title: An Argument for the Use of Aminoglycosides in the Empiric Treatment of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Appropriate empiric antibiotic therapy for ventilator-associated pneumonia improves outcomes. Controversy exists regarding the inclusion of aminoglycosides in empiric therapeutic regimens.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Ovid and Cochrane databases were searched for relevant literature regarding the use of aminoglycosides in combination therapy for ventilator-associated pneumonia. The data supporting the use of aminoglycosides in certain populations and strategies to limit toxicity are summarized.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In patients at high risk of infection with antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacilli and in those with severe illness, aminoglycosides improve clinical outcomes. In critically ill populations, short-duration therapy and high-dose extended-interval dosing of aminoglycosides can improve therapeutic efficacy while limiting nephrotoxicity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In selected populations using appropriate dosing strategies, aminoglycosides should be considered for empiric treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Surgery and Anesthesiology, Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, Vanderbilt University Medical Center , Nashville, Tennessee.
authors.forename: Addison K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: May
mesh_terms: D000617:Aminoglycosides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D053717:Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000617:Aminoglycosides; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents