Antimicrobial Stewardship Review of Automated Candidemia Alerts Using the Epic Stewardship Module Improves Bundle-of-Care Adherence

Rapid Diagnostic Tests and Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs for the Management of Bloodstream Infection: What Is Their Relative Contribution to Improving Clinical Outcomes? A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Evidence about the clinical impact of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for the diagnosis of bloodstream infections is limited, and whether RDT are superior to conventional blood cultures (BCs) embedded within antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) is unknown.

METHODS

We performed network meta-analyses using results from studies of patients with bloodstream infection with the aim of comparing the clinical impact of RDT (applied on positive BC broth or whole blood) to conventional BC, both assessed with and without ASP with respect to mortality, length of stay (LOS), and time to optimal therapy.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight papers were selected, including 25 682 patient encounters. There was an appreciable amount of statistical heterogeneity within each meta-analysis. The network meta-analyses showed a significant reduction in mortality associated with the use of RDT + ASP versus BC alone (odds ratio [OR], 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], .59-.87) and with the use of RDT + ASP versus BC + ASP (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, .63-.96). No benefit in survival was found associated with the use of RDT alone nor with BC + ASP compared to BC alone. A reduction in LOS was associated with RDT + ASP versus BC alone (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, .84-.98) whereas no difference in LOS was shown between any other groups. A reduced time to optimal therapy was shown when RDT + ASP was compared to BC alone (-29 hours; 95% CI, -35 to -23), BC + ASP (-18 hours; 95% CI, -27 to -10), and to RDT alone (-12 hours; 95% CI, -20 to -3).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of RDT + ASP may lead to a survival benefit even when introduced in settings already adopting effective ASP in association with conventional BC.

Multicenter Study of the Effectiveness of Antifungal Stewardship Team Intervention for Candidemia in Japan in 2008-2021

Candidemia, linked to high mortality rates, requires prompt antifungal therapy for better outcomes. Treatment is structured as an action bundle, which is beneficial when followed closely. However, the Japanese action bundle lacks detailed guidance on severe complications like endocarditis or ocular issues. To address this, we adjusted the action bundle and assessed outcomes with and without AFT intervention. We strengthened protocols for blood cultures and organ assessments, and the AFT contacted the primary physician when yeast-like fungi were detected in the patient's blood culture bottles. Analyzing 204 candidemia cases from 2008-2021, we observed increased adherence and reduced mortality post-AFT intervention. Ophthalmology consultations rose significantly, but many patients had only one visit, suggesting inadequate follow-up. If endophthalmitis is diagnosed, a change in the treatment approach may be necessary. There is a possibility that abnormal ocular findings will be detected during subsequent visits, which highlights the need for improvement in ophthalmology follow-up rates as a future challenge for our AFT activities.

Innovative Approaches to Monitor Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) Bundle Efficacy in Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Role of Device Standardized Infection Rate (dSIR) and Standardized Utilization Ratio (SUR)-An Italian Experience

In several settings, the COVID-19 pandemic determined a negative impact on the occurrence of healthcare-associated infection, particularly for on central lines associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). In our setting, we observed a significant increase in CLABSI in our intensive care unit (ICU) during 2020 and 2021 vs. 2018 to 2019. A refresher training activity on central venous catheter (CVC) management bundles was carried out in September-October 2021 for the ICU health staff. We assessed the impact of bundle implementation by means of standardized indicators, such as the Device Utilization Ratio (DUR), in this case, the Central Line Utilization Ratio, the Standardized Utilization Ratio (SUR), and the device Standardized Infection Ratio (dSIR). Standardized ratios for device use and infection ratio were computed using data from 2018 and 2019 as expectation data. After bundle implementation, we observed a significant reduction of dSIR (p < 0.001), which dropped from 3.23 and 2.99 in the 2020-2021 biennium to 1.11 in 2022 (CLABSI in the first quarter only); no more CLABSI were observed afterwards. Standardized ratios proved helpful in identify increasing trends of CLABSI in the ICU and monitoring the impact of a simple effective tool, i.e., training on and implementation of a bundle for CVC management.

Clinical impact of the combination of rapid species identification and antifungal stewardship intervention in adults with candidemia

BACKGROUND

Candidemia is associated with a high mortality rate. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of a diagnostic intervention and antifungal stewardship in adults with candidemia, including effectiveness in facilitating appropriate antifungals and improving patient outcomes.

METHODS

A pre-post quasi-experimental study was conducted to analyze the impact of the integrated workflow of rapid species identification and antifungal stewardship intervention provided by infectious disease specialists for adults with candidemia at a medical center in southern Taiwan from March 1st, 2014 to February 29th, 2016. The primary endpoint was 30-day crude mortality, and secondary outcomes included the time to species identification, time to initial antifungal modification, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Total 303 patients with candidemia were included, including 152 adults in the pre-intervention period (Mar. 1st, 2014-Feb. 28th, 2015; control group) and 151 in the intervention period (Mar. 1st, 2015-Feb. 29th, 2016; case group). Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients in two groups were similar. The case group had a shorter time to species identification (72 vs. 96 h, P < 0.001) and earlier receipt of antifungals (47 vs. 59 h, P < 0.001) than the control group. Of note, the 30-day mortality rate (27.2% vs. 39.5%, P = 0.028) was lower and the hospital stay (43.5 vs. 46.0 days, P = 0.006) was shorter in the case group.

