Randomized controlled trial of moxifloxacin compared with piperacillin-tazobactam and amoxicillin-clavulanate for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections

Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Breakpoints Against Enterobacterales: Rationale for Revision by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute

Amoxicillin-clavulanate (AMC) is among the most frequently prescribed antibiotics globally. It has broad antibacterial activity against gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria and has been used to treat infections caused by a broad range of pathogens. AMC breakpoints against Enterobacterales were initially set in the 1980s. However, since that time, increases in antibiotic resistance, advances in pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analyses, and publication of additional clinical data prompted a reassessment by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) Subcommittee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. Based on this contemporary reappraisal, the CLSI retained the Enterobacterales breakpoints but revised comments regarding dosing associated with use of the AMC breakpoints in the 2022 supplement of M100. This viewpoint provides insight into the CLSI breakpoint reevaluation process and summarizes the data and rationale used to support these revisions to the AMC Enterobacterales breakpoint.

Effect of Dexketoprofen on the Disposition Kinetics of Moxifloxacin in Plasma and Lung in Male and Female Rats

BACKGROUND

The simultaneous use of NSAIDs and antibiotics is recommended for bacterial diseases in human and veterinary medicine. Moxifloxacin (MFX) and dexketoprofen (DEX) can be used simultaneously in bacterial infections. However, there are no studies on how the simultaneous use of DEX affects the pharmacokinetics of MFX in rats.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of DEX on plasma and lung pharmacokinetics of MFX in male and female rats.

METHODS

A total of 132 rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: MFX (n=66, 33 males/33 females) and MFX+DEX (n=66, 33 females/33 males). MFX at a dose of 20 mg/kg and DEX at a dose of 25 mg/kg were administered intraperitoneally. Plasma and lung concentrations of MFX were determined using the highperformance liquid chromatography-UV and pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated by noncompartmental analysis.

RESULTS

Simultaneous administration of DEX increased the plasma and lung area under the curve from 0 to 8 h (AUC0-8) and peak concentration (Cmax) of MFX in rats, while it significantly decreased the total body clearance (CL/F). When female and male rats were compared, significant differences were detected in AUC0-8, Cmax, CL/F and volume of distribution. The AUC0-8lung/AUC0-8plasma ratios of MFX were calculated as 1.68 and 1.65 in female rats and 5.15 and 4.90 in male rats after single and combined use, respectively.

CONCLUSION

MFX was highly transferred to the lung tissue and this passage was remarkably higher in male rats. However, DEX administration increased the plasma concentration of MFX in both male and female rats but did not change its passage to the lung. However, there is a need for a more detailed investigation of the difference in the pharmacokinetics of MFX in male and female rats.

Transferrin decorated PLGA encumbered moxifloxacin nanoparticles and in vitro cellular studies

PURPOSE

Complicated intra-abdominal infection (cIAI) management involves administering antibiotics that destroy the cell wall and the genesis of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). During the infectious state, the expression of transferrin receptors upregulates on the intestinal epithelial cells, which are considered the site of infection. In the present research, transferrin decorated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated moxifloxacin (MOX) were developed for possible targeting of the receptors in the colon.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study will explore more about the incorporation of transferrin as effective coating material in targeted drug delivery.

METHODS

Nanoparticles were prepared using nano-emulsification and surface modification with transferrin was done by layer-by-layer methodology and evaluated by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), FTIR, SEM, antibacterial activity, and cellular uptake studies.

RESULTS

The formulated NPs exhibit a size of ≈170 nm, PDI ≈ 0.25, zeta potential ≈-4.0 mV, drug loading ≈ 6.8%, and entrapment efficiency of 82%. Transferrin-decorated NPs exhibit tailored release for almost 12 h and in vitro antibacterial activity for 14 h. The cellular uptake studies were done on a RAW264.7 cell line for better determination of transferrin uptake of fabricated NPs.

CONCLUSION

The above study circumvents around the preparation of transferrin decorated PLGA encumbered MOX NPs intended for cIAI-induced sepsis. PLGA NPs provide tailored release of MOX with primary burst and followed by sustained release. These observations confines with antibacterial activity studies. The prepared transferrin-coated NPs were stable and effectively uptaken by RAW264.7 cells. However, future studies include the preclinical investigation of these NPs in sepsis-induced murine models.

Outcomes of Beta-Lactam Allergic and Non-Beta-Lactam Allergic Patients with Intra-Abdominal Infection: A Case-Control Study

Background: In the case of intra-abdominal infections (IAI) in beta-lactam (BL) allergic patients, empiric antimicrobial therapy without BL is recommended; however, data regarding the outcome with alternative regimens are scarce. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of BL allergic (BLA) patients with IAI to those who were non-BLA (NBLA). Method: We conducted a case−control study in a French teaching hospital, between 1 January 2016 and 31 August 2021. BLA patients with IAI treated with fluoroquinolone or aztreonam and metronidazole were matched with controls treated with BL, on age, sex, disease severity, IAI localization, and healthcare-associated infection (HAI) status. We compared rates of therapeutic failures, adverse events, and HAI, and then assessed factors associated with therapeutic failure using a logistic regression model. Results: The therapeutic failure rate was 14% (p > 0.99) in both groups of 43 patients, and there was no significant difference in the adverse events rate (p > 0.99) and HAI rate (p = 0.154). Factors independently associated with therapeutic failure were higher BMI (OR 1.16; 95%CI [1.00−1.36]; p = 0.041), longer hospital length of stay (OR 1,20; 95%CI [1.08−1.41]; p = 0.006), and inadequate empiric antimicrobial therapy (OR 11.71; 95%CI [1.43−132.46]; p = 0.025). Conclusion: The outcomes of BLA patients with IAI treated without BL were the same as those for NBLA patients treated with BL.

German guideline diverticular disease/diverticulitis: Part II: Conservative, interventional and surgical management

Diverticulosis and diverticular disease are ranked among the most common gastroenterological diseases and conditions. While for many years diverticulitis was found to be mainly an event occurring in the elder population, more recent work in epidemiology demonstrates increasing frequency in younger subjects. In addition, there is a noticeable trend towards more complicated disease. This may explain the significant increase in hospitalisations observed in recent years. It is not a surprise that the number of scientific studies addressing the clinical and socioeconomic consequences in the field is increasing. As a result, diagnosis and conservative as well as surgical management have changed in recent years. Diverticulosis, diverticular disease and diverticulitis are a complex entity and apparently an interdisciplinary challenge. To meet theses considerations the German Societies for Gastroenterology and Visceral Surgery decided to create joint guidelines addressing all aspects in a truely interdisciplinary fashion. The aim of the guideline is to summarise and to evaluate the current state of knowledge on diverticulosis and diverticular disease and to develop statements as well as recommendations to all physicians involved in the management of patients with diverticular disease.

Diagnosis and Management of Intraabdominal Infection: Guidelines by the Chinese Society of Surgical Infection and Intensive Care and the Chinese College of Gastrointestinal Fistula Surgeons

The Chinese guidelines for IAI presented here were developed by a panel that included experts from the fields of surgery, critical care, microbiology, infection control, pharmacology, and evidence-based medicine. All questions were structured in population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes format, and evidence profiles were generated. Recommendations were generated following the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system or Best Practice Statement (BPS), when applicable. The final guidelines include 45 graded recommendations and 17 BPSs, including the classification of disease severity, diagnosis, source control, antimicrobial therapy, microbiologic evaluation, nutritional therapy, other supportive therapies, diagnosis and management of specific IAIs, and recognition and management of source control failure. Recommendations on fluid resuscitation and organ support therapy could not be formulated and thus were not included. Accordingly, additional high-quality clinical studies should be performed in the future to address the clinicians' concerns.

Eravacycline: a new treatment option for complicated intra-abdominal infections in the age of multidrug resistance

Aim: Recently approved for use in complicated intra-abdominal infection, eravacycline is a novel fluorocycline with broad spectrum of activity against resistant Gram-negative pathogens. This manuscript is a pooled analysis of two Phase III trials. Clinical efficacy: Clinical cure rates were 86.8% for eravacycline versus 87.6% for ertapenem, and 90.8% for eravacycline versus 91.2% for meropenem in the Intent to Treat (micro-ITT) populations, and 87.0% for eravacycline versus 88.8% ertapenem, and 92.4 versus 91.6% for meropenem in the Modified Intent to Treat (MITT) populations. Safety: Eravacycline is well tolerated, with lower rates of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea than other tetracyclines. Conclusion: Eravacycline is an effective new option for use in complicated intra-abdominal infections, and in particular, for the treatment of extended-spectrum β-lactamase- and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae-expressing organisms.

Application of Physiologically-Based and Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling for Dose Finding and Confirmation During the Pediatric Development of Moxifloxacin

Moxifloxacin is a widely used fluoroquinolone for the treatment of complicated intra‐abdominal infections. We applied physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) and population pharmacokinetic (popPK) modeling to support dose selection in pediatric patients. We scaled an existing adult PBPK model to children based on prior physiological knowledge. The resulting model proposed an age‐dependent dosing regimen that was tested in a phase I study. Refined doses were then tested in a phase III study. A popPK analysis of all clinical pediatric data confirmed the PBPK predictions, including the proposed dosing schedule in children, and supported pharmacokinetics‐related safety/efficacy questions. The pediatric PBPK model adequately predicted the doses necessary to achieve antimicrobial efficacy while maintaining safety in the phase I and III pediatric studies. Altogether, this study retroactively demonstrated the robustness and utility of modeling to support dose finding and confirmation in pediatric drug development for moxifloxacin.

Fluoroquinolone-based versus β-lactam-based regimens for complicated intra-abdominal infections: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs) are common and confer significant morbidity, mortality and costs. In this era of evolving antimicrobial resistance, selection of appropriate empirical antimicrobials is paramount. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials compared the effectiveness and safety of fluoroquinolone (FQ)-based versus β-lactam (BL)-based regimens for the treatment of patients with cIAIs. Primary outcomes were treatment success in the clinically evaluable (CE) population and all-cause mortality in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Subgroup analyses were performed based on specific antimicrobials, infection source and isolated pathogens. Seven trials (4125 patients) were included. FQ-based regimens included moxifloxacin (four studies) or ciprofloxacin/metronidazole (three studies); BL-based regimens were ceftriaxone/metronidazole (three studies), carbapenems (two studies) or piperacillin/tazobactam (two studies). There was no difference in effectiveness in the CE (2883 patients; RR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.95-1.04) or ITT populations (3055 patients; RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.94-1.01). Mortality (3614 patients; RR = 1.04, 95% CI 0.75-1.43) and treatment-related adverse events (2801 patients; RR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.70-1.33) were also similar. On subset analysis, moxifloxacin was slightly less effective than BLs in the CE (1934 patients; RR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.99) and ITT populations (1743 patients; RR = 0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.98). Although FQ- and BL-based regimens appear equally effective and safe for the treatment of cIAIs, limited data suggest slightly inferior results with moxifloxacin. Selection of empirical coverage should be based on local bacterial epidemiology and patterns of resistance as well as antimicrobial stewardship protocols.

Antibiotic use in patients with abdominal injuries: guideline by the Korean Society of Acute Care Surgery

Purpose

A task force appointed by the Korean Society of Acute Care Surgery reviewed previously published guidelines on antibiotic use in patients with abdominal injuries and adapted guidelines for Korea.

Methods

Four guidelines were assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument. Five topics were considered: indication for antibiotics, time until first antibiotic use, antibiotic therapy duration, appropriate antibiotics, and antibiotic use in abdominal trauma patients with hemorrhagic shock.

