Imipenem underdosing as a cause of persistent neutropenic fever?

The article discusses the association between imipenem plasma concentrations and response to antibacterial therapy in neutropenic patients with persistent fever. Imipenem was prescribed at the recommended dose for febrile neutropenia adjusted to the renal function. Persistence of fever despite broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy is observed in one-third of febrile neutropenic episodes. A high proportion of insufficient imipenem plasma concentrations in febrile neutropenic patients with persistent fever receiving the recommended daily dose is observed.