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Updated: Jun 2, 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

[Daptomycin for the treatment of Gram-positive microorganisms in the critically-ill patient]

Francisco Alvarez-Lerma1, María Pilar Gracia-Arnillas

  • 1Servicio de Medicina Intensiva, Hospital del Mar, Parc Salut Mar, Barcelona, España. Falvarez@hospitaldelmar.cat

Medicina Clinica
|April 12, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Daptomycin offers a safe and effective treatment for severe Gram-positive cocci infections in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, showing high clinical efficacy with minimal adverse effects.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine

Context:

  • Rising incidence of infections caused by multiresistant Gram-positive cocci in critically ill patients.
  • Limitations of traditional glycopeptide treatments necessitate novel antimicrobial agents.
  • Daptomycin has emerged as a key therapeutic option.

Purpose:

  • To characterize daptomycin's properties supporting its use in critically ill patients.
  • To present data on daptomycin utilization in Spanish intensive care units (ICUs).

Summary:

  • Daptomycin exhibits high bactericidal activity, minimal renal impact, no need for plasma level monitoring, low resistance selection, and excellent tolerability.
  • Analysis of 122 Spanish ICU patients (EUCORE database) revealed primary indications as bacteremias, skin/soft tissue infections, and endocarditis.
  • Clinical efficacy reached 73.7% with favorable safety, including no treatment withdrawals due to adverse events.

Impact:

  • Daptomycin represents a significant advancement in managing severe Gram-positive cocci infections.
  • Provides a valuable alternative for critically ill patients, particularly when conventional therapies fail.
  • Supports evidence-based guidelines for antibiotic stewardship in ICUs.

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