Pattern of inappropriate antibiotic use among patients in the medical wards of a tertiary hospital in southwest Nigeria

Background: The inappropriate use of antibiotics results in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and adverse clinical and economic outcomes in hospital in-patients. A lack of institutional and national antibiotic guidelines promotes inappropriate antibiotic use. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing, and the quality of antibiotic use in medical wards of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of patients admitted and placed on antibiotics in the medical wards of Lagos University Teaching Hospital between July 2013 and August 2014. The appropriateness of antibiotic therapy was determined by compliance with the guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Results: A total of 350 hospitalized patients on antibiotic therapy during the period of the study were reviewed, including 197 (56.3%) males and 153 females (43.7%). The mean age of the patients was 48.7±17.6 years and a total of 539 initial antibiotics were empirically prescribed. Antibiotic therapy was considered inappropriate in 290 (82.9%) patients, of which 131 (37.4%) patients had no evidence of infection. Pneumonia (23.1%) was the most common indication for antibiotic use, out of which 59.3% had inappropriate antibiotic therapy. Overall, the most frequently prescribed initial empirical antibiotic classes were imidazole derivatives (32.4%) and cephalosporins (22.0%), while the most frequently prescribed inappropriate antibiotic classes were carbapenems (100.0%) and quinolones (89.3%). Conclusion: The study revealed a high rate of inappropriate antibiotic therapy. There is an imperative need to establish antimicrobial stewardship programmes to curb the inappropriate use of antibiotics in the hospital.

Salud: Dignidad, Derechos y Ética

La salud y la atención de las personas enfermas implican no solo aspectos de diagnósticos y tratamientos médicos; por el contrario, encierran un conjunto de aspectos que están intrínsecamente vinculados (o deberían estarlo) aun cuando aparentemente no sean visibilizados con facilidad. La salud de las personas involucra las perspectivas de respeto a la dignidad de las personas, el ejercicio de sus derechos, y el desempeño ético de los protagonistas (los que atienden y los atendidos), que no deben ser dejadas de lado en el momento real que sucede cada atención de salud.

SUMMARY Health and care for sick people involve not only aspects of medical diagnosis and treatment; on the contrary, it contains a set of aspects that are intrinsically linked (or should be) even though they are apparently not easily visible. The health of the people involves the perspectives of respect for the dignity of the people, the exercise of their rights, and the ethical performance of the protagonists (those who attend and those attended), which should not be left aside in the real moment. that happens every health care.

Description of changes in clinical outcomes following the implementation of an antibiotic stewardship program in a level IV hospital / Descripción del cambio en desenlaces clínicos posteriores a la implementación de un programa de gestión de antibióticos en un hospital de cuarto nivel de atención en salud

Introduction. Inadequate prescription of antibiotics has been recognized as a public health problem by the World Health Organization. In this context, antibiotic stewardship programs have been implemented as a tool to mitigate its impact. Objective. To describe the changes in clinical outcomes after the implementation of an antibiotic stewardship program in a level IV hospital. Materials and methods. We conducted a unique cohort study of patients hospitalized for infectious pathologies that were treated with antibiotics in an advanced medical facility. We collected the clinical history before the implementation of the antibiotic stewardship program (2013 to 2015) and then we compared it to the records from 2018 to 2019 collected after the implementation of the program. We evaluated changes in clinical outcomes such as overall mortality, and hospital stay, among others. Results. We analyzed 1,066 patients: 266 from the preimplementation group and 800 from the post-implementation group. The average age was 59.2 years and 62% of the population was male. Statistically significant differences were found in overall mortality (29% vs 15%; p<0.001), mortality due to infectious causes (25% vs 9%; p<0.001), and average hospital stay (45 days vs 21 days; p<0.001); we also observed a tendency to decrease hospital re- admission at 30 days for infectious causes (14% vs 10%; p=0.085). Conclusions. The antibiotic stewardship program implemented was associated with a decrease in overall mortality and mortality due to infectious causes, as well as in average hospital stay. Our results evidenced the importance of interventions aimed at mitigating the impact of inadequate prescription of antibiotics.

