Systemic Absorption Resulting from Tobramycin-Loaded Antibiotic Cement Spacers Used in the Treatment of Prosthetic Joint Infection.

Purpose: Antimicrobial cement spacer (ACS) placement has been a cornerstone of two-stage management of prosthetic hip and knee infection. Pharmacokinetic modelling has described peak systemic antibiotic concentrations within the first 24-48 h post-operatively, followed by rapid clearance. A few studies have, however, identified detectable tobramycin levels in patients with a post-operative decline in creatinine clearance. Our study sought to determine how frequently detectable serum tobramycin levels occurred within the first 72 h following ACS placement in all patients regardless of baseline or subsequent changes in renal function, whether these levels correlated with tobramycin spacer dosage, creatinine clearance, or potential nephrotoxicity risk factors, and whether any patients developed acute kidney injury within the 14-day post-operative period. Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients with prosthetic hip or knee infections and subsequent ACS placement from October 2017 to February 2020. Patient comorbidities (chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and atrial fibrillation), Charleston Comorbidity Index score, risk factors for post-operative nephrotoxicity (perioperative hypotension and nephrotoxic agent receipt), total tobramycin dosage, post-operative days 1 and 3 serum tobramycin concentrations, and serum creatinine and creatinine clearance throughout a 14-day post-operative period were recorded. Results: A total of 20 patients were enrolled, comprising 20 spacers with a median total tobramycin dosage of 4.80 g with an interquartile range (IQR) of 4.13-7.20 g. Thirteen patients had a median detectable post-operative day 1 serum tobramycin concentration of 0.80 (IQR 0.50-1.60) mcg/mL. Five of these 13 patients had a median detectable post-operative day 3 serum tobramycin concentration of 0.80 (IQR 0.50-1.10) mcg/mL. A correlation was not found between serum tobramycin drug levels and patient comorbidities, receipt of nephrotoxic medications, or baseline and subsequent post-operative creatinine clearance up to day 14. Conclusion: The majority of patients who underwent tobramycin ACS placement had detectable serum tobramycin levels in the immediate post-operative period, but most reached undetectable levels within 72 h. There were no reliable perioperative predictors of detectable drug levels.

Cephalosporins for the treatment of uncomplicated pyelonephritis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The 2011 Infectious Diseases Society of America and European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases guidelines recommend ciprofloxacin or sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMX-TMP) as first-line agents to treat uncomplicated acute pyelonephritis (APN). OBJECTIVE: With increasing antimicrobial resistance rates and recent changes in practice patterns, the objective of this systematic review was to describe the effectiveness of cephalosporins for uncomplicated APN in more recently published literature. METHODS: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used for reporting. We searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for publications between January 2010 and September 2022. Eligible articles detailed patients with uncomplicated APN, treated with first- to fourth-generation cephalosporins, and identified a clinical, microbiological, or health care utilization outcome. Studies with more than 30% of complicated APN patients, non-English-language studies, case reports, case series, pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic studies, and in vitro laboratory or animal studies were excluded. Screening, review, and extraction were performed independently by 2 researchers, plus a third for conflict resolution. Critical appraisal of studies was performed using Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. RESULTS: Eight studies met inclusion, including 5 cohort studies (62.5%), 2 randomized controlled trials (25%), and 1 nonrandomized experimental study (12.5%). Cephalosporins most used across the studies included cefazolin, cephalexin, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, cefdinir, cefditoren, and ceftriaxone. Outcomes assessed were diverse, including clinical or microbiological success and time to defervescence or symptom resolution. Cephalosporins displayed effectiveness for the treatment of acute uncomplicated APN regardless of study design or the presence of a comparison group. No trials reported inferiority of clinical treatment outcomes compared with a fluoroquinolone or SMX-TMP. CONCLUSION: Cephalosporins may be viable treatment options for the management of uncomplicated APN.

Safety and efficacy of cefiderocol for off-label treatment indications: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Cefiderocol is a siderophore cephalosporin recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hospital- and ventilator-acquired bacterial pneumonia and complicated urinary tract infections. However, there is potential for cefiderocol utility for a variety of other infections. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify literature examining the safety and efficacy of cefiderocol for off-label indications. METHODS: The PRISMA guidelines were utilized for reporting. Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, from inception to September 2021. Manuscripts describing cefiderocol off-label use in clinical settings were included. Exclusion criteria were studies focused on labeled indications, animal studies, pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic studies, in vitro or laboratory studies, and manuscripts in languages other than English or Arabic. Each stage of review utilized two independent investigators, with conflicts resolved and critical appraisal performed. Data regarding presentation, clinical course, and infection characteristics were extracted and descriptively analyzed. RESULTS: The search identified a total of 985 records, narrowed to a final set of 27 studies. Among studies included were 18 (66.7%) case reports, 8 (29.6%) case series, and 1 (3.7%) phase 3 clinical trial. Cefiderocol was most frequently used off-label for bacteremia/sepsis with or without an identified source in 51 (67.1%) out of a total of 76 included patients. Among case series/reports with available data, 43 of 53 patients (81.1%) received combination antibiotic therapy. The most common pathogens identified included multi/extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and/or Acinetobacter baumannii. Various clinical end points were reported, while microbiological end points were reported in 18 (66.7%) studies. Cefiderocol-related side effects were uncommon and rarely use-limiting. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review depicts relative clinical effectiveness of off-label cefiderocol, most commonly for P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii infections as combination antibiotic therapy. Further study is needed to elucidate the safety and efficacy of cefiderocol across an expanded set of patients and indications.

Xylazine poisoning: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Xylazine is an alpha-2-adrenergic agonist used for its sedative and analgesic properties in veterinary medicine. While not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in humans, anecdotal evidence suggests that exposures in humans is on the rise. We sought to systematically review and synthesize the evidence on xylazine exposure in humans focusing on the clinical presentation, management, and outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature including PubMed, Embase, and Scopus from their inception to September 9, 2021. We searched abstracts from selected emergency medicine and toxicology conferences from 2011 through 2021. We included clinical reports of xylazine exposure in humans. We excluded animal studies, in vitro studies, laboratory studies, or articles in a language other than English. From each included article, we extracted subjective and objective data that focused on clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of patients exposed to xylazine. RESULTS: We evaluated a total of 1409 records, rendering a final set of 17 articles and 2 abstracts meeting inclusion criteria. We identified a total of 98 patients amongst reports ranging from 1979 to 2020 and across nine countries. The most common types of xylazine exposures reported were unintentional exposure and intentional misuse/abuse. Common symptoms on presentation included hypotension, bradycardia, drowsiness, lethargy, while apnea with intubation and death were less frequently reported. CONCLUSION: Human exposure to xylazine appears to be a rising concern within the prehospital and emergency medicine setting. Although a standardized treatment algorithm cannot be recommended at this time, further research is needed to improve the care of patients exposed to xylazine.

Clinical use of lefamulin: A first-in-class semisynthetic pleuromutilin antibiotic.

Lefamulin is a novel antibiotic agent within the pleuromutilin derivative class approved for the treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) by the United States Food and Drug Administration and the European Commission in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The objective of this article is to provide a summary of clinically relevant data underlying lefamulin and to provide recommendations for its place in therapy. In vitro data establish lefamulin's activity against a number of Gram-positive, Gram-negative and atypical organisms relevant in the treatment of CABP, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae. Two phase-3 studies, the Lefamulin Evaluation Against Pneumonia trials, established non-inferiority of lefamulin against moxifloxacin in the treatment of CABP, including the sequential transition from intravenous to oral therapy and across a broad set of patient demographics and severities. Pooled and post hoc analyses have confirmed these effects for a variety of subgroups and secondary endpoints. Real-world study data post-approval have largely not yet emerged for lefamulin, and there is a need for further investigation into safety/efficacy for off-label indications such as acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections and sexually transmitted infections. Further data regarding tolerability, particularly with long-term use, as well as the emergence of resistance over time, are still undefined.

