Antimicrobial stewardship program implementation in a medical intensive care unit at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia

Impact of a multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship program on antibiotic utilization and clinical outcomes at a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia: a quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND

This study aims to assess the impact of a multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) intervention on various metrics.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study was performed on non-ICU patients for whom a restricted antibiotic was ordered. In September 2020, a prospective audit and feedback was implemented involving infectious disease clinical pharmacists, utilization of electronic resources, and improved documentation. Outcomes included defined daily dose and days of therapy per 100-patient days (DDD/100PD and DOT/100PD) and patient clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

402 episodes were evaluated for 167 and 190 unique patients in the pre- and post-intervention phases, respectively. DDD/100PD and DOT/100PD were lower in the post-phase than in the pre-phase (1.75 vs. 2.54 and 16.13 vs. 44.93). Antibiotic de-escalation and clinical cure rates were significantly higher in the post-phase than in the pre-phase (62% vs. 40.6% and 83.5% vs. 65.8%; P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Hospital and ICU stays were significantly shorter in the post-phase (14 vs. 22 and 3 vs. 9, respectively; P < 0.001 for both comparisons). In-hospital mortality and 30-day readmission rates were lower in the post-phase (13% vs. 20.8%; P = 0.037 and 20.5% vs. 33.8%; P = 0.003, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The implemented multidisciplinary ASP intervention was associated with a significant improvement in antibiotic utilization and patient clinical outcomes.

Ongoing Strategies to Improve Antimicrobial Utilization in Hospitals across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Findings and Implications

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing global concern, increasing costs, morbidity, and mortality. National action plans (NAPs) to minimize AMR are one of several global and national initiatives to slow down rising AMR rates. NAPs are also helping key stakeholders understand current antimicrobial utilization patterns and resistance rates. The Middle East is no exception, with high AMR rates. Antibiotic point prevalence surveys (PPS) provide a better understanding of existing antimicrobial consumption trends in hospitals and assist with the subsequent implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). These are important NAP activities. We examined current hospital consumption trends across the Middle East along with documented ASPs. A narrative assessment of 24 PPS studies in the region found that, on average, more than 50% of in-patients received antibiotics, with Jordan having the highest rate of 98.1%. Published studies ranged in size from a single to 18 hospitals. The most prescribed antibiotics were ceftriaxone, metronidazole, and penicillin. In addition, significant postoperative antibiotic prescribing lasting up to five days or longer was common to avoid surgical site infections. These findings have resulted in a variety of suggested short-, medium-, and long-term actions among key stakeholders, including governments and healthcare workers, to improve and sustain future antibiotic prescribing in order to decrease AMR throughout the Middle East.

Implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes in private healthcare settings in Africa: A scoping review

Background

An Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme (ASP) is one of the strategic objectives of the World Health Organization's (WHO) global action plan to combat antimicrobial resistance. There have been numerous publications on the implementation of ASPs in both private and public sectors globally. However, there are no reviews and interpretive scholarly research publications on successful implementation of ASPs in private healthcare settings in Africa.

Aim

The aim of this study was to systematically gather relevant information from published findings and to interpret those findings into a coherent body of lessons learnt from successful ASP implemented in private healthcare settings in Africa.

Method

Google Scholar and PubMed, which are online databases, were extensively searched, and studies, which met the inclusion criteria for this review, were retrieved. A data-charting list was developed to extract relevant data.

Results

Only six South African studies reported on successful implementation of ASPs in private healthcare settings in Africa. The main focus areas include locally driven prescription audits as well as pharmacist-led interventions.

Conclusion

Although private healthcare settings in Africa utilise antibiotic therapy for various infectious diseases, reports on implementation of ASPs in these settings are limited. To win the battle against antimicrobial resistance, private healthcare settings in Africa need to implement evidence-based guidelines and report on the rational use of antibiotics.

Contribution

The private healthcare sector in Africa needs to play a more meaningful role in the implementation of ASPs.

Antibacterial Resistance Patterns Among Common Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Saudi Arabia

Background

The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria threatens the control of infectious diseases by reducing treatment effectiveness, prolonging illness duration, and increasing healthcare costs. This study aimed to identify the common rate of bacterial resistance against antibacterial agents in tertiary healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia.

Methodology

This retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted from May 2016 to December 2019 on 1,151 urinary tract infection (UTI) and respiratory tract infection (RTI) positive cultures collected from participants aged 15 years or older who received antibiotic treatment. The obtained variables included age, gender, diagnosis, antibiotic type, specimen source, culture results, and sensitivity test results.

Results

The most common bacteria in UTI were Escherichiacoli (46.7%), followed by Klebsiellapneumoniae (30.5%). Moreover, E.coli was most resistant to ampicillin (56.4%), followed by ceftriaxone (33.8%). Among the respiratory cultures, the most frequently isolated pathogen was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (28.5%), followed by K. pneumoniae (17.6%). The 162 respiratory P. aeruginosa isolates were most resistant to piperacillin/tazobactam (51.9%), followed by ciprofloxacin (25%) and ampicillin (10.6%).

Conclusion

High levels of antibiotic resistance were observed in both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. This indicates a need for better implementation of antibacterial stewardship and increased awareness of appropriate antibiotic use to limit the rapid spread of antibacterial resistance.

Compliance of imipenem and meropenem administration with the national antimicrobial stewardship program in a referral teaching hospital in Iran

INTRODUCTION

Considering the great significance of antimicrobial resistance, implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) in healthcare facilities is of particular importance. This study aimed to evaluate the compliance of imipenem and meropenem administration with the ASP guidelines in a referral teaching hospital in Iran.

METHODS

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, the medical records of patients, who received either imipenem or meropenem at xx Hospital in Semnan, Iran, from March 21, 2017 until March 20, 2019, were reviewed using the developed ASP, according to the instructions issued by the Ministry of Health of Iran. The obtained findings were recorded in a checklist consisted of six items. If the action taken for the patient complied with the item requirement specified in the ASP, it would receive a score of one; otherwise, a score of zero. The sum of scores (range: 0-6) was reported and analyzed. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 23, using Chi-square, ANOVA, and independent t-test, and P <0.05 was considered as significant.

RESULTS

The mean duration of imipenem/meropenem administration was 9.2±8.0 days. A total of 6,032 imipenem/meropenem vials (1 g/vial) were prescribed during the study (meropenem for 210 patients and imipenem for 87 patients). In 64.2% of the patients, there was no indication, and the mean score of the subjects was 1.55±1.2. The obtained score was three in 53 (17.8%) records and four in 18 (6.1%) records. The mean score of ASP in the intensive care units was higher, while it was lower in the surgical ward as compared to the other wards (P=0.002).

DISCUSSION

Antibiotic prescription was inappropriate in our center, and compliance with the ASP guidelines was very low, especially in the surgical wards. It seems necessary to take effective steps for planning continuing education programs on rational antibiotic prescription and supervision of prescription patterns.

Evaluation of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and management through pharmacist-led antimicrobial stewardship programmes: a meta-analysis of evidence

Purpose

This meta-analysis aims to evaluate inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in the Gulf region and determine the effect of pharmacist-led antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programmes on reducing inappropriateness.

Method

Articles were searched, analysed, and quality assessed through the risk of bias (ROB) quality assessment tool to select articles with a low level of bias. In step 1, 515 articles were searched, in step 2, 2360 articles were searched, and ultimately 32 articles were included by critical analysis. Statistical analysis used to determine risk ratio and standard mean differences were calculated using Review manager 5.4; 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the fixed-effect model. The I² statistic assessed heterogeneity. In statistical heterogeneity, subgroup and sensitivity analyses, a random effect model was performed. The α threshold was 0.05. The primary outcome was inappropriateness in antibiotic prescribing in the Gulf region and reduction of inappropriateness through AMS.

Result

Detailed review and analysis of 18 studies of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in the Gulf region showed the risk of inappropriateness was 43 669/100 846=43.3% (pooled RR 1.31, 95% CI 1.30 to 1.32). Test with overall effect was 58.87; in the second step 28 AMS programmes led by pharmacists showed reduced inappropriateness in AMS with pharmacist versus pre-AMS without pharmacist (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.39).

Conclusion

Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing in the Gulf region is alarming and needs to be addressed through pharmacist-led AMS programmes.

Resistance Patterns of Gram-Negative Bacteria Recovered from Clinical Specimens of Intensive Care Patients

Intensive care units are complex environments favoring high resistance in microorganisms. This study evaluated the resistance and the distribution dynamics of resistant Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in patients admitted to intensive care units. This retrospective, record-based, cross-sectional study analyzed all of the antibiograms of patients admitted to the ICUs. The BD Phoenix system (BD Diagnostics, Sparks, MD, USA) was used for bacterial identification and antimicrobial testing. Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute recommendations were used for antimicrobial testing. Frequencies and percentages of multidrug and pan-drug resistance were calculated. A total of 570 bacterial growths were observed, out of which 437 (76.7%) were of GNB. K. pneumoniae (21.0%), P. aeruginosa (11.8%), and Staphylococcus aureus (13.2%) were the most frequent disease-causing bacteria in intensive care patients. Resistance rates of 73.2% and 70.1% were observed for third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins, respectively, while 48.2% carbapenem and > 65% fluoroquinolones resistance rates were observed. Amikacin was the most effective antibiotic, with a sensitivity rate of 69.5%. A total of 372 (85.1%) of GNB were multidrug resistant. The majority of infections in intensive care patients are caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria. Female gender and advancing age are factors favoring MDR. Enhanced surveillance and strengthening of the antimicrobial stewardship program are warranted.

Evaluation of antibiotic treatment decisions in pediatric intensive care units in Saudi Arabia: A national survey

OBJECTIVE

To describe variables used by Saudi pediatric intensivists to make antibiotic-related decisions for children with suspected severe bacterial infections.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey, which was developed using a multi-step methodological approach. The survey included 4 clinical scenarios of the most relevant bacterial infections in pediatric critical care (pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis and intra-abdominal infection). The potential determinants of antibiotic treatment duration addressed in all scenarios included clinical variables (patient characteristics, disease severity), laboratory infection markers, radiologic findings, and pathogens.

