An outcomes analysis of outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) in a large Asian cohort

Outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) facilitates early discharge, easing demands on inpatient resources and allowing patients the opportunity to restore home life. In Singapore, two large hospitals established a common prospective database in 2006. This study presents an analysis of all enrolled cases over 6 years to consider factors potentially causing adverse outcomes. In this prospective observational study, patients’ first OPAT episodes, from initiation to completion, re-admission or early cessation, were recorded and analysed using Cox regression to identify factors associated with clinical deterioration leading to unplanned hospital re-admission. Of 2229 first episodes, 1874 (84.1%) completed treatment in OPAT as planned; 201 episodes (9.0%) were complicated by clinical deterioration and re-admitted. Other patients who failed to complete treatment were either re-admitted for elective procedures, experienced adverse drug reactions or peripherally inserted central catheter-related complications, or had other reasons for not completing treatment. Increased risk of clinical deterioration was associated with homecare OPAT (aHR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.7–3.8; P < 0.001), age >70 years (aHR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.2; P = 0.008) and non-private care (aHR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.0–3.0; P = 0.033). Diagnosis and type of antibiotic treatment were not significant risk factors for re-admission. OPAT provides intravenous antibiotics to those who would otherwise remain as hospital inpatients. In this large Asian cohort, clinical factors did not relate to the ability of patients to complete their treatment in OPAT. Criteria identified as significant warrant ongoing consideration as patients are assessed for acceptance into OPAT programmes.