Risk of Acute Kidney Injury Based on Vancomycin Target Trough Attainment Strategy: Area-Under-the-Curve-Guided Bayesian Software, Nomogram, or Trough-Guided Dosing

BACKGROUND

Guidelines support area-under-the-curve (AUC) monitoring for vancomycin dosing which may lower overall doses and reduce acute kidney injury (AKI).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare incidence of AKI across 3 vancomycin dosing modalities: AUC-targeted Bayesian pharmacokinetic software, AUC-targeted empiric dosing nomogram, and trough-guided dosing using clinical pharmacists' judgment.

METHODS

This retrospective study included adult patients with a pharmacy dosing consult who received ≥1 dose of vancomycin and ≥1 serum vancomycin level documented between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019. Patients with baseline serum creatinine ≥2 mg/dL, weight ≥100 kg, receiving renal replacement therapy, AKI prior to vancomycin therapy, or vancomycin ordered only for surgical prophylaxis were excluded. The primary analysis was incidence of AKI adjusted for baseline serum creatinine, age, and intensive care unit admission. A secondary outcome was adjusted incidence of an abnormal trough value (<10 or >20 μg/mL).

RESULTS

The study included 3459 encounters. Incidence of AKI was 21% for Bayesian software (n = 659), 22% for the nomogram (n = 303), and 32% for trough-guided dosing (n = 2497). Compared with trough-guided dosing, incidence of AKI was lower in the Bayesian (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.58-0.89) and the nomogram (adjusted OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.53-0.95) groups. Compared with trough-guided dosing, abnormal trough values were less common in the Bayesian group (adjusted OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.69-0.98).

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

Study results suggest that use of AUC-guided Bayesian software reduces the incidence of AKI and abnormal trough values compared with trough-guided dosing.

2013. Bloodstream Infections in Advanced Heart Failure Patients Requiring Prolonged Use of Axillary Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps - A Single Center Study

Background

Bloodstream infections (BSI) impact outcomes in critically ill patients. Institutions and quality and performance improvement efforts to minimize catheter associated infections are valued to optimize outcomes. While intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP) implanted through the axillary route have been recently used in cardiogenic shock patients for prolonged support, the incidence and associated significance of BSI remains unknown in this cohort. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of BSI in patients with axillary-placed IABP and evaluate its impact on patient outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 141 patients that underwent axillary IABP placement from May 2016 through August 2020. The primary endpoint was the incidence of BSI during axillary IABP, reported as the proportion of patients who developed a BSI and BSI per 1000-device days.

Results

BSI occurred in 13% of patients and accounted for 4.3 infections per 1000-device days. Prior femoral device use and longer duration of axillary IABP support occurred more frequently in the BSI cohort. Presence of traditional BSI risk factors including central line days, use of parenteral nutrition, and prior positive cultures did not differ between those who developed BSI and those who did not. The rate of end-outcome attainment (transplant, LVAD, recovery) was not statistically different in those that developed BSI vs not (72% vs 88% p=0.08). A total of 41% of BSI were caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis. Use of peri-procedural antimicrobials was associated with lower risk of BSI development (24% vs 8%; p=0.01)

Conclusion

Patients in cardiogenic shock requiring use of life-saving temporary mechanical support pose a challenge to maintain free of BSI during prolonged support with an indwelling catheter that allows for ambulation and movement. Mitigation of modifiable BSI risk factors, such as the use of peri-procedural antimicrobial prophylaxis, accompanied by a low threshold for screening and treatment are reasonable strategies to improve patient outcomes. Future research is needed to further evaluate BSI risk in this patient population and its subsequent impact on patient outcomes.

