Acute intoxication following massive bupropion sniffing: A case report

Bupropion intranasal misuse potential should be considered in the suspect of sympathomimetic syndrome for illicit drug or medication intoxication. A 31-year-old man was admitted for intranasal misuse of 30 crushed tablets of bupropion with adrenergic mild presentation. Lorazepam infusion was started with complete clinical resolution. Further forensic investigations detected a bupropion serum and urine concentration levels at 18 hours from intake of 1905.26 ng/mL and 2001.57 ng/mL, respectively. This case of intranasal bupropion misuse shared only some features with oral overdose, despite a plasma concentration five times higher than the lowest toxic level. Nasal bupropion snorting in chronic users could have lower toxicity compared to other snorted stimulants but symptomatic treatment remains the gold standard for preventing complications. Bupropion misuse might rapidly become a concerning issue and monitoring by healthcare professionals is needed.

Changes in choroidal vascular structure from vitreoretinal lymphoma and the intraocular cytokine level associated with clinical resolution after intravitreal methotrexate treatment

Purpose To evaluate changes in choroidal vascular structure and aqueous cytokine levels in eyes with vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) after intravitreal methotrexate (MTX) treatment. Methods In this retrospective study, VRL patients who visited our hospital between October 2018 and July 2020 were reviewed. Aqueous samples were obtained before treatment and at clinical resolution after intravitreal MTX therapy. Interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 levels and the IL-10-to-IL-6 ratio were evaluated. Swept-source optical coherence tomographic images were obtained along with the aqueous samples. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), total vascular area of the choroid (TCA), stromal area (SA), luminal area (LA), and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) were assessed. Results Twelve patients were enrolled (female:male—5:7). The mean age (± standard deviation) at diagnosis was 60.9±8.5 years. In the 16 eyes diagnosed with VRL, values of SFCT, TCA, LA, and SA significantly decreased after treatment (all p-values <0.05). Additionally, the aqueous cytokine IL-10 level and IL-10-to-IL-6 ratio were significantly decreased (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively). The choroidal structure in the non-treated fellow eyes did not show any significant difference. There were no further changes in SFCT, TCA, LA, or CVI that occurred during maintenance therapy. For clinical remission, the patients received 7.7±5.5 intravitreal MTX injections. The required number of injections for clinical remission was positively correlated with best-corrected visual acuity, IL-10, and IL-6 levels in the active phase (p = 0.035, p = 0.009, and p = 0.031, respectively). Conclusion Eyes with active VRL exhibited choroidal thickening with increased vascular and stromal areas that decreased after remission following MTX treatment. Higher aqueous IL-10 and IL-6 levels and lower visual acuity in the active phase may indicate the number of injections required for remission; this should be considered in the treatment of patients with VRL.

325. Empiric Antibiotics for COVID-19 and the Utility of Procalcitonin

Background Bacterial coinfection in COVID-19 is infrequent, yet empiric antibiotic use is common. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of empiric antibiotics on time to resolution of COVID-19 pneumonia, elucidate the impact of COVID-19 on procalcitonin levels, and determine the incidence of respiratory bacterial coinfection. Methods This was a retrospective study of adult patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between June 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. Patients were included if they had at least one procalcitonin level. They were excluded if admitted to an intensive care unit within 24 hours of presentation or received antibiotics for an indication besides pneumonia. Patients were stratified into 4 groups based on procalcitonin level and receipt of antibiotics. The primary outcome was time to clinical resolution of pneumonia. A key secondary outcome was incidence of confirmed respiratory bacterial coinfection. Results A total of 199 patients were included. Patients with a procalcitonin greater than 0.25 ng/mL who received antibiotics had a longer median time to clinical resolution of pneumonia, 8 days (95% CI, 4 to 11 days) vs. 3 or 4 days in other groups (P&lt; 0.001). Additionally, this same group required greater baseline oxygen supplementation, had more comorbidities, and increased mortality compared to all other groups. Median time to clinical resolution of pneumonia was also longer in patients who received antibiotics compared to those who did not (5 vs. 4 days, P=0.017) and in those with a procalcitonin greater than 0.25 ng/mL compared to those with PCT less than or equal to 0.25 ng/mL (7 vs. 4 days, P&lt; 0.001). Renal dysfunction was more prevalent in patients with an elevated procalcitonin (45% vs. 17.5%). The overall incidence of confirmed respiratory bacterial coinfection was 1.5%. Conclusion Irrespective of procalcitonin level, empiric antibiotics were not associated with a shorter time to resolution of COVID-19 pneumonia in non-critically ill patients. Elevated procalcitonin is likely a reflection of the severity of COVID-19 disease and baseline renal function rather than bacterial infection. Additionally, the overall incidence of confirmed bacterial coinfection in non-critically ill patients hospitalized with COVID-19 was low. Disclosures Kiya D. Mohadjer, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP, Eli Lilly and Company (Shareholder)Gilead Sciences (Shareholder)

