Continuous infusion of beta-lactam antibiotics

Abstract

For beta-lactam antibiotics continuous infusion can be used to optimise antibiotic therapy. Pre-clinical studies in rodents and in vitro studies have shown the benefits of continuous infusion when compared to intermittent dosing. Pharmacokinetic studies in humans have shown an improved probability of target attainment for continuous infusion. However, the relationship between continuous infusion and improved clinical outcome is ambiguous. The superiority of continuous infusion over intermittent dosing in clinical outcome studies is most often documented in special subgroups, such as critically ill patients or patients infected with less-susceptible micro-organisms. Methods to calculate doses during continuous infusion and practical issues, such as stability of antimicrobial solutions, are described.