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Treatment of hospita-acquired infections with amikacin
Abstract:
Amikacin was used in the treatment of 56 serious gram-negative infections in 54 patients of whom 47 survived. In six of the seven nonsurvivors, the infections were under control at the time of death. The clinical isolates were multiple drug-resistant gram-negative organisms, with Proteus rettgeri being most common. Forty-five (80%) of these infections were nosocomial in origin, and the genitourinary tract was the source in 39 (70%). Complications directly related to amikacin therapy were few and suggested renal or otologic toxicity. In this series of patients, amikacin appeared to be of therapeutic benefit in the treatment of serious gram-negative infections.
Insights
Amikacin effectively treated serious gram-negative infections in 54 patients, with most survivors showing infection control. This aminoglycoside antibiotic demonstrated therapeutic benefit with few complications.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Serious gram-negative infections pose significant treatment challenges, particularly those caused by multidrug-resistant organisms.
- Nosocomial infections, especially those originating from the genitourinary tract, represent a substantial clinical burden.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of amikacin in treating serious gram-negative infections.
- To assess the clinical outcomes and identify potential toxicities associated with amikacin therapy in a patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 54 patients treated with amikacin for serious gram-negative infections.
- Identification and susceptibility testing of clinical isolates, with a focus on Proteus rettgeri.
- Monitoring for clinical response, survival rates, and adverse events, including renal and otologic toxicity.
Main Results:
- Amikacin was administered to 54 patients with 56 serious gram-negative infections, resulting in a survival rate of 87% (47/54).
- Infections were primarily nosocomial (80%) and genitourinary (70%), often caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria, notably Proteus rettgeri.
- Therapeutic benefit was observed, with few complications suggesting potential renal or otologic toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Amikacin demonstrated therapeutic benefit in treating serious gram-negative infections, including those caused by multidrug-resistant organisms.
- The study highlights the importance of amikacin in managing nosocomial and genitourinary gram-negative infections.
- While generally well-tolerated, potential renal and otologic toxicities warrant careful monitoring during amikacin therapy.