Antibiotic Dosing in Geriatric Patients At the Emergency Department
This study examines whether the current antibiotic doses given to elderly and frail patients in the emergency department are effective enough to fight infections. Researchers will check if these antibiotics reach the right levels in the body to work properly against bacteria.
Key Objective: The trial aims to ensure that elderly patients receive antibiotic doses that are strong enough to treat their infections effectively.
Who to Consider: Elderly and frail patients admitted to the emergency department with infections caused by bacteria that require beta-lactam antibiotics should consider participating.
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
In this pilot study, we will investigate whether - with the current dosing regimens, used in the Ghent University Hospital - pharmacodynamic targets regarding beta-lactam antibiotics (more specific Amoxicilline-Clavulanate, Piperacillin-Tazobactam and Temocillin) are attained in frail patients admitted to the geriatric department.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients presenting at the emergency department and later on admitted to the geriatric department * Patient age 75 years or older * Patients with geriatric profile according to KATZ scale, G8 screening test or CIRS score. * Patient receiving antibiotic treatment (amoxicillin-clavulanate, piperacillin-tazobactam) * Intravenous access available for blood sampling. For measurement of the peak concentration an intravenous access other than the drug infusion line is required. Exclusion Criteria: * Admission to other units than the geriatric department incl. the ICU. * Absence of informed consent * Known hypersensitivity to beta-lactam antibiotics * Patients who received oral amoxicillin-clavulanate prior to admission will not be included in the iv. amoxicillin-clavulanate group.