Infliximab in paediatric inflammatory bowel disease: External evaluation of population pharmacokinetic models.

AIMS: Use of infliximab (IFX) has improved outcomes in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, a proportion of patients does not respond to IFX or loses response over time. Population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) modelling is a promising approach for IFX dose optimization, but with the increasing number of PopPK models in literature, model evaluation is essential. The aims of this study are: (i) to validate the predictive performance of existing IFX PopPK models using a cohort of children with IBD; and (ii) to perform a Bayesian estimation of the most suitable model to predict the next IFX concentrations. METHODS: PubMed was searched for IFX PopPK models in children. Selected models were rebuilt and analysed using R. Model performance was assessed through goodness-of-fit-plots, residuals against time, prediction error and prediction-corrected visual predictive checks. The validation cohort consisted of 73 children with IBD who were treated with IFX in our centre between 2017 and 2023 (340 IFX measurements). RESULTS: We identified 9 PopPK models. Model bias for individual predicted values ranged from -9.29% to 8.01% compared to bias for population predicted values. The model by Vande Casteele et al. demonstrated superior performance (individual predicted bias 2.13, population predicted bias -6.11); upon Bayesian estimation, it predicted induction trough levels with median error of 12.95% but had a median error of -69% predicting maintenance concentrations. CONCLUSION: The model by Vande Casteele et al. displayed superior performance in initial evaluations but had a high error in estimating next IFX levels and can only be used in practice to predict induction levels.

Population Pharmacokinetic Modelling and Limited Sampling Strategies for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Pyrazinamide in Patients with Tuberculosis.

Pyrazinamide is one of the first-line antituberculosis drugs. The efficacy of pyrazinamide is associated with the ratio of 24-h area under the concentration-time curve (AUC24) to MIC. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a limited sampling strategy (LSS) based on a population pharmacokinetic (popPK) model to predict AUC24. A popPK model was developed using an iterative two-stage Bayesian procedure and was externally validated. Using data from 20 treatment-naive adult tuberculosis (TB) patients, a one compartment model with transit absorption and first-order elimination best described pyrazinamide pharmacokinetics and fed state was the only significant covariate for absorption rate constant (ka). External validation, using data from 26 TB patients, showed that the popPK model predicted AUC24 with a slight underestimation of 2.1%. LSS were calculated using Monte Carlo simulation (n = 10,000). External validation showed LSS with time points 0 h, 2 h, and 6 h performed best with RMSE of 9.90% and bias of 0.06%. Food slowed absorption of pyrazinamide, but did not affect bioavailability, which may be advantageous in case of nausea or vomiting in which food can be used to diminish these effects. In this study, we successfully developed and validated a popPK model and LSS, using 0 h, 2 h, and 6 h postdose samples, that could be used to perform therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of pyrazinamide in TB patients.

First-in-Human Phase I Clinical Trial of an SFV-Based RNA Replicon Cancer Vaccine against HPV-Induced Cancers.

A first-in-human phase I trial of Vvax001, an alphavirus-based therapeutic cancer vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cancers was performed assessing immunological activity, safety, and tolerability. Vvax001 consists of replication-incompetent Semliki Forest virus replicon particles encoding HPV16-derived antigens E6 and E7. Twelve participants with a history of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were included. Four cohorts of three participants were treated per dose level, ranging from 5 × 105 to 2.5 × 108 infectious particles per immunization. The participants received three immunizations with a 3-week interval. For immune monitoring, blood was drawn before immunization and 1 week after the second and third immunization. Immunization with Vvax001 was safe and well tolerated, with only mild injection site reactions, and resulted in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses against E6 and E7 antigens. Even the lowest dose of 5 × 105 infectious particles elicited E6/E7-specific interferon (IFN)-γ responses in all three participants in this cohort. Overall, immunization resulted in positive vaccine-induced immune responses in 12 of 12 participants in one or more assays performed. In conclusion, Vvax001 was safe and induced immune responses in all participants. These data strongly support further clinical evaluation of Vvax001 as a therapeutic vaccine in patients with HPV-related malignancies.