1291. PROVE (Retrospective Cefiderocol Chart Review) Study of Real-World Outcomes and Safety in the Treatment of Patients with Gram-negative Bacterial Infections in the US and Europe

Background Gram-negative bacterial resistance is a global health problem. Limited treatment options exist, especially for carbapenem resistant (CR) pathogens containing metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) and multidrug resistant non-lactose fermenting bacteria. Cefiderocol (CFDC) retains activity against resistant strains. We describe the objectives, design, and early results of PROVE, a real world retrospective study of CFDC use. Methods PROVE is a multi-center, chart review study of CFDC use for resistant Gram-negative infections (GNI). Cases were eligible if they received ≥ 72 hrs of CFDC. Demographics, comorbidity, pathogen, infection site, and treatment course were assessed. Outcomes included all-cause 14-day and inpatient mortality and length of stay (LOS). Clinical resolution was defined by documentation that clinical signs and/or symptoms had resolved or improved without relapse. Results 24 patients who were treated with CFDC at 2 sites were included to date. Median age was 48 years (Range: 19 - 69 years); 33% were female. The most common comorbidity was diabetes (n=7, 29%). Median total ICU LOS was 36 days. Targeted treatment of documented GNI without preceding failure of prior therapy accounted for 71% of CFDC use. Empirical and salvage treatments accounted for 4% and 25% respectively (Table 1). Median time from admission to 1st CFDC dose was 21 days. Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounted for &gt; 75% of isolates (Fig.1). 92% of patients had CR isolates; &gt; 50% were respiratory. Sensitivity to CFDC was tested in 58% of which 71% were sensitive. All-cause 14-day post-CFDC mortality was 13% (95% CI: 2, 27) and overall hospital mortality 25% (95% CI: 6, 44). Clinical resolution was reached in 54% (95% CI: 33, 76). Median post-CFDC LOS was 40 days. Outcomes were stratified by key covariates (Table 2). Conclusion We present initial data for real world use of CFDC for resistant GNI. Patients were complex with multiple comorbidities, some hospitalized for long periods before their index GNI. Outcomes largely reflect this patient population. Additional data are needed to determine the optimal role of CFDC. PROVE offers an opportunity to see how CFDC is being utilized in various settings as well as a first look at key, real world outcomes. Disclosures Stephen Marcella, MD, MPH, Shionogi, Inc (Employee) Steven Smoke, PharmD, Karius (Advisor or Review Panel member)Shionogi (Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member) Ryan K. Shields, PharmD, MS, Shionogi (Consultant, Research Grant or Support) David van Duin, MD, PhD, Entasis (Advisor or Review Panel member)genentech (Advisor or Review Panel member)Karius (Advisor or Review Panel member)Merck (Grant/Research Support, Advisor or Review Panel member)Pfizer (Consultant, Advisor or Review Panel member)Qpex (Advisor or Review Panel member)Shionogi (Grant/Research Support, Scientific Research Study Investigator, Advisor or Review Panel member)Utility (Advisor or Review Panel member)

Clinical Outcomes with Ertapenem for Pneumonia in Obese versus Non-obese Patients

