Inappropriate Antimicrobial Therapy in Septic Shock

In a multinational study, inappropriate antimicrobial therapy was highly associated with mortality.

Among patients with septic shock, prompt initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy is a critical determinant of outcome. To determine the effect of inappropriate antimicrobial therapy on survival of such patients, investigators performed a large retrospective study involving 5715 cases from 22 medical institutions in Canada (17 sites), the U.S. (4 sites), and Saudi Arabia (1 site).

Of the study patients, 56.3% were male; the mean age was 62.6, and the mean APACHE II score was 25.2. Community-acquired infections accounted for 55.0% of the cases, and nosocomial infections for 45.0%. A plausible primary microbial pathogen was identified in 71.0% (from blood in 35.2%). Among patients who were in shock before antibiotic therapy was started …

Reviewing Author

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection