Dalbavancin During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Pharmacology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted healthcare delivery, impacting medical staff's ability to manage daily activities.
• Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections (ABSSSI) require timely and effective treatment, which was challenged during the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the use and cost-effectiveness of Dalbavancin for treating gram-positive ABSSSI in an outpatient setting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To evaluate the feasibility of shifting ABSSSI treatment from inpatient/emergency departments to an Outpatient Department/Wound Care Center.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 631 patients treated with Dalbavancin in the Outpatient Department/Wound Care Center.
• Assessment of treatment effectiveness through 4- to 6-week follow-up evaluations by a multidisciplinary faculty.
• Comparison of outpatient treatment volumes for 2018-2019 versus 2020-2021.

Main Results:

• Dalbavancin facilitated the successful transfer of ABSSSI care to the outpatient setting, reducing the burden on inpatient facilities.
• The study demonstrated the practicality and effectiveness of using Dalbavancin in managing gram-positive ABSSSI.
• Treatment with Dalbavancin was associated with a low incidence of infusion reactions, low toxicity, and a long half-life.

Conclusions:

• Shifting ABSSSI treatment to an Outpatient Department/Wound Care Center using Dalbavancin was a viable strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Dalbavancin's profile (long-acting, well-tolerated, FDA-approved) supported its use in this novel care delivery model.
• This approach effectively decreased the inpatient burden while maintaining treatment quality for ABSSSI.