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Background: Diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) is a major complication and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Systemic antibiotic therapy is often initiated first line to achieve quiescence of infection. To perform a multi-centre case review of systemic antibiotic intervention to treat adults with DFO in England and Wales and compare with national guidelines 'Diabetic foot problems: prevention and management'. Methods: Eight centres from England and Wales retrospectively collated data from a minimum of five adults (aged ≥ 18 years) from electronic case records. All patients were treated with systemic antibiotics following a new diagnosis of DFO (1 June 2021–31 December 2021). Results: 40 patients (35 males and 5 females) were included; the mean age was 62.3 years (standard deviation (SD) 13.0). Patients commenced systemic oral 14 (35%) or intravenous 26 (65%) antibiotic therapy following a new diagnosis of DFO. Twenty-seven (67.5%) patients were medically or surgically managed in the 12-week period with clinical quiescence of infection. Twenty-one patients (52.5%) had no recurrence of DFO infection within 12 weeks; seventeen (42.5%) of these patients had clinical quiescence of infection with systemic antibiotics alone without surgical intervention and nine (22.5%) of these cases had no recurrence of DFO. There were no cases of major amputation or death. All centres showed significant in-centre variability in systemic antibiotic management; variability was reported in the clinical and quantity indicators specifically to antibiotic selection, single versus dual therapy, mode of delivery and duration of treatment. Conclusions: This case review identifies there is existing variation when treating adults with systemic antibiotics for DFO. Further national guidance is required to standardise service delivery and care to improve patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sepsis mortality rates increase if prompt treatment is not administered. The Sepsis Six care bundle advocates the early administration of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics to reduce mortality and morbidity but this is not routinely practised nationally in UK prehospital settings, although UK ambulance services regularly attend septic patients. Aims: A literature review was conducted to investigate knowledge around paramedics' ability to recognise and treat prehospital sepsis with intravenous antibiotics in the UK and the impact of this on patient outcomes. Methods: A search was conducted and the three eligible studies included underwent a structured critical appraisal and thematic analysis. Findings: Three themes emerged: diagnostic accuracy; administration of prehospital antibiotics; and impact on patient outcomes. Conclusion: There is a significant gap in evidence in this field in the UK, and it was difficult to make generalised recommendations from the studies. Paramedics have the potential to be highly accurate in the recognition of sepsis and administer intravenous antibiotics when following a protocol. No major studies measure patient outcomes following prehospital intravenous antibiotics administration by paramedics in the UK and large empirical studies should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Appendectomy is the gold standard for simple appendicitis. During the coronavirus-19 pandemic, it was estimated that appendectomies in the United States decreased by 24%. We aimed to describe trends in acute appendicitis management at a center located in one of the largest epicenters of the pandemic. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study in a single institution located in Queens, New York, of patients who presented with acute appendicitis. A pre-COVID time period, March-June 2019, was compared to peak-COVID, March-June 2020, and late-COVID, March-June 2021. Results: Of the 382 patients admitted with appendicitis during the time periods, 164 were admitted pre-COVID. Appendicitis presentations decreased by 44% during peak-COVID and 23% in late-COVID. Patients were younger during peak-COVID compared to pre-COVID (39 vs 34 years old, P =.036). Incidence of complicated appendicitis in pre-, peak-, and late-COVID was equivalent (41% vs 46% vs 45%) and operative management was similar (85% vs 76% vs 79%). Non-operative patients had shorter lengths of stay (pre- vs peak-COVID: 4.6 vs 2.9 days, P =.006). Readmission rates were similar between the cohorts across time periods. Conclusions: During peak-COVID, there was a significant decrease in presentation of acute appendicitis but clinical presentation and outcomes remained similar between the cohorts. Patients who were managed non-operatively may be discharged earlier without increased rates of readmissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small bowel obstruction is a common surgical emergency due to mechanical blockage of the bowel. Though it can be caused by varied pathology, the leading cause in the developed world is intra-abdominal adhesions. We present a rare case of small bowel obstruction at 5 months of pregnancy who presented with acute pain in abdomen and vomiting, and responded to laparoscopic adhesiolysis.

