[Aminoglycoside trough levels in neonates].

INTRODUCTION: Drug safety depends on trough levels. OBJECTIVE: Objective of the study was to measure gentamicin and amikacin trough levels in neonates and to identify risk groups by gestational and postnatal age. METHODS: Gentamicin and amikacin were applied according to the clinical practice guidelines. Trough levels (mg/l) were determined using fluorescence polarization immunoassay methodology. Target trough levels were <2 mg/l for gentamicin, and <10 mg/l for amikacin. Patients were divided in 3 groups by gestational age: I < or =32, II 33-36, and III > or =37 gestational weeks and, by postnatal age, in 2 groups: < or =7 and >7 days. RESULTS: Out of 163 neonates, 111 were receiving gentamicin and 52 amikacin. Mean amikacin trough level was 7.8 +/- 4.8 mg/l and, in group 110.5 +/- 4.9 mg/l, which was above the target range and significantly higher than in group II (LSD, p < 0.05). In the amikacin group, 26 patients were 7 and less, and 26 more than 7 days old, without significant differences in trough levels between the groups. In the gentamicin group, 52.3% of neonates had trough values within the target range. Gentamicin trough level in group I was above the trough range, 3.7 +/- 1.8, 2.3 +/- 1.5 in group II and, 1.8 +/- 1.4 mg/l in group III. The difference in trough levels among the groups was highly significant (F = 9.015, p < 0.001, chi2 = 17.576, p < 0.001). Further analysis revealed that differences between groups I and II (LSD, p = 0.002) and between I and III (LSD, p = 0.000) were highly significant. CONCLUSION: Obtained gentamicin and amikacin trough levels are high. Inverse correlation has been confirmed between trough level and gestational age, with highly significant difference, and the risk group has been identified. There is obviously a need to change the dosing regimen in terms of those with extended intervals, particularly for neonates of the lowest gestational age, along with pharmacokinetic measurements.

Does the gestation age of newborn babies influence the ultrasonic assessment of hip condition?

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound represents a method of examination of hips of newborn babies capable of defining hip condition and distinguishing stable and unstable hips based on morphological elements. It is accepted in a large number of countries as a method of examination of high risk newborns, or as a method of systematic screening. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate correlation between ultrasonically estimated hip maturity and respective gestation maturity both in premature and term-born babies, and to investigate the influence of different delivery types on hips condition. METHODS: In our study 2045 patients, 1141 males and 904 females, were examined in at the Institute of Neonatology over a period of 5 years. The average age was 34.04 gestation weeks. There were significantly more premature (1698 or 83.03%) than term-born babies (347 or 16.97%). Ultrasound hip examination, as a screening method, was carried out according to Graf. It was followed by clinical examination. Results were analyzed by appropriate statistical methods (chi2-test, one-way ANOVA, multifactor ANOVA). RESULTS: The overall frequency of unstable hips was 3.2%, 1.88% in males and 4.87% in females (p<0.05). 96.8% babies had stable hips, out of which 35.21% were mature and 61.59% immature. In the study of the breech presentation, out of 183 babies, unstable hips were found in 1.58% of male cases, and in 10.23% of female cases. CONCLUSION: Clinical screening of developmental dysplasia of the hip is insufficient for early diagnosis and decision about the treatment of premature babies. The high frequency of unstable hip type IIc (risky) and IId (decentralized) in premature babies requires early diagnosis and therapy. Wide swaddling for prematures should be applied up to eight months of age. Gentle manipulation is necessary while nursing and conducting physiotherapy of a premature baby.