Results

Patients requiring surgery need preoperative prophylactic antibiotics. Patients who do not require surgery do not need antibiotics. Antibiotics should be administered as soon as possible after injury. In the absence of hollow viscus injury, no additional antibiotic doses are needed. If hollow viscus injury is repaired within 12 hours, antibiotics should be continued for ≤ 24 hours. If hollow viscus injury is repaired after 12 hours, antibiotics should be limited to 7 days. Antibiotics can be administered for ≥7 days if hollow viscus injury is incompletely repaired or clinical signs persist. Broad-spectrum aerobic and anaerobic coverage antibiotics are preferred as the initial antibiotics. Second-generation cephalosporins are the recommended initial antibiotics. Third-generation cephalosporins are alternative choices. For hemorrhagic shock, the antibiotic dose may be increased twofold or threefold and repeated after transfusion of every 10 units of blood until there is no further blood loss.

Conclusion

Although this guideline was drafted through adaptation of other guidelines, it may be meaningful in that it provides a consensus on the use of antibiotics in abdominal trauma patients in Korea.

Moxifloxacin in Pediatric Patients With Complicated Intra-abdominal Infections: Results of the MOXIPEDIA Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to evaluate primarily the safety and also the efficacy of moxifloxacin (MXF) in children with complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs).

METHODS

In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled study, 451 pediatric patients aged 3 months to 17 years with cIAIs were treated with intravenous/oral MXF (N = 301) or comparator (COMP, intravenous ertapenem followed by oral amoxicillin/clavulanate; N = 150) for 5 to 14 days. Doses of MXF were selected based on the results of a Phase 1 study in pediatric patients (NCT01049022). The primary endpoint was safety, with particular focus on cardiac and musculoskeletal safety; clinical and bacteriologic efficacy at test of cure was also investigated.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients with adverse events (AEs) was comparable between the 2 treatment arms (MXF: 58.1% and COMP: 54.7%). The incidence of drug-related AEs was higher in the MXF arm than in the COMP arm (14.3% and 6.7%, respectively). No cases of QTc interval prolongation-related morbidity or mortality were observed. The proportion of patients with musculoskeletal AEs was comparable between treatment arms; no drug-related events were reported. Clinical cure rates were 84.6% and 95.5% in the MXF and COMP arms, respectively, in patients with confirmed pathogen(s) at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

MXF treatment was well tolerated in children with cIAIs. However, a lower clinical cure rate was observed with MXF treatment compared with COMP. This study does not support a recommendation of MXF for children with cIAIs when alternative more efficacious antibiotics with better safety profile are available.

Emerging treatment options for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections: focus on intravenous delafloxacin

The increase in hospitalization due to acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) caused by resistant pathogens supports the need for new treatment options. Antimicrobial options for ABSSSI that provide broad-spectrum coverage, including gram-negative pathogens and multidrug-resistant gram-positive bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are limited. Delafloxacin is a novel fluoroquinolone available as intravenous and oral formulations and is characterized by an increased efficacy in acidic environments and activity on bacterial biofilm. Delafloxacin displays enhanced in vitro activity against MRSA, and enterococci, while maintaining efficacy against gram-negative pathogens and anaerobes. Delafloxacin has been studied for the treatment of ABSSSI and respiratory infections. Phase III studies have demonstrated noninferiority of delafloxacin compared to vancomycin, linezolid, tigecycline, and the combination of vancomycin plus aztreonam in the treatment of ABSSSI. Due to its favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics, the wide spectrum of action, and the potential for sequential therapy, delafloxacin represents a promising option in the empirical and targeted treatment of ABSSSI, both in hospital- and in community-based care.

Tokyo Guidelines 2018: antimicrobial therapy for acute cholangitis and cholecystitis

Antimicrobial therapy is a mainstay of the management for patients with acute cholangitis and/or cholecystitis. The Tokyo Guidelines 2018 (TG18) provides recommendations for the appropriate use of antimicrobials for community-acquired and healthcare-associated infections. The listed agents are for empirical therapy provided before the infecting isolates are identified. Antimicrobial agents are listed by class-definitions and TG18 severity grade I, II, and III subcategorized by clinical settings. In the era of emerging and increasing antimicrobial resistance, monitoring and updating local antibiograms is underscored. Prudent antimicrobial usage and early de-escalation or termination of antimicrobial therapy are now important parts of decision-making. What is new in TG18 is that the duration of antimicrobial therapy for both acute cholangitis and cholecystitis is systematically reviewed. Prophylactic antimicrobial usage for elective endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is no longer recommended and the section was deleted in TG18. Free full articles and mobile app of TG18 are available at: http://www.jshbps.jp/modules/en/index.php?content_id=47. Related clinical questions and references are also included.

Fluoroquinolones increase the risk of serious arrhythmias: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The association between oral fluoroquinolones (FQs) usage and risk of severe arrhythmia-related events (ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death) remains controversial. Therefore we aimed to quantify this association and to evaluate the effects of FQs on adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes.

METHODS

We retrieved data from the Cochrane Collaboration, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases until August 2017. The studies that reported relative risk (RR) estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations of interest were included. Data were extracted from the eligible articles, and we used a random effects model to calculate the effect estimates.

RESULTS

Of the 16 studies that were included, 7 studies included serious arrhythmias, 3 studies included CV death, and 11 studies included all-cause death. The pooled RRs of FQs use were: 2.29 (95% CI: 1.20-4.36, P = .01) for serious arrhythmias; 1.60 (95% CI: 1.17-2.20, P = .004) for CV death; and 1.02 (95% CI: 0.76-1.37, P = .92) for all-cause death. The RRs associated with serious arrhythmias were 6.27 for gatifloxacin, 4.20 for moxifloxacin, 1.73 for ciprofloxacin, and 1.41 for levofloxacin. Current FQs users showed an increased risk of serious arrhythmias in the subgroup analysis. Treatment with FQs is associated with an absolute risk increase of 160 additional sudden deaths or ventricular arrhythmias, and 43 additional CV deaths per 1 million treatment courses.

