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Experience with a once-daily dosing program of aminoglycosides in critically ill patients
S E Buijk1, J W Mouton, I C Gyssens
1Dept. of Surgical Intensive Care, Erasmus MC Rotterdam, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands. gyssens@bacl.azr.nl
Background:
As aminoglycosides show concentration-dependent killing, once-daily aminoglycoside (ODA) regimens have been instituted. Data on experience with ODA regimens in critically ill patients are limited.
Objectives:
1) To evaluate the ODA-program in critically ill patients; 2) to describe the pharmacokinetics of aminoglycosides (gentamicin and tobramycin); and 3) to assess the incidence of nephrotoxicity associated with an ODA regimen in this specific of group patients.
Design:
A prospective, descriptive study.
Setting:
Eighteen-bed surgical and 12-bed medical intensive care unit in a referral centre.
Patients:
Eighty-nine critically ill patients with a suspected or confirmed infection for which gentamicin or tobramycin was indicated and a creatinine clearance > 30 ml/min were monitored. One hundred and nine pharmacokinetic profiles were gathered.
Interventions:
A first dose of 7 mg/kg/24 h of gentamicin or tobramycin was given to every patient independent of renal function. Subsequent doses were chosen on the basis of the pharmacokinetic results of the first dose.
Measurements:
Serum samples were collected 1 h and 6 h after start of the aminoglycoside infusion. All samples were assayed by using immunofluorescence. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using a one-compartment model.
Results:
The volume of distribution of aminoglycosides was significantly higher in critical ill patients with septic shock than in those without. Consequently, the maximum concentration reached was significantly lower in patients with septic shock. In P. aeruginosa infections the mean (SD) estimated Cmax/MIC ratio was 10.3 (3.3). In n = 17 (49%) of the patients treated > 24 h ( n = 35), a dose adjustment or lengthening of interval was necessary. The recommended dosing interval based on the Hartford Hospital nomogram and one-serum concentration at 6 h was correct in only 62% of all cases. Signs of renal impairment occurred in n = 12 (14%) of the patients; in all survivors renal function recovered completely and no haemofiltration was needed.
Conclusions:
An ODA-regimen of 7 mg/kg produced Cmax/MIC ratios > 10 in the majority of critically ill patients in our population. Septic shock and renal dysfunction caused an aberrant pharmacokinetic profile of aminoglycosides in these patients. Therefore, individual therapeutic drug monitoring is warranted. Signs of renal impairment were common in the presence of shock, but appeared to be reversible.
Insights
Once-daily aminoglycoside (ODA) regimens in critically ill patients showed variable pharmacokinetics, especially in septic shock. Individual therapeutic drug monitoring is essential for optimizing ODA therapy and minimizing nephrotoxicity in this population.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Aminoglycosides exhibit concentration-dependent killing, leading to the adoption of once-daily aminoglycoside (ODA) regimens.
- Limited data exist on the efficacy and safety of ODA regimens in critically ill patient populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the ODA program in critically ill patients.
- To characterize the pharmacokinetics of gentamicin and tobramycin in this demographic.
- To assess the incidence of nephrotoxicity associated with ODA therapy.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, descriptive study was conducted in a surgical and medical intensive care unit.
- Eighty-nine critically ill patients receiving gentamicin or tobramycin for suspected infections were monitored.
- Pharmacokinetic profiles were generated from serum samples collected at 1 and 6 hours post-infusion.
Main Results:
- The volume of distribution for aminoglycosides was significantly higher in patients with septic shock.
- Maximum concentration (Cmax) was lower in patients with septic shock, impacting Cmax/MIC ratios.
- Dose adjustments were necessary in 49% of patients treated for over 24 hours; standard nomograms were accurate in only 62% of cases.
- Nephrotoxicity occurred in 14% of patients, but was reversible in survivors.
Conclusions:
- The ODA regimen at 7 mg/kg achieved Cmax/MIC ratios greater than 10 in most critically ill patients.
- Septic shock and renal dysfunction significantly altered aminoglycoside pharmacokinetics, necessitating individual therapeutic drug monitoring.
- While signs of renal impairment were common with shock, they were reversible, suggesting careful monitoring can mitigate risks.