[Reevaluation of penicillin allergy labeling, appropriate use of ß-lactam antibiotics, and multidrug resistance]. / Reevaluación del rótulo de alergia a penicilina, el uso adecuado de antibióticos ß-lactámicos y la multirresistencia.

Approximately 10% of the population reports being allergic to penicillin, although usually less than 1% really are. In addition, people with proven allergies over the years may no longer be allergic. Unconfirmed penicillin allergy and use of alternative antimicrobials result in more treatment failures; more severe adverse effects. Higher cost; longer hospitalizations; increase in the emergence of multi-resistant germs associated with health care. The risk of cross-allergy between ß-lactam groups is usually <2%, depending on the similarity of the side chains, so prescribing antibiotics from another ß-lactam group is safe as long as we take into account the structural similarity. Incorporating the reassessment of allergies and improving the prescription of antibiotics in this group of patients reduces the generation and spread of multi-resistant germs, and the associated costs. There are simple methods and specific scores that simplify allergy reassessment. The objective of this review is to expose how, through these methods, the delabeling of patients erroneously labeled as allergic and the safe prescription of ß-lactam antibiotics can be achieved.

Aproximadamente el 10% de la población refiere ser alérgico a la penicilina, aunque habitualmente menos del 1% lo es; además las personas con alergia demostrada con el paso de los años pueden dejar de ser alérgicos. La alergia a la penicilina sin confirmación y el uso de antimicrobianos alternativos tienen como efecto más fallas en el tratamiento; más efectos adversos graves; mayor costo; internaciones más prolongadas; incremento en la emergencia de gérmenes multirresistentes asociados a los cuidados de la salud. El riesgo de alergia cruzada entre grupos de ß-lactámicos suele ser <2%, dependiendo de la similitud de las cadenas laterales, por lo que prescribir antibióticos de otro grupo de ß-lactámicos es seguro siempre que tengamos en cuenta la similitud estructural. Incorporar la reevaluación de alergias y mejorar la prescripción de antibióticos en este grupo de pacientes, disminuye la generación y propagación de gérmenes multirresistentes, y los costos asociados. Existen métodos sencillos y escalas específicas que permiten simplificar la reevaluación de la alergia. El objetivo de esta revisión es exponer cómo a través de estos métodos, puede lograrse el desrotulado de pacientes erróneamente etiquetados como alérgicos y la prescripción segura de antibióticos ß-lactámicos.

Improvement in antibacterial use in intensive care units from Argentina: A quality improvement collaborative process evaluation using Normalization Process Theory.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections and antibiotic resistance worsen globally. Antibiotic stewardship programs (ASP) aim to optimise infection treatment and curb resistance, yet implementation hurdles persist. This study examined ASP challenges in ICUs. METHODS: This study employed a qualitative methodological design to evaluate the implementation process of an antibiotic stewardship program (ASP) in eight intensive care units (ICUs) across Argentina. Thirty-four semi-structured interviews with healthcare workers (HCWs) were conducted. Interviews were analysed guided by Normalisation Process Theory, examining coherence, cognitive participation, collective action, and reflexive monitoring constructs. RESULTS: Key challenges included insufficient human resources, lack of institutional support, and resistance to change, particularly among staff not initially involved in the study. Despite these challenges, the program saw partial success in improving ICU practices, particularly in antibiotic use and communication across departments. The main strategy implemented in this quality improvement collaborative was the use of improvement cycles, which served as the central component for driving change. However, participation in improvement cycles was inconsistent, and sustainability post-intervention remains uncertain due to workload pressures and the need for continuous education. Concerns about workload and communication barriers persisted. Many participants did not perceive training as a separate component, which led to low engagement. Resistance to change became evident during modifications to clinical guidelines. The intervention had a positive impact on various processes, including communication and record keeping. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the persistent challenges in implementing ASPs in healthcare, emphasising the need for enhanced collaboration, workforce capacity building, and evidence-based practices to overcome barriers and optimize antimicrobial use to improve patient outcomes.

Implementing an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in an Oncology Center in Lima, Peru: A Model for Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Our center launched the first antimicrobial stewardship program in Peru. From 2016 to 2023, the proportion of antimicrobial prescriptions audited increased from 60% to 95%, and 65% to 95% of recommendations were accepted. Vancomycin and meropenem use dropped by 95% and 84%, respectively. The proportion of recommendations for surgical prophylaxis exceeded 90%.

eHealth and mHealth in Antimicrobial Stewardship to Reduce Mortality in Empirical Antimicrobial Therapy and a Systematic Review with a Meta-Analysis of Adequate Therapy.

The urgent requirement for swift diagnostic methods in pathogen identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing is emphasized by rising bacterial resistance and limited treatment options, which are particularly critical in sepsis management. The shift from traditional phenotype-based methods to rapid molecular and mass spectrometry techniques has significantly reduced result turnaround times, enhancing patient outcomes. In this systematic review with meta-analysis, the aspects of correct empirical antimicrobial therapy are evaluated to determine their impact on mortality. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and MEDLINE. Studies evaluating mortality associated with empirical adequate and inadequate therapy in different sites of infection were included. Outcomes included clinical cures in microbiologically evaluable patients. Among the sites of infection, the most studied were bloodstream infections (n = 9), followed by respiratory tract infections (n = 5), intra-abdominal infections (n = 5), and urinary tract infections (evaluated by 3 studies). Inadequate therapy was associated with an increase in mortality between 11 and 68%. Technologies to speed up pathogen identification are extremely necessary to reduce mortality.

Development and external validation of a model to predict multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in patients with cirrhosis.

With the increasing rate of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO), selecting appropriate empiric antibiotics has become challenging. We aimed to develop and externally validate a model for predicting the risk of MDRO infections in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS: We included patients with cirrhosis and bacterial infections from two prospective studies: a transcontinental study was used for model development and internal validation (n = 1302), and a study from Argentina and Uruguay was used for external validation (n = 472). All predictors were measured at the time of infection. Both culture-positive and culture-negative infections were included. The model was developed using logistic regression with backward stepwise predictor selection. We externally validated the optimism-adjusted model using calibration and discrimination statistics and evaluated its clinical utility. RESULTS: The prevalence of MDRO infections was 19% and 22% in the development and external validation datasets, respectively. The model's predictors were sex, prior antibiotic use, type and site of infection, MELD-Na, use of vasopressors, acute-on-chronic liver failure, and interaction terms. Upon external validation, the calibration slope was 77 (95% CI .48-1.05), and the area under the ROC curve was .68 (95% CI .61-.73). The application of the model significantly changed the post-test probability of having an MDRO infection, identifying patients with nosocomial infection at very low risk (8%) and patients with community-acquired infections at significant risk (36%). CONCLUSION: This model achieved adequate performance and could be used to improve the selection of empiric antibiotics, aligning with other antibiotic stewardship program strategies.

Antibiotics and beyond: Unraveling the dynamics of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains a significant challenge in neonatal care. Prenatal inflammation and neonatal sepsis contribute to the multifactorial nature of BPD. A potential association between empirical antibiotic therapy and BPD risk has been proposed due to microbiota dysbiosis in very low birth weight premature infants. METHODS: A single centered retrospective cohort study of preterm infants (24-32 weeks gestation) from 2014 to 2021. The study compared groups that received empirical antibiotics in the first days of life and those that did not receive any antibiotic in the first days of life. The primary outcomes studied were BPD, death, and the combined outcome of BPD/death. Statistical analysis employed t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, Chi-square, and logistic regression. RESULTS: Of 454 preterm infants, 61.5% received antibiotics. This group had lower gestational age, birth weight, and Apgar scores. Antibiotic use was associated with higher incidence of BPD (35.5% vs. 10.3%), death (21.5% vs. 8.6%), and combined outcomes (54.5% vs. 18.3%). In multivariate analysis, antibiotic use independently associated with BPD (OR 2.58, p < 0.001) and combined outcome BPD/death (OR 2.06, p < 0.02). Antenatal corticosteroids provided protection against BPD, but not mortality. CONCLUSION: This study suggests an association between early empirical antibiotic use and BPD in preterm infants, emphasizing the need for judicious antibiotic practices in neonatal care.

16S rDNA Sequencing for Bacterial Identification in Preterm Infants with Suspected Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis.

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of suspected early-onset neonatal sepsis among preterm infants leads to immediate antibiotic administration upon admission. Notably, most blood cultures for suspected early-onset neonatal sepsis do not yield a causative pathogen. This study aimed to assess polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the variable region V4 of the 16S ribosomal gene (16S rDNA) and Sanger sequencing for bacterial identification in preterm infants with suspected early-onset neonatal sepsis. METHODS: Therefore, this prospective study was conducted. Preterm infants with suspected early-onset neonatal sepsis were included in this study. The three groups were formed based on the risk of infection and clinical sepsis. Blood samples were collected upon admission to the neonatal unit for culture and molecular analysis. PCR amplification and subsequent Sanger sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rDNA were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were included in this study. Blood cultures were negative in 100% of the patients. Amplification and sequencing of the V4 region identified bacterial genera in 19 patients across distinct groups. The predominant taxonomically identified genus was Pseudomonas. CONCLUSIONS: Amplifying the 16S rDNA variable region through PCR and subsequent Sanger sequencing in preterm neonates with suspected early-onset neonatal sepsis can enhance the identification of microbial species that cause infection, especially in negative cultures.

