Applying Cefepime Population Pharmacokinetics to Critically Ill Patients Receiving Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy.

Patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) may need continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) due to acute kidney injury or worsening of underlying chronic kidney disease. This will affect their antimicrobial exposure and may have a significant impact on the treatment. We aim to develop a cefepime pharmacokinetic (PK) model in CRRT ICU patients and generate the posterior predictions for a group and assess their therapy outcomes. Adult patients, who were admitted to the ICU, received cefepime, and had its concentration measured while on CRRT were included from three different data sets. In two data sets, samples were collected from the predialyzer, postdialyzer ports, and effluent fluid at different times within the same dosing interval. The third data set had only cefepime plasma concentration measured as part of clinical service. Patients' demographics, cefepime regimens and concentration, CRRT parameters, and therapy outcomes were recorded. NPAG was used for population PK and posterior predictions. A total of 125 patients were included. Cefepime was described by a five-compartment model, and the CRRT flow rates described the rates of cefepime transfer between compartments. The posterior predictions were generated for the third data set and the median (range) fT>MIC was 100% (27%-100%) and fT>4×MIC was 64% (0%-100%). The mortality rate was 53%. There was no difference in target attainment in terms of clinical cure and 30-day mortality. This model can be used as a precision dosing tool in CRRT patients. Future studies may address other PK/PD targets in a larger population.

Cefepime Population Pharmacokinetics and Target Attainment in Critically Ill Patients on Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy.

Sepsis causes half of acute kidney injuries in the intensive care unit (ICU). ICU patients may need continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), which will affect their antimicrobial exposure. We aimed to build a cefepime population pharmacokinetic (PK) model in CRRT ICU patients and perform simulations to assess target attainment. Patients who were ≥18 years old, were admitted to the ICU, and received cefepime 2 g every 8 h as a 4-h infusion while on CRRT were enrolled prospectively. Samples were collected from the predialyzer ports, postdialyzer ports, and effluent fluid at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 h after the first dose and at steady state. Age, sex, weight, urine output, and CRRT parameters were recorded. Pmetrics was used for population PK and simulations. The target exposure was 100% of the dosing interval during which the free beta-lactam concentration is above the MIC (fT>MIC). Ten patients were included; their mean age was 53 years, and mean weight was 119 kg. Seventy percent were males. Cefepime was described by a five-compartment model. The downtime was applied to the CRRT flow rates, which were used to describe the rates of transfer between the compartments. At MICs of ≤8 mg/liter, intermittent infusion of 2 g cefepime every 8 h achieved good target attainment both early in therapy and at steady state. Only extended- and continuous-infusion regimens achieved good target attainment at MICs of 16 mg/liter. In conclusion, 2 g cefepime infused over 30 min followed by extended infusion of 2 g every 8 h achieved good target attainment at MICs of ≤16 mg/liter with different CRRT flow rates and may be considered in resistant bacterial infections.

Impact of Disease on Amikacin Pharmacokinetics and Dosing in Children.

BACKGROUND: Amikacin is widely used to treat severe Gram-negative bacterial infections. Its peak concentration in plasma is associated with treatment efficacy. Amikacin pharmacokinetics (PK) is influenced by disease conditions, in addition to other patient characteristics. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the impact of clinical characteristics and disease condition on amikacin PK in children with burn injuries and those with cancer. METHODS: Amikacin PK data from 66 children with burn injuries and 112 children with cancer were analyzed. A population PK model was developed using the nonlinear mixed-effects modeling approach. Models were developed using NONMEM 7.3 (ICON Development Solutions, LLC, Ellicott City, MD). Data processing and visualization was performed using R packages. RESULTS: The amikacin PK data were best described by a 2-compartment model. The parameters were estimated with mean values (95% confidence intervals) as follows: central volume of distribution (V1), 5.70 L (4.64-6.76 L); central clearance, 2.12 L/h (1.79-2.46 L/h); peripheral volume of distribution (V2), 4.79 L (2.36-7.22 L); and distribution clearance (Q), 0.71 L/h (0.25-1.16 L/h). The final model identified the disease condition as a significant covariate and indicated 55% (28%-82%) higher central clearance and 17% (1%-34%) higher V1 in burn patients compared with cancer patients. Volume of distribution was significantly influenced by age and body weight. Clearance was significantly influenced by age, body weight, and creatinine clearance. Using the final PK model, we developed a workflow for selecting optimal dosing strategies for 3 representative pediatric patient profiles. CONCLUSIONS: Disease condition was significant in influencing amikacin PK in children. To reach the same target concentrations (64 mg/L peak concentration) with a daily-dose plan, burn patients need higher doses than cancer patients. Future investigations are needed to explore the impact of other diseases on amikacin disposition in children, and to prospectively validate the proposed dosing strategy.