Voriconazole-associated periostitis: Pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management.

Voriconazole use has been associated with osteoarticular pain and periostitis, likely due to high fluoride content in the drug formulation. This phenomenon has been described primarily with high dosage or prolonged course of voriconazole therapy in immunocompromised and transplant patient populations. Patients typically present with diffuse bony pains associated with elevated serum alkaline phosphatase and plasma fluoride levels in conjunction with radiographic findings suggestive of periostitis. We provide a comprehensive review of the literature to highlight salient characteristics commonly associated with voriconazole-induced periostitis.

Health-system implementation of a collaborative core curriculum for advanced pharmacy experiential education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: A collaborative advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) education model established within a healthcare institution during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is described. SUMMARY: The COVID-19 pandemic caused a nationwide disruption of APPE pharmacy education. Healthcare institutions faced the challenge of educating APPE students while attempting to simultaneously de-densify work areas and reduce transmission risk for employees and patients. A pharmacist coordinator and pharmacist academic partners at a large teaching hospital created a collaborative common core curriculum model for resourceful implementation of APPE education. Healthcare network pharmacists, clinical pharmacist academic partners, and pharmacy residents delivered the curriculum to 35 pharmacy students over a 9-week time period. Main components of the curriculum included patient case discussions, topic discussions, journal club presentations, live continuing education (CE) webinars, and development of pharmacy technician CE programs. A majority of students reported positive experiences working with a variety of preceptors from different specialties (81%) and collaborating with students from other universities (62%). CONCLUSION: A health system can leverage institutional, network-wide, and academic partner resources to implement a collaborative APPE curriculum during challenging times such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Safety and Efficacy of Rivaroxaban and Apixaban in Patients with Increased Body Mass: a Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Rivaroxaban and apixaban are direct oral anticoagulants increasing in popularity as convenient alternatives to warfarin. However, current guidelines recommend against use in patients with a BMI > 40 kg/m2 or bodyweight > 120 kg unless drug-specific levels are measured, which may not be feasible across all clinical practices. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to broadly examine literature evaluating the clinical outcomes of rivaroxaban and/or apixaban in patients with increased body mass. METHODS: A systematic literature review (guided by PRISMA) was performed through January 27, 2021 using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Key search term clusters included drug and weight-related concepts (overweight/obese, body mass index [BMI], waist circumference). DistillerSR was utilized to review and process search results. Studies met inclusion if they analyzed the risk of bleeding and/or thrombosis in patients with increased body mass (i.e., via BMI or other criteria) receiving rivaroxaban or apixaban. Clinical guidelines, case reports/series, pharmacokinetic/dynamic analyses, and commentaries were excluded. Bias was examined qualitatively across studies. RESULTS: After duplicates were removed, the original search rendered 1822 abstracts and 200 full-texts for screening, ultimately providing a final set of 24 studies for qualitative review. Of these studies, 13 (54.2%) enabled comparisons between patients of increased versus normal body mass, while 11 (45.8%) reported outcomes only for patients of increased body mass. The working definition of 'increased body mass' varied amongst the studies, including 11 (45.8%) studies that utilized BMI, seven (29.2%) with a combination of BMI and body measurement, two (8.3%) that relied on body weight alone, and four (16.7%) that identified obesity-related ICD codes. All 13 comparative studies found similar or reduced rates of safety and efficacy outcomes with rivaroxaban and apixaban. CONCLUSION: The literature reports similar or lower bleeding and thrombotic risk for rivaroxaban and apixaban in patients of increased body mass compared to patients of normal body mass. Future prospective controlled studies are needed to further define guidelines for use in this population.