RESULTS

The response rate was 65% (55/85). Eight variables (immunodeficiency, 3 months of age, 2 or more organ dysfunctions, Pediatric Risk of Mortality III score >10, leukocytosis, elevated C-reactive protein [CRP], elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], and elevated procalcitonin [PCT]) were associated with prolonging antibiotic treatment duration for all 4 clinical scenarios, with a median increase ranging from 3.0 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5, 3.5, leukocytosis) to 8.8 days (95% CI 5.5, 10.5, immunodeficiency). There were no variables that were consistently associated with shortening antibiotic duration across all scenarios. Lastly, the proportion of physicians who would continue antibiotics for ≥5 days despite a positive viral polymerase chain reaction test result was 67% for pneumonia, 85% for sepsis, 63% for meningitis, and 95% for intra-abdominal infections.

CONCLUSION

Antibiotic-related decisions for critically ill patients are complex and depend on several factors. Saudi pediatric intensivists will use prolonged courses of antibiotics for younger patients, patients with severe clinical picture, and patients with persistently elevated laboratory markers and hospital acquired infections, even when current literature and guidelines do not suggest such practices. Antimicrobial stewardship programs should include interventions to address these misconceptions to ensure the rational use of antibiotics in pediatric intensive care units.

Opportunities to Improve Antibiotic Appropriateness in U.S. ICUs: A Multicenter Evaluation

OBJECTIVES

To use a standardized tool for a multicenter assessment of antibiotic appropriateness in ICUs and identify local antibiotic stewardship improvement opportunities.

DESIGN

Pilot point prevalence conducted on October 5, 2016; point prevalence survey conducted on March 1, 2017.

SETTING

ICUs in 12 U.S. acute care hospitals with median bed size 563.

PATIENTS

Receiving antibiotics on participating units on March 1, 2017.

INTERVENTIONS

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tool for the Assessment of Appropriateness of Inpatient Antibiotics was made actionable by an expert antibiotic stewardship panel and implemented across hospitals. Data were collected by antibiotic stewardship program personnel at each hospital, deidentified and submitted in aggregate for benchmarking. hospital personnel identified most salient reasons for inappropriate use by category and agent.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Forty-seven ICUs participated. Most hospitals (83%) identified as teaching with median licensed ICU beds of 70. On March 1, 2017, 362 (54%) of 667 ICU patients were on antibiotics (range, 8-81 patients); of these, 112 (31%) were identified as inappropriate and administered greater than 72 hours among all 12 hospitals (range, 9-82%). Prophylactic antibiotic regimens and PICU patients demonstrated a statistically significant risk ratio of 1.76 and 1.90 for inappropriate treatment, respectively. Reasons for inappropriate use included unnecessarily broad spectrum (29%), no infection or nonbacterial syndrome (22%), and duration longer than necessary (21%). Of patients on inappropriate antibiotic therapy in surgical ICUs, a statistically significant risk ratio of 2.59 was calculated for noninfectious or nonbacterial reasons for inappropriate therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

In this multicenter point prevalence study, 31% of ICU antibiotic regimens were inappropriate; prophylactic regimens were often inappropriate across different ICU types, particularly in surgical ICUs. Engaging intensivists in antibiotic stewardship program efforts is crucial to sustain the efficacy of antibiotics and quality of infectious diseases care in critical care settings. This study underscores the value of standardized assessment tools and benchmarking to be shared with local leaders for targeted antibiotic stewardship program interventions.

Development of the Three Antimicrobial Stewardship E's (TASE) framework and Association between Stewardship Interventions and intended Results (ASIR) analysis to identify key facility-specific interventions and strategies for successful antimicrobial stewardship

BACKGROUND

Successful antimicrobial stewardship (AS) interventions have been described previously. Currently, a uniform operational approach to planning and implementing successful AS interventions does not exist. From 2015 to 2019, concomitant vancomycin and piperacillin-tazobactam use (CVPTU) for >48 hours at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) significantly decreased through AS efforts. We analyzed the interventions that led to this change and created a model to inform future intervention planning and development.

METHODS

VUMC adult admissions from January 2015 to August 2019 were evaluated for CVPTU. Percentage of admissions receiving CVPTU >48 hours, the primary outcome, was evaluated using statistical process control charts. We created the Three Antimicrobial Stewardship E's (TASE) framework and Association between Stewardship Interventions and intended Results (ASIR) analysis to assess potential intensity and impact of interventions associated with successful change during this time period and to identify guiding principles for development of future initiatives.

RESULTS

The mean percentage of admissions receiving CVPTU per month declined from 4.2% to 0.7%. Over 8 time periods, we identified 4 high, 3 moderate and 1 low intervention intensity periods. Continuous provider-level AS education was present throughout. Creation and dissemination of division and department algorithms and reinforcement via computerized provider order entry sets preceded the largest reduction in CVPTU and sustained prescribing practice changes.

CONCLUSIONS

The TASE framework and ASIR analysis successfully identified pivotal interventions and strategies needed to effect and sustain change at VUMC. Further research is needed to validate its effectiveness as a stewardship intervention planning tool at our institution and others.

A systematic review of Antimicrobial Stewardship Program implementation in Middle Eastern countries

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to global health. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) are adopted by healthcare systems worldwide. This review aimed to evaluate the published practices of ASPs in Middle Eastern countries.

METHODS

Searches were carried out in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, Google, and Google Scholar electronic databases for studies published from January 2005 to December 2020 that assessed ASP practices in Middle Eastern countries, following PRISMA guidelines.

RESULTS

Of the 422 titles identified, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. Eight studies were conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, five in Qatar, two each in Lebanon and Jordan, and one each in Palestine and UAE; there was also one multinational study. Different ASP practices, including prospective auditing and feedback, pre-authorization, tracking, antibiotic restriction, education, de-escalation, and intravenous-to-oral switch, were reported. ASP practices correlated with improved susceptibility rates and decreases in antimicrobial use.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes of this review reveal the scarcity of data on ASP practices. The introduction of ASPs in hospitals in Middle Eastern countries has led to favorable clinical effects. Policymakers and stakeholders should promote and invest in implementing these programs as an essential component of their healthcare systems.

Evaluation of a Multidisciplinary Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in a Saudi Critical Care Unit: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are collaborative efforts to optimize antimicrobial use in healthcare institutions through evidence-based quality improvement strategies. With regard to critically ill patients, appropriate antimicrobial usage is of significance, and any delay in therapy increases their risk of mortality. Therefore, the implementation of structured multidisciplinary ASPs in critical care settings is of the utmost importance to promote the judicious use of antimicrobials.

Methods: This quasi-experimental study evaluating a multidisciplinary ASP in a 20-bed critical care setting was conducted from January 1, 2016 to July 31, 2017. Outcomes were compared nine months before and after ASP implementation. The national antimicrobial stewardship toolkit by Ministry of health was reviewed and the hospital antibiotic prescribing policy was accordingly modified. The antimicrobial stewardship algorithm (Start Smart and Then Focus) and an ASP toolkit were distributed to all intensive care unit staff. Prospective audit and feedback, in addition to prescribing forms for common infectious diseases and education, were the primary antimicrobial strategies.

Results: We found that the mean total monthly antimicrobial consumption measured as defined daily dose per 100 bed days was reduced by 25% (742.86 vs. 555.33; p = 0.110) compared to 7% in the control condition (tracer medications) (35.35 vs. 38.10; p = 0.735). Interestingly, there was a negative impact on cost in the post-intervention phase. Interestingly, the use of intravenous ceftriaxone measured as defined daily dose per 100 bed days was decreased by 82% (94.32 vs. 16.68; p = 0.008), whereas oral levofloxacin use was increased by 84% (26.75 vs. 172.29; p = 0.008) in the intensive care unit.

Conclusion: Overall, involvement of higher administration in multidisciplinary ASP committees, daily audit and feedback by clinical pharmacists and physicians with infectious disease training, continuous educational activities about antimicrobial use and resistance, use of local antimicrobial prescribing guidelines based on up-to-date antibiogram, and support from the intensive care team can optimize antibiotic use in Saudi healthcare institutions.

Antimicrobial Stewardship Programmes in Saudi Hospitals: Evidence from a National Survey

Saudi hospitals and healthcare facilities are facing increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance and the emergence of new multi-drug resistant strains. This is placing an unprecedented threat to successful treatments and outcomes of patients accessing those facilities. The inappropriate use of antimicrobials is fueling this crisis, warranting urgent implementation of interventions to preserve antimicrobials and reduce resistance rates. Antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) can improve antimicrobial use, treatment success rates and reduce the levels of antimicrobial resistance. The Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) devised a national antimicrobial stewardship plan to implement ASPs in hospitals, but little is known about the progress of implementation and the factors affecting it. This study aims to assess the level and the factors affecting the adoption and implementation of ASPs in Saudi hospitals at a national level. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2017 using an online questionnaire sent to all MOH hospitals. Overall, 147 out 247 MOH hospitals responded to the survey (54%). Only 26% of the hospitals reported the implementation of ASPs. Hospitals lack the knowledge, technological and staff resources to adopt and implement ASPs. Alternative models of ASP adoption could be explored to improve the rates of implementation of ASPs.

Mapping hospital antimicrobial stewardship programmes in the Gulf Cooperation Council states against international standards: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

While there is evidence of implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, there has been limited benchmarking and mapping to international standards and frameworks.

AIM

To critically appraise and synthesize the evidence of ASP implementation in GCC hospitals with reference to the framework of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), identifying key facilitators and barriers.

METHODS

A systematic review protocol was developed based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses for Protocols guidelines. Five electronic databases were searched for studies published in English from 2010 onwards. Study selection, quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. A narrative synthesis was conducted with ASP interventions mapped to CDC core elements.

FINDINGS

Seventeen studies were identified, most of which (N=11) were from Saudi Arabia. Mapping to the CDC framework identified key areas of strengths and weaknesses in reporting implementation. Studies more commonly reported core elements of pharmacy expertise, selected aspects of implementation actions, tracking, antibiotic use and resistance, and education. Little emphasis was placed on the reporting of leadership and accountability. Key implementation facilitators were physician and organization support, information systems and education, and barriers were dedicated staff, workload and funding.

CONCLUSION

There is a need to enhance the reporting of ASP implementation in GCC hospitals. The CDC framework should be used as a guide during the development, implementation and reporting of ASP interventions. Action is required to identify facilitators and overcome barriers, where possible.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) and their perceived level of success at Makkah region hospitals, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are collaborative efforts to optimize antimicrobial use in healthcare institutions through evidence-based quality improvement strategies. The general administration of pharmaceutical care in the Saudi ministry of health (MOH) is putting outstanding efforts in implementing antimicrobial stewardship in Saudi health care settings. Several surveys have been conducted globally and reported many types of antimicrobial stewardship strategies in health institutions and their effectiveness. This study aims to identify ASPs in Makkah region hospitals and their perceived level of success. We administered a regional survey to explore current progress and issues related to the implementation of ASPs in Makkah region hospitals at the pharmacy level (n = 25). Among responding hospitals, 19 (76%) hospitals, the most commonly reported ASP were as following: formulary restrictions (90%) for broad-spectrum antimicrobials and use of prospective feedback on antimicrobial prescribing (68%), use of clinical guidelines and pathways (100%), and use of automatic stop orders (68%) to limit inappropriate antimicrobial therapy. The study outcomes will also be of pivotal importance to devise policies and strategies for antimicrobial stewardship implementation in other non-MOH settings in the Makkah region. Based on our results, all reported institutions have at least one antimicrobial stewardship program in a process with a high success rate. A multidisciplinary ASP approach, active involvement of drug & therapeutic committee, formulary restrictions, and availability of education & training of pharmacists and physicians on ASP are the primary elements for perceived successful antimicrobial stewardship programs in the Makkah region hospitals.

The impact of antimicrobial stewardship program implementation at four tertiary private hospitals: results of a five-years pre-post analysis

Background

Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programs have shown to reduce the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and health-care-associated infections (HAIs), and save health-care costs associated with an inappropriate antimicrobial use. The primary objective of this study was to compare the consumption and cost of antimicrobial agents using defined daily dose (DDD) and direct cost of antibiotics before and after the AMS program implementation. Secondary objective was to determine the rate of HAIs [Clostridium difficile (C. difficile), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) before and after the AMS program implementation.

Methods

This is a pre-post quasi-experimental study. Adult inpatients were enrolled in a prospective fashion under the active AMS arm and compared with historical inpatients who were admitted to the same units before the AMS implementation. Study was conducted at four tertiary private hospitals located in two cities in Saudi Arabia. Adult inpatients were enrolled under the pre- AMS arm and post- AMS arm if they were on any of the ten selected restricted broad-spectrum antibiotics (imipenem/cilastatin, piperacillin/tazobactam, colistin, tigecycline, cefepime, meropenem, ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, teicoplanin and linezolid).

Results

A total of 409,403 subjects were recruited, 79,369 in the pre- AMS control and 330,034 in the post- AMS arm. Average DDDs consumption of all targeted broad-spectrum antimicrobials from January 2016 to June 2019 post- AMS launch was lower than the DDDs use of these agents pre- AMS (233 vs 320 DDDs per 1000 patient-days, p = 0.689). Antimicrobial expenditures decreased by 28.45% in the first year of the program and remained relatively stable in subsequent years, with overall cumulative cost savings estimated at S.R. 6,286,929 and negligible expenses of S.R. 505,115 (p = 0.648). Rates of healthcare associated infections involving C. difficile, VAP, and CLABSI all decreased significantly after AMS implementation (incidence of HAIs in 2015 compared to 2019: for C. difficile, 94 vs 13, p = 0.024; for VAP, 24 vs 6, p = 0.001; for CLABSI, 17 vs 1, p = 0.000; respectively).

Conclusion

Implementation of AMS program at HMG healthcare facilities resulted in reduced antimicrobials use and cost, and lowered incidence of healthcare associated infections.

Antimicrobial consumption in three pediatric and neonatal intensive care units in Saudi Arabia: 33-month surveillance study

Background

Despite their critical role in antimicrobial stewardship programs, data on antimicrobial consumption among the pediatric and neonatal population is limited internationally and lacking in Saudi Arabia. The current study was done as part of our antimicrobial stewardship activities.

Objectives

To calculate overall and type-specific antimicrobial consumption.

Methods

A prospective surveillance study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between October 2012 and June 2015 in two pediatric and one neonatal intensive care units (ICUs). Consumption data were collected manually on a daily basis by infection control practitioners. Data were presented as days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 patient-days and as frequency of daily consumption.

Results

During the 33 months of the study, a total of 30,110 DOTs were monitored during 4921 admissions contributing 62,606 patient-days. Cephalosporins represented 38.0% of monitored antimicrobials in pediatric ICUs followed by vancomycin (21.9%), carbapenems (14.0%), aminoglycosides (8.8%), and piperacillin/tazobactam (8.8%). Their consumption rates were 265.1, 152.6, 97.6, 61.4, and 61.4 DOTs per 1000 patient-days (respectively). Aminoglycosides represented 45.4% of monitored antimicrobials in neonatal ICU followed by cephalosporins (30.4%) vancomycin (13.6%), and carbapenems (8.3%). Their consumption rates were 147.5, 98.7, 44.3, and 27 DOTs per 1000 patient-days (respectively).