This study was mainly to compare the safety and long-term clinical efficacy of using intravenous antibiotics in Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy for Grade III to IV Prolapsing Hemorrhoids. This was a parallel group, 3-arm, randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous prophylactic antibiotics. A total of 150 consecutive patients undergoing Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy (MMH) in a tertiary hospital for grade III/IV hemorrhoids from January 2020 to August 2022 were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups using a computer-generated table. Group A did not receive any prophylactic antibiotic, group B received 2 g I/V Cefoxitin Sodium before the induction of anesthesia, and group C received 2 g I/V Cefoxitin Sodium before the induction of anesthesia and 6 h after operation. There was no significant difference in measured VAS values on the 1st day,3rd day and 7th day after surgery (p > 0.05). Compared with VAS values on the 1st day postoperatively, these values got decreased on the 3rd day and 7th day after surgery (p < 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference among the first defecation time, wound edema, bleeding, urinary retention after surgery (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the outcome comparison between all 3 groups' basal and the 3rd day postoperatively no matter in WBC, NUET% or CRP (p > 0.05). However, compared with basal, the WBC, NUET%,CRP(p < 0.05) of group A and group B on the 3rd day postoperatively got rised, the rate of recurrence of hemorrhoids follow-up for 1 year was 1.4%. Our results suggest that there is no efficacy on intravenous prophylactic antibiotics in Milligan Morgan hemorrhoidectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common reason for hospitalization in infants younger than 60 days, and the optimal approach to intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy upon UTI diagnosis in this cohort is unknown. We determined whether there was an association between IV antibiotic therapy duration (long [>3 days] vs short [≤3 days]) and treatment failure via a retrospective review of infants with confirmed UTIs receiving IV antibiotics at a tertiary referral center. A total of 403 infants were included; 39% were treated with ampicillin and cefotaxime, and 34% with ampicillin and gentamycin or tobramycin. The median IV antibiotic duration was 5 (interquartile range: 3-10) days, and 5% of patients experienced treatment failure. The treatment failure rate was similar in both short- and long-course IV antibiotic groups (P >.05), and there was no significant association between treatment duration and failure. We conclude that treatment failure for infants hospitalized with UTI is uncommon and not associated with IV antibiotic duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) is a major complication and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Systemic antibiotic therapy is often initiated first line to achieve quiescence of infection. To perform a multi-centre case review of systemic antibiotic intervention to treat adults with DFO in England and Wales and compare with national guidelines ‘Diabetic foot problems: prevention and management’. Methods: Eight centres from England and Wales retrospectively collated data from a minimum of five adults (aged ≥ 18 years) from electronic case records. All patients were treated with systemic antibiotics following a new diagnosis of DFO (1 June 2021–31 December 2021). Results: 40 patients (35 males and 5 females) were included; the mean age was 62.3 years (standard deviation (SD) 13.0). Patients commenced systemic oral 14 (35%) or intravenous 26 (65%) antibiotic therapy following a new diagnosis of DFO. Twenty-seven (67.5%) patients were medically or surgically managed in the 12-week period with clinical quiescence of infection. Twenty-one patients (52.5%) had no recurrence of DFO infection within 12 weeks; seventeen (42.5%) of these patients had clinical quiescence of infection with systemic antibiotics alone without surgical intervention and nine (22.5%) of these cases had no recurrence of DFO. There were no cases of major amputation or death. All centres showed significant in-centre variability in systemic antibiotic management; variability was reported in the clinical and quantity indicators specifically to antibiotic selection, single versus dual therapy, mode of delivery and duration of treatment. Conclusions: This case review identifies there is existing variation when treating adults with systemic antibiotics for DFO. Further national guidance is required to standardise service delivery and care to improve patient outcomes.

Introduction: The standard treatment protocol of orbital cellulitis includes the use of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics. This study was done to evaluate the role of oral corticosteroids in the treatment of orbital cellulitis in order to address the inflammatory component. Methods: A prospective comparative interventional study was carried out on 17 cases of orbital cellulitis over 16 months. All the patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics and were allotted to Group A or B. The former consisted of eight cases (intravenous antibiotics) while group B consisted of nine cases (intravenous antibiotics and oral corticosteroids). The oral corticosteroids were started after 24 to 48 hours of initiation of antibiotics. The outcomes compared between the two groups were hospital stay, visual analogue score, temperature, peri-orbital edema, proptosis, visual acuity, extra-ocular movement and conjunctival chemosis. Results: The age of the participants ranged from 7 to 77 years with M:F = 6:11. The mean duration of hospital stay was 7.75±2.7 and 8.22± 2.53 days in group A and B. The result showed that the changes in the other parameters were significant on the 3rd day after starting treatment in both groups but insignificant between the groups at the end of 7th and 14th day. Conclusions: In our study, addition of oral corticosteroids to intravenous antibiotics showed no added beneficial effect over the use of intravenous antibiotics alone in the treatment of orbital cellulitis. However, it was noted that there was no further deterioration of the disease with the use of steroids.

Abstract Background There is not a prevailing consensus on appropriate antibiotic choice, route, and duration in the treatment of bacterial pleural empyema after appropriate source control. Professional society guidelines note the lack of comparative trials with which to guide recommendations. We assessed clinical outcomes in the treatment of known and suspected empyema based upon three aspects of antibiotic use: (1) total duration, (2) duration of intravenous (IV) antibiotics, and (3) duration of anti-anaerobic antibiotics. Methods We performed a hypothesis-generating retrospective chart review analysis of 355 adult inpatients who had pleural drainage, via either chest tube or surgical intervention, for known or suspected empyema. The primary outcome variable was clinician assessment of resolution or lack thereof. The secondary outcomes were death within 90 days, hospital readmission within 30 days for empyema, and all-cause hospital readmission within 30 days. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare outcomes with regard to these variables. Results None of the independent variables was significantly associated with a difference in clinical resolution rate despite trends for total antibiotic duration and anti-anaerobic antibiotic duration. None of the independent variables was associated with mortality. Longer total antibiotic duration was associated with lower readmission rate for empyema (median 17 [interquartile range 11–28] antibiotic days in non-readmission group vs. 13 [6-15] days in readmission group), with a non-significant trend for all-cause readmission rate (17 [11–28] days vs. 14 [9–21] days). IV antibiotic duration was not associated with a difference in any of the defined outcomes. Longer duration of anti-anaerobic antibiotics was associated with both lower all-cause readmission (8.5 [0–17] vs. 2 [0–11]) and lower readmission rate for empyema (8 [0–17] vs. 2 [0–3]). Conclusion Our data support the premise that routine use of anti-anaerobic antibiotics is indicated in the treatment of pleural empyema. However, our study casts doubt on the benefits of extended IV rather than oral antibiotics in the treatment of empyema. This represents a target for future investigation that could potentially limit complications associated with the excessive use of IV antibiotics.

Purpose: Asthma is a common comorbidity in patients with bronchiectasis and has been shown to increase the risk of bronchiectasis exacerbations. This paper explores the impact of comorbid asthma on patients receiving intravenous antibiotic treatment for bronchiectasis exacerbations. Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of the Meropenem randomised controlled trial of 90 patients that had intravenous antibiotic treatment for bronchiectasis exacerbations. The participants were split into two groups: group 1 (asthma and bronchiectasis) and group 2 (bronchiectasis). The authors assessed response to treatment and time to next exacerbation. Results: There were 38 participants in group 1 and 34 participants in group 2. The groups were found to be comparable in terms of age, sex, and bronchiectasis severity (median (95% CI) group 1 and then group 2 data): age 64.0(59.3, 68.6) and 63.6(57.9, 69.4) years old, p = 0.8; 57.9% and 64.7% female, p = 0.6; Bronchiectasis Severity Index 11.1(9.8, 12.4) and 10.1(8.2, 12.0), p = 0.3. There was a similar response to treatment between the groups, but group 1 were found to relapse early by day 14, 31.6% in group 1 and 11.8% in group 2, p = 0.03. In the Cox proportional hazards model, asthma was the only independent risk factor for early relapse by day 14 (odds ratio (95% CI) 3.16 (1.02–9.79), p = 0.047). Conclusion: The clinical response to treatment was similar but patients with coexisting asthma were at increased risk of early relapse within 14 days of stopping intravenous antibiotic therapy. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT02047773. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is not a prevailing consensus on appropriate antibiotic choice, route, and duration in the treatment of bacterial pleural empyema after appropriate source control. Professional society guidelines note the lack of comparative trials with which to guide recommendations. We assessed clinical outcomes in the treatment of known and suspected empyema based upon three aspects of antibiotic use: (1) total duration, (2) duration of intravenous (IV) antibiotics, and (3) duration of anti-anaerobic antibiotics.Methods: We performed a hypothesis-generating retrospective chart review analysis of 355 adult inpatients who had pleural drainage, via either chest tube or surgical intervention, for known or suspected empyema. The primary outcome variable was clinician assessment of resolution or lack thereof. The secondary outcomes were death within 90 days, hospital readmission within 30 days for empyema, and all-cause hospital readmission within 30 days. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare outcomes with regard to these variables.Results: None of the independent variables was significantly associated with a difference in clinical resolution rate despite trends for total antibiotic duration and anti-anaerobic antibiotic duration. None of the independent variables was associated with mortality. Longer total antibiotic duration was associated with lower readmission rate for empyema (median 17 [interquartile range 11-28] antibiotic days in non-readmission group vs. 13 [6-15] days in readmission group), with a non-significant trend for all-cause readmission rate (17 [11-28] days vs. 14 [9-21] days). IV antibiotic duration was not associated with a difference in any of the defined outcomes. Longer duration of anti-anaerobic antibiotics was associated with both lower all-cause readmission (8.5 [0-17] vs. 2 [0-11]) and lower readmission rate for empyema (8 [0-17] vs. 2 [0-3]).Conclusion: Our data support the premise that routine use of anti-anaerobic antibiotics is indicated in the treatment of pleural empyema. However, our study casts doubt on the benefits of extended IV rather than oral antibiotics in the treatment of empyema. This represents a target for future investigation that could potentially limit complications associated with the excessive use of IV antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term administration of IV antibiotics risks increasing treatment costs and patient morbidity, but until now, intravenous (IV) antibiotics are still the most comprehensive choice in treating community pneumonia inpatients in hospitals. The purpose of this study was to describe the use of antibiotics and duration of AB replacement from IV administration to oral administration (P.O) in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients at PKU Muhammadiyah Gamping Hospital (PMGH). This study used a cross-sectional design. Data were collected prospectively by purposive sampling. Inclusion criteria were hospitalized patients with CAP who received AB IV therapy for 24-72 hours. Patients with lung cancer or sepsis were excluded. Data were collected from medical records, laboratory examination records, and drug administration. Data were analyzed univariately. The number of 38 patients according to the criteria with a mean age of 59.8 ± 12.7 years; most were male (55.3%) and comorbid with heart failure (13.2%). The mean length of hospitalization was 4.9 ± 1.6 days. Most of the patients received Cephalosporins antibiotic group, either given IV (89.5%) or P.O. (78.1%); the rest received the quinolone group. The mean time of changing AB from IV to oral administration was 134.25 ± 15.98 hours. Most inpatient CAP patients at PMGH received a cephalosporins group, either IV or orally.

There is limited evidence for how the medical devices used by a New Zealand District Health Board's Outpatient Intravenous Antibiotic (OPIVA) system could be improved. This study used human-centred design (HCD) to explore a possible redesign of this system to improve patients' experiences. Using an iterative design process, informed by semi-structured interviews, the study explored problems with the existing OPIVA system. Through the experiences and input of participants, potential product design opportunities were explored. This case study primarily focuses on the design of a new product solution to replace the surgical tape used to hold the intravenous line used within the existing system in place on the patient's arm. This new solution, an adhesive clip, could increase the accessibility and ease of use of the system. Furthermore, it helps demonstrates the value of human-centred design-based approaches to medical product improvement. Historically, the design of medical products has centred on minimizing costs and improving health outcomes, often leaving patients out of the development process. Our findings demonstrate how putting patients' experiences at the centre of the product improvement process can result in novel opportunities that may help drive medical device innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: People with diabetes who are on haemodialysis (HD) are at a high risk of diabetic foot infections (DFI) and related complications. We explored the value of treating DFI with intravenous (IV) antibiotics during HD. Method: This was an observational study of consecutively treated patients with DFIs with IV antibiotics during HD. Data collected included baseline characteristics, IV antibiotics used, details of multidisciplinary interventions and DFI treatment outcome. Results: A cohort of 11 patients, mean (±standard deviation) age 62.4±12.7 years, had 15 episodes of treatment with IV antibiotics during HD. Of the patients, six (54.5%) were male and nine (81.8%) had type 2 diabetes. The estimated mean glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 11.4±3.9ml/minute. All patients had infected foot ulceration, soft tissue infection, six (54.5%) patients had osteomyelitis, and two (18.2%) had wet gangrene. The commonest IV antibiotic used was vancomycin (10/15 episodes, 66.7%). Other IV antibiotics used were daptomycin and meropenem. In three episodes, oral ciprofloxacin was used with IV antibiotics. The mean duration of antibiotic treatment was 9.2±4.9 weeks. Of the episodes, 11 (73.3%) were treated successfully with IV antibiotics alone and two (13.3%) episodes required minor surgical debridement/amputation. Some 10 (90.9%) members of the cohort had peripheral arterial disease and of those, five (50%) underwent angioplasty during IV antibiotic treatment. Conclusion: HD provides a good opportunity for treatment with IV antibiotics in DFI. This mode of administration of IV antibiotics, along with multidisciplinary intervention, is associated with ulcer healing and resolution of infection in over three-quarters of patients with DFI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lung abscess is a rare condition in paediatrics with a paucity of literature. Intravenous antibiotics is the main therapy; however interventional radiological approaches have led to the use of percutaneous drainage. Surgery is reserved for the management of complications. The aim of this study was to describe lung abscess in a cohort of paediatric patients' and determine associations between factors at presentation and outcomes. Methods: A 14‐year retrospective cohort study was conducted including all children who presented to a tertiary paediatric hospital in Western Australia with lung abscess. Clinical characteristics, laboratory and radiologic findings, management options and clinical outcomes were examined. Results: Sixty‐eight patients (median age 3.6 (0.08–17.6) years; 44.1% female) were identified to have a lung abscess, with 81% being primary lung abscess. Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) and Streptococcus pneumoniae were the most common organisms identified, with S. aureus being most common in Aboriginal patients (80%). A total of 25 antibiotics were prescribed on initiation of treatment in over 20 combinations. 44.9% of patients had complications and hospitalization was prolonged. Patients with S. aureus had longer hospitalization (20.5 days (3–67) than those without (median 13 days (3–52), p = 0.04). There were no associations between factors at presentation and subsequent outcomes. Factors at presentation were not associated with outcomes. Conclusion: There is unwarranted variation in management of paediatric lung abscess and high complication rates. There is a need for collaboration and clinical practice guidelines to standardize care for lung abscess in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the outcome in the form of treatment success and adverse drug reactions of oral versus intravenous antibiotics for the management of children with pneumonia. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective cohort study conducted at Medicine Unit I, Department of Pediatric, Mayo Hospital, Lahore for 9 months. 