Burn injury influences the T cell homeostasis in a butyrate-acid sphingomyelinase dependent manner.

Following burn injury, a key factor for patients susceptible to opportunistic infections is immune suppression. Butyrate levels are important in maintaining a functional immune system and these levels can be altered after injury. The acid sphingomyelinase (Asm) lipid signaling system has been implicated in a T cell actions with some evidence of being influenced by butyrate. Here, we hypothesized that burn-injury changes in butyrate levels would mediate Asm activity and, consequently, T cell homeostasis. We demonstrate that burn injury temporally decreases butyrate levels. We further determined that T cell Asm activity is increased by butyrate and decreased after burn injury. We additionally observed decreased T cell numbers in Asm-deficient, burn-injured, and microbiota-depleted mice. Finally, we demonstrate that butyrate reduced T cell death in an Asm-dependent manner. These data suggest that restoration of butyrate after burn injury may ameliorate the T cell lost observed in burn-injured patients by Asm regulation.

Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Extended-Infusion Piperacillin and Tazobactam in Critically Ill Children.

The study objective was to evaluate the population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of extended-infusion piperacillin-tazobactam in children hospitalized in an intensive care unit. Seventy-two serum samples were collected at steady state from 12 patients who received piperacillin-tazobactam at 100/12.5 mg/kg of body weight every 8 h infused over 4 h. Population pharmacokinetic analyses were performed using NONMEM, and Monte Carlo simulations were performed to estimate the piperacillin pharmacokinetic profiles for dosing regimens of 80 to 100 mg/kg of the piperacillin component given every 6 to 8 h and infused over 0.5, 3, or 4 h. The probability of target attainment (PTA) for a cumulative percentage of the dosing interval that the drug concentration exceeds the MIC under steady-state pharmacokinetic conditions (TMIC) of ≥50% was calculated at MICs ranging from 0.25 to 64 mg/liter. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) age, weight, and estimated glomerular filtration rate were 5 ± 3 years, 17 ± 6.2 kg, and 118 ± 41 ml/min/1.73 m(2), respectively. A one-compartment model with zero-order input and first-order elimination best fit the pharmacokinetic data for both drugs. Weight was significantly associated with piperacillin clearance, and weight and sex were significantly associated with tazobactam clearance. Pharmacokinetic parameters (mean ± SD) for piperacillin and tazobactam were as follows: clearance, 0.22 ± 0.07 and 0.19 ± 0.07 liter/h/kg, respectively; volume of distribution, 0.43 ± 0.16 and 0.37 ± 0.14 liter/kg, respectively. All extended-infusion regimens achieved PTAs of >90% at MICs of ≤16 mg/liter. Only the 3-h infusion regimens given every 6 h achieved PTAs of >90% at an MIC of 32 mg/liter. For susceptible bacterial pathogens, piperacillin-tazobactam doses of ≥80/10 mg/kg given every 8 h and infused over 4 h achieve adequate pharmacodynamic exposures in critically ill children.

Application of a method used to deconstruct a single dose pharmacokinetic profile from multiple dose data.

With traditional non-compartmental methods, it is challenging to deconstruct plasma concentration versus time curves to assess the influence of individual doses. This study describes the application of a mathematical approach used to deconstruct a single dose curve using data derived from the second, third, fourth or nth dosing interval. Using data from a prospective clinical trial it is demonstrated that this approach reliably estimates pharmacokinetic parameters measured following two doses of zolpidem tartrate. Additionally, the study demonstrates the application of this approach using previously published data from a single- and multiple-dose pharmacokinetic study of the antibiotic gatifloxacin. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Exploring the Past to Inform the Future to Optimize the Pharmacokinetics of Vancomycin in Children With Severe Burn Injuries.

Sepsis remains one of the leading causes of death among pediatric patients with burn injuries. Despite limited vancomycin pharmacokinetic (PK) information within this population, it is widely used to treat severe burn injuries. Those with severe burns are at risk of nephrotoxicity, with an incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) over 50%. Delivering an effective vancomycin dose and avoiding unnecessary toxicity is essential for improved patient outcomes. This was a retrospective analysis of 115 children aged 0.2 months to 18 years with severe burns, >10% total body surface area. Vancomycin was given via intravenous infusion; blood samples were drawn between 6- and 12-hour postinfusion. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed using nonlinear mixed-effect modeling (Monolix, version 2016R1). A one-compartment model described a steady-state volume of distribution (V), dependent on weight. Vancomycin clearance (CL) was influenced by age and estimated creatinine clearance (CrCL). The study population's (median age = 4 years, median weight = 20 kg, median total body surface area (%TBSA) = 40%) median V and CL were calculated to be 1.25 L/kg (95% CI, 1.04-1.46) and 0.15 L/h/kg (95% CI, 0.126-0.165), respectively. The PK model was explicitly developed to characterize the impact of physiological changes in children under 18 years of age and the percentage of the burn surface area using limited data. The analysis determined that weight, age, and estimated CrCL were important covariates in predicting vancomycin PK with high variability in CL and V.

Population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cefazolin using total and unbound serum concentrations in patients with high body weight.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the steady state pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cefazolin in patients with a high body weight. Cefazolin was administered by 0.5-h infusions to 11 patients with total body weight (TBW) ≥120 kg receiving 3 g q8h, and 12 patients with TBW <120 kg receiving 2 g q8h. Total and unbound serum concentration-time data obtained from serial blood samples were analysed simultaneously by population pharmacokinetic modelling using NONMEM. Probability of target attainment (PTA) was calculated for various dosing regimens through Monte Carlo simulations based on the cumulative percentage of the dosing interval that the unbound concentration exceeds the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value for the pathogen at steady state (fTMIC) ≥40%, ≥60% and 100%. A two-compartment model with non-linear protein binding and allometric scaling of the central volume of distribution using TBW best characterized both total and unbound concentration-time data. Unbound clearance was significantly associated with creatinine clearance, and maximum protein binding constant was significantly associated with serum albumin concentration and body mass index (P <0.05). Based on unbound concentration-time profiles, all simulated regimens achieved PTA >90% at MIC values ≤2 mg/L using fTMIC ≥40%, at MIC values ≤1 mg/L using fTMIC ≥60%, and at MIC values ≤0.5 mg/L using fTMIC of 100%. At fTMIC ≥60%, 0.5-h infusion of cefazolin 1 g q8h achieved PTA <90% at MIC values ≥2 mg/L in patients with TBW≥120 kg; however, prolonged-infusion and higher-dose regimens improved PTA to >90%. Overall, cefazolin pharmacokinetics are altered considerably in obese patients. Higher-dose and/or prolonged-infusion cefazolin regimens should be considered in patients with TBW ≥120 kg, particularly those with less-susceptible Gram-negative infections.

Cefuroxime pharmacokinetics in pediatric cardiovascular surgery patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime in children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for cardiovascular surgery. DESIGN: A prospective study. SETTING: A tertiary pediatric teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Infants and children undergoing CPB were enrolled in the study. INTERVENTION: An initial dose (mean, 24.2 ± 1.6 mg/kg) of cefuroxime was administered before surgical incision, and a second dose (mean, 14.4 ± 7.9 mg/kg) was administered in the CPB prime solution. Serial blood samples were obtained before, during, and after the CPB process. Samples were shipped on dry ice to the analytic laboratory and concentrations determined by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method. A 2-compartment pharmacokinetic model was fitted to the data using maximum a priori-Bayesian estimation, with weight as a covariate. Monte Carlo simulations of a single-dose (25 mg/kg pre-CPB) approach and a 2-dose (25 mg/kg pre- and 12.5-mg/kg prime solution dose) approach were performed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Fifteen subjects (9 males/6 females) were enrolled in the study, with median (range) age and weight of 11 (3-34) months and 9.5 (4.5-15.4) kg, respectively. The median (range) duration of CPB was 136 (71-243) minutes. Median and range cefuroxime pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows: maximum concentration (Cmax) dose, 1: 328 (150-512) µg/mL; systemic clearance, 0.050 (0.041-0.058) L/h/kg; steady-state volume of distribution, 0.213 (0.081-0.423) L/kg; volume of distribution in the central compartment, 0.081 (0.046-0.162) L/kg; and elimination half-life, 3.76 (1.03-6.81) hours. The median 8-hour post-dose-simulated cefuroxime concentrations were 26.5 and 16.0 mg/L for the 2-dose and single-dose regimens, respectively. CONCLUSION: Manufacturers recommend that pediatric doses of cefuroxime (25-50 mg/kg) can be used in infants and children undergoing CPB to maintain adequate serum concentrations for surgical-site infection prophylaxis. A second intraoperative dose, administered through the CPB circuit, provides no additional prophylactic advantage.

