Background:Multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative infections are a substantial threat to patients and public health. Imipenem-cilastatin-relebactam (IMI/REL) is a β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor with expanded activity against MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales. This study aims to describe the patient characteristics, prescribing patterns, and clinical outcomes associated with IMI/REL. Methods:This was a retrospective, multicenter, observational study of patients ≥18 years old who received IMI/REL for ≥48 hours for a suspected or confirmed gram-negative infection. The primary outcome was clinical success, defined as improvement or resolution of infection-related signs or symptoms while receiving IMI/REL and the absence of 30-day microbiologic failure. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of clinical success. Results:The study included 151 patients from 24 US medical centers. IMI/REL was predominantly prescribed for lower respiratory tract infections, accounting for 52.3% of cases. Most patients were infected with a carbapenem-nonsusceptible pathogen (85.4%); P aeruginosa was frequently targeted (72.2%). Clinical success was achieved in 70.2% of patients. Heart failure, receipt of antibiotics within the past 90 days, intensive care unit admission at time of index culture collection, and isolation of difficult-to-treat resistant P aeruginosa were independently associated with a reduced odds of clinical success. Adverse events were reported in 6.0% of patients, leading to discontinuation of IMI/REL in 3 instances. Conclusions:This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the real-world effectiveness and safety of IMI/REL. Comparative studies and investigations of specific subgroups will further enhance our understanding of IMI/REL in treating MDR infections.

Abstract Background The escalating prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa presents a serious threat to patient care due to its limited treatment options. However, imipenem-cilastatin-relebactam (IMI/REL) is a promising beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combination with expanded activity against MDR P. aeruginosa. This study aimed to explore the patient characteristics, efficacy and safety of IMI/REL for treatment of infections due to P. aeruginosa.Table 1.Patient and infection characteristics. Methods This was a retrospective, observational, multicenter cohort study that included patients ≥ 18 years old who received IMI/REL for ≥ 48 hours for the treatment of an infection due to P. aeruginosa. The primary outcome was clinical success, defined as the resolution of or improvement in infectious signs and symptoms following initiation of IMI/REL until the end of therapy. Secondary outcomes included 30-day all-cause mortality, 30-day microbiologic recurrence, 30-day symptomatic recurrence and incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs).Table 2.Infection management and IMI/REL prescribing. Results There were 104 patients from nine U.S. medical centers included. The mean (standard deviation) age was 56.6 (17.2) years and the majority of patients were non-Hispanic Caucasian (64.4%). IMI/REL was predominantly used to treat lower-respiratory tract infections (55.7%) and 12.5% of cases developed secondary bacteremia. MDR P. aeruginosa was isolated in most patients (84.6%), while four patients (3.8%) were infected with a difficult-to-treat isolate. IMI/REL was initiated at a median (interquartile range) of 100.5 (44.8-170.3) hours from the time of index culture collection and was primarily selected due to the presence of resistance to alternative agents. Clinical success occurred in 73.1% of patients and 16.3% experienced 30-day all-cause mortality. Thirty-day microbiologic recurrence occurred in 14.4% of patients. ADRs occurred in six patients resulting in IMI/REL discontinuation in two cases.Table 3.Clinical outcomes. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the largest report to date describing the use of IMI/REL for infections due to P. aeruginosa. The promising results herein justify the need for larger and comparative studies investigating the use of IMI/REL in this setting. Disclosures Kaylee E. Caniff, PharmD, BCIDP, T2Biosystems: Honoraria Kevin W. Garey, PharmD, MS, Acurx: Grant/Research Support Travis J. Carlson, PharmD, BCIDP, Aimmune Therapeutics, Inc.: Speakers Bureau Tamara Krekel, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP, Merck Inc: Honoraria Wesley D. Kufel, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCIDP, Merck & Co.: Grant/Research Support|Shionogi, Inc: Grant/Research Support Amy L. Carr, PharmD, BCIDP, Entasis: Advisor/Consultant|Ferring: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead: Advisor/Consultant|InflaRx: Advisor/Consultant|LaJolla: Advisor/Consultant|Melinta: Advisor/Consultant|MicroGenDx: Advisor/Consultant|Shionogi: Grant/Research Support Jillian Hayes, PharmD, BCIDP, GlaxoSmithKline: employee James Sanders, PhD, PharmD, Merck: Grant/Research Support|Shionogi: Grant/Research Support Julie Ann Justo, PharmD, MS, FIDSA, BCPS, Shionogi: Advisor/Consultant Russell J. Benefield, PharmD, BCPS-AQ ID, Paratek Pharmaceuticals: Grant/Research Support Michael J. Rybak, PharmD, PhD, MPH, Abbvie, Melinta, Sionogi, Merck, T2Biosystems: Advisor/Consultant|Abbvie, Melinta, Sionogi, Merck, T2Biosystems: Grant/Research Support|Abbvie, Melinta, Sionogi, Merck, T2Biosystems: Speaker

Our interviews of inpatient clinicians (physicians, physician assistants) modeled after the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Model of Behavior model revealed opportunity and motivation as important drivers for overdiagnosis and overprescribing for asymptomatic bacteriuria in older adults. Understanding these barriers is an important step toward implementing age-friendly stewardship interventions.

We performed a knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) survey of bedside nurses to evaluate perceptions of antimicrobial use and aid in the design of nursing-based antimicrobial stewardship interventions. The survey highlighted discrepancies in knowledge and practice as well as opportunities to improve communication with nursing colleagues.

Objectives Bartonella spp., renowned for cat-scratch disease, has limited reports of dissemination. Tissue and blood cultures have limitations in detecting this fastidious pathogen. Molecular testing (polymerase chain reaction, PCR) and cell-free DNA have provided an avenue for diagnoses. This retrospective observational multicenter study describes the incidence of disseminated Bartonella spp. and treatment-related outcomes. Methods Inclusion criteria were diagnosis of bartonellosis via diagnosis code, serology testing of blood, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of blood, 16/18S tests of blood or tissue, cultures of blood or tissue, or cell-free DNA of blood or tissue from January 1, 2014, through September 1, 2021. Exclusions were patients who did not receive treatment, insufficient data on treatment course, absence of dissemination, or retinitis as dissemination. Results Patients were primarily male ( n = 25, 61.0%), white ( n = 28, 68.3%), with mean age of 50 years (SD 14.4), and mean Charlson comorbidity index of 3.5 (SD 2.1). Diagnosis was primarily by serology ( n = 34, 82.9%), with Bartonella henselae ( n = 40, 97.6%) as the causative pathogen. Treatment was principally doxycycline with rifampin ( n = 17, 41.5%). Treatment failure occurred in 16 (39.0%) patients, due to escalation of therapy during treatment ( n = 5, 31.3%) or discontinuation of therapy due to an adverse event or tolerability ( n = 5, 31.3%). Conclusions In conclusion, this is the largest United States-based cohort of disseminated Bartonella spp. infections to date with a reported 39% treatment failure. This adds to literature supporting obtaining multiple diagnostic tests when Bartonella is suspected and describes treatment options.

Observational studies in adults suggest nasal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) swabs have a high negative predictive value (NPV) for ruling out MRSA pneumonia, however, pediatric data are limited. This retrospective study of 505 pediatric patients found a 99.8% NPV among children with suspected respiratory infections. In pediatric patients with a suspected respiratory infection, nasal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) polymerase chain reaction (PCR)testing may be beneficial for its high negative predictive value and ability to rule out MRSA infection in a population with a low prevalence of MRSA.

Background. Advanced practice providers (APPs) have taken on increasing responsibilities as primary team members in acute care hospitals, but the impact of this practice shift on antimicrobial prescribing and infectious diseases (ID) consultation requests is unknown. Here we describe longitudinal trends in antimicrobial days of therapy (DOT) and ID consultation by attributed provider type in 3 hospitals. Methods. We performed a retrospective time series analysis of antimicrobial use and ID consultation from July 2015 to June 2022 at a major university hospital and 2 community hospitals. We evaluated antimicrobial DOT and ID consultation over time and assessed attribution to 3 groups of providers: attending physicians, trainees, and APPs. We used multinomial logistic regression to measure changes in percentage of DOT and ID consultation across the clinician groups over time using physicians as the referent. Results. Baseline distribution of antimicrobial DOT and ID consultation varied by practice setting, but all subgroups showed increases in the proportion attributable to APPs. Large increases were seen in the rate of ID consultation, increasing by >30% during the study period. At our university hospital, by study end >40% of new ID consults and restricted antimicrobial days were attributed to APPs. Conclusions. Hospitals had differing baseline patterns of DOT attributed to provider groups, but all experienced increases in DOT attributed to APPs. Similar increases were seen in changes to ID consultation. APPs have increasing involvement in antimicrobial use decisions in the inpatient setting and should be engaged in future antimicrobial stewardship initiatives.

