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[Polymyxins - review with emphasis on nephrotoxicity]
Carlos Alberto Caldeira Mendes1, Emmanuel A Burdmann
1Serviço de Emergência Clínica, Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, Hospital de Base da Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto, São José do Rio Preto, SP. cacaldeira@uol.com.br
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
|March 2, 2010
Summary
Polymyxins, like colistin, are crucial for treating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections. This review examines their nephrotoxicity, aiming to clarify risks and prevalence in patients.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
Context:
- Polymyxins are vital antibiotics against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, particularly in intensive care units.
- Their clinical use declined due to toxicity but has resurged due to the lack of alternatives.
- Nephrotoxicity remains a significant concern, with limited data on its prevalence and risk factors.
Purpose:
- To review polymyxin pharmacodynamics and mechanisms of renal injury.
- To compare the reported prevalence of nephrotoxicity associated with polymyxin B and E (colistin).
- To enhance understanding of polymyxin-induced kidney damage.
Summary:
- Polymyxins (B and E/colistin) are essential for treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
- Nephrotoxicity is the primary adverse effect, and this review synthesizes current knowledge on its prevalence and risk factors.
- Understanding polymyxin pharmacodynamics and renal injury mechanisms is crucial for optimizing their use.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of polymyxin nephrotoxicity for clinicians and researchers.
- Aims to clarify the incidence and risk factors of renal injury, guiding safer antibiotic prescribing.
- Contributes to the evidence base for managing infections with these critical last-resort antibiotics.
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