Continuous beta-lactam antibiotic therapy in a double-lung transplanted patient with a multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection

Background. It is well known that the bactericidal effect of beta -lactam a ntibiotics is closely related to the time which the serum concentration of the antibiotic remains above the minimal inhibitory concentration of the ta rget pathogen. Thus, the optimal administration of beta -lactam antibiotics would be the continuous infusion of the drug. Methods. me present a case report with a critically ill double-lung transpl anted patient with pneumonia due to a multidrug- resistant Pseudomonas aeru ginosa who received continuously 8 g meropenem/24 hr. Based on a previous p harmacokinetic study showing that continuous infusion of meropenem is at le ast equivalent to intermittent administration this case report is reported to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of continuous infusion. Results. C-reactive protein and pneumonia decreased rapidly when clinical c onditions were improved significantly, Continuous administration of meropen em did not interfere with cyclosporine, no side effects were seen, and the patient's renal function was not impaired during the whole period of treatm ent. Conclusion. The continuous administration of beta -lactam antibiotics is a powerful application in critically ill patients to intensify antimicrobial therapy.