piperacillin--tazobactam-drug-combination and Appendicitis

A series of 459 hospitalized adults with complicated intra-abdominal infections participated in a randomized, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial. The present study was conducted to add a pharmacoeconomic analysis to the results.. A cost-effectiveness analysis from the perspective of the hospital provider was carried out. Decision analysis was used to illustrate outcomes and to provide a basis on which to conduct a sensitivity analysis. Cost-effectiveness ratios, representing the cost per expected successfully treated patient, were calculated to determine the most cost-effective alternative.. Among 244 economically evaluable patients, enrolled from 34 centers in the U.S. and Canada, 131 patients received ciprofloxacin-metronidazole (75% clinical success rate), and 113 received piperacillin-tazobactam (65% clinical success rate; p = 0.06). Switch to oral antibiotics was possible for 81 patients who received ciprofloxacin-metronidazole (85% clinical success rate) and 67 piperacillin-tazobactam patients (70% clinical success rate; p = 0.027). The mean hospital cost was US$10,662 +/- 7,793 for patients in the ciprofloxacin-metronidazole group and $10,009 +/- 7,023 for patients in the piperacillin-tazobactam group (p = 0.492). Significantly lower costs were documented for patients who could be switched to oral antibiotics than for those continued on intravenous antibiotic orders ($8,684 +/- 4,120 vs. $12,945 +/- 10,204, respectively; p < 0.001). Patients with appendicitis had lower mean hospital costs than those with other infections ($7,169 +/- 3,705 vs. $12,097 +/- 8,342, respectively; p < 0.001). The cost-effectiveness ratios were $14,216:1 for patients in the ciprofloxacin-metronidazole group and $15,398:1 for patients in the piperacillin-tazobactam group.. The mean hospital costs associated with ciprofloxacin-metronidazole were similar to those of piperacillin-tazobactam for the treatment of adults with complicated intra-abdominal infections. Lower costs were documented for patients able to be switched to oral antibiotics and for patients with appendicitis.

Topics: Abdominal Abscess; Adult; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Appendicitis; Ciprofloxacin; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Economics, Pharmaceutical; Female; Humans; Male; Metronidazole; Middle Aged; Penicillanic Acid; Peritonitis; Piperacillin; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Treatment Outcome

Antibiotic treatment is an important element in infection control after urgent abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic efficacy of piperacillin-tazobactam versus a combination of 2 antibiotics (metronidazole and gentamicin) in patients undergoing urgent appendicular and/or colorectal surgery.. The study period comprised December 1998 to December 2002. A total of 183 patients who required urgent surgery for colon disease and/or severe acute appendicitis were prospectively and randomly included. Patients were randomly distributed in 2 groups. Group A received piperacillin-tazobactam (4/0.5/8 h/i.v.) and group B received metronidazole (500 mg/i.v./8 h) plus gentamicin (5 mg/kg/i.v./24 h). Treatment was started between 30 and 60 minutes prior to surgery and was continued for at least 3 days.. The incidence of wound infection in patients who underwent surgery for colon disease and acute appendicitis was lower when they were treated with piperacillin-tazobactam (P< .05). The incidence of intraperitoneal abscess in the group of patients who underwent surgery for severe acute appendicitis was lower when they were treated with piperacillin-tazobactam. Microbiological analyses revealed that there was a predominance of infection due to Escherichia coli.. The association of piperacillin-tazobactam was more effective than that of metronidazole and gentamicin in the prevention and treatment of local infection in the treated groups. Therapeutic failure was mainly related to the presence of gram-negative bacteria.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Appendicitis; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Therapy, Combination; Emergency Treatment; Female; Humans; Male; Metronidazole; Penicillanic Acid; Piperacillin; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Surgical Wound Infection

To compare the safety and efficacy of sequential intravenous (IV) to oral (PO) moxifloxacin treatment against a standard antimicrobial regimen of IV piperacillin-tazobactam followed by PO amoxicillin-clavulanate for the treatment of adults with complicated intra-abdominal infection (cIAI).. cIAIs are commonly due to mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and require both source control and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.. A prospective, double-blind, randomized, phase III comparative trial. Patients with cIAI were stratified by disease severity (APACHE II score) and randomized to either IV/PO moxifloxacin (400 mg q24 hours) or comparator (IV piperacillin-tazobactam [3.0/0.375 g q6 hours] +/- PO amoxicillin-clavulanate [800 mg/114 mg q12 hours]), each for 5 to 14 days. The primary efficacy variable was clinical cure rate at the test-of-cure visit (days 25-50). Bacteriologic outcomes were also determined.. : Of 656 intent-to-treat patients, 379 (58%) were valid to assess efficacy (183 moxifloxacin, 196 comparator). Demographic and baseline medical characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Clinical cure rates at test-of-cure were 80% (146 of 183) for moxifloxacin versus 78% (153 of 196) for comparator (95% confidence interval, -7.4%, 9.3%). The clinical cure rate at test-of-cure for hospital-acquired cIAI was higher with moxifloxacin (82%, 22 of 27) versus comparator (55%, 17 of 31; P = 0.05); rates were similar for community-acquired infections (80% [124 of 156] versus 82% [136 of 165], respectively). Bacterial eradication rates were 78% (117 of 150) with moxifloxacin versus 77% (126 of 163) in the comparator group (95% confidence interval, -9.9%, 8.7%).. Once daily IV/PO moxifloxacin monotherapy was as least as effective as standard IV piperacillin-tazobactam/PO amoxicillin-clavulanate dosed multiple times daily for the treatment of cIAIs.

