Continuation Versus De-escalation of Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Therapy in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients

Abstract Background Antibiotic de-escalation (ADE) is a stewardship initiative that aims to reduce exposure antimicrobials, thus limiting their unwanted effect, including antimicrobial resistance. Our study describe the impact of ADE compared with continuation therapy on outcome critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Material and Methods A single-center retrospective included COVID-19 adult patients admitted between January 1, August 31, 2021, started broad-spectrum antibiotics. The primary was intensive care unit (ICU) mortality. In addition, other clinical outcomes were evaluated, ICU readmissions, length stay, superinfection. Results 73 mean age 61.0 ± 19.4, performed in 10 (13.6%) these. group, 8/10 (80%) cultures positive. mortality not statistically different groups (60 vs. 41.3%, respectively, P = 0.317). Superinfection occurred 4 (5.4%) Hospital mortality, readmission rates did differ significantly groups. Conclusion De-escalation antibiotics covid-19 associated higher larger cohort needed confirm these findings.