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[Studies of meropenem in pediatric infections]
1Department of Pediatrics, Oguchi Higashi General Hospital.
Abstract:
Pharmacokinetic and clinical evaluations of meropenem (SM-7338, MEPM) were carried out in pediatric patients. The following results were obtained. 1. After 30-minute intravenous drip infusion at a dose of 20 mg/kg, plasma concentrations of MEPM reached their peaks at the end of drip infusion with an average value of 48.8 +/- 3.64 micrograms/ml, and the average plasma half-life was 0.93 +/- 0.21 hour in the beta-phase. After 30-minute intravenous drip infusion at a dose of 10 mg/kg, the average peak plasma concentration was 27.7 +/- 4.33 micrograms/ml and the average plasma half-life was 0.78 +/- 0.20 hour. 2. Urinary excretion rates of MEPM after 30-minute intravenous drip infusion at doses of 20 and 10 mg/kg were 44.8 +/- 4.54% and 40.9 +/- 1.78%, respectively. 3. MEPM was administered to 13 cases (upper and lower respiratory infections, pneumonia and lymphadenitis) at daily doses between 60-90 mg/kg/day divided into 3 dosages using 30-minute intravenous drip infusion. Clinical responses were "excellent" in 12 patients, "good" in 1, hence an efficacy rate of 100% was obtained. 4. Bacteria identified in various disease cases included 12 strains of 5 species, and the eradication rate was 100%. 5. No side effects were observed in any children. Laboratory test results showed abnormalities in 2 cases with elevations of GOT and GPT. These results suggest that MEPM may be a very useful and safe drug for the treatment of pediatric infections.
Insights
Meropenem (MEPM) demonstrated excellent efficacy and safety in pediatric patients with infections. This antibiotic achieved high clinical response and bacterial eradication rates with no observed side effects.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antibiotic Therapy
Background:
- Meropenem (SM-7338, MEPM) is a broad-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic.
- Evaluating its pharmacokinetic and clinical profile in pediatric populations is crucial for establishing safe and effective treatment guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the pharmacokinetics of meropenem in pediatric patients.
- To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of meropenem for treating pediatric infections.
Main Methods:
- Pharmacokinetic analysis following 30-minute intravenous drip infusions of meropenem at 20 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg.
- Clinical evaluation of meropenem in 13 pediatric patients with various infections (respiratory, pneumonia, lymphadenitis) at daily doses of 60-90 mg/kg/day.
- Monitoring of bacterial eradication and adverse events.
Main Results:
- Peak plasma concentrations and half-life were determined for both dosage groups, with average half-lives of 0.93 hours (20 mg/kg) and 0.78 hours (10 mg/kg).
- Urinary excretion rates were approximately 45% and 41% for the 20 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg doses, respectively.
- A 100% clinical efficacy rate and 100% bacterial eradication rate were observed. No significant side effects were reported, though minor elevations in liver enzymes (GOT, GPT) occurred in two cases.
Conclusions:
- Meropenem exhibits favorable pharmacokinetic properties in pediatric patients.
- Meropenem demonstrated high efficacy and a favorable safety profile for treating common pediatric infections.
- The findings suggest meropenem is a potentially valuable therapeutic option for pediatric infections.