Topics: Abdominal Abscess; Administration, Oral; Adult; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Appendicitis; Aza Compounds; Bacterial Infections; Cross Infection; Double-Blind Method; Female; Fluoroquinolones; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections; Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Intestinal Perforation; Male; Middle Aged; Moxifloxacin; Penicillanic Acid; Piperacillin; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Prospective Studies; Quinolines; Safety; Stomach Rupture; Treatment Outcome

A post-hoc analysis of data from a trial of complicated intra-abdominal infection was performed to compare the demographic and disease characteristics of patients with complicated appendicitis to those whose primary infection involved other intra-abdominal sites, assess the impact of site of primary infection on outcome, and compare the efficacy and safety of ertapenem 1 g daily with piperacillin-tazobactam 3.375 g every 6 h for treatment of complicated appendicitis. Compared with patients who had primary infection of the colon or another site in the abdomen, patients with complicated appendicitis were younger, had less severe disease (based on lower APACHE II score and lower proportion with generalized peritonitis), and were less likely to be managed by percutaneous drainage of an abscess or to have a postoperative infection. Patients with complicated appendicitis were more likely to have a favorable outcome than were patients with infection of the colon (OR, 3.02; 95% CI, [1.54-5.901; P = .001). At the test-of-cure assessment, 109/123 (88.6%) microbiologically evaluable patients with complicated appendicitis who received ertapenem and 102/113 (90.3%) who received piperacillin-tazobactam had a favorable combined clinical and microbiologic outcome. The frequency and severity of drug-related adverse events were similar in the two treatment groups.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Appendicitis; Bacterial Infections; beta-Lactams; Colonic Diseases; Demography; Double-Blind Method; Ertapenem; Female; Humans; Lactams; Male; Middle Aged; Penicillanic Acid; Piperacillin; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Risk Factors; Severity of Illness Index

To compare the safety and efficacy of intravenous (IV) ciprofloxacin plus IV metronidazole (CIP+MET) with that of IV piperacillin/tazobactam (PIP/TAZO) in adults with complicated intraabdominal infections, and to compare the efficacy of sequential IV-to-oral CIP+MET therapy with that of the IV CIP-only regimen.. Treatment of intraabdominal infections remains a challenge, mainly because of their polymicrobial etiology and attendant death and complications. Antimicrobial regimens using sequential IV-to-oral therapy may reduce the length of hospital stay.. In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind trial involving 459 patients, clinically improved IV-treated patients were switched to oral therapy after 48 hours. Overall clinical response was the primary efficacy measurement.. A total of 282 patients (151 CIP+MET, 131 PIP/TAZO) were valid for efficacy. Of these patients, 64% CIP+MET and 57% PIP/TAZO patients were considered candidates for oral therapy. Patients had a mean APACHE II score of 9.6. The most common diagnoses were appendicitis (33%), other intraabdominal infection (29%), and abscess (25%). Overall clinical resolution rates were statistically superior for CIP+MET (74%) compared with PIP/TAZO (63%). Corresponding rates in the subgroup suitable for oral therapy were 85% for CIP+MET and 70% for PIP/TAZO. Postsurgical wound infection rates were significantly lower in CIP+MET (11%) versus PIP/TAZO patients (19%). Mean length of stay was 14 days for CIP+MET and 17 days for PIP/TAZO patients.. CIP+MET, initially administered IV and followed by CIP+MET oral therapy, was clinically more effective than IV PIP/TAZO for the treatment of patients with complicated intraabdominal infections.