460 children who met the inclusion criteria were included. Then children were divided randomly into two equal groups by applying the lottery method. In group A, children were prescribed oral antibiotics at the time of discharge, and in group B, children were prescribed an intravenous antibiotic. Then children were followed-up in OPD after 7 days. The children were assessed for treatment failure and adverse drug reactions. All data were entered on a pre-designed Performa. The data was entered and analyzed through SPSS v. 22. Both groups were compared for outcome by applying the chi-square test. Pvalue= 0.05 was kept as significant. Results: In the oral group, the mean age of patients was 29.91±17.11months. In the intravenous group, the mean age of patients was 30.85±17.54 months. In the oral group, there were 132 (57.4%) males and 98 (42.6%) females. In the intravenous group, there were 124 (53.9%) males and 106 (46.1%) females. In this study, treatment success was achieved in 225 (97.8%) patients with oral antibiotics while in 216 (93.9%) patients with intravenous antibiotics. The difference was significant (p<0.05). In this study, adverse outcome was achieved in 3 (1.3%) patients with oral antibiotics (allergic reaction= 2 (0.9%), Phlebitis=1 (0.4%)) while in 10 (4.3%) patients with intravenous antibiotics (allergic reaction=5 (2.2%), phlebitis=5 (2.2%)). The difference was significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Thus oral antibiotics were found to be more effective than intravenous antibiotics and also have a less adverse outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disclaimer: 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., Purpose: Patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) present similarly to those with respiratory infections, which may lead to administration of unnecessary intravenous (IV) antibiotics. This study was conducted to assess outcomes in patients admitted for ADHF who received IV antibiotics vs those who did not., Methods: This retrospective cohort study evaluated adults admitted with ADHF who received IV antibiotics for at least 48 hours or did not receive IV antibiotics. Patients with an active infection were excluded. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay in the unmatched cohort; secondary outcomes included 30-day readmission, all-cause mortality, amount of loop diuretic administered, total sodium and fluids received, Clostridioides difficile infection, IV antibiotic agents administered, and duration of therapy., Results: The unmatched cohort included 38 patients who received IV antibiotics and 123 patients who did not receive IV antibiotics, while the matched cohort included 33 patients in each arm. In the unmatched and matched cohorts, patients receiving IV antibiotics had a longer median hospital length of stay (5 vs 3 days; P < 0.01 and 5 vs 4 days; P < 0.01) and received a greater median amount of total sodium (9.22 vs 0.28 g; P < 0.01 and 10.24 vs 0 g; P < 0.01) and median total volume from IV antibiotics and fluids (1,788 vs 50 mL; P < 0.01 and 1,825 vs 0 mL; P < 0.01). No significant differences were found for the other secondary outcomes. Ceftriaxone and azithromycin were the most frequently administered IV antibiotics, with a median duration of therapy of 4 days., Conclusion: Use of IV antibiotics in patients with ADHF was associated with longer hospital length of stay and should be avoided in patients without evidence of infection., (© American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2024. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are a major public health concern worldwide, requiring prompt and effective antibiotic therapy. Traditionally, intravenous (IV) antibiotics have been preferred for their rapid action and consistent absorption. However, interest is growing in transitioning to oral (PO) antibiotics when suitable, due to similar pharmacokinetics, improved patient outcomes, and reduced healthcare costs. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of switching from IV to PO antibiotics for both gram-negative and gram-positive BSIs. Scopus, Embase, and PubMed databases were comprehensively searched until March 2023. The review included randomized controlled trials and cohort studies comparing continued IV therapy with early transition from IV to PO antibiotics within the first week of admission. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies involving adult patients (≥18 years) and reporting specific outcomes such as treatment success, mortality, and hospital readmissions. Meta-analysis of 17 studies comprising 11,245 patients demonstrated higher treatment success rates overall (OR: 1.40, P=0.04), particularly in gram-negative infections (OR: 1.42, P=0.05). However, this effect was not statistically significant in the gram-positive subgroup (OR: 1.41, P=0.036). Oral switch significantly reduced all-cause mortality overall (OR: 0.35, P=0.003), especially in gram-negative infections (OR: 0.22, P=0.008), but not significantly in gram-positive infections (OR: 0.60, P=0.09). Both gram-negative and gram-positive infections benefited from shorter hospital stays (P<0.0001), despite significant heterogeneity. Hospital readmission rates did not significantly differ between IV and oral switch groups (P=0.53). Our meta-analysis suggests potential benefits of early transition from IV to PO antibiotics for BSIs, including improved treatment outcomes and shorter hospital stays without an increased risk of readmission. However, these findings are subject to selection bias, and further standardized randomized trials are essential to validate these results., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Mohammed et al.)

