Effective vancomycin concentrations in children: a cross-sectional study

Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2019 Feb 14;17(1):eAO4396. doi: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2019AO4396.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objective: Analyze the microbiological effectiveness, based on the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics correlation of vancomycin in pediatric patients, and to propose dose adjustment.

Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional study, conducted in a pediatric hospital, over a 1-year period (2016 to 2017). Children of both sexes, aged 2 to 12 years, were included in the study; burn children, and children in renal replacement therapy were excluded. For the pharmacokinetic analysis, two samples of 2mL of whole blood were collected, respecting the 2-hour interval between each withdrawal.

Results: Ten pediatric patients with median age of 5.5 years and interquartile range (IQR) of 3.2-9.0 years, median weight of 21kg (IQR: 15.5-24.0kg) and median height of 112.5cm (IQR: 95-133cm), were included. Only one child achieved trough concentrations between 10µg/mL and 15µg/mL.

Conclusion: The empirical use of vancomycin in the children studied did not achieve the therapeutic pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic target for minimum inhibitory concentration of 1µg/mL.

Objetivo: Analisar a efetividade microbiológica considerando a correlação farmacocinética/farmacodinâmica de vancomicina em crianças e propor uma estimativa de ajuste na dose.

Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional, transversal, realizado em hospital pediátrico, no período de 1 ano (2016 a 2017). Foram incluídas crianças de 2 a 12 anos de ambos os sexos, tendo sido excluídas crianças queimadas ou submetidas à terapia renal substitutiva. Para análise farmacocinética, foram coletadas duas amostras de 2mL de sangue total, respeitando o intervalo de 2 horas entre cada coleta.

Resultados: Foram incluídos dez pacientes pediátricos com idade de 5,5 anos (mediana) e intervalo interquartil (IQ) de 3,2-9,0 anos, peso de 21kg (mediana; IQ: 15,5-24,0kg) e altura de 112,5cm (mediana; IQ: 95-133cm). Apenas uma criança alcançou concentrações mínimas entre 10µg/mL e 15µg/mL.

Conclusão: A utilização empírica de vancomicina na população de crianças não alcançou o alvo farmacocinético/farmacodinâmico terapêutico para concentração inibitória mínima de 1μg/mL.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacokinetics*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Monitoring / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Time Factors
  • Vancomycin / administration & dosage
  • Vancomycin / pharmacokinetics*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Vancomycin