Infographic describing the interrelationships between substance use disorder and infection. There are similar symptoms - tachycardia, hyperthermia, and autonomic instability - but distinguishing the two potential culprit is important for improved outcomes and antimicrobial stewardship. Many wounds are not infectious, including xylazine-associated wounds (XAWs) that can appear severe and necrotic, but may not be infectious and would not require systemic antibiotics. A multimodal approach to managing withdrawal symptoms is needed. 3 in 4 patients who inject drugs (PWID) experience skin infections. That's why interprofessional collaboration between pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and peer support specialists is necessary to manage addiction and infection simultaneously.
A paper just published in JACCP explores the complex link between substance use and infections. Distinguishing withdrawal from sepsis is key to avoiding unnecessary antibiotics. Did you know xylazine-associated wounds often look severely infected but aren’t? #MedSky #Pharmacy #SUD #ID