Intrathecal/intraventricular colistin in external ventricular device-related infections by multi-drug resistant Gram negative bacteria: case reports and review

Infection. 2014 Oct;42(5):801-9. doi: 10.1007/s15010-014-0618-0. Epub 2014 Apr 12.

Abstract

We report three cases of external ventricular derivation infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative rods and treated successfully with intraventricular colistin. The intrathecal or intraventricular use of colistin have been reported in more than 100 cases without any consensus on dosage, duration and type (monotherapy or combination therapy) of treatment. Based on our comprehensive review of the relevant literature relating to both clinical and pharmacokinetic data, we conclude that the intrathecal/intraventricular administration of colistin is a safe and effective option to treat central nervous system infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / adverse effects
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Central Nervous System Bacterial Infections / drug therapy*
  • Central Nervous System Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Colistin / administration & dosage
  • Colistin / adverse effects
  • Colistin / pharmacology
  • Colistin / therapeutic use*
  • Cross Infection / drug therapy*
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial*
  • Gram-Negative Aerobic Rods and Cocci / drug effects
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / drug therapy*
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intraventricular / adverse effects
  • Injections, Spinal / adverse effects
  • Male

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Colistin