Meropenem Pharmacokinetics in Critically Ill Patients Undergoing High-dose Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy

This study focuses on critically ill patients who have a severe infection and require a specific antibiotic called meropenem, along with a treatment known as Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT). The goal is to understand how meropenem works in the body under these conditions. Any patient, whether they're receiving medical or surgical care, can be included, and the type of infection doesn't matter. The importance of this study lies in its potential to improve the use of meropenem in critically ill patients, ensuring they receive the right dose at the right time. During the study, patients receive meropenem through an intravenous (IV) infusion every 8 hours. To understand how the body processes meropenem, small blood samples are collected at various time points after each dose, for 3 consecutive days. These samples are processed and the amount of meropenem in the blood is measured using a specialized technique called high-performance liquid chromatography. Additionally, each patient's health status is closely monitored using a method called transpulmonary thermodilution (PICCO). Other necessary treatments, like ventilatory support or sedation, are provided as needed.