Caspofungin Weight-Based Dosing Supported by a Population Pharmacokinetic Model in Critically Ill Patients.

The objective of this study was to develop a population pharmacokinetic model and to determine a dosing regimen for caspofungin in critically ill patients. Nine blood samples were drawn per dosing occasion. Fifteen patients with (suspected) invasive candidiasis had one dosing occasion and five had two dosing occasions, measured on day 3 (±1) of treatment. Pmetrics was used for population pharmacokinetic modeling and probability of target attainment (PTA). A target 24-h area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) value of 98 mg·h/liter was used as an efficacy parameter. Secondarily, the AUC/MIC targets of 450, 865, and 1,185 were used to calculate PTAs for Candida glabrata, C. albicans, and C. parapsilosis, respectively. The final 2-compartment model included weight as a covariate on volume of distribution (V). The mean V of the central compartment was 7.71 (standard deviation [SD], 2.70) liters/kg of body weight, the mean elimination constant (Ke ) was 0.09 (SD, 0.04) h-1, the rate constant for the caspofungin distribution from the central to the peripheral compartment was 0.44 (SD, 0.39) h-1, and the rate constant for the caspofungin distribution from the peripheral to the central compartment was 0.46 (SD, 0.35) h-1 A loading dose of 2 mg/kg on the first day, followed by 1.25 mg/kg as a maintenance dose, was chosen. With this dose, 98% of the patients were expected to reach the AUC target on the first day and 100% of the patients on the third day. The registered caspofungin dose might not be suitable for critically ill patients who were all overweight (≥120 kg), over 80% of median weight (78 kg), and around 25% of lower weight (≤50 kg). A weight-based dose regimen might be appropriate for achieving adequate exposure of caspofungin in intensive care unit patients.

Association between 8 P-glycoprotein (MDR1/ABCB1) gene polymorphisms and antipsychotic drug-induced hyperprolactinaemia.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperprolactinaemia, a common adverse effect of antipsychotic drugs, is primarily linked to blockade of dopamine D2 receptors in the pituitary gland. Certain antipsychotic drugs, such as, for example risperidone and paliperidone, are more likely to induce hyperprolactinaemia compared to others. This effect is probably caused by a relatively high blood/brain concentration ratio, a consequence of being a substrate of P-glycoprotein. Genetic variants of P-glycoprotein with changed functional activity might influence the potential of risperidone and paliperidone to cause hyperprolactinaemia as the altered blood/brain concentration ratio would lead to a reduced therapeutic drug level within essential brain areas making dose adaptations necessary. This increases exposure of dopamine D2 receptors within the pituitary gland. AIMS: To investigate possible associations between MDR1/ABCB1 gene polymorphisms and antipsychotic drug-induced hyperprolactinaemia in Russian patients with schizophrenia and to determine possible differences between risperidone/paliperidone and other antipsychotics. METHODS: In total, 446 patients with schizophrenia were included from 3 psychiatric hospitals in Siberia. Blood samples were obtained in a cross-sectional study design for DNA extraction and prolactin measurement. Associations between hyperprolactinaemia and 8 MDR1/ABCB1 gene-polymorphisms were assessed using logistic regression analysis accounting for covariates. The analysis was repeated in a patient subgroup using risperidone or paliperidone. RESULTS: We did not observe an association between any of the 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms and the prevalence of antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinaemia in the total patient population. However, in the risperidone/paliperidone subgroup, the single nucleotide polymorphism rs2032582 (G2677T) was found to be negatively associated with risperidone/paliperidone-induced hyperprolactinaemia. CONCLUSION: This study revealed a significant association between the ABCB1 gene polymorphism rs2032582 (G2677T) and risperidone/paliperidone-induced hyperprolactinaemia.

Evaluation of Saliva as a Potential Alternative Sampling Matrix for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Levofloxacin in Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis.

