Related Experiment Videos
Netilmicin therapy of patients with septicaemia and other severe infections
Abstract:
25 patients were treated with netilmicin because of suspected or verified septicaemia or other severe infections. Netilmicin was administered intramuscularly in a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight every 8 hours. For patients with elevated plasma creatinine the dosage was reduced according to the degree of elevation. Average length of treatment was 7 days (3-12 days). In 22 patients all symptoms and signs of infection disappeared. In one patient antibiotic treatment had to be changed and in two patients abscesses had to be surgically drained. Kidney function was monitored during and after treatment by plasma creatinine measurements and 51Cr-EDTA clearance. Netilmicin was discontinued in 4 patients because of an increase in plasma creatinine but little or no drug related nephrotoxicity was observed. Audio-vestibular function was monitored during and after treatment. Netilmicin was discontinued in one patient because of slight subjective loss of hearing. Subsequent audio-vestibular examination was normal.
Insights
Netilmicin effectively treated severe infections in 25 patients, with 22 showing complete recovery. While some patients experienced temporary kidney function changes, overall drug-related toxicity was minimal, indicating good safety for netilmicin treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
Background:
- Severe infections like septicaemia require effective antibiotic therapy.
- Aminoglycosides are potent antibiotics but can carry risks of nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
- Netilmicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used for serious bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of netilmicin in treating severe infections.
- To assess the impact of netilmicin on kidney function.
- To monitor for any audio-vestibular side effects during treatment.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 25 patients with suspected or verified severe infections received intramuscular netilmicin.
- Dosage was adjusted for patients with pre-existing renal impairment based on plasma creatinine levels.
- Efficacy was assessed by resolution of infection signs and symptoms; safety was monitored via plasma creatinine, 51Cr-EDTA clearance, and audio-vestibular function tests.
Main Results:
- Netilmicin demonstrated high efficacy, with 22 out of 25 patients achieving complete resolution of infection.
- Four patients discontinued netilmicin due to increased plasma creatinine, but significant drug-related nephrotoxicity was minimal.
- One patient discontinued due to mild hearing loss, with subsequent normal audio-vestibular function.
Conclusions:
- Netilmicin is an effective treatment for severe infections, including septicaemia.
- The drug exhibits a favorable safety profile with limited nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
- Careful monitoring of renal function and dosage adjustment in patients with impaired kidney function are recommended.