Stability of Antimicrobials in Elastomeric Pumps: A Systematic Review

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAThttp) programs have become an important healthcare tool around the world. Portable elastomeric infusion pumps are functional devices for ambulatory delivery of antimicrobial drugs, and their stability is an essential point to guarantee an appropriate infusion administration. We conducted a systematic review to provide a synthesis and a critical evaluation of the current evidence regarding antimicrobial stability in elastomeric pumps. Data sources were PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Sciences. The review protocol was registered on the Center for Open Science, and it was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were eligible if the aim was the evaluation of the physicochemical stability of an antimicrobial agent stored in an elastomeric device. Of the 613 papers identified, 33 met the inclusion criteria. The most studied group of antimicrobials was penicillins, followed by cephalosporins and carbapenems. In general, the stability results of the antimicrobials that have been studied in more than one article agree with each other, with the exception of ampicillin, flucloxacillin, and ceftazidime. The antibiotics that displayed a longer stability were glycopeptides and clindamycin. Regarding the stability of antifungals and antivirals, only caspofungin, voriconazole, and ganciclovir have been investigated. The information provided in this article should be considered in patient treatments within the OPAT setting. Further stability studies are needed to confirm the appropriate use of the antimicrobials included in this program to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Risk Factors For Readmission Among Patients Receiving Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy; A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: In the Netherlands, home treatment with intravenous antimicrobial therapy is a relatively new concept. Although several studies have shown that outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) can be administered safely, people receiving antimicrobials at home remain at risk for adverse events, including readmission.Objectives: The aim of our retrospective study is to identify risk factors for readmission in patients discharged with OPAT.Method: Retrospective cohort study during a period of January 2016 - December 2018. Patients, age > 18 years, discharged with OPAT were included. Variables collected consisted of baseline demographics, complications, readmission within 30 days and treatment failure. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for readmission.Results: A total of 247 patients were included; the most common reason for OPAT was bone and joint infections (17%). Penicillin (37%), cephalosporin (26%) and vancomycin/aminoglycoside (15%) were the most commonly prescribed antimicrobials. Among the patients receiving medication subject to therapeutic drug monitoring (i.e. aminoglycosides or vancomycin), 51% (19/37) received weekly therapeutic drug monitoring. Receiving aminoglycosides or vancomycin (adjusted OR: 2.05; 95% CI, 1.30-3.25, p<0.05) and infection of prosthetic material (adjusted OR: 2.92, 95% CI, 1.11-7.65, p<0.05) were independent risk factors for readmission. Conclusion: Although patients receiving medication subject to therapeutic drug monitoring are at higher risk of readmission, only half of the patients discharged with aminoglycosides or vancomycin were monitored according to IDSA guidelines. A specialized team in charge of monitoring OPAT-patients is likely to increase the rate of monitoring to prevent readmissions and complications.

A case series of infectious complications in medical tourists requiring hospital admission or outpatient home parenteral therapy

BACKGROUND: Travelling for medical care is increasing, and this medical tourism (MT) may have complications, notably infectious diseases (ID). We sought to identify MT-related infections (MTRIs) in a large Canadian health region and estimate resulting costs. METHODS: Retrospective and prospective capture of post-MT cases requiring hospital admission or outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy was completed by canvassing ID physicians practicing in Calgary, Alberta, from January 2017 to July 2019. Cost estimates for management were made with the Canadian Institute for Health Information’s (CIHI’s) patient cost estimator database tool applied to estimated rates of Canadians engaging in MT from a 2017 Fraser Institute report. RESULTS: We identified 12 cases of MT-related infectious syndromes. Eight had microbial aetiologies identified. MTs were young (mean = 40.3 y, SD = 12.2) and female ( n = 11) and pursued surgical treatment ( n = 11). Destination countries and surgical procedures varied but were largely cosmetic ( n = 5) and orthopaedic ( n = 3). Duration to organism identification (mean = 5.3 wk) and treatment courses (mean = 19 wk) appeared lengthy. CIHI cost estimates for management of relevant infectious complications of our cases ranged from $6,288 to $20,741, with total cost for cases with matching codes ( n = 8) totalling $94,290. CONCLUSIONS: In our series of MTRIs, etiologic organisms often found in Canadian-performed post-procedural infections were identified, and prolonged treatment durations were noted. Young women pursuing cosmetic surgery may be a population to target with public health measures to reduce the incidence of MTRIs and burden of disease.

Risk Factors Associated With Nephrotoxicity During Outpatient Intravenous Vancomycin Administration

Background: Many studies have described an association between intravenous vancomycin and nephrotoxicity; however, the majority have evaluated incidence and risk factors among hospitalized patients. Outpatient administration of intravenous antibiotics is a growing practice and presents its own set of unique challenges. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity in the outpatient setting. Methods: A case-control study of patients who received intravenous vancomycin through an Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) program was conducted. Patients were identified who developed an acute kidney injury (AKI) during treatment. The primary outcome was the incidence of AKI during treatment. Results: A total of 37 out of 130 patients (28.5%) met the criteria for AKI. AKI was more likely to occur in patients with a longer duration of therapy, higher maximum trough concentration, co-administration of a fluoroquinolone or metronidazole, and those who received another potentially nephrotoxic medication. Co-administration of a fluoroquinolone (OR = 5.96, P = 0.009, [CI: 1.59, 24.38]), any nephrotoxic medication (OR = 11.17, P < 0.001, [CI 3.14, 51.23]), and a higher maximum vancomycin trough (OR = 1.29, P < 0.001, [CI 1.17, 1.44]) were all indicative of a higher odds of an AKI. Conclusion: In this cohort, vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity was common during outpatient intravenous antibiotic therapy. Co-administration of a fluoroquinolone, any nephrotoxic medication, and a higher maximum vancomycin trough were associated with AKI development. Further study is needed to determine how this impacts long-term clinical outcomes and what measures can be taken to reduce nephrotoxicity risk.

622. Evaluation of Vascular Access Device Selection in Patients Discharged on Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy

Background Selection of a vascular access device (VAD) is an important consideration for patients receiving outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT). Midline catheters (MC) and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are the most commonly placed VADs, with the former recommended by national guidelines to be used for durations no longer than two weeks. These recommendations, however, are based on limited data from heterogeneous populations. As such, we aim to further characterize VAD-associated complications specifically in patients receiving antimicrobials. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included adult patients discharged on OPAT with a newly inserted MC or PICC between January 2020 and August 2020. Patients with non-OPAT VAD indications were excluded. The primary outcome was the incidence of VAD-associated complications, which was further assessed by type and severity. The secondary outcome was time to complication. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to assess the association between VAD type and incidence of VAD-associated complications. Results A total of 190 encounters from 181 patients were included for analysis. Baseline demographics are detailed in Table 1. Despite a higher number of complications in the PICC group, rates per 1000 VAD days were not significantly different between VAD types (Table 2). Median time to first complication was 17 days in the overall cohort. Multivariable regression analysis showed those with a dermatologic history had a four-fold increased risk for VAD-associated complications (Table 3). VAD type was not independently associated with the risk of developing a complication. Conclusion Our results suggest that the development of VAD-associated complications was strongly associated with patients’ dermatologic history. To our knowledge, dermatologic history has not been previously identified as a risk factor for VAD-associated complications. Thorough assessment of patient-specific risk factors can inform optimal VAD selection for patients discharged on OPAT. Further studies are needed to assess the safety of MC for extended OPAT use. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures