Optimizing antibiotic therapy for liver transplant patients with infections

Impact of a TDM-guided ECPA Program for Optimizing Pharmacodynamic Target Attainment of Continuous Infusion Beta-lactam-based Regimen on Clinical Outcome in Orthotopic Liver Transplant Recipients With Documented Gram-negative Infections

Observational IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna · NCT06718517

This study is testing if using a special method to guide antibiotic treatment can help liver transplant patients with infections get better faster and avoid complications.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment65 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bologna)
Trial IDNCT06718517 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of a therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)-guided approach to optimize beta-lactam antibiotic therapy in liver transplant recipients with documented Gram-negative infections. It aims to determine whether achieving optimal pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets improves microbiological eradication and clinical cure rates. Additionally, the study will identify factors predicting treatment failure and assess the relationship between PK/PD target attainment and antibiotic resistance development. The study focuses on patients within the first 90 days post-transplantation who are treated with beta-lactam regimens.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult liver transplant recipients aged 18 and older with documented Gram-negative infections within 90 days post-transplant.

Not a fit: Patients receiving beta-lactam therapy for less than 48 hours or those with resistant Gram-negative infections will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve treatment outcomes for liver transplant patients suffering from infections.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with TDM-guided antibiotic therapy in other patient populations, but this specific application in liver transplant patients is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. adult OLT recipients (age ≥ 18 years);
2. documented Gram-negative infections occurring in the first 90 days after transplantation;
3. treatment with beta-lactam based-regimens;
4. signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. patients receiving beta-lactam-based regimens for less than 48 hours;
2. patients with isolation of a Gram-negative resistant to all available beta-lactam classes;
3. patients on palliative care and/or not resuscitation order.

Where this trial is running

Bologna

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Liver Transplant InfectionLiver transplantBeta-lactamsGram-negative infectionsPK/PD target attainmentClinical outcomeInflammatory biomarkers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.