Once-daily aminoglycoside in the treatment of Enterococcus faecalis endocarditis: case report and review

Pharmacotherapy. 2000 Sep;20(9):1116-9. doi: 10.1592/phco.20.13.1116.35029.

Abstract

Once-daily administration of aminoglycosides (ODA) is effective and safe for many indications. By optimizing pharmacodynamic principles, it enhances bactericidal activity and minimizes toxicity. Its use for the treatment of enterococcal infection is controversial, however, and results of in vitro studies and animal models of endocarditis are conflicting. To date, no case reports or clinical trials have examined its utility in human enterococcal endocarditis. A patient with right-sided endocarditis caused by Enterococcus faecalis was managed by once-daily gentamicin. Clinical and bacteriologic cures of this patient raise questions as to whether enterococcal endocarditis should be regarded as contraindication to ODA. The clinical utility of ODA in this disease deserves further investigation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Ampicillin / administration & dosage
  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / blood
  • Endocarditis, Bacterial / drug therapy*
  • Enterococcus faecalis / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Gentamicins / administration & dosage*
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / blood
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / drug therapy*
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Penicillins / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Gentamicins
  • Penicillins
  • Ampicillin