Oral Step-down Cuts Catheter Use in ESBL UTIs

Jul 31, 2026 · Published in: Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology : ASHE

Background Information

Oral step-down therapy slashes catheter days in UTIs.

Venous catheter use raises infection risk, so reducing catheter days can improve patient outcomes. Oral step-down therapy reduced median catheter days to 0 compared to 5 days with intravenous carbapenems. Oral step-down therapy for ESBL-producing Escherichia coli UTIs may reduce catheter-related complications and hospital resources. Oral step-down effectively reduces catheter use in ESBL E. coli UTIs.

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Authors: Bellon M, Margulis Landayan A, Morales J, Murillo J, Breazeale S, Gauthier TP

Citation: Bellon M, Margulis Landayan A, Morales J, et al. Retrospective multicenter evaluation of oral step-down versus intravenous carbapenem treatment of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli urinary tract infections. Antimicrobial stewardship & healthcare epidemiology : ASHE. 2026;6(1):e225. doi:10.1017/ash.2026.10794

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI · Free Full Text (PMC)

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