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OPAT in Switzerland: single-center experience of a model to treat complicated infections

Infection volume 48, pages 231–240 (2020)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) programmes are established in the minority of Swiss hospitals. We aimed to study the OPAT programme at the University Hospital Basel during a 3-year period to evaluate safety and outcome.

Methods

All patients treated in the OPAT programme between 2015 and 2017 were included in the study. Demographic, clinical and OPAT outcome data were extracted from the hospital information system. Differences between treatment periods were analysed and risk factors for readmission and adverse events identified.

Results

In total, 462 patients were enrolled from 2015 to 2017. Patient numbers and total treatment days increased by 68% and 116%, respectively. Indications included many complicated infections such as bone and joint (23%) and intravascular infections (13%). Of the identified Gram-negative bacteria, 25% produced extended spectrum beta-lactamases. The percentage of antibiotics administrated with an elastomeric device increased from 11% in 2015 to 29% in 2017, whereas the use of once-daily antimicrobials (such as ceftriaxone) declined. Adverse events were rare (n = 67; 14.6%) including only two severe catheter-related events. Cure was noted in 98% of patients. 30-day unplanned readmission occurred in 46 (10.0%) patients, and intravascular infections and a higher Charlson comorbidity index were identified as independent predictors.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the successful implementation of a formal OPAT programme in a Swiss tertiary care hospital. Careful selection of patients and monitoring during treatment are crucial to avoid frequent readmissions. Hence, our data call for an expansion of OPAT services in Switzerland in the near future.

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Funding

This work was supported by departmental funds of the Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland

    Andrea Erba, Michelle Beuret & Michael Osthoff

  2. Medical Outpatient Clinic, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland

    Mary-Louise Daly

  3. Department of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland

    Nina Khanna

  4. Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland

    Michael Osthoff

Authors
  1. Andrea Erba
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  2. Michelle Beuret
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  3. Mary-Louise Daly
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  4. Nina Khanna
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  5. Michael Osthoff
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Michael Osthoff.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Erba, A., Beuret, M., Daly, ML. et al. OPAT in Switzerland: single-center experience of a model to treat complicated infections. Infection 48, 231–240 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-019-01381-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-019-01381-8

Keywords

  • Outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy
  • Switzerland
  • Outcome
  • Safety
  • Complicated infections