Disclosures

All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Real-world Assessment of 2879 COVID-19 Patients Treated With Monoclonal Antibody Therapy: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to spread globally and cause significant morbidity and mortality. Antispike protein monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy has been shown to prevent progression to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The objective of this study was to report the outcomes of high-risk, SARS-CoV-2-positive patients infused with 1 of the 3 mAb therapies available through Food and Drug Administration Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

Methods

A total of 4328 SARS-CoV-2-positive patients who satisfied EUA criteria for eligibility for receiving mAb therapy were infused with bamlanivimab or the combination therapies bamlanivimab-etesevimab or casirivimab-imdevimab from November 22, 2020, to May 31, 2021, at 6 infusion clinics and multiple emergency departments within the 8 Houston Methodist Hospitals in Houston, Texas. The primary outcome of hospital admission within 14 and 28 days postinfusion was assessed relative to a propensity score-matched cohort, matched based on age, race/ethnicity, median income by zip code, body mass index, comorbidities, and positive polymerase chain reaction date. Secondary outcomes included intensive care unit admission and mortality.

Results

A total of 2879 infused patients and matched controls were included in the analysis, including 1718 patients infused with bamlanivimab, 346 patients infused with bamlanivimab-etesevimab, and 815 patients infused with casirivimab-imdevimab. Hospital admission and mortality rates were significantly decreased overall in mAb-infused patients relative to matched controls. Among the infused cohort, those who received casirivimab-imdevimab had a significantly decreased rate of admission relative to the other 2 mAb therapy groups (adjusted risk ratio,0.51; P=.001).

Conclusions

Treatment with bamlanivimab, bamlanivimab-etesevimab, or casirivimab-imdevimab significantly decreased the number of patients who progressed to severe COVID-19 disease and required hospitalization.

Remdesivir Versus Standard-of-Care for Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection: An Analysis of 28-Day Mortality

Background

Remdesivir is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and has been shown to shorten time to recovery and improve clinical outcomes in randomized trials.

Methods

This was the final day 28 comparative analysis of data from a phase 3, randomized, open-label study comparing 2 remdesivir regimens (5 vs 10 days, combined for this analysis [remdesivir cohort]) and a real-world retrospective longitudinal cohort study of patients receiving standard-of-care treatment (nonremdesivir cohort). Eligible patients, aged ≥18 years, had confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), oxygen saturation ≤94% on room air or required supplemental oxygen, with pulmonary infiltrates. Propensity score matching (up to 1:10 ratio) was used to ensure comparable populations. We assessed day 14 clinical recovery (determined using a 7-point ordinal scale) and day 28 all-cause mortality (coprimary endpoints).

Results

A total of 368 (remdesivir) and 1399 (nonremdesivir) patients were included in the matched analysis. The day 14 clinical recovery rate was significantly higher among the remdesivir versus the nonremdesivir cohort (65.2% vs 57.1%; odds ratio [OR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–1.90; P = 0.002). The day 28 mortality rate was significantly lower in the remdesivir cohort versus the nonremdesivir cohort (12.0% vs 16.2%; OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.47–.95; P = .03).

Conclusions

Remdesivir was associated with significantly higher rates of day 14 clinical recovery, and lower day 28 mortality, compared with standard-of-care treatment in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. These data, taken together, support the use of remdesivir to improve clinical recovery and decrease mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Role of Rapid Diagnostics in Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Sepsis

Delayed administration of active anti-infective therapy is associated with increased rates of adverse events, mortality, and costs among sepsis patients. Inherent limitations of conventional culture identification methods and the lengthy turnaround time of antimicrobial susceptibility testing are significant barriers to the timely delivery of life-saving therapy, particularly among antibiotic-resistant infections. Culture-independent diagnostic techniques that detect pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes within clinical samples present a tremendous benefit to timely diagnosis and management of patients. Improved outcomes for rapid intervention with rapid diagnostics have been documented and include decreased mortality rates, decreased health care delivery costs, and faster delivery of appropriate therapeutics.

Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patients with Convalescent Plasma

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has spread globally, and no proven treatments are available. Convalescent plasma therapy has been used with varying degrees of success to treat severe microbial infections for >100 years. Patients (n = 25) with severe and/or life-threatening COVID-19 disease were enrolled at the Houston Methodist hospitals from March 28, 2020, to April 14, 2020. Patients were transfused with convalescent plasma, obtained from donors with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection who had recovered. The primary study outcome was safety, and the secondary outcome was clinical status at day 14 after transfusion. Clinical improvement was assessed on the basis of a modified World Health Organization six-point ordinal scale and laboratory parameters. Viral genome sequencing was performed on donor and recipient strains. At day 7 after transfusion with convalescent plasma, nine patients had at least a one-point improvement in clinical scale, and seven of those were discharged. By day 14 after transfusion, 19 (76%) patients had at least a one-point improvement in clinical status, and 11 were discharged. No adverse events as a result of plasma transfusion were observed. Whole genome sequencing data did not identify a strain genotype-disease severity correlation. The data indicate that administration of convalescent plasma is a safe treatment option for those with severe COVID-19 disease.

Remdesivir for Severe COVID-19 versus a Cohort Receiving Standard of Care

Background

We compared the efficacy of the antiviral agent, remdesivir, versus standard-of-care treatment in adults with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using data from a phase 3 remdesivir trial and a retrospective cohort of patients with severe COVID-19 treated with standard of care.

Methods

GS-US-540–5773 is an ongoing phase 3, randomized, open-label trial comparing two courses of remdesivir (remdesivir-cohort). GS-US-540–5807 is an ongoing real-world, retrospective cohort study of clinical outcomes in patients receiving standard-of-care treatment (non-remdesivir-cohort). Inclusion criteria were similar between studies: patients had confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, were hospitalized, had oxygen saturation ≤94% on room air or required supplemental oxygen, and had pulmonary infiltrates. Stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighted multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the treatment effect of remdesivir versus standard of care. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with recovery on day 14, dichotomized from a 7-point clinical status ordinal scale. A key secondary endpoint was mortality.

Results

After the inverse probability of treatment weighting procedure, 312 and 818 patients were counted in the remdesivir- and non-remdesivir-cohorts, respectively. At day 14, 74.4% of patients in the remdesivir-cohort had recovered versus 59.0% in the non-remdesivir-cohort (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.03: 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.34–3.08, P < .001). At day 14, 7.6% of patients in the remdesivir-cohort had died versus 12.5% in the non-remdesivir-cohort (aOR 0.38, 95% CI: .22–.68, P = .001).

Conclusions

In this comparative analysis, by day 14, remdesivir was associated with significantly greater recovery and 62% reduced odds of death versus standard-of-care treatment in patients with severe COVID-19.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT04292899 and EUPAS34303.

Treatment of COVID-19 Patients with Convalescent Plasma in Houston, Texas

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 disease, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread globally, and no proven treatments are available. Convalescent plasma therapy has been used with varying degrees of success to treat severe microbial infections for more than 100 years.

METHODS

Patients (n=25) with severe and/or life-threatening COVID-19 disease were enrolled at the Houston Methodist hospitals from March 28 to April 14, 2020. Patients were transfused with convalescent plasma obtained from donors with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and had been symptom free for 14 days. The primary study outcome was safety, and the secondary outcome was clinical status at day 14 post-transfusion. Clinical improvement was assessed based on a modified World Health Organization 6-point ordinal scale and laboratory parameters. Viral genome sequencing was performed on donor and recipient strains.

RESULTS

At baseline, all patients were receiving supportive care, including anti-inflammatory and anti-viral treatments, and all patients were on oxygen support. At day 7 post-transfusion with convalescent plasma, nine patients had at least a 1-point improvement in clinical scale, and seven of those were discharged. By day 14 post-transfusion, 19 (76%) patients had at least a 1-point improvement in clinical status and 11 were discharged. No adverse events as a result of plasma transfusion were observed. The whole genome sequencing data did not identify a strain genotype-disease severity correlation.

CONCLUSIONS

The data indicate that administration of convalescent plasma is a safe treatment option for those with severe COVID-19 disease. Randomized, controlled trials are needed to determine its efficacy.

Impact of Chlorhexidine Bathing on Antimicrobial Utilization in Surgical Intensive Care Unit

BACKGROUND

This secondary analysis compared antimicrobial utilization among surgical intensive care unit patients randomized to every other day chlorhexidine bathing (chlorhexidine) versus daily soap and water bathing (soap-and-water) using data from the CHlorhexidine Gluconate BATHing trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antimicrobial utilization was quantified using defined daily dose (DDD)/100 patient-days and agent-days/100 patient-days for systemic antimicrobials. Antivirals (except oseltamivir), antiparasitics, and prophylaxis agents were excluded. The 2018 anatomic therapeutic chemical/DDD index was used to calculate DDD. Agent-days were calculated as the sum of calendar days where antimicrobials were administered. Patient-days were defined as time patients were at risk for health care-acquired infections plus up to 14 d. Primary analyses were conducted using linear regression adjusted for baseline Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores.

RESULTS

Of 325 CHlorhexidine Gluconate BATHing trial patients, 312 (157 in soap-and-water and 155 in chlorhexidine) were included. The median (interquartile range) of total antimicrobial DDD/100 patient-days was 135.4 (75.2-231.8) for soap-and-water and 129.9 (49.2-215.3) for chlorhexidine. The median (interquartile range) of total antimicrobial agent-days/100 patient-days was 155.6 (83.3-243.2) for soap-and-water and 146.7 (66.7-217.4) for chlorhexidine. After adjusting for Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, chlorhexidine bathing was associated with a nonsignificant reduction in total antimicrobial DDD/100 patient-days (-3.9; 95% confidence interval, -33.9 to 26.1; P = 0.80) and total antimicrobial agent-days/100 patient-days (-10.3; 95% confidence interval, -34.7 to 14.1; P = 0.41).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with daily soap and water bathing, every other day chlorhexidine bathing did not significantly reduce total antimicrobial utilization in surgical intensive care unit patients.

1095. Prevalence and Characteristics of Self-Reported Antibiotic Allergies Across a Multi-Hospital Healthcare System

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Disclosures

1038. Impact of an Electronic Antibiotic Timeout on the Utilization of Frequently Prescribed Antibiotics in Hospitalized Patients

Background

Methods to operationalize antibiotic timeouts (ATO) among hospitalized patients are often constrained by the high volume of antibiotic orders that surpass the capabilities of the antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) to intervene. Houston Methodist Hospital implemented a streamlined electronic ATO process that alerted providers to evaluate the need for continued antibiotics on day 4 of predefined anti-infective therapy. Unresolved alerts were reviewed by clinical pharmacists the following day. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of this electronic ATO on frequently prescribed antibiotics.

Methods

This was a quasi-experimental study in a 924-bed quaternary care hospital comparing days of therapy (DOT) in patients admitted prior to (February 2017 – January 2018) and after implementing an ATO process (March 2018 – February 2019). Antibiotics evaluated included vancomycin, cefepime, piperacillin/tazobactam, and meropenem. ATO alert logic was simulated retrospectively to capture the pre-ATO cohort. The primary outcome was mean composite DOT per patient admission. Secondary outcomes included total hospitalization cost, Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) rates.

Results

A total of 8,458 patients met ATO alert criteria for inclusion in the pre-ATO timeframe and 6,901 patients with an ATO alert in the post-ATO group; 2,642 (38%) prompted a pharmacists’ review. The average composite DOT was 11.5 per admission in the pre-ATO cohort compared with 11.1 in the post-ATO cohort (P = 0.02). After multivariate linear regression, the ATO was significantly associated with a decrease of 0.5 DOT per patient admission (P < 0.001). Other factors associated with a reduction in DOT included age (P < 0.001), service line (P = 0.003), and admission source (P = 0.031). Mean hospital costs per admission were significantly reduced in the post-ATO group: $67,613 vs. $66,615 (P = 0.01). There was no difference in rates of CDI and MDRO.

Conclusion

Implementation of our electronic ATO process demonstrated significant reductions in overall DOT for frequently prescribed antibiotics and decreased total hospital costs across a diverse patient population. This process provides a real-world strategy to operationalize a large-scale ATO as an adjunct to an ASP.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

2261. Oral Fosfomycin for Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections Due to Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase and Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae

Background

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) pose a significant challenge due to limited treatment options. The objective of this study was to compare outcomes in patients treated with standard IV therapy or oral fosfomycin for ESBL and CRE UTIs.

Methods

Retrospective cohort review of inpatients diagnosed with ESBL and CRE UTIs between June 2016 and September 2017 at a seven-hospital system. Patients with polymicrobial UTI, bloodstream infections, additional anatomical site with ESBL/CRE, or those requiring renal replacement therapy were excluded. Only patients with documented fosfomycin susceptible isolates in vitro were included. Eligible patients were divided into two groups: standard IV therapy (SDTx) or fosfomycin therapy (FOS). FOS group could receive ≤72 hours of other active antibiotics from urine culture collection (UTI onset) to the first dose of fosfomycin. Quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) scores were calculated at UTI onset. The primary endpoint was functional cure defined as resolution of symptoms without microbiological failure. Microbiological failure was defined as a positive urine culture within the index hospitalization or 30 days.

Results

There were 70 patients included: 31 treated with SDTx and 39 with FOS. ESBL Echerichia coli was most common, accounting for 58% of UTIs in SDTx and 71.8% in FOS. ESBLs accounted for 71% (n = 22/31) of UTIs in SDTx and 89.7% (n = 35/39) in FOS. The overall qSOFA score was 0.7 (range, 0–3) with the majority of patients scoring < 2 (80.6% in SDTx vs. 92.3% in FOS; P = 0.29). There was no significant difference in functional cure rate (n = 30, 96.8% SDTx vs. n = 37, 94.9% FOS; P = 0.83). SDTx patients had a longer length of stay (15.3 days vs. 7.3 days with FOS; P = 0.04), duration of active therapy (7.6 days vs. 3 days with FOS; P < 0.0001), and time from UTI onset to discharge (10.3 days vs. 6.6 days with FOS; P = 0.002). There were no adverse drug events reported.

Conclusion

Oral fosfomycin was a safe and effective alternative to standard IV therapy for ESBL and CRE UTIs in this investigation and demonstrated similar functional cure rates. Additionally, patients treated with fosfomycin had shorter hospitalizations and durations of antibiotic therapy.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

Real-time Communication With Health Care Providers Through an Online Respiratory Pathogen Laboratory Report

We implemented a real-time report to distribute respiratory pathogen data for our 8-hospital system to anyone with an Internet connection and a web browser. Real-time access to accurate regional laboratory observation data during an epidemic influenza season can guide diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Multicentre derivation and validation of a simple predictive index for healthcare-associated Clostridium difficile infection

OBJECTIVES

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of healthcare-associated infections in the United States. Despite well-established risk factors, little research has focused on use of these variables to identify a patient population at high risk for CDI to target with primary prevention strategies. A predictive index for healthcare-associated CDI could improve clinical care and guide research for primary prevention trials. Our objective was to develop a predictive index to identify patients at high risk for healthcare-associated CDI.

METHODS

We performed a secondary database analysis in a five-hospital health system in Houston, Texas. Our cohort consisted of 97 130 hospitalized patients admitted for more than 48 hours between October 2014 and September 2016. The derivation cohort consisted of the initial 80% of admissions (75 545 patients), with the remainder being used in the validation cohort.

RESULTS

CDI rates in the derivation and validation cohorts were 1.55% and 1.43%, respectively. Thirty-day predictors of CDI were increased number of high-risk antibiotics, Charlson comorbidity index score, age and receipt of a proton pump inhibitor. These variables were incorporated into a simple risk index with a score range of 0 to 10. The final model demonstrated good discrimination and calibration with the observed CDI incidence ranging from 0.1% to 20.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a predictive index for 30-day risk of healthcare-associated CDI using readily available and clinically useful variables. This simple predictive risk index may be used to improve clinical decision making and resource allocation for CDI stewardship initiatives, and guide research design.

