Prospective evaluating the appropriate use of piperacillin /tazobactam in cardiac center of a tertiary care hospital.

BACKGROUND: The appropriate use of Piperacillin/Tazobactam (Pip/Taz), including the correct dose, escalating and or de-escalation according to the microbiological culture is essential to reduce the antibiotic resistance. Resistant to antimicrobials in a major global problem and contributes significantly to morbidity, mortality and cost of care. Guidelines exists to ensure appropriate use of Pip/Taz. Antibiotics Stewardship guidelines (https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/329404/9789241515481-eng.pdf) provides a detailed recommendation with regards to initiation, monitoring and escalation and de-escalation based on final culture results. Appling such guidelines ensures a more proper utilization of the empiric uses of antibiotics used in the hospital-based setting. Use of Pip/Taz in cases of suspected infection postoperatively is common practice in the cardiac surgery ward where this study was conducted. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study involving all patients who were admitted to the cardiac surgery unit of a tertiary care center. All patient prescribed at least 1 day of Pip/Taz as an empirical therapy were included and prospectively observed. We aimed to evaluate the use of Pip/Taz and its appropriateness based on Antibiotics Stewardship guidelines (ASG). Any deviation from the guidelines in initiation, escalation, de-escalation based on culture and sensitivity results was considered inappropriate use. Four patients died (1.3%) early as result of complications for surgery but included in the analysis. The study was conducted from October 2017 to October 2018. RESULTS: Of the 300 patients who received Pip/Taz Cultures were done in 250 patients (83%). The overall appropriate use of Pip/Taz was seen in 166 patients (55.3%). CONCLUSION: The empirical use of Pip/Taz in the surgical cardiac unit was largely inappropriate and not entirely driven by the culture test results. Interventions are needed to optimize the use of Pip/Taz including appropriate culture and sensitivity driven use and timely de-escalation or de-escalation when indicated. This will prevent emergence of resistance and reduce the patient toxicity and financial costs.

Towards safety of oral anti-cancer agents, the need to educate our pharmacists.

Introduction: The global prevalence of cancer is rising. Use of oral anticancer medications has expanded exponentially. Knowledge about these medications as well as safe handling guidelines has not kept abreast with the rapidity these medications are applied in clinical practice. They pose serious hazards on all personal involved in handling these medications as well as on patients and their caregivers. We addressed the gaps in knowledge and safe handling of oral anticancer agents among pharmacists in institutional based cancer care. Materials and Methods: We used a 41 item questionnaire to explore three domains, pharmacists' knowledge, safe handling practice and confidence and self-improving strategies towards these agents among pharmacists in multicentre specialized cancer care. Results: Participants included 120 pharmacists dedicated to handle and dispense oral anticancer agents. About 20% of Pharmacists have adequate knowledge about oral anticancer agents. Less than 50% apply safe handling principles adequately. Only a quarter are confident in educating cancer patients and their caregivers about Oral Anti-Cancer Agents. Conclusions: Pharmacists' knowledge about Oral Anticancer agents needs to be improved. Safe handling and dispensing practice of these medications should be optimized. Pharmacists' confidence towards educating patients and their caregiver needs to be addressed. Enhancing safety of oral anticancer agents should be a priority. Involving all key players, research and quality improving projects are needed to improve all aspects of the safety of oral anticancer agents.