Identification of Patients Who Require Two-Point Blood Sampling for the Peak and Trough Values Rather Than One-Point Blood Sampling for the Trough Value for the Evaluation of AUC of Vancomycin Using Bayesian Estimation.

OBJECTIVES: It is recommended to adjust the dose of vancomycin (VCM) with a target area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of 400-600 µg·h/mL. Factors that affect the deviation between AUCs are estimated from the trough value alone and the trough and peak values using practical AUC-guided therapeutic drug monitoring (PAT) for vancomycin. In this study, factors that affect AUC were evaluated. METHODS: AUCs were estimated from a single trough value and trough and peak values, and the patients were classified into those who showed a 10% or greater deviation (deviation group) and those in whom the deviation was less than 10% (no-deviation group). Risk factors related to ≥ 10% deviation of AUC were identified by univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: As a result of univariate and multivariate analysis of 30 patients in the deviation group and 344 patients in the no-deviation group, a creatinine clearance (CLcr) of ≥ 110 mL/min (odds ratio (OR) = 3.697, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.616-8.457, p = 0.002), heart failure with a brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) of ≥ 300 pg/mL (OR = 4.854, 95%CI = 1.199-19.656, p = 0.027), and the concomitant use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ACE-I/ARB) (OR = 2.544, 95%CI = 1.074-6.024, p = 0.034) were identified as risk factors of ≥ 10% deviation of AUC. CONCLUSIONS: Estimation of AUC by two-point blood sampling for the trough and peak values rather than one-point blood sampling for the trough value is suggested to improve the prediction accuracy in patients with enhanced renal function, severe heart failure, and patients using ACE-I/ARB.

SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine-related myocarditis and pericarditis: An analysis of the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database.

BACKGROUND: The association between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccines and myocarditis/pericarditis in the Japanese population has not been systematically investigated. This study was aimed at clarifying the association between SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273) and myocarditis/pericarditis as well as influencing factors by using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database. METHODS: Reporting odds ratios (RORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CIs) for the association between the vaccines and myocarditis/pericarditis were calculated using data from the database (April 2004-December 2023). Age, sex, onset time, and outcomes in symptomatic patients were evaluated. RESULTS: The total number of reports was 880,999 (myocarditis: 1846; pericarditis: 761). The adverse events associated with the vaccines included myocarditis (919 cases) and pericarditis (321 cases), with the ROR [95 % CIs] being significant for both (myocarditis: 30.51 [27.82-33.45], pericarditis: 21.99 [19.03-25.40]). Furthermore, the ROR [95 % CIs] of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 were 15.64 [14.15-17.28] and 54.23 [48.13-61.10], respectively, for myocarditis, and 15.78 [13.52-18.42] and 27.03 [21.58-33.87], respectively, for pericarditis. Furthermore, most cases were ≤30 years or male. The period from vaccination to onset was ≤8 days, corresponding to early failure type based on analysis using the Weibull distribution. Outcomes were recovery or remission for most cases; however, they were severe or caused death in some cases. CONCLUSION: In the Japanese population, SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination was significantly associated with the onset of myocarditis/pericarditis. The influencing factors included age of ≤30 years and male. Furthermore, although most adverse events occurred early after vaccination, overall outcomes were good.

Relationship between nephrotoxicity and area under the concentration-time curve of vancomycin in critically ill patients: a multicenter retrospective study.

We aimed to assess the frequency of acute kidney injury (AKI) in different areas under the concentration-time curve (AUC) values of vancomycin (VAN) using a two-point blood collection method, allowing for accurate AUC assessment in critically ill patients. This multicenter retrospective observational study was conducted in eight hospitals. We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who had received VAN in an intensive care unit (ICU) between January 2020 and December 2022. The primary outcome was the incidence of AKI. Patients were classified into three groups according to the AUC24-48h at the initial therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) as follows: <500, 500-600, and ≥600 µg·h/mL. The AUC24-48h values were calculated using the Bayesian estimation software Practical AUC-guided TDM. Among 146 patients [median age (interquartile range), 67 (56-78) years; 39% women], the AUC24-48h <500 µg·h/mL had an AKI rate of 6.5% (7/107), the AUC24-48h 500-600 µg·h/mL had an AKI rate of 28.0% (7/25), and the AUC24-48h ≥600 µg·h/mL had an AKI rate of 42.9% (6/14). In multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, the AUC24-48h 500-600 µg·h/mL [hazard ratio 5.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.64-17.63] and the AUC24-48h ≥600 µg·h/mL (hazard ratio 7.0, 95% CI 2.31-21.18) significantly correlated with a higher incidence of AKI compared with the AUC24-48h <500 µg·h/mL. In conclusion, we identified an association between AUC on day 2 and the risk of AKI in ICU patients, suggesting that not only AUCs above 600 µg·h/mL but also those between 500 and 600 µg·h/mL pose a risk for AKI. IMPORTANCE: Vancomycin (VAN) is a glycopeptide antibiotic and one of the most commonly used antibiotics for severe infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. However, higher VAN concentrations have been associated with an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). Herein, we aimed to assess the frequency of AKI in different areas under the concentration-time curve (AUC) values of VAN using a two-point blood collection method, allowing for accurate AUC assessment in critically ill patients. We identified an association between AUC on day 2 and the risk of AKI in intensive care unit patients, suggesting that not only AUCs above 600 µg·h/mL but also those between 500 and 600 µg·h/mL pose a risk for AKI. Therefore, individualized dosing is feasible, with pharmacists being able to optimize VAN doses to attain appropriate targets.

Flowchart for predicting achieving the target area under the concentration-time curve of vancomycin in critically ill Japanese patients: A multicenter retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: In therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of vancomycin (VCM), the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) is related to the clinical efficacy and toxicity. Therefore, herein, we examined the factors associated with achieving the target AUC at follow-up and developed a decision flowchart for achieving the target AUC in critically ill patients. METHODS: This multicenter retrospective observational study was conducted at eight hospitals. We retrospectively analyzed data from patients who had received VCM in the intensive care unit from January 2020 to December 2022. Decision-tree (DT) analysis was performed using factors with p < 0.1 in univariate analysis as the independent variables. Case data were split up to two times, and four subgroups were included. The primary endpoint was achieving the target AUC at the follow-up TDM (AUCfollow-up) and target AUCfollow-up achievement was defined as an AUC of 400-600 µg‧h/mL. The initial AUC values were calculated with the 2-point concentrations (peak and trough) using the Bayesian estimation software Practical AUC-guided TDM (PAT). RESULTS: Among 70 patients (median age [interquartile range], 66 [56, 79] years; 50 % women), the AUCfollow-up was achieved in 70 % (49/70). Three factors were selected for the decision flow chart: predicted AUCfollow-up of 400-600 µg‧h/mL, dosing at 12-h intervals, and CCr of 130 mL/min/1.73 m2 or higher; the accuracy was adequate (92 %, R2 0.52). CONCLUSION: We successfully identified the factors associated with achieving the target AUC of VCM at follow-up TDM and developed a simple-to-use DT model. However, the validity of the findings needs to be evaluated.

Model-informed precision dosing of vancomycin for rapid achievement of target area under the concentration-time curve: A simulation study.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate limited sampling strategies for achieving the therapeutic ranges of the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of vancomycin on the first and second day (AUC0-24 , AUC24-48 , respectively) of therapy. A virtual population of 1000 individuals was created using a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model, which was validated and incorporated into our model-informed precision dosing tool. The results were evaluated using six additional PopPK models selected based on a study design of prospective or retrospective data collection with sufficient concentrations. Bayesian forecasting was performed to evaluate the probability of achieving the therapeutic range of AUC, defined as a ratio of estimated/reference AUC within 0.8-1.2. The Bayesian posterior probability of achieving the AUC24-48 range increased from 51.3% (a priori probability) to 77.5% after using two-point sampling at the trough and peak on the first day. Sampling on the first day also yielded a higher Bayesian posterior probability (86.1%) of achieving the AUC0-24 range compared to the a priori probability of 60.1%. The Bayesian posterior probability of achieving the AUC at steady-state (AUCSS ) range by sampling on the first or second day decreased with decreased kidney function. We demonstrated that second-day trough and peak sampling provided accurate AUC24-48 , and first-day sampling may assist in rapidly achieving therapeutic AUC24-48 , although the AUCSS should be re-estimated in patients with reduced kidney function owing to its unreliable predictive performance.

