Antibiotic Stewardship
ATS Position Paper | Immunocompromised host pneumonia: definitions and diagnostic criteria
23 Mar, 2023 | 12:41h | UTC
Consensus Paper | Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth in gastrointestinal disorders
16 Mar, 2023 | 13:23h | UTC
RCT | Intrapartum azithromycin fails to reduce neonatal sepsis and death
14 Mar, 2023 | 14:00h | UTCSummary: This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of administering azithromycin during labor to reduce neonatal sepsis and mortality. The randomized trial involved 11,983 birthing parents and their infants in West Africa.
The study found no significant difference in the incidence of neonatal sepsis or mortality between the azithromycin and placebo groups. On the other hand, the rate of non-invasive infections, including skin infections in newborns, and mastitis and puerperal fever in parents, was lower in the azithromycin group in the following four weeks.
The authors concluded that these results do not support the routine introduction of oral intrapartum azithromycin to reduce neonatal sepsis or mortality. However, it is important to notice that a recent large study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed conflicting results.
Article: Effect of Intrapartum Azithromycin vs Placebo on Neonatal Sepsis and Death: A Randomized Clinical Trial – JAMA (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentaries:
Azithromycin during labor doesn’t reduce sepsis, mortality in newborns – CIDRAP
Effect of antibiotics during pregnancy on neonatal sepsis and mortality – MedicalResearch.com
Related study with conflicting results: Azithromycin to Prevent Sepsis or Death in Women Planning a Vaginal Birth – New England Journal of Medicine (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
News Release: Single-dose antibiotic prevents maternal sepsis and death – NIH News
Commentaries:
In large study, a single antibiotic dose slashed rate of sepsis in childbirth – STAT
Dose of azithromycin found to cut risk of maternal death, sepsis in childbirth – CIDRAP
Commentary on Twitter
Study results do not support routine introduction of oral intrapartum azithromycin to reduce neonatal sepsis or mortality. https://t.co/yDpg1CCGa2 pic.twitter.com/5Oc4HqZ4sX
— JAMA (@JAMA_current) March 7, 2023
Risk factors for Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales infections: a matched case-control study
14 Mar, 2023 | 13:43h | UTCSummary: The study aimed to investigate risk factors for infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and identify variables that increase the probability of CRE infection among admitted patients in hospitals with high CRE incidence.
The study was performed in 50 hospitals in Southern Europe from March 2016 to November 2018 and included patients with complicated urinary tract infection, complicated intraabdominal infection, pneumonia, or bacteremia from other sources due to CRE. Control groups were patients with infection caused by carbapenem-susceptible Enterobacterales and non-infected patients, matched according to the same criteria as the CRE group (type of infection, ward, and duration of hospital admission).
The results showed that the main risk factors for CRE infections were previous colonization with CRE, use of urinary catheters, and exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics.
The study’s findings offer evidence to inform decisions about preventive measures and empirical treatment for patients with suspected CRE infections. Additionally, the study can guide the efficient design of future randomized trials focusing on high-risk patients.
Related:
RCT | Colistin monotherapy vs. combination therapy for carbapenem-resistant organisms
Review | Pathogenesis, epidemiology and control of Group A Streptococcus infection
14 Mar, 2023 | 13:38h | UTC
Commentary on Twitter
NEW??Pathogenesis, epidemiology and control of Group A Streptococcus infectionhttps://t.co/XFSKQrTe1P
Brouwer & co. summarize the epidemiological and clinical features of Group A Streptococcus infection, and the molecular mechanisms of GAS virulence and drug resistance. pic.twitter.com/qm23YgnKlg
— Nature Reviews Microbiology (@NatureRevMicro) March 10, 2023
M-A | Routine anaerobic coverage for aspiration pneumonia: limited evidence of benefit
13 Mar, 2023 | 15:03h | UTCSummary: Treating aspiration pneumonia with antibiotics that cover anaerobic bacteria has become common practice in many services, but recent studies suggest that this may not necessarily improve prognosis.
Out of 2523 publications, this systematic review and meta-analysis only included one randomized control trial and two observational studies. The study found no clear benefit of anaerobic coverage and concluded that there is not enough data to evaluate the necessity of anaerobic coverage in the antibiotic treatment of aspiration pneumonia.
The authors suggest that covering anaerobic bacteria with antibiotics may not be needed as an initial treatment for aspiration pneumonia if there is no formation of abscess or empyema and the patient has good oral hygiene.
Related: BTS clinical statement on aspiration pneumonia – Thorax
ISCCM Guidelines for the use of procalcitonin for rational use of antibiotics
13 Mar, 2023 | 14:57h | UTC
Review | How to use nebulized antibiotics in severe respiratory infections
10 Mar, 2023 | 14:31h | UTCHow to Use Nebulized Antibiotics in Severe Respiratory Infections – Antibiotics
RCT | Vaginal cleansing before unscheduled cesarean delivery did not reduce postoperative infections
10 Mar, 2023 | 14:23h | UTCVaginal cleansing before unscheduled cesarean delivery to reduce infection: a randomized clinical trial – American Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Related studies with conflicting results:
Vaginal Cleansing Before Cesarean Delivery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis – Obstetrics & Gynecology (link to abstract – $ for full-text)
Commentary on Twitter
Vaginal Cleansing Before Unscheduled Cesarean Delivery to Reduce Infection: A Randomized Clinical Trial https://t.co/QuNWfCxl3D @acog pic.twitter.com/sauvsRq5C1
— AJOG (@AJOG_thegray) November 30, 2022
M-A | Comparison of a short vs. long-course antibiotic therapy for ventilator-associated pneumonia
7 Mar, 2023 | 13:18h | UTCSummary:
This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aimed to compare the rates of recurrence and relapse of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) between short-course (≤8 days) and long-course (≥10-15 days) antibiotic therapy strategies. Five relevant studies involving 1069 patients were identified.
Compared to long-course therapy, short-course therapy increased the number of antibiotic-free days without any impact on recurrence and relapses of VAP, 28 days mortality, mechanical ventilation duration, number of extra-pulmonary infections, and length of ICU stay.
However, the study’s limitations, such as the small sample size and the lack of standardized definitions of the assessed outcomes, should be considered when interpreting the results.
Commentary: Study finds benefits in short-course antibiotics for ventilator-associated pneumonia – CIDRAP
Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli
7 Mar, 2023 | 13:00h | UTCRelated:
RCT | Colistin monotherapy vs. combination therapy for carbapenem-resistant organisms
BTS Clinical Guidance | Aspiration pneumonia
6 Mar, 2023 | 14:36h | UTCBTS clinical statement on aspiration pneumonia – Thorax
BTS Clinical Guidance | Prevention and management of community-acquired pneumonia in people with learning disability
6 Mar, 2023 | 14:34h | UTC
Cohort Study | Risk factors for serious infections in ANCA-associated vasculitis
2 Mar, 2023 | 12:52h | UTCRisk factors for serious infections in ANCA-associated vasculitis – Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Commentary from the author on Twitter
Just published in @ARD_BMJ (https://t.co/mZVZ7HZaLC) – risk of severe infections in #AAV. The prophylactic use of low-dose TMP/SMX may reduce this risk. A work I am really proud of. Many thanks to all my co-authors, especially to my friend @AKronbichler for his endless support!
— Balazs Odler (@odlerb) January 26, 2023
Review | The golden grapes of wrath – Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia
1 Mar, 2023 | 13:46h | UTC
Choosing Wisely internationally – 213 helpful recommendations for antimicrobial stewardship!
27 Feb, 2023 | 13:19h | UTCSummary: The article discusses the importance of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in the face of increasing antimicrobial resistance and the role of the Choosing Wisely campaign in promoting the rational use of antibiotics. The study evaluated 213 Choosing Wisely recommendations related to AMS practices in six countries (Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, the USA, and Germany) and categorized them according to six categories: diagnostics, indication, choice of anti-infective drugs, dosing, application, and duration of therapy. Topics related to indication and diagnostics were most frequently addressed, and avoiding antibiotic treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria and upper respiratory tract infections were central topics across all countries.
Article: Choosing Wisely internationally – helpful recommendations for antimicrobial stewardship! – Infection
See complete lists of low-value practices: Choosing Wisely U.S. / Choosing Wisely UK / Choosing Wisely Australia AND Choosing Wisely Canada
Study links proton pump inhibitor use to increased risk of acquiring drug-resistant bacteria in hospitalized patients
27 Feb, 2023 | 13:13h | UTCSummary: This case-control study investigated whether proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are associated with an increased risk of acquiring extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales among hospitalized patients. The study involved 2239 adult hospitalized patients. After controlling for confounding factors, patients who received PPIs within the previous 30 days had a nearly 50% increased risk (aIRR, 1.48) of acquiring ESBL- or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales compared with those who did not receive PPIs. The study has the limitations of an observational study but points to the need for judicious use of PPIs to mitigate the risk of acquiring drug-resistant Enterobacterales among hospitalized patients.
