One Small Step (Down) for Antibiotics, One Giant Leap for Outpatient Therapy: The Role of Oral Antibiotics in Serious Bacterial Infections

AbstractPurpose of ReviewStepping down to oral antibiotic therapy after a period of IV lead-in would eliminate most of the untoward effects of long-term intravenous therapy, including lengthy hospital admissions, copays for ambulatory infusions, catheter-related adverse events, and missed work/school.Recent FindingsTwo randomized, controlled trials, POET and OVIVA, contribute significant support for oral stepdown regimens in endocarditis and osteomyelitis, disease states that are commonly caused by gram-positive organisms. In addition, a number of retrospective reviews comparing early oral switch to continued IV therapy for bacteremia due toStreptococcus and Enterobacterales have shown no significant differences in morality, re-infection, or re-admission. Optimal oral antibiotic selection has been reviewed in a number of studies for gram-negative bacteremia, but similar data is lacking for gram-positive infections.SummaryStepdown to oral antibiotic therapy is a safe, effective, and cost-saving method of treating a range of bacterial infections, especially with highly bioavailable antibiotics. Less bioavailable antibiotics (i.e., β-lactams) may also be effective, but data supporting optimal agent selection and dosing regimens is needed.
Source: Current Infectious Disease Reports - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research