Nosocomial (hospital-acquired) bloodstream infections continue to complicate the clinical course of critically ill patients and, consequently, to create substantial economic and human costs. These infections may lead to complications in approximately 30% of those patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and cost an estimated $25,000 per infection. Previous studies have shown that the administration of inadequate antimicrobial treatment of bloodstream infections is associated with a significantly higher mortality rate; therefore, strategies to limit bloodstream infections in the ICU have been developed to improve patient outcomes. Although healthcare providers are cognizant of measures to control infection, inconsistent application of these measures remains a concern in the ICU.

In this regional dinner meeting series, we will present up-to-date information on the risk of acquiring nosocomial fungal infections, highlight the most common sites of these infections, and discuss strategies for preventing and controlling bloodstream infections. The goals are to enhance the awareness and understanding of the risks for bloodstream infections and encourage consistent application of infection control measures to promote more favorable outcomes for patients.

6:00 - 6:30 PM Registration and Dinner

6:30 - 6:35 PM Introduction and Overview
Local Moderator

6:35 - 7:00 PM Principles in Antimicrobial Therapy in the Era of Antibiotic Stewardship
Marin H. Kollef, MD

7:00 - 7:25 PM Antifungal Therapy for Neonatal Fungemia
Ethan G. Leonard, MD, or Carla M. Odio, MD

7:25 - 7:55 PM Question and Answer Session

7:55 - 8:00 PM Program Conclusion
Local Moderator

Note: All times listed are in local time.

• Identify patients at risk for bloodstream infections and multiple drug-resistant pathogens.
• Outline approaches to the prevention and treatment of bacterial and pediatric fungal infections.
• Explain issues with adequate empiric therapy, including the morbidity/mortality associated with inadequate treatment.
• Describe de-escalation therapy, including its implementation into clinical practice.
• Identify issues that influence antibiotic stewardship.

Intended Audience
Infectious disease physicians, hospitalists, internal medicine physicians, critical care and intensive care physicians; infectious disease, critical care, and ICU nurses; fellows (surgical and medical); and hospital pharmacists, ICU pharmacists, and hospital formulary committee directors.

Physician Continuing Medical Education
Accreditation Statement
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM) and Advanced Studies in Medicine (ASiM). PIM is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation
Postgraduate Institute for Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Credit Designation
Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM) designates this continuing education activity for 1.5 contact hour(s) (0.15 CEUs) of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
(Universal Program Number – 809-999-08-186-L01-P.)

Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest
Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM) assesses conflict of interest with its instructors, planners, managers and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of CME activities. All relevant conflicts of interest that are identified are thoroughly vetted by PIM for fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies utilized in this activity, and patient care recommendations. PIM is committed to providing its learners with high quality CME activities and related materials that promote improvements or quality in healthcare and not a specific proprietary business interest of a commercial interest.

Fee Information
There is no fee for this educational activity. A statement of credit will be issued only upon receipt of a completed activity evaluation form and will be mailed to you within 3 weeks.