High-dose ciprofloxacin for serious gram-negative infection in an obese, critically ill patient receiving continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the pharmacokinetic profile and clinical outcome associated with high-dose ciprofloxacin therapy in a patient with the triad of extreme obesity, multiple organ failure, and deep-seated infection. CASE SUMMARY: A 45-year-old, class 3 obese (185 kg; body mass index 53.7), critically ill trauma patient receiving continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) was treated with ciprofloxacin 800 mg intravenously every 12 hours for presumed Enterobacter aerogenes (ciprofloxacin minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] ≤1 µg/mL) lumbar spine osteomyelitis. Four sequential plasma ciprofloxacin samples were obtained and analyzed to determine the steady-state pharmacokinetic profile. The observed steady-state maximum (C(max)) and calculated minimum (C(min)) ciprofloxacin plasma concentrations measured on treatment day 8 were 13 µg/mL and 4.8 µg/mL, respectively, corresponding to an estimated half-life, area under the curve (AUC(0-24)), total systemic clearance, and clearance by CVVHDF of 7.6 hours, 192 µg·h/mL, 139 mL/min, and 26 mL/min, respectively. These concentrations produced AUC(0-24)/MIC ratios >125 and plasma C(max)/MIC ratios >10 for MICs ≤1 µg/mL. Intravenous colistin and polymyxin B lumbar wound irrigation were initiated on ciprofloxacin days 12 and 15, respectively, for concomitant multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection. Lumbar tissue cultures on day 24 of ciprofloxacin therapy demonstrated no growth, coinciding with overall improvement of the invasive wound. A week later, the patient developed worsening septic shock and died secondary to an occult subdiaphragmatic abscess. DISCUSSION: Pharmacodynamic outcome studies suggest that AUC(0-24)/MIC ratios >125 and plasma C(max)/MIC ratios >10 are good predictors of clinical and microbiologic success of ciprofloxacin against gram-negative pathogens. These pharmacodynamic goals were achieved in the plasma with high-dose ciprofloxacin for MICs ≤1 µg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Critically ill obese patients with deep-seated infection involving organisms with MICs >0.5 µg/mL likely require ciprofloxacin dosages greater than traditional daily doses of 400-800 mg during CVVHDF to achieve optimal pharmacodynamic targets.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Extended-Infusion Cefepime in Critically Ill Patients Receiving Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: A Prospective, Open-Label Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate extended-infusion (EI) cefepime pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamic target attainment in critically ill patients receiving continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) or continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD). DESIGN: Prospective, open-label, PK study. SETTING: Intensive care units at a large, academic, tertiary-care medical center. PATIENTS: Ten critically ill adults who were receiving cefepime 2 g intravenously every 8 hours as a 4-hour infusion while receiving CVVH (eight patients) or CVVHD (two patients). INTERVENTION: Two sets of five serum cefepime concentrations were collected for each patient to assess pharmacokinetics before and during presumed steady state. Concurrent serum and CRRT effluent samples were collected at hours 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 after the first cefepime dose and after either the fourth, fifth, or sixth (steady-state) cefepime doses. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine free cefepime concentrations. PK analyses included CRRT clearance, half-life, and sieving coefficient or saturation coefficient. Cefepime peak (4 hrs) concentrations, trough (8 hrs) concentrations (Cmin ), and minimum inhibitory concentration breakpoint of 8 µg/ml for the pathogen (MIC8 ) were used to evaluate attainment of pharmacodynamic targets: 100% of the dosing interval that free drug remains above MIC8 (100% fT > MIC8 ), 100% fT > 4 × MIC8 (optimal), percentage of time fT > 4 × MIC8 (%fT > 4 × MIC8 ) at steady state, and ratio of Cmin to MIC8 (fCmin /MIC8 ). Total CRRT effluent flow rate was a mean ± SD of 30.1 ± 5.4 ml/kg/hr, CRRT clearance was 39.6 ± 9.9 ml/min, and half-life was 5.3 ± 1.7 hours. Sieving coefficient or saturation coefficient were 0.83 ± 0.13 and 0.69 ± 0.22, respectively. First and steady-state dose Cmin were 23.4 ± 10.1 µg/ml and 45.2 ± 14.6 µg/ml, respectively. All patients achieved 100% fT > MIC8 on first and steady-state doses. First and steady-state dose 100% fT > 4 × MIC8 were achieved in 22% (2/9 patients) and 87.5% (7/8 patients) of patients, respectively. The mean %fT > 4 × MIC8 at steady state was 97.5%. The fCmin /MIC8 was 2.92 ± 1.26 for the first dose and 5.65 ± 1.83 at steady state. CONCLUSION: Extended-infusion cefepime dosing in critically ill patients receiving CRRT successfully attained 100% fT > MIC8 in all patients and an appropriate fCmin /MIC8 for both first and steady-state doses. All but one patient achieved 100% fT > 4 × MIC8 at steady state. No significant differences were observed in PK properties between first and steady-state doses among or between patients. It may be reasonable to initiate an empiric or definitive regimen of EI cefepime in critically ill patients receiving concurrent CRRT who are at risk for resistant organisms. Further research is needed to identify the optimal dosing regimen of EI cefepime in this patient population.

Risk of hepatotoxicity associated with the use of telithromycin: a signal detection using data mining algorithms.

BACKGROUND: With the exception of case reports, limited data are available regarding the risk of hepatotoxicity associated with the use of telithromycin. OBJECTIVE: To detect the safety signal regarding the reporting of hepatotoxicity associated with the use of telithromycin using 4 commonly employed data mining algorithms (DMAs). METHODS: Based on the Adverse Events Reporting System (AERS) database of the Food and Drug Administration, 4 DMAs, including the reporting odds ratio (ROR), the proportional reporting ratio (PRR), the information component (IC), and the Gamma Poisson Shrinker (GPS), were applied to examine the association between the reporting of hepatotoxicity and the use of telithromycin. The study period was from the first quarter of 2004 to the second quarter of 2006. The reporting of hepatotoxicity was identified using the preferred terms indexed in the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities. The drug name was used to identify reports regarding the use of telithromycin. RESULTS: A total of 226 reports describing hepatotoxicity associated with the use of telithromycin were recorded in the AERS. A safety problem of telithromycin associated with increased reporting of hepatotoxicity was clearly detected by 4 algorithms as early as 2005, signaling the problem in the first quarter by the ROR and the IC, in the second quarter by the PRR, and in the fourth quarter by the GPS. CONCLUSIONS: A safety signal was indicated by the 4 DMAs suggesting an association between the reporting of hepatotoxicity and the use of telithromycin. Given the wide use of telithromycin and serious consequences of hepatotoxicity, clinicians should be cautious when selecting telithromycin for treatment of an infection. In addition, further observational studies are required to evaluate the utility of signal detection systems for early recognition of serious, life-threatening, low-frequency drug-induced adverse events.

Population Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Meropenem in Nonobese, Obese, and Morbidly Obese Patients.

