Experts at 7th annual SNCC conference address urgent need for novel anti-infective therapies amid rising antimicrobial resistance

The 7th Annual National Conference of the Society of Neurocritical Care of India (SNCC) was held in Mumbai on September 21 – 22, 2024, where experts discussed the urgent need for novel anti-infective treatments in light of increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). With a focus on “Evolving Trends in Neurocritical Care,” the conference highlighted the critical challenges posed by infections in neurocritical care.

The rise of antimicrobial resistance presents serious risks to neurocritical care patients, including increased mortality, extended hospital stays, and the added strain on healthcare systems. The importance of addressing this issue was underscored throughout the conference, with a clear call for proactive measures to prevent future complications.

Participants raised concerns over the diminishing pipeline of anti-infective drugs, noting that the development of new antibiotics has failed to keep pace with the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens. This issue is compounded by the lack of targeted treatments for severe infections, leaving medical professionals with few options when treating 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, Organising Secretary of the conference and Chair of Critical Care at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital. He added, “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. We need to accelerate the development of innovative anti-infective therapies to effectively combat AMR and improve outcomes for these critically ill patients.”

The conference covered a wide range of topics, including the management of drug-resistant infections, advancements in neurotrauma treatment, and improving care in resource-limited settings. Drug-resistant strains in infections like meningitis, encephalitis, and surgical site infections pose a significant risk to neurocritical care patients. The absence of effective treatments can lead to higher morbidity and mortality rates, as well as longer hospital stays. Experts stressed the need for increased funding for antibiotic research, stronger antibiotic stewardship programs, and partnerships to drive solutions forward.

SNCC 2024 served as a critical forum for discussing the growing threat of AMR in neurocritical care. Attendees engaged with the latest research and explored potential treatment innovations, all while stressing the importance of increased investment in anti-infective research and development. The conference highlighted the need for a collective effort to safeguard the future of neurocritical care from the threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Prof Dr Rahul Pandit concluded, “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.”