Saliva may be a useful alternative matrix for monitoring levofloxacin concentrations in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients. The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate the correlation between plasma and salivary levofloxacin (Lfx) concentrations in MDR-TB patients and (ii) to gauge the possibility of using saliva as an alternative sampling matrix for therapeutic drug monitoring of Lfx in areas where TB is endemic. This was a prospective pharmacokinetic study that enrolled MDR-TB patients receiving levofloxacin (750- to 1,000-mg once-daily dosing) under standardized treatment regimen in Nepal. Paired blood and saliva samples were collected at steady state. Lfx concentrations were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using noncompartmental kinetics. Lfx drug exposures were evaluated in 23 MDR-TB patients. During the first month, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) areas under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC0-24) were 67.09 (53.93 to 98.37) mg ⋅ h/liter in saliva and 99.91 (76.80 to 129.70) mg ⋅ h/liter in plasma, and the saliva plasma (S/P) ratio was 0.69 (0.53 to 0.99). Similarly, during the second month, the median (IQR) AUC0-24 were 75.63 (61.45 to 125.5) mg ⋅ h/liter in saliva and 102.7 (84.46 to 131.9) mg ⋅ h/liter in plasma, with an S/P ratio of 0.73 (0.66 to 1.18). Furthermore, large inter- and intraindividual variabilities in Lfx concentrations were observed. This study could not demonstrate a strong correlation between plasma and saliva Lfx levels. Despite a good Lfx penetration in saliva, the variability in individual saliva-to-plasma ratios limits the use of saliva as a valid substitute for plasma. Nevertheless, saliva could be useful in semiquantitatively predicting Lfx plasma levels. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT03000517.).

Evaluation of Carbapenems for Treatment of Multi- and Extensively Drug-Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Multi- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB) has become an increasing threat not only in countries where the TB burden is high but also in affluent regions, due to increased international travel and globalization. Carbapenems are earmarked as potentially active drugs for the treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis To better understand the potential of carbapenems for the treatment of M/XDR-TB, the aim of this review was to evaluate the literature on currently available in vitro, in vivo, and clinical data on carbapenems in the treatment of M. tuberculosis and to detect knowledge gaps, in order to target future research. In February 2018, a systematic literature search of PubMed and Web of Science was performed. Overall, the results of the studies identified in this review, which used a variety of carbapenem susceptibility tests on clinical and laboratory strains of M. tuberculosis, are consistent. In vitro, the activity of carbapenems against M. tuberculosis is increased when used in combination with clavulanate, a BLaC inhibitor. However, clavulanate is not commercially available alone, and therefore, it is impossible in practice to prescribe carbapenems in combination with clavulanate at this time. Few in vivo studies have been performed, including one prospective, two observational, and seven retrospective clinical studies to assess the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of three different carbapenems (imipenem, meropenem, and ertapenem). We found no clear evidence at the present time to select one particular carbapenem among the different candidate compounds to design an effective M/XDR-TB regimen. Therefore, more clinical evidence and dose optimization substantiated by hollow-fiber infection studies are needed to support repurposing carbapenems for the treatment of M/XDR-TB.

Darunavir Population Pharmacokinetic Model Based on HIV Outpatient Data.

BACKGROUND: Darunavir is a second-generation protease inhibitor and is registered for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a darunavir population pharmacokinetic model based on data from daily practice. METHODS: Data sets were obtained from 2 hospitals: ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco University Hospital, Italy (hospital A), and University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands (hospital B). A pharmacokinetic model was developed using data from the largest data set using the iterative two-stage Bayesian procedure within the MWPharm software package. External validation was conducted using data from the smaller data set with Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman analyses. RESULTS: In total, data from 198 patients from hospital A and 170 patients from hospital B were eligible for inclusion. A 1-compartment model with first-order absorption and elimination resulted in the best model. The Passing-Bablok analysis demonstrated a linear correlation between measured concentration and predicted concentration with r = 0.97 (P < 0.05). The predicted values correlated well with the measured values as determined by a Bland-Altman analysis and were overestimated by a mean value of 0.12 mg/L (range 0.23-0.94 mg/L). A total of 98.2% of the predicted values were within the limits of agreement. CONCLUSIONS: A robust population pharmacokinetic model was developed, which can support therapeutic drug monitoring of darunavir in daily outpatient settings.

Influence of protein properties and protein modification on biodistribution and tumor uptake of anticancer antibodies, antibody derivatives, and non-Ig scaffolds.

Newly developed protein drugs that target tumor-associated antigens are often modified in order to increase their therapeutic effect, tumor exposure, and safety profile. During the development of protein drugs, molecular imaging is increasingly used to provide additional information on their in vivo behavior. As a result, there are increasing numbers of studies that demonstrate the effect of protein modification on whole body distribution and tumor uptake of protein drugs. However, much still remains unclear about how to interpret obtained biodistribution data correctly. Consequently, there is a need for more insight in the correct way of interpreting preclinical and clinical imaging data. Summarizing the knowledge gained to date may facilitate this interpretation. This review therefore provides an overview of specific protein properties and modifications that can affect biodistribution and tumor uptake of anticancer antibodies, antibody fragments, and nonimmunoglobulin scaffolds. Protein properties that are discussed in this review are molecular size, target interaction, FcRn binding, and charge. Protein modifications that are discussed are radiolabeling, fluorescent labeling drug conjugation, glycosylation, humanization, albumin binding, and polyethylene glycolation.

Risk factors contributing to a low darunavir plasma concentration.

Darunavir is an efficacious drug; however, pharmacokinetic variability has been reported. The objective of this study was to find predisposing factors for low darunavir plasma concentrations in patients starting the once- or twice-daily dosage. Darunavir plasma concentrations from January 2010 till December 2014 of human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals treated in the outpatient clinic of the University Medical Center Groningen were retrospectively reviewed. The first darunavir plasma concentration of patients within 8 weeks after initiation of darunavir therapy was selected. A dichotomous logistic regression analysis was conducted to select the set of variables best predicting a darunavir concentration below median population pharmacokinetic curve. In total 113 patients were included. The variables best predicting a darunavir concentration besides food intake included age together with estimated glomerular filtration rate (Hosmer-Lemeshow test P = 0.945, Nagelkerke R2  = 0.284). Systematic evaluation of therapeutic drug monitoring results may help to identify patients at risk for low drug exposure.

Pharmacokinetics of Levofloxacin in Multidrug- and Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients.

Pharmacodynamics are especially important in the treatment of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (M/XDR-TB). The free area under the concentration time curve in relation to MIC (fAUC/MIC) is the most relevant pharmacokinetic (PK)-pharmacodynamic (PD) parameter for predicting the efficacy of levofloxacin (LFX). The objective of our study was to assess LFX PK variability in M/XDR-TB patients and its potential consequence for fAUC/MIC ratios. Patients with pulmonary M/XDR-TB received LFX as part of the treatment regimen at a dose of 15 mg/kg administered once daily. Blood samples obtained at steady state before and 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 12 h after drug administration were measured by validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The MIC values of LFX were determined by the agar dilution method on Middlebrook 7H10 and the MGIT960 system. Twenty patients with a mean age of 31 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 27 to 35 years) were enrolled in this study. The median AUC0-24 was 98.8 mg/h/liter (IQR = 84.8 to 159.6 mg/h/liter). The MIC median value for LFX was 0.5 mg/liter with a range of 0.25 to 2.0 mg/liter, and the median fAUC0-24/MIC ratio was 109.5 (IQR = 48.5 to 399.4). In 4 of the 20 patients, the value was below the target value of ≥100. When MICs of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/liter were applicable, 19, 18, 3, and no patients, respectively, had an fAUC/MIC ratio that exceeded 100. We observed a large variability in AUC. An fAUC0-24/MIC of ≥100 was only observed when the MIC values for LFX were 0.25 to 0.5 mg/liter. Dosages exceeding 15 mg/kg should be considered for target attainment if exposures are assumed to be safe. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT02169141.).

Low Caspofungin Exposure in Patients in Intensive Care Units.

In critically ill patients, drug exposure may be influenced by altered drug distribution and clearance. Earlier studies showed that the variability in caspofungin exposure was high in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The primary objective of this study was to determine if the standard dose of caspofungin resulted in adequate exposure in critically ill patients. A multicenter prospective study in ICU patients with (suspected) invasive candidiasis was conducted in the Netherlands from November 2013 to October 2015. Patients received standard caspofungin treatment, and the exposure was determined on day 3 of treatment. An area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC0-24) of 98 mg · h/liter was considered adequate exposure. In case of low exposure (i.e., <79 mg · h/liter, a ≥20% lower AUC0-24), the caspofungin dose was increased and the exposure reevaluated. Twenty patients were included in the study, of whom 5 had a positive blood culture. The median caspofungin AUC0-24 at day 3 was 78 mg · h/liter (interquartile range [IQR], 69 to 97 mg · h/liter). A low AUC0-24 (<79 mg · h/liter) was seen in 10 patients. The AUC0-24 was significantly and positively correlated with the caspofungin dose in mg/kg/day (P = 0.011). The median AUC0-24 with a caspofungin dose of 1 mg/kg was estimated using a pharmacokinetic model and was 114.9 mg · h/liter (IQR, 103.2 to 143.5 mg · h/liter). In conclusion, the caspofungin exposure in ICU patients in this study was low compared with that in healthy volunteers and other (non)critically ill patients, most likely due to a larger volume of distribution. A weight-based dose regimen is probably more suitable for patients with substantially altered drug distribution. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01994096.).

Voriconazole metabolism is influenced by severe inflammation: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: During an infection or inflammation, several drug-metabolizing enzymes in the liver are down-regulated, including cytochrome P450 iso-enzymes. Since voriconazole is extensively metabolized by cytochrome P450 iso-enzymes, the metabolism of voriconazole can be influenced during inflammation via reduced clearance of the drug, resulting in higher voriconazole trough concentrations. OBJECTIVE: To investigate prospectively the influence of inflammation on voriconazole metabolism and voriconazole trough concentrations. METHODS: A prospective observational study was performed at the University Medical Center Groningen. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they were ≥18 years old and treated with voriconazole. Voriconazole and voriconazole-N-oxide concentrations were determined in discarded blood samples. To determine the degree of inflammation, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations were used. Subsequently, a longitudinal data analysis was performed to assess the effect of inflammation on the metabolic ratio and voriconazole trough concentration. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were included. In total 489 voriconazole trough concentrations were included in the longitudinal data analysis. This analysis showed that inflammation, reflected by CRP concentrations, significantly influenced the metabolic ratio, voriconazole trough concentration and voriconazole-N-oxide concentration (all P < 0.001), when corrected for other factors that could influence voriconazole metabolism. The metabolic ratio was decreased by 0.99229N and the voriconazole-N-oxide concentration by 0.99775N, while the voriconazole trough concentration was increased by 1.005321N, where N is the difference in CRP units (in mg/L). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that voriconazole metabolism is decreased during inflammation, resulting in higher voriconazole trough concentrations. Therefore, frequent monitoring of voriconazole serum concentrations is recommended during and following severe inflammation.

Food intake and darunavir plasma concentrations in people living with HIV in an outpatient setting.

AIMS: Patients receiving darunavir are advised to take it concomitantly with food. The objectives of the present cross-sectional study were to evaluate the actual concomitant food intake of patients visiting an HIV outpatient clinic. METHODS: Sixty participants treated with darunavir/ritonavir once daily were subjected to a food recall questionnaire concerning their last concomitant food intake with darunavir. Darunavir trough concentrations were calculated. RESULTS: The median food intake was 507 (0-2707) kcal; protein intake, 20 (0-221)g; carbohydrate intake, 62 (0-267)g; fat intake: 14 (0-143)g; and dietary fibre: 4 (0-30)g. Twenty-five patients (42%) ingested their drug with between-meal snacks. No relationship was found between food intake and trough concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Clear advice on the optimal caloric intake is needed, to avoid high caloric intake in patients who already have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to their HIV infection.

Pharmacokinetics of ertapenem in patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

Treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis (TB) is becoming more challenging because of increased levels of drug resistance against second-line TB drugs. One promising group of antimicrobial drugs is carbapenems. Ertapenem is an attractive carbapenem for the treatment of MDR- and XDR-TB because its relatively long half-life enables once-daily dosing.A retrospective study was performed for all patients with suspected MDR-TB at the Tuberculosis Center Beatrixoord of the University Medical Center Groningen (Haren, the Netherlands) who received ertapenem as part of their treatment regimen between December 1, 2010 and March 1, 2013. Safety and pharmacokinetics were evaluated.18 patients were treated with 1000 mg ertapenem for a mean (range) of 77 (5-210) days. Sputum smear and culture were converted in all patients. Drug exposure was evaluated in 12 patients. The mean (range) area under the concentration-time curve up to 24 h was 544.9 (309-1130) h·mg·L(-1) The mean (range) maximum observed plasma concentration was 127.5 (73.9-277.9) mg·L(-1)In general, ertapenem treatment was well tolerated during MDR-TB treatment and showed a favourable pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile in MDR-TB patients. We conclude that ertapenem is a highly promising drug for the treatment of MDR-TB that warrants further investigation.

Impact of food on the pharmacokinetics of first-line anti-TB drugs in treatment-naive TB patients: a randomized cross-over trial.

OBJECTIVES: Concomitant food intake influences pharmacokinetics of first-line anti-TB drugs in healthy volunteers. However, in treatment-naive TB patients who are starting with drug treatment, data on the influence of food intake on the pharmacokinetics are absent. This study aimed to quantify the influence of food on the pharmacokinetics of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide in TB patients starting anti-TB treatment. METHODS: A prospective randomized cross-over pharmacokinetic study was conducted in treatment-naive adults with drug-susceptible TB. They received isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol intravenously and oral pyrazinamide on day 1, followed by oral administration of these drugs under fasted and fed conditions on two consecutive days. Primary outcome was the bioavailability while fasting and with concomitant food intake. This study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02121314. RESULTS: Twenty subjects completed the study protocol. Absolute bioavailability in the fasted state and the fed state was 93% and 78% for isoniazid, 87% and 71% for rifampicin and 87% and 82% for ethambutol. Food decreased absolute bioavailability of isoniazid and rifampicin by 15% and 16%, respectively. Pyrazinamide AUC0-24 was comparable for the fasted state (481 mg·h/L) and the fed state (468 mg·h/L). Food lowered the maximum concentrations of isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide by 42%, 22% and 10%, respectively. Time to maximum concentration was delayed for isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide. The pharmacokinetics of ethambutol were unaffected by food. CONCLUSIONS: Food decreased absolute bioavailability and maximum concentration of isoniazid and rifampicin, but not of ethambutol or pyrazinamide, in treatment-naive TB patients. In patients prone to low drug exposure, this may further compromise treatment efficacy and increase the risk of acquired drug resistance.

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic-based optimization of levofloxacin administration in the treatment of MDR-TB.

The emergence of MDR-TB and XDR-TB has complicated TB treatment success. Among many factors that contribute to the development of resistance, low drug exposure is not the least important. This review summarizes the available information on pharmacokinetic properties of levofloxacin in relation to microbial susceptibilities, in order to optimize the dose and make general treatment recommendations. A total of 37 studies on adult (32 studies) and paediatric (5 studies) MDR-TB patients were included. Among the 32 adult studies, 19 were on susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates to levofloxacin by MIC, 1 was on susceptibility of M. tuberculosis isolates to levofloxacin by MBC, 1 was on susceptibility of M. tuberculosis isolates to levofloxacin by mutant prevention concentration and 4 were on pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin, and 7 others were included. Likewise, out of five studies on children, two dealt with levofloxacin pharmacokinetic parameters, one reviewed CSF concentrations and two dealt with background information. In adult MDR-TB patients, standard dosing of once-daily 1000 mg levofloxacin in TB treatment did not consistently attain the target concentration (i.e. fAUC/MIC >100 and fAUC/MBC >100) in 80% of the patients with MIC and MBC of 1 mg/L, leaving them at risk of developing drug resistance. However, with an MIC of 0.5 mg/L, 100% of the patients achieved the target concentration. Similarly, paediatric patients failed consistently in achieving given pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic targets due to age-related differences, demanding a shift towards once daily dosing of 15-20 mg/kg. Therefore, we recommend therapeutic drug monitoring for patients with strains having MICs of ≥0.5 mg/L and suggest revising the cut-off value from 2 to 1 mg/L.

Voriconazole Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Practices in Intensive Care.

BACKGROUND: Routine therapeutic drug monitoring of voriconazole seems to be beneficial. This study investigated the therapeutic drug monitoring practices in intensive care to derive possible recommendations for improvement. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients aged ≥18 years who started treatment with voriconazole, which lasted for at least 3 days while being admitted to an intensive care unit to assess possible differences between the patients with and without voriconazole trough concentrations measured. RESULTS: In 64 (76%) of the 84 patients, voriconazole trough concentrations were measured. The groups differed significantly with respect to the duration of voriconazole treatment and intensive care unit admission. Time of sampling was very early and therefore inappropriate for 49% of the first measured voriconazole trough concentrations and in 48% of the subsequent measured concentrations. Of the 349 trough concentrations measured, 129 (37%) were outside the therapeutic window. In 11% of these cases, no recommendation was provided without identifiable reason. In addition, 27% of recommended dose adjustments were not implemented, probably because the advice was not suited for the specific clinical situation. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of voriconazole therapeutic drug monitoring can still be improved although voriconazole concentrations were monitored in most patients. A multidisciplinary approach-for instance by means of antifungal stewardship-will probably be able to overcome problems encountered such as timing of sampling, incompleteness of data in clinical context, and lack of implementation of recommendations.

Limited-sampling strategies for anidulafungin in critically ill patients.

Efficacy of anidulafungin is driven by the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)/MIC ratio. Determination of the anidulafungin AUC along with MIC values can therefore be useful. Since obtaining a full concentration-time curve to determine an AUC is not always feasible or appropriate, limited-sampling strategies may be useful in adequately estimating exposure. The objective of this study was to develop a model to predict the individual anidulafungin exposure in critically ill patients using limited-sampling strategies. Pharmacokinetic data were derived from 20 critically ill patients with invasive candidiasis treated with anidulafungin. These data were used to develop a two-compartment model in MW\Pharm using an iterative 2-stage Bayesian procedure. Limited-sampling strategies were subsequently investigated using two methods, a Bayesian analysis and a linear regression analysis. The best possible strategies for these two methods were evaluated by a Bland-Altman analysis for correlation of the predicted and observed AUC from 0 to 24 h (AUC0-24) values. Anidulafungin exposure can be adequately estimated with the concentration from a single sample drawn 12 h after the start of the infusion either by linear regression (R2=0.99; bias, 0.05%; root mean square error [RMSE], 3%) or using a population pharmacokinetic model (R2=0.89; bias, -0.1%; RMSE, 9%) in critically ill patients and also in less severely ill patients, as reflected by healthy volunteers. Limited sampling can be advantageous for future studies evaluating the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anidulafungin and for therapeutic drug monitoring in selected patients. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01047267.).