Empirical antibiotic treatment with piperacillin-tazobactam in patients with microbiologically-documented biliary tract infections.
OBJECTIVE
To report our experience with empiric antimicrobial monotherapy (piperacillin/tazobactam, of which no data are available in such specific circumstances) in microbiologically-documented infections in patients with benign and malignant conditions of the biliary tract.


METHODS
Twenty-three patients, 10 with benign and 13 with malignant conditions affecting the biliary tree and microbiologically-documented infections were recruited and the efficacy of empirical antibiotic therapy was assessed.


RESULTS
The two groups featured similar demographic and clinical data. Overall, the infective episodes were most due to Gram negative agents, more than 60% of such episodes (mostly in malignant conditions) were preceded by invasive instrumental maneuvers. Empirical antibiotic therapy with a single agent (piperacillin/tazobactam) was effective in more than 80% of cases. No deaths were reported following infections.


CONCLUSIONS
An empiric therapeutic approach with piperacillin/tazobactam is highly effective in biliary tract infections due to benign or malignant conditions.
Bassotti
Gabrio
G
Gastrointestinal and Hepatology Section, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Strada del Cimitero, 2/a, San Marco 06131 Perugia, Italy. gabassot@tin.it
Chistolini
Fabio
F
Sietchiping-Nzepa
Francis
F
De-Roberto
Giuseppe
G
Morelli
Antonio
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001660:Biliary Tract Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology*; D001661:Biliary Tract Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D004338:Drug Combinations; D036262:Empirical Research; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010397:Penicillanic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010878:Piperacillin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000078142:Tazobactam
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D010397:Penicillanic Acid; D000078142:Tazobactam; D010878:Piperacillin