Longitudinal assessment of T cell inhibitory receptors in liver transplant recipients and their association with posttransplant infections

Current immunosuppression regimens in organ transplantation primarily inhibit T cells. However, T cells are also critical in protective immunity, especially in immune-compromised patients. In this study, we examined the association of T cell dysfunction, as marked by expression of T cell exhaustion molecules, and posttransplant infections in a cohort of liver transplant patients. We focused on Programmed Death 1 (PD-1) and T cell Ig- and mucin-domain molecule 3 (Tim-3), which are potent co-inhibitory receptors, and their persistent expression often leads to T cell dysfunction and compromised protective immunity. We found that patients with the highest expression of PD-1 +Tim-3+ T cells in the memory compartment before transplantation had increased incidence of infections after liver transplantation, especially within the first 90 days. Longitudinal analysis in the first year showed a strong association between variability of PD-1 and Tim-3 expression by T cells and infectious episodes in transplant patients. Furthermore, T cells that expressed PD-1 and Tim-3 had a significantly reduced capacity in producing interferon (IFN)-γ in vitro, and this reduced IFN-γ production could be partially reversed by blocking PD-1 and Tim-3. Interestingly, the percentage of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in liver transplant patients was stable in the study period. We concluded that the functional status of T cells before and after liver transplantation, as shown by PD-1 and Tim-3 expression, may be valuable in prognosis and management of posttransplant infections.

Significant Publications on Infectious Diseases Pharmacotherapy in 2016

PURPOSE

This is a summary of the most important articles on infectious diseases (ID) pharmacotherapy published in peer-reviewed literature in 2016 as selected by clinical pharmacists with ID expertise.

SUMMARY

The Houston Infectious Diseases Network (HIDN) was asked to identify articles published in peer-reviewed literature in 2016 that were believed to contribute significantly to ID pharmacotherapy, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). A list of 46 articles on general ID pharmacotherapy and 8 articles on HIV/AIDS were nominated. Members of the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP) were surveyed to select 10 general ID articles believed to have made a significant impact on general ID pharmacotherapy and 1 article most significant to HIV/AIDS pharmacotherapy. Of 445 SIDP members surveyed, 212 (47.6%) and 95 (21.3%) members voted for general ID pharmacotherapy- and HIV/AIDS-related articles, respectively. The 11 highest-ranked papers (10 general ID-related articles and 1 HIV/AIDS-related article) are summarized here.

CONCLUSION

With the large number of ID-related articles published each year, it can be challenging to stay current with the most relevant ID publications. This review of significant publications in 2016 may provide a starting point for that process.

Significant publications on infectious diseases pharmacotherapy in 2015

PURPOSE

The most important articles on infectious diseases (ID) pharmacotherapy published in the peer-reviewed literature in 2015, as nominated and selected by panels of pharmacists and others with ID expertise, are summarized.

SUMMARY

Members of the Houston Infectious Diseases Network were asked to nominate articles published in prominent peer-reviewed journals in 2015 that were thought to have a major impact in the field of ID pharmacotherapy. A list of 55 nominated articles on general ID-related topics and 10 articles specifically related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was compiled. In a national online survey, members of the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP) were asked to select from the list 10 general ID articles believed to have made a significant contribution to the field of ID pharmacotherapy and 1 article contributing to HIV/AIDS pharmacotherapy. Of the 361 SIDP members surveyed, 153 (42%) and 76 (21%) participated in the selection of general ID-related articles and HIV/AIDS-related articles, respectively. The 11 highest-ranked publications (10 general ID-related articles and 1 HIV/AIDS-related article) are summarized here.

CONCLUSION

With the growing number of significant ID-related publications each year, it can be challenging to stay current with the literature. This review of important ID pharmacotherapy publications in 2015 may be helpful in identifying key articles and lessening this burden.

Clinical pathway for moderate to severe acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections from a US perspective: a roundtable discussion

