Stagnant Survival with Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Infections

Clinical Takeaway

: Mortality is largely unchanged in multidrug-resistant, gram-negative infections despite the availability of improved antibiotic options.

Context

Since 2014, nine antibiotics* with excellent activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative infections have been approved by the FDA. Their enhanced activity and safety profiles have rendered systemic colistin/polymyxin obsolete. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the impact of the availability of these agents in gram-negative infections not susceptible to traditional first-line therapies (quinolones and beta-lactams). Researchers studied 5100 adult inpatient encounters with eligible MDR Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas, or Acinetobacter infections from 2016−2023.

Key Results

Over the study period, the prescription of first-line use of newer agents increased from 4% to 15%.
Despite this, 84% of patients received initial an…

Reviewing Author

George Sakoulas, M.D.

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardParatek Pharmaceuticals; Nestle Corp.; AbbVie; Shionogi

Speaker’s BureauAllergan/AbbVie; Paratek Pharmaceuticals; Nestle Corp.

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy; Open Forum Infectious Diseases