Comparative effectiveness of daptomycin versus vancomycin among patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections (BSIs), vancomycin stands as the prevalent therapeutic agent. Daptomycin remains an alternative antibiotic to treat MRSA BSIs in cases where vancomycin proves ineffective. However, studies have conflicted on whether daptomycin is more effective than vancomycin among patients with MRSA BSI.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness of daptomycin and vancomycin for the prevention of mortality among adult patients with MRSA BSI.

METHODS

Systematic searches of databases were performed, including Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) were used to assess the quality of individual observational and randomized control studies, respectively. Pooled odd ratios were calculated using random effects models.

RESULTS

Twenty studies were included based on a priori set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Daptomycin treatment was associated with non-significant lower mortality odds, compared to vancomycin treatment (OR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.62, 1.06). Sub-analyses based on the time patients were switched from another anti-MRSA treatment to daptomycin demonstrated that switching to daptomycin within 3 or 5 days was significantly associated with 55% and 45% decreased odds of all-cause mortality, respectively. However, switching to daptomycin any time after five days of treatment was not significantly associated with lower odds of mortality. Stratified analysis based on vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) revealed that daptomycin treatment among patients infected with MRSA strains with MIC≥1 mg/L was significantly associated with 40% lower odds of mortality compared to vancomycin treatment.

CONCLUSION

Compared with vancomycin, an early switch from vancomycin to daptomycin was significantly associated with lower odds of mortality. In contrast, switching to daptomycin at any time only showed a trend towards reduced mortality, with a non-significant association. Therefore, the efficacy of early daptomycin use over vancomycin against mortality among MRSA BSIs patients may add evidence to the existing literature in support of switching to daptomycin early over remaining on vancomycin. More randomized and prospective studies are needed to assess this association.

Long-Term Effects of a Stepwise, Multimodal, Non-Restrictive Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme for Reducing Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Use in the ICU

Information on the long-term effects of non-restrictive antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) strategies is scarce. We assessed the effect of a stepwise, multimodal, non-restrictive AMS programme on broad-spectrum antibiotic use in the intensive care unit (ICU) over an 8-year period. Components of the AMS were progressively implemented. Appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing was also assessed by monthly point-prevalence surveys from 2013 onwards. A Poisson regression model was fitted to evaluate trends in the reduction of antibiotic use and in the appropriateness of their prescription. From 2011 to 2019, a total of 12,466 patients were admitted to the ICU. Antibiotic use fell from 185.4 to 141.9 DDD per 100 PD [absolute difference, -43.5 (23%), 95% CI -100.73 to 13.73; p = 0.13] and broad-spectrum antibiotic fell from 41.2 to 36.5 [absolute difference, -4.7 (11%), 95% CI -19.58 to 10.18; p = 0.5]. Appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing rose by 11% per year [IRR: 0.89, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.00; p = 0.048], while broad-spectrum antibiotic use showed a dual trend, rising by 22% until 2015 and then falling by 10% per year since 2016 [IRR: 0.90, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.99; p = 0.03]. This stepwise, multimodal, non-restrictive AMS achieved a sustained reduction in broad-spectrum antibiotic use in the ICU and significantly improved appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing.

Prolonged vs short-term infusion of β-lactam antibiotics for the treatment of febrile neutropenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The optimisation of the use of β-lactam antibiotics (BLA) via prolonged infusions in life-threatening complications such as febrile neutropenia (FN) is still controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the efficacy of this strategy in onco-haematological patients with FN.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, EMBASE, World Health Organization, and ClinicalTrials.gov, from database inception until December 2022. The search included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies that compared prolonged vs short-term infusions of the same BLA. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were defervescence, requirement of vasoactive drugs, length of hospital stay and adverse events. Pooled risk ratios were calculated using random effects models.

RESULTS

Five studies were included, comprising 691 episodes of FN, mainly in haematological patients. Prolonged infusion was not associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality (pRR 0.83; 95% confidence interval 0.47-1.48). Nor differences were found in secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The limited data available did not show significant differences in terms of all-cause mortality or significant secondary outcomes in patients with FN receiving BLA in prolonged vs. short-term infusion. High-quality RCTs are needed to determine whether there are subgroups of FN patients who would benefit from prolonged BLA infusion.

Voriconazole Pharmacokinetics in Critically Ill Patients and Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support: A Retrospective Comparative Case-Control Study

Voriconazole, an antifungal agent, displays high intra- and inter-individual variability. The predictive pharmacokinetic (PK) index requires a minimum plasma concentration (C_min) in patient serum of between 1-5.5 mg/L. It is common to encounter fungal infections in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support, and data regarding voriconazole PK changes during ECMO are scarce. Our study compared voriconazole PKs in patients with and without ECMO support in a retrospective cohort of critically-ill patients. Fifteen patients with 26 voriconazole C_min determinations in the non-ECMO group and nine patients with 27 voriconazole C_min determinations in the ECMO group were recruited. The ECMO group had lower C_min (0.38 ± 2.98 vs. 3.62 ± 3.88, p < 0.001) and higher infratherapeutic C_min values (16 vs. 1, p < 0.001) than the non-ECMO group. Multivariate analysis identified ECMO support (-0.668, CI₉₅ -0.978--0.358) and plasma albumin levels (-0.023, CI₉₅ -0.046--0.001) as risk factors for low C_min values. When comparing pre- and post-therapeutic drug optimisation samples from the ECMO group, the dose required to achieve therapeutic C_min was 6.44 mg/kg twice a day. Therapeutic drug optimisation is essential to improve target attainment.

Leveraging a nationwide infection surveillance program to implement a colorectal surgical site infection reduction bundle: a pragmatic, prospective, and multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

Bundled interventions usually reduce surgical site infection (SSI) when implemented at single hospitals, but the feasibility of their implementation at the nationwide level and their clinical results are not well established.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pragmatic interventional study to analyze the implementation and outcomes of a colorectal surgery care bundle within a nationwide quality improvement program. The bundle consisted of antibiotic prophylaxis, oral antibiotic prophylaxis (OAP), mechanical bowel preparation, laparoscopy, normothermia, and a wound retractor. Control group (CG) and Intervention group (IG) were compared. Overall SSI, superficial (S-SSI), deep (D-SSI), and organ/space (O/S-SSI) rates were analyzed. Secondary endpoints included microbiology, 30-day mortality, and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

A total of 37 849 procedures were included, 19 655 in the CG and 18 194 in the IG. In all, 5462 SSIs (14.43%) were detected: 1767 S-SSI (4.67%), 847 D-SSI (2.24%), and 2838 O/S-SSI (7.5%). Overall SSI fell from 18.38% (CG) to 10.17% (IG), odds ratio (OR) of 0.503 [0.473-0.524]. O/S-SSI rates were 9.15% (CG) and 5.72% (IG), OR of 0.602 [0.556-0.652]. The overall SSI rate was 16.71% when no measure was applied and 6.23% when all six were used. Bundle implementation reduced the probability of overall SSI (OR: 0.331; CI 95 : 0.242-0.453), and also O/S-SSI rate (OR: 0.643; CI 95 : 0.416-0.919). In the univariate analysis, all measures except normothermia were associated with a reduction in overall SSI, while only laparoscopy, OAP, and mechanical bowel preparation were related to a decrease in O/S-SSI. Laparoscopy, wound retractor, and OAP decreased overall SSI and O/S-SSI in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort study, the application of a specific care bundle within a nationwide nosocomial infection surveillance system proved feasible and resulted in a significant reduction in overall and O/S-SSI rates in the elective colon and rectal surgery. The OR for SSI fell between 1.5 and 3 times after the implementation of the bundle.

Impact of 18F-FDG-PET/CT on the management of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia: a retrospective observational study

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT on the diagnosis and management of patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB).

METHODS

Post hoc analysis of a prospective cohort of consecutive adult patients diagnosed with SAB (January 2013-December 2017). Patients who underwent ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT at the discretion of the attending physician were included. Endpoints were the identification of previously unknown infectious foci and changes in clinical management, defined as changes in the duration or class of antibiotic therapy, a surgical procedure on the source of infection or a change in the decision to remove or retain an implantable device.

RESULTS

We included 39 patients (median age: 69 years, IQR:60-79). Fifteen (39%) patients did not have an infectious focus identified before ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT). Thirty new infectious foci were detected in 22/39 (56%) patients. In 11/15 (73%) patients without an identified focus at least one infectious focus was detected by ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT. In 22/26 (85%) patients with implantable devices, ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT confirmed or ruled out infection or detected local complications. Out of 13 device infections, 10 were detected by ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT (7/10 for the first time). In 19/39 (49%) patients ¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT results led to changes in clinical management (15 changes in antibiotic therapy, 2 device removals, 2 surgical procedures, 1 avoidance of a surgical procedure).

CONCLUSIONS

¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT may be a useful asset in the management of selected SAB cases, allowing the identification of previously undetected infectious foci and optimization of therapy, particularly in patients with endovascular devices. Indication should be made on a case-by-case basis.

1666. Sources and Preventability of Hospital-onset Bacteremia and Fungemia in the United States: Evaluation of a Potential Healthcare Quality Measure

Background

Hospital-onset bacteremia and fungemia (HOB) is being proposed as a potential healthcare quality measure due to its clinical significance, objectivity, and ease of detection. However, information is lacking on sources of HOB and the proportion and types of cases considered preventable.

Methods

We evaluated sources and potential preventability of HOB cases at 12 hospitals using retrospective chart review. HOB was defined as a positive blood culture &gt;= day 4 (admission date=day 1) for one or more organisms. Stratified sampling of cases by commensal and noncommensal organisms was used. Infectious disease physicians determined the source of HOB and rated preventability from 1-6 (1=definitely preventable to 6=definitely not preventable) using a previously validated guide. Ratings of 1–3 were collectively considered potentially preventable and 4–6 likely not preventable.

Results

We evaluated sources and potential preventability of HOB cases at 12 hospitals using retrospective chart review. HOB was defined as a positive blood culture &gt;= day 4 (admission date=day 1) for one or more organisms. Stratified sampling of cases by commensal and noncommensal organisms was used. Infectious disease physicians determined the source of HOB and rated preventability from 1–6 (1=definitely preventable to 6=definitely not preventable) using a previously validated guide. Ratings of 1–3 were collectively considered potentially preventable and 4–6 likely not preventable.

Conclusion

Gastrointestinal and endovascular sources account for a large majority of noncommensal HOB cases. A high proportion of noncommensal HOB cases are likely not preventable. The presence of non-preventable events should be considered when using HOB as a quality measure. Approaches to identifying the subset of preventable noncommensal HOB events should be explored.

Disclosures

Scott Fridkin, MD, Pfizer: Grant/Research Support Andi L. Shane, MD, MPH, MSc, International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP): travel and lodging to attend international meeting to deliver a presentation, June 2022 Aaron Milstone, MD, Merck: Grant/Research Support Rajeshwari Nair, MBBS, PhD, Vertex Pharmaceuticals: Salary.

Global Emergence of Resistance to Fluconazole and Voriconazole in Candida parapsilosis in Tertiary Hospitals in Spain During the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND

Candida parapsilosis is a frequent cause of candidemia worldwide. Its incidence is associated with the use of medical implants, such as central venous catheters or parenteral nutrition. This species has reduced susceptibility to echinocandins, and it is susceptible to polyenes and azoles. Multiple outbreaks caused by fluconazole-nonsusceptible strains have been reported recently. A similar trend has been observed among the C. parapsilosis isolates received in the last 2 years at the Spanish Mycology Reference Laboratory.

METHODS

Yeast were identified by molecular biology, and antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing protocol. The ERG11 gene was sequenced to identify resistance mechanisms, and strain typing was carried out by microsatellite analysis.

RESULTS

We examined the susceptibility profile of 1315 C. parapsilosis isolates available at our reference laboratory between 2000 and 2021, noticing an increase in the number of isolates with acquired resistance to fluconazole, and voriconazole has increased in at least 8 different Spanish hospitals in 2020-2021. From 121 recorded clones, 3 were identified as the most prevalent in Spain (clone 10 in Catalonia and clone 96 in Castilla-Leon and Madrid, whereas clone 67 was found in 2 geographically unrelated regions, Cantabria and the Balearic Islands).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that concurrently with the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, a selection of fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis isolates has occurred in Spain, and the expansion of specific clones has been noted across centers. Further research is needed to determine the factors that underlie the successful expansion of these clones and their potential genetic relatedness.

Antimicrobial use and aetiology of bloodstream infections in critically ill patients during early stages of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Background

Aim

Methods

Findings

Conclusions

The Effectiveness of Combination Therapy for Treating Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: A Systematic Literature Review and a Meta-Analysis

Background: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combination therapy for treating MSSA bacteremia. Methods: We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and clinicaltrials.gov for studies including adults with MSSA bacteremia. The monotherapy group used a first-line antibiotic active against MSSA and the combination group used a first-line antibiotic plus additional antibiotic/s. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included persistent bacteremia, duration of bacteremia, relapse, and adverse events. Random-effects models with inverse variance weighting were used to estimate pooled risk ratios (pRR). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² value and the Cochrane’s Q statistic. Results: A total of 12 studies (6 randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) were included. Combination therapy did not significantly reduce 30-day mortality (pRR 0.92, 95% CI, 0.70–1.20), 90-day mortality (pRR 0.89, 95% CI, 0.74–1.06), or any-time mortality (pRR 0.91, 95% CI, 0.76–1.08). Among patients with deep-seated infections, adjunctive rifampicin may reduce 90-day mortality (3 studies with moderate-high risk of bias; pRR 0.62, 95% CI, 0.42–0.92). For secondary outcomes, combination therapy decreased the risk of relapse (pRR 0.38, 95% CI, 0.22–0.66), but this benefit was not maintained when pooling RCTs (pRR 0.54, 95% CI, 0.12–2.51). Combination therapy was associated with an increased risk of adverse events (pRR 1.74, 95% CI, 1.31–2.31). Conclusions: Combination therapy not only did not decrease mortality in patients with MSSA bacteremia, but also increased the risk of adverse events. Combination therapy may reduce the risk of relapse, but additional high-quality studies are needed.

235. Outcomes Associated with Extended Oral Antibiotic Prophylaxis After 2-Stage Exchange Surgery to Prevent Recurrent Prosthetic Joint Infection

Background

2-stage exchange (2SE) surgery is often used to treat chronic prosthetic joint infections (PJI). IDSA guidelines do not recommend oral antibiotic suppression after 2SE. However, a recent randomized trial suggested that oral antibiotics for 3 months after arthroplasty reimplantation may prevent recurrent PJI. Objective: To compare rates of treatment failure (i.e., recurrent PJI) and adverse reactions (ARs) among patients who received < 1 month of antibiotics directly after reimplantation to those who received 1-3 months of antibiotics following reimplantation (extended antibiotics).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients with hip, knee, or shoulder PJI who underwent 2SE at 83 VA hospitals between the years 2003-2017. PJI was defined using administrative codes and microbiology data. Patients were followed for 5 years to assess treatment failure (TF) and ARs. TF was defined as recurrent PJI, debridement, or reoperation. ARs included Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI), or antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD) during or 72 hours after antibiotics. Chi-square tests were used to compare outcomes. Cumulative incidence function curves were created to compare TF rates between those who did and did not receive extended antibiotic treatment, incorporating the competing risks of TF and death.

Results

Of the 433 patients, most (97%) received < 1 month of oral antibiotics and 3% received extended antibiotics. The 15 patients who received extended antibiotics had similar rates of TF and ARs compared with patients who received < 1 month of oral antibiotics (Table). However, there was a trend toward higher rates of CDI (6.7% vs. 3.8%) and AAD (13.3% vs. 9.6%) among those who received extended antibiotics. There was no difference in TF comparing extended antibiotics with < 1 month of antibiotics, accounting for death (Figure).

