Impact of Multiplex PCR Blood-Culture Identification Panels on Clinical Outcomes, Antimicrobial Stewardship and Economic Impact in U.S. Hospitals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Jamil Muqtadir, Sameeullah Bhatti, Irshad Batool, Emil P LeshoAbstract
Background
We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizing evidence on multiplex PCR blood culture identification (BCID) panels and their effects on clinical, antimicrobial stewardship, and economic outcomes.
Methods
We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for studies evaluating time to appropriate therapy, mortality, length of stay (LOS), antimicrobial optimization, and cost in adult inpatients.
Results
Twenty studies encompassing 4,587 patients with bloodstream infections across U.S. hospitals were included. BCID implementation showed shorter time to appropriate antimicrobial therapy by 17.28 h (95% CI, −24.00 to −10.56) and hospital LOS by 1.25 days (95% CI, −1.79 to −0.71). No statistically significant effect on mortality was observed (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.81–1.34). Economic outcomes were not significantly different.
Conclusions
BCID panels were associated with shorter time to effective therapy; however, a timely clinical response is necessary.