Effect of short-term carbapenem restriction on the incidence of non-pseudomonal multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacilli in an intensive care unit

We conducted a two-phase retrospective study to investigate the impact of a short-term carbapenem restriction on the incidence of non-pseudomonal multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacilli in our intensive care unit (ICU). The first phase of the study (before carbapenem restriction) was conducted between May and July 2016, and the second phase (implementation of carbapenem restriction) between September and November 2016. The incidence of all non-pseudomonal MDR Gram-negative bacilli (extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and MDR Acinetobacter baumannii) decreased significantly after carbapenem restriction. Patients positive for non-pseudomonal MDR Gram-negative bacilli before and after carbapenem restriction were comparable in terms of age, weight, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation IV score, central venous catheter placement, and vasopressor use. This report suggests that short-term carbapenem restriction for 3?months may be an effective strategy for reducing the incidence of non-pseudomonal MDR Gram-negative bacilli.