Topics: Abdomen; Abdominal Abscess; Administration, Oral; Anti-Infective Agents; Appendicitis; Bacterial Infections; Ciprofloxacin; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Male; Metronidazole; Middle Aged; Penicillanic Acid; Piperacillin; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Prospective Studies

Recent studies are discordant regarding postoperative use of piperacillin/tazobactam (PT) versus ceftriaxone/metronidazole (CM) for pediatric complicated appendicitis. Some argue that the broader spectrum PT decreases intraabdominal abscess formation; however, antibiotic stewardship, and once-a-day dosing favor CM. We aim to compare outcomes of postoperative antibiotic utilization using a large administrative database.. We queried the Pediatric Health Information System for patients 2-18 years old who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis between 2016 and 2021. Patients were grouped into PT, CM, or other using the first postoperative day antibiotics. Adverse events and antibiotic use trends were evaluated.. We included 29,015 children from 45 hospitals. CM was used in 51.9% and 31.3% received PT. Wide variation was seen among hospitals with PT use decreasing over the years. Overall rate of abscess was 9.2%. On multivariable regression, PT was associated with higher risk for abscess formation (RR 1.35, 99% CI 1.04-1.75) and readmission (RR 1.38, 99% CI 1.13-1.68) compared to the CM group. However, following adjustment for hospitals with high CM prevalence, these associations were no longer significant.. Postoperative use of PT for complicated appendicitis is associated with higher rates of readmissions and intraabdominal abscess when compared to CM. However, this effect is mitigated when adjusting for common practice patterns.. Level III.. Retrospective Comparative Study.

Topics: Abdominal Abscess; Abscess; Adolescent; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Ceftriaxone; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Metronidazole; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome

Narrow-spectrum antibiotics have been found to be equivalent to anti-Pseudomonal agents in preventing organ space infections (OSI) in children with uncomplicated appendicitis. Comparative effectiveness data for children with complicated appendicitis remains limited. This investigation aimed to compare outcomes between the most common narrow-spectrum regimen (ceftriaxone with metronidazole: CM) and anti-Pseudomonal regimen (piperacillin/tazobactam: PT) used perioperatively in children with complicated appendicitis.. Multicenter retrospective cohort study using clinical data from the NSQIP-Pediatric Appendectomy Collaborative database merged with antibiotic utilization data from the Pediatric Health Information System database. Mixed-effects multivariate regression was used to compare NSQIP-defined outcomes and resource utilization between treatment groups after adjusting for patient characteristics, disease severity, and clustering of outcomes within hospitals.. 654 patients from 14 hospitals were included, of which 37.9% received CM and 62.1% received PT. Following adjustment, patients in both groups had similar rates of OSI (CM: 13.3% vs. PT: 18.0%, OR 0.88 [95%CI 0.38, 2.03]), drainage procedures (CM: 8.9% vs. PT: 14.9%, OR 0.76 [95%CI 0.30, 1.92]), and postoperative imaging (CM: 19.8% vs. PT: 22.5%, OR 1.17 [95%CI 0.65, 2.12]). Treatment groups also had similar rates of 30-day cumulative post-operative length of stay (CM: 6.1 vs. PT: 6.0 days, RR 1.01 [95%CI 0.81, 1.25]) and hospital cost (CM: $19,235 vs. PT: $20,552, RR 0.92 [95%CI 0.69, 1.23]).. Rates of organ space infection and resource utilization were similar in children with complicated appendicitis treated with ceftriaxone plus metronidazole and piperacillin/tazobactam.. Level III: Treatment study - Retrospective comparative study.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Ceftriaxone; Child; Humans; Metronidazole; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies

Patients with complicated appendicitis frequently develop postoperative septic complications. There are no uniform standards for the choice of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis and the duration of postoperative antibiotic treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between microbiological samples and postoperative complications.. Patients with appendectomy and positive intraoperative swabs during 2013-2018 were included in this case-control study. Pathogen classes and their resistance patterns were evaluated in initial and follow-up swabs and compared in each of the groups with and without complications.. A total of 870 patients underwent surgery during the period studied. Pathogen detection succeeded in 102 of 210 cases (48.6%) with suspected bacterial peritoneal contamination. Conversion from laparoscopic to open intra-abdominal perforation and the presence of an abscess were independent risk factors for wound infections in the multivariate analysis. The combination of different classes of pathogens resulted in significantly increased overall resistance to ampicillin/sulbactam in both the initial swabs (57%) and the follow-up swabs (73%). Resistant E. coli strains combined with certain anaerobes were also regularly detected in postoperative intra-abdominal abscesses. Piperacillin/tazobactam was effective against 83% of positive swabs in our resistance tests.. Surgical treatment for complicated appendicitis remains the central therapeutic column. A regular review of the existing resistance patterns in perforated appendicitis can help to adjust and improve antibiotic treatment. Piperacillin/tazobactam should be used cautiously as a reserve antibiotic. A valid alternative is second or third generation cephalosporins in combination with metronidazole.. HINTERGRUND: Patienten mit komplizierter Appendizitis entwickeln postoperativ häufig septische Komplikationen. Für die Wahl der perioperativen Antibiotikaprophylaxe und die Dauer der postoperativen Antibiotikatherapie gibt es keine einheitlichen Standards. In dieser Studie sollen Zusammenhänge zwischen mikrobiologischen Abstrichen und postoperativen Komplikationen aufgezeigt werden.. Es wurden Patienten mit Appendektomie und positivem intraoperativen Abstrich im Zeitraum von 2013 bis 2018 in diese Fall-Kontroll-Studie eingeschlossen. Erregerklassen und deren Resistenzmuster wurden in Erst- und Folgeabstrichen ausgewertet und jeweils in den Gruppen mit und ohne Komplikationen verglichen.. Insgesamt wurden im untersuchten Zeitraum 870 Patienten operiert. Ein intraoperativer Erregernachweis gelang in 102 von 210 Fällen (48,6 %) mit Verdacht auf bakterielle, peritoneale Kontamination. Die Konversion von laparoskopisch zu offen, intraabdominelle Perforation und das Vorhandensein eines Abszesses waren in der multivariaten Analyse unabhängige Risikofaktoren für Wundinfekte. Die Kombination verschiedener Erregerklassen führte zu einer deutlich erhöhten Gesamtresistenz gegenüber Ampicillin/Sulbactam sowohl in den Erstabstrichen (57 %) als auch in den Folgeabstrichen (73 %). Resistente E.-coli-Stämme kombiniert mit bestimmten Anaerobiern ließen sich auch regelhaft in postoperativen intraabdominellen Abszessen nachweisen. Piperacillin/Tazobactam war in unseren Resistenztestungen effektiv gegen 83 % der positiven Abstriche.. Die chirurgische Fokussanierung bei komplizierter Appendizitis ist weiterhin die zentrale Therapiesäule. Eine regelmäßige Überprüfung der vorliegenden Resistenzlage bei perforierter Appendizitis kann dazu beitragen, die kalkulierte antibiotische Therapie anzupassen und zu verbessern. Piperacillin/Tazobactam sollte als Reserveantibiotikum zurückhaltend eingesetzt werden. Eine valide Alternative stellen Cephalosporine der 2. oder 3. Generation in Kombination mit Metronidazol dar.

Topics: Ampicillin; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Appendicitis; Case-Control Studies; Cephalosporins; Escherichia coli; Humans; Metronidazole; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Postoperative Complications; Sulbactam

Although perforated appendicitis is associated with infectious complications, the choice of antibiotic therapy is controversial. We assess the effectiveness and safety of an intervention to reduce piperacillin and tazobactam (PT) use for pediatric acute perforated appendicitis.. This is a single-center, retrospective cohort study of children 18 y of age or younger who underwent primary appendectomy for perforated appendicitis between January 01, 2016 and June 30, 2019. An intervention to decrease PT use was implemented: the first phase was provider education (April 19, 2017) and the second phase was modification of electronic antibiotic orders to default to ceftriaxone and metronidazole (July 06, 2017). Preintervention and postintervention PT exposure, use of PT ≥ half of intravenous antibiotic days, and clinical outcomes were compared.. Forty children before and 109 after intervention were included and had similar baseline characteristics. PT exposure was 31 of 40 (78%) and 20 of 109 (18%) (P < 0.001), and use ≥ half of intravenous antibiotic days was 31 of 40 (78%) and 14 of 109 (13%) (P < 0.001), in the preintervention and postintervention groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in mean duration of antibiotic therapy (10.8 versus 9.8 d), mean length of stay (6.2 versus 6.5 d), rate of surgical site infection (10% versus 11%), or rate of 30-d readmission and emergency department visit (20% versus 20%) between the preintervention and postintervention periods, respectively.. Provider education and modification of electronic antibiotic orders safely reduced the use of PT for pediatric perforated appendicitis.

Topics: Adolescent; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antimicrobial Stewardship; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Ceftriaxone; Child; Child, Preschool; Combined Modality Therapy; Decision Support Systems, Clinical; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Therapy, Combination; Electronic Health Records; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infant; Male; Metronidazole; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome

Acute appendicitis is one of the most common surgical emergencies, and it is treated definitively with appendectomy. Recurrent appendicitis is a rare entity, being reported after approximately 1 in 50,000 appendectomies. It is typically caused by inflammation of the appendiceal stump. Inflammation of a retained appendiceal tip is a unique entity that can also cause recurrent appendicitis and presents similarly to primary appendicitis.. We present a case of a 50-year-old man who had undergone laparoscopic appendectomy 1 year earlier and who subsequently presented with a chief complaint of right lower quadrant abdominal pain. The diagnosis of recurrent appendicitis caused by a retained appendiceal tip was made after a computed tomography scan. The patient underwent successful laparoscopic removal of the retained appendiceal fragment. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: The etiology of recurrent appendicitis is separate from the stump appendicitis that has been well described in the literature. Retained tip appendicitis poses a diagnostic dilemma because it is uncommon and, if missed, can lead to complications, such as perforation and severe sepsis. Recurrent appendicitis must be in the differential diagnosis for patients who are post-appendectomy and who present with right lower quadrant abdominal pain.