Safety and efficacy of intravenous hydralazine and labetalol for the treatment of asymptomatic hypertension in hospitalised patients: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines for the management of asymptomatic hypertension (HTN) in the inpatient setting recommend the use of oral antihypertensives. However, in clinical practice, intravenous (IV) antihypertensives are commonly utilised with little supporting evidence. The objective of this study was to evaluate literature examining the safety/efficacy of IV hydralazine and labetalol in hospitalised patients with non-emergent, asymptomatic HTN. METHODS: The PRISMA guidelines were utilised to structure the systematic review. A search strategy composed of drug-, inpatient- and HTN-related terms was conducted utilising PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases through May 2020. Full-text, English-language articles describing IV labetalol and/or hydralazine use for non-emergent HTN in an inpatient setting that focused on clinical outcomes (ie vitals, adverse effects, healthcare utilisation) were included. Identified studies were screened/extracted using DistillerSR by two reviewers at each stage, and studies were evaluated qualitatively for the presence of bias. RESULTS: From 3362 records identified in the search, a final set of 10 articles were identified. Four studies focused on labetalol (40%), five studies on hydralazine and labetalol (50%), and one study on hydralazine (10%). The included studies presented a variety of outcomes, but several trends were identified, including reduction in average blood pressure in eight (80%) studies, a risk of adverse effects in six (60%) and increased length of stay in one (10%). DISCUSSION: The studies identified in this review raise concerns regarding the safety of IV hydralazine and labetalol in non-emergent HTN. Despite relatively broad clinical experience with these drugs, experimental investigations regarding their utility are recommended.

Retrospective Analysis of Adverse Drug Events Between Nafcillin Versus Cefazolin for Treatment of Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Infections.

Background: Nafcillin or cefazolin are drugs of choice for methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infections. Prior studies indicate a higher incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) with nafcillin, although AKI classification and time to occurrence is not well described. Objective: To characterize the incidence and time to adverse drug events for nafcillin versus cefazolin in the inpatient setting. Methods: A retrospective cohort study evaluated hospitalized, adult patients receiving intravenous nafcillin or cefazolin for treatment of MSSA infection. Incidence and time to AKI based on RIFLE criteria were measured. Secondary end points included antibiotic discontinuation and incidence of neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated transaminases, and Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Results: Of 324 patients who received nafcillin (n = 119) or cefazolin (n = 205), higher rates of AKI were found for nafcillin versus cefazolin (19% vs 2%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Median time to AKI with nafcillin was 6.5 days (range, 3-14 days). The majority of patients were classified as RIFLE "Risk" stratum. Nafcillin treatment discontinuations were more frequent than for cefazolin (17.6% vs 0.9%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Nafcillin was an independent predictor of AKI (odds ratio = 12.4; 95% CI = 4.14-47.60, P < 0.0001). No differences in neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, elevated transaminases, or CDI were observed. Conclusion and Relevance: Nafcillin displayed higher rates of AKI at a median of 1 week of therapy, which provides a framework for clinician monitoring and consideration of antibiotic modification. Most patients developed "Risk" class AKI (RIFLE classification), which may be reversible with prompt intervention.

Comparison of Vancomycin Area-Under-the-Curve Dosing Versus Trough Target-Based Dosing in Obese and Nonobese Patients With Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia.

Background: A vancomycin target of area under the curve to minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC:MIC) ratio ≥400 is recommended for treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia. Objective: To evaluate vancomycin total daily dose (TDD) achieving trough targets versus a calculated strategy achieving AUC targets based on body mass index (BMI). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed within a large hospital network. Patients with MRSA bacteremia were eligible if they received vancomycin with a steady-state trough (15-20 mg/L). Cockcroft-Gault was used to estimate creatinine clearance, calculating vancomycin clearance and AUC. Patients were stratified by BMI (less than/greater than 30 kg/m2). The primary outcome was vancomycin TDD for the trough-based strategy compared with an AUC-dosing strategy. Results: A total of 119 patients were included, including 51 (42.9%) and 68 (57.1%) patients with high- and low-BMI, respectively. The TDD for trough-based dosing (2390.76 ± 1224.59 mg) differed significantly from AUC-based dosing (1985.07 ± 616.18 mg) across the cohort (P = 0.0014). For patients with high BMI, there was a significant difference (P < 0.0001) in TDD between trough (2637.25 ± 1327.89 mg) versus AUC (1918.71 ± 625.89 mg) strategies. No difference in TDD between dosing strategies was observed among low-BMI patients. Across all patients, 46 (38.7%) experienced acute kidney injury (AKI); high-BMI patients experienced higher rates of AKI compared with low-BMI patients (54.9 vs 26.5%; P = 0.002). Conclusions and Relevance: An AUC-based dosing strategy may reduce vancomycin TDD required for MRSA bacteremia compared with trough-based dosing, particularly for patients with higher BMI.

Tetracycline Allergy.

Despite the widespread use of tetracycline antibiotics since the late 1940s, tetracycline hypersensitivity reactions have rarely been described in the literature. A comprehensive PubMed search was performed, including allergic and serious adverse reactions attributed to the tetracyclines class of antibiotics. Of the evaluated tetracycline analogs, minocycline was attributed to the greatest overall number and severity of serious adverse events reported in the literature, with notable reactions primarily reported as respiratory and dermatologic in nature. Reactions to tetracycline have also been well described in the literature, and although dermatologic reactions are typically less severe in comparison with minocycline and doxycycline, various reports of anaphylactic reactions exist. Although doxycycline has been noted to have had the fewest reports of severe allergic reactions, rare descriptions of life-threatening reactions are still reported in the literature. Allergic reactions regarding tetracyclines are rare; however, adverse reaction type, severity, and frequency among different tetracycline analogs is somewhat variable. A consideration of hypersensitivity and adverse reaction incidence should be performed prior to the selection of individual tetracycline entities.

Development of a Statewide Antibiogram to Assess Regional Trends in Antibiotic-Resistant ESKAPE Organisms.

BACKGROUND:: Hospitals and other facilities utilize antibiograms as tools for optimal antibiotic selection. Currently, no measures compare broad trends on the regional level, despite interest for more comprehensive data, particularly for antibiotic-resistant ESKAPE organisms. OBJECTIVE:: To collect and compare regional health-care facility antibiogram data for ESKAPE organisms to form a cumulative antibiogram. METHODS:: Health-care facilities were identified using the publicly accessible Pennsylvania Department of Health web site. Facilities were contacted by phone from June 2015 to 2016 to ascertain participation/consent for the study. An electronic questionnaire ascertained baseline facility characteristics. Facilities provided quantitative antibiotic susceptibility data via antibiograms. Antibiogram data were synthesized as cumulative susceptibilities, stratified by urban/suburban versus rural location. RESULTS:: Forty-five facilities were included in the study (n = 18 urban/suburban, n = 27 rural). The overall prevalence of methicillin-resistant S aureus was 41.5%, stratified at 40.6% and 43.3% in urban/suburban and rural facilities, respectively ( P < .001). Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus prevalence was 18.8% overall, with 27.7% in urban/suburban and 14.0% in rural facilities ( P < .001). Generally, lower susceptibility rates were found for high-utilization beta-lactams across gram-negative organisms in urban/suburban facilities. CONCLUSIONS:: Development of a regional cumulative antibiogram that targets key ESKAPE pathogens is feasible, while observed trends may help aid future antimicrobial stewardship efforts.

Prescribing trends and revisit rates following a pharmacist-driven protocol change for community-acquired pneumonia in an emergency department.

