Personalized Approaches to Patients with Intra-Abdominal Infections

Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) continue to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The optimal management of patients with IAIs relies on early and accurate diagnosis, prompt and adequate source control, appropriate antimicrobial therapy based on the PK/PD principles, as well as hemodynamic support with intravenous fluids and vasopressors in critically ill patients. This narrative review aims to suggest five basic factors which should always be considered when assessing patients with IAIs to provide the most adequate treatment. These factors include the anatomical extent of the infection, the origin of the infection, the patient's clinical status, the suspected pathogens and their resistance profiles, and immune competence. The continuous assessment of these elements is essential in managing complicated IAIs.