Topics: Abdominal Pain; Appendicitis; Emergency Service, Hospital; Humans; Laparoscopy; Male; Middle Aged; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Postoperative Complications; Recurrence; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of extended versus narrow spectrum antibiotics in preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) and hospital revisits in children with uncomplicated appendicitis.. There is a paucity of high-quality evidence in the pediatric literature comparing the effectiveness of extended versus narrow-spectrum antibiotics in the prevention of SSIs associated with uncomplicated appendicitis.. Clinical data from the ACS NSQIP-Pediatric Appendectomy Pilot Project were merged with antibiotic utilization data from the Pediatric Health Information System database for patients undergoing appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis at 17 hospitals from January 1, 2013 to June 30, 2015. Patients who received piperacillin/tazobactam (extended spectrum) were compared with those who received either cefoxitin or ceftriaxone with metronidazole (narrow spectrum) after propensity matching on demographic and severity characteristics. Study outcomes were 30-day SSI and hospital revisit rates.. Of the 1389 patients included, 39.1% received piperacillin/tazobactam (range by hospital: 0% to 100%), and the remainder received narrow-spectrum agents. No differences in demographics or severity characteristics were found between groups following matching. In the matched analysis, the rates of SSI were similar between groups [extended spectrum: 2.4% vs narrow spectrum 1.8% (odds ratio, OR: 1.05, 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.34-3.26)], as was the rate of revisits [extended spectrum: 7.9% vs narrow spectrum 5.1% (OR: 1.46, 95% CI 0.75-2.87)].. Use of extended-spectrum antibiotics was not associated with lower rates of SSI or hospital revisits when compared with narrow-spectrum antibiotics in children with uncomplicated appendicitis. Our results challenge the routine use of extended-spectrum antibiotics observed at many hospitals, particularly given the increasing incidence of antibiotic-resistant organisms.

Topics: Adolescent; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Cefoxitin; Ceftriaxone; Child; Child, Preschool; Comparative Effectiveness Research; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Male; Metronidazole; Patient Readmission; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Propensity Score; Retrospective Studies; Surgical Wound Infection; Treatment Outcome

Acute appendicitis in children requires early surgery and short-course antibiotics active against Enterobacteriaceae and anaerobes. Although an aminoglycoside-containing three-drug regimen has been used successfully for decades, simpler regimens with similar efficacy are increasingly used. This study evaluated the impact of a switch from the combination of cefotaxime, metronidazole and gentamicin (regimen 1) to piperacillin/tazobactam (regimen 2) as first-line regimen for complicated acute appendicitis in children. In total, 171 children were enrolled [median (IQR) age, 10 (6-13) years], treated with regimen 1 (n = 80) or regimen 2 (n = 91) following surgery for complicated acute appendicitis. The two groups were comparable except for surgical approach (through laparoscopy in 46% vs. 88% for regimens 1 and 2, respectively; P < 0.001). Post-operative complications and duration of hospital stay were similar. Deviations from antibacterial treatment protocol decreased from 36% (29/80) to 14% (13/91) (P < 0.001), with a dramatic reduction in antibacterial treatment duration from median (IQR) of 15 (12-16) days to 5 (5-8) days (P < 0.001). Post-operative intra-abdominal abscess developed in 32 children (18.7%). Female sex (OR = 2.76, 95% CI 1.18-6.48; P = 0.02) and sepsis/septic shock on admission (OR = 4.72, 95% CI 1.12-19.97; P = 0.035) were independently associated with post-operative intra-abdominal abscess, but not antibacterial regimen. This study shows that simplification of first-line antibacterial regimen for complicated appendicitis in children was associated with reduced protocol deviation, reduced duration of antibiotics, and similar outcomes (post-operative complications and duration of hospital stay).

