Approach to the Treatment of Patients with Serious Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections

Pharmacotherapy. 2020 Sep;40(9):952-969. doi: 10.1002/phar.2449. Epub 2020 Aug 17.

Abstract

Multidrug resistance(MDR) among Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PSA) isolates presents a significant clinical challenge and can substantially complicate the approach to selection of optimal antibiotic therapy. This review addresses major considerations in antibiotic selection for patients with suspected or documented serious MDR-PSA infections. Common mechanisms contributing to MDR among clinical PSA isolates are summarized. Empiric and definitive therapy considerations are addressed including the potential role of combination therapy. Newer agents with in vitro activity against MDR-PSA (e.g., ceftolozane-tazobactam, ceftazidime-avibactam, imipenem-relebactam, and cefiderocol) and their potential roles in clinical settings are discussed. Although these newer agents are promising options for the treatment of MDR-PSA, clinical data remain generally limited. Future studies are needed to determine optimal agents for the empiric and definitive treatment of MDR-PSA.

Keywords: Pseudomonas aeruginosa; multidrug resistance; pharmacodynamics.; pharmacokinetics.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Azabicyclo Compounds / pharmacology
  • Azabicyclo Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Ceftazidime / pharmacology
  • Ceftazidime / therapeutic use
  • Cephalosporins / pharmacology
  • Cephalosporins / therapeutic use
  • Drug Combinations
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Pseudomonas Infections / drug therapy*
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects
  • Tazobactam / pharmacology
  • Tazobactam / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Azabicyclo Compounds
  • Cephalosporins
  • Drug Combinations
  • avibactam, ceftazidime drug combination
  • ceftolozane, tazobactam drug combination
  • Ceftazidime
  • Tazobactam