Extract:
“A recent randomised clinical trial (RCT), BLING III, provided support for continuous infusion (CI) versus short intermittent infusions of meropenem and piperacillin/tazobactam in 7,000 critically ill adults with sepsis. This was further supported by a simultaneously published systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) of 18 RCTs of CI or extended infusion (EI; 3–4 h infusions) of beta lactams. The challenge now is to transition to CI, as a standard of care for critically ill adults with sepsis. New ways of delivering an optimised dose extend beyond merely changing prescribing but require effective protocolisation in the ‘real world’. We describe specific practice considerations for implementation of CIs of meropenem and piperacillin/tazobactam regarding vascular access, drug stability and compatibility, workload and educational implications, and the regulatory framework around these matters.”
Reference:Barton G, Rickard CM, Roberts JA. Continuous infusion of beta-lactam antibiotics in critically ill patients with sepsis: implementation considerations. Intensive Care Med. 2024 Sep 23. doi: 10.1007/s00134-024-07650-x. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39311902.