Experts stress urgent need for new anti-infectives at the 7th Annual Neurocritical Care Conference

Mumbai: Top neurocritical care experts gathered at the highly successful 7th Annual National Conference of the Society of Neurocritical Care of India (SNCC) on September 21-22, 2024, in Mumbai. The event focused on the urgent need for new anti-infective treatments amid increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Under the theme "Evolving Trends in Neurocritical Care," the symposium featured key sessions addressing the complex challenges of managing infections in this specialized field.

The urgency of addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in neurocritical care cannot be overstated. Increased mortality rates among critically ill patients, prolonged hospital stays, and overburdened healthcare systems are just a few of the potential ramifications. Proactive measures to combat AMR are essential to avert a future where these challenges escalate beyond control.

Experts highlighted the alarming reality of a dwindling anti-infective pipeline, with the development of new antibiotics failing to keep pace with the rapid emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. This challenge is compounded by the lack of targeted therapies for particularly aggressive infections, leaving clinicians with limited options to effectively treat critically ill patients.

“The lack of new antibiotics is a growing global health crisis, and neurocritical care patients are particularly vulnerable,” stated Prof. Dr Rahul Pandit Organizing Secretary – Society of Neuro Critical Care Conference 2024, Chair Critical Care, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and all Reliance Health Care Initiatives, Mumbai. “Combating AMR requires a multi-pronged approach. We need researchers, pharmaceutical companies, policymakers, and clinicians all working together. SNCC 2024 provided a vital platform for this collaboration, fostering dialogue and driving innovation. We need to accelerate the development of innovative anti-infective therapies to effectively combat AMR and improve outcomes for these critically ill patients.”

SNCC 2024 offers a comprehensive scientific program covering critical neurocritical care topics. Key areas of focus include battling drug-resistant infections, advancing neurotrauma management strategies, and optimizing care in resource-limited settings. The emergence of drug-resistant strains in meningitis, encephalitis, and surgical site infections poses a significant threat to neurocritical care patients. The lack of effective treatment options for these infections can lead to increased morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospital stays. To combat this growing crisis, we must advocate for increased funding for antibiotic research and development, call for stronger antibiotic stewardship programs, and encourage partnerships and collaborations to accelerate solutions.

SNCC 2024 served as a critical platform for leading experts to address the pressing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in neurocritical care. Attendees gained insights into the latest research findings, explored innovative treatment strategies, and engaged in discussions about the urgent need for increased investment in anti-infective research and development. The symposium served as a powerful reminder of the need for collaborative action to combat the growing threat of AMR and safeguard the future of neurocritical care.

"The threat of AMR is not just theoretical; it's something we're seeing every day in our ICUs. Patients who would have had a fighting chance just a few years ago are now facing infections we struggle to treat. We need new weapons in our arsenal, and we need them now. While the development of new antibiotics is crucial, we cannot neglect the importance of antibiotic stewardship. By using these life-saving drugs responsibly and implementing effective infection control measures, we can help slow the spread of resistance." shared Prof. Dr Rahul Pandit Organizing Secretary – Society of Neuro Critical Care Conference 2024, Chair Critical Care, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and all Reliance Health Care Initiatives, Mumbai.