There are two main drivers of stewardship in hospitals: IDSA/SHEA Guidelines and the CDC Core Elements.
Basic Biostatistics
If you need to brush up on biostatistics, I recommend you buy the little biostatistics book ACCP offers (it’s cheap and it has some good practice problems in it). This is also a really good study guide and here’s a really, really simple sheet. I have more topics in biostatistics (including the “which statistical test to pick” […]
Intra-Abdominal Infections
Pathogens get more complex as you move down the GI tract: IDSA Intrabdominal Infection Guidelines Community-Acquired Intrabdominal Infection: Appendicitis Blood/fluid cultures not routinely needed for patients with community-acquired infection unless clinically toxic or high-risk for MDRO infections Therapy Pediatric Adults Mild-Moderate High Single Agent Carbapenems, piperacillin-tazobactam Cefoxitin, ertapenem, moxifloxacin, tigecycline, or ticarcillin-clavulanic acid Carbapenems (not […]
Sexually Transmitted Infections
The CDC is the best place to check for updated STI guidelines and resistance patterns. Chlamydia: Doxycycline 100 mg orally 2 times/day for 7 days (preferred) Azithromycin 1g 1 time dose (can use in pregnancy) Levofloxacin 500 mg orally once daily for 7 days Alt in preg: Amoxicillin 500 mg orally 3 times/day for 7 days […]
Urinary Tract Infections
Please note that this guide goes with current guidelines, but current guidelines don’t really meet practice. IDSA is due with new guidelines in 2024 and a preview was presented at IDweek in 2023/ECCMID 2024. It will change the definition of complicated UTIs to include pyelonephritis, catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI), UTI with fever or other evidence of […]
Pneumonia
Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) October 2019 IDSA CAP Adult Guidelines / CHEST CAP in Immunocompromised Patients / IDSA CAP in Kids Guidelines CAP is defined as pneumonia with an onset outside of the hospital setting or < 48 hours after hospital admission. Mortality ranges from < 1% to 50% depending on severity of illness. It […]
The Pros and Cons of Fluoroquinolones
Fluoroquinolones, like Levaquin (levofloxacin) and Cipro (ciprofloxacin), are a popular class of antibiotics that are used to treat a variety of infections. While these antibiotics are highly effective, it’s important to be aware of the pros and cons associated with their use. Patients and providers should have a conversation about these side effects and potential […]
Empiric Selection Sheet
Links to Clinical Guidelines
Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Adult Patients with Cancer-Related Immunosuppression Antimicrobial Prophylaxis in Surgery (Archived) Antimicrobial Stewardship Aspergillosis BK Polyomavirus Babesiosis Bacterial Meningitis Blastomycosis COVID-19 Candidiasis Chlamydia Chronic Kidney Disease in HIV Clostridium difficile Coccidioidomycosis Combat-related Infections Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) in Infants and Children Cryptococcal Disease Diabetic Foot Infections Encephalitis Endocarditis Management Endocarditis Prevention […]
Medications that Can Leave You Chilled and What to Do About It
As the winter months approach, most of us are trying to find ways to stay warm. If you can’t get warm even when you’re all bundled up, it could be your medications. Understanding how medications affect cold tolerance is crucial for maintaining comfort and safety during cold weather. Common Medications That Can Lower Cold Tolerance […]