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Background Hospitalized COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia are commonly treated for secondary bacterial pneumonia. The Biofire pneumonia panel, a rapid molecular diagnostic tool with 18 bacterial, 8 viral and 7 resistance gene targets, was made available to critical care and infectious disease clinicians in May 2020 at our institution. We sought to describe its utilization and influence on antibiotic use in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). Methods Eligible patients with COVID-19 LRTI (positive PCR test and abnormal chest imaging) had sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage pneumonia panel (PNP) paired with a respiratory tract culture between May 4 and Dec. 8, 2020, were included. Demographics, comorbidities, clinical data including microbiologic testing, PNP indication(s), and antibiotic use after testing were abstracted through chart review. Descriptive statistics were utilized. Results Characteristics of 133 patients are provided in Table 1. Median age was 61 years, 93 (70%) were male, 93 (70%) were mechanically ventilated, and 68 (51%) died within 30 days on PNP testing. PNP results, including culture results are listed in Table 2. No target was identified in 63 (47%) patients. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacterial isolate identified (MSSA in 32 [24%], MRSA in 8 [6%]) with culture growth in 21 specimens. More than 1 target was identified in 29 patients (22%). Empiric antibiotics and subsequent modifications within 24h hours of pneumonia panel are provided in Table 3. Vancomycin and cefepime were most frequently prescribed. Antibiotic modifications were made in 71/133 patients. Cessation of the anti-MRSA agent occurred in 39/72 (54%) of eligible patients and the anti-Pseudomonal agent in 21/78 (27%). Conclusion The PNP is a useful tool to evaluate secondary bacterial pneumonia in critically ill COVID-19 patients and may assist clinicians and antimicrobial stewardship programs in expedited antibiotic discontinuation or de-escalation particularly where rates of secondary bacterial infection are low, such as COVID-19 LRTI. Disclosures Erica J. Stohs, MD, MPH, bioMerieux: Grant/Research Support Paul D. Fey, PhD, BioFire: Advisor/Consultant|BioFire: Grant/Research Support|Merck: Grant/Research Support Trevor C. Van Schooneveld, MD, bioMerieux: Advisor/Consultant|bioMerieux: Grant/Research Support|Insmed: Grant/Research Support|Merck: Grant/Research Support|Thermo-Fischer: Advisor/Consultant.

Background Beta-lactam allergies (BLA) are common, but the prevalence and impact on solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients is largely unknown. We assessed the prevalence of BLA labels in SOT recipients at the time of transplant and evaluated their influence on surgical site infection (SSI) prophylaxis and SSI incidence. Methods All patients undergoing first heart, kidney, liver SOT at our institution were retrospectively reviewed (1/1/2015-12/31/2019). Antibiotic allergies, surgical antibiotic prophylaxis, and SSIs were abstracted from the electronic medical record. Reported BLA reactions were classified as potentially IgE-mediated, delayed, or non-allergic based on documentation. SSIs were reported according to NHSN definitions, and the incidence of SSI was compared between patients with and without reported BLA. SSI prophylaxis regimens were compared to institutional guidelines. Basic descriptive statistics were performed. Results Out of a total cohort of 751 patients (122 heart, 435 kidney, 209 liver, 4 multi-organ), 129 (17%) reported at least one BLA, with 104 (15%) with reactions to penicillins, 26 (3%) to cephalosporins, and 1 (0.1%) to carbapenems. Commonly reported reactions were rash (38%), hives (25%), and “other” (21%); 28% of documented reactions were not documented or classified as non-allergic. SSI developed in 7 (6.1%) of heart, 10 (2.5%) of kidney, and 16 (9.4%) of liver transplant recipients. Excluding 44 patients already on antibiotics for treatment of systemic infection, guideline concordant beta-lactam antibiotic surgical prophylaxis was administered to 6 (5.2%) of BLA group vs 490 (85.8%) in the non-BLA group (p< 0.01); among the BLA group who did not receive a beta-lactam, 96 (83%) received a regimen concordant with institutional guidelines for penicillin allergy and 14 (12%) received guideline non-adherent regimens. Patients reporting BLA did not have a higher incidence of SSIs compared to those without BLA: 6 (4.8%) vs 27 (4.5%) respectively, p=0.86. Conclusion BLA prevalence in our SOT population was similar to previously reported rates, but many reported reactions were not allergic in nature. Pre-transplant allergy evaluation for patients with reported BLA may improve SSI antibiotic prophylaxis compliance. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Background Sepsis disproportionately affects allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients and is challenging to define. Clinical criteria that predict mortality and intensive care unit end-points in patients with suspected infections (SIs) are used in sepsis definitions, but their predictive value among immunocompromised populations is largely unknown. Here, we evaluate 3 criteria among allogeneic HCT recipients with SIs. Methods We evaluated Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA), and National Early Warning Score (NEWS) in relation to short-term mortality among recipients transplanted between September 2010 and July 2017. We used cut-points of ≥ 2 for qSOFA/SIRS and ≥ 7 for NEWS and restricted to first SI per hospital encounter during patients’ first 100 days posttransplant. Results Of the 880 recipients who experienced ≥ 1 SI, 58 (6.6%) died within 28 days and 22 (2.5%) within 10 days of an SI. In relation to 10-day mortality, SIRS was the most sensitive (91.3% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 72.0%–98.9%]) but least specific (35.0% [95% CI, 32.6%–37.5%]), whereas qSOFA was the most specific (90.5% [95% CI, 88.9%–91.9%]) but least sensitive (47.8% [95% CI, 26.8%–69.4%]). NEWS was moderately sensitive (78.3% [95% CI, 56.3%–92.5%]) and specific (70.2% [95% CI, 67.8%–72.4%]). Conclusions NEWS outperformed qSOFA and SIRS, but each criterion had low to moderate predictive accuracy, and the magnitude of the known limitations of qSOFA and SIRS was at least as large as in the general population. Our data suggest that population-specific criteria are needed for immunocompromised patients., Sepsis disproportionately affects hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients, but clinical criteria currently recommended in sepsis detection have not been validated in these patients. We demonstrate the limited predictive value of commonly used clinical criteria among HCT recipients with suspected infections.

Background Outpatient antibiotic prescribing for acute upper respiratory infections (URIs) is a high-priority target for antimicrobial stewardship that has not been described for cancer patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients at an ambulatory cancer center with URI diagnoses from 1 October 2015 to 30 September 2016. We obtained antimicrobial prescribing, respiratory viral testing, and other clinical data at first encounter for the URI through day 14. We used generalized estimating equations to test associations of baseline factors with antibiotic prescribing. Results Of 341 charts reviewed, 251 (74%) patients were eligible for analysis. Nearly one-third (32%) of patients were prescribed antibiotics for URIs. Respiratory viruses were detected among 85 (75%) of 113 patients tested. Antibiotic prescribing (P = .001) and viral testing (P < .001) varied by clinical service. Sputum production or chest congestion was associated with higher risk of antibiotic prescribing (relative risk [RR], 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–3.8; P < .001). Viral testing on day 0 was associated with lower risk of antibiotic prescribing (RR, 0.4; 95% CI 0.2–0.8; P = .01), though collinearity between viral testing and clinical service limited our ability to separate these effects on prescribing. Conclusions Nearly one-third of hematology–oncology outpatients were prescribed antibiotics for URIs, despite viral etiologies identified among 75% of those tested. Antibiotic prescribing was significantly lower among patients who received an initial respiratory viral test. The role of viral testing in antibiotic prescribing for URIs in outpatient oncology settings merits further study., Nearly one-third of hematology–oncology outpatients were prescribed antibiotics for upper respiratory infections (URIs), despite viral etiologies identified in 75% of patients tested. Antibiotic prescribing was significantly lower among patients who received a respiratory viral test and was not associated with subsequent upper respiratory infection-related healthcare visits.

