Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Vol 41, 43-49, Copyright © 1998 by The British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
C Okereke and MN Dudley
Morbidity and mortality in febrile neutropenic patients result mainly from
complications attributable to infectious diseases. Both Gram- negative and
Gram-positive bacterial infections have been implicated. The use of
antibiotics in combating bacterial infections has been hampered by
production by many bacterial pathogens of beta-lactamases that render them
resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. Since susceptibility to the
beta-lactam appears crucial in attaining a clinical response in
Gram-negative bacteraemia in febrile neutropenic patients, regimens that
inhibit the activity of beta-lactamases are desirable. Although many
beta-lactamase inhibitors, such as tazobactam, can result in irreversible
inhibition of bacterial beta-lactamase in vitro, careful selection of
dosage, as well as testing in models of infection mimicking that in
patients, is required. Experimental studies in in-vitro models of infection
that mimic conditions of absent host response, show that tazobactam
restores the activity of piperacillin against beta-lactamase-producing
bacteria. Optimal dosage regimens of beta-lactamase inhibitors will provide
mean concentrations of beta- lactamase inhibitor at or above those used in
in-vitro testing.
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
Beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations: pharmacodynamic considerations and possible role in the management of bacterial infections in the neutropenic host
Anti-infective Pharmacology Research Unit, University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy and Brown University Medical School, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence 02908, USA.
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