OBJECTIVE: To compare pharmacist-led prescribing changes and associated 30-day revisit rates across different regimens for patients discharged from an emergency department (ED) with a diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). METHODS: An observational, retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of patients who were discharged from an ED over a 4-year period with a diagnosis of CAP. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, antibiotic selection and comorbidity and condition severity scores were collected for two cohorts: 2012-13 (before protocol change) and 2014-15 (post-protocol change). During January 2014, a pharmacist-led protocol change with prescriber education was implemented to better align ED treatment practices with clinical practice guidelines. The primary endpoint was the change in prescribing practices across the two cohorts. KEY FINDINGS: A total of 741 patients with CAP were identified, including 411 (55.5%) patients in 2012-13 and 330 (44.5%) in 2014-15. Prescribing of macrolide monotherapy regimens decreased significantly following protocol change (70.1% versus 42.7%; difference: 27.4%, 95% CI: 23.8-31.0%) with a reciprocal increase in macrolide/ß-lactam combination prescribing (6.3-21.8%; difference: 15.5%, 95% CI: 12.9-18.1%). A total of 12.2% of patients who received macrolide/ß-lactam combination treatment revisited a network ED within 30 days due to worsening pneumonia, compared to 8.6% of patients who received macrolide monotherapy treatment (P = NS). CONCLUSIONS: The current study showed a significant increase in antibiotic prescribing compliance following a pharmacist-driven protocol change and education, but no statistical difference in rates of return for macrolide monotherapy versus other regimens.

Lefamulin: a promising new pleuromutilin antibiotic in the pipeline.

INTRODUCTION: Community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) represents a significant clinical and financial burden within infectious disease. In the advent of increasing resistance from bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae to available antibiotic therapies, there is a need for new drugs with novel mechanisms to treat such infections. Areas covered: Lefamulin, the first semi-synthetic pleuromutilin for systemic administration, is nearing completion of Phase III studies for CABP; the manufacturer plans to file for a new drug application (NDA) in Q4 2018. This paper details available data on the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, in vitro and clinical data of the drug to date, derived from published literature, conference posters and data provided by the manufacturer. Expert commentary: Lefamulin offers a unique spectrum of activity as a potential monotherapy treatment agent for CABP and alternative to fluoroquinolone therapy. The drug displays potent activity against several pathogens common in both acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs) and CABP, and a lack of cross-resistance with other antibiotic classes for S. pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Lefamulin has met predefined noninferiority endpoints of clinical response for CABP compared to moxifloxacin ± linezolid in two Phase III trials (LEAP 1 and 2) and presents an alternative therapy for CABP.

Evaluation of students' perceptions of the Socrative application versus a traditional student response system and its impact on classroom engagement.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Student response systems (SRSs) or "clickers" are common tools that lecturers can implement into didactic lectures. Socrative is a convenient and free SRS application that can be downloaded on personal handheld devices and used by faculty and students. It is unknown if students prefer using this application and what advantages or disadvantages can be seen with Socrative's use. PURPOSE: To measure student preference of standard SRS methods compared to Socrative as well as the impact of Socrative use on student engagement during delivery of clinical pharmacy instruction EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: Standard SRS and Socrative incorporated lectures were presented to students during an infectious disease module. Students were given a survey at the end of the semester to determine the primary endpoint of preference for each application. The survey used a Likert scale of 1-5, with 1 = strongly disagree and 5= strongly agree. Secondary endpoints included assessing the number of questions asked, participation, and classroom time utilized. FINDINGS: A total of 114 surveys were completed and six were excluded due to discrepancies or reporting bias. A higher mean scoring for classroom facilitation of active learning (4.48 vs. 3.99, p < 0.0001) and student-reported active participation in class (4.45 vs. 3.60, p < 0.0001) was found for Socrative compared to SRSs, respectively. SUMMARY: In comparison with traditional SRS methods, students felt Socrative helped them to more actively participate in class and facilitated a better environment for asking and receiving answers to classroom questions.

Development and Implementation of a Global Health Elective with a Drug Discovery Game for Pharmacy Students.

Interest in global health education within the pharmacy curriculum has increased significantly in recent years. However, discussion of different models and methods to evaluate course structures are limited. The overall objective was to (1) describe the structure of our global health elective for pharmacy students, and (2) assess educational outcomes related to perceived/formal knowledge and attitudes associated with global health. Our elective was designed using a competency-centered approach to global health education, incorporating reflection, projects, service and game-learning. In addition to course assessments, a pre-post survey questionnaire assessing attitudes, knowledge perception, formalized knowledge and opinions was utilized. Overall, students demonstrated appropriate performance on course assessments, temporally improving throughout longitudinal projects. The survey demonstrated significant increases in knowledge perception as a result of the course; however, no change in formalized knowledge was evident through the survey assessment. Additionally, the incorporation of game-learning into the course was well received by students. Future iterations of the course will focus on utilization of different assessment methods to meet learning outcomes.

