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Concentrations of single-dose meropenem (1 g iv) in bronchoalveolar lavage and epithelial lining fluid

B Allegranzi1, A Cazzadori, G Di Perri

  • 1Departments of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, University and Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy. benealle@yahoo.com

Insights

Meropenem concentrations in lung fluids (bronchoalveolar lavage and epithelial lining fluid) exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentration for common respiratory pathogens for two hours after a single intravenous dose. This supports meropenem

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

  • Meropenem is a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic used for serious bacterial infections.
  • Understanding meropenem penetration into lung tissues is crucial for optimizing treatment of pulmonary infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine meropenem concentrations in plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and epithelial lining fluid (ELF).
  • To evaluate if these concentrations are sufficient to inhibit key respiratory pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • A single 1g intravenous dose of meropenem was administered to 35 patients undergoing bronchoscopy.
  • Plasma, BAL, and ELF samples were collected at intervals from 0.5 to 8 hours post-dose.
  • Meropenem concentrations were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Main Results:

  • Peak meropenem concentrations were observed within 0.5 hours in plasma and 2 hours in ELF.
  • ELF concentrations remained above the MIC90 for relevant pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, for up to 2 hours.
  • Plasma and BAL fluid concentrations showed a rapid decline, with BAL fluid often below detectable limits.

Conclusions:

  • Meropenem achieves therapeutic concentrations in the epithelial lining fluid of the lungs.
  • These concentrations are adequate to inhibit a broad range of respiratory pathogens for a clinically relevant period.
  • The findings support the use of meropenem for treating various pulmonary infections.

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