Introducción. La inadecuada prescripción de antibióticos es un problema de salud pública, reconocido por la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Los programas de gestión de antibióticos son implementados como una herramienta para mitigar su impacto. Objetivo. Describir los cambios observados en los desenlaces clínicos después de la implementación de un programa de gestión de antibióticos en un hospital de IV nivel de atención. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de cohorte única de pacientes hospitalizados por patologías infecciosas y tratados con antibióticos en una institución médica de alta complejidad. Inicialmente, se recolectaron las historias clínicas anteriores a la implementación del programa de gestión de antibióticos (2013 a 2015) y luego se compararon con los datos obtenidos después de la implementación del programa de gestión de antibióticos de 2018 a 2019. Se evaluaron los cambios en los desenlaces clínicos como mortalidad y estancia hospitalaria, entre otros. Resultados. Se analizaron las historias clínicas de 1.066 pacientes: 266 con historia previa a la implementación del programa y 800 con historia posterior a la implementación. El promedio de edad fue 59,2 años y 62 % de la población era masculina. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en mortalidad global (29 Vs. 15 %; p<0,001), mortalidad por causa infecciosa (25 % Vs. 9 %; p<0,001) y promedio de estancia hospitalaria (45 Vs.21 días; p<0,001), con tendencia a disminuir nuevas hospitalizaciones en 30 días por patología infecciosa (14 Vs.10 %; p=0,085). Conclusiones. El desarrollo del programa de gestión de antibióticos se asoció con a una disminución en la mortalidad global, la mortalidad por causa infecciosa y la estancia hospitalaria. Esto demuestra la importancia de desarrollar intervenciones dirigidas a mitigar el impacto de la prescripción inadecuada de antibióticos.

Infections in Critically Ill Children

Health care–associated infections (HAI) directly influence the survival of children in pediatric intensive care units (PICU), the most common being central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) 25–30%, followed by ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) 20–25%, and others such as catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) 15%, surgical site infection (SSI) 11%. HAIs complicate the course of the disease, especially the critical one, thereby increasing the mortality, morbidity, length of hospital stay, and cost. The incidence of HAI in Western countries is 6.1–15.1% and in India, it is 10.5 to 19.5%. The advances in healthcare practices have reduced the incidence of HAIs in the recent years which is possible due to strict asepsis, hand hygiene practices, surveillance of infections, antibiotic stewardship, and adherence to bundled care. The burden of drug resistance and emerging infections are increasing with limited antibiotics in hand, is still a dreadful threat. The most common manifestation of HAIs is fever in PICU, hence the appropriate targeted search to identify the cause of fever should be done. Proper isolation practices, judicious handling of devices, regular microbiologic audit, local spectrum of organisms, identification of barriers in compliance of hand hygiene practices, appropriate education and training, all put together in an efficient and sustained system improves patient outcome.

Antifungal stewardship: What we need to know

Antimicrobial stewardship refers to a well-coordinated program which promotes the scientific and rational use of antimicrobials, reduces the chances of drug resistance and improves patient outcomes. A comprehensive English language literature search was done across multiple databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane) for the period 1990–2022, revealing a large volume of reports of growing resistance to established antifungal therapies, against a backdrop of irrational and unscientific prescriptions. As a result of this, antifungal stewardship, a new kid on the block, has recently garnered attention. This review article is an attempt to summarise the basic concept of stewardship programs, highlighting the dire need to implement the same in the present situation of antifungal resistance and treatment failure

Cálculo de los Días de Terapia Antimicrobiana (DOT) en Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos: una propuesta de metodología basada en el sistema informático de dispensación de medicamentos

Introducción: El método recomendado para la medición de consumo de antimicrobianos (AMB) en pediatría es el cálculo del indicador Días de Terapia estandarizado por ocupación (DOT-std). Sin embargo, en hospitales que no cuentan con fichas electrónicas, obtener el numerador de los días de terapia (DOT) requiere revisión directa de las indicaciones del paciente, dificultando su aplicabilidad. Objetivos: Validar el sistema de registros electrónicos de dispensación de medicamentos desde farmacia como fuente para el cálculo de DOT y DOT-std en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátrica (UCIP). Materiales y Métodos: Se revisaron las prescripciones de AMB desde la ficha clínica (método manual) y se compararon con los registros de dispensación de AMB a la UCIP (método informático) obtenidos del sistema de medicamentos de farmacia. Se evaluó la concordancia entre los DOT obtenidos mediante el Coeficiente de Correlación Intraclase. Resultados: Los AMB más utilizados fueron vancomicina, meropenem y piperacilina/tazobactam. En 9 de 12 AMB se encontró concordancia significativa entre ambos métodos. Conclusiones: Tras un proceso de validación local, los registros del sistema informático de dispensación de medicamentos desde farmacia podrían utilizarse para el cálculo de DOT en pediatría en hospitales que no cuenten con una ficha electrónica que permita su cálculo directo.

Background: The recommended indicator for measuring antimicrobial (AMB) consumption in pediatric patients is the Days of Therapy indicator (DOT), which is then standardized by hospital occupancy rates (DOT-std). However, in hospitals that do not have electronic health records, obtaining the DOT requires a direct review of each pharmacological indication, which is not feasible in the long term. Aims: To validate electronic records from the pharmacy dispensation system as a source for calculating DOT and estimating DOT-std in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Methods: AMB prescriptions at the PICU of a university hospital were directly reviewed (manual method) and compared with AMB dispensation records (computer method) obtained from the hospital pharmacy system. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient was used to evaluate the agreement between the DOT obtained by both methods. Results: The most used AMB were vancomycin, meropenem, and piperacillin/tazobactam. A significant agreement between the DOT obtained by using manual and computer methods was found in 9 of 12 evaluated AMB. Conclusions: After a local validation process, the electronic records of the pharmacy drug dispensation system could be considered a valid source for calculating DOT in PICUs in hospitals where electronic health records with prescription data are not yet available.

