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Does nephrotoxicity develop less frequently when vancomycin is combined with imipenem-cilastatin than with meropenem? A comparative study

Hakeam HA, AlAnazi L, Mansour R, AlFudail S, AlMarzouq F

Infectious diseases (London, England), 2019

227 participants

Abstract

Introduction: Nephrotoxicity is a frequent complication of vancomycin therapy. Experimental studies in different animal species have demonstrated the attenuation of vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity with cilastatin administration. This study aimed to evaluate if imipenem-cilastatin attenuates vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity, in patients treated with combinations of vancomycin and carbapenems. Methods: This retrospective, propensity-score matched study was conducted at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh and Jeddah. Nephrotoxicity was compared in patients who received imipenem-cilastatin + vancomycin or meropenem + vancomycin. Patients with no history of renal disease who received imipenem-cilastatin + vancomycin or meropenem + vancomycin for a minimum of 72 h, from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017, were included. Nephrotoxicity was defined according to the RIFLE criteria (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, End-stage renal disease) if sustained for least 72 h. Results: A total of 227 patients were included in the analysis, consisting of 121 patients in the imipenem-cilastatin + vancomycin group, and 106 patients in the meropenem + vancomycin group. In the unmatched data set the rate of nephrotoxicity was 8.2% in imipenem-cilastatin + vancomycin group and 20.7% in the meropenem + vancomycin group (p = .007). Logistic regression analysis showed that imipenem-cilastatin + vancomycin therapy was associated with a 56% lower rate of nephrotoxicity…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 227 participants or records.

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