Commentaries:
Study links acid suppressants to colonization with multidrug-resistant bacteria – CIDRAP
Proton Pump Inhibitors Associated With Increased Risk of Drug-Resistant Infections – HCP Live
Cluster RCT | Effect of an antibiotic stewardship intervention to improve antibiotic prescribing for suspected UTI in older adults
24 Feb, 2023 | 13:58h | UTCSummary: The study evaluated the effectiveness of a multifaceted antibiotic stewardship intervention to improve antibiotic prescribing for suspected urinary tract infections (UTI) in frail older adults. The study was a pragmatic, parallel, cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted in four European countries and included 1041 frail older adults aged 70 or older. The intervention involved a decision tool for appropriate antibiotic use, supported by a toolbox with educational materials. The control group provided care as usual. The primary outcome was the number of antibiotic prescriptions for suspected UTI per person year, and secondary outcomes included incidence of complications, hospital referrals, admissions, and mortality. The results showed that the intervention group had a lower rate of receiving an antibiotic prescription for a suspected UTI (0.27 per person year) compared to the control group (0.58 per person year), with no increase in complications or adverse events.
Commentary: Trial: Stewardship intervention cuts antibiotic prescribing for suspected urinary infections – CIDRAP
Related:
Case-Control Study | Current pyuria cut-offs may promote inappropriate UTI diagnosis in older women
USPSTF Recommendation Statement: Screening for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Adults
Guideline | Diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori
24 Feb, 2023 | 13:53h | UTCRelated:
SR | The impact of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in pediatric emergency departments and primary care
24 Feb, 2023 | 13:20h | UTC
Review | When and how to use MIC in clinical practice?
24 Feb, 2023 | 13:28h | UTCWhen and How to Use MIC in Clinical Practice? – Antibiotics
Commentary on Twitter
https://twitter.com/ABsteward/status/1616852667124400129
Antibiotic allergy de-labeling: a pathway against antibiotic resistance
23 Feb, 2023 | 13:12h | UTCAntibiotic Allergy De-Labeling: A Pathway against Antibiotic Resistance – Antibiotics
Related:
M-A: Most patients with allergy to Penicillin can be given Cefazolin
Podcast: A Clinical Pharmacologist’s Perspective on Penicillin Allergy
Study: Development and Validation of a Penicillin Allergy Clinical Decision Rule
NICE: Double Check Patients with ‘Penicillin Allergy’ to Avoid Increased MRSA Risk
Case-Control Study | Current pyuria cut-offs may promote inappropriate UTI diagnosis in older women
22 Feb, 2023 | 12:43h | UTCSummary: The presence of pyuria is commonly used as the cornerstone of urinary tract infection (UTI) diagnosis. However, over 90% of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) patients also have pyuria, which can lead to unnecessary treatment. This is especially problematic in older women who may have pre-existing lower urinary tract symptoms, cognitive impairment, and a high prevalence of ASB. This study examined the diagnostic accuracy of different pyuria thresholds for UTI in older women. The study found that current pyuria cut-offs (10 leukocytes/µl) are too low and promote inappropriate UTI diagnosis in older women. A threshold of 300 leukocytes/µl is suggested as a considerable improvement, increasing specificity to avoid overtreatment, while still maintaining a fair sensitivity. This has implications for patient care, antimicrobial stewardship efforts, and research. The impact of higher cut-off values on prescription behavior and UTI related outcomes in older women deserves further study.
Related:
USPSTF Recommendation Statement: Screening for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Adults
Commentary on Twitter
Presence of pyuria remains the cornerstone of UTI diagnosis However, >90% of ASB patients have pyuria,prompt unnecessary Rx
?️⚡️⚡️study: current pyuria cut-off is too low promote inappropriate UTI diagnosis in older women suggesting a new higher cut offhttps://t.co/qAGdwSTiU6 pic.twitter.com/Vr63RnuMv1— Antibiotic Steward Bassam Ghanem?? (@ABsteward) February 20, 2023
Article under a https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ license
Bacteriuria in older adults triggers confusion in healthcare providers: a mindful pause to treat the worry
22 Feb, 2023 | 12:42h | UTCRelated:
USPSTF Recommendation Statement: Screening for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Adults
Commentary on Twitter
FANTASTIC⚡️⚡️
The evidence base for refraining from screening for or treating ASB in elderly is strong,but both practices remain prevalent
Bacteriuria in older adults triggers confusion in healthcare providers:A mindful pause to treat the worry #IDTwitter https://t.co/7ispdtFeFB pic.twitter.com/kOB5eGKkAc— Antibiotic Steward Bassam Ghanem?? (@ABsteward) January 10, 2023
Under a http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ license
Bacteremia | ED presentations, evaluation, and management
22 Feb, 2023 | 12:25h | UTCBacteremia: ED Presentations, Evaluation, and Management – emDocs