A Survey on Current Activities and Issues of Pharmacists at Facilities Calculating Fees for the Implementation of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Ehime / 社会薬学

Although the fees for the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship (AS addition) were newly established in the 2018 revision of medical fees, more detailed activities and issues of pharmacists at facilities calculating AS addition have not been clarified so far. Therefore, to understand the current status of AS activities and problems, we conducted a questionnaire survey of facilities that calculate the additional fee for infection prevention measures 1 and investigated whether there are differences in AS activities between facilities where pharmacists are full-time employees and facilities where non-pharmacists are full-time employees. The results showed that the number of antimicrobial agents used by full-time pharmacists was larger than that by non-pharmacists. In addition, the frequency of AS was lower for non-full-time workers than for full-time workers, with most full-time workers performing AS every day, while non-full-time workers performing AS two to three days a week. In addition, non-full-time workers lacked human resources and work time, and did not have sufficient work materials. The survey revealed that AS activities’ current status and problems differ between full-time and non-full-time employees.

READ-ing antimicrobial stewardship in the Caribbean: a tri-nation document review / El método READ y la administración de antimicrobianos en el Caribe: una revisión trinacional de documentos / Uso racional de antibióticos no Caribe com base na abordagem READ: revisão de documentos de três países

ABSTRACT Objective. To explore the antimicrobial stewardship policy landscape in three English-speaking Caribbean countries (Barbados, Guyana, and Saint Lucia) and examine the key enablers and challenges to the design and implementation of formal antimicrobial stewardship programs. Methods. A document analysis that searched for existing policy, communications, and contributions on antimicrobial stewardship from these three countries, adapting the READ (Ready materials; Extract data; Analyze data; Distill findings) approach, a systematic procedure for health policy document review. Results. The search strategy identified 726 initial records. Of those, 15 (2%) met the inclusion criteria. The analysis included official policy documents (n = 3), scholarly works/reviews (n = 3), advocacy documents (n = 2), news articles (n = 4), and confidential reports (n = 3) from the three countries. Conclusions. Critical matters such as cross-programmatic coordination, the significance of individual action, and the need for bidirectional knowledge discourse are prominent in optimizing antimicrobial stewardship adaptation in these countries. CARICOM regional coordination has positively impacted the integration of infection prevention and control with antimicrobial stewardship across this knowledge network.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Explorar el panorama de las políticas de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos en tres países caribeños de habla inglesa (Barbados, Guyana y Santa Lucía) y examinar los principales facilitadores y desafíos para elaborar y aplicar programas formales de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos. Métodos. Se adaptó el método READ (acrónimo en inglés de "materiales listos; extraer los datos; analizar los datos; destilar los resultados"), un procedimiento sistemático para la revisión de documentos sobre políticas de salud, a fin de realizar un análisis de documentos que buscó las políticas, comunicaciones y contribuciones existentes sobre la optimización del uso de antimicrobianos en esos tres países. Resultados. La estrategia de búsqueda permitió localizar 726 documentos iniciales. De ellos, 15 (el 2%) cumplían los criterios de inclusión. El análisis abarcó documentos oficiales de políticas (n = 3), trabajos académicos o revisiones (n = 3), documentos de promoción de la causa (n = 2), artículos de noticias (n = 4) e informes confidenciales (n = 3) de los tres países. Conclusiones. Varios aspectos críticos, como la coordinación interprogramática, la importancia de la acción individual y la necesidad de una comunicación bidireccional del conocimiento, son preponderantes para adaptar de la mejor manera la optimización del uso de antimicrobianos en estos países. La coordinación regional de la CARICOM ha influido positivamente para integrar la prevención y el control de infecciones con la optimización del uso de antimicrobianos en toda esta red de conocimientos.

RESUMO Objetivo. Explorar o cenário da política para uso racional de antibióticos em três países anglófonos do Caribe (Barbados, Guiana e Santa Lúcia) e examinar os principais fatores facilitadores e desafios para a elaboração e implementação de programas formais de uso racional de antibióticos. Métodos. Análise de documentos em busca de políticas, comunicações e contribuições existentes sobre o uso racional de antibióticos nesses três países, adaptando a abordagem READ (sigla em inglês para preparar materiais, extrair e analisar dados e destacar os principais achados), um procedimento sistemático para a revisão de documentos de políticas de saúde. Resultados. A estratégia de busca identificou 726 registros iniciais. Desses, 15 (2%) atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. A análise incluiu documentos oficiais de políticas (n = 3), trabalhos acadêmicos/revisões (n = 3), documentos em defesa da causa (n = 2), reportagens (n = 4) e relatórios confidenciais (n = 3) dos três países. Conclusões. Questões críticas, como a coordenação interprogramática, a importância da ação individual e a necessidade de um discurso bidirecional de conhecimento, se destacam na adaptação otimizada das diretrizes de uso racional de antibióticos nesses países. A coordenação regional da Comunidade do Caribe (CARICOM) contribuiu para integrar a prevenção e o controle de infecções ao uso racional de antibióticos em toda essa rede de conhecimento.

