Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of Caspofungin in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Patients. An Open Observational Study for Antifungal Treatment's Optimization

Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of Caspofungin in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Patients. An Open Observational Study for Antifungal Treatment's Optimization

PK of Caspofungin in ICU septic patients might be changed as compared to healthy volunteers due to sepsis-related pathophysiology.

Sub-optimal plasma and tissue concentrations might be achieved in these patients when drugs are administered at the same dosage/regimen suggested for healthy volunteers.

Open non randomized, non controlled single center study on the pharmacokinetics of caspofungin in 20 consecutive ICU patients with severe sepsis or septic shock, requiring caspofungin therapy and PK-PD evaluation for the optimization of caspofungin therapy. The aim of this study is to describe the Caspofungin PK-PD alterations in a cohort of critically ill septic patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult ICU patients (>18 yrs)
• Severe sepsis or septic shock
• Caspofungin therapy based on clinical judgement (empiric therapy) or microbiological result (targeted therapy).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Concomitant ciclosporin or rifampicin therapy.
• Pregnancy
• Continuous renal replacement therapy
• Severe Liver failure (Child Pugh score > 6)