Large variations were found in the type of β-lactams tested, the patients selected for TDM and drug assay methods. Significant variation observed in the PK/PD targets and dose adjustment strategies used supports the need for further studies that robustly define PK/PD targets for ICU patients to ensure a greater consistency of practice for dose adjustment strategies for optimizing β-lactam dosing with TDM.

Central alpha(2)-agonists appear to be effective and safe second-line agents for treatment and prevention of IOAS. Further studies should be conducted to determine their role in the therapy of patients with IOAS.

Implementation of Biofire FilmArray Blood Culture Identification Multiplex PCR panel (BCID) at a cancer hospital was associated with reduced time to appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Additional reductions were not observed when BCID was coupled with antimicrobial stewardship intervention.

Fungal endophthalmitis is a rare complication after cataract surgery and is associated with significant morbidity including vision loss. The common causative fungal pathogens implicated in fungal endophthalmitis after cataract surgery include Candida species (spp.) and molds such as Aspergillus spp. and Fusarium spp. Early diagnosis and effective antifungal treatment after a high index of clinical suspicion are required to reduce unfavorable complications and to preserve eye function. This review discusses epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, management, and outcomes associated with fungal endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.

Posaconazole may be useful for salvage treatment (ST) for invasive fungal infections (IFIs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of posaconazole ST with either posaconazole oral suspension (SUS) or delayed-released tablet (TAB) in patients with IFI. A retrospective review of patients who received posaconazole ST for IFI at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center between December 2007 and March 2014 was conducted. A total of 14 episodes of posaconazole ST for proven (9 episodes) and probable (5 episodes) IFI were identified in 14 patients. The median age was 54 years and the majority of patients (64.3%) had underlying haematological diseases. Posaconazole SUS and TAB were used in 11 episodes and 3 episodes respectively. The duration of posaconazole ST ranged from 28 to 370 days with a median of 65 days. Posaconazole ST with TAB achieved favourable serum posaconazole trough concentrations (median 1.4 μg mL ) compared to posaconazole SUS (median 1.0 μg mL ). The overall clinical success rate with posaconazole ST was 71.4% (10 of 14 episodes). One patient died of progression of IFI. Adverse events were noted in two patients. Posaconazole SUS or TAB may be used effectively for IFI ST.