The intersection of infectious diseases and antimicrobial stewardship can be a controversial space. This is especially true with use of combination therapies. Four areas of current debate include rifampin combination therapy, inhaled antibiotics for pneumonia, combination therapy for resistant infections, and adjunct aminoglycosides for endocarditis.
While there are several practices within infectious diseases that have become established standards of care, they are based on weak or limited evidence. Some of these practices result in more antibiotic use and toxicity. In a time of increasing healthcare costs and worsening antibiotic resistance rates, it is paramount to re-evaluate these practices and reduce unnecessary exposure to antibiotics as well as decrease spend. Presenters will share and synthesize some of the evidence that has led to select controversial practices, as understanding is the gateway to minimizing unnecessary use.
