Comparison of 2002–2006 OPTAMA Programs for US Hospitals: Focus on Gram-Negative Resistance

Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii among patients in postcardiac surgery intensive care units of Rajaei Hospital, Tehran

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic, aerobic, nonfermentative, Gram-negative bacterium that can cause major nosocomial infections, especially in patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICU). Recently, A. baumannii strains have been resistant to a variety of antibiotics. Thus, it was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of A. baumannii and their resistance to the antibiotics in the patients hospitalized in postcardiac surgery ICU. Methods: This retrospective cross sectional study was performed in Rajaei hospital between March 2014 and February 2016. A. baumannii strains were isolated from blood cultures, catheter cultures, sputum cultures, and wound smear cultures. Then, isolates were characterized using standard morphological, cultural, and biochemical properties according to CLSI 2016. The frequency of A. baumannii species were reported as percent. Results: Among 27 167 patients were admitted to the ICU, 113 individuals, including 55 males and 58 females, were identified as A. baumannii-infected and the prevalence rate was 0.42%. The highest rates of antibiotic sensitivity were related to Meropenem 20 (17.7%) and Colistin 16 (14.1%). The shortest length of stay (LOS) for patients with A. baumanniiin the ICU was 3 days, while the longest LOS was 98 days. Conclusion: The findings indicated that A. baumannii strains isolated from postcardiac surgery ICUs had a high prevalence and were sensitive to Meropenem and Colistin. However, new molecular-based techniques are needed to monitor nosocomial infections. Therefore, the treatment of the patients may be feasible by appropriate antibiotic therapy, and infection control policies will be improved by adopting precise disinfection strategies.

How to Make Antimicrobial Stewardship Work: Practical Considerations for Hospitals of All Sizes

Implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program in a hospital is complicated by a variety of challenges. Key issues facing stewardship personnel include recruiting personnel and building relationships, establishing program metrics, selecting stewardship strategies, working with clinicians, reporting results, and adapting the program. These issues can present different challenges at community hospitals and academic medical centers. Strategies for overcoming these challenges require accounting for the unique characteristics of each institution.

Application of Pharmacodynamic Profiling for the Selection of Optimal β-lactam Regimens in a Large University Hospital

BACKGROUND

Infections caused by drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) are increasing worldwide and as a result, the selection of appropriate empiric antibiotics (ATBs) has been made increasingly difficult. The present study aimed to identify optimized dosing regimens of intravenous (IV) ATBs, defined by cumulative fraction response (CFR), against E. coli (EC), K. pneumoniae (KP), P. aeruginosa (PA), and A. baumannii (AB) at 2,300-bed University Hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of EC, KP, PA, and AB from clinical specimens, 250 each, were determined. Pharmacodynamic profiling using Monte Carlo Simulation was performed for standard, high dosage, and prolonged infusions (PI) of ceftriaxone, cefepime, ceftazidime, imipenem, meropenem, and doripenem. A CFR of ≥90% was targeted as providing a sufficiently high ATB exposure.

RESULTS

When considering the Enterobacteriaceae, the % susceptible for the cephalosporins ranged from 60% for ceftriaxone to 86% for cefepime, as a result only the 2g q8h regimens of ceftazidime and cefepime provided high CFRs. In contrast, all the carbapenems had % susceptible and CFRs ≥90% for EC and KP. While cefepime and ceftazidime demonstrated higher % susceptibility (82-83%) for PA relative to that of the carbapenems (61-69%) only doripenem 2g q8h (4h PI) achieved an optimal CFR (92%) against this organism. Due to the MIC profiles and dismal susceptibilities of AB (16-22%), none of the regimens studied achieved CFRs > 65%.

CONCLUSIONS

The pharmacodynamic profiling undertaken in the current study provides insights that allow prescribers to select more appropriate empirical antibiotic regimens for the treatment of infection caused by these common GNB pathogens at this Thai hospital. While higher doses and PI of β-lactams improve exposures against EC, KP and PA, this approach will not sufficiently enhance their potency against AB, thus alternative therapies should be considered for this organism.

Pharmacodynamic target attainment for various ceftazidime dosing schemes in high-flux hemodialysis

Ceftazidime is a broad-spectrum cephalosporin with high-level activity against a variety of Gram-negative pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Improved outcomes are associated with cumulative percentages of a 24-h period that the drug concentration exceeds the MIC under steady-state pharmacokinetic conditions (%TMIC) of >45 to 70% of the dosing interval. Optimal dosing to achieve a 90% probability of target attainment (PTA) in patients receiving high-flux hemodialysis (HFHD) is unknown. We used existing data from six anephric adults receiving hemodialysis to construct a population model with the Pmetrics package for R. From the final model's joint probability density, we simulated the PTA for various ceftazidime dosing regimens, HFHD schedules, and organism MICs. For HFHD every 48 h and 1 g of ceftazidime given posthemodialysis, the PTA exceeds 90% for all isolates with MICs of ≤8 μg/ml, assuming a goal of 70%TMIC. For 72-h dialysis intervals, postdialysis dosing of 1 g is adequate for achievement of the 70%TMIC goal only for organisms with MICs of ≤4 μg/ml, while 2 g is adequate for organisms with MICs of ≤8 μg/ml. A dose of 500 mg once daily, regardless of HFHD schedule, has a 90% PTA for organisms with MICs of ≤16 μg/ml, while 1 g once daily may achieve 100% PTA even for resistant organisms with a MIC of 32 μg/ml. Therefore, to ensure maximal ceftazidime activity, once-daily dosing of 500 mg to 1 g ceftazidime in patients receiving HFHD may be preferable for critically ill patients when MIC data are unavailable and for more resistant organisms with ceftazidime MICs of 16 to 32 μg/ml.

Pharmacokinetics of Doripenem in Infected Patients Treated Within and Outside the Intensive Care Unit

BACKGROUND

Doripenem often is used in the intensive care unit (ICU) to treat serious infections. However, pharmacokinetics in this population often are altered by various physiologic changes. Current pharmacokinetic data in critically ill patients receiving doripenem are limited.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the pharmacokinetics of doripenem in patients treated in the ICU versus outside the ICU.

METHODS

A total of 3–4 serum samples were collected from 25 infected patients receiving doripenem. A 2-compartment model was fit to serum pharmacokinetic data with nonparametric adaptive grid with adaptive γ. In the structural pharmacokinetic model, clearance (Cl) was made proportional to creatinine clearance (CrCl) and an intercept term. Bayesian pharmacokinetic parameters were compared between the 2 populations. A 5000-patient Monte Carlo simulation was performed for various CrCl ranges. The probability of pharmacodynamic target attainment was calculated over a range of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), assuming a target of 35% of the dosing interval that unbound drug concentrations remain above the MIC.

RESULTS

Mean (range) age, body mass index, and CrCl were 61 (31–90) years, 31.2 (15.1–55.5) kg/m2, and 86 (15–221) mL/min, respectively. After the Bayesian step, r2, bias, and precision were 0.97, 0.04, and 1.44 μg/mL, respectively. Mean (SD) parameters for ICU (n = 13) and non-ICU (n = 12) patients were not significantly different (p > 0.05): volume of central compartment (17.3 [11.2] vs 18.5 [11.7] L), Cl (10.1 [10.2] vs 15.5 [16.9] L/h), k12 (4.7 [4.7] vs 4.7 [4.8] h−1), and k21 (7.1 [5.5] vs 5.7 [5.3] h−1), respectively. Optimal target attainments were obtained for patients with normal renal function up to MICs of 2 μg/mL with a dose of 500 mg every 8 hours as 1-hour and 4-hour infusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Doripenem pharmacokinetics were similar between ICU and non-ICU patients in this population. Optimal dosing regimens should be selected based on underlying renal function and suspected MIC of the infecting pathogen.

