The Treatment of Gram-Negative Bacteremia and Shock

Abstract

Bacteremia due to gram-negative rods is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. In 1974 a special study group on gram-negative bacteremia of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare estimated that the annual incidence in the United States was 71,000 cases, with approximately 18,000 deaths per year.¹ It should be emphasized that the cost of caring for such patients is enormous. Thus, bacteremia from gram-negative rods can be considered a major public-health problem.During the past two decades, several types of treatment have been used in attempts to lower the mortality from gram-negative rod bacteremia, . . .