Population Pharmacokinetic Model of Rifampicin in Staphylococcal Osteoarticular Infections

Staphylococcal osteoarticular infections (OAIs), including prosthetic joint infections and chronic osteomyelitis, represent a major cause of morbidity. Rifampicin is a key bactericidal antibiotic effective against staphylococcal biofilm. However, its pharmacokinetics exhibit substantial inter-individual variability due to complex hepatic metabolism and drug interactions. Currently, no prospective population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model of rifampicin combined with levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin exists in patients with OAIs. Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to develop a population pharmacokinetic model of oral rifampicin in patients undergoing medico-surgical treatment for staphylococcal osteoarticular infections. Secondary objectives include evaluating the pharmacokinetics of the partner antibiotic (levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin), investigating the correlation between antibiotic exposure metrics (AUC, Cmax, AUC/MIC) and clinical/biological tolerance, and assessing 1-year infection relapse-free survival and resistance emergence. Study Design: Prospective, single-center, interventional study with minimal risks and constraints (RIPH 2) involving 40 participants recruited at the Reference Center for Complex Osteoarticular Infections (CRIOAC).