Pharmacokinetics of Meropenem in Cerebrospinal Fluid: Intermittent vs. Continuous Dosing

Penetration of meropenem into CSF varied widely by patient but did not differ by dosing strategy.

The beta-lactam antibiotic meropenem is commonly given when healthcare-associated ventriculitis and meningitis complicate neurosurgical procedures; however, its penetration into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is unpredictable, prompting consideration of continuous infusion to optimize drug exposure.

Wicha et al. prospectively examined the pharmacokinetics of meropenem in CSF and plasma among 16 critically ill patients with external ventricular drains and central nervous system (CNS) infections or pneumonia; 8 received intermittent infusion (II), and 8 received continuous infusion (CI). Based on 243 plasma samples and 263 CSF samples, the investigators developed a population pharmacokinetic model to compare the probability of target attainment wit…

Reviewing Author

George Sakoulas, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardParatek Pharmaceuticals; Nestle Corp.; AbbVie; Shionogi

Speaker’s BureauAllergan/AbbVie; Paratek Pharmaceuticals; Nestle Corp.

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy; Open Forum Infectious Diseases