Comparing Short and Frequent vs Longer and Fewer Meropenem Infusions for ICU Patients with Serious Infections

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether giving the antibiotic meropenem in shorter but more frequent infusions can achieve similar blood levels compared to longer, less frequent infusions in intensive care unit ICU patients. The study aims to see if administering 1 gram six times daily in 15-minute infusions matches the serum concentration of the usual 2 grams three times daily in three-hour infusions. This pilot study focuses on optimizing antibiotic dosing to improve intravenous access time in critically ill patients. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one receiving meropenem 1 gram six times daily through 15-minute infusions, and the other receiving 2 grams three times daily through three-hour infusions. The dosing will be adjusted based on daily kidney function monitoring. Blood samples will be collected at 24, 48, and 72 hours to measure antibiotic levels, and patients will be observed for side effects during treatment and for two days after. During the study, researchers will monitor serum meropenem concentrations to see if they stay above the minimum inhibitory concentration MIC for at least 50% of the time. Additional outcomes include days in the hospital, 30-day mortality after ICU admission, and serious side effects. The study involves daily blood tests and kidney function assessments, with the total study period running from 2021 to mid-2024. Patient safety and treatment adherence will be closely supervised throughout the trial.

A Pilot Study for Optimizing Meropenem Administration in the ICU