Abstract
Serum concentrations of β-lactams that continuously exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration may improve therapeutic outcomes for immunosuppressed patients. The trough serum levels of ceftazidime (CAZ), cefepime (FEP) or imipenem (IMP) were prospectively determined on days 1 and 3 of treatment in cancer patients. Seventy-eight episodes of suspected infection were analysed. Trough serum levels were higher than 4 mg/L in 62%, 24% and 0% of cases in the CAZ, FEP and IMP groups, respectively, and were higher than 20 mg/L in 24% of cases in the CAZ group compared with 0% both in the FEP and IMP groups. For suspected infectious episodes in cancer patients, the traditional intermittent regimen of β-lactams does not appear to be appropriate for the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties of these antibiotics.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