Conclusion

Cephalosporins are frequently used in pediatric ICU while aminoglycosides are frequently used in neonatal ICU. The local consumption of cephalosporins and carbapenems in both ICUs is probably higher than international levels. Such data can help in establishing and monitoring the functions of antimicrobial stewardship activities aiming to ensure judicious consumption of antimicrobials.

Barriers to implementing antimicrobial stewardship programmes in three Saudi hospitals: Evidence from a qualitative study

•

Adoption of ASPs in Saudi hospitals remains low despite a national implementation strategy.

•

Lack of enforcement of policies and guidelines is a main contributor to inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing.

•

Barriers to ASP adoption in Saudi hospitals are mainly organisational.

•

Physicians’ fears and concerns inhibit their adoption of antimicrobial stewardship practices.

Objectives

This study explored antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) team members’ perspectives regarding factors influencing the adoption and implementation of these programmes in Saudi hospitals.

Methods

This was a qualitative study based on face-to-face semistructured interviews with healthcare professionals involved in ASPs and activities across three Ministry of Health (MoH) hospitals in Saudi Arabia (n = 18). Interviews were also conducted with two representatives of a General Directorate of Health Affairs in a Saudi region and two representatives of the Saudi MoH (n = 4) between January–February 2017.

Results

Despite the existence of a national strategy to implement ASPs in Saudi MoH hospitals, their adoption and implementation remains low. Hospitals have their own antimicrobial stewardship policies, but adherence to these is poor. ASP team members highlight that lack of enforcement of policies and guidelines from the MoH and hospital administration is a significant barrier to ASP adoption and implementation. Other barriers include disintegration of teams, poor communication, lack of recruitment/shortage of ASP team members, lack of education and training, and lack of health information technology (IT). Physicians’ fears and concerns in relation to liability are also a barrier to their adoption of ASPs.

Conclusion

This is the first qualitative study exploring barriers to ASP adoption and implementation in Saudi hospitals from the perspective of ASP team members. Formal endorsement of ASPs from the MoH as well as hospital enforcement of policies and provision of human and health IT resources would improve the adoption and implementation of ASPs in Saudi hospitals.

Status of antimicrobial stewardship programmes in Nigerian tertiary healthcare facilities: Findings and implications

OBJECTIVES

The problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasing worldwide, with health-related and economic consequences. This is a concern in Africa, including Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, with its high rates of infectious diseases. Approaches to reducing AMR include instigating antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) in hospitals. Currently, no information is available regarding the extent of ASPs in Nigerian hospitals. Consequently, the objective was to address this starting in tertiary hospitals.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study among tertiary healthcare facilities. Tertiary hospitals were chosen initially since if there are concerns in these training hospitals, such concerns will likely to be exacerbated in other hospitals.

RESULTS

Completed questionnaires were received from 17 of 25 tertiary healthcare facilities across five of the six geopolitical regions of Nigeria. Ten (59%), four (24%), two (12%) and one (6%) respondents were in internal medicine, infectious diseases, medical microbiology and clinical pharmacology, respectively. Only six healthcare facilities (35%) had a formal organisational structure and a team responsible for ASP. Facility-specific treatment recommendations, based on local AMR patterns, were available in only four facilities (24%). Policies on approval for prescribing specified antimicrobials and formal procedures for reviewing their appropriateness after 48h were present in only two facilities (12%). A cumulative antimicrobial susceptibility report for the previous year was available in only two facilities (12%), and only one facility routinely monitored antimicrobial use.

CONCLUSION

Significant inadequacies in the availability of ASPs were observed. This needs to be urgently addressed to reduce AMR rates in Nigeria.

High antimicrobial resistant rates among Gram-negative pathogens in intensive care units. A retrospective study at a tertiary care hospital in Southwest Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVES

To determine the distribution and resistance profiles of Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in intensive care units (ICUs) at King Abdullah Hospital in Bisha, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A record based retrospective study was conducted from December 2016 to January 2018. In total, 3736 non-duplicate clinical specimens from the general intensive care unit (ICU), neonatal ICU (NICU), and coronary CU (CCU) were analyzed for pathogens. Results: Of 3736 specimens, 9.6% (358) were positive for pathogens, and GNB constituted the majority (290/358; 81%). Acinetobacter is predominant in the general ICU, whereas Klebsiella pneumoniae is common in the NICU and CCU. Overall, GNB revealed a high resistance rate for cefuroxime (75.8%) trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (73.4%), cefotaxime (72.9%), aztreonam (64.6%), piperacillin (62.1%), and ciprofloxacin (61.5%). Acinetobacter revealed a high resistance (93.4% to 97.5%) to all antimicrobials except colistin (4%). Klebsiella pneumoniae showed a high resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (71.8%), cefotaxime (71.4%) and aztreonam (65.2%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed good activity for aminoglycosides but increasing resistance for cephalosporins and meropenem. GNB exhibited a high rate of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes (67.9%) with a higher level among Acinetobacter spp. (97.5%). There were no significant differences in the resistance rates of GNB from different ICUs except for imipenem (p=0.002) and ciprofloxacin (p=0.003).  Conclusions: Increased antimicrobial resistance with high proportions of MDR patterns were found among GNB from ICUs. Comprehensive surveillance programs are needed to track the origins and emergence pathways of resistant pathogens.

Antibiotic Stewardship: Strategies to Minimize Antibiotic Resistance While Maximizing Antibiotic Effectiveness

Empiric therapy of the septic patient in the hospital is challenging. Antibiotic stewardship is concerned with optimizing antibiotic use and minimizing resistance. Clinicians should avoid overcovering and overtreating colonizing organisms in respiratory secretions and urinary catheters. Empiric therapy should take into account the prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms in the hospital setting. The most effective resistance prevention strategies is to preferentially select a low resistance potential antibiotic, which should be administered in the highest possible dose without toxicity for the shortest duration to eliminate the infection.

A Before-and-After Study of the Effectiveness of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program in Critical Care

We evaluated the use of antimicrobials expressed as defined daily doses (DDDs) per 1,000 patient days and days of therapy (DOT) per 100 occupied bed-days in a intensive care unit (ICU) of a general hospital in Barcelona, Spain, before and after implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) program (2007 to 2010 versus 2011 to 2015). The quarterly costs of antimicrobials used in the ICU and its weight in the overall hospital costs of antimicrobials were calculated. The effect of the applied AMS program on DDDs and DOT time series data was analyzed by means of intervention time series analysis. A total of 5,002 patients were included (1,971 for the first [before] period and 3,031 for the second [after] period). The percentage of patients treated with one or more antimicrobials decreased from 88.6 to 77.2% (P < 0.001). DDDs decreased from 246.8 to 192.3 (mean difference, -54.5; P = 0.001) and DOT from 66.7 to 54.6 (mean difference, -12.1; P = 0.066). The mean cost per trimester decreased from €115,543 to €73,477 (mean difference, -42,065.4 euros; P < 0.001), and the percentage of ICU antimicrobials cost with respect to the total cost of hospital antimicrobials decreased from 28.5 to 22.8% (mean difference, -5.59; P = 0.023). Implementation of an AMS program in the ICU was associated with a marked reduction in the use of antimicrobials, with cost savings close to one million euros since its implementation. An AMS program can have a significant impact on optimizing antimicrobial use in critical care practice.

Clostridium Difficile Infection in Acute Care Hospitals: Systematic Review and Best Practices for Prevention

OBJECTIVE Prevention of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in acute-care hospitals is a priority for hospitals and clinicians. We performed a qualitative systematic review to update the evidence on interventions to prevent CDI published since 2009. DESIGN We searched Ovid, MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, the ISI Web of Knowledge, and grey literature databases from January 1, 2009 to August 1, 2015. SETTING We included studies performed in acute-care hospitals. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS We included studies conducted on hospitalized patients that investigated the impact of specific interventions on CDI rates. INTERVENTIONS We used the QI-Minimum Quality Criteria Set (QI-MQCS) to assess the quality of included studies. Interventions were grouped thematically: environmental disinfection, antimicrobial stewardship, hand hygiene, chlorhexidine bathing, probiotics, bundled approaches, and others. A meta-analysis was performed when possible. RESULTS Of 3,236 articles screened, 261 met the criteria for full-text review and 46 studies were ultimately included. The average quality rating was 82% according to the QI-MQCS. The most effective interventions, resulting in a 45% to 85% reduction in CDI, included daily to twice daily disinfection of high-touch surfaces (including bed rails) and terminal cleaning of patient rooms with chlorine-based products. Bundled interventions and antimicrobial stewardship showed promise for reducing CDI rates. Chlorhexidine bathing and intensified hand-hygiene practices were not effective for reducing CDI rates. CONCLUSIONS Daily and terminal cleaning of patient rooms using chlorine-based products were most effective in reducing CDI rates in hospitals. Further studies are needed to identify the components of bundled interventions that reduce CDI rates. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:476-482.

Impact of Antibiotic Stewardship Program on Prescribing Pattern of Antimicrobials in Patients of Medical Intensive Care Unit

INTRODUCTION

Rising concerns about antimicrobial resistance and inadequate development of effective new anti-infective drugs have stimulated universal efforts to strengthen infection-control interventions. Antimicrobial stewardship is a rational, systematic approach to promote the optimal selection, dosing, and duration of therapy for antimicrobial agents throughout the course of their use in order to improve the outcomes.

AIM

Since in Shree Krishna Hospital (SKH), Antibiotic Stewardship Program (ASP) was first implemented in 2013, this study was planned to assess any change in antimicrobial use before and after implementation of ASP and to study the rate and pattern of antimicrobial use in medical ICU.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 bedded medical intensive care unit, over a period of two years from October 2014 to October 2016 at SKH. Permission was taken from Institutional Human Research Ethics Committee. Total 150 case files i.e., 75 from year 2012 and 75 from year 2015 were retrieved from medical record section of the hospital. Appropriateness of prescriptions was decided on the basis of appropriateness of choice, dose, frequency and duration of antimicrobial agents. Data were analysed by using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

There were 68.67% males and the mean (±SD) age was 57.11 (±16.83) years. Majority of the patients were suffering from respiratory conditions. The most common group of drugs prescribed in MICU was β-lactam antibiotics + β-lactamase inhibitors during 2012 as well as 2015. Total 139 patients i.e., 69 (92%) patients in 2012 and 70 (93.33%) patients in 2015 were given antimicrobial for therapeutic purpose. During the year 2015, 67 (89.33%) antimicrobial prescriptions were adhering to antibiotic policy of SKH. Appropriateness of prescriptions had significantly improved in 2015 in MICU (p-value=0.031).

