Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder in pregnancy and the postpartum period

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder that frequently persists into adulthood, with 3% of adult women having a diagnosis of ADHD. Many women are diagnosed and treated during their reproductive years, resulting in management implications across pregnancy and postpartum. We know from clinical practice that ADHD symptoms frequently become challenging to manage during the perinatal period, requiring additional support and attention. There is often uncertainty among healthcare providers regarding the management of ADHD in the perinatal period, particularly the safety of pharmacotherapy for the developing fetus. This guideline is focused on best practices in managing ADHD in the perinatal period. We recommend: 1) mitigation of risks associated with ADHD worsening during the perinatal period via individualized treatment planning; 2) delivery of psychoeducation, self-management strategies/coaching, and psychotherapies; and, for those with moderate/severe ADHD, 3) consideration of ADHD pharmacotherapy, which has largely reassuring safety data. Specifically, providers should work collaboratively with patients and their support networks to balance the risks of perinatal ADHD medication with the risks of inadequately treated ADHD in pregnancy. The risks and impacts of ADHD in pregnancy can be successfully managed through preconception counselling and appropriate perinatal planning, management, and support.

Empiric antibiotics for peripartum bacteremia: A chart review from a quaternary Canadian centre

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of empiric antibiotic protocols for peripartum bacteremia at a quaternary institution by describing incidence, microbial epidemiology, clinical source of infection, susceptibility patterns, and maternal and neonatal outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of peripartum patients with positive blood cultures between 2010 and 2018.

RESULTS

The incidence of peripartum bacteremia was 0.3%. The most cultured organisms were Escherichia coli (51, 26.7%), Streptococcus spp. (52, 27.2%), and anaerobic spp. (35, 18.3%). Of the E. coli cases, 54.9% (28), 19.6% (10), and 19.6% (10) were resistant to ampicillin, first- and third-generation cephalosporins, respectively. Clinical sources of infection included intra-amniotic infection/endometritis (115, 67.6%), upper and/or lower urinary tract infection (23, 13.5%), and soft tissue infection (8, 4.7%). Appropriate empiric antibiotics were prescribed in 137 (83.0%) cases. There were 7 ICU admissions (4.2%), 18 pregnancy losses (9.9%), 9 neonatal deaths (5.5%), and 6 cases of neonatal bacteremia (3.7%).

CONCLUSION

Peripartum bacteremia remains uncommon but associated with maternal morbidity and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Current empiric antimicrobial protocols at our site remain appropriate, but continuous monitoring of antimicrobial resistance patterns is critical given the presence of pathogens resistant to first-line antibiotics.

Establishing obstetrics-specific metrics and interventions for antimicrobial stewardship

Background

To describe baseline antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) metrics and apply AMS interventions in an inpatient obstetrical population.

Methods

From October 2018 to October 2019, our tertiary-care obstetrical center reviewed components of our AMS program, which included: (1) antimicrobial consumption data, (2) point prevalence surveys (PPS), and (3) prospective audit and feedback. We reviewed institutional data for antimicrobial consumption from the pharmacy database. Detailed point prevalence surveys were conducted for all antimicrobial prescriptions on two predefined dates each month. Daily audits and feedback assessed the appropriateness of all non-protocolized antimicrobials.

Results

Our average antimicrobial length of therapy (LOT) was 12 days per 100 patient-days, where erythromycin (2.33), amoxicillin (2.28), and ampicillin (1.81) were the greatest contributors. Point prevalence surveys revealed that 28.8% of obstetrical inpatients were on antimicrobials, of which 11.2% were inappropriate. Protocolized antimicrobials were 62% less likely (p = 0.027) to be inappropriate. From 565 audited prescriptions, 110 (19.5%) resulted in feedback, where 90% of recommendations were accepted and implemented. The most common reasons for interventions include incorrect dosage, recommending a diagnostic test before continuing antimicrobials, and changing antimicrobials based on specific culture and sensitivity.

Conclusions

Antimicrobial use in obstetrics is unique compared to general inpatients. We provide a baseline set of metrics for AMS at our obstetrical center intending to lay the groundwork for AMS programming in our discipline. Antimicrobial protocolization, as well as audit and feedback, are feasible interventions to improve antimicrobial prescribing patterns.

Perinatal Injectable Opioid Agonist Therapy (iOAT) Administration: A Case Series

OBJECTIVES

Untreated opioid use disorder (OUD) in pregnancy may lead to adverse outcomes for the individual and fetus. Injectable opioid agonist therapy (iOAT) is the highest intensity treatment for severe refractory OUD currently available; however, research on perinatal administration is limited. We present the first known case series of 13 pregnant or postpartum participants who received intravenous hydromorphone while admitted to the Families in Recovery (FIR) unit, an in-patient perinatal stabilization unit in Canada.

METHODS

Patients who received iOAT at FIR between 2019 and 2022 were invited to participate. Prospectively enrolled participants completed a self-report sociodemographics and exposures survey. Medical/social backgrounds of participants at admission, iOAT and other opioid agonist therapy administration, and health/social outcomes of mother and infant at discharge were collected on all participants via retrospective maternal and infant medical chart review.

RESULTS

Participants initiated iOAT while pregnant (n = 5) or postpartum (n = 8) and received iOAT for 23 days on average. At discharge, 8 participants underwent planned transition to community with infant in their care and a discharge plan including outpatient prescriptions, housing arrangements, follow-up appointments, and supportive programming. All infants received oral morphine after delivery and were discharged in good health.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first known case series of iOAT administration in the peripartum. The cases illustrate iOAT as an option that can achieve OUD stabilization in perinatal individuals to support patient engagement and retention in care.

Penicillin de-labelling in vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: comparison of approaches, outcomes and future directions

BACKGROUND

Inaccurate penicillin allergy labels lead to inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions and harmful patient consequences. System-wide efforts are needed to remove incorrect penicillin allergy labels, but more health services research is required on how to best deliver these services.

METHODS

Data was extracted from five hospitals in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada from October 2018-May 2022. The primary outcomes of this study were to outline de-labelling protocol designs, identify the roles of various healthcare professionals in de-labelling protocols and identify rates of de-labelling penicillin allergies and associated adverse events at various institutions. Our secondary outcome was to describe de-labelling rates for special populations, including pediatric, obstetric and immunocompromised subpopulations. To achieve these outcomes, participating institutions provided their de-labelling protocol designs and data on program participants. Protocols were then compared to find common themes and differences. Furthermore, adverse events were reviewed and percentages of patients de-labelled at each institution and in total were calculated.

RESULTS

Protocols demonstrated a high level of variability, including different methods of participant identification, risk-stratification and roles of providers. All protocols used oral and direct oral challenges, heavily involved pharmacists and had physician oversight. Despite the differences, of the 711 patients enrolled in all programs, 697 (98.0%) were de-labelled. There were 9 adverse events (1.3%) with oral challenges with mainly minor symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrates that de-labelling programs effectively and safely remove penicillin allergy labels, including pediatric, obstetric and immunocompromised patients. Consistent with current literature, most patients with a penicillin allergy label are not allergic. De-labelling programs could benefit from increasing clinician engagement by increasing accessibility of resources to providers, including guidance for de-labelling of special populations.

Effectiveness of a neonatal intensive care unit-specific antimicrobial stewardship program: A ten-year review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the change in consumption of specific antibiotics in a neonatal intensive care unit after the implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study between January 1, 2010, and December 31,2019.

SETTING

The neonatal intensive care unit at British Columbia Women's Hospital (Vancouver Canada), a tertiary-care center.

PATIENTS

Admitted neonates prescribed antibiotics.

METHODS

We implemented an ASP with an early implementation phase starting in January 2014 (period 2) and a later phase starting in January 2017 (period 3). Patient demographics were collected, including birth weight, gestational age, history of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and surgical operations from existing databases. Interrupted time-series analysis was used, and comparison of antibiotic days of therapy (DOT) averages were conducted across the preimplementation period (period 1), period 2, and period 3 regarding total patients and subgroups.