Antibiotic prescription patterns in paediatric wards of Rivers State university teaching hospital, southern Nigeria: a point prevalence survey

Antimicrobial resistance remains a threat to patient safety and healthcare outcomes and largely arises from inappropriate antimicrobial prescriptions. This study aimed to determine the pattern of antibiotic prescriptions in the Paediatrics department of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt.Method:A point prevalence survey was conducted in the Paediatric wards and Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) on 13 November 2021. Records of all children admitted before or at 8:00a.m. on the day of the survey were descriptively analysed using the protocol and web-based management system of the Global Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Consumption and Resistance, University of Antwerp.Results: The antibiotic prevalence in this study was 77.4%. The most common indication(s) for antibiotic use in SCBU was infection prophylaxis (81.3%) and in paediatric wards: Pneumonia, Ear Nose Throat and Soft tissue infections accounted for (23.1%) each. Third-generation cephalosporins and aminoglycosides were predominantly used in all wards and were empirical-based prescriptions. Regarding antibiotic quality indicators of prescriptions: In SCBU: 19 (90.5%) had indication(s) for antibiotics documented, 10 (46.7%) were guideline compliant, and 1 (4.8%) had documented review/stop date. In the paediatric medical and surgical wards, 17(85.0%) vs. 4(100%) had indication(s) for antibiotics documented, 6(30.0%) vs. 0(0%) were guideline compliant, and 1(5.0%) vs. 4(100.0%) had a review/ stop date.Conclusion:High prevalence of antibiotic use, suboptimal antibiotic quality indicators and absence of laboratory evidence for antibiotic prescriptions were observed in the paediatric units. There is a need to reorientate prescribers and institute strategic measures to improve antimicrobial stewardship

Effect evaluation of the clinical pharmacists participating in the treatment of patients with diabetic foot / 药学实践杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of clinical pharmacists participating in the treatment of hospitalized patients with diabetic foot by antibiotics management index and health economics index. Methods 40 hospitalized patients with diabetic foot of Wagner Grade 4 in the Endocrine Department of Air Force Medical Center from April to September 2017 were selected as control group, and 40 hospitalized patients with diabetic foot of Wagner Grade 4 in the Endocrine Department from April to September 2019 were selected as interventional group. No clinical pharmacists were involved in drug treatment of patients in the control group, while the clinical pharmacists in the interventional group participated in drug treatment, and implemented antimicrobial stewardship, medication reconciliation, pharmaceutical care and medication education. Antibiotics management indexes (use intensity of antibiotics, use rate of special class antibiotics) and health economics indexes (medicine expenses, hospitalization expenses) of the two groups were compared. Results The efficacy of the two groups was similar. The use intensity of antibiotics and use rate of special class antibiotics of the interventional group in which clinical pharmacists participated were significantly lower than the control group (P<0.01), so were the medicine expenses and hospitalization expenses (P<0.01). Conclusion Clinical pharmacists participating in the treatment of hospitalized patients with diabetic foot could reduce antibiotics administration index and health economics index, promote rational medicine use and save medical expenses.

Clinical and Bacteriological Profile of Neonatal Sepsis- A Retrospective Study

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in newborn in developing countries. The spectrum of bacteria which causes neonatal sepsis varies in different parts of the world. Surveillance of causative organisms and their antibiotic sensitivity pattern promotes rational use of antibiotics and antibiotic stewardship. Objective: To assess the clinical and bacteriological profile of neonatal sepsis.Material & Methods:A retrospective study was conducted at Department of Pediatrics, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi, Bangladesh from January to June 2019. Of the 207 neonates with clinical suspicion of sepsis, 55 neonates included. Culture positive sepsis was defined as isolation of bacterial pathogen from blood in neonates with clinical suspicion of sepsis.Results:Of the 207 neonates with clinical suspicion of sepsis, 55 neonates had blood culture positive sepsis. Sepsis was predominant in males (64.5%). Low birth weight (47.2%) and prematurity (40.9%) were important neonatal risk factors for sepsis. Early onset sepsis occurred in 58.1% of the cases and late onset sepsis in 41.9% of the neonates. Gram-positive cocci constituted 67.52% of all isolates and gram negative 30.76%. The most frequently isolated organism in blood was methicillin resistant coagulase negative staphylococcus (MRCONS) (32.47%). Gram positive organisms included MRCONS, methicillin resistant Staphylococci aureus (MRSA), group B Streptococci (GBS), Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococci. Among Gram-negative organisms, Acinetobacter was most frequently isolated followed by Klebsiella, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Citrobacter and Burkholderia species. The mortality in the study group was 13.5%. Gram negative organisms were most resistant to ampicillin and cephalosporins. Gram positive isolates were least resistant to vancomycin and linezolid.Conclusion:In conclusion, gram positive sepsis was found to be common in present study, although mortality was high in gram negative sepsis. Careful measures have to be taken to overcome the change in trend of organisms causing sepsis, and selection of antibiotics should be prudent.

Evaluation of knowledge, awareness, and practice of antimicrobial stewardship among prescribers of a teaching hospital in South India

Background: The injudicious and indiscriminate use of antimicrobials has led to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly in the low- and middle-income countries. Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) is the coordinated intervention to enhance the appropriate use of antimicrobials. Antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) is a multidisciplinary program with interventions and strategies to encourage AMS to prevent emergence of AMR. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating the knowledge, awareness, and practice (KAP) of AMS among prescribers of a teaching hospital in South India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire based study conducted after obtaining Institutional Ethics Committee approval was conducted among prescribers of a teaching hospital from September 2022 to October 2022. Responses to the questionnaires issued to the prescribers through Google Forms were analyzed by descriptive statistics using Microsoft excel. Results: A total of 230 prescribers submitted the filled in questionnaires. The definition of AMS was known to 62%. The constitution and functioning of ASP was known to 59%. However, only a few (38%) prescribers agreed that antimicrobials are avoided in viral infections. More than 60% had good awareness of AMS. However, only 25% were aware of an ASP program is their hospital. Fifty percent agreed to the practice of reviewing antimicrobial use after 48–72 h and only 38% to the practice of obtaining cultures before prescribing antimicrobials. Conclusions: The prescribers had moderate knowledge and awareness and poor practice of AMS. To address these gaps, educational interventions and capacity building approaches are required.

Antibiotic indication in endodontics by Colombian dentists with different levels of training: a survey / Indicação dos antibióticos em Endodontia por dentistas colombianos com diferentes níveis de formação: uma pesquisa por questionário

ABSTRACT Aim: This study investigated how Colombian dentists with different academic levels indicate antibiotics with therapeutic purposes in endodontics. Materials and method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 559 dentists in the form of an online questionnaire. Results: Three hundred and twenty questionnaires were answered (57.2%). There were significant differences among respondents. For irreversible pulpitis, 140 dentists (43.7%) said they prescribe antibiotics (57.5% of general practitioners, 20.1% of specialists and 38.9% of those with Master's and/or PhD degrees), while for symptomatic apical periodontitis, 183 (57.2%) did so (74.1% of general practitioners, 28.4% of specialists and 50.0% of those with Master's and/or PhD degrees) (p < 0.05). Amoxicillin was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic, and its association with clavulanic acid was the most often cited for acute periradicular abscess with systemic involvement. Conclusions: The greatest misunderstandings in prescribing antibiotics occurred among general practitioners. Considering all clinical conditions that do not require antibiotics, 60% of general practitioners and 34% of specialists, on average, indicated antibiotics.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo investigou como dentistas colombianos com diferentes níveis acadêmicos indicaram antibióticos com fins terapêuticos em Endodontia. Materiais e método: Realizou-se um levantamento transversal com 559 dentistas. Foi enviado um questionário online. Resultados: Foram respondidos 320 questionários (57,2%). Houve diferenças significativas entre os profissionais com diferentes níveis de formação. Para pulpite irreversível, 140 (43,7%) dentistas afirmaram indicar antibióticos (57,5% clínicos gerais, 20,1% especialistas e 38,9% com mestrado e/ou doutorado), enquanto para periodontite apical sintomática, 183 (57,2%) prescrevem estes medicamentos (74,1% clínicos, 28,4% especialistas e 50,0% com mestrado e doutorado) (p < 0,05). A amoxicilina foi a mais indicada entre os profissionais, e sua associação com ácido clavulânico foi a mais referida para abscesso perirradicular agudo com acometimento sistêmico. Conclusões: Os maiores equívocos na prescrição de antibióticos ocorreram com os clínicos gerais. Considerando todas as condições clínicas que não requerem antibióticos, 60% dos clínicos gerais e 34% dos especialistas, em média, indicaram estes medicamentos.