The study objective was to evaluate meropenem population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in nonobese, obese, and morbidly obese patients. Forty adult patients-11 nonobese (body mass index [BMI] < 30 kg/m2 ), 9 obese (30 kg/m2 ≤ BMI < 40 kg/m2 ), and 20 morbidly obese (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 )-received meropenem 500 mg every 6 hours (q6h), q8h, or q12h or 1 g q6h or q8h, infused over 0.5 hour. Population pharmacokinetic modeling was performed using NONMEM, and 5000-patient Monte-Carlo simulations were performed to calculate probability of target attainment (PTA) for 5 dosing regimens, infused over 0.5 and 3 hours, using fT>MIC of 40%, 54%, and 100% of the dosing interval. A 2-compartment linear-elimination model best described the serum concentration-time data, and creatinine clearance was significantly associated with systemic clearance. Pharmacokinetic parameters were not significantly different among patient groups. In patients with creatinine clearances ≥50 mL/min, all simulated dosing regimens achieved >90% PTA at 40% fT>MIC in all patient groups at MICs ≤2 mg/L. Only 500 mg q8h, infused over 0.5 hour, did not achieve >90% PTA at 54% fT>MIC in nonobese and morbidly obese patients. At 100% fT>MIC, 1 g q6h and 2 g q8h, infused over 3 hours, reliably achieved >90% PTA in all patient groups. Meropenem pharmacokinetics are comparable among nonobese, obese, and morbidly obese patients. Standard dosing regimens provide adequate pharmacodynamic exposures for susceptible pathogens at 40% and 54% fT>MIC, but prolonged infusions of larger doses are needed for adequate exposures at 100% fT>MIC. Dosage adjustments based solely on body weight are unnecessary.

Fecal Microbiota Transplant Restores Mucosal Integrity in a Murine Model of Burn Injury.

The gut microbiome is a community of commensal organisms that are known to play a role in nutrient production as well as gut homeostasis. The composition of the gut flora can be affected by many factors; however, the impact of burn injury on the microbiome is not fully known. Here, we hypothesized that burn-induced changes to the microbiome would impact overall colon health. After scald-burn injury, cecal samples were analyzed for aerobic and anaerobic colony forming units, bacterial community, and butyrate levels. In addition, colon and total intestinal permeabilities were determined. These parameters were further determined in a germ-reduced murine model. Following both burn injury and germ reduction, we observed decreases in aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, increased colon permeability and no change to small intestinal permeability. After burn injury, we further observed a significant decrease in the butyrate producing bacteria R. Gnavus, C. Eutactus, and Roseburia species as well as decreases in colonic butyrate. Finally, in mice that underwent burn followed by fecal microbiota transplant, bacteria levels and mucosal integrity were restored. Altogether our data demonstrate that burn injury can alter the microbiome leading to decreased butyrate levels and increased colon permeability. Of interest, fecal microbiota transplant treatment was able to ameliorate the burn-induced changes in colon permeability. Thus, fecal transplantation may represent a novel therapy in restoring colon health after burn injury.

Determination of Optimal Amikacin Dosing Regimens for Pediatric Patients With Burn Wound Sepsis.

This study aimed to develop optimal amikacin dosing regimens for the empirical treatment of Gram-negative bacterial sepsis in pediatric patients with burn injuries. A pharmacodynamic (PD) target in which the peak concentration (Cmax) is ≥8 times the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (Cmax/MIC ≥ 8) is reflective of optimal bactericidal activity and has been used to predict clinical outcomes. Population pharmacokinetic modeling was performed in NONMEM 7.2 for pediatric patients with and without burn injuries. Amikacin pharmacokinetic parameters were compared between the two groups and multiple dosing regimens were simulated using MATLAB to achieve the PD target in ≥90% of patients with burn injuries. The pharmacokinetic analysis included 282 amikacin concentrations from 70 pediatric patients with burn injuries and 99 concentrations from 32 pediatric patients without burns. A one-compartment model with first-order elimination described amikacin pharmacokinetics well for both groups. Clearance (CL) was significantly higher in patients with burn injuries than in patients without (7.22 vs 5.36 L/h, P < .001). The volume of distribution (V) was also significantly increased in patients with burn injuries (22.7 vs 18.7 L, P < .01). Weight significantly influenced amikacin CL (P < .001) and V (P < .001) for both groups. Model-based simulations showed that a higher amikacin dose (≥25 mg/kg) achieved a Cmax/MIC ≥8 in ≥90% of patients with assumed infections of organisms with an MIC = 8 mg/L. Amikacin pharmacokinetics are altered in patients with burn injuries, including a significant increase in CL and V. In simulations, increased doses (≥25 mg/kg) led to improved PD target attainment rates. Further clinical evaluation of this proposed dosing regimen is warranted to assess clinical and microbiological outcomes in pediatric patients with burn wound sepsis.

Population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of piperacillin and tazobactam administered by prolonged infusion in obese and nonobese patients.

