Ampicillin plus Ceftriaxone for Enterococcus faecalis Endocarditis

In an observational multicenter study, outcomes were similar between ampicillin plus ceftriaxone and ampicillin plus gentamicin, but renal dysfunction was significantly more common with the latter.

Although intravenous therapy with penicillin or ampicillin plus an aminoglycoside has been the standard treatment for infective endocarditis caused by β-lactam– and gentamicin-susceptible enterococci, the combination of ampicillin plus ceftriaxone (AC) has been used in cases caused by Enterococcus faecalis with high-level aminoglycoside resistance (HLAR). In daily practice, however, AC has also been used even in the absence of aminoglycoside resistance.

In an observational, nonrandomized, comparative cohort study involving consecutive adults treated for E. faecalis infective endocarditis (EFIE) at centers in Spain or Italy between 2005 and 2011, researchers compared the safety and efficacy of these treatments. Of 291 EFIE episodes, 159 (55%)…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)