This article was written with the aim to establish a consensus clinical pathway for long-acting lipoglycopeptide antibiotics such as oritavancin (Orbactiv®) and dalbavancin (Dalvance®) for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). Seven infectious diseases pharmacy specialists from a variety of facilities across the United States (US) participated in a roundtable discussion to consider the use of newer single-dose long-acting lipoglycopeptides, and integrate them into clinical pathways for ABSSSI. They identified two ways of treating with these drugs: first, to facilitate discharge from the hospital by switching from initial therapy (e.g., with intravenous (IV) vancomycin) and second, to avoid hospital admission altogether, since the product can be administered in several outpatient settings of care including the emergency department (ED), observation unit (OU) or outpatient infusion center. The participants used existing literature on classification and treatment of ABSSSI and their experience in the clinical setting as bases for their discussion and came to a consensus on the considerations for patient inclusion and exclusion as well as a pathway for outpatient treatment with long-acting lipoglycopeptides. As a result of the discussion, we concluded that the current treatment paradigm for ABSSSI is ripe for re-evaluation and reconfiguration in order to more closely align with the changing healthcare landscape. Hospital stakeholders are constantly searching for new strategies that can improve quality of care while simultaneously reducing overall expenses. The availability of single-dose long-acting lipoglycopeptides is an opportunity to opt for lower-cost outpatient treatment of appropriate ABSSSI patients. This article proposes the inclusion and exclusion considerations, along with a consensus treatment pathway, that could provide a solid foundation for facilities to construct and adapt their own effective clinical pathways for ABSSSI.

Significant publications on infectious diseases pharmacotherapy in 2014

PURPOSE

The most important articles on infectious diseases (ID) pharmacotherapy published in the peer-reviewed literature in 2014, as nominated and selected by panels of pharmacists and others with ID expertise, are summarized.

SUMMARY

Members of the Houston Infectious Diseases Network were asked to nominate articles published in 2014 from prominent peer-reviewed journals that were felt to have a major impact in the field of ID pharmacotherapy. A list of 19 nominated articles on general ID-related topics and 9 articles specifically related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was compiled. In a national online survey, members of the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP) were asked to select from the list 10 general ID articles believed to have made a significant contribution to the field of ID pharmacotherapy and 1 article contributing to HIV/AIDS pharmacotherapy. Of the 291 SIDP members surveyed, 134 (46%) and 56 (19%) participated in the selection of general ID-related articles and HIV/AIDS-related articles, respectively. The 11 highest-ranked papers (10 general ID-related articles, 1 HIV/AIDS-related article) are summarized here.

CONCLUSION

With the vast number of articles published each year, it is difficult to remain up-to-date on current, significant ID pharmacotherapy publications. This review of significant publications in 2014 may be helpful by lessening this burden.

Significant publications on infectious diseases pharmacotherapy in 2013

PURPOSE

The most important articles on infectious diseases (ID) pharmacotherapy published in the peer-reviewed literature in 2013, as nominated and selected by panels of pharmacists and others with ID expertise, are summarized.

SUMMARY

Members of the Houston Infectious Diseases Network were asked to nominate articles published last year in prominent biomedical journals that had a major impact in the field of ID pharmacotherapy. A list of 27 nominated articles on ID-related topics in general and 26 articles specifically focused on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was compiled. In a national online survey conducted in January 2014, members of the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP) were asked to select from the list those articles that they felt had made the greatest contributions to the field of ID pharmacotherapy. Of 168 SIDP members surveyed, 108 (64%) and 53 (32%) participated in the selection of ID- and HIV/AIDS-related articles, respectively. Summaries of the top-ranked articles in both categories are presented.

CONCLUSION

Major topics explored in the top-ranked ID articles of 2013 include the use of cefepime for gram-negative infections due to AmpC or extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, optimizing antibiotic therapy through the use of extended- or continuous-infusion regimens, the use of the oral integrase inhibitor dolutegravir to combat HIV disease, and new approaches to treatment of Clostridium difficile infection and enterococcal endocarditis.

PBP2a mutations causing high-level Ceftaroline resistance in clinical methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates

Ceftaroline is the first member of a novel class of cephalosporins approved for use in the United States. Although prior studies have identified eight ceftaroline-resistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates in Europe and Asia with MICs ranging from 4 to 8 mg/liter, high-level resistance to ceftaroline (>32 mg/liter) has not been described in MRSA strains isolated in the United States. We isolated a ceftaroline-resistant (MIC > 32 mg/liter) MRSA strain from the blood of a cystic fibrosis patient and five MRSA strains from the respiratory tract of this patient. Whole-genome sequencing identified two amino acid-altering mutations uniquely present in the ceftaroline-binding pocket of the transpeptidase region of penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a) in ceftaroline-resistant isolates. Biochemical analyses and the study of isogenic mutant strains confirmed that these changes caused ceftaroline resistance. Thus, we identified the molecular mechanism of ceftaroline resistance in the first MRSA strain with high-level ceftaroline resistance isolated in the United States.

