Ertapenem for Initial Empirical Treatment of Third Generation Cephalosporin Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Bacteremia

Ertapenem for Initial Empirical Treatment of Third Generation Cephalosporin Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Bacteremia: a Propensity Score Analysis

This study aims to assess whether ertapenem as an empiric treatment of third-generation-cephalosporin resistant Enterobacteriaceae (3GCRE) bacteremia is non-inferior to other carbapenems in term of 30-day mortality.

There are limited data of the efficacy of ertapenem as the empiric treatment of serious invasive infections, such as bloodstream infections (BSIs), that are due to ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Previous studies of ertapenem were done in small group of patients, in less invasive infection, as a definite 'step-down' therapy, or as compared to other non-carbapenem antibiotics.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults, either sex, ages 18 years or above
• Patients with 3GCRE bacteremia
• Patients admitted to any of the study sites

Exclusion Criteria:

• Discontinuation of antibiotic due to transition to hospice care
• Polymicrobial bacteremia
• Empirical antibiotic after 24 hours of first evidence of bacteremia