Ceftazidime-Avibactam for the Treatment of Carbapenem-Resistant Infections in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND

Carbapenem-resistant (CRKP) infections in patients with cirrhosis represent a significant therapeutic challenge as they are associated with poor outcomes due to high rates of treatment failure, and frequently induce liver decompensation.

AIMS

To evaluate treatment failure and in-hospital mortality in two cohorts of patients with cirrhosis and with CRKP infections treated with antibiotic regimens including or excluding Ceftazidime-avibactam.

METHODS

Data from hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis and CRKP infections were extracted and retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

During the study period, 39 cirrhotic patients with confirmed invasive CRKP infections were enrolled. Overall, the median age was 60 years with a median MELD score of 16 points. Urinary tract infections were diagnosed in 46%, followed by pneumonia in 23%, and primary bacteremia in 18% of patients. Treatment failure was reported in 10 patients (26%), while in-hospital mortality in 15 patients (38%). A monotherapy was used in 8 patients (20.5%), while a combination therapy was required in 31 patients (79.5%). Ceftazidime-avibactam therapy was associated with lower rates of treatment failure (7% vs. 38%,  = 0.032) independent of severity of liver disease (Child Class) and mono or combination antibiotic therapy. Acute kidney injury, hepatorenal syndrome, and acute-on-chronic liver failure were the consequences more frequently observed in patients with treatment failure. In-hospital mortality was associated with treatment failure, and Ceftazidime-avibactam therapy improved in-hospital survival (log rank test:  = 0.035) adjusted for Child class and mono or combination therapy.

CONCLUSION

Treatment including ceftazidime-avibactam was associated with a lower rate of treatment failure in cirrhotic patients with CRKP infections. Considering the favorable efficacy and outcomes of ceftazidime-avibactam, this drug should be considered for the treatment of these severe infections in patients with liver cirrhosis, though further investigation is required.