Current management of bloodstream infections

Impact of Implementing an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program for Optimizing Antibiotic Treatment in Gram-negative Bacilli Bacteremia

BACKGROUND

Antibiotic Stewardship Programs (ASP) have improved empirical and directed antibiotic treatment in Gram-negative Bacilli (GNB) bloodstream infections. A decrease in mortality, readmission, and length of hospitalization has been reported.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A pre-post-quasi-experimental study was conducted between November and April 2015-2016 (pre-intervention period), 2016-2017, 2017-2018, and 2018-2019 (post-intervention periods), to analyse the impact of ASP on empirical, directed, and entire treatment optimization, as well as mortality, readmission, and length of hospitalization, in hospitalized patients with Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) bloodstream infections.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-four patients were included (41 in the pre-intervention group, 38 in the first-year post-intervention group, 50 in the second-year post-intervention group, and 45 in the third-year post-intervention group). There was a significant improvement in directed treatment optimization (43.9% in the pre-intervention group, 68.4% in the first-year post-intervention group, 74% in the second-year post-intervention group, and 88.9% in the third-year post-intervention group, P <0.001), as well as in entire treatment optimization (19.5%, 34.2%, 40.0%, and 46.7%, respectively, P=0.013), with increased optimal directed (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.60-8.58) and entire treatment (aOR, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.27-8.58). Although a tendency toward improvement was observed in empirical treatment after ASP implementation, it did not reach statistical significance (41.5% vs. 57.9%, P=0.065). No changes in mortality, readmission, or length of hospitalization were detected.

CONCLUSION

ASP implementation improved both directed and entire treatment optimization in patients with GNB bloodstream infections over time. Nevertheless, no improvement was found in clinical outcomes such as mortality, readmission, or length of hospitalization.

Characterization of the Pathogen Distribution and Drug Resistance in Bloodstream Infections During COVID-19 Pandemic in a Tertiary Hospital in Eastern China: Comparison with the Pre-Pandemic Period

Purpose

To explore the characteristics of the pathogen distribution and drug resistance in bloodstream infections (BSIs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary hospital in eastern China, and to compare them with those before the pandemic.

Patients and Methods

Non-repetitive strain data of BSIs were retrospectively obtained before the COVID-19 pandemic (Pre-Pandemic, n=2698) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (Pandemic, n=2922), the distribution of pathogens and drug resistance were compared between the two groups.

Results

The main pathogens of BSIs were Gram-negative bacteria (57.91%), followed by Gram-positive bacteria (32.58%), fungi and anaerobic bacteria accounting for 5.48% and 3.39%, respectively. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus were the top 3 isolates. The proportion of Serratia marcescens, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis and Candida tropicalis were significantly increased, while those of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus pneumoniae were significantly decreased when compared to the Pre-Pandemic (P<0.05). Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) significantly elevated during the Pandemic (17.4% vs 14.4%, P=0.041); the detection of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) significantly ascended (39.0% vs 24.4%, P=0.016); and the proportion of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) maintained stable (78.8%). Gram-positive bacteria had the lowest resistance to linezolid, vancomycin and tigecycline, which remained a stable trend with the Pre-Pandemic (<5.0%). The isolate rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) were 38.9% and 1.0%, respectively. Staphylococcus aureus showed a decrease in the isolation rate of vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≤ 0.5 μg/mL (χ2=7.676, P=0.006) and an increase with vancomycin MIC=1 μg/mL (χ2=9.008, P=0.003).

Conclusion

The pathogen distribution and drug resistance of BSIs during the COVID-19 pandemic were transformed from Pre-Pandemic and accompanied by increasing bacterial resistance. Clinical management of antibiotic application and infection control should be strengthened.

A multicenter investigation of 2,773 cases of bloodstream infections based on China antimicrobial surveillance network (CHINET)

Background

Bloodstream infections (BSIs), especially hospital-acquired BSIs, are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. However, the details about the pathogens and antimicrobial resistance profile of BSIs across China are still lacking.

