Piperacillin PK Analysis in Severe Sepsis Patients

Antibiotic dosing in septic patients poses a challenge for clinicians due to the pharmacokinetic changes seen in this population. Piperacillin/tazobactam is often used for empirical treatment, and initial appropriate dosing is crucial for reducing mortality.

The investigators aim was to determined the pharmacokinetic profile of piperacillin 4g every 8 hour in 22 patients treated empirically for sepsis and severe sepsis. A PK population model was be established with the dual purpose to assess current standard treatment and to simulate alternative dosing regimens and modes of administration. Time above the minimal inhibitory concentration (T>MIC) predicted for each patient was evaluated against clinical breakpoint MIC for Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (16 mg/L). Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) targets evaluated were 100% f T>MIC and 50% fT>MIC.

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Key information

Conditions

Sepsis Infections Inflammation Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Severe Sepsis Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark

Aarhus, Danmark, 8200, Denmark

About this study

Appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy is crucial for reducing mortality in septic patients. Pathophysiological changes associated with the septic process, i.e. changes in volume of distribution (Vd), protein binding and drug clearance (Cl), lead to pharmacokinetic (PK) alterations that may influence the efficacy of the drug. As a consequence, antibiotic plasma concentrations are variable and hard to predict in this patient population. Optimal dosing and exposure can therefore be a challenge and standard antibiotic dosing regimens may result in subtherapeutic concentrations and therapeutic failure. Appropriate dosing is also essential in order to maximize bacterial killing and minimize development of antimicrobial resistance.

Piperacillin/tazobactam is a β-lactam-β-lactamase inhibitor combination with extended-spectrum antibacterial activity, which is often used for empirical treatment of severe infections. The antibacterial activity is time-depentent, i.e. the activity is related to the time for which the free unbound drug concentration is maintained above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (fT>MIC). By maximizing T>MIC, therapeutic impact increases and the risk of drug resistance development is reduced (7). For β-lactams, a fT>MIC of at least 50% is associated with clinical efficacy. However, higher targets may be needed for maximal bactericidal effect in critically ill patients. Piperacillin/tazobactam is by standard practice administered as intermittent bolus infusion (IB). However, prolonged infusion, both extended infusion (IE) and continuous infusion (CI) is believed to optimize drug exposure and has a PK advantage compared to IB.

Patients with known or suspected sepsis or severe sepsis, treated empirically with piperacillin/tazobactam 4g/0,5g (Tazocin®) every eight hour (q8h) were eligible for the study. Piperacillin/tazobactam (4g/0,5g) was administered intravenously (i.v.) as a 3-minute bolus infusion . Serial blood samples were collected over one dosing interval for up to three consecutive days if piperacillin/tazobactam treatment was maintained.

The free concentrations of piperacillin in sera were assessed using ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC).

Clinical MIC breakpoints according to the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) for Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used to evaluate the following PK/PD targets: 100% f T>MIC and 50% fT>MIC.

There was no intervention in the study.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Treatment with Piperacillin/Tazobactam 4g/0.5g every 8 hour for less than 48 hours

Exclusion criteria

renal replacement therapy
Age under 18

Treatment and study plan

Blood Draw

Other

Primary outcomes

100% f T>MIC: Free Piperacillin Concentration Maintained Above the MIC Throughout the Dosing Interval.

Time frame: Participants will be followed to day five (120 hours) after initiation of piperacillin/tazobactam treatment.

The piperacillin plasma concentration-time profiles were best described by a two-compartment model. Each individual model predicted T>MIC was compared to clinical breakpoint MIC for P.aeruginosa (16 mg/L). The number of patients who achieved the pre-defined PK/PD target were reported.
50% f T>MIC: Free Piperacillin Concentration Maintained at a Level Four Times Above the MIC 50% of the Dosing Interval.

Time frame: Participants will be followed to day five (120 hours) after initiation of piperacillin/tazobactam treatment.

The piperacillin plasma concentration-time profiles were best described by a two-compartment model. Each individual model predicted T>MIC was compared to clinical breakpoint MIC for P.aeruginosa (16 mg/L). The number of patients who achieved the pre-defined PK/PD target were reported.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Aarhus

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Population Pharmacokinetics of Piperacillin in the Early Phase of Severe Sepsis - Does Standard Dosing Result in Therapeutic Plasma Concentrations?

Important dates

Study start: 2015
Primary completion: 2016
Study completion: 2016
First posted: Oct 6, 2015
Registry last updated: Nov 13, 2017

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed