A road less traveled in critical care: A call for improved acceptance and implementation of palliative and supportive care.

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.

Oxacillin plus ertapenem rapidly clears persistent left ventricular assist device-related methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia.

There is an increasing use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) as bridge to transplantation or permanent destination therapy in the heart failure patient population. Infection remains a common complication in LVADs, with Gram-positive skin flora as predominant pathogens implicated, including Staphylococcus aureus. While there is emerging evidence for synergistic antibiotic combinations with methicillin resistant S. aureus, there remains a significant gap in the literature for persistent methicillin susceptible S. aureus bacteremia. In this article, we describe the first successful treatment of persistent LVAD-related bacteremia with salvage oxacillin plus ertapenem. The salvage therapy described here must be balanced by the risks for toxicity, impact on resistance, microbiota disruption, drug shortages, and patient costs. This combination warrants further evaluation in the clinical setting to better establish its role in our expanding patient population.

Comparison of Low- Versus High-Dose Four-Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate (4F-PCC) for Factor Xa Inhibitor-Associated Bleeding: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Although andexanet alfa was recently approved as a specific reversal agent for apixaban and rivaroxaban, some providers still elect to administer 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) instead, due to concerns surrounding efficacy, thrombotic risk, administration logistics, availability, and cost. Previous studies have described success with 4F-PCC doses ranging from 25 to 35 U/kg, with some guidelines recommending 50 U/kg. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare hemostasis between patients receiving low- (20-34 U/kg) versus high-dose (35-50 U/kg) 4F-PCC for the urgent reversal of apixaban and rivaroxaban. PATIENTS/METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study at a level one trauma center and comprehensive stroke center between January 2015 and December 2018. Main exclusion criteria included patients receiving less than 20 U/kg or if postreversal imaging were unavailable. Outcomes assessed included hemostasis for critical bleeding associated with apixaban or rivaroxaban and postoperative bleeding for reversal for emergent procedures. RESULTS: The low-dose strategy was administered to n = 57 (57.6%) patients at a mean dose of 26.6 U/kg. The high-dose strategy was used in n = 42 (42.4%) patients at a mean dose of 47.6 U/kg. There was no difference in hemostasis by dosing strategy (75.4% vs 78.6%, P = .715) or hospital mortality (19.3% vs 35.7%, P = .067). No difference was found for secondary end points, including thrombotic events (5.3% vs 2.4%, P = .635) and hospital length of stay (11.3 vs 12.5 days, P = .070). CONCLUSIONS: Our comparison addresses a gap in the literature surrounding optimal dosing and supports a similar efficacy profile between dosing low- versus high-dose treatment.

Focusing the Lens on the CAMERA Concepts: Early Combination ß-Lactam and Vancomycin Therapy in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has grown to become a major burden on health care systems. The cumulation of limited therapeutic options and worsened patient outcomes with persistent MRSA bacteremia has driven research in optimizing its initial management. The guidelines published by the Infectious Diseases Society of America currently recommend combination therapy for refractory MRSA bacteremia, but the utility of combining antibiotics from the start of therapy is under investigation. The alternative strategy of early use of ß-lactam antibiotics in combination with vancomycin upon initial MRSA bacteremia detection has shown promise. While this concept has gained international attention, providers should give this strategy serious consideration prior to implementation. The objective of this review is to examine retrospective and prospective evidence for early combination with vancomycin and ß-lactam antibiotics, as well as explore potential consequences of combination therapy.

Comparison of Venous Thromboembolism Prophylactic Measures Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery.

BACKGROUND: There is considerable debate surrounding venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in patients post coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) procedures. The American College of Chest Physicians guidelines report weak recommendations for starting VTE prophylaxis, but provide no specific guidance regarding timing or preferred prophylactic agent. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was designed to compare outcomes of post-cardiac surgery patients admitted to the cardiovascular intensive care unit (ICU) who received subcutaneous unfractionated heparin (UFH), with those who received subcutaneous enoxaparin for VTE prophylaxis. Between January 2013 and September 2017, 1085 patients were identified, and, after propensity score matching, 850 patients were selected for analysis. The primary outcomes were postoperative VTE and the occurrence of bleeding events up to 30 days postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included chest tube output, days mechanically ventilated, ICU length of stay, total hospital length of stay, and 30-day readmission rates. RESULTS: During the study period, rates of 2.03% for VTE events and 1.38% for bleeding events were reported in the entire cohort. After matching, the rates of VTE events (2.12% vs. 1.41%, p = 0.43) and bleeding events (1.18% vs. 0.94%, p = 1.00) were more frequent in the heparin group versus the enoxaparin group; these differences were not statistically significant. However, we did find a statistically significant increase in several secondary endpoints, including chest tube output, days mechanically ventilated, ICU length of stay, and total hospital length of stay, within the heparin cohort. Bleeding rates were similar to those previously published, despite the early initiation of VTE prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: We report no statistical difference in the rates of VTE or bleeding between chemical agents, but our results suggest enoxaparin may be a preferred agent over UFH.