The study objective was to evaluate the population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of piperacillin and tazobactam administered by prolonged infusion in obese and nonobese patients. Twenty-seven patients (total body weight [TBW], 60 to 211 kg; body mass index [BMI], 19.6 to 72.9 kg/m(2) ) received 4.5 or 6.75 g every 8 hours, infused over 4 hours, and serum concentrations were measured at steady state. Population pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using NONMEM, and Monte Carlo simulations were performed for three 4-hour dosing regimens to calculate probability of target attainment (PTA) at ≥50% fT>MIC.A 1-compartment linear-elimination model best fit the pharmacokinetic data for piperacillin and tazobactam. Creatinine clearance (CRCL), TBW, and BMI were significantly associated with piperacillin pharmacokinetics, and CRCL was significantly associated with tazobactam pharmacokinetics. Clearance and volume of distribution for piperacillin and tazobactam were significantly different between obese and nonobese patients (P < .05). At MICs ≤ 16 mg/L, PTA was >90% for dosing regimens ≥3.375 g every 8 hours in nonobese patients and ≥ 4.5 g every 8 hours in obese patients. Piperacillin and tazobactam pharmacokinetics are altered in obesity, and 4.5 g every 8 hours infused over 4 hours should be recommended for empiric therapy in obese patients.

Effect of antibiotics on polymorphonuclear neutrophil apoptosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of various antibiotics-direct and indirect as a result of bacterial killing-on polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) apoptosis. DESIGN: In vitro analysis. SETTING: Research laboratory. INTERVENTION: Whole blood collected from healthy human subjects was incubated with and without Klebsiella pneumoniae (1.0 x 10(5) colony-forming units [cfu]/ml) plus ceftazidime 50 microg/ml, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, trovafloxacin, tetracycline, doxycycline, erythromycin, azithromycin (each 5 microg/ml), or lipopolysaccharide 10 microg/ml. After staining with fluorescein-conjugated annexin V, red blood cells were lysed, and the remaining white blood cells were assessed by flow cytometry with gating on PMNs. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: In the absence of K. pneumoniae infection, antibiotic exposure directly decreased PMN apoptosis by 17.8% (range -25.0% to -13.9%, p=0.008) compared with untreated cells. In the presence of K. pneumoniae, all antibiotic treatments, even those with poor in vitro activity for the bacterial isolate, decreased PMN apoptosis by 26.2% (range -38.0% to -17.8%, p<0.001) compared with untreated control cells and by 36.6% compared with untreated (no antibiotic) K. pneumoniae-stimulated cells (range -46.2% to -28.0%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: All tested antibiotics in clinically relevant concentrations resulted in modest yet consistent decreases in PMN apoptosis. The magnitude of this change increased slightly in the presence of K. pneumoniae infection. In vivo studies are needed to determine whether antibiotic-associated prolongation of PMN survival improves host response to infection.

Concentrations of levofloxacin, ofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin in human corneal stromal tissue and aqueous humor after topical administration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the penetration of commercially available levofloxacin 0.5%, ofloxacin 0.3%, and ciprofloxacin 0.3% topical ophthalmic solutions in human corneal stromal and aqueous humor tissues. METHODS: A total of 67 patients scheduled to undergo penetrating keratoplasty for treatment of stromal scar or dystrophy, keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration, or endothelial disease were enrolled in this prospective, double-blind, 3-center study. To be considered for inclusion, patients had to have an intact corneal epithelium and minimal or no corneal edema (pachymetry < 650 microm). After informed consent was obtained, patients were randomized to receive 1 drop of levofloxacin 0.5%, ofloxacin 0.3%, or ciprofloxacin 0.3% topical ophthalmic solution at approximately 15 and 10 minutes before surgery. Approximately 0.1 mL of aqueous fluid was aspirated by paracentesis through the trephination wound at the onset of surgery, followed by excision of the affected cornea and removal of its epithelium. Specimens were stored frozen at -70 degrees C until assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: All 3 fluoroquinolones were well tolerated. A total of 65 corneas and 59 aqueous fluid samples were obtained and assayed. The mean +/- standard deviation corneal concentrations of ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and levofloxacin following a 2-drop administration were 9.92 +/- 10.99 microg/g (n = 18), 10.77 +/- 5.90 microg/g (n = 23), and 18.23 +/- 20.51 microg/g (n = 24), respectively. Although corneal stromal levels were highest in the levofloxacin group, the high degree of interpatient variability prevented demonstration of statistically significant differences when compared with ofloxacin (P = 0.377). In contrast, levofloxacin concentrations were approximately twice as high as ciprofloxacin, and this difference reached statistical significance (P = 0.014). The corresponding aqueous humor concentrations of ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and levofloxacin were 0.135 +/- 0.231 microg/mL (n = 15), 0.135 +/- 0.111 microg/mL (n = 20), and 0.372 +/- 0.546 microg/mL (n = 24, P < 0.001 versus ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin). CONCLUSION: The topical administration of all 3 agents was well tolerated in patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty. Two drops of levofloxacin 0.5% solution results in a 1.7- to 2.7-fold greater penetration into human corneal stromal and aqueous humor tissues than ofloxacin 0.3% or ciprofloxacin 0.3%. The mean intracorneal concentrations of all three agents following 2 drops exceeds the MIC90 for the majority of pathogens causing bacterial keratitis. Topical levofloxacin appears to offer pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic advantages over ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in terms of enhanced transcorneal penetration; however, clinical comparative trials are needed to confirm these relative advantages.