Background: Osteomyelitis of the foot is a major complication of diabetes that can be limb and life threatening. Systemic antibiotic pharmacotherapy is often used first line to eradicate infection and allow restoration of devitalised bone. The aim is to conduct a systematic review of the effectiveness of systemic antibiotics on osteomyelitis of the foot in adults with diabetes mellitus. Methods: A systematic review of all interventional studies treating osteomyelitis with systemic antibiotics in participants with diabetes mellitus and an ulcer of the foot below the malleoli will be conducted. Studies not available in English and in people below the age of 18 will be excluded. Study selection will follow the Patient Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA-P guidelines). The quality of the studies will be assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2) for all randomised controlled trials and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) will be used for non-randomised controlled trials. Electronic databases will be searched with no timeline restrictions. Data Extraction: All identified references will be imported to the Rayyan Application. Studies for eligibility will be screened by two reviewers. One reviewer will perform the data extraction and quality appraisal will be conducted by two authors. If sufficient data is available, the quality will be analysed and a meta-analysis will be performed. Data synthesis will be conducted, and meta-analysis undertaken using RevMan 5.4.1 Meta-analysis software. Non-parametric data may be compared between selective intervention and outcomes. Discussion: The results of this systematic review will identify the effectiveness of systemic antibiotic therapy on osteomyelitis of the foot in people with diabetes based on the set outcome measure criteria. The findings will establish if there are existing consistent standards or variation in practice when treating diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO). The study may establish if guidelines are required to standardise practice when treating DFO with systemic antibiotic therapy. This systematic review protocol will synthesise the existing evidence on the effectiveness of systemic antibiotic therapy for treating DFO. Trial registration: International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) number CRD42021245424. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cutibacterium is the most common organism causing shoulder periprosthetic infection (PJI). While most shoulder PJIs are well treated by prosthesis exchange and antibiotics, in some cases this treatment fails to resolve the infection. The factors associated with these failures have not been previously identified. The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of patients with failure of treatment for PJI. Methods: Thirty-five patients suspected of having Cutibacterium PJI had revision arthroplasty with single-stage implant exchange followed by intravenous antibiotics. The characteristics of those with ≥ two positive cultures at revision surgery were compared to those who did not. The characteristics of those patients having a re-revision with ≥ two positive deep cultures (documented treatment failures) were compared to those who did not. Results: The 17 patients that had ≥ two positive cultures at their index revision were more likely to be male, to have had ream and run procedures, and to have higher loads of Cutibacterium on pre-operative cultures of their unprepared skin. The five patients that had documented treatment failure had higher loads of Cutibacterium on their skin and in deep cultures obtained at their index revision. Conclusion: Patients harboring high loads of Cutibacterium on their unprepared skin prior to revision and high loads of Cutibacterium on deep cultures at the time of their index revision are at increased risk for failure of implant exchange and antibiotics to resolve a Cutibacterium PJI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

7• Home spirometry can be used to track exacerbation recovery in cystic fibrosis. 7• Home spirometry demonstrated limited variability during periods of stability. 7• Oral antimicrobials are frequently used to treat cystic fibrosis exacerbations. 7• Events treated with oral antimicrobials showed minimal lung function recovery. 7• Oral agents may be less effective than IV antimicrobials at treating exacerbations. Retrospective studies indicate that more cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) are treated with oral (PO) than with intravenous (IV) antimicrobials despite little knowledge of the relative effects of PO treatment on lung function recovery or long-term impacts on lung disease progression. Previous studies have suggested that PO treatment may be associated with slower lung function recovery compared with IV treatment. We used longitudinal home spirometry data from the eICE study (NCT01104402) to compare PO versus IV antimicrobial treatment responses for PEx diagnosed by home spirometry and symptom assessment. Adolescent and adult eICE participants performed home spirometry twice weekly for one year. PEx were diagnosed by a protocol-defined algorithm of change in percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (ppFEV 1) and/or respiratory signs and symptoms. PO- and IV-treated PEx were grouped by initial ppFEV 1 drop magnitude. Group ppFEV 1 treatment responses were modeled with multivariate, repeat-measure linear regression. Of 87 qualifying PEx from 56 participants, 62 were PO-treated and 25 were IV-treated. The average drop from best ppFEV 1 to PEx start was 11.0 [95%CI: 8.5, 13.5] with similar treatment group means (p=0.72). Participants with IV-treated PEx averaged 0.72 [0.24, 1.20] ppFEV 1 /day greater response than those treated with PO, who experienced minimal ppFEV1 recovery. Many PO-treated participants who had <10 ppFEV 1 drop from baseline tended to worsen or show no ppFEV 1 improvement. These results suggest that, in this cohort, PO antimicrobial treatment of CF PEx were less effective than IVs at improving ppFEV 1 during treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emergency department (ED) patients with cellulitis requiring intravenous antibiotics may be eligible for outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT). The primary objective was to determine whether implementation of an OPAT clinic results in decreased hospitalizations and return ED visits for patients receiving OPAT. We conducted an interrupted time series study involving adults with cellulitis presenting to two EDs and treated with intravenous antibiotics. The intervention was the OPAT clinic, which involved follow up at 48–96 h with an infectious disease physician to determine the need for ongoing intravenous antibiotics (implemented January 1, 2014). The primary outcomes were hospital admission and return ED visits within 14 days. Secondary outcomes were treatment failure (admission after initiating OPAT) and adverse peripheral line or antibiotic events. We used an interrupted time series design with segmented regression analysis over one-year pre-intervention and one-year post-intervention. 1666 patients were included. At the end of the study period, there was a non-significant 12% absolute increase in hospital admissions (95% CI − 1.6 to 25.5%; p = 0.084) relative to what would have been expected in the absence of the intervention, but a significant 40.7% absolute reduction in return ED visits (95% CI 25.6–55.9%; p < 0.001). Treatment failure rates were < 2% and adverse events were < 6% in both groups. Implementation of an OPAT clinic significantly reduced return ED visits for cellulitis, but did not reduce hospital admission rates. An ED-to-OPAT clinic model is safe, and has a low rate of treatment failures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Peritonitis is a common and clinically important complication in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD). Antibiotic administration is essential for PD-related peritonitis, but routes of administration have not been established enough. Here, we performed a systematic review to assess the efficacy and safety of intraperitoneal (IP) antibiotic administration compared to intravenous (IV) antibiotic administration in patients with PD-related peritonitis. Methods Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Ichushi-Web were searched in June 2017. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and articles were screened by four independent reviewers. Results Two randomized controlled trials (113 patients) were identified. IP antibiotic administration was more effective than IV antibiotic administration. The pooled risk difference between IP and IV was 0.13 (95% CI − 0.17 to 0.43). Safety assessment indicated less frequency of side effects in patients receiving IP antibiotic administration. The pooled risk ratios of IV to IP regarding adverse drug reaction-related and administration route-related side effects were 5.13 (0.63 to 41.59) and 3.00 (0.14 to 65.90), respectively. Conclusion The systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that IP antibiotic administration is more effective and safer in patients with PD-related peritonitis compared to IV antibiotic administration.