Table: Treatment Failure and Adverse Reactions Among Those Who Did and Did Not Receive Extended Antibiotics

Conclusion

Few patients received extended oral antibiotics in the study period. There were no statistically significant differences in TF or ARs between the 2 groups. Yet, there was a trend toward higher rates of ARs among the extended antibiotic group. Future prospective studies should assess both the potential benefits and ARs associated with extended antibiotics among patients undergoing 2SE surgery.

Disclosures

Marin L. Schweizer, PhD, 3M (Grant/Research Support)PDI (Grant/Research Support) Bruce Alexander, PharmD, Bruce Alexander Consulting (Independent Contractor) Daniel Suh, MS MPH, General Electric (Shareholder)Merck (Shareholder)Moderna (Shareholder)Smile Direct Club (Shareholder) Aaron J. Tande, MD, UpToDate.com (Other Financial or Material Support, Honoraria for medical writing) Andrew Pugely, MD, MBA, Globus Medical (Research Grant or Support)Medtronic (Consultant)United Healthcare (Consultant)

92. Clinical Decision-Making about Chronic Antibiotic Suppression after Prosthetic Joint Infection Treatment: Qualitative Insights for Antibiotic Stewardship

Background

Patients who develop prosthetic joint infections (PJI) may be prescribed chronic antibiotic suppression (CAS) ( &gt; 6 months of antibiotics) after initial antibiotic treatment for the PJI. Patients at low risk of recurrent infection may be good targets for antibiotic stewardship. De-implementation of CAS could potentially reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistant organisms and decrease antibiotic-associated adverse events. Our ongoing study aims to characterize clinical decision-making processes about CAS prescribing and identify points for antibiotic stewardship interventions to stop CAS prescribing for patients who will not benefit.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 33 physicians and nurses at 8 Veterans Affairs hospitals, chosen for variation in hospital size, complexity, region, and CAS prescribing. Interviewees included orthopedic surgeons, infectious disease (ID) physicians, hospital epidemiologists, nurses, nurse managers, and primary care physicians (PCPs). We conducted inductive, consensus-based thematic analysis on interview transcripts, using the program MAXQDA.

Results

Participants reported a complex decision-making process that included a range of collaborative approaches with other clinicians and patients. Their risk-benefit calculation for CAS usually included the type of revision surgery performed, the evidence base, the organism, and patient factors. Surgeons and ID physicians, the primary CAS prescribers, collaborated variably and sometimes consulted pharmacists or antibiotic stewards. Participants emphasized the importance of clinician autonomy and buy-in to order to effect practice change based on evidence, rather than top-down policies. They identified other significant time points that occurred before or after the CAS prescribing decision (initial PJI treatment decisions, follow-up appointments) and identified other decision makers about CAS maintenance (e.g., patients, PCPs). (See Figure 1).

Figure 1. Decision Points Relevant to Prescribing or Maintenance of Chronic Antibiotic Suppression after PJI. PJI, prosthetic joint infection; ID, Infectious Diseases physician; PCP, primary care physician; IV, intravenous

Conclusion

Interventions to optimize CAS prescribing should incorporate clinician concerns about prescriber autonomy and a preference for collaborative decision-making as well as understanding the range of decision makers across time.

Disclosures

Daniel Suh, MS MPH, General Electric (Shareholder)Merck (Shareholder)Moderna (Shareholder)Smile Direct Club (Shareholder) Bruce Alexander, PharmD, Bruce Alexander Consulting (Independent Contractor) Andrew Pugely, MD, MBA, Globus Medical (Research Grant or Support)Medtronic (Consultant)United Healthcare (Consultant) Marin Schweizer, PhD, 3M (Grant/Research Support)PDI (Grant/Research Support)

Oral Antibiotic Prophylaxis Lowers Surgical Site Infection in Elective Colorectal Surgery: Results of a Pragmatic Cohort Study in Catalonia

BACKGROUND

The role of oral antibiotic prophylaxis (OAP) and mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) in the prevention of surgical site infection (SSI) after colorectal surgery is still controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a bundle including both measures in a National Infection Surveillance Network in Catalonia.

METHODS

Pragmatic cohort study to assess the effect of OAP and MBP in reducing SSI rate in 65 hospitals, comparing baseline phase (BP: 2007-2015) with implementation phase (IP: 2016-2019). To compare the results, a logistic regression model was established.

RESULTS

Out of 34,421 colorectal operations, 5180 had SSIs (15.05%). Overall SSI rate decreased from 18.81% to 11.10% in BP and IP, respectively (OR 0.539, CI₉₅ 0.507-0.573, p < 0.0001). Information about bundle implementation was complete in 61.7% of cases. In a univariate analysis, OAP and MBP were independent factors in decreasing overall SSI, with OR 0.555, CI₉₅ 0.483-0.638, and OR 0.686, CI₉₅ 0.589-0.798, respectively; and similarly, organ/space SSI (O/S-SSI) (OR 0.592, CI₉₅ 0.494-0.710, and OR 0.771, CI₉₅ 0.630-0.944, respectively). However, only OAP retained its protective effect at both levels at multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

oral antibiotic prophylaxis decreased the rates of SSI and O/S-SSI in a large series of elective colorectal surgery.

Infectious diseases experts as part of the antibiotic stewardship team in primary care: protocol for a cluster-randomised blinded study (IDASP)

INTRODUCTION

Antibiotic overuse is directly related to antibiotic resistance, and primary care is one of the main reasons for this overuse. This study aims to demonstrate that including experts on infectious diseases (ID) within the antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) programme team in primary care settings achieves higher reductions in overall antibiotic consumption and increases the quality of prescription.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A multicentre, cluster-randomised, blinded clinical trial will be conducted between 2021 and 2023. Six primary care centres will be randomly assigned to an advanced or a standard AMS programme. The advanced AMS programme will consist of a standard AMS programme combined with the possibility that general practitioners (GP) will discuss patients' therapies with ID experts telephonically during working days and biweekly meetings. The main endpoint will be overall antibiotic consumption, defined as daily defined dose per 1000 inhabitants per day (DHD). Secondary end-points will be: (1) unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions in patients diagnosed with upper respiratory tract or urinary tract infection, (2) adequacy of antibiotic prescription, (3) reattendance to GP or emergency room within 30 days after the initial GP visit and (4) hospital admissions for any reason within 30 days after the GP visit. Two secondary endpoints (unnecessary antibiotic therapy and adequacy of therapy) will be evaluated by blinded investigators.We will select three clusters (centres) per arm (coverage of 147 644 inhabitants) which will allow the rejection of the null hypothesis of equal consumption with a power of 80%, assuming a moderate intracluster correlation of 0.2, an intracluster variance of 4 and a mean difference of 1 DHD. The type I error will be set at 5%.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol was reviewed and approved by local ethics committees. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at medical conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04848883.

"Mortality in Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia remains high despite adherence to quality indicators: secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study"

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the association between compliance with previously published quality indicators (QIs) for the management of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) and 30-day mortality.

METHODS

We conducted a post hoc analysis of all adult patients with SAB who were hospitalized at a Spanish university hospital between 2013 and 2018. We evaluated the compliance with 7 QIs of SAB management (i.e., Infectious Diseases consultation, follow-up blood cultures, early source control, echocardiography, early cloxacillin or cefazolin, vancomycin monitoring, and appropriate treatment duration). The QIs compliance rate was considered good if ≥75% of the QIs recommended in each patient were performed. We studied the impact of different risk factors (including QIs compliance) on 30-day all-cause mortality adjusting by multivariable modeling and propensity-matched analysis.

RESULTS

We included 441 patients with SAB. The QIs compliance rate was ≥75% in 361 patients (81.9%). A total of 95 patients (21.5%) died within 30 days after the index blood culture. In the multivariable model, the variables associated with 30-day mortality were: age (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.1), Charlson comorbidity index (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.4), persistent bacteraemia >72 h (OR, 6.0; 95% CI, 3.2-11.5), infective endocarditis (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.2-6.7), and SAB of unknown source (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.5-7.1). We did not find an association between a global QIs compliance rate of ≥75% or any individual QI with 30-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

SAB 30-day mortality remains high despite good adherence to previously published QIs for the management of SAB. Future research should focus on additional factors to further improve SAB-related mortality.

A comprehensive assessment of carbapenem use across 90 Veterans Health Administration hospitals with defined stewardship strategies for carbapenems

OBJECTIVES

Carbapenems are an important target for antimicrobial stewardship (AS) efforts. In this study, we sought to compare different hospital-based strategies for improving carbapenem use.

METHODS

We analysed a cohort of all patients hospitalized at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) acute care hospitals during 2016 and a mandatory survey that characterized each hospital's carbapenem-specific AS strategy into one of three types: no strategy (NS), prospective audit and feedback (PAF) or restrictive policies (RP). Carbapenem use was compared using risk-adjusted generalized estimating equations that accounted for clustering within hospitals. Two infectious disease (ID) physicians independently performed manual chart reviews in 425 randomly selected cases. Auditors assessed carbapenem appropriateness with an assessment score on Day 4 of therapy.

RESULTS

There were 429 062 admissions in 90 sites (24 NS, 8 PAF, 58 RP). Carbapenem use was lower at PAF than NS sites [rate ratio (RR) 0.6 (95% CI 0.4-0.9); P = 0.01] but similar between RP and NS sites. Carbapenem prescribing was considered appropriate/acceptable in 215 (50.6%) of the reviewed cases. Assessment scores were lower (i.e. better) at RP than NS sites (mean 2.3 versus 2.7; P < 0.01) but did not differ significantly between NS and PAF sites. ID consultations were more common at PAF/RP than NS sites (51% versus 29%; P < 0.01). ID consultations were associated with lower (i.e. better) assessment scores (mean 2.3 versus 2.6; P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In this VHA cohort, PAF strategies were associated with lower carbapenem use and ID consultation and RP strategies were associated with more appropriate carbapenem prescribing. AS and ID consultations may work complementarily and hospitals could leverage both to optimize carbapenem use.

Daptomycin Plus Fosfomycin Versus Daptomycin Alone for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia and Endocarditis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

We aimed to determine whether daptomycin plus fosfomycin provides higher treatment success than daptomycin alone for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia and endocarditis.

METHODS

A randomized (1:1) phase 3 superiority, open-label, and parallel group clinical trial of adult inpatients with MRSA bacteremia was conducted at 18 Spanish hospitals. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 10 mg/kg of daptomycin intravenously daily plus 2 g of fosfomycin intravenously every 6 hours, or 10 mg/kg of daptomycin intravenously daily. Primary endpoint was treatment success 6 weeks after the end of therapy.

RESULTS

Of 167 patients randomized, 155 completed the trial and were assessed for the primary endpoint. Treatment success at 6 weeks after the end of therapy was achieved in 40 of 74 patients who received daptomycin plus fosfomycin and in 34 of 81 patients who were given daptomycin alone (54.1% vs 42.0%; relative risk, 1.29 [95% confidence interval, .93-1.8]; P = .135). At 6 weeks, daptomycin plus fosfomycin was associated with lower microbiologic failure (0 vs 9 patients; P = .003) and lower complicated bacteremia (16.2% vs 32.1%; P = .022). Adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation occurred in 13 of 74 patients (17.6%) receiving daptomycin plus fosfomycin, and in 4 of 81 patients (4.9%) receiving daptomycin alone (P = .018).

CONCLUSIONS

Daptomycin plus fosfomycin provided 12% higher rate of treatment success than daptomycin alone, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. This antibiotic combination prevented microbiological failure and complicated bacteremia, but it was more often associated with adverse events.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

NCT01898338.

Comparative Effectiveness of Switching to Daptomycin Versus Remaining on Vancomycin Among Patients With Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Bloodstream Infections

BACKGROUND

Patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections (MRSA BSI) usually receive initial treatment with vancomycin but may be switched to daptomycin for definitive therapy, especially if treatment failure is suspected. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of switching from vancomycin to daptomycin compared with remaining on vancomycin among patients with MRSA BSI.

METHODS

Patients admitted to 124 Veterans Affairs Hospitals who experienced MRSA BSI and were treated with vancomycin during 2007-2014 were included. The association between switching to daptomycin and 30-day mortality was assessed using Cox regression models. Separate models were created for switching to daptomycin any time during the first hospitalization and for switching within 3 days of receiving vancomycin.

RESULTS

In total, 7411 patients received vancomycin for MRSA BSI. Also, 606 (8.2%) patients switched from vancomycin to daptomycin during the first hospitalization, and 108 (1.5%) switched from vancomycin to daptomycin within 3 days of starting vancomycin. In the multivariable analysis, switching to daptomycin within 3 days was significantly associated with lower 30-day mortality (hazards ratio [HR] = 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI]: .25, .92). However, switching to daptomycin at any time during the first hospitalization was not significantly associated with 30-day mortality (HR: 0.87; 95% CI: .69, 1.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Switching to daptomycin within 3 days of initial receipt of vancomycin is associated with lower 30-day mortality among patients with MRSA BSI. This benefit was not seen when the switch occurred later. Future studies should prospectively assess the benefit of early switching from vancomycin to other anti-MRSA antibiotics.

211. A Comprehensive Assessment of Carbapenem Use across 90 Veterans Health Administration Hospitals with Defined Stewardship Strategies for Carbapenems

Background

Carbapenems are an important target for antimicrobial stewardship (AS) efforts. In this study, we sought to compare different hospital-based strategies for improving carbapenem use.

Methods

We analyzed a cohort of all patients hospitalized at Veterans Health Administration (VHA) acute-care hospitals during 2016 and mandatory survey data that characterized each hospital’s carbapenem-specific AS strategy into one of three types: no strategy (NS), prospective audit-and feedback (PAF), or restrictive policies (RP). Sites that could not be classified were excluded. Inpatient carbapenem use was compared across strategies using risk-adjusted generalized estimating equations that accounted for clustering within hospitals. Two Infectious Disease (ID) physicians independently performed manual chart reviews in 425 randomly-selected carbapenem-treated cases (100 for PAF/NS and 225 for RP). Auditors assessed for the presence of ID consultation and carbapenem appropriateness on day 4 of therapy. Assessments were categorized as follows: appropriate (1), acceptable (2), suboptimal (3), unnecessary (4) and inappropriate (5). Assessment scores across strategies were compared with the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results

There were 429,602 admissions in 90 sites (8 PAF, 24 NS, 58 RP). Median carbapenem use across sites was 17.4 (IQR 8.6–28.4) days of therapy/1,000 days-present. Inpatient carbapenem use was lower at PAF than NS sites [RR 0.67 (95% CI, 0.46–0.98); p=0.04] but similar between RP and NS sites [RR 0.86 (95% CI, 0.61–1.22); p=0.41].

Carbapenem use was considered appropriate or acceptable in 215 (50.6%) of the reviewed cases. Assessment scores were higher (i.e. worse) at NS than RP sites (mean 2.7 vs 2.3; p< 0.01) but did not differ significantly between NS and PAF sites (mean 2.7 vs 2.5; p=0.14).

ID consultations were more common at PAF/RP than NS sites (51% vs 29%; p< 0.01). ID consultations were associated with lower (i.e. better) assessment scores (2.3 vs. 2.6; p< 0.01).

Conclusion

In this VHA cohort, AS strategies and ID consultations were associated with either less or more appropriate carbapenem-prescribing. The use of AS and ID consultations may be complementary, and hospitals could leverage both to optimize carbapenem use.

Disclosures

Daniel J. Livorsi, MD, MSc, Merck and Company, Inc (Research Grant or Support)

Culture of Safety: Impact on Improvement in Infection Prevention Process and Outcomes

Purpose

Safety culture is known to be related to a wide range of outcomes, and measurement of safety culture is now required for many hospitals in the U.S.A. In previous reviews, the association with outcomes has been limited by the research design and strength of the evidence. The goal of this review was to examine recent literature on the relationship between safety culture and infection prevention and control-related (IPC) processes and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in U.S. healthcare organizations. We also sought to quantitatively characterize the challenges to empirically establishing these relationships and limitations of current research.

