Evolución histórica de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y la resistencia a los antimicrobianos / Historical evolution of World Health Organization guidelines on antimicrobial resistance / Evolução histórica da Organização Mundial da Saúde e a resistência aos antimicrobianos

RESUMEN Objetivo. Mostrar la evolución de los lineamientos sobre políticas públicas en salud enfocadas en farmacorresistencia microbiana o resistencia a los antimicrobianos (RAM) que la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) ha emitido desde 1948 hasta 2022. Además, se mencionan otras acciones gubernamentales relacionadas. Métodos. Se llevó a cabo una revisión detallada de los archivos de la Asamblea Mundial de la Salud y el Consejo Ejecutivo de la OMS. Se realizó un análisis textual de resoluciones sobre la RAM, que dan pauta al diseño de políticas y acciones gubernamentales para los Estados Miembros de la OMS. También se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en SCOPUS, Pubmed y literatura gris con categoría de análisis: políticas públicas en salud sobre la RAM. Resultados. La RAM se ha convertido en la mayor amenaza para la salud pública, y compromete el cumplimiento de los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible. Presentamos resoluciones de la OMS como evidencia de lineamientos para combatir la RAM. En consonancia, se menciona el enfoque "Una salud", estrategias, iniciativas, planes y programas relacionados. Se identificó una brecha en la investigación y el desarrollo de antimicrobianos nuevos, que requiere un análisis más profundo. Conclusiones. La OMS ha realizado esfuerzos para combatir la RAM. Esto ha generado un desarrollo integral de políticas públicas en salud, para que los Estados Miembros las apliquen según la soberanía de sus gobiernos.

ABSTRACT Objective. Show the evolution of guidelines on public health policies focused on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) between 1948 and 2022. Other related government actions are also mentioned. Methods. A detailed review was conducted of World Health Assembly and WHO Executive Board archives. A textual analysis was conducted of AMR-related resolutions that guide the design of government policies and actions for WHO Member States. A systematic search was carried out in SCOPUS, PubMed, and grey literature under the category of public health policies on AMR. Results. AMR has become the greatest threat to public health, putting at risk the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. WHO resolutions are presented as evidence of guidelines to combat AMR. The One Health approach and related strategies, initiatives, plans, and programs are mentioned. A gap was identified in the research and development of new antimicrobials, requiring further analysis. Conclusions. WHO has made efforts to combat AMR. This has generated comprehensive development of public health policies to be implemented by the governments of Member States as they see fit.

RESUMO Objetivo. Apresentar a evolução das diretrizes sobre políticas públicas de saúde voltadas para a resistência microbiana a medicamentos ou resistência aos antimicrobianos (RAM) publicadas pela Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) de 1948 a 2022. Além disso, mencionam-se outras ações governamentais relacionadas. Métodos. Procedeu-se a uma revisão detalhada dos arquivos da Assembleia Mundial da Saúde e do Conselho Executivo da OMS. Realizou-se uma análise textual das resoluções sobre RAM, que orientam a formulação de políticas e ações governamentais para os Estados Membros da OMS. Fez-se também uma busca sistemática nas plataformas SCOPUS e Pubmed e na literatura cinzenta, com a categoria de análise "políticas públicas de saúde sobre RAM". Resultados. A RAM tornou-se a maior ameaça à saúde pública e prejudica o cumprimento dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável. Apresentamos as resoluções da OMS como evidência de diretrizes para combater a RAM. Nesses termos, mencionam-se a abordagem "Saúde Única" e estratégias, iniciativas, planos e programas relacionados. Identificou-se uma lacuna na pesquisa e no desenvolvimento de novos antimicrobianos, o que requer uma análise mais aprofundada. Conclusões. A OMS envidou esforços para combater a RAM, o que levou ao desenvolvimento integral de políticas públicas de saúde a serem aplicadas pelos Estados Membros, em conformidade com a soberania de seus governos.

