Impact of Potentially Unwarranted Intravenous Antibiotics Targeting Pulmonary Infections in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Background Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) can present similarly to pulmonary infections. The additional volume and sodium received from intravenous antibiotics (IVAB) can be counterproductive, especially when strong evidence of infection is lacking. Objective The objective was to evaluate the impact of potentially unwarranted IVAB on clinical outcomes in patients with ADHF. Methods This multicenter, retrospective, cohort study evaluated adults admitted with ADHF, a chest radiograph within 24 hours, B-natriuretic peptide >100 pg/mL, and either received no IVAB or IVAB for at least 48 hours. Subjects with recent antibiotics, justification for antibiotics, or transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) within 24 hours of admission were excluded. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay (LOS). Secondary outcomes included utilization of loop diuretics, administration of fluid and sodium, mortality, and 30-day readmissions. Results Out of 240 subjects included, 120 received IVAB. LOS was significantly longer in the IVAB group (5.12 days vs 3.73 days; P < .001). LOS remained significantly longer in the IVAB group in a propensity score matched cohort (5.26 days vs 3.70 days; P < .001). The IVAB group received more volume and sodium from intravenous fluids ( P < .001). ICU admission greater than 24 hours after admission was higher with IVAB (20% vs 7.5%; P = .049). No significant differences in total loop diuretics, intubation rate, mortality, and 30-day readmissions were identified. Conclusion ADHF patients who received potentially unwarranted IVAB had longer hospital LOS and were more likely to be admitted to the ICU after 24 hours of hospitalization.