Reply to Lau et al Re: "Antipseudomonal Antibiotics in Diabetic Foot Infections: A Practical Perspective From a Community Hospital".

A study conducted at a community hospital in Washington State, United States, found a high use of antipseudomonal antibiotics in diabetic foot infections (DFIs) despite a low number of cultures with Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth. The study suggests that initiating antipseudomonal therapy based on risk factors alone may lead to unnecessarily broad antimicrobial coverage. The authors recommend a holistic approach to evaluating patients with DFIs, including local risk factor analysis, standardized procedures for obtaining quality cultures, and modifying treatment guidelines to suggest narrow-spectrum antibiotic therapy. They also emphasize the importance of early consultation with wound care, surgery, and orthopedic specialists in cases involving bone involvement. The study highlights the need for further research on successful interventions in DFIs to avoid unnecessary antipseudomonal therapy. [Extracted from the article]

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