Impaired target site penetration of &bgr; -lactams may account for therapeutic failure in patients with septic shock

ObjectiveCurrent guidelines for adjusting antimicrobial therapy regimens commonly are based on drug concentrations measured in plasma. In septic patients, however, the interstitial space of soft tissues in addition to the central compartment represents the target site of infection. We thus hypothesized that one explanation for therapeutic failure during antibiotic treatment might be the inability to achieve effective antimicrobial concentrations in the interstitial space fluid of soft tissues. This is corroborated by the fact that piperacillin, a frequently administered &bgr;-lactam antibiotic, often fails to be effective despite documented susceptibility of the causative pathogen in vitro. DesignProspective comparative study of two groups. SettingThe intensive care unit and research ward of an university hospital. SubjectsSix patients with septic shock and a control group of six gender- and age-matched healthy volunteers. InterventionsTo measure piperacillin penetration into the interstitial space fluid of skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue, we employed microdialysis after a single intravenous administration of 4.0 g of piperacillin to patients and healthy volunteers. Piperacillin concentrations were assayed by using reversed-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography. Measurements and Main Results In septic shock patients, interstitial piperacillin concentrations in skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue were five- to ten-fold lower than corresponding free plasma concentrations (p < .03). Mean piperacillin concentrations in subcutaneous adipose tissue never exceeded 11 &mgr;g/mL, which is below the minimal inhibitory concentration for a range of relevant pathogens in patients with septic shock. ConclusionThe results of the present study demonstrate that in septic shock patients, piperacillin concentrations in the interstitial space may be subinhibitory, even though effective concentrations are attained in plasma. The lack of success of antimicrobial therapy in these patients thus might be attributable to inadequate target site penetration of antibiotics.