Some Pharmacodynamic Aspects of Cefepime

Some pharmacodynamic effects of cefepime, a new injectable semisynthetic cephalosporin, were studied in laboratory animals and the following results were obtained. Cefepime maximally stimulated isolated guinea pig's ileum, rat's colon (80 μg/mL bath), and rabbit's duodenum (400 μg/mL bath). Contrarily, complete relaxation of isolated rat's fundic strip was produced by 80 μg/mL bath. Effects of cefepime on isolated rat's uterine muscle were different according to stage of sex cycle. Cefepime did not induce any effects on the resting tonus of isolated guinea pig's tracheal chain and rabbit's aortic strip. Concentrations of 200 and 400 μg/mL bath induced marked inhibition in the force of muscular twitches of the isolated frog's gastrocnemius muscle which was less potent than that induced by procaine hydrochloride 2%. Cefepime completely blocked the neuromuscular transmission of frog's rectus abdominis muscle (40 μg/mL bath) and rat's phrenic nerve hemidiaphragm preparation (200 μg/mL bath). This blockade was reversed by acetylcholine and neostigmine. Cefepime produced dose-dependent negative inotropic effect on isolated rabbit's heart and guinea pig's auricles. There were no changes in blood pressure and rate of respiration in anaesthetized dog after cefepime injection. These findings indicate that cefepime has a low potential to produce adverse reactions at therapeutic doses.

Pharmacodynamic profiling of doripenem, imipenem and meropenem against prevalent Gram-negative organisms in the Asia-Pacific region

Carbapenems are increasingly being utilised owing to the escalating prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant Gram-negative bacteria from community and hospital settings. In this study, pharmacodynamic profiles of doripenem, imipenem and meropenem were evaluated against Gram-negative bacteria isolated from hospitalised patients. MICs for carbapenems were determined for Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii obtained from the COMPACT II programme conducted in the Asia-Pacific region. Monte Carlo simulations were undertaken to assess the pharmacodynamic profile of carbapenems against each of the pathogens. All carbapenem regimens achieved optimal exposures [cumulative fraction of response (CFR) ≥90%] against E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Against P. aeruginosa, doripenem achieved 81.3-95.3% CFR, imipenem achieved 55.2-77.9% CFR and meropenem achieved 71.9-91.3% CFR; only doripenem regimens of 4-h infusion of 1000 mg every 8h (q8h) and 1-h and 4-h infusion of 2000 mg q8h and a meropenem regimen of 3-h infusion of 2000 mg q8h obtained optimal exposures; all carbapenem regimens showed slight (1-7%) improvement in CFRs in favour of isolates collected from ICU sources. Against A. baumannii, CFRs were much lower (25.9-46.7% CFR) and no carbapenem regimens achieved optimal exposure in or outside the ICU. Owing to the high potency of carbapenems against these Enterobacteriaceae populations, standard regimens are likely to perform well in the Asia-Pacific region. However, larger doses combined with prolonged infusions will be required to increase the CFR for these carbapenems against resistant non-fermenting Gram-negatives such as P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii that are prevalent in these countries.

In vivo comparison of CXA-101 (FR264205) with and without tazobactam versus piperacillin-tazobactam using human simulated exposures against phenotypically diverse gram-negative organisms

CXA-101 is a novel antipseudomonal cephalosporin with enhanced activity against Gram-negative organisms displaying various resistance mechanisms. This study evaluates the efficacy of exposures approximating human percent free time above the MIC (%fT > MIC) of CXA-101 with or without tazobactam and piperacillin-tazobactam (TZP) against target Gram-negative organisms, including those expressing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). Sixteen clinical Gram-negative isolates (6 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates [piperacillin-tazobactam MIC range, 8 to 64 μg/ml], 4 Escherichia coli isolates (2 ESBL and 2 non-ESBL expressing), and 4 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates (3 ESBL and 1 non-ESBL expressing) were used in an immunocompetent murine thigh infection model. After infection, groups of mice were administered doses of CXA-101 with or without tazobactam (2:1) designed to approximate the %fT > MIC observed in humans given 1 g of CXA-101 with or without tazobactam every 8 h as a 1-h infusion. As a comparison, groups of mice were administered piperacillin-tazobactam doses designed to approximate the %fT > MIC observed in humans given 4.5 g piperacillin-tazobactam every 6 h as a 30-min infusion. Predicted piperacillin-tazobactam %fT > MIC exposures of greater than 40% resulted in static to >1 log decreases in CFU in non-ESBL-expressing organisms with MICs of ≤32 μg/ml after 24 h of therapy. Predicted CXA-101 with or without tazobactam %fT > MIC exposures of ≥37.5% resulted in 1- to 3-log-unit decreases in CFU in non-ESBL-expressing organisms, with MICs of ≤16 μg/ml after 24 h of therapy. With regard to the ESBL-expressing organisms, the inhibitor combinations showed enhanced CFU decreases versus CXA-101 alone. Due to enhanced in vitro potency and resultant increased in vivo exposure, CXA-101 produced statistically significant reductions in CFU in 9 isolates compared with piperacillin-tazobactam. The addition of tazobactam to CXA-101 produced significant reductions in CFU for 7 isolates compared with piperacillin-tazobactam. Overall, human simulated exposures of CXA-101 with or without tazobactam demonstrated improved efficacy versus piperacillin-tazobactam.

