Appropriate use of antimicrobials : the peculiarity of septic patients

The treatment of bloodstream infections remains a significant challenge, with persisting high mortality and morbidity. To optimize antimicrobial therapy, the clinician must possess knowledge of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of commonly used antimicrobials, and how these parameters may be affected by the constellation of pathophysiological changes occurring during severe infections. Appropriate antimicrobial therapy must be administered as early as possible in order to reduce mortality significantly.