Key Clinical MessageTreatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa remains challenging, despite the availability ceftolozane‐tazobactam. We report a treatment failure with ceftolozane‐tazobactam salvage therapy for pneumonia complicated by lung abscess. Drug resistance, dose selection, and source control are possible contributing factors. Ceftolozane‐tazobactam susceptibility testing should precede therapy and consideration should be given to dosing selection.
A collaborative, multifaceted educational initiative directed at highlighting the risks associated with PPI use was effective in reducing PPI prescribing. The implementation of a probiotic bundle added to antibiotic order sets was effective in increasing probiotic use. These interventions were associated with a decrease in incidence of HO-CDI.
Aminoglycoside dosing has been studied in the obese population, typically recommending an adjusted weight utilizing a 40% dosing weight correction factor (IBW + 0.4 × (TBW–IBW)). These studies included limited numbers of morbidly obese patients and were not done in the era of extended interval aminoglycoside dosing. Here, we report a retrospective evaluation of morbidly obese patients receiving gentamicin or tobramycin at our hospital. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the commonly recommended adjusted weight for weight-based dosing. There were 31 morbidly obese patients who received gentamicin or tobramycin 5–7 mg/kg every 24 hours using a 40% dosing weight correction factor. Our institution utilizes 16-hour postdose concentrations to monitor extended interval aminoglycosides. Twenty-two of the 31 patients (71%) achieved an appropriate serum drug concentration. Four patients (13%) were found to be supratherapeutic and 5 patients (16%) subtherapeutic. The only variable that correlated with supratherapeutic levels was older age (P = 0.0378). Our study helps to validate the current dosing weight correction factor (40%) in the morbidly obese population. We recommend caution when dosing aminoglycosides in morbidly obese patients who are of older age.
What is known and objective
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Guidance for VTE prophylaxis continues to evolve, including addressing direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) continued upon hospitalization.
Case summaries
We present 5 patients hospitalized for COVID‐19 while on DOACs. Four patients had atrial fibrillation and had a previous VTE. Four patients developed acute VTE and one developed stroke‐like symptoms. Monitoring D‐dimer assisted with the detection of VTE. Three patients died, and two were discharged alive.
What is new and conclusion
Therapeutic failure with DOACs appears to be commonplace in COVID‐19. Further research is needed to determine whether there is an underlying cause to this association.
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