Evaluating Initial Empiric Therapy for Neutropenic Fever in Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus-Colonized Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus infections impact mortality in oncology patients. Given the low rate of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus bacteremia, low virulence of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus, and advent of rapid diagnostic systems, vancomycin-resistant enterococcus-directed empiric therapy in vancomycin-resistant enterococcus-colonized patients with neutropenic fever may be unnecessary, promoting increased antimicrobial resistance, drug-related toxicity, and cost. METHODS: Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus-colonized adults admitted for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or induction therapy for acute leukemia/myeloid sarcoma with neutropenic fever were stratified by vancomycin-resistant enterococcus bacteremia development and empiric vancomycin-resistant enterococcus-directed antimicrobial strategy for first neutropenic fever (Empiric Therapy vs. non-Empiric Therapy). Primary endpoints included vancomycin-resistant enterococcus-related, in-hospital, and 100-day mortality rates. Secondary outcomes included vancomycin-resistant enterococcus bacteremia incidence for first neutropenic fever and the entire hospitalization, length of stay, Clostridioides difficile infection rate, and duration and cost of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus-directed therapy. RESULTS: During first neutropenic fever, 3 of 70 eligible patients (4%) developed vancomycin-resistant enterococcus bacteremia. Although all 3 (100%) were non-Empiric Therapy, no mortality (0%) occurred. Of 67 patients not developing vancomycin-resistant enterococcus bacteremia, 42 (63%) received Empiric Therapy and 25 (37%) non-Empiric Therapy. Empiric Therapy had significantly greater median duration (3 days vs. 0 days; P<.001) and cost ($1604 vs. $0; P<.001) of vancomycin-resistant enterococcus-directed therapy but demonstrated no significant differences in clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Available data suggest Empiric Therapy may offer no clinical benefit to this population, regardless of whether vancomycin-resistant enterococcus is identified in blood culture or no pathogen is found. Such an approach may only expose the majority of patients to unnecessary vancomycin-resistant enterococcus-directed therapy and drug-related toxicities while increasing institutional drug and monitoring costs. Even in the few patients developing vancomycin-resistant enterococcus bacteremia, waiting until the organism is identified in culture to start directed therapy likely makes no difference in mortality. This lack of benefit warrants consideration to potentially omit empiric vancomycin-resistant enterococcus-directed therapy in first neutropenic fever in many of these patients.

Assessment of implementation of antibiotic stewardship program in surgical prophylaxis at a secondary care hospital in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.

Antibiotic overuse is a major factor for causing antibiotic resistance globally. However, only few studies reported the implementation and evaluation of antimicrobial stewardship programs in Gulf Cooperation Council. This study was conducted within 8-months periods to evaluate the effect of the newly implemented antibiotic stewardship program on improving the prescribing practice of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in a secondary care hospital in the United Arab Emirates by releasing local hospital guidelines. The data of 493 in patients were documented in the predesigned patient profile form and the prescribing practice of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis for clean and clean-contaminant surgical procedures was compared and analyzed two months' prior (period A) and post (period B) the implementation of antibiotic stewardship program. The 347 patient's data (PD) were analyzed during period A and 146 PD during period B. The prescription of piperacillin/tazobactam was decreased from 2.4% from all surgical prophylaxis antibiotic orders in period A to 0% in period B. The appropriateness of the antibiotic therapy was found to differ non significantly for the selection of prophylactic antibiotic (p = 0.552) and for the timing of first dose administration (p = 0.061) between A and B periods. The total compliance was decreased non significantly (P = 0.08) from 45.3 to 40.2%. Overall, the guidelines have improved the prescribing practice of antibiotics prior to surgery. However, further improvement can be achieved by initiating educational intervention via cyclic auditing strategy.