Programa de Segurança do Paciente Focado nas Estratégias do Stewardship de Antimicrobianos para Staphylococcus Spp / Patient safety program focused on antimicrobial stewardship strategies for Staphylococcus spp

Introdução: A sedimentação do Programa de Stewardship de Antimicrobianos (ATMs), além de reduzir a indução da resistência bacteriana, assegura maior segurança aos pacientes. Este estudo teve por objetivo descrever o perfil de sensibilidade do Staphylococcus aureus e Staphylococcus coagulase negativo (S. CON) nas unidades de internação adulta do hospital para instrumentalizar as equipes e realizar o gerenciamento de ATMs. Métodos: Este estudo retrospectivo foi realizado através de busca em prontuário eletrônico de culturas laboratoriais com S. aureus e S. CON, independentemente do foco, dos anos de 2017, 2018 e 2019, das unidades de internação adultas não críticas e UTI adulto. Para análise, foi realizado o cálculo de coeficiente de sensibilidade absoluto e de médias. As variáveis qualitativas foram apresentadas em relação ao agente etiológico, antibiótico e local de isolamento, com posterior identificação de variabilidade e possibilidades terapêuticas disponíveis. Resultados: Apesar de ocorrer similaridade na distribuição das cepas de Staphylococcus spp. nos locais analisados do hospital, observou-se divergência entre os perfis de sensibilidade do S. aureus e S. CON. Existe superioridade no perfil de sensibilidade do S. aureus em comparação com o S. CON em relação a todos ATMs. A sensibilidade do S. aureus à oxacilina, ainda, possibilita tratamento com ß-lactâmicos; entretanto, a escolha de outras classes de ATMs torna-se necessária em casos de infecções complexas e graves. Conclusão: A análise periódica do perfil de sensibilidade aos ATMs é uma estratégia a ser alcançada para um eficaz programa de gerenciamento de ATMs, com fundamentação de protocolos e melhor assistência dos pacientes.

Introduction: The sedimentation of the antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) reduces the induction of bacterial resistance and ensures greater patient safety. This study aimed to describe the sensitivity profile of Staphylococcus aureus and negative-coagulase Staphylococcus (CoNS) in adult inpatient units of the hospital to instrumentalize the teams and perform ASP management. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted by searching electronic medical records for laboratory cultures with S. aureus and CoNS, regardless of the focus, from 2017, 2018, and 2019, from the adult non-critical inpatient units and adult ICU. For the analysis, the study calculated the absolute sensitivity coefficient and means. Qualitative variables were related to the etiologic agent, antibiotic, and isolation site, with subsequent identification of variability and available therapeutic possibilities. Results: Although similarity occurred in the distribution of Staphylococcus spp. strains in the analyzed hospital sites, divergence was observed between the sensitivity profiles of S. aureus and CoNS. There is superiority in the sensitivity profile of S. aureus over CoNS concerning all ASP. The sensitivity of S. aureus to oxacillin still allows treatment with ß-lactams. However, the choice of other classes of ASP becomes necessary in cases of complex and severe infections. Conclusion: Periodic analysis of the ASP sensitivity profile is a strategy to achieve an effective ASP management program to support protocols and better patient care.

Programa de optimización del uso de antimicrobianos durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Antimicrobial stewardship program during the COVID-19 pandemic

Resumen A pesar de la baja frecuencia de coinfecciones bacterianas asociadas al COVID-19, la tasa de uso de antibióticos (ATB) empíricos varía entre 70 y 90%. El objetivo primario del estudio fue evaluar el impacto de la implementación de un programa de optimización de antimicrobianos en pacientes con COVID-19 (PROA-COVID). Se realizó un estudio prospectivo de serie de tiempo interrumpida. Se evaluó la prevalencia, adecuación y consumo de ATB en adultos internados con COVID previo a la implementación del PROA-COVID (P1, junio 2020) y en tres períodos posteriores (P2 en agosto 2020, P3 en octubre 2020 y P4 en junio 2021). Se incluyeron 301 pacientes. Las formas clínicas moderadas-graves fueron más frecuentes en los P2, 3 y 4 (p < 0.001). La implementación del programa mostró una disminución significativa del uso de ATB (61% vs. 41% vs. 31.1% vs. 8.1%, p < 0.001), de la indicación de tratamiento combinado con macrólidos (17.3% vs. 19.2% vs. 10.8% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.03) y aumento del uso adecuado (37.5% vs. 46.9% vs. 69.9% vs. 66.6%, p = 0.039). El consumo de ATB en DDT (días de tratamiento) totales/1000 días paciente fue: 347.9 vs. 272.8 vs. 134.3 vs. 43.6 (p < 0.001). No hubo diferencias significativas en el pase a unidades de cuidados críticos ni en la mortalidad. La implementación del PROA-COVID fue una estrategia efectiva para reducir el uso de antibióticos y optimizar sus indicaciones sin impacto en la morbimortalidad.

