Intermittent versus daily dosing of meropenem in haemodialysis patients – A retrospective observational exploratory study
Abstract BackgroundExtended microbial resistance is very common in patients on haemodialysis, often needing long courses of carbapenems. This results in increased length of stay in hospital and its complications. However, carbapenems can be given intermittently and avoid this problem.We aim to describe the clinical outcomes of intermittent versus daily meropenem in thrice weekly haemodialysed patients.Methods: 125 records were examined retrospectively. Data collected includes patient demographics, clinical interventions such as source control, meropenem dose and regime, and clinical outcomes such as length of hospital stay (LOS), 30-day readmission rates and adverse events.Results: Mean age was 62.6±1.3 years, 56% were male. 65.6% were on haemodialysis secondary to diabetic nephropathy, and 84% were on thrice-weekly regime. Most common bacteria cultured was Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.4%), the most common indication for meropenem was pneumonia (32%) and mainly used for cure (65%). Mean duration of therapy on meropenem was 11.5±1.2 days, 8 patients needed more than 30 days of meropenem. 59.2% did not have intervention for source control.87.2% received daily dosing of meropenem. 6.4% patients received intermittent dosing of meropenem only, 4.8% patients received both types of dosing regimens. Dosing was variable across both arms.LOS of the index admission was shorter for the intermittent arm, 15.5±2.7 days compared to daily arm, 34.7±2.7 days. Though 30-day readmission was higher (50% in the intermittent arm versus 33.1%), total LOS in the year was still lower (49±18.0 days in the intermittent arm versus 53.3±14.9 days). There were few adverse events in both arms.Conclusion: Our study suggests that intermittent dosing of meropenem may be helpful for reducing hospital length of stay. We suggest for randomised controlled trials to prove its safety and efficacy.