The Role of Laboratory Biomarkers in Optimizing Antibiotic Therapy for Respiratory Infections: A Collaborative Approach Between Respiratory Therapists, Pharmacists, and Laboratory Specialists

Authors: Asrar I. Alshomrani, Jehan H. Ben Hyzaam, Zaid A. Alhussain, Alaa S. Aleiid, Alyaa A. Eisa, Duaa A. Alansari, Wafa A. Aldihan, Latifah M. Alshammari, Mansour Alotaibi, Ali O. Alessa, Amal T. Alenazi, Nujud K. Hajij, Rayan D. Alotaibi, Ranya F. Arab, Hala H. Almutairi

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13879425

Short DOI: https://doi.org/g6k9pk

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Background: Optimizing antibiotic therapy in ICU patients with respiratory infections is critical to improving outcomes and preventing complications such as antimicrobial resistance and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). This study aimed to evaluate the use of biomarkers, including procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP), in guiding antibiotic therapy and assess the impact of interdisciplinary collaboration between respiratory therapists (RTs), pharmacists, and laboratory specialists (LS) in optimizing patient care.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary hospital ICU involving 150 patients with bacterial respiratory infections. The biomarker-guided group (n = 80) received antibiotic therapy based on PCT/CRP levels, while the standard care group (n = 70) followed clinical guidelines without biomarker monitoring. Primary outcomes included antibiotic duration, ICU length of stay, and incidence of VAP. Secondary outcomes included mechanical ventilation duration and antibiotic-related adverse events.

Results: The biomarker-guided group had significantly shorter antibiotic durations (6.2 vs. 9.5 days, p < 0.001), fewer instances of antibiotic overuse (28% vs. 60%, p = 0.001), and shorter ICU stays (10.1 vs. 13.2 days, p < 0.001). The incidence of VAP was lower in the biomarker-guided group (7% vs. 14%, p = 0.048), and fewer adverse drug events were observed (8% vs. 16%, p = 0.037).

Conclusion: Biomarker-guided antibiotic therapy, supported by interdisciplinary collaboration, improves patient outcomes by reducing antibiotic duration, ICU stay, and the risk of VAP. This approach should be integrated into antibiotic stewardship programs to optimize care in ICU settings.

Keywords: Biomarkers, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, antibiotic therapy, ICU, interdisciplinary collaboration, ventilator-associated pneumonia, antibiotic stewardship

Paper Id: 231277

Published On: 2022-07-01

Published In: Volume 10, Issue 4, July-August 2022

Cite This: The Role of Laboratory Biomarkers in Optimizing Antibiotic Therapy for Respiratory Infections: A Collaborative Approach Between Respiratory Therapists, Pharmacists, and Laboratory Specialists - Asrar I. Alshomrani, Jehan H. Ben Hyzaam, Zaid A. Alhussain, Alaa S. Aleiid, Alyaa A. Eisa, Duaa A. Alansari, Wafa A. Aldihan, Latifah M. Alshammari, Mansour Alotaibi, Ali O. Alessa, Amal T. Alenazi, Nujud K. Hajij, Rayan D. Alotaibi, Ranya F. Arab, Hala H. Almutairi - IJIRMPS Volume 10, Issue 4, July-August 2022. DOI 10.5281/zenodo.13879425

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