Background Antibiotic allergies impact the management of hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) patients who are often prescribed antibiotics for infection prophylaxis and treatment. We evaluated the feasibility and outcomes of an antibiotic allergy evaluation program prior to allogeneic HCT. Methods In August 2017, we implemented a program to expedite allergy clinic referrals for adult allogeneic HCT candidates who reported an antibiotic allergy at their initial pre-transplant evaluation visit (PTEV). Allergy labels and clinical data including outcomes of allergy evaluation were prospectively collected for patients with PTEVs between 8/10/17 and November 15/18. The use of selected antibiotics was collected in the 100 days following HCT among patients with a reported β-lactam allergy (BLA). Choice of prophylactic agent for Pneumocystis jiroveci among patients with reported sulfa allergies was assessed among HCT recipients after engraftment. Results Of 276 allogeneic HCT candidates, 109 (39.5%) reported >= 1 antibiotic allergy (Table 1). Of the 109, 69 (63%) were referred for allergy evaluation; 83% (57/69) of those referred were evaluated at a median of 14 days after PTEV, and a median of 18 days before transplant. Among evaluated patients, 45 (79%) had >= 1 antibiotic allergy de-labeled including 74% (28/38) of those with BLA (Figure 1). Of the 10 patients whose BLAs could not be delabeled, 1 had a possible immediate IgE-mediated reaction, 5 had a delayed type IV hypersensitivity, and 4 had other reactions or required additional testing. Post-transplant antibiotic use among evaluated vs. nonevaluated patients reporting BLA is shown in Figure 2. Among 31 patients with reported sulfa allergies who underwent HCT, those who were evaluated received TMP-SMX rather than alternative prophylaxis more often (48%; 11/23) than those who were not evaluated (25%; 2/8). 10 (43%) of 23 evaluated patients were delabeled; 7 of 10 delabeled patients received TMP-SMX. Conclusion Antibiotic allergies are frequently reported among HCT candidates. Pre-transplant antibiotic allergy evaluation was feasible, led to de-labeling of the majority of reported allergies, and may alter antibiotic prescribing and increase the use of preferred agents following transplant. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Background Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a common and serious complication in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Typically, broad-spectrum antibiotics (BSA) are promptly initiated with controversy on timing of de-escalation. ECIL 2013 guidelines suggest de-escalation after 72 hours if the patient is infection free and afebrile for at least 48 hours. Conversely, the 2011 IDSA recommends continuing BSA in patients who defervesce until absolute neutrophil count (ANC) recovery. In 2014, our center’s practice changed to early de-escalation and we sought to compare outcomes between the two practices. Methods We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent a HSCT in 2013 and 2017 with an episode of FN and negative infectious work up. The standard care group (SCG) were continued on BSA until ANC recovery. The early de-escalation group (EDG) de-escalated to fluoroquinolone prophylaxis at least 24 hours prior to ANC recovery after the patient was fever free for 48 hours. The primary end-point was duration of BSA. Secondary endpoints included 30-day mortality, re-hospitalization and length of stay (LOS) from FN. Median values were compared with the Mann–Whitney test. Results Among 229 HSCT patients, 155 (68%) developed FN post-transplant and of those 97 (63%) were without infection (13 EDG and 84 SCG). Initial FN duration of BSA was less in the EDG (3.09 days vs. 4.69 days, P = 0.069). Total antibiotic free days to 30 day follow-up were similar (EDG 24.08 vs SCG 25.19, P = 0.81). Duration of neutropenia was less in the SCG with 7.99 days compared with 11.69 days in the EDG (P = 0.007), but duration of initial fever was less in the EDG (2.55 days vs. 3.33 days, P = 0.023). 30 day mortality was 0% in both groups. Rates of re-hospitalization within 30 days were approximately the same (7.1% vs. 7.6%). LOS from FN was not significantly different with 6.68 days in SCG and 7.75 days in EDG (P = 0.140). More new bacterial infections were identified within 30 days of FN in the SCG than the EDG (10.7% vs. 7.6%). Conclusion Early BSA de-escalation resulted in no significant difference in LOS from FN and fewer days of BSA with 30-day mortality and re-hospitalization rates similar. This data suggest de-escalating BSA prior to ANC recovery is likely safe and leads to less BSA exposure, but more multi-center data are needed. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.