AEROSOLIZATION OF IMIPENEM CILASTATIN PREVENTS PSEUDOMONAS-INDUCED ACUTE LUNG INJURY/

Aerosolization of imipenem/cilastatin was compared with continuous int ravenous infusions of the antibiotic for pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynam ic analysis. The concentrations of imipenim/cilastatin in bronchoalveo lar lavage fluids (BAL) obtained from rats exposed to the aerosolized antibiotic were significantly greater than the concentrations in BAL i n the rats that had received intravenous infusions of imipenem/cilasta tin. The two methods of antibiotic delivery were compared for their ef fects on bacterial-induced lung injury in rats that had Pseudomonas ae ruginosa instilled into their airspaces. The aerosolization of antibio tic was associated with significantly decreased bacterial-induced lung injury. The high concentrations of antibiotic in the airspaces second ary to aerosolization appears to kill bacteria more quickly and preser ve lung epithelial and endothelial integrity better than systemic deli very of the same antibiotic.