Pharmacovigilance Strategies to Address Resistance to Antibiotics and Inappropriate Use-A Narrative Review.

The spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global challenge. Close and continuous surveillance for quick detection of AMR can be difficult, especially in remote places. This narrative review focuses on the contributions of pharmacovigilance (PV) as an auxiliary tool for identifying and monitoring the ineffectiveness, resistance, and inappropriate use of antibiotics (ABs). The terms "drug ineffective", "therapeutic failure", "drug resistance", "pathogen resistance", and "multidrug resistance" were found in PV databases and dictionaries, denoting ineffectiveness. These terms cover a range of problems that should be better investigated because they are useful in warning about possible causes of AMR. "Medication errors", especially those related to dose and indication, and "Off-label use" are highlighted in the literature, suggesting inappropriate use of ABs. Hence, the included studies show that the terms of interest related to AMR and use are not only present but frequent in PV surveillance programs. This review illustrates the feasibility of using PV as a complementary tool for antimicrobial stewardship activities, especially in scenarios where other resources are scarce.

Antibiotic Overtreatment of Presumed Urinary Tract Infection Among Children with Spina Bifida.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with overtreatment of presumed urinary tract infection (UTI) among children with spina bifida using such criteria. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of children with spina bifida (age <21 years) evaluated in the Emergency Department (ED) at a single institution was performed. Patients with a urinalysis (UA) performed who were reliant on assisted bladder emptying were included. The primary outcome was overtreatment, defined as receiving antibiotics for presumed UTI but ultimately not meeting spina bifida UTI criteria (≥2 urologic symptoms plus pyuria and urine culture growing >100k CFU/mL). The primary exposure was whether the components of the criteria available at the time of the ED visit (≥2 urologic symptoms plus pyuria) were met when antibiotics were initiated. RESULTS: Among 236 ED encounters, overtreatment occurred in 80% of cases in which antibiotics were initiated (47% of the entire cohort). Pyuria with <2 urologic symptoms was the most important factor associated with overtreatment (OR 9.6). Non-Hispanic White race was associated with decreased odds of overtreatment (OR 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Overtreatment of presumed UTI among patients with spina bifida was common. Pyuria, which is not specific to UTI in this population, was the main driver of overtreatment. Symptoms are a cornerstone of UTI diagnosis among children with spina bifida, should be collected in a standardized manner, and considered in a decision to treat.

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence and resistance of Gram-negative bacilli and antimicrobial consumption in the intensive care units of a referral hospital in Buenos Aires.

BACKGROUND: There was a reported increase in the antimicrobial consumption in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, accompanied by an increase in infections due to multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. METHODS: This retrospective time series study from intensive care units in Buenos Aires examined changes in antibiotic consumption (defined daily doses/1000 patients/day), the incidence of Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) and the mechanism of resistance. Antibiotics were categorised into group 1 (agents against MDR GNB) and group 2 (agents against non-MDR infections). Bacteriological samples included respiratory samples and blood cultures. Periods were divided into pre-pandemic (July 2019 to March 2020) and pandemic (April 2020 to March 2022). Correlation coefficients (r) were analysed and the Mann-Whitney test was performed to compare both periods. RESULTS: During the study period, GNB incidence, group 1 antibiotic consumption and resistance mechanisms increased, whereas antibiotics decreased in group 2. A significant positive correlation was seen between the consumption of antibiotics in group 1 and the incidence of GNB (r = 0.63; P < 0.001) and resistance (r = 0.52; P = 0.002). Significant differences were found between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods regarding the medians of group 1 consumption (520 [408-570] vs. 753 [495-851] DDD/1000 patients/day; P = 0.029), incidence of GNB (12 [10-13] vs. 43 [25-52.5] cases/month; P < 0.001) and resistance mechanisms (5 [4-8] vs. 17 [10-25] cases/month; P < 0.001), extended-spectrum beta lactamases (2 [1-2] vs. 6 [3-8] cases/month; P < 0.001) and metallo-beta-lactamases (0 [0-0] vs. 6 [1.75-8.5] cases/month; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise in GNB incidence and the amount of resistance mechanisms significantly correlated with the increase in consumption of agents against MDR strains.

