Carbapenems versus alternative β-lactams for the treatment of nosocomial pneumonia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Pneumonia is one of the most common hospital-acquired infections in the United States with the Center for Disease Control estimating over 150,000 cases per year [1]. Nosocomial pneumonias, particularly ventilator-associated pneumonias (VAP), are associated with significant morbidity and mortality [2]. Prompt and adequate treatment of these patients is essential to decrease the risk of mortality [3 –7]. Current guidelines from the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Thoracic Society recommend empiric treatments targeted at likely pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other resistant Gram-negative bacilli [8].
Source: International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Source Type: research