Use of ceftazidime/avibactam for the treatment of MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia complex infections in cystic fibrosis: a case series.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of antibiotic treatment in pulmonary and systemic infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) is limited by the increased prevalence of MDR strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia complex. Ceftazidime/avibactam is a new combination which, in vitro, appears to have good activity against MDR strains of P. aeruginosa and B. cepacia complex.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed including adult patients with CF who received at least one course of ceftazidime/avibactam owing to pulmonary exacerbations not responding to conventional antibiotic treatment.

RESULTS: Treatment with ceftazidime/avibactam was associated with reduction in inflammatory markers and improvement in lung function. No episodes of acute kidney injury or elevation in transaminase were observed.

CONCLUSIONS: Ceftazidime/avibactam appeared to be well tolerated and improved patients' outcomes. Further studies are needed to better assess the role of this new combination in CF.