Optimal therapeutic recommendation for Clostridioides difficile infection in pediatric and adolescent populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the efficacy profiles of metronidazole (MNZ) and vancomycin (VCM) in pediatric and adolescent patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Clinicaltrials.gov) through July 6, 2022. We analyzed the clinical cure and recurrence rates to determine the efficacy of MNZ and VCM. The clinical cure rates in all included studies were not significantly different between MNZ and VCM (OR = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.36-1.10; I2 = 0%; P = 0.10). Subgroup analyses were performed separately for each region to account for regional differences in the CDI. MNZ treatment achieved significantly lower clinical cure rates than did VCM in the United States of America (USA) and Europe (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.19-0.93, I2 = 0%, P = 0.03). Recurrence rates were not significantly different between MNZ and VCM (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 0.62-3.53, I2 = 28%, P = 0.38).    Conclusion: MNZ exhibited significantly lower clinical cure rates than did VCM in the US and Europe; therefore, it is not recommended for the management of CDI in pediatric and adolescent populations. What is Known: • The unavailability of robust data on recommendations of therapeutic agents for the management of Clostridioides difficile infections in children precludes effective antibiotic choice. What is New: • Metronidazole exhibited significantly lower clinical cure rates than did vancomycin in the United States of America and Europe and recurrence rate was not significantly different between metronidazole and vancomycin; therefore, it is not recommended for the management of Clostridioides difficile infection in children.

Model-informed precision dosing of teicoplanin for the rapid achievement of the target area under the concentration-time curve: A simulation study.

Teicoplanin, a glycopeptide antimicrobial, is recommended for therapeutic drug monitoring, but it remains unclear how to target the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC). This simulation study purposed to demonstrate the potential of the Bayesian forecasting approach for the rapid achievement of the target AUC for teicoplanin. We generated concordant and discordant virtual populations against a Japanese population pharmacokinetic model. The predictive performance of the Bayesian posterior AUC in limited sampling on the first day against the reference AUC was evaluated as an acceptable target AUC ratio within the range of 0.8-1.2. In the concordant population, the probability for the maximum a priori or Bayesian posterior AUC on the first day (AUC0-24 ) was 61.3% or more than 77.0%, respectively. The Bayesian posterior AUC on the second day (AUC24-48 ) was more than 75.1%. In the discordant population, the probability for the maximum a priori or Bayesian posterior AUC0-24 was 15.5% or 11.7-80.7%, respectively. The probability for the maximum a priori or Bayesian posterior AUC24-48 was 23.4%, 30.2-82.1%. The AUC at steady-state (AUCSS ) was correlated with trough concentration at steady-state, with a coefficient of determination of 0.930; the coefficients on days 7 and 4 were 0.442 and 0.125, respectively. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that early sampling could improve the probability of AUC0-24 and AUC24-48 but did not adequately predict AUCSS . Further studies are necessary to apply early sampling-based model-informed precision dosing in the clinical settings.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of standard- and high-dose daptomycin: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: Standard doses of daptomycin at 4 and 6 mg/kg were used for the treatment of skin and soft tissue for infections and bacteraemia, respectively. However, increased doses of daptomycin are recommended for complicated infections by Gram-positive organisms. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using 4 databases. We compared treatment success between standard-dose (SD, 4-6 mg/kg) and high-dose (HD, >6 mg/kg) daptomycin in patients with all-cause bacteraemia, complicated bacteraemia, infective endocarditis, osteomyelitis and foreign body/prosthetic infection as the primary outcome. We also compared the success between SD and HD2 (≥8 mg/kg) daptomycin treatments in patients with these diseases as the secondary outcome. The incidence of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation was evaluated as safety. RESULTS: In patients with complicated bacteraemia and infective endocarditis, the treatment success was significantly lower in the SD group than in the HD group (odds ratio [OR] 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.30-0.76 and OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30-0.82) and HD2 group (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.21-0.69 and OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.15-0.60), respectively. A significant difference was demonstrated only in the HD2 group in patients with bacteraemia, including simple infection. SD did not decrease the success rate for the treatment of osteomyelitis and foreign body/prosthetic infection. The incidence of elevated CPK was significantly lower in SD group than in HD group. CONCLUSION: SD daptomycin was associated with significantly lower treatment success than HD in patients with complicated bacteraemia/infective endocarditis. The CPK elevation should be considered in patients treated with high daptomycin doses.

