Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 28, 2025

Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
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Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses

Published on: August 30, 2018

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Duration of antibiotics through care transitions: A quality improvement initiative

Caitlin L Soto1, Kathryn Dzintars1, Sara C Keller2

  • 1Johns Hopkins Hospital, Department of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD.

American Journal of Infection Control
|September 13, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global threat driven by overuse. Our study found that 75% of patients received too many antibiotic days, with appropriate therapy duration in only 24.5% of cases.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Rising global antibiotic resistance necessitates evaluation of prescribing practices.
  • Excessive antibiotic use is a primary driver of antimicrobial resistance.
  • Optimizing antibiotic stewardship is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing at a single institution.
  • To quantify excess antibiotic days and evaluate therapy duration and choice.
  • To identify areas for improvement in antibiotic stewardship programs.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of antibiotic prescriptions.
  • Analysis of total duration of therapy and antibiotic choice.
  • Comparison against institutional guidelines and expert review.

Main Results:

  • 75% of patients received excess antibiotic days.
  • Appropriate total duration of therapy was observed in only 24.5% of cases.
  • Antibiotic choice was appropriate in 70.4% of reviewed cases.

Conclusions:

  • Significant opportunities exist to reduce excess antibiotic exposure.
  • Improving antibiotic therapy duration is a key target for stewardship efforts.
  • Further interventions are needed to optimize antibiotic prescribing and combat resistance.
Keywords:
AntimicrobialAntimicrobial stewardshipDuration of therapyTransitions of care

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