Related Experiment Videos
Penetration of meropenem in lung, bronchial mucosa, and pleural tissues
1Infectious Diseases Clinic, Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium. baudouin.byl@ulb.ac.be
Abstract:
Lung, bronchial mucosa, and pleural tissue samples were obtained from 14 patients undergoing lung surgery 1 to 5 h after administration of 1 g of meropenem. The mean (range) peak concentrations of meropenem were 3.9 (0.2 to 8.2), 6.6 (3.0 to 13.3), and 2.8 (0.6 to 7.8) mg/kg of tissue, respectively, exceeding the MICs at which 90% of isolates are inhibited for most respiratory pathogens.
Insights
Meropenem concentrations in lung, bronchial mucosa, and pleural tissues were measured after surgery. Achieved levels exceeded minimum inhibitory concentrations for most common respiratory pathogens, suggesting effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Surgical Infections
Background:
- Meropenem is a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic.
- Effective treatment of respiratory tract infections requires adequate drug concentrations at the infection site.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine meropenem tissue concentrations in the lungs, bronchial mucosa, and pleura.
- To assess if these concentrations are sufficient to inhibit common respiratory pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Tissue samples (lung, bronchial mucosa, pleura) were collected from 14 patients undergoing lung surgery.
- Meropenem was administered intravenously at a dose of 1 g.
- Tissue concentrations were measured 1 to 5 hours post-administration.
Main Results:
- Mean peak meropenem concentrations were 3.9 mg/kg in lung, 6.6 mg/kg in bronchial mucosa, and 2.8 mg/kg in pleural tissue.
- These concentrations were generally higher than the MIC90 for most respiratory pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Meropenem achieves therapeutic concentrations in key respiratory tissues after a 1g dose.
- These findings support the use of meropenem for treating respiratory tract infections involving these tissues.