Target Therapeutic Ranges of Anti-MRSA Drugs, Linezolid, Tedizolid and Daptomycin, and the Necessity of TDM.

The target therapeutic ranges of vancomycin, teicoplanin, and arbekacin have been determined, and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is performed in clinical practice. However, TDM is not obligatory for daptomycin, linezolid, or tedizolid. In this study, we examined whether TDM will be necessary for these 3 drugs in the future. There was no significant difference in therapeutic effects on acute bacterial skin and skin structure infection between linezolid and tedizolid by meta-analysis. Concerning the therapeutic effects on pneumonia, the rate of effectiveness after treatment with tedizolid was significantly lower than with linezolid. With respect to safety, the incidences of gastrointestinal adverse events and blood/lymphatic system disorders related to tedizolid were significantly lower than those related to linezolid. Linezolid exhibits potent therapeutic effects on pneumonia, but the appearance of adverse reactions is indicated as a problem. There was a dose-dependent decrease in the platelet count, and the target trough concentration (Ctrough) was estimated to be 4-6 or 2-7 µg/mL in accordance with the patient's condition. The efficacy of linezolid may be obtained while minimizing the appearance of adverse reactions by performing TDM. The target therapeutic range of tedizolid cannot be achieved in immunocompromised or severe patients. Therefore, we concluded that TDM was unnecessary, considering step-down therapy with oral drugs, use in non-severe patients, and high-level safety. Concerning daptomycin, high-dose administration is necessary to achieve an area under the curve (AUC) of ≥666 as an index of efficacy. To secure its safety, Ctrough (<20 µg/mL) monitoring is important. Therefore, TDM is necessary.

A Case of Exacerbation of Haloperidol-Induced Rhabdomyolysis Following the Onset of COVID-19.

BACKGROUND Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which intracellular components are released into the blood and urine. Rhabdomyolysis can be caused by drug-related complications and COVID-19; however, the underlying mechanism is not clear. In this study, we report a case of rhabdomyolysis complicated by COVID-19, in which we presumed that the cause of rhabdomyolysis was related to prior administration of haloperidol by assessment of the drug history and progression of myopathy. CASE REPORT A 52-year-old man with schizophrenia experienced worsening insomnia 10 days before admission. Thus, haloperidol was increased from 1.5 mg to 3 mg once daily, and 2 to 3 days later, he developed hand tremors and weakness. One day prior to admission, the patient suddenly developed severe back pain. Based on the examination, the patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 complicated with rhabdomyolysis. Laboratory findings on admission were as follows: creatine phosphokinase: 41 539 IU/L; urinary myoglobin, 190×10³ ng/mL; and hematuria scale, grade 4. On day 1, he was started on saline infusion; therefore, haloperidol was discontinued. On day 2, the hematuria resolved. On day 5, the tremor, weakness, and back pain had resolved. On day 7, his creatine kinase level was 242 IU/L, and saline was administered. CONCLUSIONS It has been suggested that the onset of COVID-19 can exacerbate haloperidol-induced rhabdomyolysis. Therefore, if there is a complication of rhabdomyolysis and COVID-19, it is important to review the drug history, specifically that of haloperidol. We recommend hydration and discontinuation of haloperidol to avoid acute kidney injury, in addition to treating COVID-19.

