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Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
Published on: August 30, 2018
[The use of fluoroquinolone plasma levels by physicians]
C Pulcini1, E Bernard, R Garraffo
1Service d'infectiologie, Hôpital L'Archet 1, CHU de Nice. pulcini.c@chu-nice.fr
Objective:
To assess how physicians use the results of fluoroquinolone plasma concentrations.
Methods:
A retrospective study was carried out on all the patients of the Infectiology department of the University Hospital in Nice who had undergone measurement of ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin or pefloxacin plasma levels between the 1st of January 2001 and the 31st of May 2002.
Results:
Seventy eight patients were included. Median duration of treatment was 90 days. In 43% of cases, the patients had also received an enzyme inducer (rifampin in 90% cases). The minimum inhibitory concentration was requested 12 times. In 26% of cases, a first inadequate concentration was not followed by a second control analysis. We noted that at the start of treatment, 56% of patients exhibited inadequate levels, and the dose of fluoroquinolone was hence increased by the physician in 40% of cases. We noted 4 bacteriological relapses, all within a context of insufficient dose, with selection of a resistant mutant three times.
Discussion:
Physicians do not appear to use the fluoroquinolone plasma levels to their best advantage.
Insights
Physicians often fail to effectively utilize fluoroquinolone plasma concentrations, leading to inadequate dosing and potential treatment failures. Optimizing the use of these drug levels is crucial for improving patient outcomes in infectious disease management.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Pharmacy
Context:
- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are widely used for various bacterial infections.
- Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of fluoroquinolone plasma concentrations can optimize treatment.
- Physician utilization of TDM results in clinical practice is not well understood.
Purpose:
- To evaluate how physicians interpret and apply fluoroquinolone plasma concentration results in patient care.
- To identify potential gaps in the clinical use of fluoroquinolone TDM.
Summary:
- A retrospective study analyzed 78 patients receiving ofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, or pefloxacin.
- 56% of patients had inadequate fluoroquinolone levels at treatment initiation.
- Despite inadequate levels, 26% of cases lacked follow-up analysis, and 40% of physicians increased doses without optimal guidance, leading to relapses.
Impact:
- Findings suggest suboptimal use of fluoroquinolone plasma concentrations by physicians.
- Improved utilization of TDM could enhance treatment efficacy and reduce fluoroquinolone resistance.
- This study highlights the need for better integration of TDM into infectious disease management protocols.
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