RESULTS

We identified 4,512 infants. There was a significant decrease in DOT from 472 (95% confidence interval [CI], 431-517) in period 1 to 405 (95% CI, 367-446) in period 2 to 313 (95% CI, 280-350) in period 3. We detected a significant decrease in the use of ampicillin, aminoglycosides, cloxacillin, and linezolid but not in vancomycin or cefotaxime. Subgroup analyses of infants <1,500 g and those without NEC or surgery showed decreases in the use of cloxacillin, aminoglycosides, and linezolid.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of an ASP was associated with a significant decrease in the overall DOT and use of certain antibiotics. This study presents important targets for ongoing ASP work.

Development of a national neonatal intensive care unit-specific antimicrobial stewardship programme in Canada: protocol for a cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Early empiric treatment with broad-spectrum antimicrobials is common in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) due to the non-specific clinical presentation of infection. However, excessive and inappropriate antimicrobial use can lead to the emergence of drug-resistant organisms and adverse neonatal outcomes. This study aims to develop and implement a nationwide NICU-specific antimicrobial stewardship programme (ASP) to promote judicious antimicrobial use and control the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in Canada.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Our study population will include all very low-birth-weight neonates admitted to participating tertiary NICU in Canada. Based on the existing limited literature, we will develop consensus on NICU antimicrobial stewardship interventions to enhance best practices. Using an expanded Canadian Neonatal Network (CNN) platform, we will collect data on antimicrobial use and the susceptibility of organisms identified in clinical samples from blood and cerebrospinal fluid over a period of 2 years. These data will be used to provide all NICU stakeholders with benchmarked centre-adjusted antimicrobial use and MDRO prevalence reports. An ASP plan will be developed at both individual unit and national levels in the subsequent years. Knowledge translation strategies will be implemented through the well-established Evidence-based Practice for Improving Quality methodology.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics for the study has been granted by the University of British Columbia Children's & Women's Research Ethics Board (H19-02490) and supported by CNN Executive Committee. The study results will be disseminated through national organisations and open access peer-reviewed publications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04388293.

Does probiotic bacteremia in premature infants impact clinically relevant outcomes? A case report and updated review of literature

Prophylactic use of probiotics decreases the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants. However, there are ongoing concerns related to the routine use of probiotics including inconsistent literature regarding optimal dose and strain, lack of regulatory standards in production and reports regarding potential side effects. There is limited data regarding the incidence of probiotic bacteremia and its impact on relevant clinical outcomes in the premature population. We report the first case of Bifidobacterium longum bacteremia in our center since the routine introduction of probiotics. The neonate had NEC with perforation on day of life 7, which likely led to translocation of the probiotic strain to the blood stream. The neonate did not have any hemodynamic instability and the repeat blood culture was negative after starting antibiotic therapy. We also conducted a literature review and found 13 other cases of probiotic bacteremia in premature or very low birth weight neonates. Although the incidence of probiotic bacteremia is low, it can impact several clinical outcomes including prolonged exposure to antibiotics, removal of central lines and additional laboratory testing such as lumbar puncture. There has been no mortality attributable to probiotic bacteremia and there is no data regarding long term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

2466. Evaluation of Immunization on the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at British Columbia Women’s Hospital

Background

Term and preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) should be immunized at the same chronological age and on the same schedule as healthy term infants, but are often under-immunized. Reasons for under-immunization in this population have not been well-defined. The aim of this study was to assess the immunization rates of hospitalized term and preterm infants in the NICU and examine reasons for under-immunization.

Methods

Pharmacy and NICU databases were utilized to determine the immunization rates of eligible babies admitted to the NICU between 2011 and 2015. A retrospective review of unimmunized infants was undertaken to identify barriers to timely immunization. Patient demographics and transfers to other hospitals were recorded. Reasons for the delay in immunization were evaluated by detailed review of the hospital medical record.

Results

Of the 3,261 babies admitted to the NICU during the study period, 534 (16%) were hospitalized at ≥8 weeks of age, when first immunizations are administered. Of these, 142 (27%) received no immunizations in hospital. Sixty-five medical records were reviewed in detail. Thirty of the 65 (46%) medical records did not document that immunizations were due. In 21 (32%) of the 65 cases, there was no clear reason for lack of immunization. Of the remaining cases, infants were not vaccinated for 1 or more reasons. Infants deemed too unwell, including recovery from surgery, seizures/encephalopathy, severe immunocompromise, or palliative care, was one of the reasons for lack of vaccination in 35 (54%) of the 65 cases, parental refusal of vaccinations in 8 (12%) of cases, and deferral to discharging hospital in 7 (11%) of cases.

