A groundbreaking study conducted by The University of Queensland and The George Institute for Global Health has revealed a simple change in the way antibiotics are administered to adult patients with sepsis could potentially save thousands of lives worldwide each year.
Research findings from a clinical trial and systematic review have demonstrated that administering commonly used penicillin-like antibiotics intravenously through continuous infusion, as opposed to multiple short infusions, not only effectively treats infections but also significantly increases the chances of patient survival.
Professor Jason Roberts, Director of UQ’s Centre for Clinical Research (UQCCR) and Metro North Health’s Herston Infectious Diseases Institute, emphasized that the trial involving over 7000 patients validated laboratory studies by optimizing the drug concentration to target the specific bacteria causing the infection.
The continuous infusion method ensures a consistent antibiotic concentration in the patient’s blood and tissues, leading to a more rapid bacteria elimination process. This approach, utilizing readily available antibiotics, can be easily implemented even in smaller healthcare facilities in developing countries.
Associate Professor Joel Dulhunty, a UQ researcher and Director of Research and Implementation at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, highlighted the scale of the international trial, known as BLING (Beta-Lactam Infusion Group) III, which involved 104 hospitals across 7 countries, over 130,000 medication doses, and the analysis of 4 million data points.
Dr. Naomi Hammond, Critical Care Program Head at The George Institute, explained that the trial data was further analyzed through a systematic review and meta-analysis, incorporating data from 18 studies and over 9000 patients. The results indicated a substantial benefit from continuous antibiotic infusion, with one life saved for every 26 patients treated.
UQCCR Emeritus Professor Jeffrey Lipman outlined the significance of the findings in shaping global treatment protocols and guidelines for sepsis management. Currently, existing guidelines lack a strong evidence base on the optimal administration of antibiotics for sepsis patients, but the research outcomes are set to provide much-needed clarity and certainty for healthcare practitioners worldwide.
The implications of this research are profound, potentially revolutionizing the standard of care for sepsis patients globally and paving the way for enhanced treatment outcomes and patient survival rates.