CONCLUSION

In-depth analysis of the study revealed a positive impact of ASP and antibiotic policy. Implementation of ASP in year 2013, brought an effective increase in the appropriate use of antimicrobials.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical and Economic Outcomes from the Implementation of Hospital-Based Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs

The implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) is a promising strategy to help address the problem of antimicrobial resistance. We sought to determine the efficacy of ASPs and their effect on clinical and economic parameters. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar looking for studies on the efficacy of ASPs in hospitals. Based on 26 studies (extracted from 24,917 citations) with pre- and postimplementation periods from 6 months to 3 years, the pooled percentage change of total antimicrobial consumption after the implementation of ASPs was -19.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = -30.1 to -7.5), and the use of restricted antimicrobial agents decreased by -26.6% (95% CI = -52.3 to -0.8). Interestingly, in intensive care units, the decrease in antimicrobial consumption was -39.5% (95% CI = -72.5 to -6.4). The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (-18.5% [95% CI = -32 to -5.0] for carbapenems and -14.7% [95% CI = -27.7 to -1.7] for glycopeptides), the overall antimicrobial cost (-33.9% [95% CI = -42.0 to -25.9]), and the hospital length of stay (-8.9% [95% CI = -12.8 to -5]) decreased. Among hospital pathogens, the implementation of ASPs was associated with a decrease in infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (risk difference [RD] = -0.017 [95% CI = -0.029 to -0.005]), imipenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (RD = -0.079 [95% CI = -0.114 to -0.040]), and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Klebsiella spp. (RD = -0.104 [95% CI = -0.153 to -0.055]). Notably, these improvements were not associated with adverse outcomes, since the all-cause, infection-related 30-day mortality and infection rates were not significantly different after implementation of an ASP (RD = -0.001 [95% CI = -0.009 to 0.006], RD = -0.005 [95% CI = -0.016 to 0.007], and RD = -0.045% [95% CI = -0.241 to 0.150], respectively). Hospital ASPs result in significant decreases in antimicrobial consumption and cost, and the benefit is higher in the critical care setting. Infections due to specific antimicrobial-resistant pathogens and the overall hospital length of stay are improved as well. Future studies should focus on the sustainability of these outcomes and evaluate potential beneficial long-term effects of ASPs in mortality and infection rates.

Determinants of Deescalation Failure in Critically Ill Patients with Sepsis: A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction. Deescalation refers to either discontinuation or a step-down of antimicrobials. Despite strong recommendations in the Surviving Sepsis Guidelines (2012) to deescalate, actual practices can vary. Our objective was to identify variables that are associated with deescalation failure. Methods. In this prospective study of patients with sepsis/septic shock, patients were categorized into 4 groups based on antibiotic administration: no change in antibiotics, deescalation, escalation (where antibiotics were changed to those with a broader spectrum of antimicrobial coverage), or mixed changes (where both escalation to a broader spectrum of coverage and discontinuation of antibiotics were carried out). Results. 395 patients were studied; mean APACHE II score was 24 ± 7.8. Antimicrobial deescalation occurred in 189 (48%) patients; no changes were made in 156 (39%) patients. On multivariate regression analysis, failure to deescalate was significantly predicted by hematologic malignancy OR 3.3 (95% CI 1.4-7.4) p < 0.004, fungal sepsis OR 2.7 (95% CI 1.2-5.8) p = 0.011, multidrug resistance OR 2.9 (95% CI 1.4-6.0) p = 0.003, baseline serum procalcitonin OR 1.01 (95% CI 1.003-1.016) p = 0.002, and SAPS II scores OR 1.01 (95% CI 1.004-1.02) p = 0.006. Conclusions. Current deescalation practices reflect physician reluctance when dealing with complicated, sicker patients or with drug-resistance or fungal sepsis. Integrating an antibiotic stewardship program may increase physician confidence and provide support towards increasing deescalation rates.

Critical care nephrology: could it be a model of multidisciplinarity in ICU nowadays for other sub-specialities - the jury is out

Emergency and critical care medicine have grown into robust self-supporting disciplines with an increasing demand for dedicated highly-skilled physicians. In the past, “core” specialists were asked to offer bedside advice in acute care wards. In the same regard, critical care medicine and nephrology have been fighting but finally emerged altogether with the concept of critical care nephrology almost 20 years ago. Indeed, polyvalence is no longer a valid option in modern critical care. Uniting forces between disciplines represents the only way to cope with the increasing complexity and cumulating knowledge in the critical care setting. For this reason, the wide array of upcoming acute care sub-specialities must be committed to unrestricted growth and development. This will require competent manpower, a well-designed technical framework, and sufficient financial support. The worldwide success of critical care nephrology proves the feasibility for this concept.