Abstract Background Advanced practice providers (APPs) have taken on increasing roles as primary team members in acute care hospitals. Little is known about variable consulting practices across provider types. Here we describe longitudinal trends in infectious diseases (ID) consultation by attributed provider type in 3 hospitals. Methods We performed a retrospective time series analysis of ID consultation from July 2015 to June 2022 to investigate the changes in requesting provider type at 3 hospitals: a major university hospital and 2 community hospitals. ID consultation rates were based upon new consult orders placed into the electronic health record (EHR). Provider type was categorized by type of ordering clinician: physicians, trainees (residents, fellows and medical students), and APPs (nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurse anesthetists). We evaluated the number of ID consult orders over time to assess quarterly rate trends. Then, we calculated the percent of ID consults attributed to each provider group. We used multinomial logistic regression to measure changes in ID consults across the clinician groups over time using physicians as the referent. Results We observed an overall increase in rate of ID consultation per 1000 days present by 35% (Table 1, Figure 1). Each hospital had a distinct baseline care model, though all 3 showed increased consultation by APPs (Figure 2, Table 2). This shift was largest at the university hospital, and was a statistically significant increase relative to attending physicians. Trainee proportion of consultation was stable at community hospitals and decreased at the university hospital. Figure 2. Percent of ID Consults Ordered by Provider Type and Hospital, July 2015 – June 2022 Conclusion Hospitals had differing baseline patterns of ID consultation attributed to provider groups, but all experienced increases in consults attributed to APPs and increased ID consultation rates over time. Hospital staffing models aiming to increase use of APPs must consider consultation rates as a potential effect and support infectious diseases services accordingly. As research showing the benefits of ID consultations expands and consultation increases, ID providers will need to continue to optimize their interprofessional collaboration. Disclosures Michael J. Smith, M.D., M.S.C.E, Merck: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Grant/Research Support Rebekah W. Moehring, MD, MPH, FIDSA, FSHEA, UpToDate, Inc.: Author Royalties

Abstract Background Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are a significant public health threat. Ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) retains activity against most carbapenemase-producing CRE and demonstrates favorable health outcomes compared to historically best available therapy. While early initiation of effective therapy is critical in serious infections, the impact of time to CZA initiation on CRE infection-related outcomes has yet to be assessed. Aim: to evaluate clinical outcomes of patients with CRE infections receiving early vs. late CZA as the first active β-lactam. Methods Multicenter, retrospective cohort of hospitalized adult patients from 2019-2022 with culture-positive CRE and infectious symptoms receiving early vs. late CZA as the first active β-lactam. Early and late CZA were defined as CZA administration within or after 48 hours of index culture collection, respectively. Primary outcome was a composite of clinical success defined as i) the absence of all-cause mortality or microbiological recurrence requiring therapy within 30 days from the end of CZA therapy and ii) continued infectious symptoms during CZA therapy. Results In total, 174 patients were included (≤48 hours n=52, >48 hours n=122). Median (IQR) age was 61 (53, 73) years and 56.3% were male. ICU admission rates were similar between early vs. late CZA (73.1% vs. 72.1%; P=0.921). Most common infection sources were respiratory (59.8%) and skin and skin structure (9.2%). Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common CRE isolated (66%). The overall median (IQR) of CZA MIC was 2 (1,4). and there was no difference in the receipt of package insert CZA doses in the first 48 hours of CZA therapy between the early vs. late groups, respectively (1.9% vs. 5.2%; P=0.311). In total, 40/52 (76.9%) early and 68/122 (55.7%) late CZA patients met the clinical endpoint of clinical success (P< 0.001). The early and late CZA groups demonstrated similar ICU length of stay (LOS) (26 [9, 46] vs. 22 [12, 40]; P=0.431, respectively). Table 1. Baseline and Clinical Characteristics Conclusion In hospitalized adult patients with CRE infections, CZA administration within 48 hours of culture collection was associated with a higher rate of clinical success compared to CZA administered after 48 hours. Further studies in a larger patient cohort are warranted to verify these results. Disclosures Wesley D. Kufel, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCIDP, AAHIVP, Merck: Grant/Research Support Bryan White, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP, Gilead Sciences: Advisor/Consultant Michael J. Rybak, PharmD, PhD, MPH, Abbvie, Merck, Paratek, Shionogi, Entasis, La Jolla, T2 Biosystems: Advisor/Consultant

Abstract Background Nurses are underutilized members of the antimicrobial stewardship (AS) team. Understanding knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) is essential to designing effective AS initiatives. While KAP surveys have been performed among a variety of provider types, less is known about KAP among nurses. We describe KAP pertaining to AS among nurses at a large, academic hospital. Methods An electronic, 24-question KAP survey was designed by the AS team with relevant nursing and infection prevention champions. Nine knowledge-based questions about antimicrobials focused on 4 domains: beta-lactams first in sepsis, intravenous to oral transition, urinary tract infections, and penicillin allergies. Voluntary responses were collected via Qualtrics from January 9, 2023-March 31, 2023. Surveys were distributed by email link, with reminders to enhance survey response. Incentives included a chance to win a meal voucher. Results 85 complete survey responses were received. The majority of respondents worked on dayshift (69%) in a staff nurse role (66%). Discrepancies were seen in perceptions of issues of stewardship nationally and locally. While nurses felt antimicrobial resistance and harm caused by antimicrobials are high nationally (92 and 69%, respectively), this was not as commonly felt to be true on a local level (35% and 26%). The majority (87%) agreed or strongly agreed that nurses’ responsibility includes promoting appropriate antimicrobial use. When assessing knowledge of AS domains, reported confidence in performance was discordant with actual performance and differed by domain (Figure 1). Respondents were largely unfamiliar with common AS reference resources (73-74%) and were more likely to consult an ID pharmacist (81%), ID physician (78%) or infection prevention team member (78%) with questions. Conclusion Nurses recognized AS as an important part of their professional responsibilities, but perceived AS opportunities to be a national rather than local need. Differing patterns in knowledge vs. confidence among topic domains provides key information to then design relevant, sustainable, nurse-driven antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. Disclosures Rebekah W. Moehring, MD, MPH, FIDSA, FSHEA, UpToDate, Inc.: Author Royalties

Background: Nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can be detected using nasal swab polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and is associated with clinical MRSA infection. The MRSA nasal PCR has a rapid turnaround time and a negative predictive value for MRSA pneumonia of >98%; however, data are limited in critically ill patients. Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of a pharmacist-driven algorithm, utilizing MRSA PCR nasal screening on duration of anti-MRSA therapy in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with suspected pneumonia. Methods: A single-center pre/post study was conducted in 4 ICUs at a large tertiary care community hospital. Adult patients admitted to the ICU initiated on vancomycin or linezolid for pneumonia managed using a pharmacist-driven MRSA PCR algorithm were included in the algorithm cohort. A historical cohort with standard management was matched 1:1 by age, type of pneumonia, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score. The primary outcome was duration of anti-MRSA therapy. Secondary outcomes included MRSA rates, number of vancomycin levels, new onset of acute kidney injury (AKI), ICU length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS, and mortality. Results: Of the 245 patients screened, 50 patients met inclusion criteria for the algorithm cohort and were matched to 50 patients in the historical cohort. The duration of anti-MRSA therapy was significantly lower compared with the historical cohort (47 vs 95 hours; P < 0.001). Secondary outcomes were similar between groups for MRSA rates, new onset of AKI, LOS, and mortality. There were less vancomycin levels ordered in the algorithm cohort (2 vs 3, P = 0.026). Conclusions: A pharmacist-driven MRSA PCR algorithm significantly reduced anti-MRSA duration of therapy in critically ill patients with pneumonia. Future studies should validate these results in critically ill populations and in settings where MRSA pneumonia is more prevalent.

