OBJECTIVE The pharmacokinetics of beta-lactam antibiotics favor administration via an extended infusion. Although literature supporting extended infusion beta-lactams exists in adults, few data are available to guide the practice in pediatrics. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes between extended and standard infusions in children. METHODS This retrospective chart analysis included hospitalized patients 0 to 18 years old who received at least 72 hours of cefepime, piperacillin-tazobactam, or meropenem between October 1, 2017, and March 31, 2019. Clinical outcomes of care included hospital length of stay, readmission within 30 days, and all-cause mortality. RESULTS A total of 551 patients (258 extended infusion, 293 standard infusion) met criteria for evaluation. Clinical outcomes among the entire population were similar. A subanalysis of select populations demonstrated decreased mortality in critical care patients (2.1% vs 19.6%, p = 0.006) and decreased 30-day readmission rates in bone marrow transplant patients (0% vs 50%, p = 0.012) who received the extended infusion compared with a standard infusion. CONCLUSIONS Outcomes were similar between extended and standard infusions in children. Subgroup analyses suggest a possible mortality benefit in the critically ill and decreased readmission rate in bone marrow transplant patients.

BackgroundInfections due to multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDRO) are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Due to limited treatment options for MDROs, it is essential to improve the delivery of available antibiotics. Optimal efficacy of β-lactam antibiotics can be achieved when free drug concentrations exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration of the organism for at least 50% of the dosing interval. This is more feasible when extending the duration of infusion. Adult literature supporting the use of extended infusion β-lactams (EIBL) is robust; however, pediatric data are limited. Furthermore, extended infusions (EI) may be more difficult to achieve in pediatric patients due to limited intravenous line access. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of EIBLs as the standard of care and compare clinical outcomes between standard infusions (SI) and extended infusions (EI).MethodsThis retrospective chart analysis included hospitalized patients less than 18 years old between October 1, 2017 and March 31, 2019 who received at least 72 hours of cefepime, piperacillin/tazobactam, or meropenem. Patients weighing less than 3.5 kg or requiring continuous renal replacement therapy were excluded. EI were defined as antibiotic delivery over 3–4 hours, while SI were delivered over 30 minutes. The percent of patients completing therapy utilizing EI was measured. Clinical outcomes compared hospital length of stay; time to blood culture clearance, defervescence, inflammatory marker normalization; 30-day readmission rates; and 30-day all-cause mortality between the SI and EI groups.ResultsA total of 560 patients were included in the interim analysis. Over 90% of patients were able to complete therapy utilizing EI (Figure 1). The EI group had lower readmission rates, but the interim analysis has not yet controlled for planned admissions. A sub-analysis of critically ill patients requiring vasopressors identified a lower mortality rate (5.1% vs. 23.1%, P = 0.023) and decreased the length of stay (554 vs. 1,055 hours, P = 0.035) in the EI compared with SI group (Table 1).ConclusionEIBLs are feasible in the pediatric population and may lead to improved outcomes including decreased all-cause mortality and hospital length of stay, especially in critically ill children. Disclosures All Authors: No reported Disclosures.