Comparative Plasma Pharmacokinetics of Ceftriaxone and Ertapenem in Normoalbuminemia, Hypoalbuminemia, and Albumin Replacement in a Sheep Model

Optimal concentrations of unbound antimicrobials are essential for a maximum microbiological effect. Although hypoalbuminemia and albumin fluid resuscitation are common in critical care, the effects of different albumin concentrations on the unbound concentrations of highly protein-bound antimicrobials are not known. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different albumin states on total and unbound concentrations of ertapenem and ceftriaxone using an ovine model. The study design was a prospective, three-phase intervention observational study.