An evaluation of the pharmacokinetic safety and efficacy of ticarcillin/clavulanic acid in the treatment of bacterial infections in hospitalized elderly subjects

The geriatric population has an increased incidence of infections, which results in appreciable morbidity and mortality. Alterations in host defense mechanisms with aging contribute to the increased risk of infection. In addition to age related changes in host defenses, such as those of the skin and mucous membranes, there are alterations in the immune system. These changes include alterations in T-lymphocyte subset ratios, with less helper T-cells, which can lead to a decrease in cellular immunity as demonstrated by a lack of response to delayed skin test. Chronic, debilitating diseases or conditions such as diabetes mellitus, malignancy, vascular disease or malnutrition, which are more common in the elderly, may increase their susceptibility to infection. The objective of this study was to evlauate the pharamacokinetics of the combination of ticarcillin/clavulanic acid in the treatment of bacterial infections in hosppitalized elderly subjects. Data regarding the dafety and efficacy of ticarcillin/clavulanic acid were also collected.