Abstract Background Candida spp. are the fourth most common cause of bloodstream infections (BSI) in the United States and have an associated mortality rate of 19-40.5%. Mortality rates are further impacted by delay in time to adequate antifungal therapy, historically due to delayed time to identification on culture. The utilization of rapid diagnostic technology (RDT) has been effective in timely identification of bacterial pathogens causing BSI, but RDT for fungal organisms has demonstrated mixed results. At AdventHealth Central Florida Division South (CFD-S), pharmacists provide 24-hour coverage for real-time notification of all positive blood culture results. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical impact of the GenMark ePlex Blood Culture Identification Panels (BCID) fungal pathogen (FP) panel paired with 24/7, pharmacist-driven response in patients with candidemia. Methods This multi-site, pre/post, retrospective chart review included adult patients admitted to CFD-S with at least one positive blood culture with Candida spp. from June 2019 through May 2020 (pre-RDT), and August 2020 through July 2021 (post-RDT). Patients receiving systemic antifungal prophylaxis, with known candidiasis at time of index RDT result, or who discharged prior to culture positivity were excluded. The primary outcome was time to effective antifungal therapy in patients with candidemia. Results A total of 200 patients were included in the study (100 pre-RDT and 100 post-RDT). Overall, patients had a median age of 61 years and 50% were male. Patient characteristics are summarized in Table 1; median APACHEII score differed by three points (13.5 vs. 16.5). Time to effective therapy was similar between groups (39.8 vs. 38.5 hours, p=0.217). There was no difference in secondary outcomes (Table 2) other than ICU length of stay (2.5 vs. 6.0 days, p=0.033) and all-cause in-hospital mortality (15% vs. 30%, p=0.011). Conclusion Pharmacist-driven, real-time response to RDT did not significantly impact time to effective antifungal therapy in patients with candidemia. Higher rate of in-hospital mortality was likely a reflection of increased severity of illness in the post-RDT group. Disclosures Amy L. Carr, PharmD, BCIDP, Shionogi: Advisory Board.

Abstract Background In December 2020, ceftolozane/tazobactam (CT) was voluntarily recalled due to failed sterility tests. With this recall, clinicians were forced to utilize alternatives for multi-drug resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas (PSA) infections until CT returned in late December, 2021. While many studies have examined the impact of medication shortages, few have evaluated the impact of antimicrobial shortages. We evaluated the impact of the CT recall by assessing cost, clinical outcomes, and utilization of novel alternative agents. Methods This multi-site retrospective cohort study compared patients treated for MDR PSA prior to the CT recall (Jan-Jul 2020) to patients treated during the CT recall (Jan-Jul 2021) across seven AdventHealth Central Florida (AHCF) adult hospitals. The primary outcome was percentage of patients treated with novel therapies (CT, ceftazidime/avibactam, or cefiderocol). Secondary outcomes included length of therapy (LOT), inpatient mortality, 30-day readmissions, length of say (LOS), pharmacy expenditures, and average cost per case. Results A total of 203 patients with MDR PSA were evaluated: 100 in the pre-recall cohort and 103 in the post-recall cohort. The majority (58%) of patients were male with an average age of 64 years. The most common source of infection in both cohorts was pneumonia, followed by complicated urinary tract infection. Significantly more patients were treated with novel agents as definitive therapy in the post-recall cohort (65% vs. 29%, p< 0.0001). Average LOT for all anti-PSA therapy was 12 days in the pre-recall cohort compared to 14 days in the post-recall cohort (p=0.1753). Inpatient mortality and 30-day readmissions were not statistically different between groups. Hospital LOS was significantly different between the two groups (18 days vs. 25 days, p=0.006). Significantly higher pharmacy expenditures were found in the post recall cohort (Figure 1) and the average cost per case was significantly higher in the post-recall cohort ($125,254 vs. $62,249). Figure 1:Pharmacy Expenditures for Novel Agents Novel agents: cefiderocol, ceftazidime/avibactam, ceftolozane/tazobactam Conclusion The CT recall had a significant impact on both economic and clinical outcomes, particularly increased length of stay, length of therapy, and cost to both the patient and health system. Higher utilization of novel agents is concerning given rising rates of PSA resistance. Disclosures Amy L. Carr, PharmD, BCIDP, Shionogi: Advisory Board.

Abstract Background The use of remdesivir (RDV) in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 has resulted in a significantly shorter time to recovery, especially in patients receiving low flow oxygen. Despite the shortened time to recovery, concerns have been raised regarding the $3,120 cost of a five-day course. This price was originally justified by the suggestion that RDV would save hospitals approximately $12,000 per patient by shortening hospital length of stay (LOS) by four days, however, this has not been consistently demonstrated in clinical practice. A preliminary review of RDV orders at our facility revealed hospital discharges were being delayed to complete a five-day course of treatment in patients otherwise medically ready to discharge. Methods This single-center, retrospective, comparative study was conducted at AdventHealth Orlando, a 1,368-bed community teaching hospital in central Florida. In January 2021, the campus stewardship committee devised a RDV stewardship strategy including targeted education and escalation of orders not meeting institutional criteria at time of order verification. This study compared pre-intervention patients who received RDV from December 1, 2020, to January 7, 2021, to post-intervention patients who received RDV from January 8, 2021, to February 28, 2022. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of a pharmacist-driven RDV stewardship initiative on the duration of therapy in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Results A total of 2104 remdesivir orders were included in the study (209 pre-intervention and 1895 post-intervention). Overall, patients had a median age of 59 years and 49% were male. Majority of patients in both groups required low flow supplemental oxygen at the time of RDV initiation. Significantly more orders in the intervention group aligned with institutional criteria at the time of order entry (47% vs 84%, p< .001). Patients completing the full 5-day course of remdesivir therapy decreased from 79 to 53% (p< .001). A decreased duration of therapy and length of stay were observed in the intervention group. Conclusion Pharmacist-driven RDV stewardship increased adherence to the institutional algorithm and reduced duration of therapy. Disclosures Amy L. Carr, PharmD, BCIDP, Shionogi: Advisory Board.

The scope of antimicrobial stewardship programs has expanded beyond the acute hospital setting. The need to optimize antimicrobial use in emergency departments, urgent, primary, and specialty care clinics, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities prompted the development of core elements of stewardship programs in these settings. Identifying the most innovative and well-designed stewardship literature in these novel stewardship areas can be challenging. The Southeastern Research Group Endeavor (SERGE-45) network evaluated antimicrobial stewardship-related, peer-reviewed literature published in 2021 that detailed actionable interventions specific to the nonhospital setting. The top 13 publications were summarized following identification using a modified Delphi technique. This article highlights the selected interventions and may serve as a key resource for expansion of antimicrobial stewardship programs beyond the acute hospital setting.

Abstract Background Timely conversion of antimicrobials from intravenous (IV) to oral (PO) route has been shown to decrease costs and length of stay (LOS) without compromising safety and efficacy of therapy. Use of oral antimicrobials may additionally prevent complications related to IV catheters, such as infection, emboli, and patient discomfort. An approved IV to PO policy allowed pharmacists to convert orders for fourteen included antimicrobials and eligible patients at time of order verification. Methods This single-center, retrospective, comparative study was conducted at AdventHealth Orlando, a 1,368-bed community teaching hospital in central Florida. In November 2020, six clinical pharmacist teams began receiving monthly feedback on IV to PO conversion rates in the form of a RePOrt Card, containing IV to PO conversion rates compared to other clinical teams, individual antimicrobial conversion rates, and comparison to prior team progress (Figure 1). RePOrt Cards were provided through October 2021. This study compared pre-intervention days of therapy (DOTs) of antimicrobials from November 2019-October 2020 to post-intervention DOTs from November 2020 to March 2022. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of monthly, team-based feedback on percentage of antimicrobials administered orally during a pharmacist-driven IV to PO stewardship initiative. Figure 1Example RePOrt Card Results Significantly more DOTs were administered orally in the post intervention group (62% vs 67%, p=0.0012). Positive change in oral conversion rates was observed for all agents except linezolid, minocycline, and voriconazole (Table 1). The largest increase in percentage of DOT administered orally was observed for azithromycin (20%), rifampin (14%), and metronidazole (10%). Estimated monthly and total cost differences are available in Table 2. Minocycline represents the largest opportunity missed; while oral conversion rates remained the same, an increase in overall drug use creates opportunity to continue to prioritize oral conversion due to high cost. Conclusion Monthly, team-based feedback positively impacted IV to PO conversion rates. Opportunities remain to optimize cost benefits in high-cost agents such as linezolid, minocycline, and voriconazole. Disclosures Amy L. Carr, PharmD, BCIDP, Shionogi: Advisory Board.

