Journal of Acute Care

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VOLUME 1 , ISSUE 3 ( September-December, 2022 ) > List of Articles

Original Article

Appropriateness of Antibiotics in Sepsis Patients at a Tertiary Referral ICU

Keywords : Empirical antibiotic, ICU mortality, 28-day mortality, ICU length of stay, Antibiotic resistance

Citation Information : Appropriateness of Antibiotics in Sepsis Patients at a Tertiary Referral ICU. 2022; 1 (3):124-127.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10089-0057

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 03-05-2023

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2022; The Author(s).


Abstract

Background: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that requires the early use of appropriate empirical antibiotics. However, sepsis outcomes are often complicated by the increased incidence of antibiotic resistance, which is attributed to the use of inappropriate antibiotics. Antibiotics are termed inappropriate when the suspected pathogen is resistant to the drug administered or when there is a delay in administration. Materials and methods: This is a prospective observational study that aims to compare the impact of appropriate antimicrobial therapy (AAT) and inappropriate antimicrobial therapy (IAAT) on the outcome of sepsis or septic shock cases in the intensive care unit (ICU). Primary outcome measures included ICU mortality and 28-day mortality, and secondary outcome measures, vasopressor free days (VFD), hemodialysis free days (HFD), ventilator free days, ICU length of stay (LOS), and oxygen requirement days. Results: Out of 100 patients included in the study, 49 patients received AAT and had a lower ICU mortality compared to the 51 patients who received IAAT (10 vs 31%, p = 0.009) and also 28-day mortality (14 vs 37%, p = 0.009). ICU LOS was also shorter in those receiving AAT. Conclusion: The use of appropriate and timely antibiotics can lead to decreased mortality and morbidity in patients with sepsis. This requires an understanding of the prevailing local microbiological flora and the local antibiograms and the use of standardized protocols.


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