Stability of colistimethate sodium in a disposable elastomeric infusion device

Antibiotic stability in portable elastomeric infusion devices: A systematic review

DISCLAIMER

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PURPOSE

Although outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) can be a good approach to treatment of infections, a lack of data regarding antibiotic stability in portable elastomeric infusion devices restricts its safe, appropriate, and effective use. The objective of this work was to complete a systematic peer-reviewed analysis of published articles about antibiotic stability in elastomeric infusion devices that provide evidence supporting their use in OPAT.

SUMMARY

A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted in January 2021 to identify published articles about antibiotic stability in portable elastomeric infusion devices. The databases used were PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and a Cochrane database. A total of 1,615 original studies and conference communications were found. After title, abstract, and full-text review, 33 articles met the inclusion criteria. The data obtained included information about the stability of 30 different antibiotics. To our knowledge, this is the first review to summarize the available published data on the stability of antibiotics in portable elastomeric infusion devices. The results highlight the poor stability of some antibiotics in solution and the variability of the laboratory conditions in the included studies.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review can serve as a useful resource for healthcare professionals involved in providing OPAT using portable elastomeric infusion devices. However, further stability studies should be performed, especially high-quality studies simulating real-life time and temperature conditions.

Stability of Antimicrobials in Elastomeric Pumps: A Systematic Review

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAThttp) programs have become an important healthcare tool around the world. Portable elastomeric infusion pumps are functional devices for ambulatory delivery of antimicrobial drugs, and their stability is an essential point to guarantee an appropriate infusion administration. We conducted a systematic review to provide a synthesis and a critical evaluation of the current evidence regarding antimicrobial stability in elastomeric pumps. Data sources were PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Sciences. The review protocol was registered on the Center for Open Science, and it was carried out following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were eligible if the aim was the evaluation of the physicochemical stability of an antimicrobial agent stored in an elastomeric device. Of the 613 papers identified, 33 met the inclusion criteria. The most studied group of antimicrobials was penicillins, followed by cephalosporins and carbapenems. In general, the stability results of the antimicrobials that have been studied in more than one article agree with each other, with the exception of ampicillin, flucloxacillin, and ceftazidime. The antibiotics that displayed a longer stability were glycopeptides and clindamycin. Regarding the stability of antifungals and antivirals, only caspofungin, voriconazole, and ganciclovir have been investigated. The information provided in this article should be considered in patient treatments within the OPAT setting. Further stability studies are needed to confirm the appropriate use of the antimicrobials included in this program to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Colistin methanesulfonate infusion solutions are stable over time and suitable for home administration

The stability of colistin methanesulfonate (CMS) was determined in quadruplicate in elastomeric home infusion pumps containing 1, 2 or 3 MU CMS and in infusion bags with 2 MU CMS all in 100 mL normal saline. Infusions were stored at room temperature (20°C-24°C) with or without exposure to natural light or refrigerated (4°C-8°C) and protected from light up to 2 weeks. In the initial solution of 2 MU CMS in 100 mL saline sampled immediately after reconstitution and dilution, 1.5% of CMS was hydrolysed to colistin. When stored at room temperature and exposed to natural light, colistin concentration in elastomeric infusion pumps increased to 2.6% in 8 days and to 2.1% when stored at 4°C. CMS stability increases at lower temperatures and higher concentrations. Based on the current data, chemical stability of CMS infusion solution is sufficient for a shelf life of 7 days refrigerated plus 1 day at room temperature.