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Flannery DD, Coggins SA, Medoro AK. Antibiotic Stewardship in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. J Intensive Care Med 2024:8850666241258386. [PMID: 38835250 DOI: 10.1177/08850666241258386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Antibiotic stewardship is a multidisciplinary, evidence-based approach to optimize antibiotic use and mitigate development of antibiotic resistance. Neonates have high rates of antibiotic exposure, particularly those born preterm and admitted to the NICU, and mounting evidence describes the adverse consequences of such exposures in the absence of infection. Here, we review the general principles of antibiotic stewardship and how they can be applied in NICUs. The unique characteristics of NICUs and patients cared for in this setting, which warrant unique implementation strategies and special considerations are discussed. We summarize current antibiotic use metrics for assessment of responses to stewardship interventions and changes over time, and review evidence-based infection prevention practices in the NICU. Current recommendations for empiric antibiotic use in the NICU and the utility of infection biomarkers are summarized. Lastly, given the growing global threat of increasing antibiotic resistance, specific threats in the NICU are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin D Flannery
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sarah A Coggins
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alexandra K Medoro
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Kumar RS, Otero NA, Abubakar MO, Elliott MR, Wiggins JY, Sharif MM, Sullivan BA, Fairchild KD. Framework for Considering Abnormal Heart Rate Characteristics and Other Signs of Sepsis in Very Low Birth Weight Infants. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:706-712. [PMID: 34875699 DOI: 10.1055/a-1715-3727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A heart rate characteristics index (HeRO score), incorporating low variability and superimposed decelerations, was developed as a sepsis risk indicator for preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A rise in the risk score should prompt consideration of other clinical changes that may be signs of sepsis to decide whether a workup and antibiotics are needed. We aimed to develop a framework to systematically consider signs potentially indicating sepsis in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. STUDY DESIGN We developed easy-recall acronyms for 10 signs of sepsis in VLBW infants. Over 12 months in a level IV NICU, neonatology fellows completed a brief survey after each shift to document changes prompting sepsis workups. We analyzed associations between survey data, hourly heart rate characteristic data, and the diagnosis of the workup, grouped as culture-positive sepsis (CXSEP, positive blood or urine culture), clinical sepsis (CLINSEP, negative cultures treated with antibiotics ≥5 days), or sepsis ruled out (SRO, negative cultures and <3 days antibiotics). RESULTS We analyzed 93 sepsis workups in 48 VLBW infants (35 CXSEP, 20 CLINSEP, and 38 SRO). The most frequently cited changes prompting the workups were heart rate patterns and respiratory deterioration, which were common in all three categories. Low blood pressure and poor perfusion were uncommonly cited but were more likely to be associated with CXSEP than the other signs. A rise in the HeRO score ≥1 from 0 to 12 hours before compared with 12to 72 hours prior the blood culture occurred in 31% of workups diagnosed as CXSEP, 16% CLINSEP, and 31% SRO. CONCLUSION The HeRO score can alert clinicians to VLBW infants at high or increasing risk of a sepsis-like illness, but heart rate characteristic patterns are highly variable in individual babies. The easy-recall NeoSEP-10 framework can assist clinicians in considering other clinical changes when making decisions about sepsis workups and the duration of antibiotics. KEY POINTS · Abnormal heart rate characteristics can indicate sepsis or other pathologies in preterm infants.. · We developed a simple bedside tool to consider clinical signs potentially associated with sepsis.. · Considering vital sign trends together with clinical changes is a key to right-timing antibiotics..
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupin S Kumar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | | | - Maryam O Abubakar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Megan R Elliott
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Jaclyn Y Wiggins
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Misky M Sharif
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Brynne A Sullivan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Karen D Fairchild
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Reducing Antibiotic Use in a Level III and Two Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Units Targeting Prescribing Practices for Both Early and Late-onset Sepsis: A Quality Improvement Project. Pediatr Qual Saf 2022; 7:e555. [PMID: 35720871 PMCID: PMC9197376 DOI: 10.1097/pq9.0000000000000555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Variation in antibiotic (ATB) use exists between neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) without demonstrated benefit to outcomes tested. Studies show that early-onset sepsis occurs in up to 2% of NICU patients, yet antibiotics (ABX) were started in over 50% of neonates admitted to our NICUs. An internal audit identified variations in prescribing practices and excessive use of ABX. As a result, we introduced ATB stewardship to our NICUs in 2015 to reduce unnecessary usage of these medications. Methods: We used standard quality improvement methodology utilizing multiple iterative plan-do-study-act cycles during a 6-year project to test various interventions aimed at using ABX wisely. Specifically, our goals were to reduce ABX on admission (AA), percent of patients who continued on ABX beyond 72 hours of life (AC), and ATB utilization rate in our 3 NICUs by 28% for each metric. Interventions implemented included the development of an ATB stewardship program consisting of a multidisciplinary team that met regularly, creation of tools and guidelines for evaluations of sepsis and ATB use, universal use of the neonatal early-onset sepsis calculator for all newborns 34 weeks and older gestational age, education regarding noninitiation of ABX for maternal indications in clinically well newborns, and discontinuation within 48 hours for asymptomatic newborns with negative blood cultures. Results: AA, AC, and ATB utilization rate decreased by 34.1%, 45.3%, and 34.9%, respectively, in our 3 NICUs. Conclusions: By introducing ATB stewardship in our NICUs, we exceeded our predetermined goal of significantly reducing ATB usage.
