Empiric therapy for intravenous central line infections and nosocomially-acquired acute bacterial endocarditis.
Intravascular catheters are essential devices in the intensive care unit, yet catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI) are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospitalization, and increased medical costs. Management of a CR-BSI requires antibiotics, with or without catheter removal, depending on patient and etiologic factors. Because of the high frequency of staphylococcal infections, it is wise to use a glycopeptide empirically. Extra coverage for Gram-negative bacilli should be administered in severely ill or immunocompromised patients. Once culture and sensitivity results are known, antibiotic therapy can be more selective.
Bouza
Emilio
E
Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
Burillo
Almudena
A
Munoz
Patricia
P
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004697:Endocarditis, Bacterial / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents