The Journal of antimicrobial chemotherapy
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J. Antimicrob. Chemother. · Mar 2007
Meta AnalysisRifampicin-impregnated central venous catheters: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
The use of antimicrobial-impregnated central venous catheters (CVCs) for the prevention of CVC microbial colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) remains controversial. ⋯ The available evidence suggests that rifampicin/minocycline-impregnated CVCs are safe and effective in reducing the rate of catheter colonization and CRBSI. Further research should focus on the possible development of resistance and on pharmacoeconomic issues related to the use of rifampicin/minocycline-impregnated CVCs.
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J. Antimicrob. Chemother. · Mar 2007
Impact of imipenem resistance on mortality in patients with Acinetobacter bacteraemia.
To investigate the impact of imipenem resistance on the mortality rate among patients with Acinetobacter bacteraemia. ⋯ Imipenem resistance has a significant impact on the mortality rate among patients with Acinetobacter bacteraemia, and this is mainly attributable to the higher rate of discordant antimicrobial therapy.
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J. Antimicrob. Chemother. · Feb 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialIs continuous infusion ceftriaxone better than once-a-day dosing in intensive care? A randomized controlled pilot study.
To compare the clinical and bacteriological outcome of critically ill patients with sepsis treated by ceftriaxone administered as a once-a-day intermittent bolus dose or by 24 h continuous infusion. ⋯ This pilot study suggests clinical and bacteriological advantages of continuous infusion of ceftriaxone over bolus administration in critically ill patients in patients requiring 4 or more days of treatment. This sets the scene for a large multicentre double-blind randomized controlled trial to confirm these findings.
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J. Antimicrob. Chemother. · Feb 2007
Ertapenem in critically ill patients with early-onset ventilator-associated pneumonia: pharmacokinetics with special consideration of free-drug concentration.
Most information about pharmacokinetics of antimicrobial agents is obtained from studies in healthy volunteers. However, antibiotics are therapeutically used in infected patients with very different pharmacokinetic properties compared with healthy individuals. ⋯ For an adequate dose adjustment of highly protein-bound drugs like ertapenem, knowledge of actual albumin concentrations is necessary. A shortening of the dosage interval or continuous infusion of ertapenem should be considered to ensure optimal free concentrations in critically ill patients with severe hypoalbuminaemia and normal renal function.