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Updated: Jan 1, 2026

Multiplex Therapeutic Drug Monitoring by Isotope-dilution HPLC-MS/MS of Antibiotics in Critical Illnesses
Published on: August 30, 2018
PK/PD targets of amikacin and gentamicin in ICU patients
A Coste1, G Deslandes2, L Jalin3
1EE 1701 MIHAR, université de Nantes, 44035 Nantes, France; Service de maladies infectieuses, CHU de Brest, 29609 Brest, France.
Objectives:
We aimed to evaluate the probability to achieve PK-PD targets in patients with sepsis hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) after a single dose of 30mg/kg of amikacin or 8mg/kg of gentamicin.
Patients And Methods:
This single-center prospective study included 138 ICU patients with severe sepsis or septic shock with an indication for intravenous amikacin (N=89) or gentamicin (N=49). Maximum concentration (Cmax) was measured 30 minutes after infusion completion. PK/PD objectives were respectively Cmax≥60mg/L and ≥30mg/L for amikacin and gentamicin for empirical therapy, and a Cmax/MIC ratio≥8, as per French guidelines.
Results:
The median Simplified Acute Physiology Score II was 43 and ICU case fatality rate was 34.8%. A causative bacterial agent was identified in 94 patients (68.1%). Three pathogens had acquired aminoglycoside resistance and 15 were naturally resistant. The targeted Cmax for the first dose was achieved in 53 patients (59.6%) receiving amikacin, and one (2.2%) patient receiving gentamicin. Cmax/MIC ratio≥8 was obtained in all patients infected with susceptible pathogens (N=72). Factors associated with Cmax≥60mg/L of amikacin in multivariate analysis were dose per kg of adapted body weight (OR=1.39, P<0.001) and renal clearance estimated with CKD-EPI formula (OR=0.98, P=0.003).
Conclusions:
Despite high doses, amikacin and gentamicin first Cmax remain dramatically low in ICU patients. However, an adequate Cmax/MIC ratio was reached in all patients.
Insights
High doses of amikacin and gentamicin achieved low initial concentrations in intensive care unit (ICU) sepsis patients. However, the Cmax/MIC ratio was adequate for susceptible pathogens, indicating potential efficacy despite suboptimal drug levels.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Aminoglycosides like amikacin and gentamicin are crucial for treating sepsis.
- Achieving therapeutic drug concentrations is vital for effective sepsis management in the intensive care unit (ICU).
- Previous studies suggest variability in aminoglycoside dosing and achievement of target concentrations in critically ill patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the probability of achieving pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) targets with amikacin and gentamicin in ICU sepsis patients.
- To assess the initial maximum concentration (Cmax) and Cmax/MIC ratio for amikacin and gentamicin after a single dose.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, single-center study involving 138 ICU patients with severe sepsis or septic shock.
- Patients received either intravenous amikacin (30mg/kg) or gentamicin (8mg/kg).
- Maximum concentration (Cmax) was measured, and PK/PD targets (Cmax and Cmax/MIC ratio) were assessed based on French guidelines.
Main Results:
- The targeted Cmax was achieved in 59.6% of patients receiving amikacin and 2.2% receiving gentamicin.
- An adequate Cmax/MIC ratio (≥8) was achieved in all patients infected with susceptible pathogens.
- Dose per kg of adapted body weight and renal clearance were factors associated with achieving amikacin Cmax targets.
Conclusions:
- Initial Cmax of amikacin and gentamicin remains low in ICU sepsis patients, even with high doses.
- Despite low Cmax, an adequate Cmax/MIC ratio was achieved in patients with susceptible pathogens, suggesting potential therapeutic benefit.
- Optimizing dosing based on patient-specific factors like weight and renal function is crucial for amikacin therapy.
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