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VIDEO: Antibiotic de-escalation in ICU improves outcomes
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BOSTON — Marc Leone MD, PhD, from Aix-Marseille Université in Marseille, France, argues in favor of antibiotic de-escalation therapy in the ICU as a means to reduce unnecessary drug use. Leone says the practice of de-escalation, which has been associated with improved outcomes in patients, should be the rule rather than just an option for clinicians.
Leone took part in a pro/con session at ASM Microbe 2016 with Jeroen Schouten, MD, PhD, from Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, the Netherlands. Schouten, who took an opposing position, says there is no consensus among experts on the definition of de-escalation therapy and little evidence demonstrating its benefit.
Disclosure: Leone reports being a scientific advisor for Basilea Pharmaceutica and serving on the speaker’s bureau for Merck.