Methods

An investigation was conducted in 10 large teaching hospitals from seven geographic regions across China in 2016 based on China Antimicrobial Surveillance Network (CHINET) to profile the clinical and etiological features of BSIs.

Results

A total of 2,773 cases of BSIs were identified, a majority (97.3%) of which were monomicrobial. Overall, 38.4% (1,065/2,773) were community-acquired BSIs (CABSIs), and 61.6% (1,708/2,773) were hospital-acquired BSIs (HABSIs). Of the 2,861 pathogenic BSI isolates, 67.5% were Gram-negative bacteria, 29.6% were Gram-positive bacteria, and 2.9% were fungi. The top BSI pathogens were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CNS), Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococci, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Escherichia coli and K. pneumoniae isolates showed low susceptibility to penicillins, cephalosporins (except ceftazidime and cefepime), and ampicillin-sulbactam (13.1%-43.4% susceptible); moderate susceptibility (about 60% susceptible) to ceftazidime, cefepime, and aztreonam; and high susceptibility (>90%) to β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations other than ampicillin-sulbactam, except K. pneumoniae strains to piperacillin-tazobactam (59.2% susceptible). HABSIs were associated with significantly higher prevalence of carbapenem-resistant and extended-spectrum β-lactamases-producing K. pneumoniae, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, methicillin-resistant CNS, and ampicillin-resistant Enterococci than CABSIs. Overall, 42.0% of the BSI due to S. aureus strains were resistant to methicillin.

Conclusions

The findings about BSIs in teaching hospitals across China add more scientific evidence to inform the appropriate management of the disease.

Evaluation of Rapid Immunochromatographic Tests for the Direct Detection of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases and Carbapenemases in Enterobacterales Isolated from Positive Blood Cultures

NG-Test CTX-M MULTI and NG-Test Carba 5 (NG Biotech) are two rapid in vitro immunochromatographic assays that are widely used for the detection of the most common extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and carbapenemases in Enterobacterales. ESBL and carbapenemases are leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and their rapid detection from positive blood cultures is crucial for early initiation of effective antimicrobial therapy in bloodstream infections (BSI) involving antibiotic-resistant organisms. In this study, we developed a rapid workflow for positive blood cultures for direct identification of Enterobacterales by MALDI-TOF mass-spectrometry, followed by detection of ESBL and carbapenemases using NG-Test CTX-M MULTI and NG-Test Carba 5 (NG Biotech). The workflow was evaluated using Enterobacterales isolates (n = 114), primarily Klebsiella species (n = 50) and Escherichia coli (n = 40). Compared to the standard testing approach in our institution using BD Phoenix, our new testing approach demonstrates 100% sensitivity and specificity for organism identification and detection of ESBL and carbapenemases. Implementation of a rapid workflow in diagnostic microbiology laboratories will enable more effective antimicrobial management of patients with BSI due to ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales.

IMPORTANCE The incidence of bloodstream infections (BSI) with extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing and carbapenemase producing Enterobacterales (CPE) is increasing at an alarming rate, for which only limited therapeutic options remain available. Rapid identification of these bacteria along with their antibiotic resistance mechanisms in positive blood cultures with Gram-negative bacteria will allow for early initiation of effective therapy and limit the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics in BSI (1). In this study we evaluated a combined approach of testing positive blood cultures directly, using MALDI-TOF MS followed by rapid immunochromatographic tests, for the detection of ESBLs and CPEs. Our approach demonstrates 100% sensitivity and specificity for the identification of Enterobacterales and detection of ESBLs and CPEs in positive blood culture with a turnaround time (TAT) of ≤60 min compared to a TAT of 48 h required by conventional culture and susceptibility testing methods.

