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Imipenem/cilastatin treatment of acute infections in AIDS/ARC patients
A Giacometti1, P Pongetti, E Petrelli
1Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Ancona, Italy.
Abstract:
We studied the clinical efficacy and safety of imipenem, a broad spectrum beta-lactam antibiotic, in acute bacterial infections in 21 patients with AIDS or AIDS-related complex (ARC). Imipenem/cilastatin was administered as a 30-min intravenous infusion using a dose of 500 mg/8 h. Bacterial pathogens were isolated before treatment in 80% of cases; 87.5% of all strains were susceptible to imipenem in vitro. Treatment resulted in rapid control of the infections in 80% of patients. Clinical and laboratory adverse reactions probably related to imipenem treatment were noted in 8 patients.
Insights
Imipenem antibiotic effectively treated acute bacterial infections in patients with AIDS or AIDS-related complex (ARC). Most bacterial strains showed susceptibility, though some adverse reactions were observed.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or AIDS-related complex (ARC) are susceptible to severe bacterial infections.
- Broad-spectrum antibiotics are crucial for managing these infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of imipenem in treating acute bacterial infections in patients with AIDS or ARC.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 21 patients with AIDS or ARC.
- Intravenous administration of imipenem/cilastatin (500 mg/8 h) over 30 minutes.
- In vitro susceptibility testing of isolated bacterial pathogens.
Main Results:
- Bacterial pathogens were identified in 80% of patients prior to treatment.
- 87.5% of isolated bacterial strains demonstrated in vitro susceptibility to imipenem.
- Rapid infection control was achieved in 80% of treated patients.
- Adverse reactions potentially related to imipenem were reported in 8 patients.
Conclusions:
- Imipenem demonstrates significant clinical efficacy in managing acute bacterial infections in immunocompromised patients with AIDS or ARC.
- While generally well-tolerated, potential adverse reactions necessitate careful monitoring.