In vitro activity of carbapenems alone and in combination with amikacin against KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae

Background

Although carbapenems are the primary treatment strategy for invasive infections caused by ESBL bacteria, case reports of these pathogens with reduced carbapenem susceptibility have emerged. One potential treatment modality is to optimize the use of anti-infectives with combination therapy. We evaluated the activity of carbapenems alone and in combination with amikacin against these clinical isolates.

Methods

Time-kill studies evaluated ertapenem (ETP), imipenem (IPM), meropenem (MEM), and amikacin (AMK) against 4 non-duplicate clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae that were resistant to these antibiotics. Synergy was defined as ≥ 2 log₁₀ decrease CFU/mL at 24 h for the combination when compared with the most active single agent of the combination, plus the number of surviving organisms for the antimicrobial combination was ≥ 2 log₁₀ less than the initial inoculum.

Results

All isolates carried bla_KPC-3 and genes encoding TEM-1 and SHV-11/-36; and were resistant to carbapenems (MIC at ≥ 8 μg/mL for ETP, MEM and IPM) and AMK (MIC 32 μg/mL) using broth microdilution. As monotherapy, none of the carbapenems nor AMK achieved and maintained bactericidal activity defined as ≥ 99.9% or > 3 log₁₀ killing. From time-kill studies, synergy was demonstrated for MEM and IPM in combination with AMK over the entire 24 h against all isolates. In addition, MEM and IPM with AMK achieved and maintained bactericidal activity (≥ 99.9% killing) at 24 h against 2 and 1 isolate(s), respectively. Bactericidal activity and synergy were not observed for ETP combinations.

Conclusions

The combination of MEM or IPM with AMK displayed synergistic activity against KPC-3-producing K. pneumoniae isolates.

Keywords

ESBL; Klebsiella pneumoniae; KPC; Carbapenemase; Time-kill; Meropenem; Amikacin; Imipenem; Ertapenem; Carbapenem; Synergy

Status report on carbapenemases: challenges and prospects

Antimicrobial resistance in hospital and community-onset bacterial infections is a significant source of patient morbidity and mortality. In the past decade, we have witnessed the increasing recovery of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. For many isolates, carbapenem resistance is due to the production of carbapenemases, β-lactamases that can inactivate carbapenems and frequently other β-lactam antibiotics. Currently, these enzymes are mainly found in three different β-lactamase classes (class A, B and D). Regardless of the molecular classification, there are few antimicrobials available to treat infections with these organisms and data regarding agents in development are limited to in vitro studies. This article focuses on the epidemiology of carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria. We also review available agents and those in development with potential activity against this evolving threat.

Fluoroquinolone use is not associated with the change in imipenem susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 25 hospitals

INTRODUCTION

Evidence suggests use of fluoroquinolones is associated with carbapenem resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and fluoroquinolone use has been identified as a risk factor for clinical acquisition of imipenem-resistant P. aeruginosa in single-center studies. Imipenem susceptibility and fluoroquinolone use was evaluated within 25 hospitals over 9 years.

METHODS

Use density ratios (UDR) for fluoroquinolones: ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin, and for three other antibiotic classes (carbapenems: ertapenem, doripenem, imipenem, and meropenem; other antipseudomonal beta-lactams: cefepime, ceftazidime, and piperacillin/tazobactam; and aminoglycosides: gentamicin and tobramycin) were derived from drug purchase data for up to 9 years, ending in 2008. Susceptibility data were obtained from hospital antibiograms in corresponding years. A mixed model repeated measures ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) explored associations between 9-year repeated imipenem susceptibility and fluoroquinolone UDR in each year while controlling for other drug classes, teaching status, and number of beds.

