Severe nosocomial pneumonia – emphasis on nebulized tobramycin

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the efficacy and safety of nebulized tobramycin (NT) as an adjunct to systemic antibiotics in the treatment of severe nosocomial pneumonia (NP). Methods: 25 mechanically ventilated patients (out of 150 screened) were enrolled in the current observational single-center study. They were randomized to receive either NT (300 mg, BID; group 1, n=15) as an adjunct to systemic antibiotics or for a correction of the regimen of systemic antibiotics (group 2, n=10). The primary outcome measure was resolution of NP and acute respiratory insufficiency. The CPIS, signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and oxygenation index were used as objective indicators of the clinical progress. Results: The following signs of NT efficacy were detected in 87% of group 1 patients: a decrease of SIRS and CPIS scores within (2.3±1.2) d of NT therapy (P<0.05); decrease of microbes titer to 103–104 CFU/mL (P<0.05); increase of microbes sensitivity to systemic antibiotics in 40% of patients; positive X-ray dynamics in 60% of patients within (9.0±2.5) d of NT therapy. No serious side effects of NT were observed. Conclusions: Administration of NT as an adjunct to systemic antibiotics is efficient and safe in 87% of patients with severe NP caused by multiresistant gram-negative bacteria.

Keywords

• Nosocomial infection
• Pneumonia
• Sepsis
• Anti-bacterial agents
• Tobramycin
• Nebulized