Abstract
Introduction
Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the leading cause of failure of primary and revision hip and knee arthroplasty. It is challenging condition which represents a growing burden on hospital resources. In-patient hospital stay for antibiotic therapy post-operatively is costly and access to out-patient IV therapy (OPAT) varies between regions. In a tertiary referral centre for revision and infection, the suitability and cost-effectiveness of Dalbavancin was reviewed as a “single-shot” therapy following DAIR or revision lower limb arthroplasty for PJI.
Methods & Materials
A prospective service evaluation was carried out for consecutive patients treated for PJI of the hip or knee who received Dalbavancin. Treatment was indicated by Consultant Microbiologist advice within an MDT setting where clinical or patient factors made alternative therapies eg. OPAT inappropriate. Service-level data was collected to allow calculation of bed-day savings compared to a traditional 14-day course of IV treatment. Readmission rates to the trust within 30 days were reviewed as a marker of clinical efficacy and safety.
Results
12 patients received dalbavancin for PJI. Mean bed-day saving was 6.9 (SD 3.7) per patient. A total of 83 bed days were saved compared to traditional treatment and there was a modest cost-benefit. There were no adverse reactions noted and no readmissions within 30 days.
Discussion
The safety and efficacy of dalbavancin has been demonstrated in recent literature, but the impact that it can have on health-care costs and in-patient burden has not been explored. In addition, the success of out-patient therapy relies on patient engagement. In patients with co-existing cognitive difficulty or alcohol/substance use Dalbavancin offers an attractive alternative.
Conclusions
The results of our pilot suggest that IV Dalbavancin is cost-effective as part of the treatment strategy for PJI and can lead to significant bed-day savings, which can assist in patient flow and departmental efficiency.
