Antibiotics by Continuous Infusion: Time for Re-evaluation?

  • D. L. A. Wyncoll
  • R. Bowry
  • L. J. Giles
Chapter

Abstract

Severe sepsis and septic shock account for 15–20% of intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and when associated with multi-organ dysfunction there is a 55% mortality [1]. Surgical evacuation of any focus of infection should be undertaken where possible, however, the mainstay of treatment is antibiotic therapy. In recent years there have been considerable advances in the support of these patients with emphasis being placed on early, adequate volume resuscitation [2], administration of stress-dose corticosteroids [3], immunonutrition [4], and, more recently, manipulation of coagulation pathways [5]. However, the way in which antibiotics are administered has remained largely unchanged since the 1940s. At a time when many standard therapies are being re-evaluated we should ask the question ‘Are we using antibiotics to their greatest potential?’

Keywords

Severe Sepsis Continuous Infusion Antimicrob Agent Intermittent Infusion Intermittent Bolus 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2002

Authors and Affiliations

  • D. L. A. Wyncoll
  • R. Bowry
  • L. J. Giles

There are no affiliations available

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