Optimizing therapy of bloodstream infection due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae

Purpose of review
Infections due to extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) are increasing worldwide. Carbapenems are usually regarded as the antibiotics of choice for the treatment of serious ESBL infections. However, because of the alarming emergence or carbapenem resistance, interest in effective alternatives has emerged. The present review summarizes the findings published on the antibiotics currently available for treatment of patients with an ESBL-E bloodstream infection (BSI).
Recent findings
Meropenem and imipenem are the drugs recommended for treatment of ESBL BSIs in critically ill patients, and in infections with high bacterial loads or elevated β-lactam minimum inhibitory concentrations. Ertapenem should be reserved for patients with less severe presentations, and should be used at high doses. In milder presentations or BSIs from low-risk sources, other carbapenem-sparing alternatives could be considered: cephamycins, fluoroquinolones, and particularly a β-lactam/β-lactam inhibitor combination (particularly piperacillin/tazobactam). Optimized dosing of piperacillin/tazobactam is recommended (high doses and extended infusion). There are few data on the use of the promising newly available drugs (e.g. ceftolozane/tazobactam, ceftazidime/avibactam, cefiderocol, and plazomicin), and it seems reasonable to reserve them as last-resort drugs.
Summary
Carbapenems should be used in patients with serious infections; alternatives could...

Source: Current Opinion in Critical Care - August 31, 2019 Category: Nursing Tags: SEVERE INFECTIONS: Edited by Michael S. Niederman Source Type: research