Title:Does Piperacillin-Tazobactam Increase the Risk of Nephrotoxicity when Used with Vancomycin: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Trials
Volume: 12
Issue: 1
Author(s): Chadwick K. Mellen, Jennifer E. Ryba and Joseph P. Rindone
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Cefepime, combination, meta-analysis, meropenem, nephrotoxicity, piperacillin-tazobactam, vancomycin.
Abstract: Background: Observational studies have suggested an increased risk of nephrotoxicity when
piperacillin-tazobactam is added to vancomycin, although the data are confliciting.
Objective: To perform a meta-analysis of identified studies to assess if adding piperacillin-tazobactam to
vancomycin increases the incidence of nephrotoxicity.
Method: A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar was
conducted to identify studies. Studies selected for meta-analysis were full length reports, retrospective
or prospective, and designed specifically to assess if the combining piperacillin-tazobactam with
vancomycin increases nephrotoxicity.
Results: Six observational trials involving 963 patients were identified and analyzed. Five trials were
retrospective and one was prospective. Vancomycin/piperacillin-tazobactam was compared to
vancomycin alone in 2 trials, to vancomycin/cefepime in 3 trials, and vancomycin/cefepime or
meropenem in one. Meta-analysis showed a statistical increase in the incidence of nephrotoxicity when
piperacillin-tazobactam/vancomycin is compared to the control group (2.26 95% CI 1.41-3.63, p=
0.0007). No differences were noted between groups in patients requiring renal replacement.
Conclusion: Adding piperacillin-tazobactam to vancomycin increases the risk of nephrotoxicity when
compared to vancomycin alone or vancomycin with either cefepime or meropenem.