Conclusion

Significant comorbidity appeared to be the major reason behind vaccination delays, with 27% of highly vulnerable infants unimmunized. Significant improvements are required to ensure these babies receive vaccines upon recovery from their illness, and to ensure absence of immunization is clearly documented upon hospital discharge.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

Lacosamide as adjunctive therapy in refractory epilepsy in adults: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To review the evidence for efficacy and safety of lacosamide in adult patients with refractory epilepsy and refractory status epilepticus (RSE).

METHODS

A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, IPA, Google and Google Scholar (through October 2014) was performed.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies assessing lacosamide in 3509 refractory epilepsy patients were included. In 3 RCTs, more patients had at least 50% reduction in seizure frequency with lacosamide compared to placebo with 38.3-41.1%, 38.1-41.2%, and 18.3-25.8%, in the 400 mg/day, 600 mg/day, and placebo groups, respectively. In non-comparative trials, 18-69% of patients achieved at least 50% reduction in seizure frequency, and 1.7-26.2% achieved seizure freedom. Non-responders were documented in two trials, with 26.2-34% having no response. Thirteen studies assessing lacosamide in 390 RSE patients were included. When assessing lacosamide's ability to terminate RSE, one comparative cohort study found no improvement in SE duration or seizure control with addition of lacosamide. Another study documented no difference compared to use of phenytoin. Eleven descriptive studies using lacosamide as add-on RSE therapy revealed seizure termination rates of 0-100% (median 64.7%). In all patients receiving lacosamide, dizziness (21.8%), vision disturbances (10.4%), drowsiness (7.4%), headache (7.0%), nausea (6.5%), and coordination problems (5.8%) were the most common adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Based on evidence to date, adjunctive lacosamide is a treatment option to reduce seizure frequency in patients with refractory epilepsy and terminate seizures in patients with RSE. The safety information summary can be used to advise patients of potential adverse effects.

Describing Intravenous Extravasation in Children (DIVE Study)

BACKGROUND

Extravasation, the inadvertent leakage of intravenous (IV) medication from the vein into the surrounding tissue, is a iatrogenic cause of patient injury. Extravasation has been reported to occur in 0.1% to 6.5% of hospital inpatients. The incidence may be higher among children because they have multiple risk factors, including small and fragile veins, decreased peripheral circulation, capillary leakage, and flexible subcutaneous tissue.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the incidence of extravasation at a pediatric tertiary care hospital, to identify the agents causing extravasation, and to describe the use of antidotes to manage identified cases. A secondary objective was to describe adverse drug effects associated with the antidotes administered.

METHODS

The medical records of pediatric patients with documented extravasation of an IV medication between January 1, 2006, and August 31, 2008, were analyzed retrospectively. The appropriateness of antidote use was determined in terms of adherence to the institution's protocol for treatment of extravasation.

RESULTS

A total of 42 patients had documented extravasation, for an overall incidence of 0.04% per patient-day. Of the 40 cases in which location was documented, 12 (30%) occurred on the general pediatric wards, 10 (25%) on the surgical ward, 9 (22%) in the neonatal intensive care unit, 5 (12%) in the pediatric intensive care unit, 3 (8%) in day care, and 1 (2%) in the emergency department. The most common medications involved were fluids for IV administration (18 [43%]), potassium chloride (11 [26%]), antibiotics (8 [19%]), total parenteral nutrition (8 [19%]), calcium chloride (2 [5%]), and epinephrine (2 [5%]). Multiple drugs were involved in some cases of extravasation. The decision to administer an antidote and the choice of antidote (if required) were appropriate in 50% of the cases. No adverse drug effects were reported with use of antidotes.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of extravasation was low. The medications most commonly involved were similar to those reported in the literature. Antidotes were well tolerated but were appropriately used in only half of the events. Prospective trials are needed to determine the clinical severity of injury and to assess the effectiveness and safety of antidotes.