Tissue pharmacokinetics of ertapenem at steady-state in diabetic patients with leg infections

Abstract

Although total plasma concentrations of ertapenem were lower in diabetics than reported for healthy subjects, free interstitial tissue concentrations in diabetics were similar to those known from healthy volunteers. Penetration of ertapenem into the interstitium of inflamed tissue of diabetic feet was not impaired in spite of angiopathy. Daily doses of >1 g of ertapenem might be considered to optimize bactericidal effects in diabetic foot infections caused by moderately susceptible strains.