Revisiting the epidemiology of bloodstream infections and healthcare-associated episodes: results from a multicentre prospective cohort in Spain (PRO-BAC Study)

The epidemiology of bloodstream infections (BSIs) is dynamic as it depends on microbiological, host and healthcare system factors. The aim of this study was to update the information regarding the epidemiology of BSIs in Spain considering the type of acquisition. An observational, prospective cohort study in 26 Spanish hospitals from October 2016 through March 2017 including all episodes of BSI in adults was performed. Bivariate analyses stratified by type of acquisition were performed. Multivariate analyses were performed by logistic regression. Overall, 6345 BSI episodes were included; 2510 (39.8%) were community-acquired (CA), 1661 (26.3%) were healthcare-associated (HCA) and 2056 (32.6%) hospital-acquired (HA). The 30-day mortality rates were 11.6%, 19.5% and 22.0%, respectively. The median age of patients was 71 years (interquartile range 60-81 years) and 3656 (58.3%; 95% confidence interval 57.1-59.6%) occurred in males. The proportions according to patient sex varied according to age strata. Escherichia coli (43.8%), Klebsiella spp. (8.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (8.9%) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (7.4%) were the most frequent pathogens. Multivariate analyses confirmed important differences between CA and HCA episodes, but also between HCA and HA episodes, in demographics, underlying conditions and aetiology. In conclusion, we have updated the epidemiological information regarding patients' profiles, underlying conditions, frequency of acquisition types and aetiological agents of BSI in Spain. HCA is confirmed as a distinct type of acquisition.

Quality of care indicators in the MAnageMent of BlOOdstream infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae (MAMBOO-E study): state of the art and research agenda

OBJECTIVES

The impact on outcome of five interventions was reviewed in order to investigate the state of the art for management of Enterobacteriaceae bloodstream infection (E-BSI).

METHODS

We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies published from January 2008 to March 2019 in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. Populations consisted of patients with E-BSI. Interventions were as follows: (i) performance of imaging to assess BSI source and/or complications; (ii) follow-up blood cultures (FU-BCs); (iii) use of loading dose followed by extended/continuous infusion (E/CI) of β-lactams; (iv) duration of treatment (short- versus long-term); and (v) infectious diseases (ID) consultation. Patients without intervention were considered as controls. The main outcome was 30-day mortality. RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools were used for bias assessment.

RESULTS

No study was eligible for interventions i, iii and v. For FU-BCs, one observational study including 901 patients with E-BSI was considered. Intervention consisted of repeating BCs within 2-7 days after index BCs. All-cause 30-day mortality was 14.2% (35/247) in the intervention group versus 14.7% (96/654) in the control group. For short treatment duration, two RCTs and six observational studies were included comprising 4473 patients with E-BSI. All-cause mortality was similar in the short and long treatment groups (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.83-1.44).

CONCLUSION

Of the assessed interventions, only short treatment duration in non-immunocompromised patients with E-BSI is supported by current data. Studies investigating the use of systematic imaging, FU-BCs, E/CI β-lactams and ID consultation in patients with E-BSI are needed.

Impact of infectious diseases consultation on the outcome of patients with bacteraemia

Bacteraemia or bloodstream infections (BSI) are associated with much morbidity and mortality. Management of patients with bacteraemia is complex, and the increase in immunosuppressed patients and multidrug-resistant organisms poses additional challenges. The objective of this review is to assess the available published information about the impact of different aspects of management on the outcome of patients with BSI, and, specifically, the importance of infectious diseases specialists (IDS) consultation. The impact of management by IDS on different aspects, including interpretation of newer rapid techniques, early evaluation and treatment, and follow up, are reviewed. Overall, the available data suggest that IDS intervention improves the management and outcome of patients with BSI, either through consultation or structured unsolicited interventions in the context of multidisciplinary bacteraemia programmes.

Treatment duration for Escherichia coli bloodstream infection and outcomes: retrospective single-centre study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the impact of treatment duration on mortality and on relapse in patients with Escherichia coli bloodstream infection (BSI).