CONCLUSION

The use of FQs could increase the risk of serious arrhythmias and CV death but not increase or all-cause death. Moreover, moxifloxacin and levofloxacin showed a higher risk of serious arrhythmias.

The Surgical Infection Society Revised Guidelines on the Management of Intra-Abdominal Infection

BACKGROUND

Previous evidence-based guidelines on the management of intra-abdominal infection (IAI) were published by the Surgical Infection Society (SIS) in 1992, 2002, and 2010. At the time the most recent guideline was released, the plan was to update the guideline every five years to ensure the timeliness and appropriateness of the recommendations.

METHODS

Based on the previous guidelines, the task force outlined a number of topics related to the treatment of patients with IAI and then developed key questions on these various topics. All questions were approached using general and specific literature searches, focusing on articles and other information published since 2008. These publications and additional materials published before 2008 were reviewed by the task force as a whole or by individual subgroups as to relevance to individual questions. Recommendations were developed by a process of iterative consensus, with all task force members voting to accept or reject each recommendation. Grading was based on the GRADE (Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) system; the quality of the evidence was graded as high, moderate, or weak, and the strength of the recommendation was graded as strong or weak. Review of the document was performed by members of the SIS who were not on the task force. After responses were made to all critiques, the document was approved as an official guideline of the SIS by the Executive Council.

RESULTS

This guideline summarizes the current recommendations developed by the task force on the treatment of patients who have IAI. Evidence-based recommendations have been made regarding risk assessment in individual patients; source control; the timing, selection, and duration of antimicrobial therapy; and suggested approaches to patients who fail initial therapy. Additional recommendations related to the treatment of pediatric patients with IAI have been included.

SUMMARY

The current recommendations of the SIS regarding the treatment of patients with IAI are provided in this guideline.

Delafloxacin: design, development and potential place in therapy

Delafloxacin (DLX) is a new fluoroquinolone pending approval, which has shown a good in vitro and in vivo activity against major pathogens associated with skin and soft tissue infections and community-acquired respiratory tract infections. DLX also shows good activity against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, including those resistant to other fluoroquinolones, as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Its pharmacokinetic properties and excellent activity in acidic environments make DLX an alternative in the treatment of these and other infections. In this manuscript, a detailed analysis of this new fluoroquinolone is performed, from its chemical structure to its in vivo activity in recently published clinical trials. Its possible place in the current antimicrobial outlook and in other infectious models is also discussed.

Management of diverticular disease

Diverticular disease is a common condition in Western countries and the incidence and prevalence of the disease is increasing. The pathogenetic factors involved include structural changes in the gut that increase with age, a diet low in fibre and rich in meat, changes in intestinal motility, the concept of enteric neuropathy and an underlying genetic background. Current treatment strategies are hampered by insufficient options to stratify patients according to individual risk. One of the main reasons is the lack of an all-encompassing classification system of diverticular disease. In response, the German Society for Gastroenterology and Digestive Diseases (DGVS) has proposed a classification system as part of its new guideline for the diagnosis and management of diverticular disease. The classification system includes five main types of disease: asymptomatic diverticulosis, acute uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis, as well as chronic diverticular disease and diverticular bleeding. Here, we review prevention and treatment strategies stratified by these five main types of disease, from prevention of the first attack of diverticulitis to the management of chronic complications and diverticular bleeding.

Empiric therapy for hospital-acquired, Gram-negative complicated intra-abdominal infection and complicated urinary tract infections: a systematic literature review of current and emerging treatment options

BACKGROUND

Empiric therapy for healthcare-associated infections remains challenging, especially with the continued development of Gram-negative organisms producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and the threat of multi-drug-resistant organisms. Current treatment options for resistant Gram-negative infections include carbapenems, tigecycline, piperacillin-tazobactam, cefepime, ceftazidime, and two recently approved therapies, ceftolozane-tazobactam and ceftazidime-avibactam.

METHODS

This systematic literature review surveys the published clinical trial evidence available since 2000 in support of both current and emerging treatment options in the settings of complicated intra-abdominal infection (cIAI) and complicated urinary tract infection (cUTI). When available, clinical cure rates for patients with infections from ESBL-producing strains are provided, as is information about efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

RESULTS

Clinical trial evidence to guide selection of empiric antibiotic therapy in patients with complicated, hospital-acquired, Gram-negative IAIs and UTIs is limited. Though most of the clinical trials explored in this overview enrolled patients with complicated infections, often patients with severe infections and multiple comorbidities were excluded.

CONCLUSIONS

Practitioners in the clinical setting who are treating patients with complicated, hospital-acquired, Gram-negative IAIs and UTIs need to consider the possibility of polymicrobial infections, antibiotic-resistant organisms, and/or severely ill patients with multiple comorbidities. There is a severe shortage of evidence-based research to guide the selection of empiric antibiotic therapy for many patients in this setting. New therapies recently approved or in late-stage development promise to expand the number of options available for empiric therapy of these hospital-acquired, Gram-negative infections.

Diverticular disease: guidelines of the german society for gastroenterology, digestive and metabolic diseases and the german society for general and visceral surgery

BACKGROUND

Diverticular disease is one of the most common disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. 28-45% of the population develop colonic diverticula, while about 25% suffer symptoms and about 5% complications.

AIM

To create formal guidelines for diagnosis and management.

METHODS

Six working groups with 44 participants analyzed key questions in subject areas assigned to them. Following a systematic literature search, 451 publications were included. Consensus was obtained by agreement within the working groups, two Delphi processes and a guideline conference.

