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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
Real-Time Dynamic Collection of Hippocampal Extracellular Fluid from Conscious Rats Using a Microdialysis System
Published on: October 21, 2022
Brain microdialysis study of meropenem in two patients with acute brain injury
Claire Dahyot-Fizelier1, Ivan Timofeev, Sandrine Marchand
1Université de Poitiers, CHU de Poitiers and INSERM ERI-23, Pôle Biologie Santé (PBS), Médecine-Sud, Niveau 1, 40 Avenue du Recteur Pineau, 86022 Poitiers Cedex, France.
Abstract:
Concentrations of unbound meropenem in the cerebral extracellular fluid (ECF) of two patients with acute brain injury were assessed by microdialysis. Brain ECF unbound-meropenem concentrations were lower than serum unbound-meropenem concentrations, with brain-to-serum area under the concentration-time curve ratios of 0.73 and 0.14. A pharmacokinetic model was developed to fit the experimental data adequately.
Insights
Meropenem concentrations in brain fluid were lower than in serum for patients with acute brain injury. This study measured unbound meropenem levels in cerebral extracellular fluid (ECF) using microdialysis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacokinetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Antibiotic penetration into the brain is crucial for treating central nervous system infections.
- Understanding unbound drug concentrations in the brain is key for effective therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify unbound meropenem concentrations in the cerebral extracellular fluid (ECF) of patients with acute brain injury.
- To compare brain ECF unbound meropenem levels with serum concentrations.
- To develop a pharmacokinetic model for meropenem in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Microdialysis was used to sample unbound meropenem in the cerebral ECF of two patients.
- Serum samples were collected concurrently to measure unbound meropenem concentrations.
- Pharmacokinetic modeling was employed to analyze the concentration-time data.
Main Results:
- Unbound meropenem concentrations in brain ECF were found to be lower than in serum.
- Brain-to-serum area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) ratios were 0.73 and 0.14.
- The developed pharmacokinetic model adequately fitted the experimental data.
Conclusions:
- Meropenem penetration into the cerebral ECF is limited in patients with acute brain injury.
- The observed lower unbound concentrations in ECF may impact treatment efficacy for brain infections.
- Pharmacokinetic modeling provides a valuable tool for understanding drug distribution in the brain.