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Berardi A, Zinani I, Bedetti L, Vaccina E, Toschi A, Toni G, Lecis M, Leone F, Monari F, Cozzolino M, Zini T, Boncompagni A, Iughetti L, Miselli F, Lugli L. Should we give antibiotics to neonates with mild non-progressive symptoms? A comparison of serial clinical observation and the neonatal sepsis risk calculator. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:882416. [PMID: 35967559 PMCID: PMC9364607 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.882416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare two strategies [the neonatal sepsis risk calculator (NSC) and the updated serial clinical observation approach (SCO)] for the management of asymptomatic neonates at risk of early-onset sepsis (EOS) and neonates with mild non-progressive symptoms in the first hours of life. METHODS This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study conducted over 15 months (01/01/2019-31/03/2020). All live births at ≥34 weeks of gestation were included. Infants were managed using SCO and decisions were compared with those retrospectively projected by the NSC. The proportion of infants recommended for antibiotics or laboratory testing was compared in both strategies. McNemar's non-parametric test was used to assess significant differences in matched proportions. RESULTS Among the 3,445 neonates (late-preterm, n = 178; full-term, n = 3,267) 262 (7.6%) presented with symptoms of suspected EOS. There were no cases of culture-proven EOS. Only 1.9% of the neonates were treated with antibiotics (median antibiotic treatment, 2 days) and 4.0% were evaluated. According to NSC, antibiotics would have been administered in 5.4% of infants (absolute difference between SCO and NSC, 3.51%; 95% CI, 3.14-3.71%; p <0.0001) and 5.6% of infants would have undergone "rule out sepsis" (absolute difference between SCO and NSC, 1.63%, 95% CI 1.10-2.05; p <0.0001). CONCLUSION SCO minimizes laboratory testing and unnecessary antibiotics in infants at risk of EOS or with mild non-progressive symptoms, without the risk of a worse neonatal outcome. The NSC recommends almost three times more antibiotics than the SCO without improving neonatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Berardi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Women's and Children's Health Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Isotta Zinani
- Pediatric Post-Graduate School, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Luca Bedetti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Women's and Children's Health Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, Modena, Italy.,Doctorate School, Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Eleonora Vaccina
- Pediatric Post-Graduate School, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Toschi
- Pediatric Post-Graduate School, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Greta Toni
- Pediatric Post-Graduate School, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Lecis
- Pediatric Post-Graduate School, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Federica Leone
- Pediatric Post-Graduate School, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Monari
- Obstetrics Unit, Mother Infant Department, University Hospital Policlinico of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Michela Cozzolino
- Obstetrics Unit, Mother Infant Department, University Hospital Policlinico of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Tommaso Zini
- Pediatric Post-Graduate School, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Boncompagni
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Women's and Children's Health Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Iughetti
- Pediatric Post-Graduate School, Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Pediatric Unit, Women's and Children's Health Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesca Miselli
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Women's and Children's Health Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, Modena, Italy
| | - Licia Lugli
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Women's and Children's Health Department, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico, Modena, Italy
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Antibiotic spectrum index: A new tool comparing antibiotic use in three NICUs. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021; 43:1553-1557. [PMID: 34812135 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2021.467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibiotics are widely used in very low-birth-weight infants (VLBW, <1500 g), and excess exposure, particularly to broad-spectrum antibiotics, is associated with significant morbidity. An antibiotic spectrum index (ASI) quantifies antibiotic exposure by relative antimicrobial activity, adding information to exposure measured by days of therapy (DOT). We compared ASI and DOT across multiple centers to evaluate differences in antibiotic exposures. METHODS We extracted data from patients admitted to 3 level-4 NICUs for 2 years at 2 sites and for 1 year at a third site. We calculated the ASI per antibiotic days and DOT per patient days for all admitted VLBW infants <32 weeks gestational age. Clinical variables were compared as percentages or as days per 1,000 patient days. We used Kruskal-Wallis tests to compare continuous variables across the 3 sites. RESULTS Demographics were similar for the 734 VLBW infants included. The site with the highest DOT per patient days had the lowest ASI per antibiotic days and the site with the highest mortality and infection rates had the highest ASI per antibiotic days. Antibiotic utilization varied by center, particularly for choice of broad-spectrum coverage, although the organisms causing infection were similar. CONCLUSION An antibiotic spectrum index identified differences in prescribing practice patterns among 3 NICUs unique from those identified by standard antibiotic use metrics. Site differences in infection rates and unit practices or guidelines for prescribing antibiotics were reflected in the ASI. This comparison uncovered opportunities to improve antibiotic stewardship and demonstrates the utility of this metric for comparing antibiotic exposures among NICU populations.
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