Related Experiment Videos
Dopamine pharmacokinetics in critically ill newborn infants
V Bhatt-Mehta1, M C Nahata, R E McClead
1College of Pharmacy, Ohio State University, Columbus.
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Dopamine pharmacokinetics in critically ill newborns show significant interindividual variation. Clearance variability explains the wide range of dopamine doses required for effective treatment in these infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal pharmacology
- Critical care medicine
- Pediatric pharmacokinetics
Background:
- Dopamine is a vital treatment for shock and cardiac failure in critically ill neonates.
- Pharmacokinetic data for dopamine in this population is limited, hindering precise dosing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of dopamine in critically ill newborn infants.
- To determine if factors like gestational age or birthweight influence dopamine levels.
- To understand the variability in dopamine dosing requirements.
Main Methods:
- Measured steady-state arterial plasma concentrations of dopamine in 11 critically ill infants receiving infusions.
- Calculated total body clearance, volume of distribution, and elimination half-life.
- Analyzed relationships between pharmacokinetics and infant characteristics.
Main Results:
- Dopamine concentrations varied widely (0.013-0.3 microgram/ml).
- Total body clearance averaged 115 ml.kg-1.min-1, with a 6.9 min half-life.
- No correlation found between dopamine pharmacokinetics and gestational age, postnatal age, or birthweight.
Conclusions:
- Significant interindividual variability exists in dopamine pharmacokinetics in critically ill newborns.
- Plasma concentrations are unpredictable based on infusion rates.
- Variations in clearance contribute to the broad dose range needed for therapeutic effect.