Abstract
Background
Understanding outpatient antibiotic prescribing practices for urinary tract infections (UTIs) is vital in guiding future stewardship initiatives. Focusing on fluoroquinolones (FQs) is of value as FQs are commonly prescribed, but not recommended as first line therapy by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) cystitis treatment guidelines and are also associated with multiple adverse effects. Boxed warnings state FQs should be reserved for patients with no alternative treatment options, due to risk of aortic dissection, C. difficile infection, antimicrobial resistance as well as tendon, joint, muscle, and nervous system damage.
Methods
This descriptive study assessed rates of guideline concordant empiric FQ prescribing from March 1 to June 30, 2019. Adult women prescribed an oral FQ for acute uncomplicated cystitis at a primary care clinic were included. Men, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and patients with pyelonephritis, urologic abnormality, or antibiotic use in the past 30 days were excluded. The primary outcome was the incidence of IDSA guideline concordance among FQs empirically prescribed. Guideline concordant empiric FQ therapy was defined as correct drug, dose, duration and frequency per IDSA guidelines when no first line drug is indicated due to allergy, adverse effect, previous treatment failure or most recent previous urine culture showing bacterial resistance. Secondary outcomes were mean dose (mg), mean duration (days) and incidence of adverse effects.
Results
Of 95 FQ prescriptions included, none met the primary outcome definition. Rates of guideline concordance for each component of the primary outcome definition were 6% for drug selection, 38% for dose, 37% for duration, and 99% for frequency. Mean daily doses exceeded guideline recommended doses by 62% and 100% for ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, respectively. Mean duration was 5 days, 66% longer than 3 days as recommended by IDSA guidelines. Of 66 patients with documented follow up within 30 days, 3 (5%) experienced an adverse effect, and none developed C. difficile infection.
Conclusion
Current outpatient FQ prescribing for acute uncomplicated cystitis does not align with IDSA guidelines. Multifaceted antimicrobial stewardship initiatives are required to improve appropriate FQ use.
Disclosures
All Authors: No reported disclosures
Susceptibility to First-Line Antimicrobials Among Escherichia coli and Other Uropathogens Collected From Acute Uncomplicated Cystitis in Seattle, 1998–2014