RESULTS

Targeted management of diverticular disease requires a classificatory diagnosis. A new classification was created. In addition to the clinical examination, intestinal ultrasound or computed tomography is the determining factor. Interval colonoscopy is recommended to exclude comorbidities. A low-fiber diet, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking and immunosuppression have an adverse impact on diverticulosis. This can lead to diverticulitis. Antibiotics are no longer recommended in uncomplicated diverticulitis if no risk factors such as immunosuppression are present. If close monitoring is ensured, uncomplicated diverticulitis can be treated on an outpatient basis. Complicated diverticulitis should be treated in hospital, involving broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, where necessary abscess drainage, and surgery, if possible laparoscopically. In the case of chronic relapsing diverticulitis, the risk of perforation decreases with each episode, so that surgery is no longer recommended after the second episode but only following individual assessment.

CONCLUSIONS

New findings on diverticular disease call into question the overuse of antibiotics and excessive indications for surgery. Targeted treatment requires a precise diagnosis and intensive interdisciplinary cooperation.

Guidelines for management of intra-abdominal infections

Intra-abdominal infections are one of the most common gastrointestinal emergencies and a leading cause of septic shock. A consensus conference on the management of community-acquired peritonitis was published in 2000. A new consensus as well as new guidelines for less common situations such as peritonitis in paediatrics and healthcare-associated infections had become necessary. The objectives of these Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) were therefore to define the medical and surgical management of community-acquired intra-abdominal infections, define the specificities of intra-abdominal infections in children and describe the management of healthcare-associated infections. The literature review was divided into six main themes: diagnostic approach, infection source control, microbiological data, paediatric specificities, medical treatment of peritonitis, and management of complications. The GRADE(®) methodology was applied to determine the level of evidence and the strength of recommendations. After summarising the work of the experts and application of the GRADE(®) method, 62 recommendations were formally defined by the organisation committee. Recommendations were then submitted to and amended by a review committee. After 2 rounds of Delphi scoring and various amendments, a strong agreement was obtained for 44 (100%) recommendations. The CPGs for peritonitis are therefore based on a consensus between the various disciplines involved in the management of these patients concerning a number of themes such as: diagnostic strategy and the place of imaging; time to management; the place of microbiological specimens; targets of empirical anti-infective therapy; duration of anti-infective therapy. The CPGs also specified the value and the place of certain practices such as: the place of laparoscopy; the indications for image-guided percutaneous drainage; indications for the treatment of enterococci and fungi. The CPGs also confirmed the futility of certain practices such as: the use of diagnostic biomarkers; systematic relaparotomies; prolonged anti-infective therapy, especially in children.

Efficacy and safety of moxifloxacin in hospitalized patients with secondary peritonitis: pooled analysis of four randomized phase III trials

BACKGROUND

Secondary peritonitis is an advanced form of complicated intra-abdominal infection (cIAI) requiring hospitalization, surgical source control, and empiric antibiotic therapy against causative aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

METHODS

This pooled analysis of four prospective, active-controlled randomized clinical trials compared the efficacy and safety of moxifloxacin with that of comparator antibiotics in patients with confirmed secondary peritonitis. The primary efficacy endpoint was clinical success rate at test-of-cure (TOC) between day 10 and 45 post-therapy in the per-protocol (PP) population. Safety and clinical efficacy were assessed also in the intent-to-treat population (ITT). Bacteriological success was assessed at TOC in the microbiologically-valid population as a secondary efficacy endpoint.

RESULTS

Overall clinical success rates at TOC were 85.3% (431 of 505 patients) in the moxifloxacin and 88.4% (459 of 519 patients) in the comparator treatment groups (PP population, point estimate for the difference in success rates: -3.0%; 95% CI -7.06%, 1.05%), respectively. Similar clinical success rates between moxifloxacin and comparators were observed by anatomical site of infection, and ranged from 80.6% to 100% for moxifloxacin and from 71.4% to 96.6% for comparators, respectively. Bacteriologic success rates were similar with moxifloxacin (82.4%) and comparators (86.8%), respectively. The proportion of patients experiencing any treatment-emergent adverse events was slightly higher with moxifloxacin (67.3%) versus comparators (59.8%). Rates of drug-related adverse events (20.9% versus 20.0%) and deaths (4.3% versus 3.4%) were similar in moxifloxacin and comparator groups; none of the deaths were drug-related.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggests that once-daily IV (or IV/PO) moxifloxacin has a comparable efficacy and safety profile to antibiotic regimens approved previously in the subgroup of patients with secondary peritonitis of mild-to-moderate severity.

Gender analysis of moxifloxacin clinical trials

PURPOSE

To determine the inclusion of women and the sex-stratification of results in moxifloxacin Clinical Trials (CTs), and to establish whether these CTs considered issues that specifically affect women, such as pregnancy and use of hormonal therapies. Previous publications about women's inclusion in CTs have not specifically studied therapeutic drugs. Although this type of drug is taken by men and women at a similar rate, adverse effects occur more frequently in the latter.

METHODS

We reviewed 158 published moxifloxacin trials on humans, retrieved from MedLine and the Cochrane Library (1998-2010), to determine whether they complied with the gender recommendations published by U.S. Food and Drug Administration Guideline.

RESULTS

Of a total of 80,417 subjects included in the moxifloxacin CTs, only 33.7% were women in phase I, in contrast to phase II, where women accounted for 45%, phase III, where they represented 38.3% and phase IV, where 51.3% were women. About 40.9% (n=52) of trials were stratified by sex and 15.3% (n=13) and 9% (n=7) provided data by sex on efficacy and adverse effects, respectively. We found little information about the influence of issues that specifically affect women. Only 3 of the 59 journals that published the moxifloxacin CTs stated that authors should stratify their results by sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Women are under-represented in the published moxifloxacin trials, and this trend is more marked in phase I, as they comprise a higher proportion in the other phases. Data by sex on efficacy and adverse effects are scarce in moxifloxacin trials. These facts, together with the lack of data on women-specific issues, suggest that the therapeutic drug moxifloxacin is only a partially evidence-based medicine.

2013 WSES guidelines for management of intra-abdominal infections

Despite advances in diagnosis, surgery, and antimicrobial therapy, mortality rates associated with complicated intra-abdominal infections remain exceedingly high.The 2013 update of the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) guidelines for the management of intra-abdominal infections contains evidence-based recommendations for management of patients with intra-abdominal infections.

Moxifloxacin-associated neutropenia

A 32-y-old woman presented with pneumonia. Treatment was started with moxifloxacin. On day 2 of moxifloxacin treatment the patient developed neutropenia. After discontinuing the moxifloxacin, neutrophil counts were normal on day 4. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of this adverse effect in patients treated with moxifloxacin.

Therapy of 1,025 severely ill patients with complicated infections in a German multicenter study: safety profile and efficacy of tigecycline in different treatment modalities

This large prospective non-interventional study investigated the effects of tigecycline either as single agent or in combination with other antimicrobial agents in 1,025 patients treated in clinical routine at German hospitals. Sixty-five percent of the patients had APACHE II scores > 15, indicating high overall disease severity. Complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAI) or complicated skin and skin tissue infections (cSSTI) were the most common indications, with Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium and Escherichia coli being the most frequently isolated pathogens. Clinical success was reported at the end of tigecycline therapy in 74.2% of the total population, in 75.4% of the cIAI and in 82.2% of the cSSTI patients. The subpopulation (28.0% of the patients) infected with multidrug-resistant pathogens (methicillin-resistant S. aureus, extended-spectrum β-lactamase producers and vancomycin-resistant enterococci) were treated with similar success rates as the overall population. Tigecycline was generally well tolerated. Drug-related adverse events (AEs) were reported in 7.7% of the total population; 2.5% had serious AEs mostly attributable to inefficacy of therapy or deterioration of the disease. Mortality rates were consistent with the types of infection and severity of illness. There was no indication of excessive mortality associated with tigecycline as had been suggested in previously performed meta-analyses. In this large non-interventional study performed in the clinical routine setting, tigecycline achieved favorable clinical success rates in a patient population with high severity of illness and a high prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens and showed a good safety and tolerability profile.

Essentials for selecting antimicrobial therapy for intra-abdominal infections

Intra-abdominal infection (IAI) is a complex disease entity in which different aspects must be balanced in order to select the proper antimicrobial regimen and determine duration of therapy. A current classification indicates different faces of peritonitis. Primary peritonitis implies an intact gastrointestinal tract without overt barrier disruption. Secondary peritonitis refers to localized or diffuse peritoneal inflammation and abscess formation due to disruption of the anatomical barrier. Tertiary peritonitis includes cases that cannot be solved by a single or even sequential surgical intervention, often in combination with sequential courses of antimicrobial therapy. The most frequently used classification distinguishes ‘uncomplicated’ and ‘complicated’ IAI. In uncomplicated IAI, the infectious process is contained within a single organ, without anatomical disruption. In complicated IAI, disease is extended, with either localized or generalized peritonitis. However, there exists more than a single dimension of complexity in IAI, including severity of disease expression through systemic inflammation. As the currently used classifications of IAI often incite confusion by mixing elements of anatomical barrier disruption, severity of disease expression and (the likelihood of) resistance involvement, we propose an alternative for the current widely accepted classification. We suggest abandoning the terms ‘uncomplicated’ and ‘complicated’ IAI, as they merely confuse the issue. Furthermore, the term ‘tertiary peritonitis’ should likewise be discarded, as this simply refers to treatment failure of secondary peritonitis resulting in a state of persistent infection and/or inflammation. Hence, anatomical disruption and disease severity should be separated into different phenotypes for the same disease in combination with either presence or absence of risk factors for involvement of pathogens that are not routinely covered in first-line antimicrobial regimens (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, enterococci, Candida species and resistant pathogens). Generally, these risk factors can be brought back to recent exposure to antimicrobial agents and substantial length of stay in healthcare settings (5–7 days). As such, we developed a grid based on the different components of the classification: (i) anatomical disruption; (ii) severity of disease expression; and (iii) either community-acquired/early-onset healthcare-associated origin or healthcare-associated origin and/or recent antimicrobial exposure. The grid allows physicians to define the index case of IAI in a more unequivocal way and to select the most convenient empirical antimicrobial regimens. The grid advises on the necessity of covering nosocomial Gram-negative bacteria (including P. aeruginosa), enterococci and yeasts. The basis of antimicrobial therapy for IAI is that both Gram-negative and anaerobic bacteria should always be covered.

In recent years, some newer agents such as doripenem, moxifloxacin and tigecycline have been added to the antimicrobial armamentarium for IAI. For patients in whom the source can be adequately controlled, antimicrobial therapy should be restricted to a short course (e.g. 3–7 days in peritonitis).

Drug use evaluation of moxifloxacin (avelox) using a hand-held electronic device at a canadian teaching hospital

BACKGROUND

The use of moxifloxacin (Avelox) has increased at Vancouver General Hospital since its introduction onto the formulary in 2002. It is unclear, however, whether the use of the drug is optimal according to its indication. Hand-held electronic devices, such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), are novel tools that can be used during routine patient care to collect data for drug use evaluation (DUE) reviews.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that moxifloxacin was over-utilized and that opportunities existed to optimize its use. This study was designed to characterize moxifloxacin use in concordance with evidence-based assessment criteria. The feasibility of using a PDA device as a data-collection tool was also evaluated.

DESIGN

An observational DUE was conducted over a 4-week period (from February 17 to March 16, 2007) at Vancouver General Hospital, a 955-bed tertiary care hospital. Inpatients who received at least one dose of moxifloxacin were enrolled. Evidence-based assessment criteria were developed to evaluate the appropriateness of moxifloxacin use, and a PDA database was developed for data collection. The primary endpoint was the proportion of moxifloxacin use for approved first-line indications.