RESULTS

All sites had 7 years of data; n=22 had 8 years; n=18 had 9 years. Teaching hospitals were 36% of the cohort; median number of beds was 714 for teaching hospitals and 381 for nonteaching hospitals. Fluoroquinolone use declined from year (Y) 1-5; such use then rose over Y6-9, which was heavily influenced by ciprofloxacin/moxifloxacin: mean fluoroquinolone UDR from Y1-9 was: 303.8, 186.5, 156.8, 174.4, 169.1, 275.0, 504.2, 477.0, and 423.3. Mean imipenem susceptibility was (Y1-9 %) 85.2, 82.8, 82.7, 82.2, 82.8, 82.4, 82.3, 81.7, and 80.6; this change across time was not significant (P=0.46). Change in 9-year imipenem susceptibility was not associated with fluoroquinolone UDR (P=0.17), nor with any other drug class (P>0.40 for each). Results were not different when considering only sites with top 25% fluoroquinolone UDR during Y7-9.

CONCLUSION

Single-center studies of fluoroquinolone use have reported changes in P. aeruginosa susceptibility to carbapenems. Our study finds no such association while controlling for other drug classes. As such, resistance development in individual patients versus institutions warrants further research.

Pharmacodynamic profiling of intravenous antibiotics against prevalent Gram-negative organisms across the globe: the PASSPORT Program-Asia-Pacific Region

Due to escalating antimicrobial resistance amongst Gram-negative organisms, the choice of effective empirical antimicrobial regimens has become challenging. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted for conventional and prolonged infusion regimens of doripenem, imipenem and meropenem using pharmacokinetic data from adult patients with conserved renal function. Minimum inhibitory concentration data against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii were incorporated from the COMPACT surveillance programme in the Asia-Pacific region of the world. The cumulative fraction of response (CFR) was determined for each regimen against each bacterial population. All simulated carbapenem regimens achieved an optimal CFR against E. coli and K. pneumoniae (94.5-100% CFR). Against P. aeruginosa, doripenem achieved 78.7-92.6% CFR, imipenem achieved 60.4-79.0% CFR and meropenem achieved 73.0-85.1% CFR. The only dosing regimen to achieve ≥ 90% CFR against P. aeruginosa was doripenem 1000 mg and 2000 mg every 8 h (4-h infusion). Carbapenem CFRs against A. baumannii were much lower (29.2-54.4% CFR). CFRs for non-fermenting isolates were ca. 10% lower for isolates collected in the Intensive Care Unit. Carbapenem resistance amongst Enterobacteriaceae remains low in the Asia-Pacific region and thus standard carbapenem dosing regimens had a high likelihood of achieving pharmacodynamic exposures. However, larger doses combined with prolonged infusion will be required to increase the CFR for these carbapenems against resistant non-fermenting Gram-negatives that are common in these countries. The safety and efficacy of these high dosing regimens will need to be confirmed in the clinical setting.

Optimization of meropenem dosage in the critically ill population based on renal function

PURPOSE

To develop a meropenem population pharmacokinetic model in critically ill patients with particular focus on optimizing dosing regimens based on renal function.

METHODS

Population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed with creatinine clearance (CrCl) and adjusted body weight to predict parameter estimates. Initial modeling was performed on 21 patients (55 samples). Validation was conducted with 12 samples from 5 randomly selected patients excluded from the original model. A 5,000-patient Monte Carlo simulation was used to ascertain optimal dosing regimens for three CrCl ranges.

RESULTS

Mean ± SD age, APACHE, and CrCl were 59.2 ± 16.8 years, 13.6 ± 7, and 78.3 ± 33.7 mL/min. Meropenem doses ranged from 0.5 g every 8 h (q8h)-2 g q8h as 0.5-3 h infusions. Median estimates for volume of the central compartment, K₁₂ and K₂₁ were 0.24 L/kg, 0.49 h⁻¹, and 0.65 h⁻¹, respectively. K₁₀ was described by the equation: K₁₀= 0.3922 + 0.0025 × CrCl. Model bias and precision were -1.9 and 8.1 mg/L. R², bias, and precision for the validation were 93%, 1.1, and 2.6 mg/L. At minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) up to 8 mg/L, the probability of achieving 40% fT > MIC was 96, 90, and 61% for 3 h infusions of 2 g q8h, 1 g q8h, and 1 g q12h in patients with CrCl ≥50, 30-49, and 10-29, respectively. Target attainment was 75, 65, and 44% for these same dosing regimens as 0.5 h infusions.

