Ertapenem for the treatment of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacterial infections.

Abstract

Ertapenem is indicated for complicated intra-abdominal, skin and skin-structure, urinary tract and acute pelvic infections as well as community-acquired pneumonia, for which there are cheaper and more narrow-spectrum antibiotics. It is active against extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Gram-negative bacteria, but report of its clinical efficacy is lacking. We evaluated our experience with the use of ertapenem for ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacterial infections over 13 months. Forty-seven patients were treated with 50 courses of ertapenem. Thirty-nine courses were for ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacterial infections, 33% of which were bacteraemia. The clinical response rate was 92% and survival to hospital discharge was 94%. We propose that ertapenem has a role in the first-line treatment of these infections.

• Authors: C P Teng, H H Chen, J Chan, D C B Lye
• Journal: International journal of antimicrobial agents (Int J Antimicrob Agents) Vol. 30 Issue 4 Pg. 356-9 (Oct 2007) ISSN: 0924-8579 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 17631986 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• beta-Lactams
• beta-Lactamases
• Ertapenem

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Anti-Bacterial Agents (therapeutic use)
• Bacteremia (drug therapy, microbiology, mortality)
• Ertapenem
• Female
• Gram-Negative Bacteria (enzymology)
• Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections (drug therapy, microbiology, mortality)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Treatment Outcome
• beta-Lactamases (metabolism)
• beta-Lactams (therapeutic use)