[Diffusion of piperacillin into the sinuses of patients with nosocomial sinusitis].

Six mechanically ventilated patients with nosocomial sinusitis received an intravenous infusion of 4 g of piperacillin. Piperacillin concentrations were measured in the serum and in drained sinusal fluid 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 hours after the beginning of the infusion. A peak piperacillin level of 33 mg/l was obtained 30 minutes after the end of administration, and concentrations of 14 mg/l or more persisted for up to 8 hours. It is concluded that piperacillin can be used to treat patients with nosocomial sinusitis.