Abstract In spite of the low frequency of COVID-19 associated bacterial coinfections, the rate of empiric an tibiotic use varies between 70% and 90%. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) on COVID-19 patients. The study design was an interrupted time series, assessing prevalence of antibiotic use, adequacy of treatment and antimicrobial consumption in adult patients hospitalized with COVID before the COVID-ASP implementation in June 2020, and on three subsequent periods (P2 in August 2020, P3 in October 2020 and P4 in June 2021). One hundred and one patients were included. Moderate and severe disease was more frequent in P2, P3, and P4 periods (p < 0.001). After the implementation we observed a significant reduction on ATM use (61% vs. 41% vs. 31.1% vs. 8.1%, p < 0.001), and macrolid combination therapy (17.3% vs. 19.2% vs. 10.8% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.03), and an increase of adequate use (37.5% vs. 46.9% vs. 69.9% vs. 66.6%, p = 0.039). Antimicrobial consumption by period in days of therapy (DOT)/1000 patient-day was 347.9 vs. 272.8 vs. 134.29 vs. 43.6 (p<0.001). We did not find any difference in intensive care unit transfer or mortality. COVID-ASP implementation was an effective strategy to reduce antimicrobial consump tion and optimize antibiotic indications without affecting morbidity or mortality.

Report of two events of nosocomial outbreak and pseudo-outbreak due to contamination with Achromobacter spp / Comunicación de 2 eventos de brote y seudobrote nosocomial debido a contaminación con Achromobacter spp

Abstract Achromobacter spp. are increasingly recognized as emerging pathogens in immunocompromised patients or suffering cystic fibrosis, but unusual in immunocompetent hosts or individuals that underwent surgery. In this study we describe two simultaneous events attributable to two different Achromobacter spp. contaminated sources. One event was related to an episode of pseudo-bacteremia due to sodium citrate blood collection tubes contaminated with Achromobacter insuavis and the other to Achromobacter genogroup 20 infection and colonization caused by an intrinsically contaminated chlorhexidine soap solution. Both threatened the appropriate use of antimicrobials. Molecular approaches were critical to achieving the accurate species identification and to assess the clonal relationship, strengthening the need for dedicated, multidisciplinary and collaborative work of microbiologists, specialists in infectious diseases, epidemiologists and nurses in the control of infections to clarify these epidemiological situations.

Resumen Achromobacter spp. son reconocidas con mayor frecuencia como patógenos emergentes en pacientes con fibrosis quística e inmunodeprimidos, pero son inusuales en hospedadores inmunocompetentes o quirúrgicos. En este estudio describimos 2 eventos simultáneos atribuibles a 2 fuentes contaminadas con Achromobacter spp. Uno correspondió a un episodio de seudobacteriemia por tubos de citrato de sodio contaminados con Achromobacter insuavis y el otro a infecciones y colonizaciones debidas al uso de solución jabonosa de clorhexidina intrínsecamente contaminada con Achromobacter genogrupo 20. Ambos episodios pusieron en peligro el uso apropiado de antimicrobianos. Los enfoques moleculares fueron fundamentales para lograr la identificación precisa de las especies y evaluar la relación clonal de los aislamientos, lo que refuerza la necesidad del trabajo perseverante y multidisciplinario de microbiólogos, especialistas en enfermedades infecciosas, epidemiólogos y enfermeras en el control de infecciones para el esclarecimiento de estas situaciones epidemiológicas.

Transição de via de linezolida endovenosa para via oral: uma análise de custo-minimização / Switching from intravenous to oral linezolid therapy: a cost-minimization analysis

Objetivo: Comparar custos da terapia endovenosa exclusiva com linezolida com os custos da terapia iniciada por via endovenosa com transição para via oral após 72 horas, como estratégia de intervenção em programas de gestão de antimicrobianos. Métodos: Avaliação econômica de custo-minimização comparando custos diretos da terapia endovenosa exclusiva com linezolida com a terapia endovenosa seguida de transição para via oral em cenário simulado, sob a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), com árvore de decisão como modelo para tomada de decisão. Resultados: A alternativa englobando a transição de via mostrou-se a mais econômica em todos os cenários analisados. Para 28 dias de tratamento com linezolida, houve redução de 22% nos custos, considerando o paciente internado. Ao considerar alta após o sexto dia de tratamento, a redução de custos variou de 26%, com financiamento pelo SUS do restante do tratamento, a 84%, com financiamento do tratamento pós-alta pelo paciente. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a transição de via de linezolida é uma importante estratégia nos programas de gerenciamento de antimicrobianos, capaz de gerar economia significativa para a instituição. As avaliações econômicas de custo-minimização, nesse contexto, são uma importante ferramenta para demonstrar o aspecto econômico com potencial para sensibilizar gestores e tomadores de decisão.

Objective: To compare the direct costs of linezolid intravenous therapy with the costs of intravenous therapy switching to oral therapy after 72 hours as an intervention strategy in antimicrobial stewardship programs. Methods: Economic evaluation cost-minimization comparing direct costs of exclusive linezolid intravenous therapy with intravenous therapy for 72 hours and after switching to oral therapy in a simulated scenario, from the perspective of the National Health Service, with a decision tree as a decision modeling. Results: The alternative encompassing the therapy transition proved to be the most economical in all analyzed scenarios. For 28 days of treatment with linezolid, there was a 22% reduction in costs, considering the hospitalized patient. When considering discharge after the sixth day of treatment, the cost reduction ranged from 26%, with funding from the National Health Service for the rest of the treatment, to 84%, with funding for the post-discharge treatment by the patient. Conclusion: It was concluded that the linezolid therapy transition is an important strategy in antimicrobial management programs, capable of generating significant savings for the institution. In this context, economic cost-minimization assessments are an important tool to demonstrate the economic aspect with the potential to raise awareness among managers and decision-makers.

