[Continuous infusion of vancomycin in pediatric critical care]

Arch Argent Pediatr. 2013 Jan-Feb;111(1):e31-4. doi: 10.5546/aap.2013.e31.
[Article in Spanish]

Abstract

Continuous infusion of vancomycin may be a strategy for critically ill patients who do not achieve adequate plasma levels. There is few literature on this dosage regimen. We present six children (2 months to 7 years, 4 male and 2 female), admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the "Prof. Dr. Garrahan Children Hospital", with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus sepsis, treated with vancomycin 40 and 60 mg/kg/day every 8-6 hrs. Continuous infusion at 50 mg/kg/day was implemented due to poor outcome, persistent fever, positive cultures and inadequate vancomycin plasma levels. All patients achieved levels between 10 and 25 ug/ml, their outcome was favorable and cultures became negative, with no signs of nephrotoxicity. Treatment duration of the continuous infusion was 9 to 18 days. Continuous infusion of vancomycin was effective in these patients without evidence of associated nephrotoxicity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / blood
  • Child
  • Critical Care
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Vancomycin / administration & dosage*
  • Vancomycin / blood

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Vancomycin