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Pharmacist recommendations for carbapenem de-escalation in urinary tract infection within an antimicrobial stewardship program

S. Sadyrbaeva-Dolgova, P. Aznarte-Padial, A. Jiménez-Morales, M. Expósito-Ruíz, M. Calleja-Hernández, C. Hidalgo-Tenorio

Journal of Infection and Public Health, 2020

163 participants · 30 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Carbapenem antibiotics are considered the treatment of choice for serious extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria infections. Our objectives were to analyze the results of carbapenem de-escalation therapy in complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) attended in a third-level Spanish hospital and to evaluate the impact of pharmacist recommendation in this practice, the outcomes obtained, and associated factors.

METHODS

This prospective observational study of carbapenem prescriptions and de-escalation performance was conducted in a third-level hospital between August 1 2013 and July 31, 2014. Data were gathered on carbapenem treatment duration, de-escalation, length of hospital stay, mortality rate, and associated re-admissions.

RESULTS

De-escalation, which was only ordered for patients with positive cultures, was conducted in 49.7% of the 163 patients with complicated UTI. More than half (69.1%) of pharmacist interventions were accepted. De-escalation reduced the median hospital stay by five days (p=0.030). Crude hospital mortality was lower in the de-escalation group (7.4% vs. 29.3%, p<0.001), although their exposure to carbapenems was lower (4 vs 6 days, p<0.001). Factors associated with de-escalation were ICU stay for at least 48h, pharmacist recommendation and ESBL or AmpC producing Enterobacteriaceae. Factors associated with in-hospital mortality were age, previous admission and duration of hospital stay, but not pharmacist…

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