Utility of a real?time fluorescence imaging device in guiding antibiotic treatment in superficial skin infections

The prescription of antibiotics empirically without confirmation of an infective etiology is on the rise. Administration of appropriate antibiotics can be guided by real-time fluorescence imaging using a point-of-care device. These composite images show the presence, type and the burden of infection. The time saved by this method over microbiological testing, especially in resource-poor settings, can lead to a paradigm shift in treatment by facilitating prompt and adequate antimicrobial therapy, surgical debridement as well as follow-up. Thumbnail sketches of a series of four cases highlighting different scenarios in which a fluorescent imaging device utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning was found useful is presented in this report.

Evaluación de la administración de medicamentos veterinarios en hatos lecheros de quince municipios de Cundinamarca, Colombia

Objetivo Evaluar el conocimiento en el uso de Medicamentos de Uso Veterinario (MUV) de los productores ganaderos y personal involucrado en Bogotá y municipios aledaños. Métodos Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal a través de entrevistas a operarios y productores ganaderos de una muestra de 30 hatos lecheros localizados en 15 municipios cerca de Bogotá, Cundinamarca. Resultados Se identificó la implementación de prácticas para la administración de MUV, incluyendo parámetros que influencian su administración y conocimientos en las personas que los prescriben y administran. Se encontró que los medicamentos de mayor frecuencia fueron los antimicrobianos con 60,7%, entre los cuales se destaca el uso de penicilina y oxitetraciclina. Los MUV inyectables (parenterales) fueron las formas más frecuentes de aplicación con un 64,7%. Se identificaron 251 MUV en los hatos lecheros, de los cuales el 81,3% están compuestos por principios activos que requieren tiempo de retiro en leche y carne. Se destaca el rol del mayordomo en el cuidado animal a nivel diagnóstico y administración del tratamiento. Conclusión El presente estudio sugiere que el uso de MUV es implementado empíricamente en producciones lecheras y podría contribuir a mediano y largo plazo a la emergencia de cepas con resistencia a MUV.

Objective To evaluate the knowledge in the antibiotic stewardship practices in livestock producers and associated staff from Bogotá and neighboring municipalities. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed through interviews for livestock producers and staff in a sample of 30 dairy farms located in 15 municipalities near Bogota, Cundinamarca. We evaluated practice administration of veterinary drugs and knowledge in antibiotic stewardship by farm livestock managers in charge who prescribe and administer veterinary drugs. Results The most common veterinary drugs were antimicrobials with 60.7% such as penicillin and oxytetracycline. The injectable veterinary drugs (parenteral) were the most frequently used with 64.7%. We identified 251 veterinary drugs in the dairy farms where 81.3% of active compounds require withdrawal time in the milk and meat. The butler role in animal care was highlighted at diagnostic level and treatment compliance. Conclusion This study suggests that recommendations for veterinary drug stewardship remain empirically implemented in dairy farms which might lead to the future emergence of multidrug-resistant strains in the long and middle term.

Patient Safety, Clinical Microbiology, and Collaborative Healthcare

“Right to health” is a universal right inclusive of a culture of safety. This review aims to highlight how clinical microbiology laboratories can contribute to patient safety. They can bring down medical errors through clinical collaboration and quality control. Timely and accurate inputs from microbiology laboratory help in clinical correlation and aid in safe patient care. Through internet search, using keywords such as “medical errors” and “quality assurance,” global burden of medical errors has been compiled. References have been taken from guidelines and documents of standard national and international agencies, systematic reviews, observational studies, retrospective analyses, meta-analyses, health bulletins and reports, and personal views. Safety in healthcare should lay emphasis on prevention, reporting, analysis, and correction of medical errors. If not recorded, medical errors are regarded as occasional or chance events. Global data show adverse events are as high as 10% among hospitalized patients, and approximately two-thirds of these are reported from low- to middle-income countries (LMICs). This includes errors in laboratories as well. Clinical microbiology can impact patient safety when practiced properly with an aim to detect, control, and prevent infections at the earliest. It is a science that integrates a tripartite relationship between the patient, clinician, and a microbiology specialist. Through collaborative healthcare, all stakeholders benefit by understanding common errors and mitigate them through quality management. However, errors tend to happen despite standardization and streamlining all processes. The aim should be to minimize them, have fair documentation, and learn from mistakes to avoid repetition. Local targets should be set and then extended to meet national and global benchmarks.