Long-Term Sustainability and Acceptance of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Intensive Care: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate long-term uptake of an antimicrobial stewardship audit-and-feedback program along with potential predictors of stewardship suggestions and acceptance across a diverse ICU population. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: An urban, academic medical institution. PATIENTS: Patients admitted to an ICU who received an antimicrobial stewardship program suggestion between June 2010 and September 2019. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The antimicrobial stewardship program provided 7,749 antibiotic assessments over the study period and made a suggestion to alter therapy in 2,826 (36%). Factors associated with a higher likelihood of receiving a suggestion to alter therapy included shorter hospital length of stay prior to antimicrobial stewardship program review (odds ratio 1.15 for ≤ 5 d; 95% CI 1.00-1.32), admission to cardiovascular (1.37; 1.06-1.76) or burn surgery (1.88; 1.50-2.36) versus general medicine, and preceding duration of antibiotic use greater than 5 days (1.33; 1.10-1.60). Assessment of aminoglycosides (2.91; 1.85-4.89), carbapenems (1.93; 1.54-2.41), and vancomycin (2.71; 2.19-3.36) versus ceftriaxone was more likely to result in suggestions to alter therapy. The suggestion acceptance rate was 67% (1,895/2,826), which was stable throughout the study period. Admission to a level 3 ICU was associated with higher likelihood of acceptance of suggestions (1.50; 1.14-1.97). Factors associated with lower acceptance rates were admission to burn surgery (0.64; 0.45-0.91), treatment of pneumonia (0.64; 0.42-0.97 for community-acquired and 0.65; 0.44-0.94 for ventilator-acquired), unknown source of infection (0.66; 0.48-0.92), and suggestion types of "narrow spectrum" (0.65; 0.45-0.94), "change formulation of antibiotic" (0.42; 0.27-0.64), or "change agent of therapy" (0.63; 0.40-0.97) versus "change of dose". CONCLUSIONS: An antimicrobial stewardship program implemented over a decade resulted in sustained suggestion and acceptance rates. These findings support the need for a persistent presence of audit-and-feedback over time with more frequent suggestions to alter potentially nephrotoxic agents, increased efforts toward specialized care units, and further work approaching infectious sources that are typically treated without pathogen confirmation and identification.

Estratégias para o uso seguro de antimicrobianos pela enfermagem no ambiente hospitalar: revisão integrativa / Strategies for the safe use of antimicrobials by nursing in the hospital environment: an integrative review / Estrategias para el uso seguro de antimicrobianos por parte de la enfermería en el ámbito hospitalario: revisión integradora

OBJETIVO: identificar as estratégias para o uso seguro de antimicrobianos adotadas pela enfermagem no ambiente hospitalar. MÉTODO: revisão integrativa, realizada no período de junho a julho de 2020, nas bases de dados da LILACS, MEDLINE, CINAHL e EMBASE. Selecionaram-se artigos de 2015 a junho de 2020. Para a análise dos níveis de evidência, adotou-se o método Grading of Recomendations Assessment, Developing and Evaluation. RESULTADOS: encontraram-se oito artigos, distribuídos em estratégias gerenciais e assistenciais de enfermagem, relacionadas ao uso seguro de antimicrobianos. DISCUSSÃO: dentre as principais estratégias gerenciais, destacam-se o papel de educador do enfermeiro e a formação de comitês de monitoramento multidisciplinar; e dentre as assistenciais, as especificidades técnicas da administração de antimicrobianos. CONCLUSÃO: as principais estratégias práticas de Enfermagem encontradas foram educação profissional no uso racional e monitoramento multidisciplinar na resistência antimicrobiana no ambiente hospitalar. Acredita-se que a identificação dessas estratégias contribua para o desenvolvimento de melhores práticas na segurança medicamentosa.

OBJECTIVE: to identify the strategies for the safe use of antimicrobials adopted by Nursing in the hospital environment. METHOD: an integrative review, carried out from June to July 2020, on the LILACS, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE databases. Articles from 2015 to June 2020 were selected. For the analysis of the evidence levels, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation was adopted. RESULTS: eight articles were found, distributed in Nursing management and care strategies, related to the safe use of antimicrobials. DISCUSSION: among the main managerial strategies, the role of the educator and the setting up of multidisciplinary monitoring committees stand out; and, among the care strategies, the technical specificities of antimicrobial stewardship. CONCLUSION: the main Nursing practical strategies found were professional education in the rational use and multidisciplinary monitoring of antimicrobial resistance in the hospital environment. It is believed that the identification of these strategies will contribute to the development of better practices in drug safety.

OBJETIVO: identificar las estrategias para el uso seguro de antimicrobianos adoptadas por la enfermería en el ámbito hospitalario. MÉTODO: revisión integradora, realizada de junio a julio de 2020, de las bases de datos de LILACS, MEDLINE, CINAHL y EMBASE. Se seleccionaron artículos de 2015 a junio de 2020. Para el análisis de niveles de evidencia se adoptó el método Grading of Recomendations Assessment, Developing and Evaluation. RESULTADOS: se encontraron ocho artículos, distribuidos en estrategias gerenciales y asistenciales de enfermería, relacionados con el uso seguro de antimicrobianos. DISCUSIÓN: entre las principales estrategias gerenciales se destaca el rol de la enfermera educadora y la conformación de comités de seguimiento multidisciplinarios; y entre las asistenciales, las especificidades técnicas de la administración de antimicrobianos. CONCLUSIÓN: las principales estrategias prácticas de enfermería encontradas fueron la formación profesional en el uso racional y el seguimiento multidisciplinario de la resistencia a los antimicrobianos en el ámbito hospitalario. Se cree que la identificación de estas estrategias contribuye al desarrollo de mejores prácticas en seguridad de medicamentos.