Significant publications on infectious diseases pharmacotherapy in 2012

PURPOSE

The most important articles pertaining to infectious diseases (ID) pharmacotherapy published in 2012, as nominated and ranked by panels of pharmacists and physicians with ID expertise, are summarized.

SUMMARY

Members of the Houston Infectious Diseases Network were asked to nominate articles on ID research published in prominent peer-reviewed journals during the period January 1-December 31, 2012, with a major impact in the field of ID pharmacotherapy. A list of 42 nominated articles on general ID-related topics and 8 articles pertaining to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was compiled. In a survey conducted in January 2013, members of the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP) were asked to select from the list 10 general ID articles and 1 HIV/AIDS-related article that they considered to be the most important. Of the 180 SIDP members surveyed, 100 (55%) and 44 (24%) participated in ranking the general ID and HIV/AIDS-related articles, respectively. Summaries of the highest-ranked articles in both categories are presented here.

CONCLUSION

With the volume of published ID-related research growing each year, both ID specialists and nonspecialists are challenged to stay current with the literature. Key ID-related publications in 2012 included updated recommendations on management of diabetic foot infections, articles on promising approaches to prevention and early treatment of HIV disease, and reports on developments in research on pharmacotherapies for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and Klebsiella pneumoniae infections.

Integrating rapid pathogen identification and antimicrobial stewardship significantly decreases hospital costs

CONTEXT

Early diagnosis of gram-negative bloodstream infections, prompt identification of the infecting organism, and appropriate antibiotic therapy improve patient care outcomes and decrease health care expenditures. In an era of increasing antimicrobial resistance, methods to acquire and rapidly translate critical results into timely therapies for gram-negative bloodstream infections are needed.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether mass spectrometry technology coupled with antimicrobial stewardship provides a substantially improved alternative to conventional laboratory methods.

DESIGN

An evidence-based intervention that integrated matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and near-real-time antimicrobial stewardship practices was implemented. Outcomes in patients hospitalized prior to initiation of the study intervention were compared to those in patients treated after implementation. Differences in length of hospitalization and hospital costs were assessed in survivors.

RESULTS

The mean hospital length of stay in the preintervention group survivors (n = 100) was 11.9 versus 9.3 days in the intervention group (n = 101; P = .01). After multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with decreased length of hospitalization included the intervention (hazard ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.88) and active therapy at 48 hours (hazard ratio, 2.9; confidence interval, 1.15-7.33). Mean hospital costs per patient were $45 709 in the preintervention group and $26 162 in the intervention group (P = .009).

CONCLUSIONS

Integration of rapid identification and susceptibility techniques with antimicrobial stewardship significantly improved time to optimal therapy, and it decreased hospital length of stay and total costs. This innovative strategy has ramifications for other areas of patient care.

Severity of disease correlated with fever reduction in febrile infants

A prospective study of the effects of fever reduction on the clinical appearance of infants at risk for occult bacteremia was undertaken to study the hypothesis that infants with bacteremic illness fail to improve clinically following defervescence compared with infants with benign viral illness. A total of 154 children were enrolled in the study, including 19 with bacteremia: 13 with occult Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia, two with occult Haemophilus influenzae, type b bacteremia, and four with Haemophilus meningitis and bacteremia. There were no differences in degree of temperature reduction with acetaminophen between the bacteremic and nonbacteremic groups of infants. Among infants with bacteremia but without meningitis, differences from nonbacteremic children were detected in clinical appearance prior to fever reduction but not following defervescence. All patients with meningitis appeared seriously ill before and after defervescence. It was concluded that clinical improvement with defervescence is not a reliable indicator of the presence of occult bacteremia. Lack of clinical improvement with defervescence may be a reliable indicator for the presence of meningitis. Because there were differences in clinical appearance prior to fever reduction, routine administration of acetaminophen may interfere with the clinical evaluation by the physician.