Topics: Adolescent; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Appendicitis; Cefotaxime; Child; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Gentamicins; Guideline Adherence; Humans; Length of Stay; Male; Metronidazole; Penicillanic Acid; Peritonitis; Piperacillin; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Postoperative Complications; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Retrospective Studies

Institutional protocols for preincisional antibiotic prophylaxis can standardize care and improve outcomes. However, challenges remain in compliance with such protocols for urgent or emergent operations. We hypothesized that compliance with an institutional protocol for antibiotic prophylaxis for appendectomy for appendicitis in pediatric patients results in reduced surgical site infections (SSIs) after simple appendectomy.. This retrospective study assessed all pediatric patients (≤18 y) who underwent appendectomy for confirmed simple appendicitis at a tertiary children's hospital between 2012 and 2015. Demographic, admission, and outcome data were recorded. Compliance with the protocol was assessed. Univariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with any SSI and protocol noncompliance.. Overall compliance with antibiotic prophylaxis occurred in 590 of 697 patients (85%). Compliance was high with timing (91%), spectrum (95%), and protocol-recommended drug (87%). Admission antibiotics alone were administered in 65 patients (9%), preincisional antibiotics alone in 254 patients (36%), and both in 378 patients (55%). Patients included in the analysis received a median of 2 (range 1-6) doses of antibiotics preoperatively. Ten patients (1.4%) developed an SSI. Only receipt of any antibiotics within an hour of incision was associated with decreased odds of SSI (odds ratio 0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.06-0.87). No factors were associated with noncompliance.. An institutional appendicitis protocol yields high compliance with prophylactic antibiotic administration and associated low SSI rates, but at a cost of antibiotic over-administration. Further efforts are necessary to sustain compliance while also practicing appropriate antibiotic stewardship.

Topics: Adolescent; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antibiotic Prophylaxis; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Cefepime; Cephalosporins; Child; Child, Preschool; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Guideline Adherence; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Logistic Models; Male; Metronidazole; Penicillanic Acid; Piperacillin; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Preoperative Care; Retrospective Studies; Surgical Wound Infection; Treatment Outcome

Nonoperative treatment of acute appendicitis appears to be feasible in adults. It is unclear whether the same is true for children.. Children 5-18 years with <48 h symptoms of acute appendicitis were offered nonoperative treatment: 2 doses of piperacillin IV, then ampicillin/clavulanate ×1 week. Treatment failure (worsening on therapy) and recurrence (after completion of therapy) were noted. Patients who declined enrollment were asked to participate as controls. Cost-utility analysis was performed using Pediatric Quality of Life Scale (PedsQL®) to calculate quality-adjusted life month (QALM) for study and control patients.. Twenty-four patients agreed to undergo nonoperative management, and 50 acted as controls. At a mean follow-up of 14 months, three of the 24 failed on therapy, and 2/21 returned with recurrent appendicitis at 43 and 52 days, respectively. Two patients elected to undergo an interval appendectomy despite absence of symptoms. Appendectomy-free rate at one year was therefore 71% (C.I. 50-87%). No patient developed perforation or other complications. Cost-utility analysis shows a 0.007-0.03 QALM increase and a $1359 savings from $4130 to $2771 per nonoperatively treated patient.. Despite occasional late recurrences, antibiotic-only treatment of early appendicitis in children is feasible, safe, cost-effective and is experienced more favorably by patients and parents.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; beta-Lactamase Inhibitors; Child; Child, Preschool; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Drug Therapy, Combination; Feasibility Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Penicillanic Acid; Piperacillin; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Quality of Life; Recurrence; Treatment Failure

Current evidence suggests that nonoperative management of uncomplicated appendicitis is safe, but overall effectiveness is determined by combining medical outcomes with the patient's and family's perspective, goals, and expectations.. To determine the effectiveness of patient choice in nonoperative vs surgical management of uncomplicated acute appendicitis in children.. Prospective patient choice cohort study in patients aged 7 to 17 years with acute uncomplicated appendicitis presenting at a single pediatric tertiary acute care hospital from October 1, 2012, through March 6, 2013. Participating patients and families gave informed consent and chose between nonoperative management and urgent appendectomy.. Urgent appendectomy or nonoperative management entailing at least 24 hours of inpatient observation while receiving intravenous antibiotics and, on demonstrating improvement of symptoms, completion of 10 days of treatment with oral antibiotics.. The primary outcome was the 1-year success rate of nonoperative management. Successful nonoperative management was defined as not undergoing an appendectomy. Secondary outcomes included comparisons of the rates of complicated appendicitis, disability days, and health care costs between nonoperative management and surgery.. A total of 102 patients were enrolled; 65 patients/families chose appendectomy (median age, 12 years; interquartile range [IQR], 9-13 years; 45 male [69.2%]) and 37 patients/families chose nonoperative management (median age, 11 years; IQR, 10-14 years; 24 male [64.9%]). Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. The success rate of nonoperative management was 89.2% (95% CI, 74.6%-97.0%) at 30 days (33 of 37 children) and 75.7% (95% CI, 58.9%-88.2%) at 1 year (28 of 37 children). The incidence of complicated appendicitis was 2.7% in the nonoperative group (1 of 37 children) and 12.3% in the surgery group (8 of 65 children) (P = .15). After 1 year, children managed nonoperatively compared with the surgery group had fewer disability days (median [IQR], 8 [5-18] vs 21 [15-25] days, respectively; P < .001) and lower appendicitis-related health care costs (median [IQR], $4219 [$2514-$7795] vs $5029 [$4596-$5482], respectively; P = .01).. When chosen by the family, nonoperative management is an effective treatment strategy for children with uncomplicated acute appendicitis, incurring less morbidity and lower costs than surgery.. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01718275.

Topics: Adolescent; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Child; Ciprofloxacin; Family; Female; Health Care Costs; Humans; Laparoscopy; Male; Metronidazole; Patient Participation; Patient Preference; Penicillanic Acid; Piperacillin; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome

We report a case of a rare complication of acute appendicitis with perforation through the abdominal wall. The case points out that an intraabdominal origin should be considered in patients presenting with rapidly spreading soft tissue infections of the trunk.. A 58-year-old European woman presented to our hospital with a 1-week history of severe abdominal pain accompanied by rapidly spreading erythema and emphysema of the lower abdomen. On admission, the patient was in septic shock with leukocytosis and elevation of C-reactive protein. Among other diagnoses, necrotizing fasciitis was suspected. Computed tomography showed a large soft tissue infection with air-fluid levels spreading through the lower abdominal wall. During the operation, we found a perforated appendicitis breaking through the fascia and causing a rapidly progressive soft tissue infection of the abdominal wall. Appendicitis was the origin of the soft tissue infection. The abdominal wall was only secondarily involved.. Even though perforated appendicitis as an etiology of a rapidly progressive soft tissue infection of the abdominal wall is very rare, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abdominal wall cellulitis. The distinction between rapidly spreading subcutaneous infection with abscess formation and early onset of necrotizing fasciitis is often difficult and can be confirmed only by surgical intervention.

Topics: Abdominal Pain; Abdominal Wall; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Emphysema; Escherichia coli Infections; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Penicillanic Acid; Peritonitis; Piperacillin; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Reoperation; Soft Tissue Infections; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome

Initial antibiotics with planned interval appendectomy (interval AP) have been used to treat patients with complicated perforated appendicitis; however, little experience exists with this approach in children with suspected acute perforated appendicitis (SAPA). We sought to determine the outcome of initial antibiotics and interval AP in children with SAPA.. Over an 18-month period, 751 consecutive patients underwent appendectomy including 105 patients with SAPA who were treated with initial intravenous antibiotics and planned interval AP ≥ 8 weeks after presentation. All SAPA patients had symptoms for ≤ 96 hours. Primary outcome variables were rates of readmission, abscess formation, and need for interval AP prior to the planned ≥ 8 weeks.. Intraabdominal abscess rate was 27%. Appendectomy prior to planned interval AP was 11% and readmission occurred in 34%. All patients underwent eventual appendectomy with pathologic confirmation confirming the previous appendiceal inflammation. White blood cell (WBC) count >15,000, WBC >15,000 plus fecalith on imaging, and WBC >15,000 plus duration of symptoms >48 hours were all significantly associated with higher rates of readmission (p=0.01, p=0.04, p=0.02) and need for interval AP prior to the planned ≥ 8 weeks (p=0.003, p=0.05, p=0.03).. Treatment of SAPA with antibiotics and planned interval AP is successful in the majority of patients; however, complications such as abscess formation and/or readmission prior to planned interval AP occur in up to one-third of patients. Certain clinical variables are associated with increased treatment complications.

Topics: Abdominal Abscess; Abdominal Pain; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Child; Critical Pathways; Drug Administration Schedule; Drug Combinations; Fever; Humans; Intestinal Perforation; Patient Readmission; Penicillanic Acid; Peritonitis; Piperacillin; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Prospective Studies; Suction; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Abdominal Abscess; Albendazole; Animals; Anthelmintics; Anti-HIV Agents; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Ascariasis; Ascaris lumbricoides; Bacteroides fragilis; Bacteroides Infections; Combined Modality Therapy; Emigrants and Immigrants; Escherichia coli Infections; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic; Jejunum; Paraguay; Penicillanic Acid; Peritonitis; Piperacillin; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Young Adult

Abdominal actinomycosis in children is a rare disease, which is occasionally found on histologic examination after an operation for acute appendicitis. Because of its nonspecific clinical and radiological signs and symptoms and low prevalence, the diagnosis is hardly ever made before the patient undergoes an operation and tissue is available for pathologic evaluation. When the diagnosis is made, the patient should be treated with the appropriate long-term antibiotics. With antibiotic therapy, the prognosis is favorable. We describe a 13-year-old girl who presented with acute appendicitis and was found to have abdominal actinomycosis after undergoing open appendectomy, which was treated successfully with penicillin and piperacillin-tazobactam.

