Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic considerations for the optimization of antimicrobial delivery in the critically ill

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Antimicrobials are very commonly used drugs in the intensive care setting. Extensive research has been conducted in recent years to describe their pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics in order to maximize the pharmacological benefit and patient outcome. Translating these new findings into clinical practice is encouraged. RECENT FINDINGS: This article will discuss mechanistic data on factors causing changes in antimicrobial pharmacokinetics in critically ill patients, such as the phenomena of augmented renal clearance as well as the effects of hypoalbuminemia, renal replacement therapy, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation...