Pharmacokinetic Study of Antibiotics in Patients Assisted by Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (PHARMECMO)

A Pilot Pharmacokinetic Study of Antibiotics in Patients Assisted by Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Intensive Care Unit

The PHARMECMO study is a pilot, prospective, pharmacokinetic study, conducted in a cardiac surgery intensive care unit of 18 beds. Optimization of antibiotic therapy for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients remains a pharmacological challenge. Clinical studies suggest that individualized dosing strategies and therapeutic drug monitoring could facilitate the achievement of adequate antibiotic concentration. The objective of this pilot study was to observe the pharmacokinetic characteristics of commonly used antibiotics in intensive care for patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 18 years
• Extra corporeal membrane oxygenation treatment
• Parenteral antibiotherapy for known or suspected sepsis
• Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Refusal of participation
• Pregnancy
• Burned patient
• Steady state conditions not reached
• Non-intravenous administration of antibiotherapy