The pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic index determining β-lactam activity is the percentage of the dosing interval (%T) during which their free serum concentration remains above a critical threshold over the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Regrettably, neither the value of %T nor that of the threshold are clearly defined for critically-ill patients. Areas covered: We review and assess the targets proposed for β-lactams in critical illness by screening the literature since 1997. Depending on the study intention (clinical cure vs. suppression of resistance), targets proposed range from 20%T > 1xMIC to 100%T > 5xMIC. Assessment and comparative analysis of their respective clinical efficacy suggest that a value of 100%T > 4xMIC may be needed. Simulation studies, however, show that this target will not be reached at first dose for the majority of critically-ill patients if using the most commonly recommended doses. Expert commentary: Considering that critically-ill patients are highly vulnerable and likely to experience antibiotic underexposure, and because effective initial treatment is a key determinant of clinical outcome, we support the use of a target of 100%T > 4xMIC, which could not only maximize efficacy but also minimize emergence of resistance. Clinical and microbiological studies are needed to test for the feasibility and effectiveness of reaching such a demanding target.
Because the sepsis-induced pharmacokinetic (PK) modifications need to be considered in aminoglycoside dosing, the present study aimed to develop a population PK model for amikacin (AMK) in severe sepsis and to subsequently propose an optimal sampling strategy suitable for Bayesian estimation of the drug PK parameters. Concentration-time profiles for AMK were obtained from 88 critically ill septic patients during the first 24 hours of antibiotic treatment. The population PK model was developed using a nonlinear mixed effects modeling approach. Covariate analysis included demographic data, pathophysiological characteristics, and comedication. Optimal sampling times were selected based on a robust Bayesian design criterion. Taking into account clinical constraints, a two-point sampling approach was investigated. A two-compartment model with first-order elimination best fitted the AMK concentrations. Population PK estimates were 19.2 and 9.34 L for the central and peripheral volume of distribution and 4.31 and 2.21 L/h for the intercompartmental and total body clearance. Creatinine clearance estimated using the Cockcroft-Gault equation was retained in the final model. The two optimal sampling times were 1 hour and 6 hours after onset of the drug infusion. Predictive performance of individual Bayes estimates computed using the proposed optimal sampling strategy was reported: mean prediction errors were less than 5% and root mean square errors were less than 30%. The present study confirmed the significant influence of the creatinine clearance on the PK disposition of AMK during the first hours of treatment in critically ill septic patients. Based on the population estimates, an optimal sampling strategy suitable for Bayesian estimation of the drug PK parameters was developed, meeting the need of clinical practice.
Although there is some evidence that mortality rates may have decreased in recent years, the incidence of sepsis is increasing so that overall deaths from this disease are increasing. Improved diagnostic techniques and classification may help target therapies more rapidly and more appropriately.
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