Trends in bacterial wound isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility in a pediatric burn hospital.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to collate data dealing with organisms cultured from the burn patients and evaluate trends in antimicrobial susceptibility. All cultures collected from each acute admission patient between 2004 and 2011 in the 30-bed pediatric burn hospital were evaluated for their annual frequency and antimicrobial susceptibility. Duplicate cultures were excluded. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated most frequently (25% of total isolates; range, 69-408 isolates/yr), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13%; range, 40-202 isolates/yr), coagulase-negative staphylococci (9%; range, 2-188 isolates/yr), Enterobacter cloacae (8%; range, 22-128 isolates/yr), and Escherichia coli (6%; range, 19-91 isolates/yr). This rank order remained relatively consistent during the period of study. The emergence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus increased from 20% in 2004 to about 45% in 2009 to 2011. Susceptibility to vancomycin was still 100%. In comparing periods 2004 to 2007 and 2008 to 2011, P. aeruginosa showed increased susceptibility to cefepime (from 76% to 84%) and the aminoglycosides (from 68% to 81%), whereas susceptibility to piperacillin-tazobactam remained high (from 91% to 93%). E. cloacae demonstrated 90 to 100% susceptibility to aminoglycosides, cefepime, and imipenem. E. coli showed an increased rate of resistance to ceftazidime but was still susceptible to imipenem and amikacin. S. aureus and P. aeruginosa continue to be the most prevalent organisms cultured from our pediatric burn population. Almost half of the staphylococcal isolates were methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Despite widespread use of piperacillin-tazobactam, P. aeruginosa susceptibility remained high. Several classes of antimicrobials continued to demonstrate good to excellent activity against the majority of organisms cultured from the burn patients.

Steady-state pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of meropenem in morbidly obese patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit.

The study objective was to evaluate meropenem pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in morbid obesity. Nine patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit with a body mass index ≥40 kg/m(2) received meropenem 500 mg or 1 g q6h, infused over 0.5 hours. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated, and Monte Carlo simulations were performed for 5 dosing regimens (500 mg q8h, 1 g q8h, 2 g q8h, 500 mg q6h, 1 g q6h) infused over 0.5 and 3 hours. Probability of target attainment (PTA) was calculated using fT > MIC of 40% and 54%. Total body weight and body mass index were 152.3 ± 31.0 kg and 54.7 ± 8.6 kg/m(2) , respectively. Volume of distribution of the central compartment was 13.3 ± 6.7 L, volume of distribution at steady-state was 37.4 ± 14.7 L, and systemic clearance was 10.2 ± 5.0 L/h. At an MIC of 2 µg/mL, PTA was ≥90% for 4/5 and 2/5 regimens infused over 0.5 hours and for 5/5 and 4/5 regimens infused over 3 hours at 40% and 54% fT > MIC, respectively. Standard doses achieve adequate exposures for susceptible bacteria at a pharmacodynamic target of 40% fT > MIC. Higher doses or prolonged infusion regimens are needed at the higher pharmacodynamic target.