Outcomes of patients with melioidosis treated with meropenem.
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.
Cheng
Allen C
AC
Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina NT 0811, Northern Territory, Darwin, Australia.
Fisher
Dale A
DA
Anstey
Nicholas M
NM
Stephens
Dianne P
DP
Jacups
Susan P
SP
Currie
Bart J
BJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002442:Ceftazidime / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008554:Melioidosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D000077731:Meropenem; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018805:Sepsis / Q000150:complications; D013845:Thienamycins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002511:Cephalosporins; D013845:Thienamycins; D002442:Ceftazidime; D000077731:Meropenem