Efficacy and safety of withholding antimicrobial therapy in children with cancer, fever, and neutropenia, with a demonstrated viral respiratory infection: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To validate the efficacy and safety of withholding antimicrobial therapy in a new cohort of children with cancer and febrile neutropenia (FN) having a demonstrated viral respiratory tract infection. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, noninferiority, randomized study, approved by the ethical committee, in children presenting with FN at seven hospitals in Chile, evaluated at admission for diagnosis of bacterial and viral pathogens. Children who were positive for a respiratory virus, negative for a bacterial pathogen, and had a favourable evolution after 48-72 hours of antimicrobial therapy were randomized to either maintain or withhold antimicrobial therapy. The primary endpoint was the percentage of episodes with an uneventful resolution, whereas the secondary endpoints were days of fever, days of hospitalization, requirement of antimicrobial treatment readministration, sepsis, paediatric intensive care unit admission, and death. RESULTS: A total of 301 of 939 children with FN episodes recruited between March 2021 and December 2023 had a respiratory virus as a unique identified microorganism, of which 139 had a favourable evolution at 48-72 hours and were randomized, 70 to maintain and 69 to withdraw antimicrobial therapy. The median days of antimicrobial therapy was 5 (IQR 3-6) versus 3 (IQR 3-6) days (p < 0.001), with similar frequency of uneventful resolution 66/70 (94%) and 66/69 (96%); relative risk, 1.01; (95% CI, 0.93 to 1.09), absolute risk difference 0.01; (95% CI, -0.05 to 0.08) and similar number of days of fever and days of hospitalization. No cases of sepsis, paediatric intensive care unit admission, or death were reported. DISCUSSION: We validated the strategy of withdrawal antimicrobial therapy in children with FN and viral respiratory tract infection based on clinical and microbiological/molecular diagnostic criteria. This will enable advances in antimicrobial stewardship strategies with a possible future impact on antimicrobial resistance.

Eleven years impact of a stepwise educational program on healthcare associated infections and antibiotics consumption in an intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Hospital acquired infections (HAI) and liberal use of broad-spectrum antibiotics are common in intensive care unit(ICU)s of low-middle income countries. We investigated the long-term association of a stepwise multifaceted educational program with the incidence of HAIs and antibiotics use in a Brazilian ICU. We also evaluated the program's cost impact. METHODS: We retrieved data from a prospective daily collected database of a twelve bedrooms ICU, all admitted patients within a period of eleven years were enrolled. FINDINGS: From 03/15/2007 to 09/11/2019, we admitted 3059 patients where 2406 (79%) survived the ICU stay. Median age was 51 years-old, and median SAPS3 was 53. The initial density of catheter related blood infection (4.3 events / 1000 patients-day), urinary tract infection (9.2 event / 1000 patients-day) and ventilator associated pneumonia (54.9 events / 1000 patients-day) felt during the observed period to (0.35 events / 1000 patients-day), (0 events / 1000 patients-day), and (1.5 events / 1000 patients-day) respectively. The days of antibiotic therapy also decreased from 797.9 days of therapy / 1000 patients day to 292.3 days of therapy / 1000 patients day. The total cost per patient also decreased. The adjusted mortality rate was steady during the studied period from 23.2% to 22.9%. INTERPRETATION: A stepwise multifaceted educational program is an effective way to reduce hospital-associated infections, improve the rational use of antibiotics, and reduce costs. This impact occurred in a long term, and is probably consistent.

Consenso latinoamericano sobre la importancia de un sistema de gestión de datos microbiológicos para apoyar el programa de optimización de uso de antimicrobianos (PROA): Recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia. Parte 1 / Latin American consensus on the importance of a microbiological data management system to support antimicrobial use optimization program (PROA): Evidence-based recommendations. Part 1

La resistencia antimicrobiana es una amenaza para los logros de la medicina moderna y una de las medidas más efectivas para contrarrestarla son los programas de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos (PROA), en el cual el laboratorio de microbiología es uno de los principales componentes. La aplicación efectiva de tecnología de la información en los procesos es fundamental, pero existe poca información en Latinoamérica sobre el desarrollo y la articulación de las herramientas tecnológicas para apoyar los PROA. Este consenso hace recomendaciones sobre la gestión de los datos microbiológicos para la toma de decisiones. En la Parte I, se presentan las recomendaciones en cuanto al uso de un sistema informatizado de gestión de datos microbiológicos en la práctica clínica, los requerimientos de datos y de reporte en el laboratorio de microbiología, y los contenidos del sistema de gestión de calidad avanzado en el laboratorio. En la Parte II, se discuten los requerimientos de información para la gestión de PROA en estadios intermedios, iniciales y avanzados por el laboratorio y la farmacia; así como la integración del equipo de PROA con el Comité de Prevención y Control de Infecciones y la información para la gestión de PROA a nivel gerencial.

Antimicrobial resistance is a threat to the achievements of modern medicine and one of the most effective measures to counteract it is antimicrobial use optimization programs (AMS), in which the microbiology laboratory is one of the main components. The effective application of information technology in the processes is fundamental, but there is little information in Latin America on the development and articulation of technological tools to support AMSs. This consensus makes recommendations on the management of microbiological data for decision making. In Part I, recommendations on the use of a computerized microbiological data management system in clinical practice, data and reporting requirements in the microbiology laboratory, as well as the contents of the advanced quality management system in the laboratory are presented. In Part II, the information requirements for AMS management in intermediate, initial, and advanced stages by the laboratory and pharmacy are discussed; as well as the integration of the AMS team with the Infection Prevention and Control Committee and the information for AMS management at the management level.

Estimation of antimicrobial costs in cases of surgical site infection / Estimación de los costes antimicrobianos en casos de infección del sitio quirúrgico / Estimativa dos custos com antimicrobianos em casos de infecção de sítio cirúrgico

Objective: To estimate the costs of antimicrobials in patients with surgical site infections (SSI). Method: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with retrospective documentary analysis conducted at a tertiary public hospital with seven surgical rooms, averaging 750 surgeries per month.The micro-costing method used was the average direct cost of antibiotics, excluding intraoperative prophylactic antibiotics. Hospital infection investi-gation records were analyzed, and the study included records of patients diagnosed with confirmed surgical site infections (n=79) in 2021. Clinical data and direct costs of antimicrobials were examined. Results: The infection rate in this study was 6.76%. The specialties with the highest representation were digestive system and urological surgeries. Vancomycin was the most used antimicrobial, resulting in a total expenditure of R$ 7,345.68. Tigecycline incurred the highest total cost, amounting to R$ 79,655.52. Antimicrobials used to treat the 79 confirmed cases of SSIs totaled R$ 211,790.21 in costs. Conclusion: The average cost of antimicrobials per patient with SSI, considering total hospitalization days, was R$ 2,680.88, a significant component of total treatment costs. It is recommended to include cost analysis in the planning of hospital infection protocols. (AU)

Objetivo: Estimar los costos de los antimicrobianos en pacientes con infecciones del sitio quirúrgico (ISQ). Método: Este es un estudio descrip-tivo, transversal con análisis documental retrospectivo realizado en un hospital público terciario con siete salas quirúrgicas, con un promedio de 750 ciru-gías por mes. Se utilizó el método de microcosteo, calculando el costo directo promedio de los antibióticos, excluyendo los utilizados como profilaxis intraoperatoria. Se analizaron registros de investigación de infecciones hospitalarias, incluyendo pacientes diagnosticados con ISQ confirmadas (n=79) en 2021. Se examinaron datos clínicos y costos directos de los antimicrobianos. Resultados: La tasa de infección en este estudio fue del 6.76%. Las espe-cialidades con mayor representación fueron cirugías del sistema digestivo y urológicas. El antimicrobiano más utilizado fue la vancomicina, con un gasto total de R$ 7,345.68. Tigeciclina tuvo el costo total más alto, alcanzando R$ 79,655.52. Los antimicrobianos utilizados para tratar los 79 casos confirma-dos de ISQ sumaron R$ 211,790.21 en costos. Conclusión: El costo promedio de los antimicrobianos por paciente con ISQ, considerando los días totales de hospitalización, fue de R$ 2,680.88, un componente significativo de los costos totales de tratamiento. Se recomienda incluir análisis de costos en la planificación de protocolos de infección hospitalaria. (AU)

Objetivo: Estimar os custos com antimicrobianos em pacientes com infecções de sítio cirúrgico. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, trans-versal, com análise documental retrospectiva, realizado em um hospital público terciário, com sete salas cirúrgicas, onde se realizam em média 750 cirur-gias mensais. O método de microcusteio utilizado foi o custo direto médio dos antibióticos, não sendo incluído antibiótico profilático no intraoperatório. Analisaram-se as fichas de investigação de infecção hospitalar e foram incluídas no estudo as fichas de pacientes que tiveram o diagnóstico de infecção de sítio cirúrgico confirmado (n=79) em 2021. Foram verificados os dados clínicos e apenas os custos diretos com os antimicrobianos. Resultados: A taxa dessas infecções neste estudo foi de 6,76%. As especialidades com maior representatividade foram cirurgias do aparelho digestivo e urológicas. O antimi-crobiano mais utilizado foi a Vancomicina, resultando no gasto total de R$ 7.345,68. O medicamento que gerou maior custo total foi a Tigeciclina, que representou R$ 79.655,52. Os antimicrobianos utilizados para tratar dos 79 casos confirmados de ISCs totalizaram o custo de R$ 211.790,21. Conclusão: A média de custo com antimicrobiano por paciente com ISC, no total de dias internados, foi de R$ 2.680,88, valor considerado representativo no custo total do tratamento. Recomenda-se a inclusão de análise de custos no planejamento de protocolos de infecção hospitalar. (AU)

Burkholderia cepacia complex in cystic fibrosis: critical gaps in diagnosis and therapy.

Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is a bacterial group with 'natural' multi-antimicrobial resistance. This complex has generated epidemic outbreaks across the world. In people with cystic fibrosis (CF), Bcc can cause severe lung infections that lead to accelerated lung damage, which can be complicated by necrotizing pneumonia accompanied by high fevers, leucocytosis, and bacteraemia, which commonly causes fatal outcomes. Specifically, infection by Burkholderia cenocepacia is considered an exclusion criterion for lung transplantation. The species of Bcc exhibit both genetic and phenotypic hypervariability that complicate their accurate microbiological identification. Automated methods such as MALDI-TOF can err in the determination of species. Their slow growth even in selective agars and the absence of international consensuses on the optimal conditions for their isolation make early diagnosis a difficult challenge to overcome. The absence of correlations between antibiograms and clinical results has resulted in the absence of standardized cut-off values of antimicrobial susceptibility, a fact that brings a latent risk since incorrect antibiotic therapy can induce the selection of more aggressive variants that worsen the clinical picture of the host, added to the absence of a clear therapeutic guide for the eradication of pulmonary infections by Bcc in patients with CF, resulting in frequently ineffective treatments. There is an urgent need to standardize methods and diagnostic tools that would allow an early and accurate diagnosis, as well as to perform clinical studies of the effectiveness of available antibiotics to eradicate Bcc infections, which would allow us to establish standardized therapeutic schemes for Bcc-infected patients.

Antimicrobial stewardship for nursing graduates: development and evaluation of educational technology / Manejo antimicrobiano para licenciados en enfermería: desarrollo y evaluación de tecnología educativa / Gerenciamento de antimicrobianos para graduandos em enfermagem: desenvolvimento e avaliação de tecnologia educacional

ABSTRACT Objective: to develop and evaluate an online course using WebQuests on antimicrobial stewardship for nursing students, based on international consensus. Method: this is a methodological study to develop and validate an educational strategy, as well as quantitative and descriptive to evaluate its practicability. The study was conducted from March 2021 to April 2022. After development, there was validation of the appearance and content of the material by judges, adopting a content validity index greater than 0.80 for each item. The four validated WebQuests were made available in course format on the Open Courses Portal of the Federal University of São Carlos. An instrument was developed in electronic format to evaluate the practicality of the educational strategy according to the views of 73 nursing students. The results were stored in Excel spreadsheets and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: the educational strategy was validated by 10 expert judges, with a total content validity index greater than 0.90 for appearance and content. Its practicality was evaluated by 73 nursing students, and it was considered easy to understand and implement, with participants expressing interest in using this type of educational strategy. Conclusion: the developed, validated and evaluated course is a useful tool and is available free of charge to contribute to the training of future nurses on the topic of antimicrobial stewardship.

RESUMEN Objetivo: desarrollar y evaluar un curso en línea mediante WebQuests sobre manejo de antimicrobianos para estudiantes de enfermería, basado en consenso internacional. Método: investigación metodológica para el desarrollo y validación de una estrategia educativa, e investigación cuantitativa y descriptiva, para evaluar su viabilidad, realizada de marzo de 2021 a abril de 2022. Luego del desarrollo, se realizó la validación de la apariencia y contenido del material por parte de jueces, adoptando un índice de validez de contenido superior a 0,80 para cada ítem. Las cuatro WebQuests validadas estuvieron disponibles en formato curso en el Portal de Cursos Abiertos de la Universidad Federal de São Carlos. Se desarrolló un instrumento en formato electrónico para evaluar la practicidad de la estrategia educativa según la visión de 73 estudiantes de enfermería. Los resultados se almacenaron en hojas de cálculo de Excel y se analizaron mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados: la estrategia educativa fue validada por 10 jueces expertos, con un índice de validez de contenido total mayor a 0,90 para apariencia y contenido. En cuanto a la practicidad, evaluada por 73 estudiantes de enfermería, se consideró de fácil comprensión y realización, manifestando los participantes interés en utilizar este tipo de estrategia educativa. Conclusión: el curso desarrollado, validado y evaluado es una herramienta útil y está disponible de forma gratuita para contribuir a la formación de futuros enfermeros en el tema de manejo antimicrobiano.

