Adjunctive aerosolized colistin for multi-drug resistant gram-negative pneumonia in the critically ill: a retrospective study.

Background: The incidence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) gram-negative (GN) organisms including Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter spp has increased in the last decade, prompting re-evaluation of colistin for the management of these infections. Aerosolized colistin as an adjunct to intravenous therapy is a current option for the management of MDR-GN pneumonia, although data supporting this practice is limited. This study evaluates the efficacy of adjunctive aerosolized colistin in combination with intravenous colistin in critically ill patients with MDR-GN pneumonia.

Nephrotoxicity associated with intravenous colistin in critically ill patients.

Study Objectives: To determine the frequency of nephrotoxicity associated with colistin therapy by using a standardized definition and to identify risk factors for colistin-induced nephrotoxicity in critically ill patients.

Design: Single-center, retrospective cohort analysis.

Setting: University-affiliated tertiary care center.