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Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
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Antimicrobial resistance in the intensive care unit: understanding the problem

Douglas Houghton1

  • 1University of Miami/Jackson Health System, Miami, Fla, USA. douggarnp@aol.com

AACN Clinical Issues
|August 2, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing global health threat. While new treatments exist, evidence for strategies like antibiotic cycling is limited, urging judicious antimicrobial use.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant challenge to global healthcare.
  • Factors contributing to AMR include antimicrobial agent misuse, immunocompromised patients, and technological advancements.
  • Cellular mechanisms of AMR involve reduced drug uptake, efflux, enzymatic inactivation, and target site alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current landscape of antimicrobial resistance.
  • To discuss emerging treatment options and proposed control strategies.
  • To emphasize the need for judicious antimicrobial prescribing.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and therapeutic strategies.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to the development of resistance.
  • Evaluation of proposed interventions for minimizing resistance emergence.

Main Results:

  • Established cellular mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance.
  • Identified contributing factors to the rise of resistant organisms.
  • Noted a lack of strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of antibiotic control policies and cycling.

Conclusions:

  • Judicious use and selection of antimicrobials by clinicians are crucial.
  • Further research is needed to validate the efficacy of proposed resistance-minimizing strategies.
  • Addressing antimicrobial resistance requires a multifaceted approach including responsible prescribing practices.

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