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Systematic review on estimated rates of nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity in patients treated with polymyxins

Flo ri an Wagenlehner, Ersilia Lucenteforte, Federico Pea, Àlex Soriano, Lara Tavoschi, Victoria R. Steele, Anne Santerre Henriksen, Christopher M. Longshaw et al.

Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 2021

35,569 participants · 157 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity are commonly associated with polymyxin treatment; however, the emergence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria with limited therapeutic options has resulted in increased use of polymyxins. OBJECTIVES: To determine the rates of nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity during polymyxin treatment and whether any factors influence these. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched on 2 January 2020. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies reporting nephrotoxicity and/or neurotoxicity rates in patients with infections treated with polymyxins were included. Reviews, meta-analyses and reports not in English were excluded. PARTICIPANTS: Patients hospitalized with infections treated with systemic or inhaled polymyxins were included. For comparative analyses, patients treated with non-polymyxin-based regimens were also included. METHODS: Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model; subgroup meta-analyses were conducted where data permitted using a mixed-effects model. RESULTS: In total, 237 reports of randomized controlled trials, cohort and case-control studies were eligible for inclusion; most were single-arm observational studies. Nephrotoxic events in 35,569 patients receiving polymyxins were analysed. Overall nephrotoxicity rate was 0.282 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.259-0.307). When excluding studies where >50% of patients received inhaled-only polymyxin treatment or nephrotoxicity…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 35,569 participants or records.

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