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Randomized, controlled trial comparing once daily and three times daily gentamicin in children with urinary tract

J R Carapetis1, A L Jaquiery, J P Buttery

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Australia.

Insights

Once daily gentamicin dosing is safe and effective for treating severe pediatric urinary tract infections (UTI). This regimen achieves optimal gentamicin concentrations, with no observed nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
  • Antimicrobial Stewardship

Background:

  • Severe urinary tract infections (UTI) in children often require parenteral antibiotic therapy.
  • Gentamicin is a common antibiotic used for severe UTIs, but optimal dosing strategies are crucial.
  • Traditional three times daily (TD) dosing may lead to sub-therapeutic peak concentrations and potential toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of once daily (OD) gentamicin dosing in children with severe UTI.
  • To perform population pharmacokinetic modeling to understand gentamicin disposition in this population.
  • To compare OD gentamicin with TD gentamicin in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • An open-label, randomized controlled trial was conducted in hospitalized children aged 1 month to 12 years with UTI.
  • Participants received either OD or TD gentamicin, with age-adjusted daily doses.
  • Population pharmacokinetic modeling was used to analyze gentamicin concentrations.

Main Results:

  • 179 children were enrolled (90 OD, 89 TD).
  • OD gentamicin achieved significantly higher peak concentrations (17.3 mg/l vs. 6.4 mg/l) and lower trough concentrations (0.35 mg/l vs. 0.55 mg/l) compared to TD.
  • No clinical or bacteriologic failures were observed, and no nephrotoxicity or ototoxicity was identified.

Conclusions:

  • Once daily gentamicin dosing is a safe and effective strategy for treating severe pediatric UTI requiring parenteral therapy.
  • Age-appropriate dosing and monitoring of serum trough concentrations are essential for optimizing OD gentamicin therapy.
  • This dosing regimen ensures therapeutic gentamicin levels while minimizing toxicity risks in children.
Abstract

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