The intersection of antimicrobial stewardship and microbiology: educating the next generation of health care professionals.

With the alarming rise of antibiotic resistance, clinical professionals are called upon to manage antibiotic therapies using the most relevant and recent clinical and laboratory data. To this end, antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs aim to reduce unnecessary or suboptimal use of antibiotics while maximizing outcomes for the patient. For AMS programs to succeed, the active participation of clinical professionals at all levels of patient care is required. Although programs exist to train established clinicians in AMS, there is a paucity of literature on how and when to integrate AMS concepts and skills in pre-clinical and clinical coursework. Here, we discuss the crucial microbiology concepts and proficiencies that are necessary for building and supporting an AMS program. We provide recommendations for key points to include in clinical curricula in order to develop the necessary microbiology interpretation skills to participate in AMS. The influence of AMS programs on local organism susceptibility patterns is emphasized. The importance of antibiograms, rapid diagnostic testing and the practical interpretations of microbiology laboratory reporting are discussed in regard to prioritization in clinical curricula. We also review the current literature on instructional strategies for introducing AMS into clinical programs, and propose concepts that should be included in didactic coursework in order to provide a foundation for AMS education.

A multidimensional antimicrobial stewardship intervention targeting aztreonam use in patients with a reported penicillin allergy.

BACKGROUND: Local antimicrobial susceptibility patterns should be considered for antimicrobial therapy decisions. Antibiogram data can guide beta-lactam antibiotic use in the presence of a penicillin allergy, particularly when allergic cross-reactivity among antibiotic agents is unlikely. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a multidimensional antimicrobial stewardship intervention to improve antibiogram-driven antibiotic selection for patients with a reported penicillin allergy receiving aztreonam. METHODS: This historically controlled, quasi-experimental study compared historical aztreonam use with prospective antibiotic selection following a pharmacist-led intervention in patients with a penicillin allergy. The impact of this intervention on aztreonam use, antimicrobial selection, patient allergy profile updates, length of stay, in-hospital mortality, and antibiotic cost savings was assessed. RESULTS: A significant reduction in median days of aztreonam therapy (4.0 vs. 2.0; p = 0.0001) and median days of therapy per 1000 patient days (14.5 vs. 9.3; p = 0.0001) was found in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: A pharmacist-led antimicrobial stewardship intervention facilitated antibiogram-driven antibiotic therapy while reducing aztreonam use in patients without an anaphylactic penicillin allergy. Further trials are needed to assess the utility of similar antimicrobial stewardship interventions for patients with penicillin allergy.

Review of the new delayed-release oral tablet and intravenous dosage forms of posaconazole.

The triazole antifungal posaconazole was first approved as an oral suspension formulation. Despite pharmacokinetic target attainment and clinical efficacy in premarketing trials, postmarketing analyses indicated unpredictable bioavailability resulting in subtherapeutic concentrations and reports of breakthrough fungal infections. The newly approved posaconazole delayed-release tablet and intravenous formulations display more consistent bioavailability in the presence of concomitant disease states, medications, and dietary considerations that classically alter drug concentrations of the oral suspension. Both the delayed-release tablet and intravenous formulation display a similar adverse-effect profile to the oral suspension. The posaconazole delayed-release oral tablet is not significantly affected by gastric acid suppression therapy, and the intravenous dosage form provides an option for patients who are intubated or unable to tolerate oral medications. Pharmacoeconomic considerations, particularly with intravenous posaconazole, will likely play a role in dosage form selection and frequency of use. Due to sustained, higher drug concentrations, the new posaconazole formulations hold promise for greater efficacy in antifungal prophylaxis and bring opportunity for further study in the treatment of invasive mycoses.