The feasibility of procalcitonin and CPIS score to reduce inappropriate antibiotics use among severe-critically ill COVID-19 pneumonia patients: A pilot study

Abstract

Antibiotics have been extensively used in COVID-19 patients without a clear indication. We conducted a study to evaluate the feasibility of procalcitonin along with the “Clinical Pulmonary for Infection Score” (CPIS) as a strategy to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use. Using procalcitonin and CPIS score (PCT-CPIS) successfully reduced inappropriate antibiotics use among severe-critically ill COVID-19 pneumonia patients (45% vs 100%; P <.01). Compared to “non PCT-CPIS” group, “PCT-CPIS” group was associated with a reduction in the incidence of multidrug-resistant organisms and invasive fungal infections (18.3% vs 36.7%; P =.03), shorter antibiotic duration (2 days vs 7 days; P <.01) and length of hospital stay (10 days vs 16 days; P <.01).