CONCLUSION

Rapid diagnostic workflow and antifungal stewardship provided by infectious disease specialists can promote early initiation of antifungal therapy and improve outcome for adults with candidemia.

Improving the Efficiency of Antimicrobial Stewardship Action in Acute Care Facilities

Inpatient antimicrobial stewardship (AS) programs are quality improvement programs tasked with improving antibiotic practices by augmenting frontline providers' antibiotic prescription. Prospective audit and feedback (PAF) and preauthorization (PRA) are essential activities in the hospital that can be resource intensive for AS teams. Improving efficiency in AS activities is needed when there are limited resources or when programs are looking to expand tasks beyond PAF and PRA, such as broad education or guideline development. Guidance on the creation and maintenance of alerts for the purpose of PAF reviews, modifications of antibiotic restrictions for PRA polices, and overall initiative prioritization strategies are reviewed. In addition, daily prioritization tools, such as the tiered approach, scoring systems, and regression modeling, are available for stewards to prioritize their daily workflow. Using these tools and guidance, AS programs can be productive and impactful in the face of resource limitation or competing priorities in the hospital.

Impact of Infectious Diseases Consultation in Patients With Candidemia at a Multisite Health Care System With Established Antimicrobial Stewardship and Telemedicine Services

Background

Infectious diseases consultation improves outcomes in patients with candidemia, although some facilities lack access to consultation. This multisite health care system study compared in-hospital mortality in patients with candidemia across 3 groups-those who received on-site consultation, telemedicine consultation, or no consultation. All patients were reviewed by an antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist.

Methods

A retrospective observational cohort study was performed of adult hospitalized patients with candidemia from January 2018 to October 2021. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes included receipt and duration of antifungals, removal of central venous lines if present, ophthalmologic examination, echocardiography, and determination of infection source.

Results

A total of 265 patients were evaluated: 187 in the on-site consultation group, 49 in the telemedicine consultation group, and 29 in the nonconsultation group. Although in-hospital mortality did not differ significantly between the on-site and nonconsultation groups, it was significantly lower in the telemedicine group when compared with the nonconsultation group (10.2% vs 34.5%, P = .009). Patients who received on-site or telemedicine consultation had significantly more antifungal therapy initiated, appropriate therapy duration, central lines removed, and echocardiography performed, as well as fewer unknown candidemia sources, vs those in the nonconsultation group.

Conclusions

This is the first study of a multisite health care system providing telemedicine services to evaluate the impact of infectious diseases consultation on candidemia mortality. These findings suggest that when on-site consultation is unavailable, infectious diseases telemedicine consultation and antimicrobial stewardship can improve outcomes and should be considered for all patients with candidemia at resource-limited sites.

The interplay of infectious diseases consultation and antimicrobial stewardship in candidemia outcomes: A retrospective cohort study from 2016 to 2019

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the need for mandatory infectious diseases consultation (IDC) for candidemia in the setting of antimicrobial stewardship guidance.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study from January 2016 to December 2019.

SETTING

Academic quaternary-care referral center.

PATIENTS

All episodes of candidemia in adults (n = 92), excluding concurrent bacterial infection or death or hospice care within 48 hours.

METHODS

Primary outcome was all-cause 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included guideline-adherence and treatment choice. Guideline-adherence was assessed with the EQUAL Candida score.

RESULTS

Of 186 episodes of candidemia, 92 episodes in 88 patients were included. Central venous catheters (CVCs) were present in 66 episodes (71.7%) and were the most common infection source (N = 38, 41.3%). The most frequently isolated species was Candida glabrata (40 of 94, 42.6%). IDC was performed in 84 (91.3%) of 92 candidemia episodes. Mortality rates were 20.8% (16 of 77) in the IDC group versus 25% (2 of 8) in the no-IDC group (P = .67). Other comparisons were numerically different but not significant: repeat blood culture (98.8% vs 87.5%; P = .17), echocardiography (70.2% vs 50%; P = .26), CVC removal (91.7% vs 83.3%; P = .45), and initial echinocandin treatment (67.9% vs 50%; P = .44). IDC resulted in more ophthalmology examinations (67.9% vs 12.5%; P = .0035). All patients received antifungal therapy. Antimicrobial stewardship recommendations were performed in 19 episodes (20.7%). The median EQUAL Candida score with CVC was higher with IDC (16 vs 11; P = .001) but not in episodes without CVC (12 vs 11.5; P = .81).

CONCLUSIONS

In the setting of an active antimicrobial stewardship program and high consultation rates, mandatory IDC may not be warranted for candidemia.

