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Updated: Oct 1, 2026

Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
11:17

Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses

Published on: August 30, 2018

Imipenem/cilastatin as empirical treatment of severe infections in compromised patients

A Biglino1, M Bonasso, P Gioannini

  • 1Institute of Infectious Diseases, University of Torino, Italy.

Journal of Chemotherapy (Florence, Italy)
|January 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Imipenem/cilastatin showed a 77.2% cure rate in severe infections among immunocompromised patients. This antibiotic may be effective as monotherapy, with only mild side effects observed.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Severe infections pose significant risks, especially in patients with compromised immune systems.
  • Empirical antibiotic treatment is crucial for managing severe infections promptly.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of imipenem/cilastatin as empirical treatment for severe infections.
  • To assess the drug's utility in immunocompromised patients, both as monotherapy and in combination therapy.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 22 patients with severe infections receiving empirical imipenem/cilastatin at 2 or 4 g/day.
  • Treatment was administered either as monotherapy or combined with an aminoglycoside.
  • Patient outcomes, pathogen sensitivity, and adverse effects were monitored.

Main Results:

  • An overall cure rate of 77.2% was achieved, irrespective of pathogen type or dosage.
  • Mild adverse effects were noted, with no significant laboratory parameter alterations.
  • One treatment failure was linked to a resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain.

Conclusions:

  • Imipenem/cilastatin demonstrates potential efficacy in treating severe infections in compromised patients.
  • The drug may be a viable option for empirical monotherapy in this patient population.
  • Monitoring for resistant pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa is important.

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