Crit Care
January 2025
Background: Carbapenem-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria, including Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA), are common causes of infections in intensive care units (ICUs) in Italy.
Objective: This prospective observational study evaluated the epidemiology, management, microbiological characterization, and outcomes of hospital-acquired CRE or CRPA infections treated in selected ICUs in Italy.
Methods: The study included patients with hospital-acquired infections due to CRE and CRPA treated in 20 ICUs from June 2021 to February 2023.
The Italian burden of disease associated with infections due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been very high, largely attributed to (). The implementation of infection control measures and antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) has been shown to reduce healthcare-related infections caused by multidrug resistance (MDR) germs. Since 2016, in our teaching hospital of Terni, an ASP has been implemented in an intensive care unit (ICU) setting, with the "daily-ICU round strategy" and particular attention to infection control measures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSurgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common healthcare-associated infections. The appropriate use of Surgical Antibiotic Prophylaxis (SAP) is a key component to reduce SSIs, while its inappropriate application is a major cause of some emerging infections and selects for antibiotic resistance. We describe an Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) intervention on SAP appropriateness.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe emergence of antibiotic resistance as a consequence of inappropriate use results in higher mortality rates and has become a major public health challenge worldwide. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) aim to ensure proper use of antimicrobials and reduce health care costs. We assessed the impact of using a behavioral approach during a persuasive ASP on antibiotic appropriateness, consumption and costs.
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