title: Imipenem/cilastatin in the treatment of severe nosocomial pneumonia.
abstract: Imipenem/cilastatin (Tienam 500; Logos) 1 g, administered intravenously every 8 hours, was evaluated in an open clinical trial in 35 patients with severe nosocomial pneumonia. In 84.4% of cases there was a favourable clinical response; microbiological success was achieved in 63.3% and partial success in 20% of patients. The majority of Gram-negative and Gram positive organisms were sensitive to imipenem, including those resistant to the aminoglycosides. Although colonisation was frequent, superinfection was uncommon. Imipenem was well tolerated in these critically ill patients, many of whom had renal and other organ failure. The wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity and minimal side-effects made it a useful agent in patients with severe nosocomial pneumonia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, University of Cape Town.
authors.forename: P D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Potgieter
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Linton
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Forder
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Plumb
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015377:Cilastatin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004150:Dipeptidases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015378:Imipenem / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D008875:Middle Aged; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D015377:Cilastatin; D015378:Imipenem; D004150:Dipeptidases