Topics: Actinomycosis; Acute Disease; Adolescent; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Cecal Diseases; Female; Humans; Penicillanic Acid; Penicillins; Piperacillin; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Prognosis; Treatment Outcome

Initial non-operative therapy for children with perforated appendicitis has become increasingly popular with the advent of powerful broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, there is no consensus regarding which patients may be managed effectively with this strategy. We reviewed all children with perforated appendicitis who were treated initially with non-operative therapy to determine those characteristics that may predict a successful outcome.. We reviewed the medical records of children admitted to our hospital between January 1, 2000 and May 1, 2003 with the diagnosis of perforated appendicitis. Only those who were treated initially with a single broad-spectrum antibiotic (piperacillin-tazobactam), with the intention of performing an interval appendectomy, were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether they were managed successfully with non-operative therapy: Responders and non-responders. Non-responders were defined as patients who either did not improve with antibiotic therapy or who required appendectomy prior to their electively scheduled time (six weeks). Demographic data, duration and type of presenting symptoms, initial white blood cell count (WBC), percent bands, percent neutrophils (PMNs), computed tomography (CT) interpretation, and interventions/operations were abstracted. Categorical data were compared using Chi-square analysis or the Fisher exact test; continuous variables were compared using the Student t-test and the Mann-Whitney U-test.. Overall, 26% (19/73) of patients treated initially non-operatively required appendectomy prior to the electively scheduled date. There was no difference between responders (n = 54) and non-responders (n = 19) with respect to age, gender, initial WBC, percent bands, percent PMNs, or duration and type of presenting symptoms. However, responders were more likely to have a phlegmon on CT scan compared to non-responders (11/54 vs. 0/19, p = 0.03). Non-responders were twice as likely to undergo drainage of an abscess by interventional radiology (10/19 vs. 13/54, p = 0.02) compared to responders. Among all patients who required percutaneous drainage, the failure rate of non-operative management was 43% (10/23).. Children with perforated appendicitis can be managed effectively with nonoperative therapy, even in the presence of intra-abdominal abscesses. However, the need for abscess drainage increases the failure rate, perhaps due to inadequate source control. Those patients with a phlegmon on CT scan as opposed to an abscess, are most likely to respond to non-operative management. Initial non-operative therapy of perforated appendicitis in children is appropriate under certain clinical circumstances, especially when the body itself or interventional radiology can achieve adequate source control.

Topics: Abdominal Abscess; Adolescent; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Cellulitis; Child; Drainage; Female; Humans; Male; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Penicillanic Acid; Piperacillin; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Predictive Value of Tests; Prognosis; Retrospective Studies; Time Factors; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome

Children with perforated appendicitis often have a prolonged hospital course complicated by surgical site or intra-abdominal infections. Treatment with multiple intravenous (IV) antibiotics after appendectomy has been the standard of care for these patients. We have recently adopted a protocol using piperacillin-tazobactam (PT) as a single agent in lieu of the standard multi-drug regimen (MD). We hypothesized that PT would be as effective as MD in reducing postoperative complications and would result in decreased resource utilization.. We reviewed the medical records of all children admitted to our hospital between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2001 with the diagnosis of perforated appendicitis. Patients who underwent operation within the first 24 h of admission were divided into two groups based on their antibiotic regimen: PT versus MD. Demographic data, duration of presenting symptoms, initial WBC, length of stay, and infectious complications were abstracted. Categorical data were compared using Chi square analysis; continuous variables were compared using Student's t-test when the data were normally distributed and the Mann-Whitney U test when the data were skewed.. There was no difference between the PT (n = 51) and MD (n = 43) groups with respect to age, duration of presenting symptoms, initial WBC, or length of hospital stay. However, patients in the MD group had a significantly higher overall complication rate than those in the PT group (14/43 vs. 4/51, p = 0.002). Antibiotic-related complications including surgical site infections, venous catheter-related infections, intra-abdominal abscesses, and drug reactions were also higher in the MD group (10/43 vs. 4/51, p = 0.04). The outpatient charges for each patient based on an average of seven days of home antibiotics were $2,460 for the PT group and $4,349 for the MD group.. Children with perforated appendicitis can be managed effectively with a single broad-spectrum antibiotic after appendectomy. Monotherapy is not only more efficacious than multi-drug therapy, but may be more cost effective. The use of monotherapy for children with perforated appendicitis after adequate source control should be considered the treatment of choice.

Topics: Ampicillin; Appendectomy; Appendicitis; Child; Clindamycin; Drug Combinations; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Gentamicins; Humans; Male; Penicillanic Acid; Piperacillin; Piperacillin, Tazobactam Drug Combination; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies