Providing value to patients and providers via a pediatric statewide antibiogram in South Carolina

Abstract

Objective: Antimicrobial stewardship has special challenges in particular populations and facilities, including pediatrics. We sought to augment the information available to antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) by created a cumulative statewide antibiogram for neonatal and pediatric populations. Methods: In the Antimicrobial Stewardship Collaborative of South Carolina (ASC-SC), we created statewide antibiograms, including a separate antibiogram accounting for the pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) populations. We collated data from the 4 pediatric and 3 NICU facilities in the state to provide a cumulative statewide antibiogram. Results: Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus was more prevalent than methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter koserii, and Acinetobacter baumannii were isolated in only 1 NICU. Conclusions: These antibiograms should improve empiric prescribing in both the inpatient and outpatient setting, providing data in some areas that historically do not have pediatric antibiogram to inform prescribing. The antibiogram alone is not sufficient independently to improve prescribing but is one important aspect of stewardship in the pediatric population of South Carolina.

Collaboration on antimicrobial stewardship practices amongst university health systems, Veterans Affairs medical centers, and other affiliates: opportunities for greater harmony

“…Another opportunity for harmonization is the development of regional antibiograms to provide useful epidemiologic information on antimicrobial resistance, especially for smaller facilities that may have insufficient isolates to produce a validated local antibiogram. 16 , 17 The information can be specifically helpful for academic networks that frequently share patients.…”