Clinical Research Directory

Neurotoxicity Evaluation of Beta-lactams in Intensive Care Unit and Identification of the Risk Factors

Beta-lactams are the most prescribed antibiotics in intensive care units. The lack of linearity between the dose administered and the exposition due to the very high variability of the pharmacokinetics in critically ill patients requires that the treatment be adapted on a case-by-case basis depending on the drug serum concentration. However, maximum concentrations not to be exceeded in order to limit beta-lactams toxicity are generally unknown. The main toxic risk of beta-lactams in intensive care is indeed neurological, but the neurotoxicity is probably underdiagnosed due to the variability of the signs observed, their time to onset, and confounding factors. Apart from recommendations for dose adjustment in the event of renal insufficiency, the procedures for the proper use of beta-lactams in intensive care are poorly established. The study presented here aims to assess the impact of the neurotoxic risk of beta-lactams in intensive care based on therapeutic drug monitoring, and thus to improve beta-lactam safety in critically ill patients. This is a prospective cohort study evaluating change in neurological status of patients admitted to the ICU and treated with a beta-lactam antibiotic with therapeutic drug monitoring. Neurological evaluation and scoring (Glasgow scale, CAM-ICU, Richmond agitation-sedation scale) and beta-lactam serum concentration assay are performed together 2 to 3 times a week.

A Study to Compare the Efficacy and Safety of Extended and Intermittent Infusion of Beta-lactams in Critically Ill Paediatric Patients

The goal of this clinical trial is to examine the success and safety of administering certain antibiotics (beta-lactams) given in a longer 3-hour infusion to children (0-17 years) who are critically ill and have severe infection. The main question it aims to answer is: Is the longer infusion more effective than the conventional short-term (0.5-hour-long) infusion? Researchers will compare the 3-hour-long infusion group to the 0.5-hour-long infusion group to determine whether the longer infusion can cure the infection earlier and whether it is equally safe. The doses are the same in the two groups. Only the duration differs until the patient receives the antibiotic. Participants will: * be given the required antibiotic drug in a 3-hour-long or in a 0.5 hour-long infusion. * be examined to make sure their blood drug levels are correct. This will require two blood tests. * be treated according to routine care and have examinations and blood tests performed.