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[Studies on imipenem/cilastatin sodium in the perinatal period]

N Cho1, K Fukunaga, K Kunii

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Showa University.

Insights

Imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS) demonstrates potent bactericidal effects against perinatal pathogens in amniotic fluid. This antibiotic effectively penetrates the placenta, proving safe and beneficial for treating perinatal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal pharmacology
  • Infectious disease
  • Antimicrobial research

Background:

  • Perinatal infections pose significant risks to mothers and newborns.
  • Effective and safe antimicrobial agents are crucial for managing these infections.
  • Imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with potential utility in the perinatal period.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the pharmacokinetic, bacteriological, and clinical efficacy of imipenem/cilastatin sodium (IPM/CS) during the perinatal period.
  • To assess the drug's effects on bacterial growth and its penetration across the placenta.
  • To determine the safety and effectiveness of IPM/CS in treating perinatal infections.

Main Methods:

  • Bacteriological studies determined the effects of IPM on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli growth curves in amniotic fluid.
  • Pharmacokinetic analysis measured IPM and CS levels in maternal plasma, umbilical cord plasma, and amniotic fluid after intravenous administration.
  • Clinical assessments evaluated the efficacy and safety of IPM/CS in pregnant women and their neonates.

Main Results:

  • IPM exhibited enhanced bactericidal effects in amniotic fluid, particularly against resistant bacterial strains.
  • IPM and CS were rapidly absorbed and distributed, with favorable placental penetration to the fetus.
  • Achieved drug concentrations in umbilical cord plasma and amniotic fluid exceeded minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for key pathogens.
  • Clinical use demonstrated IPM/CS to be effective in treating perinatal infections with no observed side effects.

Conclusions:

  • IPM/CS is pharmacokinetically suitable for use in the perinatal period.
  • The antibiotic demonstrates significant bactericidal activity against relevant perinatal pathogens.
  • IPM/CS is a safe and effective option for the prophylaxis and treatment of perinatal infections.

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