Recent Findings

A PubMed search for U.S. articles published 2009–2019 on the topics of infection prevention, HAIs, and safety culture yielded 448 abstracts. After screening, 55 articles were abstracted for information on purpose, measurement, analysis, and conclusions drawn about the role of safety culture in the outcome. Approximately ½ were quality improvement (QI) initiatives and ½ were research studies. Overall, 51 (92.7%) concluded there was an association between safety culture and IPC processes or HAIs. However, only 39 studies measured safety culture and 26 statistically analyzed safety culture data for associations. Though fewer QI initiatives analyzed associations, a higher proportion concluded an association exists than among research studies.

Summary

Despite limited empirical evidence and methodologic challenges to establishing associations, most articles supported a positive relationship between safety culture, improvement in IPC processes, and decreases in HAIs. Authors frequently reported experiencing improvements in safety culture when not directly measured. The findings suggest that associations between improvement and safety culture may be bi-directional such that positive safety culture contributes to successful interventions and implementing effective interventions drives improvements in culture. Greater attention to article purpose, design, and analysis is needed to confirm these presumptive relationships.

Early Oral Switch to Linezolid for Low-risk Patients With Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infections: A Propensity-matched Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Oral switch to linezolid is a promising alternative to standard parenteral therapy (SPT) in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort study of all adult cases of SAB between 2013 and 2017 in a Spanish university hospital. We compared the efficacy, safety, and length of hospital stay of patients receiving SPT and those where SPT was switched to oral linezolid between days 3 and 9 of treatment until completion. We excluded complicated SAB and osteoarticular infections. A k-nearest neighbor algorithm was used for propensity score matching with a 2:1 ratio.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, we included 45 patients from the linezolid group and 90 patients from the SPT group. Leading SAB sources were catheter related (49.6%), unknown origin (20.0%), and skin and soft tissue (17.0%). We observed no difference in 90-day relapse between the linezolid group and the SPT group (2.2% vs 4.4% respectively; P = .87). No statistically significant difference was observed in 30-day all-cause mortality between the linezolid group and the SPT group (2.2% vs 13.3%; P = .08). The median length of hospital stay after onset was 8 days in the linezolid group and 19 days in the SPT group (P < .01). No drug-related events leading to discontinuation were noted in the linezolid group.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of SAB in selected low-risk patients with an oral switch to linezolid between days 3 and 9 of treatment until completion yielded similar clinical outcomes as SPT, allowing earlier discharge from the hospital.

A randomized control trial evaluating efficacy of antimicrobial impregnated hospital privacy curtains in an intensive care setting

BACKGROUND

Acquisition of pathogens into health care settings from prior room occupants has been documented. Hospital room privacy curtains are at high risk for pathogenic bacterial contamination. Antimicrobial impregnated curtains could be effective in reducing contamination.

METHODS

Rooms within an intensive care unit at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics were randomized to 3 arms. The 2 intervention arms: (1) halamine antimicrobial curtains (BioSmart curtain [BSC]) and (2) halamine antimicrobial curtains sprayed twice weekly with a sodium hypochlorite-based disinfecting spray (BSC-pre and BSC-post) and a third control arm (standard curtain [SC]). Samples were collected twice weekly for 3 weeks to assess pathogenic bacterial contamination.

RESULTS

The likelihood of remaining uncontaminated was 38% for SC, 37% for BSC, and 60% for the BSC-pre group. Time to event (contamination) analysis found no statistically significant difference between pathogenic contamination between the SC, BSC, and BSC-pre groups (P value = .1921). There was a decrease in average colony count for BSC curtains compared with control, however, this difference was not statistically significant. Hypochlorite spray was found to transiently decontaminate curtains, but effects dissipated after 72 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

BSC did not show a significant reduction in pathogenic contamination compared with control. Antimicrobial curtains could have a role in reducing environmental contamination in the health care setting. Future studies should be done to determine the long-term effects of using antimicrobial curtains in health care.

Usefulness of guideline recommendations for prognosis in patients with candidemia

We aimed to analyze whether the lack of inclusion of specific recommendations for the management of candidemia is an independent risk factor for early and overall mortality. Multicenter study of adult patients with candidemia in 13 hospitals. We assessed the proportion of patients on whom nine specific ESCMID and IDSA guidelines recommendations had been applied, and analyzed its impact on mortality. 455 episodes of candidemia were documented. Patients who died within the first 48 hours were excluded. Sixty-two percent of patients received an appropriate antifungal treatment. Either echinocandin or amphotericin B therapy were administered in 43% of patients presenting septic shock and in 71% of those with neutropenia. Sixty-one percent of patients with breakthrough candidemia underwent a change in antifungal drug class. Venous catheters were removed in 79% of cases. Follow-up blood cultures were performed in 72% of cases. Ophthalmoscopy and echocardiogram were performed in 48% and 50% of patients, respectively. Length of treatment was appropriate in 78% of cases. Early (2-7 days) and overall (2-30 days) mortality were 8% and 27.7%, respectively. Inclusion of less than 50% of the specific recommendations was independently associated with a higher early (HR = 7.02, 95% CI: 2.97-16.57; P < .001) and overall mortality (HR = 3.55, 95% CI: 2.24-5.64; P < .001). In conclusion, ESCMID and IDSA guideline recommendations were not performed on a significant number of patients. Lack of inclusion of these recommendations proved to be an independent risk factor for early and overall mortality.

Factors associated with the development of septic shock in patients with candidemia: a post hoc analysis from two prospective cohorts

BACKGROUND

Almost one third of the patients with candidemia develop septic shock. The understanding why some patients do and others do not develop septic shock is very limited. The objective of this study was to identify variables associated with septic shock development in a large population of patients with candidemia.

METHODS

A post hoc analysis was performed on two prospective, multicenter cohort of patients with candidemia from 12 hospitals in Spain and Italy. All episodes occurring from September 2016 to February 2018 were analyzed to assess variables associated with septic shock development defined according to The Third International Consensus Definition for Sepsis and Septic Shock (Sepsis-3).

RESULTS

Of 317 candidemic patients, 99 (31.2%) presented septic shock attributable to candidemia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identifies the following factors associated with septic shock development: age > 50 years (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.03-6.41, p = 0.04), abdominal source of the infection (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.04-4.55, p = 0.04), and admission to a general ward at the time of candidemia onset (OR 0.21, 95% CI, 0.12-0.44, p = 0.001). Septic shock development was independently associated with a greater risk of 30-day mortality (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.08-4.24, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Age and abdominal source of the infection are the most important factors significantly associated with the development of septic shock in patients with candidemia. Our findings suggest that host factors and source of the infection may be more important for development of septic shock than intrinsic virulence factors of organisms.

Infectious complications of laparoscopic and robotic hysterectomy: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

We performed a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of the infectious complications of hysterectomy, comparing robotic-assisted hysterectomy to conventional laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomy.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, CINAHL, CDSR, and EMBASE through July 2018 for studies evaluating robotic-assisted hysterectomy, laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomy, and infectious complications. We employed random-effect models to obtain pooled OR estimates. Heterogeneity was evaluated with I² estimation and the Cochran Q statistic. Pooled ORs were calculated separately based on the reason for hysterectomy (eg, benign uterine diseases, endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer).

RESULTS

Fifty studies were included in the final review for the meta-analysis with 176 016 patients undergoing hysterectomy. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of infectious complication events between robotic-assisted hysterectomy and laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomy (pooled OR 0.97; 95 % CI 0.74 to 1.28). When we performed a stratified analysis, similar results were found with no statistically significant difference in infectious complications comparing robotic-assisted hysterectomy to laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomy among patients with benign uterine disease (pooled OR 1.10; 95 % CI 0.70 to 1.73), endometrial cancer (pooled OR 0.97; 95 % CI 0.55 to 1.73), or cervical cancer (pooled OR 1.09; 95 % CI 0.60 to 1.97).

CONCLUSION

In our meta-analysis the rate of infectious complications associated with robotic-assisted hysterectomy was no different than that associated with conventional laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomy.

An evidence-based bundle improves the quality of care and outcomes of patients with candidaemia

Background

Candidaemia is a leading cause of bloodstream infections in hospitalized patients all over the world. It remains associated with high mortality.

