Pharmacokinetics and total elimination of meropenem and vancomycin in intensive care unit patients undergoing extended daily dialysis*

Abstract

Our data suggest that patients treated with EDD by means of a high-flux dialyzer (polysulphone; surface area, 1.3 m; blood and dialysate flow, 160 mL/min; EDD time, 480 mins) and current dosing regimens run the risk of being significantly underdosed, which may have detrimental effects on critically ill patients with life-threatening infections. The exact dose has to be tailored according to weight and severity of illness as well as the current minimal inhibitory concentration against the incriminated bacteria. Whenever possible, therapeutic drug monitoring should be performed.