Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

A Reference Broth Microdilution Method for Dalbavancin In Vitro Susceptibility Testing of Bacteria that Grow Aerobically
Published on: September 9, 2015
On- and off-label utilization of dalbavancin and oritavancin for Gram-positive infections
Taylor Morrisette1,2, Matthew A Miller2, Brian T Montague3,4
1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Aurora, CO, USA.
Background:
Long-acting lipoglycopeptides (laLGPs) are FDA approved only for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs). However, these antibiotics show promise for off-label use, reductions in hospital length of stay (LOS) and healthcare cost savings.
Objectives:
To assess the effectiveness, safety, impact on LOS and estimated cost savings from laLGP treatment for Gram-positive infections.
Methods:
Retrospective cohort of adult patients who received at least one dose of laLGPs at the University of Colorado Health system. Descriptive statistics were utilized for analysis.
Results:
Of 59 patients screened, 56 were included: mean age 47 years, 59% male and 30% injection drug users/polysubstance abusers (dalbavancin, 71%; oritavancin, 25%; both, 4%). Most common indications for laLGP: ABSSSIs (36%), osteomyelitis (27%) and endocarditis (9%). Most common isolated pathogens: MSSA and MRSA (25% and 19%, respectively), Enterococcus faecalis (11%) and CoNS (11%). Previous antibiotics were administered for a median of 13 days (IQR = 7.0-24.5 days) and laLGPs for a median of one dose (IQR = 1-2 doses). Ten (18%) patients were lost to follow-up. Clinical failure was found in 7/47 (15%) cases with adequate follow-up. Mild adverse effects occurred in six (11%) patients. Projected reduction in hospital LOS and health-system costs were 514 days (9.18 days/person average) and $963456.72 ($17204.58/person average), respectively.
Conclusions:
Prospective trials are needed to validate the use of these antibiotics for Gram-positive infections in practice, with the hope that they will reduce hospital LOS and the need for daily antibiotic infusions to provide alternative options for patients not qualifying for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy.
Insights
Long-acting lipoglycopeptides (laLGPs) show promise for treating Gram-positive infections beyond skin infections, potentially reducing hospital stays and costs. Further research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety in broader clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Long-acting lipoglycopeptides (laLGPs) are FDA-approved solely for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs).
- These antibiotics demonstrate potential for off-label utilization, offering reductions in hospital length of stay (LOS) and associated healthcare expenditures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of laLGPs in treating Gram-positive infections.
- To assess the impact of laLGP treatment on hospital LOS and estimate potential cost savings.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study included adult patients receiving at least one dose of laLGPs.
- Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze patient data, treatment indications, pathogens, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- The study included 56 patients, with common indications being ABSSIs, osteomyelitis, and endocarditis. Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were frequent pathogens.
- laLGPs were administered for a median of one dose, contrasting with previous antibiotics given for a median of 13 days. Clinical failure occurred in 15% of cases with adequate follow-up, and mild adverse effects were noted in 11% of patients.
- Projected reductions in hospital LOS and costs were substantial, with an average saving of 9.18 days per person and $17,204.58 per person.
Conclusions:
- laLGPs show promise for treating various Gram-positive infections, potentially reducing hospital LOS and the need for daily infusions.
- Further prospective trials are necessary to validate the use of laLGPs in clinical practice for Gram-positive infections.
- These antibiotics may offer valuable alternatives for patients not eligible for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Position-effect Variegation
Position and Displacement
Serial Position Effect
Anatomical Positions
The body is upright, facing forward, and standing erect.
The feet are parallel and flat on the floor.
The arms are hanging by the...
Position Vectors
For instance, we want to locate a point P(x, y, z) relative to the origin of coordinates O. In that case, we can define a position...
Positive, Negative, and Zero Work

