Ertapenem blood concentration: a retrospective cohort study to analyze
risk for neurotoxicity.
Abstract
Aim Several cases of ertapenem-related neurotoxicity has been published
in the current literature. However, studies evaluating the ertapenem
blood concentration as a risk of these adverse events are scarce. We
aimed to evaluate the relationship between the ertapenem concentration
and the risk of neurological toxicity. Methods Retrospective study,
including patients who underwent ertapenem treatment between october
2019 and february 2021. We excluded critical patients and those whose
blood sample were not properly took in order to analyze ertapenem trough
concentration. We also excluded patients whose clinical follow-up was
not properly realized for the entire period of ertapenem treatment. The
main outcome was the presence of any suspicious neurological side effect
owing to ertapenem administration and its relationship with the plasma
concentration. Secondary outcomes were to identify other clinical and
analytical data contributing to a higher risk of neurotoxicity. Results
Cohort was initially composed by 158 individuals. For the final analysis
we evaluated 102 patients, reporting a neurological alteration in 13/102
(12.7%). Mean ertapenem trough plasma concentration was significantly
higher in patients showing neurotoxicity in comparison with those who
did not (37.8 mcg ml-1 SD±35.7 vs 14.6 mcg ml-1 SD±15.2; p=0.002). In
multivariable logistic regression analysis, ertapenem plasma
concentration (OR= 1.07; p=0.006), a moderate renal insuficiency (OR=
9.2; p=0.02) and a history of previous neurologic disease
(OR=9.9;p=0.02) were identified as risk factors of neurological
alteration during ertapenem treatment. Conclusions Identifying properly
patients who may accumulate the antibiotic by determining their plasma
levels could be helpful to minimize the risk of neurotoxicity.