Intravenous Fosfomycin as Adjunctive Therapy for Gram-Negative Bacteria Bloodstream Infections: A Propensity Score Adjusted Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

The role of intravenous fosfomycin (iv-FOS) as a part of combination therapy for Gram-negative bacteria bloodstream infections (GNB-BSI) needs to be evaluated in clinical practice, as in vitro data show potential efficacy.

Methods

All consecutive patients with a GNB-BSI from 01 January 2021 to 01 April 2023 were included. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. A Cox regression analysis was used to identify predictors of mortality; an inverse-probability of treatment-weighting (IPTW) analysis was also performed.

Results

Overall, 363 patients were enrolled: 211 (58%) males, with a median (q1–q3) age of 68 (57–78) years, and a median Charlson comorbidity index of 5 (3–7). At GNB-BSI onset, the median SOFA score was 5 (2–7) and 122 patients (34%) presented with septic shock. Pathogens were principally Klebsiella pneumoniae (42%), Escherichia coli (28%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17%); of them, 36% were carbapenem-resistant. The therapy included carbapenems (40%), cephalosporins (37%) and beta-lactams/beta-lactamases-inhibitors (19%); a combination with iv-FOS was used in 98 (27%) cases at a median dosage of 16 (16–18) g/daily. The use of iv-FOS was not associated with reduced crude mortality (21% vs 29%, P = 0.147). However, on multivariable Cox-regression, combination therapy with iv-FOS resulted in protection for mortality (aHR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28–0.92), but not other combo-therapies (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.44–1.16). This result was also confirmed with the IPTW-adjusted Cox model (aHR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31–0.91). Subgroup analysis suggested a benefit in severe infections (SOFA > 6, PITT ≥ 4) and when iv-FOS was initiated within 24 hours of GNB-BSI onset.

Conclusions

Fosfomycin in combination therapy for GNB-BSI may have a role in improving survival. These results justify the development of further clinical trials.