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[Clinical efficacy, nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity of amikacin]
Abstract:
The clinical efficacy and toleration of amikacin was investigated in 22 patients most of whom had chronic urinary tract infections that had already been treated unsuccessfully on several occasions with other antibiotics. Amikacin was administered i.m. in a dosage of 7.5 mg per kg twice daily for an average of 11.4 days. This new aminoglycoside antibiotic proved highly effective in the treatment of chronic pyelonephritis and cystitis, as well as in septicaemia caused by gentamicin-resistant Pseudomonas. The pharmacokinetic studies did not show any retention after a ten day treatment with amikacin. Thorough nephrologic and otologic investigations for side-effects did not show any permanent nephrotoxic or ototoxic damage or delayed damage. The results were compared with the clinical and experimental data in the literature and with the results of experimental studies which have not yet been published.
Insights
Amikacin effectively treated chronic urinary tract infections and sepsis in patients resistant to other antibiotics. This new aminoglycoside showed no significant kidney or hearing side effects in clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
Background:
- Chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) often present treatment challenges.
- Antibiotic resistance, particularly to gentamicin in Pseudomonas infections, necessitates new therapeutic options.
Observation:
- Amikacin was administered intramuscularly at 7.5 mg/kg twice daily for an average of 11.4 days to 22 patients.
- Most patients had chronic UTIs with prior unsuccessful antibiotic treatments.
Findings:
- Amikacin demonstrated high efficacy in treating chronic pyelonephritis and cystitis.
- The antibiotic was effective against sepsis caused by gentamicin-resistant Pseudomonas.
- Pharmacokinetic studies revealed no drug retention after 10 days of treatment.
- No permanent nephrotoxic or ototoxic damage was observed during nephrologic and otologic investigations.
Implications:
- Amikacin represents a valuable therapeutic option for complicated and resistant urinary tract infections.
- Its favorable pharmacokinetic profile and safety suggest a good tolerability for clinical use.
- Further research may confirm amikacin's role in managing infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.