Objectives

To assess the impact of implementing an evidence-based package of measures (bundle) on the quality of care and outcomes of candidaemia.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify measures related to better outcomes in candidaemia. Eight quality-of-care indicators (QCIs) were identified and a set of written recommendations (early treatment, echinocandins in septic shock, source control, follow-up blood culture, ophthalmoscopy, echocardiography, de-escalation, length of treatment) was prospectively implemented. The study was performed in 11 tertiary hospitals in Spain. A quasi-experimental design before and during bundle implementation (September 2016 to February 2018) was used. For the pre-intervention period, data from the prospective national surveillance were used (May 2010 to April 2011).

Results

A total of 385 and 263 episodes were included in the pre-intervention and intervention groups, respectively. Adherence to all QCIs improved in the intervention group. The intervention group had a decrease in early (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.23–0.89; P = 0.022) and overall (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.4–0.94; P = 0.023) mortality after controlling for potential confounders.

Conclusions

Implementing a structured, evidence-based intervention bundle significantly improved patient care and early and overall mortality in patients with candidaemia. Institutions should embrace this objective strategy and use the bundle as a means to measure high-quality medical care of patients.

Contamination of health-care workers' hands with Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species after routine patient care: a prospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the frequency of health-care worker (HCW) hand contamination by Escherichia coli versus Klebsiella species after patient care and to determine activities associated with contamination.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study at two tertiary-care centres. We observed HCWs caring for patients colonized/infected with E. coli or Klebsiella. HCW hands were cultured before room entry and after patient care. Contamination was defined as detecting E. coli or Klebsiella on HCW hands. Risk factors for contamination were analysed using logistic regression. Patient-to-HCW transmission was confirmed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

RESULTS

We performed 466 HCW observations: 290 from patients with E. coli, 149 with Klebsiella, and 27 with both species. Eighty-seven per cent of observations (404/464) occurred in patients who had received chlorhexidine bathing within 2 days. HCW hand contamination rates were similar between E. coli (6.2%; 18/290) and Klebsiella (7.4%; 11/149) (p 0.6). High-risk activities independently associated with contamination were toilet assistance (OR 9.34; 95% CI 3.10-28.16), contact with moist secretions (OR 6.93; 95% CI 2.82-17.00), and hygiene/bed-bathing (OR 3.80; 95% CI 1.48-9.80). PFGE identified identical/closely related isolates in the patient and HCW hands in 100% (18/18) of E. coli and 54.5% (6/11) of Klebsiella observations.

CONCLUSIONS

We did not find a difference in HCW hand contamination rates between E. coli and Klebsiella after patient care. Hand hygiene should be reinforced after high-risk activities. Discrepancies in matching patient and HCW hand isolates occurred more frequently for Klebsiella than for E. coli; differences in species-level transmission dynamics might exist.

162. Identifying Determinants of Therapeutic Switch to Linezolid among Patients with Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bloodstream Infections

Background

In order to target future randomized controlled trials (RCT) of treatment of methicillin-resistant S aureus bloodstream infections (MRSA BSI), it will be important to understand the drivers of antibiotic selection. We aimed to determine factors associated with switching from vancomycin to inpatient linezolid administration during the management of MRSA BSI.

Methods

This retrospective cohort included all patients admitted to Veteran Affairs hospitals from 2007 to 2014 and had received vancomycin for MRSA BSI. Patients were considered to have switched to linezolid from vancomycin if they received at least 2 consecutive days of inpatient treatment and were not on concurrent vancomycin treatment. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify factors that were associated with switch within 14 days and 30 days. Median with interquartile range (IQR), hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals were reported.

Results

Among 7289 patients diagnosed with MRSA BSI during their index admission, 474 (6.5%) switched to linezolid during the admission. The median inpatient duration of vancomycin treatment among all patients was 13 days (IQR: 5–34) and among patients who switched was 16 days (IQR: 6–52). The median inpatient duration of linezolid treatment was 5 days (IQR: 1–13 days). Patients who switched to linezolid were more likely to have a MRSA isolate with MIC >=2 µg/mL (6.8% vs. 4.9%), diagnosis of respiratory tract infection (36.7% vs. 32.9%), or be obese (16.5% vs. 13.6%) than those who continued on vancomycin (P < 0.10). In risk-adjustment models, presence of a respiratory tract infection diagnosis was associated with greater likelihood of being switched to linezolid within 14- and 30-days (HR=1.29, 95% CI 1.01–1.64; HR=1.32, 95% CI 1.06–1.65).

Conclusion

Less than 10% of patients initially treated with vancomycin for MRSA BSI were switched to linezolid in this real-world study. A diagnosis of respiratory tract infection was a major determinant of switching to linezolid. It is important to identify potential subsets of MRSA BSI patients so that future comparative effectiveness RCTs can be targeted to indications with clinical equipoise in real-world practice settings.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

Perceived Benefits and Challenges of Ebola Preparation Among Hospitals in Developed Countries: A Systematic Literature Review

The 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa provided an opportunity to improve our response to highly infectious diseases. We performed a systematic literature review in PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Web of Science of research articles that evaluated benefits and challenges of hospital Ebola preparation in developed countries. We excluded studies performed in non-developed countries, and those limited to primary care settings, the public health sector, and pediatric populations. Thirty-five articles were included. Preparedness activities were beneficial for identifying gaps in hospital readiness. Training improved health-care workers’ (HCW) infection control practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) use. The biggest challenge was related to PPE, followed by problems with hospital infrastructure and resources. HCWs feared managing Ebola patients, affecting their willingness to care for them. Standardizing protocols, PPE types, and frequency of training and providing financial support will improve future preparedness. It is unclear whether preparations resulted in sustained improvements.

Prospero Registration. CRD42018090988.

A Meta-analysis of Prophylaxis of Surgical Site Infections with Topical Application of Povidone Iodine Before Primary Closure

BACKGROUND

Povidone iodine (PVI) is a widely used antiseptic solution among surgeons. A meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to establish whether application of PVI before wound closure could reduce surgical site infection (SSI) rates.

METHODS

Systematic review of MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases from inception to September 2017, with no language restrictions. Only RCTs were retrieved. The primary outcome was the SSI rate. Meta-analysis was complemented with trial sequential analysis (TSA).

RESULTS

A total of 7601 patients collected from 16 RCTs were analyzed. A reduction in overall SSI rate was found (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.48-0.85, P = 0.002, I² = 65%), which was attributed to patients undergoing elective operations (n = 2358) and mixed elective/urgent operations (n = 2019). When RCTs of uncertain quality (n = 9) were excluded, the use of PVI before wound closure (n = 4322 patients) was not associated with a significant reduction of SSI (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.55-1.20, P = 0.29, I² = 51%) and was only significant in clean wounds (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.09-0.70, P = 0.008, I² = 0%). For the primary outcome, the TSA calculation using a relative risk reduction of 19% and an 11% proportion of control event rate (CER) with 51% of I², the accrued information size (n = 4322) was 32.8% of the estimated optimal information size (n = 13,148).

CONCLUSIONS

There is no conclusive evidence for a strong recommendation of topical PVI before wound closure to prevent SSI.

Use of Topical Antibiotics before Primary Incision Closure to Prevent Surgical Site Infection: A Meta-Analysis

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) remains a concern for surgeons because of the negative impact on outcomes and health care costs. Our purpose was to assess whether topical antibiotics before primary incision closure reduced the rate of SSIs. Methods: Systematic review of MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases from inception to January 2017. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were retrieved. The primary outcome was the SSI rate. Meta-analysis was complemented with trial sequential analysis (TSA). Results: Thirty-five RCTs (10,870 patients) were included. Only β-lactams and aminoglycosides were used. A substantial reduction of the incidence of SSIs with the application of antibiotic agents before incision closure (risk ratio [RR] 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37-0.64) was found, which remained in the analysis of 12 RCTs after removal of studies of uncertain quality. The use of β-lactams was effective to reduce SSI in elective surgery only (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.13-0.85). In clean-contaminated fields and as an irrigation solution, β-lactams did not reduce the risk of SSI. Aminoglycosides were not effective (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.49-1.10). After TSA, the evidence accumulated was far below the optimal information size. The heterogeneity of studies was high and methodological quality of most RCTs included in the meta-analysis was uncertain. Conclusions: Results of this meta-analysis show the data present in the literature are not sufficiently robust and, therefore, the use of topical β-lactams or aminoglycosides before incision closure to reduce SSI cannot be recommended or excluded.

Infectious Complications of Conventional Laparoscopic vs Robotic Laparoscopic Prostatectomy: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that using minimally invasive surgical techniques (conventional laparoscopy or robotic) for prostatectomy is associated with lower perioperative complication rates compared with open radical retropubic prostatectomy. However, differences in infectious complications between these minimally invasive approaches are not well characterized. To study this further, we performed a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of the infectious complications of prostatectomy, comparing robotic prostatectomy (RP) with conventional laparoscopic prostatectomy (LP).

METHODS

We searched PubMed, CINAHL, CDSR, and EMBASE through September 2018 for studies evaluating minimally invasive prostatectomy and infectious complications. We employed random-effect models to obtain pooled odds ratio (pOR) estimates. Heterogeneity was evaluated with I² estimation and the Cochran Q statistic. pORs were calculated separately based on the indication for prostatectomy.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies were included in the final review for the meta-analysis with 14,121 patients undergoing minimally invasive prostatectomy. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of infectious complication events between RP and LP (pOR 0.94; 95% CI 0.50, 1.76). When we performed a stratified analysis, similar results were found with no statistically significant difference in infectious complications comparing RP with LP among patients with prostate cancer (pOR 0.73; 95% CI 0.43, 1.24). We observed that infectious complications were nearly threefold higher with the robotic approach in earlier studies (published between 2007 and 2012, pOR 2.81; 95% CI 1.07, 7.39), but no significant difference was found in later studies (between 2013 and 2018, pOR 0.80, 95% CI 0.40, 1.57).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of infectious complications associated with RP was no different than that associated with conventional LP.

688. Impact of Expanded Influenza Post-exposure Prophylaxis on Healthcare Worker Absenteeism at a Tertiary Care Center During the 2017–2018 Season

Background

A severe 2017–2018 influenza season was expected for the United States. We hypothesized that a surge in influenza cases paired with decreased vaccine effectiveness could increase healthcare worker (HCW) absenteeism. Because of a potential public health emergency during the 2017–2018 season, we offered oseltamivir post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to exposed HCWs regardless of vaccination status. We describe PEP uptake, cost, and impact on absenteeism at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics (UIHC).

Methods

UIHC serves as a referral and safety net health system for Eastern Iowa. Influenza seasons were defined as the period between Week 40 from 1 year to Week 13 of the following year. During the 2016–2017 season, PEP (75 mg/day for 7 days) was offered free of charge to unvaccinated exposed HCWs. Exposure was defined as proximity within 3 ft of a confirmed influenza-infected person for ≥10 minutes without mask protection, or direct contact with respiratory secretions. During the 2017–2018 season, PEP was expanded to all exposed HCWs regardless of vaccination status. We reviewed surveillance, employee health, pharmacy, and human resources records for the 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 seasons. We defined PEP uptake as prescriptions picked up/all referrals and absenteeism rate as sick-leave requests/scheduled hours.

Results

During the 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 seasons, we detected 373 and 427 confirmed influenza cases among patients at UIHC. HCW vaccination rates were similar: 89.7% and 90.9%. PEP was recommended in 49 exposures during 2016–2017 and 280 exposures during 2017–2018. A total of 22 (44.9%) and 133 (47.5%) HCWs picked up oseltamivir from the pharmacy during the 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 seasons. The estimated cost of oseltamivir was $1,791 and $10,828, respectively. Overall, 6,187 sick-leave requests (median = 12 hours, absenteeism rate = 3.2%), and 6,174 sick-leave requests (median = 12 hours, absenteeism rate = 3.4%) were reported during the 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 seasons.

Conclusion

Influenza case counts mildly increased from the 2016–2017 to the 2017–2018 season. Expanding PEP to all exposed HCWs, regardless of vaccination status, had moderate uptake and was costly. Absenteeism rates remained similar during both seasons.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

Secular trends in the epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) at a tertiary care hospital in Barcelona, 2006-2015: A prospective observational study

OBJECTIVE

Describe secular trends in the epidemiology and outcome of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) at a tertiary hospital.

METHODS

All consecutive primary CDI episodes in adults (January 2006-December 2015) were included. CDI was diagnosed on the presence of diarrhoea and a positive stool test for C. difficile toxin A and/or B. To define trends, a time-series analysis was performed using yearly data on demographics, clinical characteristics, management, antimicrobial treatment, and outcome of CDI. Patients were followed-up for three months after the diagnosis.

RESULTS

There were 724 CDI episodes. Over the period from 2006 to 2015, the incidence rose from 0.18 episodes/1000 admissions to 0.26 episodes (relative rate [RR] 1.43; 95%CI, 1.02-2.00; P = 0.035). Median Charlson comorbidity index increased from 2 (IQR 1-3) to 4 (IQR 2-4) (RR 1.65; 95%CI, 1.12-2.41; P = 0.005). Overall, 80.4% of patients received proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) prior to CDI, and the percentage of PPI discontinuations rose from 2.3% to 20.4% (RR 8.80; 95%CI 1.20-64.36; P = 0.006). Management of non-Clostridium antibiotics also changed: antibiotic withdrawals or switches increased from 4.2% to 29.2% (RR 7.00; 95%CI 1.68-29.15, P = 0.001). Regarding CDI treatment, the percentage of patients treated with metronidazole decreased (88.9% vs 52.6%) (RR 0.59 (0.48-0.73), P < 0.001), whereas the percentage receiving vancomycin increased (1.9% vs 32.6%) (RR 17.62 (2.47-125.49), P < 0.001). The percentages of cures, deaths, and first recurrences did not significantly change over the 10-year period.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in CDI management were associated with a stable prognosis (percentage of cures and first recurrences), even though affected patients had a greater number of comorbidities over time.

Echinocandins Compared to Fluconazole for Candidemia of a Urinary Tract Source: A Propensity Score Analysis

Background

Whether echinocandins could be used to treat candidemia of a urinary tract source (CUTS) is unknown. We aimed to provide current epidemiological information of CUTS and to compare echinocandin to fluconazole treatment on CUTS outcomes.

Methods

A multicenter study of adult patients with candidemia was conducted in 9 hospitals. CUTS was defined as a candidemia with concomitant candiduria by the same organism associated with significant urological comorbidity. The primary outcome assessed was clinical failure (defined by 7-day mortality or persistent candidemia) in patients treated with either an echinocandin or fluconazole. A propensity score was calculated and then entered into a regression model.

Results

Of 2176 episodes of candidemia, 128 were CUTS (5.88%). Most CUTS cases were caused by Candida albicans (52.7%), followed by Candida glabrata (25.6%) and Candida tropicalis (16.3%). Clinical failure occurred in 7 patients (20%) treated with an echinocandin and in 15 (17.1%) treated with fluconazole (P = .730). Acute renal failure (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-8.91; P = .047) was the only independent factor associated with clinical failure, whereas early urinary tract drainage procedures (surgical, percutaneous, or endoscopic) were identified as protective (AOR, 0.08; 95% CI, .02-.31; P < .001). Neither univariate nor multivariate analysis showed that echinocandin therapy altered the risk of clinical failure.

Conclusions

Initial echinocandin therapy was not associated with clinical failure in patients with CUTS. Notably, acute renal failure predicted worse outcomes and performing an early urologic procedure was a protective measure.

