ABDose
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Modelling antimicrobial pharmacokinetics in critically ill patients
IRAS ID
164786
Contact name
Mike Sharland
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St George's University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
Currently, all patients tend to receive the same dose of an antibiotic, regardless of whether they are treated on a general medical ward or on an intensive care unit. This dosing strategy is usually sufficient to treat straightforward infections. However, we now know that when patients are critically unwell, there can be significant changes in how the body handles antibiotics and other drugs.
Recent evidence suggests that in patients who are admitted to intensive care and given antibiotics to treat severe infections, the amount of antibiotic in the bloodstream may not always be high enough to be as effective as possible. If the antibiotic level is not high enough, this could reduce the chance of a good outcome, compared with patients who do have adequate antibiotic concentrations in the blood for long enough.
The aim of this research project, which is based at St George’s, University of London, is to develop analytical methods that would allow us to measure antibiotic concentrations in blood samples. Using measurements from patients in intensive care, we aim to better understand how critical illness affects antibiotic concentrations. By observing what happens to patients after treatment, we plan to collect preliminary data on whether the antibiotic concentrations achieved with the usual standard treatment doses have any relationship with clinical outcome.
This study will use blood samples from critically ill patients receiving antibiotics to analyse blood antibiotic concentrations. Wherever possible, blood samples will be taken from indwelling lines in blood vessels that are inserted as part of routine clinical practice in intensive care, so as to minimise the need for additional blood sampling. In the case of children and babies , samples will be taken at the same time as those already requested by doctors for routine clinical care when possible, to reduce the need for additional blood sampling.
REC name
London - Harrow Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/1999
Date of REC Opinion
8 Dec 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion