ePrints

A consensus statement on empiric therapy for suspected gram-positive infections in surgical patients

Lookup NU author(s): Professor David Leaper

Downloads

Full text for this publication is not currently held within this repository. Alternative links are provided below where available.

Abstract

Background: Multidrug resistance among gram-positive pathogens in tertiary and other care centers is common. A systematic decision pathway to help select empiric antibiotic therapy for suspected gram-positive postsurgical infections is presented. Data sources: A Medline search with regard to empiric antibiotic therapy was performed and assessed by the 15-member expert panel. Two separate panel meetings were convened and followed by a writing, editorial, and review process. Conclusions: The main goal of empiric treatment in postsurgical patients with suspected gram-positive infections is to improve clinical status. Empiric therapy should be initiated at the earliest sign of infection in all critically ill patients. The choice of therapy should flow from β-lactams to vancomycin to parenteral linezolid or quinupristin-dalfopristin. In patients likely to be discharged, oral linezolid is an option. Antibiotic resistance is an important issue, and in developing treatment algorithms for reduction of resistance, the utility of these new antibiotics may be extended and reduce morbidity and mortality. © 2004 Excerpta Medica, Inc. All rights reserved.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Solomkin JS, Bjornson HS, Cainzos M, Dellinger EP, Dominioni L, Eidus R, Faist E, Leaper D, Lee JT, Lipsett PA, Napolitano L, Nelson CL, Sawyer RG, Weigelt J, Wilson SE

Publication type: Review

Publication status: Published

Journal: American Journal of Surgery

Year: 2004

Volume: 187

Issue: 1

Pages: 134-145

Print publication date: 01/01/2004

ISSN (print): 0002-9610

ISSN (electronic): 1879-1883

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amjsurg.2003.03.006

DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2003.03.006

PubMed id: 14706605

Share