β-Lactam Therapy for Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia: A Comparative Review of Cefazolin versus Antistaphylococcal Penicillins.

Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteremia is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, antistaphylococcal penicillins (ASPs) have been considered the agents of choice for the treatment of MSSA bacteremia. Vancomycin has been demonstrated to have poorer outcomes in several studies and is only recommended for patients with severe penicillin allergies.

Ceftaroline as Salvage Monotherapy for Persistent MRSA Bacteremia.

Objective: To summarize published data regarding the use of ceftaroline as salvage monotherapy for persistent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia.

Data Sources: PubMed (January 1980-June 2016) was searched using combinations of the search terms methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, bacteremia, ceftaroline, refractory, and persistent Supplemental references were generated through review of identified literature citations.

Study Selection And Data Extraction: Available English-language, full-text articles pertaining to the use of ceftaroline for persistent MRSA bacteremia (MRSAB) were included.

Monotherapy or combination therapy? The Pseudomonas aeruginosa conundrum.

Abstract The use of combination antibiotic therapy for severe pseudomonal infections is a standard practice in many hospitals; however, the data supporting its use are somewhat unclear. Possible benefits of combination therapy for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections include in vitro antibiotic synergy, prevention of the emergence of bacterial resistance while receiving therapy, and improved adequacy of empiric therapy. Unfortunately, the potential disadvantages are also considerable, the most worrisome of which are drug toxicity and creation of multidrug-resistant organisms in the environment.

A clinical pathway for community-acquired pneumonia: an observational cohort study.

Background: Six hospitals instituted a voluntary, system-wide, pathway for community acquired pneumonia (CAP). We proposed this study to determine the impact of pathway antibiotics on patient survival, hospital length of stay (LOS), and total hospital cost.

Methods: Data were collected for adults from six U.

Effects of therapeutic drug monitoring criteria in a computerized prescriber-order-entry system on the appropriateness of vancomycin level orders.

Purpose: The effects of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) criteria in a computerized prescriber-order-entry (CPOE) system on the appropriateness of orders for vancomycin levels were evaluated.

Methods: Vancomycin TDM criteria were developed and implemented in a CPOE system. These criteria were displayed via a pop-up alert message when vancomycin levels were ordered and included directions for appropriate timing and justification for routine monitoring.