Objective: Fluids administered as drug diluents with intravenous (IV) medicine constitute a substantial fraction of fluids in inpatients. Are physicians aware of fluid volumes administered with IV antibiotics for patients with suspected infections? Does addressing this lead to adjustments in 24-hour fluid administration/antibiotics?, Methods: This cross-sectional interview-based study was conducted in three emergency departments. Physicians were interviewed after prescribing around-the-clock IV antibiotics for ³24 hours to patients with suspected infection. A structured interview guide assessed the physicians' awareness, considerations, and practices when prescribing IV antibiotics. The 24-hour antibiotic fluid volume was calculated., Results: We interviewed 100 physicians. The 24-hour fluid volume administered with IV antibiotics was 400mL (interquartile range: 300-400). Totally, 53% of physicians (n=53) were unaware of the fluid volume administered with IV antibiotics. 76% (n=76) did not account for the antibiotic fluid volume in the 24-hour fluid administration. 96% (n=96) indicated that they would not adjust prescribed fluids after receiving information about 24-hour antibiotic fluid volume administered for their specific patient; no comorbidities associated with fluid intolerance was primary reason for not adjusting prescribed fluids/antibiotics. 79% (n=79) opted for visibility of fluid volumes administered with IV antibiotics in the medical record., Conclusion: The majority of physicians were unaware of fluid volumes administered as a drug diluent with IV antibiotics. The majority chose not to make post-prescribing adjustments to their planned fluid administration; they regarded their patient as fluid tolerable. The physicians opted for visibility of fluid volumes administered as diluents during the prescribing process.

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is 1 of the most challenging potential complications following total joint arthroplasty. Several surgical treatment strategies have been proposed for management of this diagnosis. The single-stage approach has been gaining popularity in contemporary literature. 1 fundamental aspect in the management of hip PJI is the administration of antibiotics, usually intravenously immediately after surgery, followed by a period of oral antibiotics. The optimal duration of the period of antibiotic therapy is undecided. The aim of this paper is to examine the trend in intravenous antibiotic use over the last 18 years and examine the influence this has had on the results of single-stage revision over that time period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prophylactic antibiotic administration aims to maintain the postoperative wound environment. It is difficult to select appropriate prophylactic antibiotics to minimize the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria and the occurrence of complications. The purpose of this study was to compare the prophylactic effect of narrow spectrum antibiotics (cefazolin) with that of wide spectrum antibiotics (piperacillin) in preventing infection following third molar extraction. In addition, the effect of postoperative cefazolin administration was examined. This retrospective study included 350 patients who underwent third molar removal under general anesthesia. The patients were divided into three subgroups: preoperative cefazolin (N = 122), pre- and postoperative cefazolin (N = 101), and pre- and postoperative piperacillin (N = 127). The patients in the piperacillin group were administered the antibiotic preoperatively and postoperatively for 3 days. The patients in the preoperative cefazolin group were administered cefazolin preoperatively only. The patients in the pre- and postoperative cefazolin group were administered cefazolin preoperatively and postoperatively for 1 day. Surgical site infections (SSIs) were identified based on the Clavien–Dindo 30-day postoperative classification. There was a significant difference among the three groups of patients who had third molars classified as position C using the Pell and Gregory classification, according to the degree of impaction of the impacted third molar (P = 0.015). Our analysis showed that the number of SSI did not significantly differ between the three antibiotic treatment groups (P = 0.671). These results suggest that preoperative administration of cefazolin is as effective as postoperative administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics such as piperacillin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Emergency department (ED) patients with non-purulent skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) requiring intravenous antibiotics may be managed via outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT). Prospective studies describing the performance of an ED-to-OPAT clinic program are lacking. The primary objective was to determine the OPAT treatment failure rate for ED patients with non-purulent SSTIs.Methods: We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of adults with non-purulent SSTIs managed via an ED-to-OPAT clinic program. OPAT treatment failure was defined as hospitalization after a minimum of 48 h of OPAT for: worsening infection; intravenous line complications; or adverse antibiotic effects. Secondary outcomes were to describe OPAT clinic processes, patient satisfaction, and physician rationale for selecting intravenous antibiotics.Results: We enrolled a consecutive sample of 153 patients [mean age 60.5 years, 82 male (53.6%)]; 137 patients (89.5%) attended their clinic appointment. OPAT treatment failure was 4.4%. None of the adverse intravenous line (10.9%) and adverse antibiotic (8.0%) events required hospitalization. Patients reported high satisfaction with timeliness of referral (median score 9 out of 10) and overall care received (median score of 10). The top five reasons given by physicians for selecting intravenous therapy were: clinical impression (52.9%); failed oral therapy (41.8%); diabetes (17.6%); severe pain (7.8%); and peripheral vascular disease (7.8%).Conclusions: This prospective study demonstrates that an ED-to-OPAT clinic program for non-purulent SSTIs is safe, has a low rate of treatment failures and results in high patient satisfaction. The rationale for selecting intravenous antibiotics showed significant variability among ED physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Clinical outcomes and adverse events (AE) of patients on OPAT reviewed to identify factors associated with success/failure. • In a 10-year period, 2870 patient episodes resulted in 69 610 days of treatment. • 196 AEs were encountered, including 1 case of Clostridium difficile -associated diarrhoea. • AEs occurred in 11% of episodes; rates of drug and line events were 3.3 and 1.78 per 1000 treatment days, respectively. • Understanding OPAT challenges such as AEs and clinical outcomes allows teams to tailor the service to the local population. Outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) is an established antimicrobial delivery method in the UK. OPAT services differ nationwide, with a paucity of high-quality outcome data to enable benchmarking. A retrospective review of clinical outcomes and adverse events (AEs) of all patients treated during 2008–2017 was performed to identify factors associated with success and failure. Regression models were used to identify factors associated with OPAT success, and AEs were described for the study population using definitions recommended by BSAC. In the 10-year period, 2870 patient episodes resulted in 69 610 days of treatment, with a 91.7% rate of successful therapy completion and 92.0% of infections cured or improved. We encountered 196 AEs, including 1 case of Clostridium difficile -associated diarrhoea. AEs occurred in 10.9% of patient episodes. Adverse drug and line events occurred at a rate of 3.3 and 1.78 per 1000 treatment days, respectively. Rashes, blood dyscrasias and hepatitis were the most common drug AEs. The odds of OPAT success was greater for patients who spent more time (>14 days) on OPAT therapy (OR = 2.32; P < 0.01), utilised a peripheral line (OR = 1.83; P < 0.01), were treated in the clinic compared with self-administration (OR = 2.1; P < 0.02) and did not experience an AE (OR = 0.23; P < 0.01). In our setting, the odds of a successful OPAT episode were associated with longer treatment course, OPAT delivered via a peripheral line, administration in an OPAT clinic setting, and no adverse line or drug events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The most frequently prescribed regimens for the treatment of hospitalized adults with suspected or documented community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP), an acute bacterial infection of the pulmonary parenchyma, are ceftriaxone plus a macrolide, or a respiratory fluoroquinolone. Although these regimens are consistent with expert guidelines, there are growing concerns regarding their safety and efficacy. Omadacycline is a once-daily antibiotic with oral and intravenous (IV) formulations; it was recently approved in the United States for the treatment of adults with CABP. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the cost impact of shortening hospital stay or avoiding hospitalization when using a treatment with an IV and an oral formulation, such as omadacycline, versus an IV-only drug regimen, such as ceftriaxone plus a macrolide, in adults with CABP who are not candidates for respiratory fluoroquinolone therapy. METHODS: We developed 2 conceptual healthcare decision models to identify potential cost-saving opportunities in hospitalized adults with CABP who receive omadacycline versus ceftriaxone plus a macrolide. The early hospital discharge model examined the cost impact of shifting patients with CABP from inpatient treatment with ceftriaxone plus a macrolide to inpatient IV omadacycline treatment and early hospital discharge with oral omadacycline. The hospital-avoidance model examined the cost impact of omadacycline treatment in the outpatient setting in patients with CABP who have low disease severity. The models defined the upper range of the daily acquisition cost for omadacycline that conferred cost-savings relative to inpatient treatment with ceftriaxone plus a macrolide. RESULTS: In the early hospital discharge model, omadacycline showed cost-savings with a 2-day hospital stay reduction if the daily cost of omadacycline was d$836, almost twice its wholesale acquisition cost. In the hospital-avoidance model, the daily omadacycline thresholds that still conferred cost-savings relative to inpatient ceftriaxone plus a macrolide ranged from $1302 to $1334, based on a daily wholesale acquisition cost of $450 for omadacycline, depending on the potential use of the emergency department and an observation unit. CONCLUSION: The study findings show that the targeted use of omadacycline for the treatment of select patient populations with CABP could result in cost-savings relative to inpatient treatment with ceftriaxone plus a macrolide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]