Abstract The number of articles related to antimicrobial stewardship published each year has increased significantly over the last decade. Keeping up with the literature, particularly the most innovative, well-designed, or applicable to one’s own practice area, can be challenging. The Southeastern Research Group Endeavor (SERGE-45) network reviewed antimicrobial stewardship–related, peer-reviewed literature from 2020 that detailed actionable interventions. The top 13 publications were summarized following identification using a modified Delphi technique. This article highlights the selected interventions and may serve as a key resource for teaching and training, and to identify novel or optimized stewardship opportunities within one’s institution.

It has been established that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a membrane-bound regulatory peptide, for host cell entry. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors have been reported to increase ACE2 in type 2 pneumocyte pulmonary tissue. Controversy exists for the continuation of ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in the current pandemic. ACE2 serves as a regulatory enzyme in maintaining homeostasis between proinflammatory angiotensin II and anti-inflammatory angiotensin 1,7 peptides. Derangements in these peptides are associated with cardiovascular disease and are implicated in the progression of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Augmentation of the ACE2/Ang 1,7 axis represents a critical target in the supportive management of coronavirus disease 2019-associated lung disease. Observational data describing the use of RAAS inhibitors in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 have not borne signals of harm to date. However, equipoise persists, requiring an analysis of novel agents including recombinant human-ACE2 and existing RAAS inhibitors while balancing ongoing controversies associated with increased coronavirus infectivity and virulence.

Waiting for culture availability from orthopedic hardware (HW) infections delays patient discharge and time to definitive antimicrobial therapy. In February 2017, Vanderbilt University Hospital (VUH) implemented a penicillin-binding protein 2a-based rapid diagnostic, Alere®, to differentiate methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) from tissue sample growth. In other settings, use of Alere® demonstrated decreased time to definitive therapy with and without stewardship intervention. However, no studies to date have examined the impact of Alere® in the orthopedic HW infection population. We performed a retrospective study of patients ≥18 years of age admitted to VUH with a culture-positive, monomicrobial, S. aureus orthopedic HW infection. Select ICD-10 codes related to orthopedic HW infections were used to identify potential patients. Exclusion criteria included concomitant bacteremia or polymicrobial infections. Patients with sterile site cultures obtained from August 2016 to January 2017 were included in the pre-Alere® group and February 2017 to September 2017 in the post-Alere® group. The primary outcome was time to appropriate antibiotic, defined as cefazolin or nafcillin for MSSA, and vancomycin for MRSA. Daptomycin and linezolid were acceptable alternatives in the case of prior vancomycin failure, or severe, documented reaction to vancomycin. ICD-10 codes identified a total of 331 patients, with 29 (8.7%) demonstrating monomicrobial S. aureus HW infections (52% MSSA). There were 11 (38%) and 18 (62%) patients in pre- and post-Alere® groups, respectively. Alere® results provided definitive methicillin susceptibility 31.9 (range 19.5–46.1) hours before standard culture results. Time to appropriate antibiotic was 41.8 hours less in post-Alere® group (P = 0.009). Duration of empiric Gram-negative coverage was significantly reduced in the post-Alere® group (P = 0.029). Overall length of stay was unchanged between the groups (P = 0.873). Introduction of Alere® reduced time to appropriate therapy and reduced empiric Gram negative coverage in patients being treated for orthopedic hardware infections. All authors: No reported disclosures.