The objective of this study was to compare the rate of pneumonia resolution in obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ) and non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m 2 ) patients treated with ertapenem one gram daily. This was a retrospective cohort study evaluating patients treated at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center between January 1, 2015 and August 31, 2020. Patients were included if they were between 18 and 89 years old and received ertapenem for at least 48 hours for pneumonia. Patients were excluded if pregnant, incarcerated, had renal impairment, received antibiotics with gram-negative activity for a significant period prior to or in addition to ertapenem, and patients with other concomitant deep-seated infections. The primary outcome of clinical resolution was defined as meeting any of three criteria in order of evaluation: discontinuation of antibiotics by day 8 of therapy, afebrile while on ertapenem in addition to a decrease in white blood cell count, or improvement on chest radiograph at day 7 of therapy. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between obesity and clinical resolution, while adjusting for proven confounders. There were 76 non-obese and 65 obese patients included. The median patient BMI was 23.7 kg/m 2 (21.0-26.9) and 35.0 kg/m 2 (32.8-39.8) for the non-obese and obese cohorts, respectively. Clinical resolution was achieved in 78% (59/76) of non-obese and 75% (49/65) of obese patients (p=0.75) without an observed difference in the regression model. Outcomes were similar in obese and non-obese patients treated with ertapenem one gram daily for pneumonia.

Use of Autologous Leucocyte- and Platelet-Rich Plasma (L-PRP) in the Treatment of Aural Hematoma in Dogs

Leukocyte- and platelet-rich plasma (L-PRP) can accelerate the healing process by providing increased concentrations of platelet-derived growth factors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of L-PRP in the treatment of canine aural hematomas associated with otitis externa. Twenty mL of citrated whole blood was collected from each of the 17 dogs included and autologous L-PRP was produced. The aural hematoma was drained and 0.5–1 mL of L-PRP was injected. The dogs were examined weekly until 7 days after complete clinical healing. A final clinical follow-up was performed 6 weeks after the first treatment with L-PRP. If there was recurrence of the aural hematoma at the first follow-up, the treatment was repeated. In total, 2/17 cases were lost after the first follow-up. In 5/17 dogs, a short-term recurrence occurred. In 12/15 cases, complete clinical resolution was achieved with a single L-PRP application (Group A1) and in 3/15 with two treatments (Group A2). The mean time to complete clinical resolution was 16 ± 8.7 days (A1) and 23.3 ± 4 days (A2), respectively. No side effects were reported. The in situ administration of autologous L-PRP resulted in a complete resolution of the aural hematoma in all dogs that completed the clinical trial.

Toxic Keratoconjunctivitis from Coral Reef

A 25-year-old woman presented with right eye pain, lid edema, conjunctival injection and chemosis, and mild corneal epitheliopathy after exposure to fluid content from an aquarium coral reef. Topical moxifloxacin and prednisolone were started 4 times daily, with full clinical resolution after 2 weeks. Toxin-mediated keratoconjunctivitis may occur after exposure to zoanthid coral reef, particularly in aquarium enthusiasts. Topical corticosteroids in tandem with topical antibiotics appear to be effective in mild disease. However, in severe cases that exhibit corneal infiltrates and stromal thinning, close observation is warranted in case of possible keratolysis.

Chronic Otitis in Cats: Clinical management of primary, predisposing and perpetuating factors

Practical relevance: Chronic otitis can be one of the most frustrating diseases to manage for a small animal practitioner. While it occurs less commonly in the cat than the dog, it is no less challenging. The purpose of this review is to discuss the common and uncommon causes of chronic otitis in the cat within the clinical framework used for diagnosis and treatment. The focus is on diseases that affect the ear canal, rather than those restricted to the pinnae. Clinical challenges: Otitis is multifactorial, which complicates management. A common clinical mistake is to focus solely on treating the infection present. Only by addressing all factors will a clinician successfully control chronic otitis. For the purposes of this review, the authors have adopted the established model of separating primary, predisposing and perpetuating causes of otitis. Primary factors are those that directly cause otitis (inflammation); predisposing factors are those that put the patient at risk for development of otitis; and perpetuating factors are those that result in ongoing clinical signs of otitis or that prevent clinical resolution. Audience: This review is aimed at veterinarians who treat cats and particularly those with an interest in feline dermatology and otology. Equipment: While many practitioners rely on a hand-held otoscope, a video-otoscope can be very helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic otitis. Evidence base: This review presents up-to-date information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of chronic otitis in cats, with emphasis on the most recent peer-reviewed literature.