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College of Pharmacy

News & Notes from Infectious Disease Program

 

Palmetto Health ASST (PHASST) published Impact of Penicillin Allergy on Empirical Carbapenem Use in Gram-Negative Bloodstream Infections: An Antimicrobial Stewardship Opportunity.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: 

Retrospective matched cohort study evaluating association between penicillin allergy and empirical carbapenem use in gram-negative bloodstream infections (BSI) and utility of antimicrobial stewardship interventions in reducing carbapenem utilization.

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Hana Rac published Time-Kill Analysis of Ceftolozane/Tazobactam Efficacy Against Mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains from Cystic Fibrosis Patients.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: 

Mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MP) strains in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are thought to initiate the chronic infection stage of CF and are associated with pulmonary function decline.

Julie Justo

Julie Ann Justo leads PHASST publication on: Combination versus monotherapy for gram-negative bloodstream infections: matching by predicted prognosis.

Abstract

The utility of empirical combination antimicrobial therapy for gram-negative bloodstream infections (BSI) remains unclear. This retrospective, quasi-experimental matched cohort study examined the impact of empirical combination therapy on mortality in patients with gram-negative BSI. Hospitalized adults with gram-negative BSI from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2013 at Palmetto Health Hospitals in Columbia, SC, USA were identified.

Brandon Bookstaver and colleagues publish Systematic review of antimicrobial lock therapy for prevention of central-line-associated bloodstream infections in adult and pediatric cancer patients.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: 

Central venous catheter (CVC) use is commonplace in cancer patients. Antimicrobial lock therapy (ALT), the instillation of a concentrated antimicrobial solution into the catheter lumen, is one method for preventing infection among CVCs. This systematic review discusses the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic ALT in cancer patients with CVCs.

Rachel Foster

Rachel Foster leads publication on pharmacists’ familiarity and assessment of rapid diagnostics in stewardship.  

Abstract

Rapid diagnostic technologies (RDTs) significantly reduce organism identification time and can augment antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) activities.