Follow-Up Blood Cultures in Young Infants With Bacteremic Urinary Tract Infections

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Researchers in previous studies suggest that the clinical yield of follow-up blood cultures (FUBCs) is low in infants with bacteremic urinary tract infection (UTI) because persistent bacteremia is rare; however, no researchers have analyzed the practice of routinely obtaining FUBCs. In our study, we evaluate outcomes in infants with FUBCs, examine opportunities for improvement of blood culture practices, and add important information to inform both clinical practice as well as further study. DESIGN This retrospective cohort study included infants <90 days of age with bacteremia and UTI with the same pathogen at 22 hospitals that make up Intermountain Healthcare between 2002 to 2020. Infants with culture proven meningitis, osteomyelitis, central line infection, and infections occurring during NICU hospitalization were excluded. RESULTS Total number of patients with bacteremic UTI was 174, 153 (88%) patients had at least 1 FUBC, 14 of 153 (9%) had a positive FUBC with same organism, and 4 of 153 (3%) were contaminants. The length of stay was longer for patients with positive FUBCs. Patients with Escherichia coli are more likely to have a negative FUBC. Readmissions within 30 days were similar among infants with positive FUBCs, negative FUBCs, and no FUBCs. CONCLUSIONS FUBCs in infants with bacteremic UTI should not be routinely performed, especially for E coli, and it is unclear whether FUBCs improve outcomes.

Introducing a nursing maintenance bundle for patients with pulmonary arterial catheters

We undertook a quality improvement project to address challenges with pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) line maintenance in a setting of low-baseline central-line infection rates. We observed a subsequent reduction in Staphylococcal PAC line infections and a trend toward a reduction in overall PAC infection rates over 1 year.

118. Factors Associated with Positive Follow-up Blood Cultures in Gram-Negative Septicemia

Background Bloodstream infections remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. No guidelines for the management of noncatheter-associated Gram-negative septicemia exist. There is considerable debate regarding the role of follow-up blood cultures. Studies have shown inadequate antibiotic therapy increases mortality in Gram-negative sepsis. We evaluated factors associated with a higher likelihood of positive follow-up blood cultures (FUBC). Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted to look at factors associated with an increased likelihood of positive FUBC. Data were obtained via Epic chart review. Empiric antimicrobial regimens were reviewed in all patients with MDRO infections. Results We identified 1,527 patients ≥18 years admitted with gram-negative septicemia from January 1, 2013 through January 1, 2018. A total of 8.4% had positive FUBC. Patients with positive FUBC had a younger median age than the no-growth group (64.7 vs. 69.4, P <0.001). Admission systolic blood pressure was lower in the group with positive FUBC than the no-growth group (107 vs. 116, P = 0.008). The odds ratio for positive FUBC for cardiac device was 2.08 (95% CI = [0.97, 4.35], P = 0.061); central line infection (vs. urinary tract infection) adjusted odds ratio was 2.08 (95% CI = [1.10, 3.95], P = 0.025). The positive FUBC group had a larger proportion of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) (21.9% vs. 10.4%, P < 0.001) with an odds ratio of 2.40 (95% CI = [1.53, 3.78]). In this group, those who received inadequate empiric antibiotics had a significantly higher percentage of repeat positive results (78.6% vs. 57.1%, P = 0.033). In summary, patients with either an MDRO, a central line infection (vs. urinary tract infection), or the presence of a cardiac device (vs. no cardiac device present) had over twice the odds of positive FUBC than those without. Conclusion Though the role of FUBC for Gram-negative septicemia has been brought into question, our results show that the presence of central lines, cardiac devices, infections with MDRO organisms, or inadequate empiric antibiotics on admission were factors strongly correlated with subsequent positive FUBC. Therefore, we believe that repeating blood cultures in this subset of patients require further study and consideration. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.