CONCLUSIONS

This pharmacokinetic model is capable of accurately estimating meropenem concentrations in critically ill patients over a range of CrCl values. Compared with 0.5 h infusions, regimens employing prolonged infusions improved target attainment across all CrCl ranges.

Steady-state pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cefepime administered by prolonged infusion in hospitalised patients

The objective of this study was to evaluate the steady-state pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cefepime administered by prolonged infusion in hospitalised patients requiring antimicrobial therapy. Nine patients received 1g every 8h (q8h), infused over 4h, and steady-state pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by non-compartmental and compartmental methods. Using these pharmacokinetic parameters, 5000-patient Monte Carlo simulations were performed to estimate the pharmacokinetic profiles for six prolonged-infusion dosing regimens. The probability of target attainment (PTA) was calculated at minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 0.06 μg/mL to 32 μg/mL, and the cumulative fraction of response (CFR) was calculated for six Gram-negative pathogens using MIC data from the Meropenem Yearly Susceptibility Test Information Collection (MYSTIC) (2005-2007, USA). The pharmacodynamic target was free cefepime concentrations remaining above the MIC for 60% of the dosing interval (60% fT>MIC). Mean ± standard deviation maximum and minimum serum concentrations, terminal elimination half-life, elimination rate constant, volume of distribution and systemic clearance of cefepime were 32.5 ± 13.5 μg/mL, 9.5 ± 5.2 μg/mL, 2.4 ± 0.7h, 0.316 ± 0.116 h(-1), 21.3 ± 6.5L and 6.6 ± 3.6L/h, respectively. At the susceptibility breakpoint of 8 μg/mL, the PTA was >90% for 1g and 2g q8h (4-h infusion) and 1g and 2g every 6h (q6h) (3-h infusion). For Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the CFR was 88.6% for 1g q8h (4-h infusion) and ≥ 92.7% for 2g q8h (4-h infusion) and 1g and 2g q6h (3-h infusion). Cefepime 1g q8h infused over 4h provides excellent target attainment for susceptible bacterial pathogens with MICs ≤8 μg/mL.

Approaches to improving antibiotic management

New information is available to improve antibiotic outcomes in severe sepsis where increasing resistance and reducing novel compound development make reaching the right decisions ever more difficult and important.

Management of aminoglycosides in the intensive care unit

Antibacterial resistance is increasing throughout the world, while the development of new agents is slowly progressing. In addition, the increasing prevalence of fluoroquinolone resistance may force many practitioners to choose an aminoglycoside agent in gram-negative regimens. Aminoglycosides are bactericidal agents with potent activity against gram-negative infections and activity against gram-positive infections when added to a cell wall active antimicrobial-based regimen. These agents may be dosed multiple times a day or consolidated as high-dose, extended-interval dosing to maximize pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties to achieve possible improved efficacy with reduced toxicity. Clinical application includes the treatment of bacteremia, endocarditis, health-care and nosocomial pneumonias, intra-abdominal infections, and others. Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity are potential risks of aminoglycoside therapy that may be minimized with serum monitoring and short courses of therapy.

Summary trends for the Meropenem Yearly Susceptibility Test Information Collection Program: a 10-year experience in the United States (1999-2008)

The Meropenem Yearly Susceptibility Test Information Collection (MYSTIC) Program was a global, longitudinal antimicrobial resistance surveillance network of more than 100 medical centers worldwide monitoring the susceptibility of meropenem and selected other broad-spectrum comparator agents. In 1999, and from 2000 through 2008, a total of 10 or 15 United States (USA) medical centers each forwarded 200 nonduplicate clinical isolates from serious infections to a central processing laboratory. Over the 10-year period of this surveillance program, the activity of meropenem and an average of 11 other antimicrobial agents were assessed against a total of 27 289 bacterial isolates using Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute reference methods. Meropenem consistently demonstrated low resistance rates against Enterobacteriaceae species isolates through 2008 and did not exhibit a widespread change in resistance rates over the monitored interval. In fact, the incidence of emerging carbapenemase-producing (KPC-type) Klebsiella spp. showed a decline in 2008 compared to the steeply increasing rates observed from 2004 to 2007. Moreover, the KPC serine carbapenemases have spread to other Enterobacteriaceae species monitored by the MYSTIC Program. Greatest increases in antimicrobial resistance rates were observed for the fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) among all species monitored by the MYSTIC Program. Current susceptibility rates for meropenem when tested against prevalent pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (439 strains, 85.4% susceptible), Enterobacteriaceae (1537 strains, 97.3% susceptible), methicillin-susceptible staphylococci (460 strains, 100.0% susceptible), Streptococcus pneumoniae (125 strains, 80.2% at meningitis susceptibility breakpoints), other streptococci (159 strains, 90.0-100.0% susceptible), and Acinetobacter spp. (127 strains, 45.7% susceptible), the widest spectrum among beta-lactams tested in 2008 and throughout the last decade. Continued local surveillance of broad-spectrum agents following the completion of the MYSTIC Program (USA) appears critical to detect emerging resistances among pathogens causing the most serious infections requiring carbapenem agents.

Clinical pharmacodynamics of cefepime in patients infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa

We evaluated cefepime exposures in patients infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa to identify the pharmacodynamic relationship predictive of microbiological response. Patients with non-urinary tract P. aeruginosa infections and treated with cefepime were included. Free cefepime exposures were estimated by using a validated population pharmacokinetic model. P. aeruginosa MICs were determined by Etest and pharmacodynamic indices (the percentage of the dosing interval that the free drug concentration remains above the MIC of the infecting organism [fT > MIC], the ratio of the minimum concentration of free drug to the MIC [fC(min)/MIC], and the ratio of the area under the concentration-time curve for free drug to the MIC [fAUC/MIC]) were calculated for each patient. Classification and regression tree analysis was used to partition the pharmacodynamic parameters for prediction of the microbiological response. Monte Carlo simulation was utilized to determine the optimal dosing regimens needed to achieve the pharmacodynamic target. Fifty-six patients with pneumonia (66.1%), skin and skin structure infections (SSSIs) (25%), and bacteremia (8.9%) were included. Twenty-four (42.9%) patients failed cefepime therapy. The MICs ranged from 0.75 to 96 microg/ml, resulting in median fT > MIC, fC(m)(in)/MIC, and fAUC/MIC exposures of 100% (range, 0.8 to 100%), 4.3 (range, 0.1 to 27.3), and 206.2 (range, 4.2 to 1,028.7), respectively. Microbiological failure was associated with an fT > MIC of < or =60% (77.8% failed cefepime therapy when fT > MIC was < or =60%, whereas 36.2% failed cefepime therapy when fT > MIC was >60%; P = 0.013). A similar fT > MIC target of < or =63.9% (P = 0.009) was identified when skin and skin structure infections were excluded. While controlling for the SSSI source (odds ratio [OR], 0.18 [95% confidence interval, 0.03 to 1.19]; P = 0.07) and combination therapy (OR, 2.15 [95% confidence interval, 0.59 to 7.88]; P = 0.25), patients with fT > MIC values of < or =60% were 8.1 times (95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 55.6 times) more likely to experience a poor microbiological response. Cefepime doses of at least 2 g every 8 h are required to achieve this target against CLSI-defined susceptible P. aeruginosa organisms in patients with normal renal function. In patients with non-urinary tract infections caused by P. aeruginosa, achievement of cefepime exposures of >60% fT > MIC will minimize the possibility of a poor microbiological response.

In vitro potency of CXA-101, a novel cephalosporin, against Pseudomonas aeruginosa displaying various resistance phenotypes, including multidrug resistance

We describe the activity of a novel cephalosporin, CXA-101 (FR26 4205), against a panel of highly resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates collected from U.S. hospitals. CXA-101 demonstrated increased potency against this population of resistant isolates, with activity that is 4- to 10-fold higher than that of comparator agents in each phenotypic category. The addition of tazobactam did not improve its activity. CXA-101 appears to be a promising addition to the category of antipseudomonal beta-lactams.

