Empiric combination therapy for gram-negative bacteremia.

Background: Empirical combination antibiotic regimens consisting of a β-lactam and an aminoglycoside are frequently employed in the pediatric population. Data to demonstrate the comparative benefit of empirical β-lactam combination therapy relative to monotherapy for culture-proven Gram-negative bacteremia are lacking in the pediatric population.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children treated for Gram-negative bacteremia at The Johns Hopkins Hospital from 2004 through 2012.

Sustained savings from a longitudinal cost analysis of an internet-based preapproval antimicrobial stewardship program.

Objective: To evaluate an internet-based preapproval antimicrobial stewardship program for sustained reduction in antimicrobial prescribing and resulting cost savings.

Design: Retrospective cohort study and cost analysis.

Methods: Review of all doses and charges of antimicrobials dispensed to patients over 6 years (July 1, 2005-June 30, 2011) at a tertiary care pediatric hospital.