METHODS

Retrospective single-centre study of patients diagnosed with E. coli BSI at our centre over a 4-year period.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

age <18 years, clinical data not available, polymicrobial BSI, failure to receive in vitro active therapy, and death while receiving antibiotic therapy. Exposure variable was treatment duration dichotomized into short (≤10 days) and long (>10 days) therapy. Primary end point was all-cause mortality within 90 days after index BSI. Secondary end point was relapse, defined as repeat isolation of E. coli from blood cultures within 90 days after index BSI, in patients with documented clinical cure and completion of therapy for the initial episode.

RESULTS

Of the 856 analysed patients: 426 received short and 430 received long therapy. All-cause mortality at day 90 occurred in 47 patients; on multivariate analysis, short therapy was not associated with a higher risk of mortality, also after adjusting the model for the propensity score of receiving short therapy. Relapse occurred in 42 patients. Independent risk factors for relapse using death as competing risk were immunosuppression (subhazard ratio 4.67, p < 0.001), and end-stage liver disease (subhazard ratio 2.58, p 0.013). The propensity-weighted estimation of the average treatment effect for relapse reduction with long therapy (>10 days) was -1.6% (p 0.26) in the total population, and -7.1% (p 0.18) in immunocompromised patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We could not identify shorter treatment duration as a risk factor for mortality and for relapse in patients with E. coli BSI.

Epidemiology and management of healthcare-associated bloodstream infections in non-neutropenic immunosuppressed patients: a review of the literature

Advancements in medicine have led to a considerable increase in the proportion of patients living with severe chronic diseases, malignancies, and HIV infections. Most of these conditions are associated with acquired immune-deficient states and treatment-related immunosuppression. Although infections as a result of neutropenia have long been recognized and strategies for management were developed, non-neutropenic immunosuppression has been overlooked. Recently, community-acquired infections in patients with frequent, significant exposure to healthcare settings and procedures have been classified as 'healthcare-associated infections' since they are more similar to hospital-acquired infections. Most of the non-neutropenic immunosuppressed patients have frequent contact with the healthcare system due to their chronic and severe diseases. In this review, we focus on the healthcare-associated bloodstream infections in the most common non-neutropenic immunosuppressive states and provide an update of the recent evidence for the management of these infections.

Development and validation of the INCREMENT-ESBL predictive score for mortality in patients with bloodstream infections due to extended-spectrum-β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae

Background

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) due to ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) are frequent yet outcome prediction rules for clinical use have not been developed. The objective was to define and validate a predictive risk score for 30 day mortality.

Methods

A multinational retrospective cohort study including consecutive episodes of BSI due to ESBL-E was performed; cases were randomly assigned to a derivation cohort (DC) or a validation cohort (VC). The main outcome variable was all-cause 30 day mortality. A predictive score was developed using logistic regression coefficients for the DC, then tested in the VC.

Results

The DC and VC included 622 and 328 episodes, respectively. The final multivariate logistic regression model for mortality in the DC included age >50 years (OR = 2.63; 95% CI: 1.18-5.85; 3 points), infection due to Klebsiella spp. (OR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.21-3.58; 2 points), source other than urinary tract (OR = 3.6; 95% CI: 2.02-6.44; 3 points), fatal underlying disease (OR = 3.91; 95% CI: 2.24-6.80; 4 points), Pitt score >3 (OR = 3.04; 95 CI: 1.69-5.47; 3 points), severe sepsis or septic shock at presentation (OR = 4.8; 95% CI: 2.72-8.46; 4 points) and inappropriate early targeted therapy (OR = 2.47; 95% CI: 1.58-4.63; 2 points). The score showed an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.85 in the DC and 0.82 in the VC. Mortality rates for patients with scores of < 11 and ≥11 were 5.6% and 45.9%, respectively, in the DC, and 5.4% and 34.8% in the VC.

Conclusions

We developed and validated an easy-to-collect predictive scoring model for all-cause 30 day mortality useful for identifying patients at high and low risk of mortality.

Association between chronic hemodialysis and bloodstream infections caused by chromosomally mediated AmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae

BACKGROUND

The combination of inherent antimicrobial resistance and high mortality after bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by chromosomally mediated AmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CAE) emphasizes the importance of identifying patients at risk of BSI because of these bacteria. This retrospective case-control study examines chronic hemodialysis among other risk factors for BSI caused by CAE.

METHODS

Hospitalized adults with Enterobacteriaceae BSI from January 1, 2010-June 30, 2014, at 2 large community hospitals in the Southeastern United States were identified. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine risk factors for CAE BSI.

RESULTS

Among 831 Enterobacteriaceae bloodstream isolates, 106 (13%) met the phenotypic definition of CAE. Enterobacter spp accounted for 47% (50/106) of CAE BSIs. Chronic hemodialysis was an independent risk factor for CAE BSI (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-4.44). Other predictors of CAE BSI included nosocomial acquisition (aOR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.02-2.87) and exposure to β-lactam antibiotics within the last 30 days (aOR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.37-4.14).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate an increased risk of CAE BSI in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing chronic hemodialysis. This highlights the importance of effective infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship interventions in hemodialysis clinics. Further studies to examine the impact of antibiotics on intestinal microbiota and rates of CAE colonization in this patient population are warranted.

Diagnosis and treatment of bacteremia and endocarditis due to Staphylococcus aureus. A clinical guideline from the Spanish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (SEIMC)

Both bacteremia and infective endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus aureus are common and severe diseases. The prognosis may darken not infrequently, especially in the presence of intracardiac devices or methicillin-resistance. Indeed, the optimization of the antimicrobial therapy is a key step in the outcome of these infections. The high rates of treatment failure and the increasing interest in the influence of vancomycin susceptibility in the outcome of infections caused by both methicillin-susceptible and -resistant isolates has led to the research of novel therapeutic schemes. Specifically, the interest raised in recent years on the new antimicrobials with activity against methicillin-resistant staphylococci has been also extended to infections caused by susceptible strains, which still carry the most important burden of infection. Recent clinical and experimental research has focused in the activity of new combinations of antimicrobials, their indication and role still being debatable. Also, the impact of an appropriate empirical antimicrobial treatment has acquired relevance in recent years. Finally, it is noteworthy the impact of the implementation of a systematic bundle of measures for improving the outcome. The aim of this clinical guideline is to provide an ensemble of recommendations in order to improve the treatment and prognosis of bacteremia and infective endocarditis caused by S. aureus, in accordance to the latest evidence published.

How to assist clinicians in improving antimicrobial prescribing: tools and interventions provided by stewardship programs

In the last decade, there has been an exponential increase in the microorganisms resistant to antimicrobials and a significant increase in the cost of these types of drugs. This phenomenon has increased interest in the development of interventions for counseling on and control of the use of antimicrobials, referred to as stewardship programs. In this article we review, from various points of view, the tools that have been developed with this purpose. First, we highlight the value of locally adapted guidelines and clinical pathways as an essential part of the operational process. Then we emphasize the importance of the relationship between microbiologists and clinicians for the accurate transmission of the information provided by blood cultures to make the most appropriate choice of antimicrobial for the patient's treatment. We also review the computerized tools that have facilitated the correct use of antimicrobials according to the controls established by the departments of pharmacy. Based on the previous tools, some programs based on "bedside recommendations" provided by multidisciplinary teams have been developed for optimizing the rational use of antimicrobials (PROA programs). Finally, we comment on the peculiarities of the programs targeting antifungals that have been developed in recent years.

Monitoring infection: from blood culture to polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

In patients with sepsis, diagnosis of blood stream infection (BSI) is a key concern to the therapist. Direct verification of pathogens in the blood stream executed by blood cultures (BC) still is regarded as the gold standard up to date. The quickest possible initiation of an appropriate antimicrobial therapy is a cornerstone of an effective therapy. Moreover, in this view BC can also serve to identify antimicrobial agents to target the pathogen. However, when employing BC the time needed until microbiological results are available ranges from 24 up to 72 h. Moreover, infections caused by multiple pathogens often remain undetected and concurrent antibiotic therapy may lower the overall sensitivity. Alternative pathogen characterization can be performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based amplification methods. Results using PCR can be obtained within 6-8 h. Therefore, the time delay until an appropriate therapy can be reduced enormously. Moreover, these methods have the potential to enhance the sensitivity in the diagnosis of blood stream infections. Therefore, PCR based methods might be a valuable adjunct to present procedures of diagnosing bacteraemia.

Effect of statin therapy in the outcome of bloodstream infections due to Staphylococcus aureus: a prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Statins have pleiotropic effects that could influence the prevention and outcome of some infectious diseases. There is no information about their specific effect on Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB).

METHODS

A prospective cohort study including all SAB diagnosed in patients aged ≥18 years admitted to a 950-bed tertiary hospital from March 2008 to January 2011 was performed. The main outcome variable was 14-day mortality, and the secondary outcome variables were 30-day mortality, persistent bacteremia (PB) and presence of severe sepsis or septic shock at diagnosis of SAB. The effect of statin therapy at the onset of SAB was studied by multivariate logistic regression and Cox regression analysis, including a propensity score for statin therapy.

RESULTS

We included 160 episodes. Thirty-three patients (21.3%) were receiving statins at the onset of SAB. 14-day mortality was 21.3%. After adjustment for age, Charlson index, Pitt score, adequate management, and high risk source, statin therapy had a protective effect on 14-day mortality (adjusted OR = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01-0.66; p = 0.02), and PB (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.27-1.00; p = 0.05) although the effect was not significant on 30-day mortality (OR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.10-1.23; p = 0.10) or presentation with severe sepsis or septic shock (adjusted OR = 0.89; CI 95%: 0.27-2.94; p = 0.8). An effect on 30-day mortality could neither be demonstrated on Cox analysis (adjusted HR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.19-1.29; p = 0.15).

CONCLUSIONS

Statin treatment in patients with SAB was associated with lower early mortality and PB. Randomized studies are necessary to identify the role of statins in the treatment of patients with SAB.

Impact of an evidence-based bundle intervention in the quality-of-care management and outcome of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia

BACKGROUND

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Several aspects of clinical management have been shown to have significant impact on prognosis. The objective of the study was to identify evidence-based quality-of-care indicators (QCIs) for the management of SAB, and to evaluate the impact of a QCI-based bundle on the management and prognosis of SAB.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature to identify QCIs in the management of SAB was performed. Then, the impact of a bundle including selected QCIs was evaluated in a quasi-experimental study in 12 tertiary Spanish hospitals. The main and secondary outcome variables were adherence to QCIs and mortality. Specific structured individualized written recommendations on 6 selected evidence-based QCIs for the management of SAB were provided.

RESULTS

A total of 287 and 221 patients were included in the preintervention and intervention periods, respectively. After controlling for potential confounders, the intervention was independently associated with improved adherence to follow-up blood cultures (odds ratio [OR], 2.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.78-4.49), early source control (OR, 4.56; 95% CI, 2.12-9.79), early intravenous cloxacillin for methicillin-susceptible isolates (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.15-2.78), and appropriate duration of therapy (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.24-3.64). The intervention was independently associated with a decrease in 14-day and 30-day mortality (OR, 0.47; 95% CI, .26-.85 and OR, 0.56; 95% CI, .34-.93, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A bundle orientated to improving adherence to evidence-based QCIs improved the management of patients with SAB and was associated with reduced mortality.

[Programs for optimizing the use of antibiotics (PROA) in Spanish hospitals: GEIH-SEIMC, SEFH and SEMPSPH consensus document]

The antimicrobial agents are unique drugs for several reasons. First, their efficacy is higher than other drugs in terms of reduction of morbidity and mortality. Also, antibiotics are the only group of drugs associated with ecological effects, because their administration may contribute to the emergence and spread of microbial resistance. Finally, they are used by almost all medical specialties. Appropriate use of antimicrobials is very complex because of the important advances in the management of infectious diseases and the spread of antibiotic resistance. Thus, the implementation of programs for optimizing the use of antibiotics in hospitals (called PROA in this document) is necessary. This consensus document defines the objectives of the PROA (namely, to improve the clinical results of patients with infections, to minimise the adverse events associated to the use of antimicrobials including the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance, and to ensure the use of the most cost-efficacious treatments), and provides recommendations for the implementation of these programs in Spanish hospitals. The key aspects of the recommendations are as follows. Multidisciplinary antibiotic teams should be formed, under the auspices of the Infection Committees. The PROA need to be considered as part of institutional programs and the strategic objectives of the hospital. The PROA should include specific objectives based on measurable indicators, and activities aimed at improving the use of antimicrobials, mainly through educational activities and interventions based more on training activities directed to prescribers than just on restrictive measures.

Impact of inadequate empirical therapy on the mortality of patients with bloodstream infections: a propensity score-based analysis

The impact of the adequacy of empirical therapy on outcome for patients with bloodstream infections (BSI) is key for determining whether adequate empirical coverage should be prioritized over other, more conservative approaches. Recent systematic reviews outlined the need for new studies in the field, using improved methodologies. We assessed the impact of inadequate empirical treatment on the mortality of patients with BSI in the present-day context, incorporating recent methodological recommendations. A prospective multicenter cohort including all BSI episodes in adult patients was performed in 15 hospitals in Andalucía, Spain, over a 2-month period in 2006 to 2007. The main outcome variables were 14- and 30-day mortality. Adjusted analyses were performed by multivariate analysis and propensity score-based matching. Eight hundred one episodes were included. Inadequate empirical therapy was administered in 199 (24.8%) episodes; mortality at days 14 and 30 was 18.55% and 22.6%, respectively. After controlling for age, Charlson index, Pitt score, neutropenia, source, etiology, and presentation with severe sepsis or shock, inadequate empirical treatment was associated with increased mortality at days 14 and 30 (odds ratios [ORs], 2.12 and 1.56; 95% confidence intervals [95% CI], 1.34 to 3.34 and 1.01 to 2.40, respectively). The adjusted ORs after a propensity score-based matched analysis were 3.03 and 1.70 (95% CI, 1.60 to 5.74 and 0.98 to 2.98, respectively). In conclusion, inadequate empirical therapy is independently associated with increased mortality in patients with BSI. Programs to improve the quality of empirical therapy in patients with suspicion of BSI and optimization of definitive therapy should be implemented.

Impact of healthcare-associated acquisition on community-onset Gram-negative bloodstream infection: a population-based study: healthcare-associated Gram-negative BSI

We performed a population-based study to examine the influence of healthcare-associated acquisition on pathogen distribution, antimicrobial resistance, short- and long-term mortality of community-onset Gram-negative bloodstream infections (BSI). We identified 733 unique patients with community-onset Gram-negative BSI (306 healthcare-associated and 427 community-acquired) among Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2007. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between healthcare-associated acquisition and microbiological etiology and antimicrobial resistance. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the influence of the site of acquisition on mortality. Healthcare-associated acquisition was predictive of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (odds ratio [OR] 3.14, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.59-6.57) and the group of Enterobacter, Citrobacter, and Serratia species (OR 2.23, 95% CI: 1.21-4.21) as causative pathogens of community-onset Gram-negative BSI. Healthcare-associated acquisition was also predictive of fluoroquinolone resistance among community-onset Gram-negative bloodstream isolates (OR 2.27, 95% CI: 1.18-4.53). Healthcare-associated acquisition of BSI was independently associated with higher 28-day (hazard ratio [HR] 3.73, 95% CI: 2.13-6.93) and 1-year mortality (HR 3.60, 95% CI: 2.57-5.15). Because of differences in pathogen distribution, antimicrobial resistance, and outcomes between healthcare-associated and community-acquired Gram-negative BSI, identification of patients with healthcare-associated acquisition of BSI is essential to optimize empiric antimicrobial therapy.