Nebulized Colistin for the Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Pneumonia

Abstract

Purpose

To describe the use of nebulized colistin (colistimethate sodium) for the treatment of multidrug-resistant gram-negative infections. Specific aims were to identify dose and frequency of nebulized colistin therapy currently used, to assess clinical and microbiological efficacy, and to assess the prevalence of adverse events resulting from colistin therapy.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed at a tertiary care, level I trauma center and teaching hospital. The review included examination of 29 courses of colistin therapy administered to 24 adults receiving at least 24 hours of nebulized colistin for the treatment of gram-negative pneumonia.

Results

Demographic, medication, adverse event, and outcome data were collected for the duration of colistin therapy. Colistin was administered to patients with multidrug-resistant infections caused by gram-negative organisms. Many patients had a history of exposure to multiple antibiotics or drug allergies. Resistance to colistin was observed in 3 of 18 isolates with available susceptibility data. Determining the prevalence of adverse events was difficult because of the use of multiple medications. Many patients had missed antibiotic doses. A 25% mortality rate was observed.

Conclusion

The findings of this study serve to demonstrate the use of nebulized colistin for treatment of multidrug-resistant gram-negative pneumonia in patients without cystic fibrosis; to raise concern with regard to the large number of missed antibiotic doses; and to emphasize the need for further investigation by a larger, prospective, randomized trial.