RESUMO Objetivo: desenvolver e avaliar um curso online utilizando WebQuests sobre gerenciamento de antimicrobianos para graduandos em enfermagem, baseado em consenso internacional. Método: pesquisa metodológica para o desenvolvimento e a validação de estratégia educativa, e pesquisa quantitativa e descritiva, para se avaliar sua praticabilidade, realizada no período de março de 2021 a abril de 2022. Após o desenvolvimento, houve a validação de aparência e conteúdo do material por juízes, adotando-se o índice de validade de conteúdo superior a 0,80 para cada item. As quatro WebQuests validadas foram disponibilizadas em formato de curso no Portal de Cursos Abertos da Universidade Federal de São Carlos. Foi elaborado um instrumento em formato eletrônico para avaliar a praticabilidade da estratégia educativa segundo a visão de 73 graduandos em enfermagem. Os resultados foram armazenados em planilhas Excel e analisados por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados: a estratégia educativa foi validada por 10 juízes especialistas, com índice de validade de conteúdo total maior de 0,90 para aparência e conteúdo. Quanto à praticabilidade, avaliada por 73 graduandos de enfermagem, foi considerada de fácil entendimento e realização, sendo que os participantes manifestaram interesse em utilizar este tipo de estratégia educativa. Conclusão: o curso desenvolvido, validado e avaliado é uma ferramenta útil e está disponível gratuitamente para contribuir com a formação de futuros enfermeiros na temática do gerenciamento de antimicrobianos.

Impact of withholding early antibiotic therapy in nonseptic surgical patients with suspected nosocomial infection: a retrospective cohort analysis

Abstract Background: Systemic inflammatory responses mimicking infectious complications are often present in surgical patients. Methods: The objective was to assess the association between withholding early antimicrobial therapy while investigating alternative diagnoses and worse outcomes in nonseptic patients with suspected nosocomial infection in a retrospective cohort of critically ill surgical patients. The initiation of antibiotic therapy within 24 h of the suspicion of infection was defined as the Early Empirical Antibiotic strategy (EEA) group and the initiation after 24 h of suspicion or not prescribed was defined as the Conservative Antibiotic strategy (CA) group. Primary outcome was composite: death, sepsis, or septic shock within 14 days. Main exclusion criteria were sepsis or an evident source of infection at inclusion. Results: Three hundred and forty patients were eligible for inclusion (74% trauma patients). Age, sex, reason for hospital admission, SAPS3 score, SOFA score, and use of vasopressors or mechanical ventilation were not different between the groups. Within 14 days of inclusion, 100% (130/130) of EEA patients received antibiotics compared to 57% (120/210) of CA patients. After adjusting for confounding variables, there was no association between primary outcome and the groups. In a post hoc subgroup analysis including only patients with a posteriori confirmed infection (by microbiological cultures), delay in initiation of adequate antimicrobial therapy was independently associated with the primary outcome (Odds Ratio = 1.19 per day of delay; 95% CI 1.05-1.37). Conclusions: Withholding early empiric antibiotic therapy was not associated with progression of organ dysfunction within 14 days in nonseptic surgical patients with suspected nosocomial infection without an obvious source.

Impact of the Five-Year Intervention of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program on the Optimal Selection of Surgical Prophylaxis in a Hospital without Antibiotic Prescription Restrictions in Costa Rica: A Retrospective Study.

This study aims to characterize the impact of the implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program (AMS) on the optimal selection of surgical antibiotic prophylaxis in adult patients. This is a retrospective quasi-experimental study that compared the selection and duration of antibiotics for all surgical prophylaxis prescriptions over six months, both before (pre-AMS) and after a five-year intervention of AMS (post-AMS). In addition, data related to the consumption of antibiotics, adverse drug reactions, and surgical site infections throughout the years of the intervention were analyzed. The rate of appropriate selection of antibiotic prophylaxis in surgical procedures improved to 80% during the post-AMS period. The percentage of optimal duration increased from 69.1% (N = 1598) in the pre-AMS period to 78.0% (N = 841) in the post-AMS period (p < 0.001). The consumption of ceftriaxone significantly decreased, while the use of cefazolin increased more than nine times. No severe adverse reactions or increases in surgical site infections were detected after the intervention. The implementation of an AMS in the surgical ward demonstrated a trend towards a positive overall impact on the selection and duration of prophylactic antibiotics for surgery, with positive results also observed in other variables associated with the prescription of these antibiotics.

Low utilization of vancomycin in febrile neutropenia: real-world evidence from 4 Brazilian centers.