Candidemia in non-ICU surgical wards: Comparison with medical wards

Candidemia acquired outside critical care or hematological areas has received much attention in recent years; however, data on candidemia in surgical departments are very scarce. Our objectives were to describe episodes of candidemia diagnosed in surgical wards and to compare them with episodes occurring in medical wards. We performed a post hoc analysis of a prospective, multicenter study implemented in Spain during 2010–2011 (CANDIPOP project). Of the 752 episodes of candidemia, 369 (49.1%) occurred in patients admitted to surgical wards (165, 21.9%) or medical wards (204, 27.2%). Clinical characteristics associated with surgical patients were solid tumor as underlying disease, recent surgery, indwelling CVC, and parenteral nutrition. Candidemia was more commonly related to a CVC in the surgical than in the medical wards. The CVC was removed more frequently and early management was more appropriate within 48 hours of blood sampling in the surgical patients. Overall, 30-day mortality in the surgical departments was significantly lower than in medical wards (37.7% vs. 15.8%, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed admission to a surgical ward and appropriate early management of candidemia as factors independently associated with a better outcome. We found that approximately 50% of episodes of candidemia occurred in non-hematological patients outside the ICU and that clinical outcome was better in patients admitted to surgical wards than in those hospitalized in medical wards. These findings can be explained by the lower severity of underlying disease, prompt administration of antifungal therapy, and central venous catheter removal.

Impact of fluconazole susceptibility on the outcome of patients with candidaemia: data from a population-based surveillance

OBJECTIVES

The clinical correlation of fluconazole antifungal susceptibility testing (AST) for Candida isolates and its integration with pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) parameters is unclear. We analysed the impact of fluconazole minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, 24-hour area under the concentration-time curve (AUC₂₄) and AUC₂₄/MIC ratio on the outcome of candidemic patients.

METHODS

We included 257 episodes of candidaemia treated with fluconazole monotherapy for ≥72 hours from a population-based surveillance conducted in 29 hospitals (CANDIPOP Project). AST was centrally performed by European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) microdilution methods. Primary outcome was clinical failure (30-day mortality and/or persistent candidaemia for ≥72 hours from initiation of therapy). Secondary outcomes included early (3-7 days) and late (3-30 days) mortality.

RESULTS

Rates of clinical failure, early and late mortality among evaluable episodes were 32.3% (80/248), 3.1% (8/257) and 23.4% (59/248). There was no relationship between fluconazole MIC values or PK/PD parameters and clinical failure. Although MIC values ≥2 mg/L by EUCAST (positive predictive value 32.1%, negative predictive value 68.7%) and ≥0.5 mg/L by CLSI (positive predictive value 34.8%, negative predictive value 74.4%) appeared to be optimal for predicting clinical failure, no significant associations remained after multivariate adjustment (odds ratio 1.67; 95% confidence interval 0.48-5.79; p 0.423). Lack of association was consistent for alternative thresholds (including proposed clinical breakpoints). The only association found for secondary outcomes was between an AUC₂₄/MIC ratio >400 h by CLSI and early mortality (odds ratio 0.18; 95% confidence interval 0.04-0.98; p 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

High fluconazole MIC values did not negatively impact outcome of patients with candidaemia treated with fluconazole. No effect of PK/PD targets on the risk of clinical failure was found.

Daptomycin plus fosfomycin versus daptomycin monotherapy in treating MRSA: protocol of a multicentre, randomised, phase III trial

INTRODUCTION

Despite the availability of new antibiotics such as daptomycin, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteraemia continues to be associated with high clinical failure rates. Combination therapy has been proposed as an alternative to improve outcomes but there is a lack of clinical studies. The study aims to demonstrate that combination of daptomycin plus fosfomycin achieves higher clinical success rates in the treatment of MRSA bacteraemia than daptomycin alone.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A multicentre open-label, randomised phase III study. Adult patients hospitalised with MRSA bacteraemia will be randomly assigned (1:1) to group 1: daptomycin 10 mg/kg/24 h intravenous; or group 2: daptomycin 10 mg/kg/24 h intravenous plus fosfomycin 2 gr/6 g intravenous. The main outcome will be treatment response at week 6 after stopping therapy (test-of-cure (TOC) visit). This is a composite variable with two values: Treatment success: resolution of clinical signs and symptoms (clinical success) and negative blood cultures (microbiological success) at the TOC visit. Treatment failure: if any of the following conditions apply: (1) lack of clinical improvement at 72 h or more after starting therapy; (2) persistent bacteraemia (positive blood cultures on day 7); (3) therapy is discontinued early due to adverse effects or for some other reason based on clinical judgement; (4) relapse of MRSA bacteraemia before the TOC visit; (5) death for any reason before the TOC visit. Assuming a 60% cure rate with daptomycin and a 20% difference in cure rates between the two groups, 103 patients will be needed for each group (α:0.05, ß: 0.2). Statistical analysis will be based on intention to treat, as well as per protocol and safety analysis.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol was approved by the Spanish Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (AEMPS). The sponsor commits itself to publishing the data in first quartile peer-review journals within 12 months of the completion of the study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01898338.

Epidemiology and outcome of candidaemia in patients with oncological and haematological malignancies: results from a population-based surveillance in Spain

A prospective, population-based surveillance on candidaemia was implemented in five metropolitan areas of Spain from May 2010 to April 2011. We aimed to describe the distribution and susceptibility pattern of Candida species, and to evaluate risk factors for mortality in patients with oncological (solid tumours) and haematological malignancies. Adults (≥ 16 years) with cancer were included in the present report. Impact of therapeutic strategies on 7- and 30-day mortality were analysed by logistic regression, adjusting for propensity score by inverse weighting probability of receiving early antifungal treatment and catheter removal. We included 238 (32.6%) patients (195 oncological, 43 haematological). Compared with oncological patients, haematological patients were more likely to have received chemotherapy (53.5% versus 17.4%, p < 0.001) or corticosteroids (41.9% versus 21%, p < 0.001), and have neutropenia (44.2% versus 1.5%, p < 0.001). Overall, 14.8% of patients developed breakthrough candidaemia. Non-albicans Candida species (71.1% versus 55.6%, p 0.056) and Candida tropicalis (22.2% versus 7.6%, p 0.011) were more frequent in haematological patients. Based on EUCAST breakpoints, 27.6% of Candida isolates were non-susceptible to fluconazole. Resistance to echinocandins was negligible. Mortality at 7 and 30 days was 12.2% and 31.5%, respectively, and did not differ significantly between the patient groups. Prompt antifungal therapy together with catheter removal (≤ 48 hours) was associated with lower mortality at 7 days (adjusted OR 0.05; 95% CI 0.01-0.42) and 30 days (adjusted OR 0.27; 95% CI 0.16-0.46). In conclusion, non-albicans species are emerging as the predominant isolates, particularly in haematological patients. Prompt, adequate antifungal treatment plus catheter removal may lead to a reduction in mortality.

Epidemiology and predictive factors for early and late mortality in Candida bloodstream infections: a population-based surveillance in Spain

A prospective, multicentre, population-based surveillance programme for Candida bloodstream infections was implemented in five metropolitan areas of Spain to determine its incidence and the prevalence of antifungal resistance, and to identify predictors of death. Between May 2010 and April 2011, Candida isolates were centralized to a reference laboratory for species identification by DNA sequencing and for susceptibility testing by EUCAST reference procedure. Prognostic factors associated with early (0-7 days) and late (8-30 days) death were analysed using logistic regression modelling. We detected 773 episodes: annual incidence of 8.1 cases/100 000 inhabitants, 0.89/1000 admissions and 1.36/10 000 patient-days. Highest incidence was found in infants younger than 1 year (96.4/100 000 inhabitants). Candida albicans was the predominant species (45.4%), followed by Candida parapsilosis (24.9%), Candida glabrata (13.4%) and Candida tropicalis (7.7%). Overall, 79% of Candida isolates were susceptible to fluconazole. Cumulative mortality at 7 and 30 days after the first episode of candidaemia was 12.8% and 30.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that therapeutic measures within the first 48 h may improve early mortality: antifungal treatment (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.27-0.95) and central venous catheter removal (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.87). Predictors of late death included host factors (e.g. patients' comorbid status and signs of organ dysfunction), primary source (OR 1.63, 95% CI 1.03-2.61), and severe sepsis or septic shock (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.05-3.00). In Spain, the proportion of Candida isolates non-susceptible to fluconazole is higher than in previous reports. Early mortality may be improved with strict adherence to guidelines.