Efficacy and Safety of Daptomycin versus Vancomycin for Bacteremia Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus with Vancomycin Minimum Inhibitory Concentration > 1 µg/mL: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis compares the efficacy of daptomycin and vancomycin in adult patients with bacteremia by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) > 1 µg/mL. We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases on 12 May 2020. All-cause mortality (primary outcome) and treatment success rates were compared and subgroups stratified by infection source risk level and method of vancomycin susceptibility testing were also analyzed. Seven studies (n = 907 patients) were included in this efficacy analysis. Compared with vancomycin, daptomycin treatment was associated with significantly lower mortality (six studies, odds ratio (OR) 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29−0.98) and higher treatment success (six studies, OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.63−2.96), which was consistent regardless of the vancomycin MIC test method used. For intermediate-risk sources, daptomycin was a factor increasing treatment success compared with vancomycin (OR 4.40, 95% CI 2.06−9.40), and it exhibited a trend toward a higher treatment success rate for high-risk sources. In conclusion, daptomycin should be considered for the treatment of bacteremia caused by MRSA with vancomycin MIC > 1 µg/mL, especially in patients with intermediate- and high-risk bacteremia sources.

[Suppurative Thrombophlebitis of the Posterior Neck Caused by Streptococcus constellatus: A Case Report and Literature Review].

We report a rare case of suppurative thrombophlebitis of the posterior neck caused by Streptococcus constellatus. A 69-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital with neck pain and fever, which had persisted for 16 days prior to hospitalization. On day 1 (day of admission), blood cultures (later identifying S. constellatus) were performed, and ceftriaxone (CTRX) IV (2 g SID) was started. On day 3, suppurative thrombophlebitis of the posterior neck was diagnosed by CT scan. The antimicrobials were changed from CTRX to ampicillin/sulbactam IV (12 g QID) to guard against the possibility of complicated infection with Fusobacterium spp. or Prevotella spp. On day 17, a CT scan revealed that the thrombus remained. Therefore, oral edoxaban (30 mg SID) was started. On day 27, the patient was discharged after her medication was changed to oral amoxicillin/clavulanate (1500 mg/375 mg TID). On day 33, the amoxicillin/clavulanate was changed to oral cefaclor (1500 mg TID) and edoxaban was discontinued due to itching. On day 45, the course of cefaclor was completed. The patient went on to follow an uneventful course with no relapses or complications for two years since the conclusion of treatment. These results suggest that when a patient presents with persistent neck pain accompanied by fever, suppurative thrombophlebitis of the posterior neck should be considered. In antimicrobial therapy, the treatment could be switched from intravenous to oral. In addition, direct-acting oral anticoagulants may be an alternative to other forms of anticoagulants.

Incidence of elevated creatine phosphokinase between daptomycin alone and concomitant daptomycin and statins: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: The present systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the incidence of elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels between daptomycin alone and concomitant daptomycin and statin use. METHODS: We searched the PubMed, Web of Sciences, Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. We analysed the incidence of elevated CPK between daptomycin alone and concomitant daptomycin and statins among studies defining CPK elevation as levels ≥ the upper limit of normal (ULN) or ≥5× ULN. We also analysed the incidence of rhabdomyolysis between the groups. We then calculated the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) based on the included studies. RESULTS: Comparing CPK elevation defined as CPK levels ≥ULN, a significantly higher incidence of CPK elevation was observed with concomitant daptomycin and statin use than with daptomycin alone (OR = 2.55, 95% CI 1.78-3.64, P < .00001, I2  = 0%). Likewise, when CPK elevation was defined as CPK levels ≥5× ULN, a significantly higher incidence of CPK elevation was detected with concomitant daptomycin and statin use than with daptomycin alone (OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.06-3.35, P = .03, I2  = 48%). The incidence of rhabdomyolysis was significantly higher following concomitant daptomycin and statin use than with daptomycin alone (OR = 11.60, 95% CI 1.81-74.37, P = .01, I2  = 0%). CONCLUSION: The combined use of daptomycin and statins were significant risk factors for the incidence of CPK elevation defined as levels ≥ULN or ≥5× ULN and rhabdomyolysis.

