What factors should be considered when selecting aminoglycoside-containing regimens for the treatment of enterococcal IE?
When selecting aminoglycoside-containing regimens for the treatment of enterococcal IE, a number of factors should be considered, such as the age and debilitation of the patient, the presence of any underlying urological conditions or other comorbidities, and the increasing frequency of aminoglycoside-resistant strains of enterococci. Additionally, gentamicin-associated nephrotoxicity may significantly complicate a standard 4- to 6-week course of therapy and could result in serious, possibly life-threatening, complications such as renal failure requiring hemodialysis.