Amikacin in obstetric, gynecologic, and neonatal infections: laboratory and clinical studies

Insights

Amikacin demonstrates significant activity against urinary pathogens, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It shows a high cure rate for urinary tract infections and is well-tolerated, though excretion is slower in patients with impaired renal function.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, often caused by Gram-negative bacteria.
  • Antibiotic resistance necessitates evaluation of existing and novel therapeutic agents.
  • Amikacin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic with broad-spectrum activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the in vitro activity of amikacin against clinical urinary isolates.
  • To assess the efficacy and safety of amikacin in treating UTIs.
  • To investigate amikacin pharmacokinetics in patients with renal dysfunction and in newborns.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro susceptibility testing of amikacin, gentamicin, and tobramycin against clinical urinary pathogens.
  • Clinical trial evaluating amikacin treatment for UTIs.
  • Pharmacokinetic analysis of amikacin in patients with varying renal function and in neonates.
  • Safety assessment including audiometry and nystagmography.

Main Results:

  • Amikacin exhibited activity against Salmonella, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter, Proteus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • Amikacin was the most active agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa among tested antibiotics.
  • A 91% cure rate was observed in patients treated for UTIs.
  • Amikacin half-life was prolonged in patients with compromised renal function and in newborns.
  • No significant adverse effects or laboratory abnormalities were noted; minimal vestibular dysfunction in elderly patients.

Conclusions:

  • Amikacin is effective against a range of urinary pathogens, including P. aeruginosa.
  • Amikacin offers a high cure rate for UTIs with a favorable safety profile.
  • Dosage adjustments are necessary for patients with impaired renal function and neonates due to altered excretion rates.

Related Concept Videos

Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions01:24

Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions

Intermittent intravenous (IV) infusion is a method of drug administration where medications are delivered over short infusion periods followed by intervals of no drug delivery. This approach helps to prevent sustained high drug concentrations in the bloodstream, reducing the risk of adverse effects associated with prolonged exposure. Unlike continuous infusion, steady-state concentrations may not be achieved during a single dosing cycle but can be reached through repeated...
Determination of Multiple Dosing Parameters: Steady-State, Minimum and Maximum Concentrations01:15

Determination of Multiple Dosing Parameters: Steady-State, Minimum and Maximum Concentrations

Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is commonly administered via intermittent intravenous infusion to treat severe infections. An intermittent one-hour infusion of gentamicin, administered at eight-hour intervals, allows for precise control of plasma drug concentrations, minimizing toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy. Pharmacokinetic principles govern the dynamics of plasma concentrations and can be mathematically described using specific equations.The plasma drug concentration...
Estimation of k and VD of Aminoglycosides01:20

Estimation of k and VD of Aminoglycosides

Aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics used to treat various bacterial infections. Clinicians must determine the elimination rate constant (k) and volume of distribution (VD) to optimize therapeutic efficacy and minimize toxicity. The k value represents the rate at which the drug is removed from the body, and the VD reflects the degree to which the drug distributes into body tissues. Accurately estimating these parameters allows healthcare professionals to tailor drug dosing to individual...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
Antimicrobial Effectiveness01:28

Antimicrobial Effectiveness

The effectiveness of antimicrobial agents depends on various factors influencing their ability to eliminate microbial populations. Larger microbial populations require more time for complete eradication, emphasizing the importance of population size analysis when evaluating antimicrobial efficacy.Microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents varies significantly. Highly resilient microorganisms include endospores, gram-negative bacteria, and non-enveloped viruses, while prions are exceptionally...