Identification of Risk Factors for Daptomycin-Associated Creatine Phosphokinase Elevation and Development of a Risk Prediction Model for Incidence Probability.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated the risk factors for daptomycin-associated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevation and established a risk score for CPK elevation. METHODS: Patients who received daptomycin at our hospital were classified into the non-elevated or elevated CPK group based on their peak CPK levels during daptomycin therapy. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed, and a risk score and prediction model for the incidence probability of CPK elevation were calculated based on logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The non-elevated and elevated CPK groups included 181 and 17 patients, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that concomitant statin use (odds ratio [OR], 4.45 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.40-14.47]; risk score 4), concomitant antihistamine use (OR, 5.66 [95% CI, 1.58-20.75]; risk score 4), and trough concentration (Cmin) between 20 and <30 µg/mL (OR, 14.48 [95% CI, 2.90-87.13]; risk score 5) and ≥30.0 µg/mL (OR, 24.64 [95% CI, 3.21-204.53]; risk score 5) were risk factors for daptomycin-associated CPK elevation. The predicted incidence probabilities of CPK elevation were <10% (low risk), 10%-<25% (moderate risk), and ≥25% (high risk) with total risk scores of ≤4, 5-6, and ≥8, respectively. The risk prediction model exhibited a good fit (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.85 [95% CI, .74-.95]). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that concomitant use of statins with antihistamines and Cmin ≥20 µg/mL were risk factors for daptomycin-associated CPK elevation. Our prediction model might aid in reducing the incidence of daptomycin-associated CPK elevation.

Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis and Dosing Optimization Based on Unbound Daptomycin Concentration and Cystatin C in Nonobese Elderly Patients with Hypoalbuminemia and Chronic Kidney Disease.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the population pharmacokinetics of daptomycin in nonobese elderly patients with hypoalbuminemia and chronic kidney disease (CKD) using the glomerular filtration rate estimated from cystatin C (eGFRcys) and estimated its optimal dose. METHODS: We performed population pharmacokinetic analysis of the unbound concentrations of daptomycin. The probability of target attainment of 90% for achieving an area under the concentration-time curve of unbound daptomycin at steady state/ minimum inhibitory concentration ratio of ≥66.6 was stochastically simulated. RESULTS: In the population pharmacokinetic analysis of 25 patients aged ≥65 years, the two-compartment model using eGFRcys and age as covariates of clearance in central compartment of unbound daptomycin were optimal. The unbound fraction rate (fu) was 0.05-0.14. According to the Monte Carlo simulation, the optimal doses for patients with eGFRcys of 20-60 mL/min and aged 65-95 years were calculated as 200-500 mg q24h. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that establishing the dose using total concentrations may result in under- or overestimation caused by alterations in fu. The optimal dose for nonobese elderly patients with hypoalbuminemia and CKD depends on eGFRcys and age, and a standard dose may be insufficient for some patients.

Support for fungal infection treatment mediated by pharmacist-led antifungal stewardship activities.

OBJECTIVE: At the Yokohama General Hospital, pharmacist-led antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) including antifungal stewardship programs (AFP) were started in 2012. To investigate the efficacy of the programs, we compared several parameters that are recommended for the measurement of ASP in Japan based on pre- and post-AFP activities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The subjects were inpatients who developed candidemia between April 2008 and March 2016. They were divided into two groups: pre-AFP (April 2008 until March 2012) and post-AFP (April 2012 until March 2016). The results were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The cumulative optimal antifungal drug usage rate, as a process parameter, significantly increased in the post-AFP group (p = 0.025). Furthermore, the days of therapy of antifungal drugs in the pre- and post-AFP groups was median 6.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.3-15.7) and median 3.4 (IQR 1.9-3.4) per 1,000 patient-days, respectively; there was a significant decrease in the post-AFP group (p < 0.001). Expenditure on antifungal drugs, as an outcome parameter, in the pre- and post-AFP groups was 9390.5 ± 5687.1 and 5930.8 ± 4687.0 US dollars, respectively; there was a significant decrease in the post-AFP group (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that pharmacist-led antifungal stewardship activities improve both outcome and process parameters.