Inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy for bloodstream infections based on discordant in-vitro susceptibilities: a retrospective cohort analysis of prevalence, predictors, and mortality risk in US hospitals

The prevalence and effects of inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy for bloodstream infections are unclear. We aimed to establish the population-level burden, predictors, and mortality risk of in-vitro susceptibility-discordant empirical antibiotic therapy among patients with bloodstream infections.

Approximately one in five patients with bloodstream infections in US hospitals received discordant empirical antibiotic therapy, receipt of which was closely associated with infection with antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Receiving discordant empirical antibiotic therapy was associated with increased odds of mortality overall, even in patients without sepsis. Early identification of bloodstream pathogens and resistance will probably improve population-level outcomes.