PURPOSE: The prompt initiation of a betalactam antibiotic in febrile neutropenic patients is considered standard of care, while the empiric use of vancomycin is recommended by guidelines in specific situations, with a low level of evidence. The objective of this study was to assess the utilization of vancomycin in the management of febrile neutropenia within four Brazilian medical centers that implemented more stringent criteria for its administration. METHODS: A comprehensive retrospective analysis was performed encompassing all instances of febrile neutropenia observed during the period from 2013 to 2019. The primary focus was to identify the reasons for initiating vancomycin therapy. RESULTS: A total of 536 consecutive episodes of febrile neutropenia were documented, involving 384 patients with a median age of 52 years (range 18-86). Chemotherapy preceded febrile neutropenia in 59.7% of cases, while 40.3% occurred after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The most prevalent underlying diseases were acute myeloid leukemia (26.5%) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (22%). According to international guidelines, vancomycin should have been initiated at the onset of fever in 145 episodes (27%); however, it was administered in only 27 cases (5.0%). Three episodes were associated with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, two of which were methicillin resistant. The 15-day and 30-day mortality rates were 5.0% and 9.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study underscore the notably low utilization rate of vancomycin in cases of febrile neutropenia, despite clear indications outlined in established guidelines. These findings emphasize the importance of carefully implementing guideline recommendations, considering local epidemiological factors, especially when the strength of recommendation is weak.

Infectious disease evaluations in a psychiatric unit, an observational study / Visitas infectológicas a una unidad psiquiátrica, un estudio observacional

Patients in adult psychiatric wards present infectious complications or pathologies that mimic an infectious condition, and there is little information on this subject. OBJECTIVES: To know the frequency and infectious and non-infectious complications treated by infectious disease specialists in a psychiatric intensive-care hospitalization unit for adults and their outcomes. METHODS: Observational study between 2016 and 2021. RESULTS: 37 patients with 41 events were evaluated. Almost half of the visits to these events originated from an antimicrobial stewardship program (46.3%). In 68.3% of the events, complementary studies were requested; in 14.6%, referral to other specialties; in 26.8%, an antimicrobial treatment was started; and in 75%, modifications were made to previous schemes. An infectious cause was identified in 30 of 41 events (73.2%) that included the following conditions: respiratory (31.7%), skin (9.8%), urinary (7.3%), gynecological (2.4%), one case of bacteremia with unknown source (2.4%), sequential infections (4.9%) and HIV therapy dropouts (7.3%). In the 11 remaining events, non-infectious causes were identified (26.8%): pulmonary thromboembolism, drug hepatotoxicity, false positive VDRL and HIV tests, steroid-induced psychosis in an HIV patient with thrombocytopenia, fever without etiology, residual positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, low O2 pulse oximetry due to oversedation and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in psychiatric hospitalization wards suffer from a great diversity of infectious problems during their stay with conditions that simulate infections. An antibiotic surveillance system can detect half of these conditions. The infectious diseases visits allow for advising or reorienting of the study and modifying the antibiotic treatment.

Los pacientes en salas de hospitalización psiquiátricas de adultos presentan complicaciones infecciosas o patologías que simulan un cuadro infeccioso y existe escasa información sobre este tema. OBJETIVOS: Conocer la frecuencia y tipo de complicaciones infecciosas y no infecciosas atendidas por especialistas de infectología en un Servicio de hospitalización psiquiátrica de cuidados intensivos de adultos y sus desenlaces. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional entre el 2016 y 2021. RESULTADOS: Se visitaron 37 paciente con 41 eventos. Casi la mitad de las visitas en estos eventos se originó por seguimiento de antimicrobianos (46,3%). En el 68,3% de los eventos se solicitaron estudios complementarios, en 14,6% la opinión de otras especialidades, en 26,8% se inició un tratamiento antimicrobiano y en 75% se hicieron modificaciones a esquemas previos. En 30 de 41 eventos se identificó una causa infecciosa (73,2%) que incluyeron las siguientes condiciones: respiratorias (31,7%), cutáneas (9,8%), urinarias (7,3%), ginecológicas (2,4%), bacteremia sin foco (2,4%), infecciones secuenciales (4,9%) y abandonos de terapia en pacientes VIH (7,3%). En los 11 eventos restantes se identificaron causas no infecciosas (26,8%): tromboembolismo pulmonar, hepatotoxicidad por drogas, test VDRL y VIH falsos positivos, psicosis por esteroides en un paciente VIH con trombocitopenia, fiebre sin etiología, PCR SARS-CoV-2 positiva residual, desaturación de O2 por sedación y síndrome neuroléptico maligno. No hubo mortalidad en esta serie. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes en salas de hospitalización psiquiátrica sufren de una gran diversidad de problemas infecciosos durante su estadía junto a cuadros que simulan infecciones. Un sistema de vigilancia antibiótica permite detectar la mitad de estas condiciones. Las visitas infectológicas permiten asesorar o reorientar el estudio y modificar el tratamiento antibiótico.