Antibiotics: easier to start than to stop? Predictors of antimicrobial stewardship recommendation acceptance.

OBJECTIVES: Acceptance of prospective audit and feedback antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) recommendations has been shown to vary, but the drivers of recommendation acceptance are not well understood. We sought to identify the factors associated with recommendation acceptance at a large community teaching hospital. METHODS: Data from an ASP recommendation registry were collected from 2010 to 2018. Variables included data about the infection, the prescriber, and the recommendation, categorized by whether they increase, decrease, or are neutral to antibiotic exposure. The primary outcome was acceptance of ASP recommendations. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using logistic regression models with random intercepts in order to account for clustering by prescriber. RESULTS: Over the 8-year period, a total of 11 014 evaluable recommendations were made to 146 prescribers, and 9058 (82.2%) were accepted. The most common recommendations were: reduce duration (n = 2796; 25%), stop antibiotics (n = 2184; 20%), de-escalate (n = 1876; 17%) and increase duration (n = 1176; 11%). Acceptance by service ranged from 70% (n = 843/1196) (surgery) to 86% (n = 6378/7444) (general medicine). In the multivariable analysis, compared to recommendations that have a neutral impact on antibiotic exposure, recommendations to decrease antibiotic exposure had lower odds of acceptance (aOR 0.73; 95%CI 0.64-0.84) while recommendations to increase exposure were associated with greater acceptance (aOR 2.00; 95%CI 1.62-2.45). Other factors associated with increased acceptance included the presence of the ASP physician during rounds and making the recommendation verbally. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations to decrease antibiotic exposure had lower odds of acceptance than those to increase antibiotic exposure. This study presents important considerations for ASPs with prospective audit and feedback programmes aiming to evaluate and increase the impact of their recommendations.

Hospital physicians' experiences with procalcitonin - implications for antimicrobial stewardship; a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Procalcitonin is an inflammatory biomarker that is sensitive for bacterial infections and a promising clinical decision aid in antimicrobial stewardship programs. However, there are few studies of physicians' experiences concerning the use of PCT. The objective of this study was to investigate whether hospital physicians' experience with procalcitonin after 18 months of use can inform the PCT implementation in antimicrobial stewardship programs. MATERIALS/METHODS: We deployed a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with 14 hospital physicians who had experience with procalcitonin in clinical practice. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Physicians reported a knowledge gap, which made them uncertain about the appropriate procalcitonin use, interpretation, and trustworthiness. Simultaneously, the physicians experienced procalcitonin as a useful clinical decision aid but emphasised that their clinical evaluation of the patient was the most important factor when deciding on antibiotic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Procalcitonin was regarded a helpful clinical tool, but the physicians called for more knowledge about its appropriate uses. Active implementation of unambiguous procalcitonin algorithms and physician education may enhance the utility of the test as an antimicrobial stewardship adjunct.

Increasing Globalization and the Movement of Antimicrobial Resistance between Countries.

Background: The threat of antimicrobial resistance continues to grow worldwide, exacerbated by poor antibiotic stewardship practices, limited development of new antimicrobial agents, and increasing globalization. Methods: This review covers previously published studies examining how human movement contributes to the global spread of antimicrobial resistance, including between low- and middle-income and high-income countries. Results: The emergence of resistance in one country or part of the world can become a worldwide event quickly. Human movement, including travel, medical tourism, military service, and migration, results in the globalization of resistant bacterial strains. Conclusions: Increased surveillance, whole-genome sequencing, focused infection control, and effective stewardship practices are needed to maintain the efficacy of antibiotics.

Pattern of Peri-Operative Antibiotic Use among Surgical Patients in a Regional Referral and Teaching Hospital in Uganda.

Background: Prolonged surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) to prevent surgical site infection (SSI) is generally discouraged after completion of surgery. However, little is known about the pattern of peri-operative antibiotic use in resource-limited settings. We aimed to describe its use at a typical government hospital in Uganda. Methods: A study was originally conducted in a rural Ugandan regional referral and teaching hospital in 2014 and 2015 to improve hand hygiene practice and measure its impact on health-care-associated infections including SSI (WardGel study). This is a secondary analysis of the data from the WardGel study to assess the frequency of peri-operative antibiotic use among surgical patients. Results: Of 3,627 patients enrolled into the original study, 960 (26.5%) underwent surgery at the hospital and 907 patients (94.5%) received antibiotic agents during hospitalization. Of these, 880 patients (97.0%, of 907 patients) received antibiotic agents on the day of surgery. A combination of ceftriaxone and metronidazole was the most common regimen (609/907 patients, 67.1%). Thirty-six of 907 patients (4.0%) started and completed their antibiotic agents on the day of surgery. The mean length of antibiotic use during hospitalization was 3.5 days (standard deviation, 3.3). After adjusting for covariates, linear regression analysis showed an extra 1.9 days of antibiotic use post-operatively (95% confidence interval = 1.7-2.3). During the total 4,960 inpatient-days for those having surgery, there were 6,503 days of therapy (DOTs) of antibiotic agents and 1,649 antibiotic-free days (AFDs). Conclusions: Most patients received prolonged antibiotic therapy after surgery. Antimicrobial stewardship for SAP can play a major role in combating antimicrobial resistance in resource-limited settings.

Evaluation of current practice of antimicrobial use and clinical outcome of patients with pneumonia at a tertiary care hospital in Ethiopia: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance, which is commonly observed in the management of pneumonia, is a major threat to public health and is driven by inappropriate antimicrobial use. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the current practice of antimicrobial utilization and clinical outcomes in the management of adult pneumonia at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. METHOD: A prospective observational study was conducted in the internal medicine wards of Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. The study was conducted from 1 September 2016 to 30 June 2017 and patients aged ≥ 14 years and diagnosed with pneumonia were included. Chart review and self-administered questionnaire were used to collect data regarding pneumonia diagnosis and management as well as clinical outcomes (stable, complications, and in-hospital mortality). Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regressions were performed for data analyses. RESULTS: Out of 200 enrolled patients, clinical diagnosis was supported by microbiologic testing and imaging in 75 (37.5%) and 122 (61.0%) cases, respectively. The treatment approach in almost all patients (99.5%) was empirical and no de-escalation therapy was made even after acquiring culture results. The total duration of antimicrobial therapy was 12.05±5.09 days and vancomycin was the most commonly prescribed antimicrobial agent (25%), with 70% of the patients receiving this drug empirically. Nearly, 30% of the patients missed their antimicrobial doses during the course of treatment and stock-out (36.7%) was the major reason. Close to 113 (66%) of the treating physicians used reference books to prescribe antimicrobial agents. Patients' outcomes were found to be stable (66%), in-hospital mortality (18.5%), and ending up in complications (17%). Poor clinical outcome (death and complicated cases) was found to be associated with recent antimicrobial use history (p = 0.007, AOR 2.86(1.33-6.13)), cancer (p = 0.023, AOR 3.46(1.18-10.13)), recent recurrent upper respiratory tract infection (p = 0.046, AOR 3.70(1.02-13.40)), respiratory rate >24 breaths/min or <12 breaths/min (p = 0.013, AOR 2.45(1.21-4.95)) and high level of serum creatinine after initiation of antimicrobial therapy (>1.4mg/dl) (p = 0.032, AOR 2.37(1.07-5.20)). CONCLUSION: Antimicrobials are empirically prescribed without sufficient evidence of indication and microbiological or radiological findings. The practice also is not based on local guidelines and no multidisciplinary approach is apparent. [How about: "It is likely that these factors contributed to higher rates of mortality (18.5%) when compared with similar studies in other countries" instead of this "As a result, there were higher rates of mortality (18.5%) when compared with other similar studies"]. Hence, the hospital requires a coordinated intervention to improve rational use of antimicrobials and clinical outcomes through establishing an antimicrobial stewardship program.

Surgical Infections in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Global Assessment of the Burden and Management Needs.

Background: The burden of surgical infections in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remains poorly defined compared with high-income countries. Although there are common infections necessitating surgery prevalent across the world, such as appendicitis and peptic ulcer disease, other conditions are more localized geographically. To date, comprehensive assessment of the burden of surgically treatable infections or sequelae of surgical infections in LMICs is lacking. Methods: We reviewed the literature to define the burden of surgical infections in LMICs and characterize the needs and challenges of addressing this issue. Results: Surgical infections comprise a broad range of diseases including intra-abdominal, skin and soft tissue, and healthcare-associated infections and other infectious processes. Treatment of surgical infections requires a functional surgical ecosystem, microbiology services, and appropriate and effective antimicrobial therapy. Systems must be developed and maintained to evaluate screening, prevention, and treatment strategies. Solutions and interventions are proposed focusing on reducing the burden of disease, improving surveillance, strengthening antibiotic stewardship, and enhancing the management of surgical infections. Conclusions: Surgical infections constitute a large burden of disease globally. Challenges to management in LMICs include a shortage of trained personnel and material resources. The increasing rate of antimicrobial drug resistance, likely related to antibiotic misuse, adds to the challenges. Development of surveillance, infection prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship programs are initial steps forward. Education is critical and should begin early in training, be an active process, and be sustained through regular programs.

Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs Are Required in a Department of Surgery: "How" Is the Question A Quasi-Experimental Study: Results after Three Years.

Objective: Our aim was to describe our antimicrobial stewardship program and the methodology based on the results in a surgical department. Methods: Our study was a quasi-experimental study conducted from January 1, 2009, through September 30, 2017. The site was the General and Digestive Surgery Department in a public primary referral center, the University Hospital of Getafe (Madrid, Spain). We implemented the antimicrobial stewardship program following a prospective audit and feedback model, with a surgeon incorporated into the manaagement group. We studied the deaths and 30-day re-admission rates, length of stay, prevalence of gram-negative bacilli, meropenem resistance, and days of treatment with meropenem. Results: After three years of the program, we recorded a significant decrease in Pseudomonas aeruginosa prevalence, a significant increase in Klebsiella pneumoniae prevalence, a decrease in meropenem resistance, and a reduction in meropenem days of treatment. Conclusions: Antimicrobial stewardship programs have a desirable effect on patients. In our experience, the program team should be led by a staff from the particular department. When human resources are limited, the sustainability, efficiency, and effectiveness of interventions are feasible only with adequate computer support. Finally, but no less important, the necessary feedback between the prescribers and the team must be based on an ad hoc method such as that provided by statistical control charts, a median chart in our study.

Evaluación de la implementación de un Programa de Uso Optimizado de Antimicrobianos en la pandemia de COVID-19 / Evaluation of an antimicrobial stewardship program implementation during the global outbreak of coronavirus desease (COVID-19)

Introducción: No obstante la baja frecuencia de infecciones bacterianas asociadas al COVID-19, la prevalencia del uso de antibióticos empíricos es de 70 a 90%. El objetivo primario del estudio fue evaluar el impacto de la implementación de un programa de optimización de antimicrobianos dirigido a pacientes con COVID-19 (PROA-COVID).Material y métodos: Estudio antes y después, retrospectivo, descriptivo y analítico. Se evaluó prevalencia y adecuación del uso de antibióticos antes y después de implementación del PROA-COVID en pacientes internados. Se estimó consumo mensual de antibióticos en DDD/100 pacientes-día y costos por uso inadecuado.Resultados: Se incluyeron 153 pacientes, 75 antes y 78 después de la intervención, sin diferencias significativas en las características poblacionales entre ambos períodos. Las formas clínicas moderadas-severas fueron más frecuentes postintervención (p=0,03). La implementación mostró una disminución significativa en prevalencia de uso (64% vs 41%, p=0,004), con aumento de uso adecuado (37,5% vs. 46,8%, p=NS). La indicación innecesaria fue mayor antes del PROA (80% vs 50%, p=0,03) y la duración del tratamiento postintervención (13,3% vs. 43,7%%, p=0,02). La implementación redujo el consumo de betalactámicos + IBL y azitromicina.No se observaron diferencias significativas en mortalidad, frecuencia de pase a UCC ni uso de antibioticoterapia combinada con macrólidos entre ambos períodos ajustando por severidad. Conclusiones: La implementación del PROA-COVID fue una estrategia efectiva para reducir el uso de antibióticos y optimizar sus indicaciones, lo que destaca la importancia de su aplicación rápida y oportuna.

ntroduction: Despite the low frequency of Covid-19-associated bacterial infections, empirical antibacterial treatment is as high as 70 to 90%. The primary goal of this study was to determine the impact of the implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program to target Covid-19 patients (ASP-COVID).Materials and methods: Retrospective, descriptive, and analytic pre and post intervention study. Prevalence and adequacy of antibacterial treatment in hospitalized patients prior and after ASP-COVID implementation were assessed. Monthly antibiotic consumption in DDD/100 patients-day and costs related with inadequate usage were estimated. Results: One hundred and fifty three patients, 75 prior and 78 after ASP-COVID implementation, were included. No significant difference in population characteristics between both periods was observed. Moderate and severe clinical presentations were more frequent after the intervention (p=0,03). ASP implementation showed a significant reduction of antimicrobial treatment (64% vs 41%, p=0,004), with an increment of adequate usage (37,5% vs 46,8%, p=NS). Unnecessary usage was higher prior to ASP (80% vs 50%, p =0,03) and length of treatment post intervention (13,3% vs 43,7%%, p=0,02). Program implementation decreased beta lactam antibiotics + IBL and azithromycin consumption. After adjusting for severity, no significant difference was found in mortality, incidence of ICU admission nor combined antibacterial therapy with macrolides between both periods.Conclusions: ASP-COVID implementation was an effective strategy in reducing antimicrobial usage and in optimizing antibacterial treatment indications, highlighting the importance of its rapid and timely application.

Antimicrobial stewardship impact on Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptibility to meropenem at a tertiary pediatric institution.

An antimicrobial stewardship program was implemented throughout 2012 at a tertiary pediatric institution with guideline development preceding prospective audit and feedback starting in 2013. Meropenem use decreased over 62% during the next 5 years. Non-cystic fibrosis Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate susceptibility to meropenem increased from 89% in 2011 to 98% in 2017 (P < .001) and correlated with meropenem use the preceding year (Rs: -0.78, P = .008).

Identification of High-Yield Targets for Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Efforts Within a Nonfreestanding Children's Hospital.

OBJECTIVES: Identify diagnoses with the highest likelihood of prompting antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) recommendations and lowest probability of recommendation acceptance, investigate the impact of provider years in practice on recommendation receipt and acceptance, and simultaneously assess the influence of patient and provider-level variables associated with recommendations within a nonfreestanding children's hospital. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of antibiotic courses reviewed by the ASP staff from December 1, 2014 to November 30, 2016. Poisson regression was used to detect associations between diagnoses, provider years in practice, and the probability of recommendation receipt and acceptance. Multivariable logistic regression was used to simultaneously examine the influence of patient and provider-level characteristics on recommendation probability. RESULTS: A total of 938 inpatient encounters and 1170 antibiotic courses were included. Diagnoses were associated with provider receipt (P < .001) and acceptance (P < .001) of recommendations, with ear, nose, and throat and/or sinopulmonary diagnoses most likely to prompt recommendations (56%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 48-64) and recommendations for neonatal and/or infant diagnoses accepted least often (67%; 95% CI, 58-76). No associations were initially found between provider experience and recommendation receipt or acceptance, although multivariable analysis revealed a trend between increasing years in practice and recommendation likelihood (P = .001). Vancomycin usage (64%; 95% CI, 56-72) and ear, nose, and throat and/or sinopulmonary diagnoses (56%; 95% CI, 47-65) had the highest probability of a recommendation. Sensitivity analyses revealed that use of diagnosis-related clinical practice guidelines decreased recommendations and increased acceptance rates, especially for the surgery diagnosis category. CONCLUSIONS: High-yield targets for ASP activities at our nonfreestanding children's hospital were identified. Clinical practice guidelines have the potential to decrease ASP workload, and their development should be particularly encouraged for ASPs with limited resources.

Antimicrobial prescription in patients dying from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

BACKGROUND: Despite rising antimicrobial resistance, treatment guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations are frequently ignored. Patients with terminal conditions are often prescribed antimicrobials despite the goal of care to reduce burdensome treatments. The appropriate use of antimicrobials in patients who die from an exacerbation of COPD is unknown. AIM: To review antimicrobial prescription during the final admission in patients who died from an acute exacerbation of COPD. METHODS: A retrospective medical record audit was performed for 475 patients who died over 12 years (2004-2015). Patients were analysed within three groups: Group 1 - pneumonia on chest radiograph, Group 2 - infective exacerbation of COPD +/- raised inflammatory markers (white cell count, C-reactive protein) and Group 3 - non-infective exacerbation of COPD. RESULTS: A total of 221 patients died from COPD. The median age was 80 years, and 136 (60%) were male. Median respiratory function: forced expiratory volume in 1 s 0.8 L (41.0%), forced vital capacity 2.0 L (74.0%) and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide 8 (40.5%). A total of 109 (49.3%) patients used home oxygen and 156 (70.6%) were ex-smokers. Of the cohort, 90.5% received antimicrobials. In Groups 1, 2 and 3, 68 (94.4%), 108 (92.3%) and 24 (75.0%) patients received antimicrobials respectively. Guideline-concordant therapy was administered to 31.7% of patients (Group 1: 79.2%, Group 2: 4.3%, Group 3: 25.0%), 60.2% of patients received ceftriaxone and 44.8% received azithromycin. The median duration of therapy was 4 days and 27.1% received antimicrobials at the time of death. CONCLUSION: Antimicrobials are overprescribed, and non-guideline antimicrobials are overused in patients who die from COPD. Further education of medical staff, regular medication reviews and the use of disease severity scores or clinical pathways may improve antimicrobial stewardship.

Assessing antibiotic stewardship using the surgical site infection prevention bundle.

BACKGROUND:: Antibiotic prophylaxis is crucial in head and neck surgery to prevent infection from clean contaminated wounds. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidance, the gold standard of practice, recommends that administration of broad spectrum antibiotics is discontinued after 24 hours post-operation. A three-audit cycle quality improvement project was conducted to assess clinical practice against SIGN guidance at a large London teaching hospital. METHODS:: Three change initiatives were implemented to improve antibiotic stewardship. First, an update of Trust guidelines with an associated poster campaign to educate staff and improve awareness. Second, introduction of a specific 'prophylactic antibiotics in head and neck surgery' bundle on the electronic hospital-wide prescribing system. Third, an update to an antibiotic prescribing guide (Microguide). RESULTS:: Over a 3-year study period the number of patients receiving antibiotics beyond 24 hours declined significantly (88% in 2015, 76% in 2016, 25% in 2018), demonstrating improved compliance with SIGN guidelines overall. Despite this, staff documentation of indications for extended antibiotic use remains suboptimal (58% in 2016 and 44% in 2018) as does the number of specimens sent for microbiological analysis (52% in 2016 and 0% in 2018). CONCLUSIONS:: Appropriate prophylactic antibiotic prescribing can improve morbidity and mortality rates in head and neck cancer patients. Three change initiatives have been demonstrated which can help to improve prescribing compliance in line with SIGN guidance. Ongoing auditing is required to maintain the longevity of improvements made and encourage staff documentation of indications for extended antibiotic use and microbiology specimen analysis.

A rare fungus on the rise: Candida auris.

PURPOSE: An overview of the growing health threat posed by the fungus Candida auris is provided, including a review of the literature and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations on C. auris identification, treatment, and infection control. SUMMARY: Since C. auris was first identified in Japan in 2009, cases of C. auris infection have been on the rise in several parts of the world, including the United States, where the first case was reported in 2017; as of November 2017, a total of 206 U.S. cases in 10 states had been reported. Risk factors for C. auris infection have been difficult to identify. However, catheterization, hospitalization, and recent surgery appear to be common factors in patients with C. auris infection. Major challenges in the management of C. auris infections include the common misidentification of C. auris using conventional laboratory techniques and the pathogen's resistance profile, which includes resistance to commonly used antifungals. These challenges may lead to breakdowns in timely implementation of infection-control and prevention measures. Antimicrobial stewardship can play a key role in the management and prevention of C. auris infections. CONCLUSION: C. auris is an emerging fungus that has the potential for causing serious invasive infections. The organism is resistant to commonly used antifungals and is difficult to identify with conventional laboratory techniques. Echinocandins are currently recommended as initial therapy for the treatment of C. auris infections in adults and children at least 2 months of age.