Analyzing Adherence to the 2016 Infectious Diseases Society of America Guidelines for Candidemia in Cancer Patients

Background

Candidemia is associated with morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. We analyzed adherence to the 2016 Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) candidiasis guidelines and the reasons for guideline nonadherence. We also investigated whether matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) improved time to effective antifungal therapy compared with historical data (median, 43.2 hours).

Methods

Cancer patients with candidemia between 1/1/17 and 12/31/19 were included. Adherence to 7 individual IDSA guideline components was assessed. Composite IDSA guideline adherence (defined as meeting ≥6 guideline components) was also assessed. Charts were reviewed to examine reasons for noncompliance.

Results

Of 157 patients with candidemia, 150 (95.5%) had infectious disease (ID) consultation. The median total time from blood culture collection to antifungal initiation was 42.1 hours. Excluding 39 patients with short treatment due to death, there was 100% adherence with surveillance blood cultures, followed by antifungal susceptibility testing (117/118, 99.2%), initial appropriate therapy (117/118, 99.2%), antifungal duration (110/118, 93.2%), line removal (82/91, 90.1%), eye exams (93/118, 78.8%), and step-down therapy (69/94, 73.4%). A quarter (30/118) did not meet composite IDSA guideline adherence. Univariate logistic regression suggested a relationship between poor cancer prognosis and incomplete adherence to the 2016 IDSA candidiasis guidelines (odds ratio, 8.6; 95% CI, 1.6-47).

Conclusions

The addition of MALDI-TOF did not shorten time to effective antifungal therapy. Nearly all patients were seen by ID for candidemia. Poor cancer prognosis was a common factor for incomplete composite adherence to the 2016 IDSA candidiasis guidelines.

A quality improvement initiative to improve the appropriateness of candidemia management by the implementation of a comprehensive candidemia care bundle at a tertiary care hospital in South India: Results of a quasi-experimental study

Management of candidemia in developing countries like India encounters laxity in appropriate clinical management and challenges in terms of healthcare capacity, despite its association with high morbidity and mortality. Our study aims to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive candidemia care bundle implementation on appropriateness of therapy and major clinical outcomes.The single-center, quasi-experimental study conducted at a south Indian tertiary care center included adult patients diagnosed with candidemia. Following a retrospective review of candidemia patients of the pre-implementation period (January 2013-December 2015), the hospital antifungal stewardship team instituted a clinical pharmacist driven comprehensive candidemia care bundle for candidemia patients during the post-implementation period (October 2017-2019) and its impact on appropriateness of antifungal prescriptions and inpatient mortality was evaluated.The study included 175 patients with candidemia, comprising of 103 patients in the pre-implementation period and 72 patients in the post-implementation period. Appropriateness of antifungal prescriptions rose to 65% during post-implementation period from 30% observed in pre-implementation phase (P = .0005). The inhospital mortality rate reduced from 40% in the pre-implementation phase to 36% in the post-implementation phase, recording a 10% reduction over 2 years post-implementation (P = .26). No significant difference was observed in terms length of stay (P = .17).Our study demonstrates the successful implementation of an antifungal stewardship led comprehensive care bundle in a low middle income countries setting. The results of our study will have profound implications in improving the appropriateness of management of candidemia and feasibility of scaling up to wider settings could be explored.

A survey of Chinese pharmacists participating in anti-infective therapy and its related information technology support

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

Anti-infective therapy is the major daily work for most clinical pharmacists in China, and information technology (IT) support for them is very important. However, the current situation of pharmacists' roles in anti-infective therapy and related IT support are seldom reported. The aim of the study was to investigate the current situation of pharmacists participating in anti-infective therapy and the corresponding hospital IT support, which may help identify and solve related problems and facilitate pharmacists to play better roles.

METHODS

A 15-item questionnaire was distributed online to clinical pharmacists from Chinese hospitals. Pharmacists answered the questions on the WeChat platform. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A total of 272 valid questionnaires were returned, and the respondents were from 27 provinces (or autonomous regions or municipalities) of China covering over 15 specialties. Most of the respondents (76.1%) were from tertiary hospitals and 72.4% of all the respondents participated in anti-infective therapy. They mainly performed drug selection (95.4%), dose adjustment (88.8%) and adverse drug reaction monitoring (84.8%) for anti-infective therapy, in ways such as consultation (71.1%), drug consult (86.3%) and prescription evaluation (88.8%). Most pharmacists (93.0%) thought that the modules of anti-infective therapy in hospital IT system needed to be advanced, in the aspects of doctor-pharmacist interaction, convenience for pharmacists to control drug expenses and integration of multi-functions for anti-infective therapy.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

The roles of Chinese clinical pharmacists in anti-infective therapy are becoming increasingly clear, and establishing smart, pharmacist-friendly and highly-integrated electronic interfaces will facilitate the establishment of pharmacist-driven anti-infective therapy team, thus improving work efficiency and user experience.