Table 1 Questions put to the conference experts and panel

Question 1: Is there a place for the empirical use of the new beta-lactams active against Gram-negative bacteria in the intensive care setting?

Question 2: In the context of documented infections with susceptibility to more than one of these antibiotics, is there any pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, ecological, or cost-effectiveness evidence for priorization?

Question 3: What are the possible combinations with these antibiotics, and in what context?

Question 4: Should these new antibiotics be included in a carbapenem-sparing strategy?

Question 5: What pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data are available in critically ill patients to optimize the mode of administration, particularly continuous infusion, dose increase, and administration strategy guided by measurement of plasma antibiotic concentration?

Question 6: How should doses be adjusted in renal or hepatocellular failure or obesity?