Comparative Pharmacodynamics of Intermittent and Prolonged Infusions of Piperacillin/Tazobactam Using Monte Carlo Simulations and Steady-State Pharmacokinetic Data from Hospitalized Patients

Background:

Prolonging the infusion of a β-lactam antibiotic enhances the time in which unbound drug concentrations remain above the minimum inhibitory concentration (fT>MIC).

Objective:

To compare the pharmacodynamics of several dosing regimens of piperacillin/tazobactam administered by intermittent and prolonged infusion using pharmacokinetic data from hospitalized patients.

Methods:

Steady-state pharmacokinetic data were obtained from 13 patients who received piperacillin/tazobactam 4.5 g every 8 hours, infused over 4 hours. Monte Carlo simulations (10,000 pts.) were performed to calculate pharmacodynamic exposures at 50% fT>MIC for 4 intermittent-infusion regimens (3.375 g every 4 and 6 h, 4.5 g every 6 and 8 h) and 4 prolonged-infusion regimens (2.25 g, 3.375 g. 4.5 g, and 6.75 g every 8 h [4-h infusion]) of piperacillin/tazobactam using pharmacokinetic data for piperacillin. Cumulative fraction of response (CFR) was calculated using MIC data for 6 gram-negative pathogens (Meropenem Yearly Susceptibility Test Information Collection, 2004-2007), and probability of target attainment (PTA) was calculated at MICs ranging from 1 μg/mL to 64 μ/g/mL

Results:

The CFR for 3.375 g every 4 hours (intermittent infusion) and 3.375–4.5 g every 8 hours (prolonged infusion) greater than or equal to 90.3% for Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, and Citrobacter spp. Increasing the prolonged-infusion dose to 6.75 g improved the CFR to greater than 90% for Enterobacter spp. For every regimen evaluated, the CFR was less than 90% for Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. At an MIC of 16 μg/mL, PTA was greater than 90% for one intermittent-infusion regimen (3.375 g every 4 h) and 3 prolonged-infusion regimens (≥3.375 g every 8 h). but no regimen achieved a PTA greater than 90% at an MIC of 64 μ/g/mL.

Conclusions:

At doses greater than or equal to 3.375 g every 8 hours, 4-hour infusions of piperacillin/tazobactam achieved excellent target attainment with lower daily doses compared with standard regimens at MICs less than or equal to 16 μg/mL

Steady-state pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of piperacillin/tazobactam administered by prolonged infusion in hospitalised patients

The objective of this study was to evaluate the steady-state pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of piperacillin/tazobactam, administered by prolonged infusion, in hospitalised patients requiring antimicrobial therapy. Thirteen patients received 4.5 g every 8 h (q8h), infused over 4 h, and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by non-compartmental methods. Monte Carlo simulations (10,000 patients) were performed to calculate the cumulative fraction of response (CFR) for seven gram-negative pathogens using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) data from the Meropenem Yearly Susceptibility Test Information Collection (2004-2007, USA) as well as the probability of target attainment (PTA) at MICs ranging from 1 microg/mL to 64 microg/mL. The pharmacodynamic target was free piperacillin concentration remaining above the MIC for 50% of the dosing interval. Mean+/-standard deviation maximum and minimum serum concentrations, half-life, volume of distribution at steady-state and systemic clearance of piperacillin were 108.2+/-31.7 microg/mL, 27.6+/-26.3 microg/mL, 2.1+/-1.2 h, 22.1+/-4.0 L and 8.6+/-3.0 L/h, respectively. The CFR was > 90% for Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens and Citrobacter spp., 88.6% for Enterobacter spp., 87% for Klebsiella pneumoniae, 85.5% for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 52.8% for Acinetobacter spp. The PTA was 100%, 81.1% and 12.3% at MICs of < or = 16 microg/mL, 32 microg/mL and 64 microg/mL, respectively. Piperacillin/tazobactam 4.5 g q8h infused over 4 h provides excellent target attainment for bacterial pathogens with MICs < or = 16 microg/mL. However, the CFR was < 90% for four of the seven gram-negative pathogens evaluated.