Clinical Trial: Vancomycin Concentration in Cerebrospinal Fluid During Pneumococcal Meningitis

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Vancomycin Concentration in Cerebrospinal Fluid During Pneumococcal Meningitis Treated With Dexamethasone

Brief Summary: Adding vancomycin to the antibiotic regimen is recommended for the treatment of pneumococcal meningitis in adults. Use of dexamethasone as adjunct therapy has proved to reduce mortality and neurologic sequelae in adult patients with pneumococcal meningitis. However, use of dexamethasone may impair penetration of vancomycin in cerebrospinal fluid. In a purely observational manner, we thought to measure blood and CSF concentrations of vancomycin in adult patients with pneumococcal meningitis, treated with vancomycin, third-generation cephalosporin and dexamethasone.

Detailed Summary:

Because of a considerable increase in streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis with penicillin nonsusceptible strains, it is now largely recommended to add vancomycin to the third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic regimen. It has also been recently shown that use of dexamethasone reduces mortality and unfavorable outcome in adults with pneumococcal meningitis. However, concern has arisen, that dexamethasone may impair penetration of vancomycin in cerebrospinal fluid.

We therefore thought to measure in a purely observational study, blood and CSF vancomycin concentrations in adult patients with pneumococcal meningitis hospitalized in medical intensive care unit that received third-generation cephalosporin, vancomycin and dexamethasone. The aim of the study was to observe whether or not sufficient concentrations of vancomycin could be measured in the CSF despite the concomitant use of dexamethasone. Patients were cared for in a perfectly routine manner. There was no randomization. All patients received routine, recommended care (IDSA guidelines). There was no invasive procedure. Dexamethasone was administered according to the de Gans study (NEJM 2002). In these patients with severe meningitis, a second lumbar puncture was performed as recommended(IDSA Guidelines, CID 2004). At the same time, peripheral blood was taken. In both samples, vancomycin concentration was determined.

Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Current Primary Outcome:

Original Primary Outcome:

Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Dates:
Date Received: September 9, 2005
Date Started: December 2002
Date Completion:
Last Updated: July 20, 2007
Last Verified: July 2007