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Updated: Jan 12, 2026

Intraventricular Drug Delivery and Sampling for Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics Study
Published on: March 31, 2022
Variations in ventricular distribution of polymyxin B following intraventricular administration in patients with
Huifang Jiang1, Yangmin Hu1, Jing Cai2
1Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Polymyxin B (PMB) demonstrates activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. Intraventricular administration is considered when systemic therapy yields suboptimal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels. We describe two cases of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative meningoencephalitis successfully treated with intraventricular PMB, in which unilateral PMB administration appeared to achieve bilateral ventricular distribution, with higher concentrations on the administration side. A potential association was observed between reduced CSF drainage and increased PMB concentrations. These findings may offer preliminary insights into optimizing PMB dosing strategies for CNS infections.
Insights
Intraventricular Polymyxin B (PMB) successfully treated resistant Gram-negative brain infections. Unilateral administration achieved bilateral distribution, suggesting optimized dosing strategies for central nervous system infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Polymyxin B (PMB) is active against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
- Intraventricular administration is used for central nervous system (CNS) infections when systemic therapy fails to achieve adequate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe successful treatment of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative meningoencephalitis using intraventricular PMB.
- To investigate the distribution and concentration of intraventricular PMB in CNS infections.
Main Methods:
- Case series describing two patients with meningoencephalitis.
- Intraventricular administration of Polymyxin B.
- CSF sampling and concentration analysis.
Main Results:
- Successful clinical outcomes in both patients treated with intraventricular PMB.
- Unilateral PMB administration resulted in bilateral ventricular distribution.
- Higher PMB concentrations were observed on the side of administration.
- Reduced CSF drainage was associated with increased PMB concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Intraventricular PMB is a viable treatment for resistant Gram-negative meningoencephalitis.
- Unilateral administration may achieve adequate bilateral distribution.
- CSF drainage influences PMB concentration, informing dosing strategies for CNS infections.
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