RESULTS

A total of 132 patients were included. Eighty-nine patients (67%) received moxifloxacin for first-line indications, including community-acquired pneumonia (57%) and acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (10%). Forty-three patients (33%) had alternative indications, primarily hospital-acquired pneumonia (25%). In 129 evaluable patients, approximately half (51%) of the clinical outcomes were successful; 37% were indeterminate; and 12% were failures. General medicine and respiratory service clinicians prescribed moxifloxacin more appropriately compared with surgical service personnel. Most of the pharmacists supported the use of PDAs as DUE data-collection tools.

CONCLUSION

Overall, moxifloxacin utilization at Vancouver General Hospital was appropriate according to evidence-based assessment criteria. Additional opportunities to improve its use exist through health care staff education. PDAs are ideal data-collection tools for DUEs, as they can be conveniently used during routine patient care.

Moxifloxacin monotherapy for treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of moxifloxacin monotherapy for treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections. PubMed, EMBASE, Science Direct, ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to retrieve randomised controlled trials (RCTs) compared moxifloxacin monotherapy with other antibiotics in the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections from January 1999 to July 2011. A meta-analysis of all included randomised controlled trials was performed. Four randomised controlled trials including a total of 2444 patients with complicated intra-abdominal infections were included for meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that the moxifloxacin was associated with similar clinical cure rate (four RCTs, 1934 patients, OR = 0.80, 95% CI: 0.61, 1.04, p = 0.09), bacteriological success rates (four RCTs, 1484 patients, OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.59, 1.05, p = 0.11) and mortality (four RCTs, 2227 patients, OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.45, 1.83, p = 0.79) compared with the control group. The overall incidence of adverse events of moxifloxacin was significantly higher than that in the control group (three RCTs, 1367 patients, OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.63, p = 0.008), although the incidence of drug-related adverse events (three RCTs, 1601 patients, OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.69, 1.85, p = 0.63) and serious adverse events (three RCTs, 1815 patients, OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.59, 2.60, p = 0.58) were similar between the compared treatment groups. Moxifloxacin is an effective and relatively safe option for the treatment of patients with intra-abdominal infections. Moxifloxacin monotherapy has similar efficacy to combination therapy.

Role of moxifloxacin for the treatment of community-acquired [corrected] complicated intra-abdominal infections in Taiwan

Complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs) are common yet serious infections that can potentially lead to substantial morbidity and morbidity. As an essential adjunct to source control, the goals of antimicrobial therapy are to promote patient recovery, reduce recurrence risk, and prevent antimicrobial resistance. The current international guidelines on the empirical treatment of community-acquired complicated IAIs were published by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Surgical Infections Society (SIS) in 2010. These guidelines all recommend the use of a fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin) plus metronidazole for mild-to-moderate- and high-severity cases. Moxifloxacin monotherapy is recommended by the current IDSA/SIS guidelines for the treatment of mild-to-moderate complicated IAIs. Moxifloxacin has demonstrated a broad spectrum coverage of both aerobic and anaerobic pathogens, good tissue penetration into the gastrointestinal tract, and a good tolerability profile. Clinical data have demonstrated that moxifloxacin is at least as effective as other standard therapeutic regimens recommended by current clinical guidelines. Due to the high rates of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae and fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacteriaceae among isolates causing community-acquired IAIs in Asia, any fluoroquinolones (including moxifloxacin) are not recommended as drugs of choice for the empirical treatment of community-acquired IAIs, particularly in countries (China, India, Thailand, and Vietnam) with fluoroquinolone resistance rates among Escherichia coli isolates of >20%. Given the low rates of fluoroquinolone-resistant (<20%) and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing (<10%) Enterobacteriaceae isolates associated community-acquired IAIs in Taiwan, it appears that moxifloxacin is considered an appropriate first-line therapy for patients with community-acquired complicated IAIs in this country.

Guidelines for the prevention of infections associated with combat-related injuries: 2011 update: endorsed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Surgical Infection Society

Despite advances in resuscitation and surgical management of combat wounds, infection remains a concerning and potentially preventable complication of combat-related injuries. Interventions currently used to prevent these infections have not been either clearly defined or subjected to rigorous clinical trials. Current infection prevention measures and wound management practices are derived from retrospective review of wartime experiences, from civilian trauma data, and from in vitro and animal data. This update to the guidelines published in 2008 incorporates evidence that has become available since 2007. These guidelines focus on care provided within hours to days of injury, chiefly within the combat zone, to those combat-injured patients with open wounds or burns. New in this update are a consolidation of antimicrobial agent recommendations to a backbone of high-dose cefazolin with or without metronidazole for most postinjury indications, and recommendations for redosing of antimicrobial agents, for use of negative pressure wound therapy, and for oxygen supplementation in flight.

Enterococci increase the morbidity and mortality associated with severe intra-abdominal infections in elderly patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit

OBJECTIVES

Enterococci may increase morbidity and mortality in elderly patients with intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A single-centre, retrospective evaluation of an ICU database (1997-2007) of elderly ICU patients (≥75 years) with a severe IAI was performed. Demographics, severity scores, underlying diseases, microbiology and outcomes were recorded. Patients with enterococci isolated in peritoneal fluid (E+ group) were compared with those lacking enterococci in peritoneal fluid (E- group). Stepwise multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent factors associated with mortality.

RESULTS

One hundred and sixty patients were included (mean ± SD age 82 ± 5 years; n = 72 in the E+ group). The E+ group was more severely ill than the E- group, with higher Simplified Acute Physiologic Score 2 (61 ± 20 versus 48 ± 16, P = 0.0001) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores (8 ± 3 versus 5 ± 3, P = 0.0001), a greater postoperative infection rate (58.3% versus 34.1%, P = 0.01), a higher incidence of inappropriate empirical antimicrobial therapies (33.3% versus 19.3%, P = 0.04), a longer duration of mechanical ventilation (11.8 ± 10.9 versus 7.8 ± 10.2 days, P = 0.02) and greater vasopressor use (7.2 ± 7.1 versus 3.3 ± 4.1 days, P = 0.001). ICU mortality was higher in the E+ group than in the E- group (54.2% versus 38.6%, P = 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, E+ status was independently associated with mortality (odds ratio 2.24; 95% confidence interval 1.06-4.75; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

In severely ill, elderly patients in the ICU for an IAI, the isolation of enterococci was associated with increased disease severity and morbidity and was an independent risk factor for mortality.

WSES consensus conference: Guidelines for first-line management of intra-abdominal infections

Intra-abdominal infections are still associated with high rate of morbidity and mortality.A multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients with intra-abdominal infections may be an important factor in the quality of care. The presence of a team of health professionals from various disciplines, working in concert, may improve efficiency, outcome, and the cost of care.A World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) Consensus Conference was held in Bologna on July 2010, during the 1st congress of the WSES, involving surgeons, infectious disease specialists, pharmacologists, radiologists and intensivists with the goal of defining recommendations for the early management of intra-abdominal infections.This document represents the executive summary of the final guidelines approved by the consensus conference.

Use of antibiotics in uncomplicated diverticulitis

BACKGROUND

The value of antibiotics in the treatment of acute uncomplicated left-sided diverticulitis is not well established. The aim of this review was to assess whether or not antibiotics contribute to the (uneventful) recovery from acute uncomplicated left-sided diverticulitis, and which types of antibiotic and route of administration are most effective.

METHODS

Medline, the Cochrane Library and Embase databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective or retrospective cohort studies addressing conservative treatment of mild uncomplicated left-sided diverticulitis and use of antibiotics were included.

RESULTS

No randomized or prospective studies were found on the topic of effect on outcome. One retrospective cohort study was retrieved that compared a group treated with antibiotics with observation alone. This study showed no difference in success rate between groups. Only one RCT of moderate quality compared intravenous and oral administration of antibiotics, and found no differences. One other RCT of very poor quality compared two different kinds of intravenous antibiotic and also found no difference. A small retrospective cohort study comparing antibiotics with and without anaerobe coverage showed no difference in group outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Evidence on the use of antibiotics in mild or uncomplicated diverticulitis is sparse and of low quality. There is no evidence mandating the routine use of antibiotics in uncomplicated diverticulitis, although several guidelines recommend this. Copyright © 2011 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Comparative efficacy and safety of moxifloxacin and clindamycin in the treatment of odontogenic abscesses and inflammatory infiltrates: a phase II, double-blind, randomized trial

Moxifloxacin penetrates well into oromaxillary tissue and covers the causative pathogens that show an increasing resistance to standard antibiotics. Clinical reports suggest that moxifloxacin may be effective for the treatment of odontogenic infections that can lead to serious complications. The objective of this prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study was to compare the efficacies and safeties of moxifloxacin and clindamycin for the medical treatment of patients with gingival inflammatory infiltrates and as an adjuvant therapy for patients with odontogenic abscesses requiring surgical treatment. Patients received either 400 mg moxifloxacin per os once daily or 300 mg clindamycin per os four times daily for 5 days consecutively. The primary efficacy endpoint was the percent reduction in patients' perceived pain on a visual analogue scale at days 2 to 3 from baseline. Primary analysis included 21 moxifloxacin- and 19 clindamycin-treated patients with infiltrates and 15 moxifloxacin- and 16 clindamycin-treated patients with abscesses. The mean pain reductions were 61.0% (standard deviation [SD], 46.9%) with moxifloxacin versus 23.4% (SD, 32.1%) with clindamycin (P = 0.006) for patients with infiltrates and 55.8% (SD, 24.8%) with moxifloxacin versus 42.7% (SD, 48.5%) with clindamycin (P = 0.358) for patients with abscesses. A global efficacy assessment at days 2 to 3 and 5 to 7 showed faster clinical responses with moxifloxacin in both abscess and infiltrate patients. Rates of adverse events were lower in moxifloxacin- than in clindamycin-treated patients. In patients with inflammatory infiltrates, moxifloxacin was significantly more effective in reducing pain at days 2 to 3 of therapy than clindamycin. No significant differences between groups were found for patients with odontogenic abscesses.

Efficacy and safety of adjunctive local moxifloxacin delivery in the treatment of periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Moxifloxacin exerts excellent antibacterial activity against most putative periodontal pathogens and has been shown to kill bacteria in biofilm and host cells.

METHODS

Patients with chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned to receive a single subgingival application of a 0.125%, 0.4%, or 1.25% moxifloxacin gel or placebo gel immediately after full-mouth scaling and root planing (SRP). Clinical efficacy measurements were assessed in sites with baseline probing depth (PD) of ≥5.4 mm at 6 weeks and 3 months and any adverse events were determined. In addition, putative periodontal pathogens and resistance of subgingival bacteria against moxifloxacin were assessed.

RESULTS

Data of 57 patients were included in the statistical analysis. In all treatment groups, the PD decreased from baseline to 3 months, with the greatest reduction seen in patients treated with moxifloxacin 0.4% (1.5 ± 0.6 mm; P = 0.023 compared to placebo), followed by patients receiving moxifloxacin 1.25% (1.2 ± 0.4), moxifloxacin 0.125% (1.1 ± 1.1), and placebo (1.0 ± 0.6). No linear trend for PD reduction with increasing moxifloxacin concentrations was found. Porphyromonas gingivalis showed the greatest reduction in prevalence among the assessed pathogens, without any significant intergroup differences. No correlation or systematic relationship between adverse events, including bacterial resistance against moxifloxacin, and the investigational gels was found.

CONCLUSIONS

In periodontal pockets with PD of ≥5.4 mm, a single subgingival administration of a 0.4% moxifloxacin gel as an adjunct to SRP may result in additional PD reduction compared to SRP alone. In addition, the investigated moxifloxacin gels seem to be safe.