Work

Outcomes of Patients with Melioidosis Treated with Meropenem

Year: 2004

Type: article

Abstract: Melioidosis, an infection due to Burkholderia pseudomallei, is endemic in southeast Asia and northern Australia. We reviewed our experience with meropenem in the treatment of severe melioidosis in 63 patients over a 6-year period. Outcomes were similar to those of ceftazidime-treated patients (n = 153) despite a deliberate selection bias to more-unwell patients receiving meropenem. The mortality among meropenem-treated patients was 19%. One patient had a possible drug fever associated with the use of meropenem. We conclude that meropenem (1 g or 25 mg/kg every 8 h intravenously for >/=14 days) is an alternative to ceftazidime and imipenem in the treatment of melioidosis. The use of meropenem may be associated with improved outcomes in patients with severe sepsis associated with melioidosis.

Source: Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy

DOI: 10.1128/aac.48.5.1763-1765.2004

Authors: Allen C. Cheng, Dale A. Fisher, Nicholas M. Anstey, Dianne P. Stephens, Susan P. Jacups, Bart J. Currie

Institutions: Flinders University, Charles Darwin University, Menzies School of Health Research, Royal Darwin Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Burkholderia infections and melioidosis

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: Menzies School of Health Research