28/250) operations respectively. Adherence rates to three specific elements of the eTG (drug prescribed, drug dosage and timing of administration) were 91.6% (229/250), 53.6% (134/250) and 86.4% (216/250) respectively. For the 14.4% (36/250) patients with relevant drug allergies, there was zero adherence to the eTG. Overall recorded SSI prevalence was low at 5.2% (13/250). The mean length of stay in patients (2.3 ± 1.7 days) was not influenced by level of eTG adherence (p = 0.131) or SSIs (p = 0.306).ConclusionThese data demonstrate a significant improvement in overall adherence to the eTG from 13.3% to 49.2% (p = < 0.001). The level of detected SSIs in this study was low. Further improvement is necessary with respect to prescribing appropriate antibiotic dosages and for those with allergies.