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Intravenous Endotoxin Challenge in Healthy Humans: An Experimental Platform to Investigate and Modulate Systemic Inflammation
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Intravenous Endotoxin Challenge in Healthy Humans: An Experimental Platform to Investigate and Modulate Systemic Inflammation

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Ceftazidime- and imipenem-induced endotoxin release during treatment of gram-negative infections

B Byl1, P Clevenbergh, A Kentos

  • 1Infectious Diseases Clinic, Erasme University Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium. baudouin.byl@ulb.ac.be

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|January 11, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Ceftazidime and imipenem showed similar effects on endotoxin and cytokine release in patients with gram-negative infections. This study measured plasma endotoxin, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha during antibiotic therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Gram-negative infections pose significant health risks.
  • Antibiotic choice can influence patient outcomes.
  • Understanding endotoxin and cytokine release is crucial for managing sepsis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effects of ceftazidime and imipenem on endotoxin and cytokine release.
  • To investigate differences in inflammatory marker release between two distinct antibiotic classes.
  • To assess the impact of antibiotic therapy on endotoxemia in gram-negative infections.

Main Methods:

  • Randomized controlled trial involving 27 patients with gram-negative infections.
  • Measurement of plasma endotoxin, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha.
  • Comparison of ceftazidime and imipenem/cilastatin treatment groups over 24 hours.

Main Results:

  • A significant increase in interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha was observed after the first antibiotic dose.
  • No significant differences in cytokine release were found between ceftazidime and imipenem groups.
  • Antibiotic-induced endotoxemia was detected in some patients, particularly those with bacteremia.

Conclusions:

  • Ceftazidime and imipenem exhibit comparable effects on endotoxin and cytokine release.
  • The choice between these antibiotics does not appear to significantly alter the inflammatory response in the initial phase of treatment.
  • Further research may explore long-term outcomes and specific patient subgroups.

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